10 Humidity Hair Hacks to Help You Survive the Summer

Use Moisturizing Products

You may think that frizz management starts with tons of hairspray and an arsenal full of heat styling tools, but it turns out good frizz defense starts right in the shower, as hydrating and deep-conditioning products are essential in keeping frizz under control.

“The secret is to use products supply moisture and humidity resistance,” says Fernando Salas, creator of White Sands Haircare. “When this cuticle layer is shut, tresses will then have this perfect moisture balance. You can return this moisture balance easily through the right shampoos and conditioners that moisturize from the inside out.” 

Rinse Hair With Cold Water

Great frizz control also starts with the right water temperature, as cooler water temps can actually keep frizz down once it’s time to blow-dry. Too much exposure to heat will only dry your hair out even more, making your frizz even more unbearable.

“Rinse hair with the coolest water you can to seal the shingles and get them ready for styling,” says John Blaine, celebrity stylist and creator of Vine de la Vie. “Towel-dry hair and lightly tousle dry hair upside down.” 

Try Not to Wash As Much

Warm and humid days may tempt you to wash your hair frequently, but shampooing less is key in winning the war with frizz, as the natural oils from your scalp keep your hair healthy and safe from becoming a poofy mess.

“Shampooing your hair less is an important effort that should be made if you are struggling with frizzy hair,” explains hairstylist Erica Engstrom with The Rittenhouse Spa & Club–Hair by Paul Labrecque. “Instead of using shampoo every time you wash your hair, try rinsing it with warm water to take away some of the sweat and oils, but then condition the ends, style as usual. By not stripping all your natural oils, you are instantly creating more healthy hair.” 

Use a Boar Bristle Brush to Dry

When it finally comes time to blow-dry, it’s important to select the right brush, as certain types of brushes can actually fry and dry hair, making it more susceptible to frizz. To get smooth and sleek tresses, try using a boar bristle brush instead to get a sleek blowout.

“Use a boar bristle Ibiza brush to combat humidity and ensure longevity, smoothness, and shine,” says Dennis Ramirez from Brighton Salon.

Try Blow-Drying Your Hair From Top Down

Changing the way you heat style can also help rev up your frizz defenses. Next time you dry, try blow-drying from top down while focusing on the ends with a brush. Blow-drying in this particular direction helps helps keep flyaways and frizz to a minimum.

“The best way to avoid frizz in humid weather is to blow-dry your hair from the top down and direct the dryer toward the ends,” says George Gonzalez, owner of George the salon Chicago. “Always dry the roots about 70 percent first, then focus on the ends. Make sure you control the ends with your brush, or try using your hands to press the dried hair smooth.”

But while you’re drying, it’s important to make sure your hair is dried thoroughly, as strands that are still damp can allow frizz to thrive. 

“Make sure your hair is completely dry before you go outside,” says Tim Lehman, stylist for Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger in NYC. “If you hair is damp when you go out, it will only encourage the frizz.” 

Use the Cold Air Setting on Your Blow-Dryer

While a good blowout requires heat to thoroughly dry your hair, using the cool air setting on your dryer can stop frizz before it gets out of hand.

“Shoot your entire head with the cold air setting upside down, running your hands through entire hair and hair shaft,” says Blaine. “Do this step and you’ll have supermodel bombshell hair without frizz.”

Use Oils for Touch-Ups

It’s true that oils get a bad rep, as they are believed to cause excess grease and buildup. But while some oils can be too heavy for certain hair types, using volumizing oils (in moderation) can actually work to tame frizz, making the hair look full and voluminous.

“If you have to refresh it or touch it up a little bit, use a volumizing oil like Kérastase Elixir Ultime Bi-Phase Oil, as it actually makes hair fuller and more vibrant and can be used on fine hair,” says Matt Fugate, Kérastase Paris consulting hairstylist.

Use a Large Barrel Curling Iron

It may be tempting to straighten over extremely frizzy locks, but hair pros recommend using a curling iron instead, as these types of irons keep your hair frizz-free longer throughout the day.

“Using a curling iron helps to smooth the cuticle layer of the hair, similarly to a flat iron, but it leaves your hair with voluminous curls,” says Kevin Hughes, Moroccanoil global ambassador. “As opposed to just blow-drying the hair, using a curling iron will keep it frizz-free longer because the follicle has been smoothed.” 

But while curling irons combat frizz more effectively, it’s important to use them with caution because hot scorching temperatures can definitely cause split ends. 

“The trick to using a heat tool is not to leave it in one spot,” says master stylist Moses from Hair by Moses. “Constantly keep the iron moving. Don’t put the heat on too high. It should be just hot enough to curl or straighten your hair, but not hot enough to burn it.”

Try Protective Styles If You Are on the Go

When the rain and humidity make heat styling out the question, trying some hairstyles can also keep your hair shielded from frizz and heat damage.

“Try wearing some protective hairstyles—twists, braids or different styles of buns,” says Dominique Lyvar, stylist at Devachan NYC. “These styles protect your ends and can contain the hair and as a result.” 

But if a sleek pony is more up your alley, try adding some coconut oil to your hair before styling to keep hair hydrated and free of pesky flyaways. 

“Swap your pomade for coconut oil,” says Vanessa Ungaro of LAUREN + VANESSA. “Apply a nickel-size amount to your hair and comb through. Slick your hair into a ponytail and voila! Not only will you tame your flyaways, but you will also get conditioning benefits from applying the coconut oil to your hair.” 

Don’t Touch Your Hair

No matter how tempting it may be, touching your hair is a huge don’t when it comes to frizz management, as running your hands through your hair allows frizz-causing moisture to spread.

“Like a sponge, your hair will absorb excess moisture in the air, and touching your hair causes moisture to spread, creating more frizz,” says Hughes. “I recommend prepping hair with Moroccanoil Treatment ($15) before any styling to help manage or prevent future frizz.”