There’s no doubt that humidity in the air impacts the hair of African-American women more. It’s a struggle for a lot of us to maintain our “laid-out” hairstyles in a hot, humid season. This is especially hard for women who wear their hair in straight, silk-pressed hairstyles. If you’re a black woman who’s struggling to maintain your hairstyle in this humid weather, you’re not alone. Let’s learn about four ways we can keep our hair from being affected by humidity and frizzing up.
Why Humidity Impacts African-American Hair More
Many women struggle with maintaining hairstyles in humid weather, but African-American hair has been especially suffering through this weather because of its porous and naturally dry nature. The keratin in our hair interacts with water molecules in humid air and causes our hair to swell and lose its shape. The raised cuticle in porous hair exacerbates frizz and unmanageability. Increased frizz in our hair also causes a less defined curl pattern to exist. When our hair frizzes up in the summer, humid heat, it can be a real challenge to style it.
Techniques to Protect Our Hair From Humidity
When it comes to protecting our hair from humidity, we must try the right techniques that work with our hair. Not every technique works the same for every woman. One woman may say that deep conditioning her hair every day may work for her, while the other may mention another technique. Whichever technique you may end up trying, make sure that it strengthens the health of your hair. But if you’re struggling to find a technique to keep your hair from frizzing, here are a few techniques that have worked for various women.
Consider Switching to a Protective Style
During the hot, humid season, many women have turned to protective styles such as braids, conrows, and twists. These styles not only minimize exposure, but they also work with your natural texture. You could try wearing weaves or wigs as ways to protect your hair. Also, updos or bun hairstyles are good for protecting your hair from frizz in high-humidity air.
Using the Right Tools to Prep Your Hair
Of course, it’s also important to have the right hair tools in your arsenal. As was mentioned earlier, some women have found that deep conditioning their hair regularly has kept their hair from frizzing in humidity. But it’s also important to use the right oils and moisturizers in place. Be sure to avoid water-based products. Oils such as jojoba, argan, or castor are considered helpful in frizz protection. An anti-humectant gel is a product with moisture blockers that prevents the hair from absorbing moisture from the environment. It could also help prevent frizz, but be sure to check with your hairstylist on the best ones for you.
Follow Effective Daily Haircare Practices
Along with having the right tools to reduce frizz from humidity, you must make a habit of practicing daily haircare habits. Don’t overwash your hair because this could cause dryness and strip your hair of its natural oils. Applying too much heat to it isn’t a good idea in this weather. Also, be sure to wrap your hair at night with a silk scarf for protection. Some women like to opt for lightweight hats or headwraps for protection against extreme humidity.
Embrace your Natural Textures
Sometimes, it may not be so bad to embrace your natural texture. Consider choosing hairstyles that complement your curl pattern, rather than fighting against the humidity in the air. Research some wash-and-go styles that look nice, even with added volume. Some experts even recommend embracing the frizz and trying styling your hair in a bun, puffs, or ponytail with a few accessories.
Keep Your Hair Healthy Despite Humid Weather
Just because it’s hot and humid outside doesn’t mean your hair has to frizz up. With the right tools at your disposal, you can combat humidity and still keep your hair looking nice this summer. Also, you could do like most black women have been doing, and that’s turning to protective styles such as braids, cornrows, weaves, buns, etc., to limit your hair’s humidity exposure. Be sure to follow good daily habits of not overwashing your hair or tying it in a silk scarf or headwrap. Embracing your hair’s natural texture isn’t too bad because it could lead to finding a style that works with its curl pattern. Whatever direction you go, depending on your hair type, be sure to keep it healthy, strong, and frizz-free.
What various ways have helped you keep your hair from being affected by humidity? How do you keep your hair from frizzing in humidity after straightening it? What are your favorite humidity-proof hairstyles or products? I like to hear your thoughts on these questions in the comments section below. As always, be sure to like or share this post with the next black woman you know and care about.
