Image: Getty
Struggling with frizzy hair? When there’s a little too much moisture in the air, even the best-styled strands can turn into a halo of flyaways or full-blown frizz. Humidity can feel like the ultimate enemy of great hair days – but it doesn’t have to be.
Frizz happens when your hair craves moisture. When strands are dry or damaged, the outer cuticle layer lifts, allowing humid air to sneak in. This causes the hair shaft to swell and – bam! – unruly, fluffy locks take over.
The good news? With the right care and techniques, you can keep your hair sleek, smooth and polished, no matter the weather.
Lather with a plan
The right shampoo and conditioner are essential for fighting frizz. Look for moisturising ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, argan oil and coconut oil, which help prevent dryness. Smoothing agents like keratin and silk proteins can also help strengthen and smooth the hair cuticle, reducing frizz. Where you can, avoid harsh or sulfate-spiked formulas, as they can strip natural oils and make hair more prone to frizz.
Top tip: Wash your hair two to three times a week instead of daily to preserve natural oils that help keep hair smooth. If your scalp gets greasy, use a dry shampoo between washes.
Hydration helpers
Ironically, the key to beating humidity is actually moisture – keeping your hair properly hydrated prevents it from desperately soaking up excess moisture from the air. After washing, apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner or anti-frizz serum while your hair is damp to seal in moisture and smooth the cuticle.
Mask it
Deep-conditioning treatments are a must. Used once or twice a week, they strengthen the hair cuticle and prevent unwanted moisture absorption. For best results, look for masks with proteins and natural oils that nourish and reinforce hair structure.
The art of drying
Avoid rough towel drying, which can create friction and – you guessed it – frizz. Instead, use a microfibre towel or a soft cotton T-shirt to gently blot excess water. If you use a blow dryer, always apply a heat protectant, point the nozzle downward to keep the cuticle smooth and use a diffuser on curly hair to maintain definition. For straight or wavy hair, a cool-air setting or ionic hair dryer can help and prevent frizz.
Bonus barrier
Anti-humidity sprays are a great final step in your frizz-fighting routine! Like a liquid umbrella for your hair, they create an invisible protective barrier between your mane and the humidity in the air to repel moisture.
Top tip: Hold the anti-humidity spray about 15cm away from your hair to ensure even coverage. This will help maintain a light, natural finish without making your strands feel stiff or greasy.
Pillow talk
It turns out even your bedtime habits can impact frizz levels. Regular cotton pillowcases can act like velcro for your hair, snagging and pulling at strands, which can lead to more frizz. Switch to a silk or satin pillowcase to help reduce friction, retain moisture and keep your hair smooth as you snooze.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
