How to Beat Humidity and Keep Strands Frizz-Free This Season

Glory, glory—summer is here! But let’s not forget that with the warmer weather comes ample humidity, which can sometimes be bad news for those of us with natural hair who enjoy heat styling. “Humidity causes hair to revert because of the water vapor in the air,” says celebrity hairstylist Karen Miller, founder of Ina Rose Hair. “Although we can’t visually see it, the hair is absorbing this water, and how much it absorbs depends on the porosity of the hair.”

That said, most naturals who regularly use heat will incur some level of damage to their strands over time, which tends to make the hair cuticle more porous and thus more susceptible to the impacts of humidity (i.e. frizz). But, even if your hair is in perfect health, moist air can still wreak havoc. “Dry, damaged hair is prone to frizziness, which can really be amplified by humidity,” says hairstylist Wendy Iles, founder of Iles Formula. “But healthy, silky hair, and especially fine, clean hair, can fall flat or even appear prematurely greasy with the slightest onset of humidity. It weighs down the hair, resulting in a loss of volume.”

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While none of us can control the weather, what we can control are the products we use to prep our hair for summer blowouts and heat-styling. And, if we play our cards right, we can create a gorgeous look that will last through even the most humid days of summer—all thanks to these five expert tips.

Try a smoothing treatment at the salon

“I recommend that my clients with curly, frizzy hair, who are looking for a smoother look, get a keratin or ‘hair Botox’ treatment,” says celebrity hairstylist Tommy Buckett, noting that it can generally last three or four months. And not to worry, hair Botox does not involve needles. It’s a deep-conditioning treatment that repairs and smooths damaged hair. Miller also loves keratin and says it is “hands down” one of her favorite salon treatments. “It eliminates frizz and makes your hair easier to maintain at home.”

Keep your hair hydrated

“It might sound antithetical, but it’s important to keep hair hydrated, even when dealing with humidity,” Iles says. She recommends using Iles Formula Haute Performance Hair Mask ($78) as often as your hair calls for extra moisture. “Maintaining healthy, hydrated hair can keep the cuticle tightly closed so that moisture can’t penetrate, which prevents hair from frizzing,” adds Buckett. Briogeo’s Superfoods Acai + Passionfruit Lightweight Hydration Hair Mask ($39) is also a great option for anyone who finds typical masks to be too heavy.

Build your anti-frizz arsenal

Miller suggests using anti-frizz products to keep your hair smooth when heat-styling at home. One of her go-tos is Color Wow’s cult-classic, heat-activated Dream Coat for Curly Hair ($24) that acts like a water-repellent “raincoat” for curls and coils. We’re also fans of amika’s Frizz-Me-Not Treatment (also heat-activated), which is ideal for medium-to-thick or coarse hair and tames frizz for up to three days. Another standout smoother is the Delicia Reparative Hair Oil from Shakira’s new brand isima. Incredibly light but super concentrated, it provides 96 hours of frizz control.

Keep on-the-go products in your bag, too

“Humidity can make even the healthiest hair appear flat and lacking in volume,” says Iles, which is why she created her Rinseless Root Refresh ($38). It not only absorbs oil and refreshes between wash days, but it also provides heat and humidity protection and curl retention. Another on-the-go product we love is ELEVEN Australia’s Smooth Me Now Flyaway Hair Balm ($27), a solid stick that easily tames pesky flyaways and frizz without leaving behind a greasy or white residue, even on dark hair.

When all else fails, just work with the weather

Humidity tends to make hair more voluminous, so Miller suggests skipping the typical pin-straight blowout and going for a bombshell look instead. “Embracing big hair allows you to not stress so much if it begins to revert a little bit,” she says. Buckett agrees, and shares a foolproof hack. “Wearing ‘70s style, like brushed-out curls, can be a real high-fashion look.” However, if big hair isn’t for you, he suggests an updo. “Try a sleek ponytail, braided chignon or bun,” he says. Just be sure to finish the style off with a balm to keep everything in place.”

Humidity Helpers