Fashion

Summer Humidity Hacks For Super Curly Hair

by Julia Musto

As New York City moves into spring and summer, curly haired women face challenges that are unique to the horribly humid climate shift. For that, and for my status as a straight-haired woman for whom frizz is less of an issue, I am truly sorry. But I can offer some summer humidity hacks for curly hair that you should have in your tool belt for helping your head face the grossly sticky air outside on the way to get into an air-conditioned cab.

Naturally curly hair is a gift, so embrace it with the right styling products and routines. Curly hair is naturally inclined to seal in moisture, so make sure that you know how much is enough. Allure reported that frizz is caused, "when dry, porous hair sucks up moisture in the air, causing the shaft to swell." Buzzfeed explained further that "when hair is damaged or dry," the cuticle lifts, letting more moisture in which makes it "frizz central." This is where you have to be super careful.

Fortunately, you are not alone in this fight; there are stylists and women just like you who will battle the heat annually and have learned some nifty facts and tricks to share with you. So, whether you have huge, bountiful, bouncy curls, or tight little ringlets, you can utilize their own personal experiences for your benefit and crush your hair game this summer. Here are some humidity treatment hacks to abide by this year.

1. Do Not Towel Dry

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images

According to Allure, regular a regular bath towel "roughs up the hair's cuticle so that it won't lie flat." Use either a microfiber towel to "gently press the water" out as the publication recommends, or use a t-shirt which is a much gentler alternative, according to Byrdie.

2. Use A Satin Pillowcase

Sold Out

Byrdie recommends grabbing some satin pillowcases to give your curls some anti-frizz treatment over night.

3. Deep Condition When Necessary

BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images

A deep conditioning is good for anyone's hair. Cosmopolitan recommends conditioning deeply twice a week sans shampoo. "Every two days, apply conditioner instead of shampoo and then rinse it out. Conditioner contains a small amount of surfactants (what shampoo uses to cleanse your hair), so it will clean it without stripping your hair of its natural oils," according to the publication.

4. Oils Are Your Friend

Organic Jojoba Oil, $10, Amazon

Any natural oils that accumulate are good frizz fighters, so if you need a little TLC Allure recommends reaching for the Jojoba oil because "it's not as heavy as a mask so it won't weigh hair down." It also strengthens your cuticles! Verily Magazine says that Moroccan Oil works just as well.

5. Do Not Brush Your Curls

Matthew Peyton/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Do not brush your curls. Use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb for any detangling. Otherwise, Byrdie says you can actually cause more frizz.

Want more fashion and beauty tips? Check out the video below and subscribe to Bustle on YouTube!

6. Use Heat Protectants

Blowout Styling and Finishing Spray, $14, Amazon

Any crazy conditions will disrupt your already dry hair, so a heat protectant is good insurance against flyaway and frizz. If it's not hot but rainy and/or crazy humid, Cosmopolitan says to not wash your hair or to use a good hair serum.

7. Look At The Chemicals Before Using

TENGKU BAHAR/AFP/Getty Images

Seriously, the label with the ingredients is there for a reason! Allure reported that many products contain alcoholic formulas which can possibly be more damaging than not. "The natural oils that accumulate are good frizz fighters," hairstylist Nathaniel Hawkins told Allure. If your hair feels oily, use a dry shampoo or a non-alcoholic formula like Leonor Greyl Mousse au Lotus Volumatrice, which the publication recommends.

Leonor Greyl Mousse au Lotus Volumatrice, $46, Amazon

8. Maybe Consider Heat

Brad Barket/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Allure also stated that "wrapping a few frizzy strands around the iron will help noticeably smooth and shape them."

9. Get Your Mane Trimmed

BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images

Byrdie says that getting a trim "every six to eight weeks" will keep your hair looking fresh, frizz-free, shaped, and voluminous.