How does humidity affect the hair?
Humidity is simply another word for moisture, which means that areas with high humidity are going to create problems for your hair. When water molecules penetrate the hair strands, it can cause the bonds in your hair to break down. The result? Frizz and annoying flyaway hairs ruin your sleek summer style.
Top tips for protecting your hair against humidity
So, how can you combat humidity and keep your hair silky-smooth in hot environments? Here’s what our beauty pros think:
Put your damp hair into an updo or a ponytail
One of the easiest ways to shield your hair from humidity is by opting for a simpler styling routine during the hotter months. Instead of blow drying your hair, put your hair in an updo or ponytail to help you avoid infiltration from water molecules. Not only does it look chic, but updos will also help control any visible evidence of frizz. You can make your ponytail sleek and smooth by styling it with an anti-frizz product, such as Kevin Murphy’s mineral-enriched anti-frizz creme.
Kevin Murphy Easy Rider Anti Frizz Creme
Don’t overwash your hair
Shampooing your hair every day is known to cause hair dryness and can even damage your hair. It’s best to avoid overwashing during hot and humid periods and instead opt for a dry shampoo between washes to keep your hair feeling fresh. Depending on your hair type, washing your hair twice a week should be enough to keep it clean and healthy. For a summer-friendly dry shampoo, we’d recommend Kerastase’s Fresh Affair Dry Shampoo, which is suitable for all hair types.
Fresh Affair Dry Shampoo
Invest in a high-quality hair oil
Lightweight and absorbent, hair oil is a lifesaver when it comes to combating hot and humid temperatures. We recommend hair oils for both the summer and winter periods, as most tend to be nutrient-rich and don’t weigh down the hair or make it look greasy. Our favorite pick for anti-humidity hair oil is Olaplex’s No. 7 Bonding Oil. This oil not only smooths, hydrates, and renews hair, but it also protects the hair from up to 450C of heat! Apply through the strands of your hair during the day for a silky, glossy, and frizz-free look.
Olaplex No 7 Bonding Oil
Take a pause from heat styling tools
Heat styling tools dry out your hair, so it’s a good idea to avoid them if you’re also tackling humidity. If heat styling tools are an essential part of your hair care routine, make sure to use an adequate heat protection product to prevent hair damage. Our current favorite heat styling product is Kerastase’s Genesis Defense Thermique, which protects against heat styling damage while hydrating and nourishing the hair.
Kerastase Genesis Defense Thermique
Smooth your hair with an anti-frizz cream or serum
Sometimes, simple is best. If you want to take direct action against frizz and flyaways, adding an effective smoothing product into your hair routine can keep them at bay. We recommend Olaplex’s Bond Smoother No.6, as the formula contains key smoothing ingredients including coconut oil and Vitamin E. For a humidity-proof style, use this cream on dry or damp hair before pulling your hair into a sleek ponytail.
Olaplex Hair Perfector No 6/#Reviews
Use a leave-in treatment
Dry or damaged hair will typically react worse in humidity than hydrated, healthy hair. That’s why we’d recommend using a leave-in treatment to treat any existing damage or dryness and improve your hair’s overall condition. K18’s Leave in Molecular Repair Hair Mask is an intensive treatment that can repair even the most extreme hair damage. Use this mask as often as needed to make managing your hair easier during the summer months.
K18 Leave In Molecular Repair Hair Mask 15Ml
Squeeze your hair dry, don’t rub it
An old tip but an important one: Don’t rub your hair and cause friction when towel-drying after a shower or bath. When you create friction on your hair, you’re breaking down the bonds and leading to frizz. We recommend squeezing and patting your hair dry instead.
Managing hair in hot weather: Final Tips
- Squeeze your hair dry, don’t rub it
- Wear a ponytail when you can
- Be mindful of other things that can dry out your hair in hot weather, such as air conditioners and fans
- Avoid silicone products