I love a good holiday, but while it’s nice to feel the sand between my toes and the sunshine on my face, the sun and humidity can really be the devil when it comes to keeping on top of my hair care routine.
Spending my time and money on perfecting curl definition, only for it to be ruined by dryness or frizz the second I leave the house, is not what I’m going for this summer. So, I have curated a list of products that will help avoid this from happening.
How to humidity-proof your curls this summer
Humidity and frizz go hand in hand and it’s difficult to know which products are contributing to the Monica Geller effect (if you know, you know) versus the ones actively defending against it. Humid climates have high levels of dew and moisture, which when absorbed into the hair cause frizz.
The general rule for selecting hair products for humid climates is to avoid glycerin and humectants (e.g. honey), as their purpose is to draw in moisture from the atmosphere to the hair, which would cause more frizz. However, it is more about the concentration of these ingredients rather than their presence (more on that later).
Many brands now have entire lines and products dedicated to humidity and frizz control. Here are a few of my favourites…
Products to fight humidity
Ouidad Advanced Climate Control, £25.99, Amazon, is specially made to lock out humidity and define curls. Silk proteins seal the cuticle to keep moisture in and humidity out.
The duo of the Featherlight Styling Cream, £25.99, Amazon, for base hydration followed by the heat and humidity gel with strong hold is a must-try. This line is basically a curly girl rite of passage and is praised throughout the curly hair community.
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The Curl Therapy Bamboo Ginseng Curl Glaze, £33, Trepadora, and accompanying Curling Mousse, £26, Trepadora make for the perfect high definition, strong hold and anti-frizz routine. The products were tested in Jamaica, meaning they have been put to the ultimate test of humidity control and they came out on top! These products can also be used alone, rather than as a duo, for a softer hold.
Twist by Ouidad has also answered our calls and created a ‘weather up’ line aimed to provide light moisture, soften hair and control fly-aways caused by humidity.
Pair the Weather Up Super Light Lotion, £12.99, LookFantastic, with the Weightless Curl-Defining Gel, £9.99, Very, for the perfect non-sticky wash and go.
For another humidity-defying duo, look to Bouclème’s Seal and Shield range, which, well, does just that. The glycerin-free formula of Bouclème Seal & Shield Curl Defining Gel, £26, Look Fantastic seals in moisture for a smooth finish, while its pea-sourced, plant-derived starch creates a strong-hold gel to shield hair from frizz.
Products to fight dryness
On the opposite-ish side of the spectrum, we have drier climates causing brittle, lighter and drier hair. Although I do love returning from a holiday with blonde streaks in my hair, I acknowledge the fact that it means my hair is dry and requires the most quenching products to get it back to its happy self.
The Boucleme Intensive Moisture Treatment, £19.50, LookFantastic, will always be a go-to for me, when I need some moisture. It is multi-use so can be used as a deep treatment or a leave-in conditioner. It is lightweight, fast-absorbing, long-lasting and smells amazing. You can’t really go wrong with it.
Mielle created its Pomegranate and Honey collection specifically for type four curls, but has since become a favourite across all curl types as it offers so much moisture without compromising on definition.
Swipe and shop: Curly hair products to fight dryness
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It contains honey, a humectant, which will help to draw moisture into the hair strands from the atmosphere. The Leave In Conditioner, £13.99, Superdrug, and Coil Sculpting Custard, £15.98, Kiyo Beauty, are the best products for a wash and go.
Products to defend hair against UV rays
We use SPF on our skin to defend from the sun’s rays and our hair deserves the same treatment, too. Fortunately, there’s a host of new products specifically designed to shield hair from UV rays. Take Hair by Sam McKnight Sundaze Sea Spray, £26, Liberty. The sea salt-infused formula is designed to create beachy waves, but it adds great volume to curly textures – and, as a bonus, it contains a natural sunflower extract to shield hair from UVA and UVB damage.
Once again, I have to mention the Bouclème range, this time the Seal & Shield Curl Cream, £26, Look Fantastic, which contains vitamin B5, cupuacu butter, marula oil and wheat bran extract to protect against UV rays and lock in moisture for all types of curls and coils.
And finally, it would be neglectful of me not to mention the Imbue Curl Defending Heat Protection Mist, £7.99, Superdrug, created for all curl types. Not only does it protect against heat styling but UV damage, too.
Spritz in the morning or throughout the day to remain protected, paying special attention to the ends, which dry out the fastest. It also makes for a great refresher spray… and you know from previous columns how I feel about those.
In my experience, the effects of insufficient holiday hair care tend to last longer than anticipated, so being prepared with the best products is important to limit the stress of dealing with it when you return home.
Hopefully my suggestions have helped with the shopping process!
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