As someone with curly hair, the battle against frizz during humid weather can feel endless. The humidity is often the arch-nemesis of curls, turning a well-styled head into a puffball when you walk out the door.
To keep your curls smooth and humidity-proof, it’s essential to adopt a strategy before you face a muggy day. Using curly hair products designed for humid conditions can prevent your hair from deciding to puff up or shrinking down unexpectedly. Whether you’re gearing up for a tropical vacation or just braving the summer heat, a good routine will keep your curls looking confident from head to toe.
There is nothing more frustrating than spending time styling your hair perfectly, only for humidity to say “boom,” and undo it all. But with the right approach, you can keep those curls in check.
How to Keep Curly Hair from Frizzing in Humidity? The Quick Answer
Why Does Hair Get Frizzy in Humidity?
When humidity strikes, it opens your hair’s cuticles, allowing moisture to swell the hair shaft. This sudden influx of moisture can make hair lose its defined shape and revert to its natural state, which often means more curl shrinkage and frizz.
Curly and coily hair types are especially prone to this because they are naturally drier and frizzier; the natural oils from the scalp take longer to travel down the shaft than in straighter hair types.
In humid days, even damaged, high porosity, and heat-styled strands are more susceptible. They have more open cuticles, which soak up more moisture from the air, worsening the frizz.
If your hair is dry, dehydrated, or over-processed, it’s even more likely to fall victim to frizz-causing humidity. Moisturized hair, however, won’t absorb as much moisture, helping it hold its defined shape better.
Curly hair and humidity: How to Manage Frizz?
You don’t need to spend dollars on a Brazilian blowout to manage frizz. For low-maintenance solutions, there are easy ways to improve how your hair reacts to humid weather.
Wash with Cooler Water
On wash day, opt for lukewarm water instead of steamy temps to help reduce frizz. Cool water is great for styling because it helps seal the hair cuticles, making your curls smooth. For an extra smooth finish, finish with a cold rinse.
Consider Hair Sprays and Gels
Hairsprays and gels for curly hair are among the best everyday products on the market for controlling frizz. Unlike the heavy formulations of the 1980s, today’s gel can be spread through your hair before blow-drying to smooth out and loosen curls. Hairspray provides a flexible hold, perfect for maintaining natural-looking, flowy styles even in humid weather.
Keep Your Hair Moisture Up to Mark
Dry, thirsty hair tends to drink up moisture from the air, causing frizz. To keep your strands nourished, use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner appropriate for your hair type on wash day.
For those with extra dry or damaged hair, a deep-conditioning mask can help strengthen your hair against humidity. Always finish with a leave-in conditioner to seal in the moisture as your twisty treasure dries.
Change Your Drying Routine
Scrubbing your wet hair with a terry cloth towel is out. Instead, opt for gently squeezing your strands with a microfiber towel or a cotton t-shirt to minimize friction—which creates frizz—and avoid breakage.
The best way to remove moisture after a shower is by using an extra-absorbent microfiber towel, and gently blotting the hair instead of rubbing it back and forth roughly. Also, whenever possible, allow your hair to air dry as much as you can.
Heat Styling and Heat Protectant
While blow drying and using a flat iron are common steps to straighten unmanageable curls, these methods often lead to dry, dull, and lifeless hair. To prevent frizz and damage, it’s pertinent to add a heat protectant before you start.
These products create a barrier that protects your locks from the high heat of styling tools, maintaining hair health and appearance.
Don’t Forget Appropriate Hair Oil
After shielding your hair with a healthy dose of moisture, lightly coating your curls with oil helps seal in the moisture and shine, while also locking humidity out. For those with thick or coarse hair, oils and butter like coconut oil and shea butter are best friends; they nourish and ensure your hair remains frizz-free and healthy.
For medium or wavy hair, a light oil like argan oil is a great treatment, providing smoothness and a delicate scent from botanical oils rich in provitamins.
Dry Your Hair Completely Before Going Out
Make sure your hair is 100% dry before you leave the house. When hair cuticles are partially damp, they remain open, making them more likely to absorb moisture and swell up. Fully drying your hair helps close these cuticles, reducing the risk of frizz when exposed to humidity.
Use a Hair Diffuser
For those with curly or wavy hair, replacing your traditional blow dryer with one equipped with a diffuser can transform it into your favorite frizz-fighting friend. When drying your hair, attach a diffuser to reduce friction and frizz by evenly distributing the air. Scrunch your hair from tip to root. This technique helps keep curls soft and bouncy, not frayed or frizzy, by minimizing unnecessary movement.
Avoid Often Hair Washing
Washing your hair too much can strip it of its natural oils, leaving it less moisturized. This makes it easier for humidity to invade your hair’s cuticles. To protect your hair, limit washing to about once every 48 hours.
This routine helps maintain essential oils and moisture, keeping your curls defined and less prone to frizz. Also avoid frequent dips in swimming pool due to chlorine’s effect on your curls.
Co-Washing
Co-washing, or conditioner washing, involves using a moisturizing conditioner with a small amount of cleansing agent instead of traditional shampoos that can strip away natural oils. This method is less detrimental to curly hair in both humid and dry weather, helping to keep your hair moisturized and avoid frizz.
Apply co-wash to the scalp, massage to remove any dirt or residue, then extend to the lengths of your hair like a regular conditioner before washing as usual. It’s especially beneficial for those needing better moisture retention and less breakage.
Final Thought
Humidity doesn’t always have to signal a bad hair day. By making a small change in your hair care regimen, such as deeply moisturizing and using products that strengthen, seal, and define your strands, you can prevent frizz. Whether it’s working with different hair products, finding new ways to use old tools, or considering more permanent treatments, there are ample options for achieving silky, smooth curls in humidity.
FAQs
How to Make Curly Hair Not Frizzy in Humidity?
On those high-humidity days, when your curls are likely to frizz, you can lightly coat them with oil. This simple method helps lock in essential moisture while keeping out excess moisture. This is a strategy I’ve found invaluable in my own routine, ensuring that my curls stay defined and free from frizz.
How to Wear Curly Hair in Humid Weather?
To manage your hair in humid weather, loosely tie it into a high pineapple, then wrap a patterned, summer scarf around the back and underneath your hair, securing it by tying at the front or back. This style keeps curls controlled and stylishly tamed against the moisture.
How to Stop Curly Hair from Frizzing?
Begin with a sulfate-free shampoo to cleanse your hair without stripping it. Always moisturize thoroughly, use heat protection if necessary, and opt for heatless styling. Detangle your curly hair in the shower, and dry it gently to maintain the moisture. Keep your environment cool and your ends trimmed to reduce frizz.
How to Keep Frizzy Curly Hair Hydrated?
For frizzy curly hair, using lightweight oils like argan, jojoba, or sweet almond oil is vital. These oils help seal and protect the hair shaft while moisturizing without weighing down the hair.
Dive into the world of curls with Farah, a celebrated curly hair expert whose passion and expertise have transformed her into a beacon for those seeking to embrace their natural hair texture. With a vibrant career spanning over a decade, Farah has dedicated herself to the science and art of curly hair, making her an authoritative voice in this niche. Her deep understanding of curly hair’s unique needs and challenges allows her to craft personalized care routines and styles that not only enhance the natural beauty of curls but also promote hair health.