How to Handle Hair in Humidity

As a hairstylist to stars like Faith Hill and the Dixie Chicks, Melanie Shelley knows how to make hair flawless when the pressure—and heat—is on. “When you spend 18 hours shooting a music video in the middle of summer, you learn a few tricks,” she says. Melanie, co-owner of Nashville’s TRIM Classic Barber & Legendary Beauty, knows Southern heat and humidity can be hard to handle, but she offers these tips for keeping things under control.

Moisturize more often. Although it may seem counterintuitive, properly moisturizing your hair will actually help fight the effects of humidity. “The good news is that a lot of products are formulated to tame hair without weighing it down,” she says. Apply a deep conditioner twice a week in the shower, halfway down the length of hair to the ends. Towel dry, and then add a product designed to prevent frizz and boost shine. (See below for Melanie’s picks.)

Don’t fight your curls. “Summer hair should be relaxed and casual—now is the time to play up natural waves,” Melanie says. That means save yourself the trouble and pack up your flat iron for the season. Add a diffuser attachment to your dryer to encourage soft curls, or allow hair to air-dry. Hair that’s damaged from overdrying or stress is even more prone to frizz.

Remember: Ponytails are your friend. When humidity does get the best of you (and it often will), try pulling hair back in a chic style. Melanie says a loose chignon or bun at the nape of the neck is timeless, and sideswept ponytails and long braids are a huge trend this season.

Trim Classic Barber & Legendary Beauty: trimclassicbarber.com or 615/269-8029