Why does humidity make my hair frizz?
Each hair has an outer layer, the cuticle, made of tiny overlapping scales. When hair is dry or worn from color, heat and sun, those scales do not lie flat. In humid air the hair soaks up water vapor and swells, and different strands swell at different rates. That uneven swelling is frizz.
Well-conditioned hair with a smooth cuticle takes in less of that moisture. So most frizz control comes down to two things: moisture going in, and a smooth finish on the outside.
How should I wash and condition for less frizz?
- Use a gentle, moisturizing shampoo and focus it on the scalp.
- Condition every time you wash, from the mid-lengths to the ends.
- Add a deep-conditioning mask once a week, or more often if your hair is very dry.
- Rinse with cool or lukewarm water rather than very hot.
- Try washing a little less often if your scalp allows. Your natural oils help smooth the ends.
What is the best way to dry hair in humidity?
Do not rub with a towel. Blot and squeeze with a soft towel or an old cotton T-shirt instead. Apply a leave-in conditioner or smoothing cream while hair is damp, then comb it through with a wide-tooth comb.
If you blow-dry, point the nozzle down the hair, from root to end, so the cuticle lies flat. Dry your hair fully, because hair left slightly damp underneath often frizzes as soon as you step outside. Finish with the cool setting.
If you air-dry waves or curls, apply your styler and then leave your hair alone. Touching it while it dries breaks up the pattern and adds fuzz.
Which products help with frizz?
Look for a lightweight leave-in conditioner, a smoothing cream and a few drops of serum or oil for the ends. Use less than you think, since too much product weighs hair down and looks greasy in the heat. Always use a heat protectant before a blow-dryer or iron, because heat-worn hair frizzes more over time.
Esther uses Kérastase treatments and products in the salon and can suggest the kind of care that suits your texture. Read about Kérastase treatments.
Can a haircut or salon service help with frizz?
Yes. A cut with the right weight helps hair hang smoothly instead of puffing out, and split, worn ends frizz first, so regular trims help. A glaze adds shine to the surface.
If frizz fights you every single day, a Brazilian keratin treatment leaves hair smoother and shinier, with less frizz and easier styling in humidity. Esther's is $300 and includes after-care shampoo and conditioner, and the free consultation decides if it is right for you. Text Esther at 561-631-6462 for a free consultation.
How do I keep a smooth style once I am outside?
Carry a small clip so you can twist your hair up when the air is heavy. If the top puffs, smooth a drop of serum over it, not the roots. At night, sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase. For more, read how to make a blowout last longer in Florida, or book Esther's luxury blow-dry before a big day.
Questions clients ask
Why is my hair frizzier in summer?
Summer in South Florida brings the most humidity, along with more sun, salt water and pool days. Sun and chlorine dry hair out, and dry hair pulls in moisture from the air more easily. Extra conditioning, and rinsing with fresh water after you swim, help a lot.
Does oil help with frizz?
A small amount of light oil or serum on the ends can smooth the surface and add shine. Too much makes hair look greasy and flat. Start with one or two drops, warm them between your palms and smooth them over the ends and the top layer.
Should I brush curly hair to fight frizz?
Brushing dry curls breaks up the curl pattern and makes frizz worse. Detangle curly hair while it is wet and coated with conditioner, using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. Then style it and let it dry without touching it.