How to Protect Hair in Humidity in 5 Simple Steps

How to protect your hair from humidity and save it from the uncontrollable frizz it happens every time? Continue reading to learn these hair care tips for humid weather.

Humidity can be a blessing for parched skin but a nightmare for your hair. If you've ever experienced the unruly frizz that comes with a humid day, you know the struggle is real - and it's not fun at all!

But fear not, we're here to rescue your locks from the clutches of humidity with a no-nonsense, practical approach.

In this guide, we'll walk you through five simple steps to keep your hair looking sleek and under control, even when the humidity is doing its best to have a say in your hairstyle.

So, without further ado, let's get right into the steps on how to protect your hair from humidity. But first, let's clear out some frequently asked questions:

What are the effects of humidity on hair?

As you may have already noticed, humidity is not the hair's best friend - it can have multiple effects, which are not necessarily fun, and some of them can be straight up annoying!

So, in order to figure out how to protect hair in humidity, let's take a quick look at the different effects that it has on hair:

Frizzy texture

Humidity is one of the biggest causes of frizz, especially if you have curly or wavy hair. That's because hair absorbs moisture from the air when it's humid. 

This absorption causes the hair shaft to swell, leading to an increase in volume and changes in texture - which is exactly what leads to a frizzy appearance.

Limpness

If you have a straight hair, you may encounter a different problem - limpness. Humid air contains moisture, and hair is hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb and retain water.

When humidity is high, hair absorbs moisture from the surrounding air. This causes the hair to become limp and lose volume in humid conditions because moisture can weigh down hair, making it appear flat and lifeless.

Curl expansion

If you have natural curls or waves, humidity can lead to the expansion of curls. The moisture is absorbed by the hair, causing the curls to swell and become more pronounced.

While this expansion causes the hair to appear fuller and more voluminous, it can also be associated with frizz - which is not exactly the desired outcome by most women.

Loss of definition

Humidity can make it challenging to maintain specific hairstyles. Curls may lose their definition, and intricate styles may unravel due to the increased moisture content in the air.

How to protect hair in humidity

Now that we know the impact of humidity on hair, let's take a look at some tips to protect hair in humidity:

1. Use anti-frizz products

Frizz is a big issue when humidity is high, so using anti-frizz products can be especially helpful to deal with unruly hair. So, we highly recommend choosing products designed to combat frizz and provide moisture control. 

Some products we recommend:

NuMe Sleeky in a Bottle

This lightweight serum, made from natural and sustainably sourced ingredients like Macadamia Seed Oil, is perfect for maintaining moisture and providing scalp care while eliminating frizz and taming flyaways.

It is also rich in Argan Oil, Mineral Oil, and other natural ingredients, and it's the perfect addition to your hair care routine throughout the whole year.

NuMe Hair-Fie Ready

This Humidity Resistant Finishing and Shine Hairspray is designed to provide long-lasting, humidity-resistant hold while enhancing the shine of your hair and make it look healthy and beautiful.

Made from natural ingredients, this hairspray is a great solution in high humidity as it helps to combat frizz while allowing your hair to maintain its hairstyle for longer.

As we mentioned earlier, humidity makes it more difficult to maintain specific hairstyles.

NuMe Megastar Flat Iron

 

The holy grail of all flat irons - the NuMe Megastar Flat Iron, is an award-winning flat iron that allows for quick and effective thermal hair styling, all while aiding with moisture retention and reducing frizz thanks to its innovative tourmaline technology.

Tourmaline-plated flat irons like the NuMe Megastar Flat Iron are made from the gemstone tourmaline, which emits up to 6 times more negative ions compared with other materials, ensuring that your hair always comes out sleek and shiny. 

It not only helps to combat frizz in high humidity conditions (and in all conditions, for that matter), but it also allows you to straighten your hair without damage.

2. Deep condition regularly

Deep conditioning can be highly beneficial if you are dealing with frizz in humid conditions, and it is a great way to protect your hair in humidity.

In humid environments, hair tends to absorb excess moisture from the air, causing the hair shaft to swell and leading to frizz. Regular conditioning helps create a protective barrier on the hair, reducing its ability to absorb too much moisture.

Well-moisturized hair is less likely to react to changes in humidity.

In addition, conditioning provides essential hydration to the hair, improving its overall health and elasticity.

Hydrated hair is more resistant to frizz because it's less prone to dryness and breakage, both of which can contribute to a frizzy appearance.

For proper deep conditioning, we recommend the NuMe Vegan Tourmaline Hair Mask - infused with tourmaline powder and made with parkii butter, argan oil and citric acid, this hydrating and restorative hair mask is a great way to smooth out the hair cuticles and improve elasticity for frizz-free, shiny hair.

So, if you want to protect your hair in humidity, definitely give this wonderful hair mask a try!

 

3. Apply a thermal heat protectant

If you use heat styling tools, such as a flat iron or curling iron, it is important to apply a heat protectant spray before styling. 

Heat protectants create a barrier on the hair shaft that helps to seal in moisture. In humid conditions, where the air is often saturated with moisture, this barrier can prevent the hair from absorbing excess water from the environment.

By reducing the amount of external moisture that the hair absorbs, a heat protectant can help prevent frizz.

In addition, humidity can make hair more porous, meaning it can absorb and release moisture more easily. Heat protectants, often containing ingredients like silicones, can help fill in gaps in the hair cuticle, reducing its porosity.

This can make the hair less prone to swelling and frizz in humid conditions - and of course, you will ensure that you are protecting your hair from thermal damage when styling.

How to protect hair in humidity - use a thermal heat protectant

 

So, using a thermal heat protectant when thermal hair styling is a most if you want to protect hair in humidity - but also to ensure that you are not causing heat-related damage to your hair.

4. Go for protective hairstyles

In high humidity, protective styles can be a lifesaver for managing hair and preventing frizz. This includes braids and twists, buns and updos, twist outs and braid outs, as well as headscarves and wraps.

These hairstyles keep the hair contained and minimize exposure to the humid environment. They also help distribute moisture more evenly throughout the hair, reducing the risk of frizz.

5. Avoid over washing your hair

If you want to protect hair in humidity, you should also avoid over washing it.

Washing your hair too frequently can strip away its natural oils. These oils help to moisturize and protect the hair, acting as a natural barrier against external elements, including humidity.

Over washing can leave your hair more vulnerable to frizz and dryness in humid conditions.

Humid conditions also often mean there's more moisture in the air. While this can contribute to frizz for some, it can also provide a level of natural hydration to your hair.

Over washing can disrupt this balance, potentially leading to drier hair, especially if you're using harsh or drying shampoos.

And last but not least, if you're styling your hair in humid conditions, over washed hair may not hold styles as well. The natural oils in your hair can contribute to better styling and can help combat frizz.

FAQ

Does hair oil protect against humidity?

Yes, hair oil can help protect against humidity by creating a barrier that seals the hair cuticle. This reduces the hair's ability to absorb excess moisture from the air, minimizing frizz and maintaining a smoother appearance.

Additionally, the added hydration from the oil can contribute to overall moisture balance, making the hair less susceptible to the effects of humidity.

Applying a small amount of oil evenly through the hair can be an effective way to combat frizz and keep your locks more manageable in humid conditions.

What stops hair frizzing in humidity?

To prevent hair frizz in humidity, use anti-frizz products, like serums or creams, with ingredients that seal the cuticle and repel moisture. Additionally, maintain hair moisture through regular conditioning, and opt for protective styles to minimize exposure to humid air, keeping your hair sleek and frizz-free.

How do you wear your hair in humid weather?

In humid weather, you can opt for low-maintenance styles like braids or a bun to combat frizz. A touch of anti-frizz serum helps, and you can embrace your natural texture, letting it air-dry for a carefree look that withstands the humidity.

Why does my hair look so bad when it's humid?

Humidity affects hair by increasing its moisture absorption. The extra water disrupts the hair's structure, causing frizz and a lack of definition. Cuticles lift, and straight hair may appear limp, while curls expand.

To combat the effects, use anti-frizz products, choose protective styles, and embrace your natural texture, adjusting your routine to the weather.

Regular conditioning also helps maintain moisture balance, reducing the overall impact of humidity on your hair.