Do your curls go POOF in hot weather?
Same. Humid weather might be paradise for tropical souls like us, but our curly hair? Not so much. Over time, I’ve learned what works for me, and I’m here to help you decode and defeat the frizz. Let’s break it down.
What Does Humidity Do to Curly Hair?
To fix the problem, you need to understand it first.
Think of a balloon swelling as you blow air into it. That’s what happens to your curls in humidity. Hair cuticles absorb the moisture in the air, swell up, and the result? Frizz city.
The more moisture your hair absorbs, the bigger the poof.
🎥 Watch my quick video on humidity + curls
Why Some Products Backfire in Humidity
You might notice your winter hair products just don’t hit the same in summer. Humectant are amazing for curly hair. But ingredients like humectants can cause swelling in curly hair with humidity.
Common humectants to watch for:
- Glycerin
- Honey
But don’t panic!
Most hair products are formulated with a mix of ingredients. Some contain humidity-resistant agents like polyquaterniums or copolymers that help balance the effect of humectants.
For instance, Bounce Curl Gel has glycerin but works beautifully in humidity. It’s all thanks to the jojoba esters in the formula. (Yes, I asked the founder, Merian, herself!)
Note Moral of the story: Don’t cancel humectants. Just know how your product behaves.
Top Humidity Hacks for Curly Hair
Here are the simple changes that made a big difference for me. Try them one by one or all together!
✅ Prepoo (Yes, Even in Summer!)
Pre-shampoo oil treatments aren’t just for dry seasons. Prepooing in humidity locks in hydration, makes detangling easier, and keeps curls manageable.
note: Not a hot oil treatment—here’s my Prepoo Guide for details.
✅ Clarify Frequently (But Gently)
Humidity = more sweat and product use = more buildup.
🔁 Alternate between co-washing and clarifying to keep your scalp happy and your curls fresh. Try SLS-free clarifiers listed here.
✅ Add Protein Strategically
To balance all that moisture from the air, your hair might need some protein.
Start gentle: try a rice water rinse every 2–3 washes.
Need something stronger? DIY a gelatin mask (if your hair likes it!).
✅ Deep Condition (Before Shampoo?!)
If your hair dries out fast in humidity, deep condition before shampooing and skip the regular conditioner. Yes, you read that right.
My favorite DCs are listed here.
Styling Hacks for Hot Weather
Here’s how to layer products smarter in humid weather:
Sandwich Styling
Cream → Mousse → Gel
This gives you hydration, hold, and extra definition.
(Thanks to Gigi for this one!)
123 Gel Method
Apply three gels (one pump each), scrunch, plop, and go.
It’s foolproof in humidity.
Best Products for Curly Hair in Humid Weather
You don’t need to overhaul your entire shelf. Just be mindful of ingredients and how they behave in humidity.
✅ Look for lightweight, protein-rich stylers
✅ Choose humectant-balanced formulas
✅ Avoid too much butter or oil (they can trap moisture in, not always ideal in humidity)
Bonus: Apply a little oil before gel or finger coiling to ensure better product distribution and definition.
Wrap Up: Beat the Frizz, Not Yourself
Humidity doesn’t have to ruin your curls. With the right tweaks—like prepooing, clarifying regularly, protein balancing, and smart product layering—you can tame the frizz and enjoy shiny, bouncy curls even on the muggiest days.
If any of these tips help, DM me or tag me on Instagram @honestlizhere. I’d love to see your summer curls!
