While we love to embrace our natural waves, sometimes the need for a fresh blowout or meticulously curled hair takes priority. Which is great, except that hot and humid summer weather can pose a challenge for heat styling your hair. High temperatures and moisture can quickly undo your hard work, or worse leaving hair frizzy and channeling our “Monica in Barbados” vibes.
Fortunately, with some strategic approaches and the right techniques, you can maintain stylish, polished hair throughout the sweltering summer season. Here are some essential tips and tricks for heat styling your hair during hot and humid summer months.
Pre-Styling Preparation
Hydrate and Protect Your Hair
Start with a good foundation by using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, like the Bain Satin Riche Shampoo and Lait Vital Conditioner by Kérastase. This helps to keep your hair hydrated, which is crucial in combating the effects of heat styling. Follow up with a leave-in conditioner or detangler to ensure your hair is well-moisturized and easier to manage.
Apply a Heat Protectant
We’ve covered the importance of heat protection in this article and provided a list of our favorite hair protectant products, because we all know how critical using a heat protectant spray or serum is for our hair health. By creating a barrier between your hair and the heat, you reduce the risk of damage and help to lock in moisture. Choose a product with thermal protection that can withstand high temperatures, like Kérastase Ciment Thermique Blow Dry Primer or Shu Uemura Shiki Worker Multi-Benefit Hair Primer.
Invest in Quality Tools
With so many options out there, it can be confusing knowing where to start. Opt for heat styling tools made from high-quality materials, such as ceramic or tourmaline. These materials provide even heat distribution and help reduce frizz. Additionally, tools with adjustable heat settings allow you to customize the temperature to suit your hair type. Check out this article on heat styling tools and how high to set them for your hair!
Mastering the Heat Styling Technique
Work in Small Sections
For a more controlled and precise styling, work in small sections of hair, not putting too much around the heat tool at once. This ensures that each part of your hair receives even heat which will help your style last longer on those hot humid days. Larger sections can lead to uneven results and more frequent touch-ups, OR if you’re going for that effortless wave then this might be the right approach for you.
Adjust the Temperature
As mentioned above, how high you set your heat tool is as important as using a heat protectant! Fine or damaged hair requires lower heat settings, while thick or coarse hair can handle higher temperatures. Avoid using the highest setting unless absolutely necessary, a rule of thumb we use is try to keep it at 300 or below.
Don’t Overdo It
We get the urge to really style your hair to try to keep the hold, however this can lead to more damage than good. Avoid repeatedly running your heat tool over the same section of hair. Overheating can cause damage and dryness. Instead, focus on achieving the desired style with minimal passes.
Managing Frizz and Humidity
Use Anti-Humidity Products
Falling curls is one problem, but frizz is a whole other ball game. If you’re prone to humidity-induced frizz, make sure to incorporate anti-humidity products into your routine to help prevent frizz like Discipline Fluidissime Thermique Anti-Frizz Heat Protectant by Kérastase. Check out this article for serums, sprays, or creams designed to combat humidity and provide a protective barrier against moisture.
Finish with a Light-Hold Hairspray
To lock in your style and combat the effects of humidity, use a lightweight hairspray. Avoid heavy formulas that can weigh down your hair or make it feel sticky. Opt for a flexible to medium hold to maintain your style without compromising its natural movement, like Laque Couture hairspray by Kérastase.
Cooling Down and Maintaining Your Style
Let Your Hair Cool
After styling, allow your hair to cool completely before touching it. This helps set the style and ensures longer-lasting results. You can use a cool blast setting on your blow dryer or simply let your hair air-dry for a few minutes.
Avoid Touching or Over-Brushing
Try to avoid touching your hair too much or over-brushing once you’ve finished styling it. Frequent manipulation can lead to frizz and disrupt the shape of your style.
Maintaining Healthy Hair
Regular Trims
In addition to using heat protectants and limiting use of heat styling tools, keep your hair healthy by getting regular trims to help prevent split ends. Aim for a trim every 6-8 weeks to maintain the health of your hair.
Deep Conditioning Treatments
Incorporate weekly or bi-weekly deep conditioning treatments to restore moisture and repair any damage caused by heat styling. Look for treatments specifically formulated for your hair type and needs, we love Masquintense Rich Hair Mask by Kérastase, and you can also talk to your stylist about custom in-salon treatments to revitalize your locks.
Bottom Line
Styling during hot and humid summer months requires a bit of extra care and attention to ensure your hair remains stylish and healthy. By following these tips you can achieve beautiful, long-lasting results even in challenging weather conditions. Another great option is to get a professional blowout for volume and shine any time of year!
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