Why Humidity Causes Frizz and Dryness
Humidity introduces moisture into the air, which can have a big impact on hair care texture and cause frizz, flyaways, and dullness. When humidity levels are high, the hair cuticle absorbs the extra moisture in the air and swells up. This causes the cuticle to lift and create frizz as the hair strands separate and lose their smooth surface. The swelling of the cuticle also makes hair look duller as it scatters light in all directions instead of reflecting it.
Additionally, humidity weighs hair down while also causing it to expand. This combination makes hair prone to frizz and flyaways as the strands fight against the extra weight and volume from the moisture. The high moisture content also makes hair lose its hold and shape from styling products, leaving it limp. All these effects of humidity create the perfect storm for frizzy, dry, dull hair that is hard to control.
Avoid Hot Tools For Hair Care
Heat styling tools like blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners can cause major damage to hair. The high temperatures dry out the hair cuticles, leading to frizziness and flyaways. When hair is already exposed to humidity, using hot tools exacerbates the problem. The heat essentially “bakes” the moisture out of the hair shaft, leaving it dry and thirsty for hydration. This thirstiness causes the hair to soak up any ambient moisture in the air, resulting in puffiness and frizz.
To combat humidity-induced frizz, it’s best to forego hot tools as much as possible. Let hair air dry naturally and embrace your natural texture. If you must use heat styling, be sure to use a heat protectant spray first to minimize damage. Also, avoid cranking tools up to the highest heat settings. Stick to medium or low to gently style without excessive drying. Limit use of hot tools to only when necessary for a special event or style. The less you use them, the more your hair will retain its natural hydration and less prone to frizz.
Deep Condition Regularly
Deep conditioning treatments are crucial for hydrating hair and combating frizz in humid weather. The increased moisture in the air causes the hair cuticle to swell and lift. This makes hair more porous, leading to loss of moisture and nutrients. Deep conditioning seals the cuticle and replenishes that lost moisture.
Look for a deep conditioner formulated for dry or damaged hair. Apply it from roots to ends after shampooing. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes with a shower cap or heat cap. The heat helps the conditioner penetrate the hair shaft. Rinse thoroughly and follow with a leave-in conditioner.
Deep condition 1-2 times per week in humid weather. Focus on the ends since they tend to be the driest part. This routine will lead to softer, smoother hair that is less prone to frizz. The added moisture boost also prevents breakage and split ends. Investing in regular deep conditioning is one of the best ways to maintain healthy hair during summer humidity.
While you can’t really control the weather, you can certainly try to control how your curls react to it. Curlies, if you’re reading this post, chances are that you are dealing with dry & frizzy hair in either humid or dry weather conditions. We’re here to tell you that you’re not alone and we fellow Curlies stand in solidarity in your woes! It can be frustrating to put in all the effort to style and maintain your curls, only for your precious tresses to turn into a frizzy mess, right?
But, worry not, this gloomy cloud has its silver lining! With proper care and the right techniques, you can keep your curly hair looking smooth and frizz-free, even in the most extreme weather conditions, be it humid or dry.
Pre-Poo and Pamper:
Pre-poo entails nourishing your hair with a deep-conditioning oil or serum before you cleanse your hair. One must pre-poo for a minimum of 20 minutes to up to a few hours for maximum efficiency. Opt for a light yet moisturizing oil such as Argan or Jojoba to enthuse your curls with moisture and tackle frizz post-wash. Use the time to pamper yourself and catch up on some zzzz or snuggle up with a show or book while the pre-poo does its job.
Pro-tip: Nourish your curls with a light oil both as a pre-poo and as a final step of your curl care regime for added moisture and shine. A great bet is our Curl Nourishing Hair Oil, which is a unique blend of 9 curl-loving oils, that will infuse life and lustre into your curls.
Co-washing rather than Over Washing:
Washing your hair too frequently, especially with harsh shampoos containing sulphates, can strip away the natural oils that help keep your hair moisturised. This is especially detrimental in both humid and dry weather as curls need to be quenched with moisture to avoid frizz. Instead give co-washing a try and clarify your hair as needed.
Wondering if a Co-wash & shampoo are the same? Not quite. A Co-wash is a moisturising conditioner with a small amount of a cleansing agent added in, whereas a shampoo is a specifically formulated product designed to cleanse your scalp and hair from dirt, oil, and sweat. In simple terms, co-washes are made for cleansing and conditioning, while shampoos are for cleansing. Apply co-wash to the scalp and massage in to remove any dirt or residue, and apply on the lengths of the hair like a conditioner. Then wash as usual. Co-washing can do wonders for natural hair as it does not strip your hair and scalp of natural oils but makes it stronger and healthier with better moisture retention and less breakage.
Mask Up:
If your hair lacks hydration, the hair shaft is more susceptible to absorb too much moisture from the air, causing frizz and in cases of dry weather, the hair shaft tends to dry out sooner too.
A great way to combat this is by using a deeply nourishing hair mask to offset your hair’s moisture imbalance and help reduce frizz, making your hair look and feel healthy. And the best part is that it can be done in the comfort of your own home.
Opt for moisturizing hair masks with nourishing ingredients such as Avocado & Shea butter, as these add moisture deep into the hair shaft for stronger, weather-resistant locks.
Make a self-date out of it by propping up your feet and relaxing with a good book or music while the mask does its work. A pamper-sesh for both you and your curls is always a win!
Gel It Up:
As you probably know, frizz is often caused by the hair’s outer layer, or cuticle, becoming rough and raised, allowing moisture to enter and disrupt the hair shaft. It’s no wonder that protection, especially against harsh weather conditions, is crucial.
A CG-friendly hair gel can give your hair much-needed protection by sealing the cuticle and creating a smoother surface, thereby reducing Frizz.
These gels are crafted using a combination of water, binding agents, conditioning agents, moisturisers, and other ingredients that can help replenish moisture, improving the overall health and appearance of the hair and reducing Frizz.
Don’t ignore the ingredients:
It’s common knowledge that the products you choose can make or break your curls. Here are a few pointers while choosing the right curl care for your treasured tresses, to keep frizz away, even in harsh weather. Look for CG-friendly products with natural ingredients such as shea and avocado butter that are great emollients. Flax and Chia seed extracts are great for both moisture and hold that are key fighters against frizz. Look for products with protein as this helps balance the protein-moisture balance in the hair shaft, strengthening it from within, which is a great way to combat frizz and dryness in humid weather.
Use Leave-In Conditioners
Leave-in conditioners are an essential product for combating frizz and dryness in humid weather. Unlike regular conditioners that you wash out after a few minutes, leave-ins are designed to be left on the hair. This allows them to provide continued hydration and moisture throughout the day.
Some of the key benefits of leave-in conditioners include:
Adding moisture – Leave-in conditioners contain humectant ingredients that attract and seal in moisture in the hair. This prevents the hair from drying out.
Smoothing the cuticle – Leave-ins help smooth down the cuticle layer of the hair shaft. This creates a sleek, frizz-free look.
Providing heat protection – Many leave-ins contain heat protectant ingredients to shield hair from heat styling damage.
Detangling – Leave-ins make combing and styling easier by lubricating and detangling the hair strands.
Reducing breakage – By keeping hair moisturized, leave-in conditioners can help reduce dry, brittle hair and split ends.
Enhancing shine – The smoothing effects of leave-ins can boost the hair’s natural shine.
Providing UV protection – Some leave-ins contain UV filters to protect hair from sun damage.
Using a leave-in conditioner after shampooing is one of the most effective ways to keep hair hydrated and frizz-free during hot, humid weather. Focus on hydrating, silicone-free formulas for best results. Apply from mid-shaft to ends while hair is still damp and style as usual.
Look for Anti-Frizz Serums
Serums are an effective way to combat frizz and add moisture to hair in humid conditions. Look for serums that contain dimethicone, amodimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane or other silicone ingredients. Silicones can form a protective barrier over each strand to smooth flyaways and prevent moisture from getting in and causing swelling of the hair cuticle, which leads to frizz. The silicones essentially seal the cuticle down flat so the hair shaft remains smooth and sleek.
Other beneficial ingredients to look for are oils like argan, marula, or coconut oil. Oils help moisturize hair and reduce dryness. Some serums also contain panthenol, a provitamin that gets absorbed into the hair shaft to strengthen and protect it. Using an anti-frizz serum with silicones and oils can be a lifesaver for controlling frizz on humid days. Apply it to damp hair before blow drying or let it air dry. Focus application on the ends and any particularly frizzy areas. Use a small amount and evenly distribute through hair, avoiding the roots which can lead to greasiness.
Apply Oils
Oils are an effective way to combat frizz and dryness caused by humidity. Certain oils have properties that help smooth the hair cuticle and lock in moisture. Some of the best oils for fighting humidity frizz include:
Argan oil – This oil is known for its ability to tame frizz and flyaways. It contains fatty acids and vitamin E to nourish hair and add shine. When applied to damp or dry hair, argan oil can help smooth the cuticle and protect against humidity.
Coconut oil – Coconut oil moisturizes and protects hair. Its medium-weight texture allows it to coat strands and prevent moisture loss. It can be used as a leave-in treatment or before styling products to combat frizz.
Jojoba oil – This lightweight oil mimics the natural oils produced by the scalp. It spreads easily and provides smoothing and softening effects. Using jojoba oil can help hair retain moisture in humid conditions.
Grapeseed oil – High in vitamins and antioxidants, grapeseed oil provides lightweight hydration. It’s an ideal frizz fighter because it won’t weigh hair down or make it look greasy.
To use oils, focus on mid-lengths and ends. Rub a few drops between your palms and distribute through damp or dry hair. Oils can be applied before or after styling products. For best results, use a humidifying oil 1-2 times per week to maintain hydrated, frizz-free locks.
Style with Frizz-Fighting Products
Styling creams and mousses can help combat frizz and enhance smooth hairstyles in humid weather. Look for products labeled as anti-frizz, anti-humidity, or frizz-fighting. These contain ingredients that help block moisture and smooth the hair cuticle.
Some of the best ingredients to look for include:
Dimethicone – This silicone-based ingredient coats the hair to lock in moisture and provide a protective barrier against humidity. It helps smooth the cuticle to prevent frizz.
Amodimethicone – A modified version of dimethicone that provides even more frizz protection and smoothness.
Shea butter – Nourishes hair and acts as a natural moisturizer and emollient to soften strands and reduce frizz.
Coconut oil – Seals in moisture to prevent puffiness. The fatty acids help smooth the cuticle.
Glycerin – Draws moisture into the hair shaft to keep it from absorbing excess humidity in the air.
Apply an anti-frizz cream or mousse to damp hair before blow-drying or air drying. Concentrate on the ends and any flyaway pieces around your hairline. Then style as usual with your favorite brush. The product will help block humidity from disrupting your sleek locks.
Use Humidity-Blocking Hairspray
Hairspray can create a barrier between your hair and moisture in the air, helping to block humidity from causing frizz. Look for hairsprays specifically formulated for humidity resistance and frizz control. They often contain ingredients like silicone that coat the hair shaft to repel moisture. Apply your anti-humidity hairspray after styling your hair. Spray it evenly all over your hair, holding the can 8 to 10 inches away to avoid saturating your strands. You can also target frizzy areas by spraying the hairspray directly onto your hands, then smoothing it over frizzy sections. The key is forming an even coating over your entire head. This protective barrier helps keep moisture in the air from seeping into your hair and causing it to frizz up. Reapply as needed throughout the day if your hair starts to lose its style in humid conditions. Using a strong hold humidity-resistant hairspray can help lock in your look.
Protect with Braids or Buns
Containing hair in braids, buns, or other protective styles is an effective way to combat frizz and dryness caused by humidity. When hair is left loose, the strands are exposed and can absorb moisture from the air. This moisture causes the cuticle, or outer layer, of the hair shaft to swell and lift up. As the cuticle lifts, it creates a rough, uneven surface that light reflects off of, resulting in frizz.
Putting hair up into braids, buns, or updos means less of the strand is exposed. This protects the cuticle from absorbing excess moisture and swelling. Containing the hair also prevents it from puffing up into a frizzy halo when the humidity levels rise. Smooth styles like slick ponytails or neatly pinned buns can keep hair under control. For curly hair, braiding into cornrows or two-strand twists before bed can help maintain definition and reduce frizz the next day.
Protective styles don’t need to be boring or severe. You can create braids, buns, and updos that are fashionable and flattering while also effectively combating humidity. The key is keeping hair contained and minimizing the amount that is loose and vulnerable to the effects of moisture. Get creative with your protective styling and it can become an easy, everyday solution for frizz-free hair, even in humidity.
Get Regular Trims
Split ends exacerbate frizz and flyaways. When the ends of your hair strands become dry, damaged, and split, it makes your hair look frizzy and unkempt. The splits travel up the hair shaft causing more frizz over time.
Getting your hair trimmed regularly prevents split ends from getting out of control. Most experts recommend getting a trim every 6-8 weeks to maintain healthy hair ends. For those with damage or who are growing out color, more frequent trims may be needed.
When getting a trim, ask your stylist for a “dusting” to remove just 1/4 to 1/2 inch of length. This will remove split ends without sacrificing the length you’ve been growing. It’s better to get tiny trims often, rather than waiting months between big chops.
Keeping up with regular trims will help the ends of your strands stay smooth. Your frizz and flyaways will be much more controlled. It also helps your hair look thicker and healthier overall.