Imagine this. One day you’re giving vivacious curl energy as you confidently saunter to the brunch bar with your besties. The next, you’re on vacation in a sunny & humid—tropical paradise. In the midst of simple, beautiful bliss, your curls decide to dance to their own rhythm, coiling & bending in unintended places with their newfound carefree attitude.
In their wake is a head of hair that’s taken on an identity of its own, leaving you & your reflection feeling not quite like yourself. But fear not! Armed with these five humidity-resistant hair tips, you can reclaim control of your magnificent mane & vacation in style.
#1 Understand the Impact of Humidity on Curly Hair
Perhaps this is your first time stepping foot into a humid oasis. Or it might be that you’ve lived in one your whole life & still can’t figure out the perfect balance between the humid air & your hair. Whatever the case may be, understanding the relationship between high humidity & curly hair can be a game changer regarding how you take care of your natural tresses.
So, what does humidity do to curly hair, exactly?
Curly & coily hair can be highly porous, eagerly absorbing moisture to maintain its extra bounce & volume. Therefore, in humid conditions, your strands readily soak up any moisture-filled molecules that are present in the air. When this happens, your hair follicles swell, changing the natural flow & shape of your hair’s cuticles. The outcome? Curls that lose the distinct shape that you originally intended & loved.
#2 Choose the Right Products for Humidity-Proof Curls
Just because you’re in a humid place doesn’t mean you can’t come prepared to combat the added moisture. With the following curly hair products in your hair care arsenal, you’re one step closer to embracing the humidity & allowing your curls to flaunt a little extra va-voom:
- Curl Cream – If your curls are thirsty, give them a shot of our Moisture Milk, a lightweight, creamy formula infused with rich ingredients like Amla Oil, Irish Moss & Agave Nectar. With freshly nourished locks, you’ll have up to eight hours of humidity-resistant curly hair. Humidity won’t stand a chance!
- Styling Gel – Looking for effective curl-defining products? For a sleek, put-together look, our Strong Hold Gel provides a long-lasting hold & leaves curls looking defined, even on the dampest of days.
- Curl Mousse – Whether you opt for a low-maintenance wash & go or take the time to craft the perfect finger coils, our hair smoothing products, like our silicone-free foaming Curl Mousse will help you defeat frizz in less humid climates while maintaining curls that are soft & touchable.
#3 Prioritize Moisture & Hydration in Your Curly Hair Care Routine
Our hair’s natural oil, called sebum, plays a vital role in keeping our hair moisturized. Sebum travels from the scalp all the way down the hair shaft to condition & protect it.
While that luscious oil makes its way across every gorgeous ringlet, you can help out your hair with a few extra moisturizing products.
You can proactively combat the effects of curly hair in humidity (& potential dryness) by incorporating an especially moisturizing wash day routine & summer hair care products. We recommend using a product like our Hydrating Shampoo that removes buildup & simultaneously promotes maximum hair hydration (with the help of ingredients like Shea Butter & Aloe Vera).
After shampooing your hair, choose a nourishing conditioner that has your natural texture top of mind, such as:
- Our Lightweight Conditioner for fine textures
- Our Heavy Conditioner for coils & tight textures
#4 Incorporate Sealing Techniques to Lock in Moisture
After washing & conditioning your hair with a powerful one-two punch, give your tousled tresses an extra special treat. Grab your nearest oil or butter & seal in all the post-shower moisture to add another layer of protection against humidity.
Some of our favorite go-to's include:
- Jojoba or Argan Oil – If you’re a coily-haired queen or king, what better way to hydrate your hair than with a concentrated dose of moisture? With just a few drops of our Jojoba Oil Blend or Argan Oil Blend, as your hair eagerly absorbs the nourishing ingredients, the barrier of this radiant oil blend protects the hair’s moisture while also adding to its shine & smoothness.
- Shine Spray – Made with moisturizing ingredients like Plumeria Flower Extract & Castor Oil, this lightly-scented Shine Spray from the heavens does exactly what its name suggests. It gives your natural hair a healthy shine, while also keeping it safe from humid conditions.
#5 Opt for Protective Styling Options to Combat Frizz
Protective styles are another effective way to keep your curls in place & protect them from the swelling & potential frizz from humidity. If you want to minimize exposure to the elements & maximize your chic appearance, opt for one of these easy protective styles:
- Box braids
- Twists
- Bantu knots
- Buns
- Braids
Take Perfect Hair Days With You Wherever You Go With PATTERN
The onset of moisture in the air might feel like a menace to your perfectly coiffed curls, but it doesn’t need to put a damper on your plans—or your luscious locks.
With PATTERN products at your side, you’ll have all the moisturizing tools you need to flaunt your natural, curly mane with confidence & grace. From pre-poos & treatment masks to styling creams & hair accessories, we take pride in giving you the ability to fully embrace your hair in all of its natural glory, whether you’re rocking beachy waves or the bounciest of coils.
No matter the weather, celebrate your hair with PATTERN.
Sources:
NIH. The what, why and how of curly hair: a review. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6894537/
