Celebrity Hairstylist Offers 7 Tips for Managing Frizz in Humid Weather

Summer humidity can cause hair to become frizzy, but celebrity hairstylist Luke Hersheson offers seven strategies to maintain smooth, glossy locks. Hersheson notes that humidity causes hair to absorb moisture from the air, leading to swelling and lifted cuticles, which can unravel styling efforts.

While curly, wavy, and textured hair types are often more susceptible due to their natural porosity, even fine, straight hair can experience frizz in the form of flyaways. Hersheson emphasizes that frizz does not necessarily indicate damaged hair; humidity, natural texture, new growth, and static can all contribute. He suggests that a degree of movement in hair can contribute to a modern appearance.

Cooling Rinses and Gentle Drying

Hersheson recommends ending every shower with a cool water rinse. This practice helps to flatten the hair cuticle before styling, creating a smoother foundation that is less prone to frizz. While the effect may not be immediate, it is a cumulative habit that can yield results, particularly for those with thicker, coarser, or color-treated hair.

Swapping a traditional terrycloth towel for a microfibre alternative is also advised. Hersheson explains that regular towels can create friction, roughing up the cuticle when hair is most delicate. Microfibre towels, used to blot and squeeze water rather than rub, can minimize this friction. He stresses that hair is most vulnerable when wet, making the drying method crucial.

Strategic Product Application and Heat Styling

Applying styling products while hair is still damp is key, according to Hersheson. He observes that many people wait too long after washing, allowing hair to begin drying unevenly. A lightweight styling cream applied to damp hair can lock in moisture, smooth the cuticle, and prepare the hair for styling. A small amount can be worked through the mid-lengths and ends, with any remainder smoothed over the hairline and surface to control flyaways.

Hersheson also suggests that air-drying is not always the best approach for frizz control. Leaving hair damp for extended periods can give humidity more opportunity to affect it. He advises drying hair quickly using a quality hairdryer with a concentrated airflow and a nozzle attachment, directing the air down the hair shaft. For those who use hot tools, pairing a straightener with a smoothing cream can help reduce frizz and enhance shine.

Embracing Natural Texture and Finishing Touches

Instead of fighting natural hair patterns, Hersheson advocates for working with them. Styles that complement natural waves or bends are less likely to be disrupted by humidity. A small amount of styling cream applied to the surface can create a subtle shield against humidity.

He points out that the hairline is often the first area to show frizz. A backstage trick involves applying a small amount of styling cream to a clean toothbrush or mascara wand and gently brushing it over baby hairs around the face. This technique polishes the hairline without making the hair appear stiff.

Regarding hair oils, Hersheson advises caution. While many believe more oil combats frizz, excessive amounts can weigh hair down without effectively smoothing the cuticle. He suggests that a lightweight cream often provides better control, softness, and movement, proving more effective for smoothing the cuticle.