From hydrating shampoo to frizz-defying serums, here are nine hair products to help you fight humidity this summer.
Ah, summer. Warmer weather and longer days will be here before we know it!
But one of summer’s biggest downfalls is the havoc it can wreak on your hair. When the heat is high and the humidity kicks in, your perfect hairdo can be quickly transformed into a frizzy mess faster than you can say “bad hair day.” No one wants that, so we’ve got the lowdown on some superhero hair products that will help you conquer that humidity.
Why does my hair hate the humidity?
Humidity is the amount of moisture present in the air. And guess what? Your hair is like a sponge, ready to soak up all that moisture like it's a free buffet. But here's where things get wild: when your hair absorbs all that extra moisture from the humid air, the cuticle, which is the outer layer of each hair strand, starts to swell up like a balloon. And when the cuticle swells, it gets rough and uneven, making it easier for frizz to sneak in and wreak havoc on your locks.
And, if you've got curly or wavy hair, humidity can be especially brutal. That’s because curly hair is like a spring, just waiting to bounce into action at the slightest hint of moisture. So, when the air gets humid, those curls expand and frizz up faster than straight hair.
But, we do have some good news. With the right hair products in your arsenal, you can shield your locks from the humidity and get sleek, frizz-free hair that's ready to take on whatever the weather throws your way.
What kinds of ingredients can help me beat the heat?
What kind of magical ingredients should you look for when battling frizz caused by the dreaded humidity?
First up, we've got the heavy hitters: silicone-based products. These form a protective barrier around each hair strand, sealing in moisture and keeping humidity out. Think of them as your hair's own personal force field, ready to repel frizz and keep things sleek and smooth.
Next on the list of humidity-fighting warriors are hydrators, which are ingredients like glycerin and panthenol. These moisture-loving molecules penetrate the hair shaft, keeping it hydrated and less prone to that swelling frizz induces in the humidity. They're like little hydration superheroes, working tirelessly to keep your hair happy.
Oils are also ideal, specifically lightweight oils like argan, coconut, and jojoba oil. These miracle workers not only moisturize and nourish hair, but they create a protective barrier against humidity so your hair stays frizz-free all day long.
Last but not least, we have polymers, which are ingredients that help to smooth and seal the hair cuticle, making it less susceptible to moisture. Look for products with ingredients like dimethicone and cyclomethicone for maximum frizz-fighting power.
Read on for the best silicone-based serums, vitamin-enriched oils, and smoothing polymers, then get ready to show humidity who's boss.
Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo
Starting at the beginning of your haircare routine, choose a shampoo that will instantly moisturize your hair, like Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo. This shampoo is formulated with argan oil, vitamins A and E, and red algae to hydrate your hair so it looks and feels healthier. It’s also gentle enough for daily use (but try not to wash your hair every day, especially if it’s dry).
Moroccanoil Hydrating Conditioner
Conditioner is super important if your hair is dry and frizzy, but all conditioners are not created equal. Go with one that’s made with ingredients to hydrate your hair, like the Moroccanoil Hydrating Conditioner. It’s gentle enough for daily use (see shampoo note above), and it’s inused with argan oil, vitamins A and E, and that same red algae as the shampoo. Apply it from roots to ends if your hair is thick and dry, or midlengths to ends if your hair is fine.
John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Ultra Nourishing Deep Conditioner
If you need a second, more intense hit of conditioning, try the John Frieda Dream Curls Ultra Nourishing Deep Conditioner. Work the conditioner through wet hair after shampooing, right from your roots to ends. Leave it on for 10 to 30 minutes so the shea butter, rosehip oil, and avocado oil can do their hydrating thing, then rinse it to reveal silky, smooth hair. Pro tip: if you really want to see this one work its magic, pop a shower cap on after you apply it to seal in all that moisture.
Lauryn Ashtyn Heat Protectant Moisture Hydrate Spray
If you’re going to heat style your hair, it’s smart to apply a heat protectant first. The Lauren Ashtyn Collection Moisture Hydrate Heat Protectant Spray not only protects up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, but it’s also packed with vitamins to nourish your hair. So, you’ll get smoother and more manageable hair, along with a shield from that heat. Apply this spray to towel-dried hair from mid lengths to ends, comb it through, and you're all set to safely style it with hot tools.
The Tyme Iron Pro
On to those aforementioned hot tools. Choose one with titanium plates for fast, precise heat, like the tyme iron pro. It’s an all-in-one styling tool you can use to create five different kinds of curls or straighten your hair with long-lasting results. The iron heats up in just 55 seconds, and you can choose the temperature based on your hair type, so you’ll get that shiny finish that lasts, no matter how humid it gets.
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
Embrace and enhance your natural curls while you fight frizz with a nourishing hair treatment, like this one from SheaMoisture. The Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie is formulated with coconut oil and silk protein, helping it hydrate and define curls while protecting against that frizz-causing humidity. It’ll also smooth out unruly ends while adding definition and shine to your curls.
Lauryn Asthyn Argan Oil Serum
Serums aren’t just for skincare, and everyone should have a good hair serum in their arsenal. The Lauren Ashtyn Argan Oil Serum formulated with (you guessed it) pure argan oil, will add shine and moisture to dry hair without making it look oily or heavy. Apply a small amount from your hair’s midlengths to ends, either before or after styling. Or, apply a generous amount before going to bed and use it as an overnight treatment.
Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel
If you’re opting for a super sleek bun, you need the right gel to set it, especially when it’s humid. The Ouidad Advanced Climatte Control Heat & Humidity Gel contains ceramides for long-lasting hold, and it’ll protect your hair from frizz without that crunchy, stiff finish. Use it to create a slicked-back updo, or to define your curls.
Tresemmé Keratin Smooth Weightless Anti-Frizzing Finishing Spray
Now, it’s time to set that sleek, shiny look. Opt for a hairspray that’s formulated to fight frizz, like Tresemmé’s Keratin Smooth Weightless Anti-Frizzing Finishing Spray. It’ll lock in your style, tame flyaways, and shield against humidity for 72 hours, forming a barrier around your hair to prevent both frizz and static.