How to deal with your natural hair during a heat wave

The humidity in New York in the summer is no joke. We’re going through a heat wave right now, so the city — especially the subway platforms — feels like a swamp. If you have natural or curly hair, you know what that means: frizz.

When it’s humid outside, the raised cuticles of curly hair readily absorb the water molecules in the air. That’s why your style doesn’t last and your hair expands after being outside on a hot, humid day. No matter what anybody tells you, there is no magic product that’s going to eliminate frizz 100% or completely humidity proof your hair, but there are some things you can do to help:

Use anti-humidity products to prevent frizz

I got married on a beach in the Caribbean in June — wearing a silk press. I know that sounds like a set up for some disastrous wedding photos but my hair held up thanks to Oribe Impermeable Anti-Humidity Spray. This spray is the real deal. By the end of the night, while my hair was a little frizzy, it still looked good.

Another product I swear by is the Miche Beauty Tropical Oasis Anti-Humidity Firm Hold Gel. I love this product for slick buns and also for twist outs. It gives great, long lasting definition.

Avoid products with humectants in them

Products with humectants, like honey, in them can be great for keeping your hair moisturized in dry climates or in the winter. But, when it’s humid outside, humectants actually draw moisturize from the air, causing your hair to frizz. Beyond honey, some other humectants to look out for are glycerin and panthenol.

Just embrace the frizz

Like I said at the start of this blog, there is no product that’s going to make you invincible to frizz. Trying to have perfect curly hair in the summer is a fool’s errand and a waste of time. I personally enjoy the extra volume the humidity gives me! Embrace the frizz and be free.

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