How to Keep Curls in Humidity

Co-authored by Nick Arrojo

Last Updated: November 11, 2022 References

With the right products and preparation, you can keep your curls no matter the humidity level. Start by using frizz-controlling shampoo and conditioner, and deep condition your hair regularly. Layer up on products to block out extra moisture. After you’ve applied your products, style your hair so it looks great all day despite the humidity!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Prepping Your Hair

1
Wash your hair with frizz-control shampoo and conditioner 2-4 times a week. Purchase sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner made to decrease frizz. Look for products made specifically for curly hair or to fight humidity. You can wash your hair with the shampoo twice a week. The other 2 times, skip the shampoo and “wash” your hair with the conditioner to help rehydrate your curls.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Most sulfate-based shampoos will dry out your hair, which will only create more frizz when humidity strikes.
2
Deep condition your hair regularly to keep it healthy. Moisture is curly hair's best friend. Use deep conditioning treatments once a week or every 3 days for best results.
- How often you deep condition will depend on your hair type. Fine, thin hair only needs to be deep conditioned about 1 time a week. Thick, curly hair can be conditioned 1-3 times a week. It never hurts to use deep conditioner!
- To make the deep conditioning treatment more effective, put a plastic shower cap over your hair and sit under a hooded dryer or aim heat from a blow dryer at your hair for 15 minutes.
Advertisement
3
Use a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush to detangle your hair. It is easiest to detangle your hair when it is wet. Brushes will smooth out your curls, often resulting in frizz. You can use a comb instead to detangle your hair without ruining your curls. Begin combing at the ends of your hair and work your way up to the roots.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- For more curl protection, you can just comb the ends of your hair to detangle, rather than combing from root to end. This way, your hair will be knot-free while keeping your curls.
- It may be helpful to apply a leave-in conditioner to your hair before detangling it.
- Wide-tooth combs are good for all hair types, especially naturally curly hair, on humid days.
4
Dry your hair thoroughly with a T-shirt. Extra moisture will result in frizz as soon as your hair is exposed to the humidity. Ring out excess water while you are still in the shower, and wrap your hair in a T-shirt.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Towels can retain more moisture, which you want to avoid on humid days.
- If you have naturally curly or wavy hair, you can apply your styling products while your hair is still wet or partially dry.
- If you are using a curling iron, make sure your hair is entirely dry before you curl. You can let your hair air dry or use a diffuser to get rid of extra moisture.
5
Create curls with a curling iron if you have straight or wavy hair. You can apply styling products to your hair when it is still wet to make styling easier. Divide your hair into small sections, and wrap your hair around the barrel, either from the root or ends of your hair. Start at the roots if you are using a curling wand, or start at the end of your hair if using an iron with a clamp. Continue making small sections of curls until all of your hair is curly.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- For best results, make sure your hair is totally dry.
- Before you use these a curling iron, spray a light, even layer of heat-shielding spray over all of your hair. Exposure to heat styling tools can damage your hair over time. Don't forget the inner layers!

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Layering Your Products

1
Experiment with using different products based on your hair type. While layering styling products can keep frizz out when humidity strikes, your hair is unique and may not need quite as many products as someone else. Try a few and see what works best!
- For example, if you have thin hair you curled with a curling iron, you may only need a little serum and a spray of hairspray.
- For thick, kinky, tight curls, you may find using mousse, serum, gel, and hairspray all together keeps your curls in humidity.
- If your hair is naturally curly and you are not going to use a curling tool, for fine hair you can use a mousse first and then a curl cream or leave-in conditioner. For medium to thick or slightly coarse hair, use a gel or styling cream followed by an anti-frizz serum.
2
Use curling mousse to add initial hold to your curls. It will also add some body to fine hair. Spray some mousse into your hands, and run it through all of your hair. Saturate your hair with mousse to define your curls and add your first layer of product.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- For best results, use anti-frizz or humidity prevention mousses.
- For naturally curly hair, you can apply mousse when your hair is wet or dry. You may find it easier to dampen your hair before application, so it's easier to saturate your hair.
- If you are using a curling iron, apply your mousse before you create your curls, if you'd like.
3
Apply a humidity-preventing serum to seal out any potential moisture. Purchase silking serum hair products that are marketed to prevent humidity. You can also use shea butter, coconut oil, or castor oil. Squeeze or pour a dollop of product into your hands, and work the product through your hair, specifically on your ends.
- All of these product options block out extra moisture because of their oily consistency.
- You can also use these products to touch up any spots throughout your day.
- Apply serum for both naturally curly hair and curls created with a curling iron. You can apply the serum when your hair is wet, partially dry, or dry.
4
Saturate your hair with a curl-holding gel. Hair gel can be your best friend if you have curly hair. Add a layer of gel to either wet or dry hair to give your hair a thorough and strong hold. Squeeze a heaping amount of gel into your hands so both hands are evenly covered. Run your hands through your hair, evenly applying the gel all over. You can also scrunch your hair for added hold.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- As gel dries, it defends against moisture, so it is great to use on humid days.
- Gels with olive oil, flax seed, and aloe vera tend to work well with curly hair.
- If you are using a curling iron, you don’t need to use gel. However, you can run some gel through your hair after you curl it for a little hold. Make sure your gel is not water-based.
5
Spray your hair all over with hairspray as a last layer of defense. Use an anti-frizz hairspray to hold your curls in place. This layer is essentially your hair’s “rain jacket” against the humidity. Spray an even layer over all of your hair--the top, ends, and the inside layers.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- It is helpful to carry a small bottle of hairspray with you, in case you need extra hold throughout the day.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Styling Your Curls

1
Wear your hair down to embrace your curls. If your hair is curly, avoid the flat iron on humid days. Your hair will likely not remain straight because of the moisture in the air. Going with a curly hairstyle on a humid day is your best bet to looking great despite the weather.
2
Style your hair while it’s damp to enhance your curls. After you get out of the shower, apply a mousse or curling cream to your locks. Then, twist your hair, braid it, or create mini buns that enhance your natural curl pattern. Once your hair is dry, unravel the style.
- Experiment with different methods to see which you like best.
3
Try a half-up style if your hair is starting to frizz. Section off your hair a little above your ears, and tie up the section on the crown of your head. Secure your hair with a half-up ponytail to show off your curls but prevent frizz from popping up.^{[8]
X
Research source}
4
Braid your hair on the side to control frizz. Starting at the center of your part, braid small pieces of hair in the front to smooth away any frizz popping up at your hairline. This is a cute way to keep your curls looking great on humid days.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Add 1 braid on the side if you part your hair on the side, or try 2 braids if you part in the middle.
5
Style your hair in a ponytail or up-do if all else fails. If your environment is just too humid, tie up your hair in a ponytail or clip it into an up-do. A hair tie can secure your hair in place rather than resulting in a poofy disaster. Your curls can still look fabulous tied up!^{[10]
X
Research source}
6
Reapply products throughout the day if you need to tame frizz. If you are still rocking your curls but frizz strikes, you can smooth it down by adding a bit more silking serum, oil, or hairspray. Squeeze some oil into your hands, and smooth it over the ends of your hair and along your hairline.
- You can also spray a light dusting of hairspray over your hair for extra hold.

Warnings

Not all products will work with all hair types. It may take a bit of practice before you master your particular formula to beat the humidity.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0