13 Tricks to Humidity-Proof Your Hair, According to Stylists

Back of woman's head, touching her hair

Stocksy

Most people will experience frizz at some point or another. However, finding the root cause isn't always so easy. Frizz can be caused by humidity, dryness, friction, static, or damage. Furthermore, those with curly hair are more likely to experience frizz than those with straight hair types. Regardless of your curl type or the state of your hair, though, humidity almost always seems to cause frizz.

Dealing with humidity-related frizz can seem like a battle already lost—but fear not! There are more than a handful of ways to keep hair and flyaways under control, plus ways to tackle full-on frizz if it does appear.

Below, six professional hairstylists share 13 of their tired-and-true methods for keeping humidity and frizz at bay. From using the correct shampoo formulas and less heat when using hot tools to swiping on clear mascara to tame flyaways, keep scrolling for the best ways to humidity-proof your hair.

Meet the Expert

  • Matthew Monzon is a bicoastal celebrity hairstylist.
  • Tyler Laswell is a Tresemmé hairstylist.
  • Derek Yuen is a celebrity hairstylist who has worked with Sandra Oh and Maggie G.
  • Sarah Rappolt is the master stylist and education director at Davines flagship salon Ion Studio in NYC.
  • Christian Wood is a celebrity hairstylist who has worked with Jessica Chastain and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.
  • Nikki Providence is a celebrity hairstylist.
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Use Products Labeled "Anti-Frizz Product"

This may seem like a no-brainer, but haircare products are usually labeled with messaging that communicates what that product is good for. You wouldn't use a curl-defining product, for example, if what you're looking for is a sleek, straight style. As such, look for products labeled "smoothing," "anti-frizz," "humidity-proof," etc. and keep those in your arsenal.

Byrdie Tip

Apply an anti-frizz serum or cream on soaking wet hair. This offers additional hydration, and it may allow the product to better penetrate the hair cuticle.

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Wear Your Hair Up

Hairstylist Matthew Monzon recommends a relaxed style, especially if you're prone to extreme frizz. He notes that it will help manage the pouf while still embracing its texture. "Women with tight curls or wavy texture in their hair are, unfortunately, more frizz-prone, so choosing a more humidity-friendly style is your best bet. An adorable braided look or sexy neck-bearing topknot will be a solid bet to keep your hair contained and less prone to curling up. The trend in 'effortless hair' lends itself greatly to frizz-embracing looks to keep the flyaways in check," he says.

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Rely on Oils and Shea Butter

No two hair types are alike, but if your hair is on the thick or coarse side, oils and butters will be your best friend, helping to keep hair frizz-free and ensure that it remains healthy. Coconut oil and shea butter are too good choices as they will nourish your hair while promoting shine and smoothness.

For those with medium or wavy hair, Monzon says a light oil is a great treatment. "My favorite is Leonor Greyl's Huile de Magnolia ($59), a blend of botanical oils rich in provitamins and combined with the delicate scent of magnolia blossom, which helps to tame hair and give it a delicious scent that you’ll carry with you all day."

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Eliminate Frizz With the Right Shampoo and Conditioner

Nix frizz the moment you step into the shower by using a shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated to tackle humidity and static. We recommend the Kérastase Discipline Smoothing Shampoo ($40) and Conditioner ($46) for moisturized, smooth strands.

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Embrace Your Natural Texture

"Over the years, I've learned one major lesson when it comes to humidity, and that is your hairstyle should be an amped-up version of your natural hair texture," says Tresemmé stylist Tyler Laswell. "So if your hair is pin-straight, don't choose a wavy hairstyle on a humid day or vice versa; if your hair is thick and wavy, don't straighten your hair, because it will end up a poufy mess. No matter what your hair type, an awesome humidity-resistant hair spray like the TRESemmé Freeze Hold Hairspray ($7) [will protect] your style from the elements."

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Tame Flyaways with Clear Mascara

An easy way to tame pesky flyaways without weighing down the rest of your hair is by brushing them down with clear mascara. Use Maybelline's Great Lash Clear Mascara ($8) to keep flyaways in check while also providing your hair with a bit of conditioning.

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Seal Your Strands With a Serum

Celebrity hairstylist Derek Yuen is also pro serum when it comes to humidity and hair. "The trick with dealing with humidity is to get the outermost layer of the hair, the cuticle, to lay as flat as possible," he says. "Most anti-humidity products use silicone, but that can deflate the volume." So, use a product such as Living Proof's Smooth Styling Serum ($36) that's made without silicone so you don't have to trade off smoothness and shine for the volume.

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Use the Right Towel Technique

While towels may not be the first thing to come to mind when thinking of an anti-frizz shower routine, Sarah Rappolt, master stylist and education director at the Davines flagship salon, stresses how important drying your hair completely is. "Get all the moisture out of your hair, otherwise it will get frizzy," she explains. Furthermore, she says that all hair types, but specifically those with curly and corse hair, hold a lot of water, so she suggests squeezing hair with a towel versus roughing it up. And using the correct towel can make a huge difference, too, microfiber is the way to go because it will actually help prevent damage and therefore frizz.

Byrdie Tip

Rubbing hair can result in frizz and split ends.

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Shampoo Less Often

If there's any time we're constantly on top of washing our hair, it's summer when humidity is at its peak. However, over-washing your hair can do more harm than good by removing hair's natural oils and causing it to dry out.

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Turn Down the Heat

It may seem like the best way to tackle frizz is by combating it with a hot tool, and while that can certainly work, make sure not to turn the heat up too much. Higher temperatures aren't necessary for most hair types and can actually cause a lot of damage to hair that can't handle the heat. Try starting with a lower temperature and work your way up if you find you need to. To take the guesswork out of it, we recommend T3's Smooth ID Straightening & Styling Iron ($249) as it uses technology that adjusts its heat depending on your hair texture, length, and whether or not it's colored.

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Use Hot Tools in Moderation

While over-heating your hair may cause damage and subsequent frizz, when used in moderation with a heat protectant and the correct temperature, using a hot tool can help eliminate frizz without inflicting damage. A flat iron can help smooth out frizzy hair while curling wands can help define curls in a controlled manner.

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Use Gel on Curly Hair

To encourage curl definition sans frizz, hairstylist Nikki Providence recommends applying hair gel on damp hair. "I like to use Ouidad's Heat & Humidity Gel ($26) as a final product before air-drying to help wavy or curly hair dry a little smoother," she says. She adds that it also helps to put in bangs before drying them so they don't bounce up too much.

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Consider a Keratin Treatment

When it comes to a universal humidity-fighter for all hair types, celebrity hairstylist Christian Wood says a keratin treatment will not only help reduce frizz but will also be a major time-saver. "It cuts styling in half and keeps the hair glossy," he explains. "There's only so much products can help with."

FAQ
  • How can I keep my hair moisturized when the humidity is high?

    If you have dry hair and struggle to keep your hair from looking dull when it's humid out, you can try to "seal" in the moisture with a lightweight oil or silicone-based serum.

  • How can I style my hair when it's humid outside?

    Braids, top buns, and sleek ponytails are all great ways to style your hair when it's humid outside.

  • What hair products work best for humidity?

    Gels, oils, shea butter, and silicone-free hair serum are all good choices for fighting frizz.

Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
  1. American Academy of Dermatology Association. 10 hair-care habits that can damage your hair.

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