Here in the South, humidity is simply a fact of life. Come April, when the temperatures start rising, so does the humidity. That thick, moisture-filled air has long been something we were told to shun with lots of products and staying near the AC, but why fight the inevitable? So many of us, during the cooler months of the year, long for the kind of volume humidity helps us achieve—we shouldn’t reject it once it’s here; we should embrace it. And that doesn’t mean managing a giant pouf of hair or limp, weak strands all summer long. Whether you’ve got stick-straight hair or tight, textured curls, you can make that heavy summer hair work for you, not against you. Here are 5 tips for making it happen.
1. Know what humidity really does
You may know humidity causes hair to frizz, but do you know why? If you’re going to work with the weather (or even if you’re still hell-bent on fighting it) you ought to know what exactly is going on. Extra moisture in the air means your hair is more susceptible to damage, which then allows the moisture in and out of the individual hair cuticles, causing frizz. That frizz is exacerbated every time you brush, style, or even put your hair in a bun when it’s extra humid out.
2. Don't fight nature
The best way for your hair to work well in the humidity is to embrace the natural state of your hair. I know, easier said than done, especially in a place where hot rollers, teasing, and hairspray are a daily routine for many. But embracing your natural hair texture is not only a time and money saver; it also is a growing trend among real women and celebrities alike. Most importantly, you won’t be fighting your hair all day if you let it behave as it wants. Have pin-straight hair? Curling it into beachy waves is futile when you’re facing 90% humidity. Same with straightening those natural ringlets. Work with what you already have and you might just forget how hot it is.
3. Ditch the heat
This goes along with the above tip, but begs repeating. Save yourself the extra time and effort by ditching your hot styling tools when it’s extra humid this summer. We all know heat styling damages your hair, so when you put heat on your hair before entering high-humidity air, you’re susceptible to even more moisture and, you guessed it, frizz.
4. Choose your products wisely
Embracing your natural hair texture and skipping the styling tools doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prep and protect your hair when it’s extra humid outside. From the right shampoo to serums and gels to humidity-proof finishing spray, there are several products you can add or swap in to your routine to have your best summer hair.
5. Mix up your styling
An easy fix for can’t-be-tamed frizz? A simple up-do. Try a messy topknot, sleek ponytail, or loose braid on those days when managing difficult hair is the last thing you want to deal with. An added bonus? Any of those styles gets hair off your neck, which can be a real lifesaver in 95-degree heat. Get even more creative with a headscarf, bandana, or hat that’ll keep you cool and chic.
