If you have curly hair, you already know that humidity and your curls are not best friends. You create a beautiful, defined hairstyle and step out on a humid day day and the next thing you know, your flawless curls turn into a frizzy mess.
Now, although there is nothing wrong with rocking your frizzy hair, if you prefer long-lasting curls, we've got some styling tips to help you fight off the humidity. Keep reading to discover our expert tips for getting smooth, shiny curls even in the most humid summer days.
Why Does Humidity Make Curly Hair Frizzy?
As we all know, humidity is the quantity of moisture in the air, and when there is a lot of it, it can disrupt some of the hydrogen bonds holding your curly strands together. In high-humidity weather, your cuticles become lifted and allowing your hair to absorb a lot of moisture. This causes your hair shaft to swell and lose much of its shape and definition, leaving you with frizzy, rough, and shrunken curls that almost look puffy.
1. Use A Deep Conditioner
Dry or damaged hair is generally more prone to frizz because it lacks adequate moisture and nourishment. When your hair is dry and brittle, it will eagerly soak up the moisture in the atmosphere in a bid to compensate for the dryness in your strands. This is why the best way to combat the effects of humidity on your hair is to make sure it is thoroughly hydrated and nourished with a deep conditioner that is designed to penetrate deep into your strands and infuse them with moisture. Deep condition your hair with a nourishing formula like our Manuka Honey Deep Conditioning Mask at least 1-2 times a month and follow up with our Manuka Honey Leave-in Conditioner to make sure your hair is humidity-proof.
2. Apply Your Styling Products On Damp Or Wet Hair
Styling your hair when it is damp or wet is another great way to combat humidity frizz. Your styling products are activated much quicker when your strands are wet, locking in hydration while providing the hold and definition you need.
3. Use Products With Anti-Humidity Ingredients
Products that contain anti-humidity ingredients can be a game-changer when it comes to fighting off humidity on curly hair. Opting for styling products that contain film-forming ingredients like flaxseed, panthenol, hydrolysed proteins, polyquaternium, and dimethicone will help protect your curls from frizz on humid days. These ingredients moisturise your hair and smooth your cuticles while creating a protective barrier around your strands that prevents excess moisture from getting in. So if you want sleek and defined curls even on the most humid days, grab our Flaxseed Oil & Rose Water Curl Elongating Gel, our Curling Mousse or our Coconut Oil Curling Creme as they are all loaded with these humidity-fighting ingredients.
4. Seal Everything With Oil
Using a hair oil or serum after styling your hair is a great way to protect your curls from taking in too much moisture from the humid weather. The oil creates a protective film around your strands and will act as a barrier, keeping excess moisture from penetrating your hair. However, it is important to avoid using too much oil when doing this. All you need is a few drops of a nourishing oil like our Hair & Scalp Oil With Manuka Honey. Apply it once your hair is dry, and then fluff your curls.
5. Dry Your Hair Properly Before Going Out
If you want to avoid frizzy and rough hair in a humid environment, it is very important to make sure your hair is completely dry before stepping out of the house. Going outside with wet hair will cause your cuticles to swell and become frizzy, so be sure to dry your hair thoroughly before going out. If your hair takes a long time to dry, squeeze out the excess moisture in your strands gently and use a diffuser to speed up the drying time.
6. Opt For Humidity-Friendly Hairstyles
When the weather is humid, wearing hairstyles that leave your curls completely exposed to the weather increases your chances of ending up with frizz. Instead, consider wearing hairstyles like buns, top knots, and even braids that keep most of your hair tucked away. These humidity-friendly hairstyles are great because even if you're having a bad hair day, no one will really notice, even if you get any frizz.
Humidity is no fun when you have curly hair, but it doesn't have to always ruin your curls. Keep your hair thoroughly hydrated and nourished with our Wash Day Slay Bundle and follow the styling tips we've outlined in this article to keep your hair humid