Humidity and hair may feel like a tumultuous relationship. During the cooler months, it's not unusual to deal with more moisture in the air. But is humidity in the fall a curly girl's friend or foe? Below is a go-to guide for what each curl type needs and how to handle humidity and your hair in wavering weather.
LOOSE Curls in humidity
What it needs:What it needs: Moisture balance from deep treatments, light styling creams, and shampoos and conditioners that infuse moisture in your hair as the humidity rises. Deep penetrating treatments should be done once a month and clarifying cleansing once or twice a week as needed.
What to use: Since Loose curls tend to be fine, a little external boost from humidity can be of benefit to help define its curls. Too much humidity, however, can cause all hair types to frizz, but especially loose curl types. To keep moisture balanced, use Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel; it's a "smart" gel that works from the inside out to create a lasting humidity barrier, without surface stiffness, stickiness, or weight. The gel's infusion of natural nourishing extracts (Almond, Henna Leaf, Chamomile, Kiwi) helps curls achieve the perfect balance of moisture to restore internal weight.
Friend or Foe: Friend when moderate, foe when humidity is high.
CLASSIC Curls in humidity
What it needs: Lightweight products that balance natural moisture in your hair. A little bit goes a long way for Classic curls.
What to use: The spiral pattern of curls causes cuticles to remain open, which can cause curls to lose their shape and formation. With this hair type, first lock in the curl pattern while hair is damp with our VitalCurl Tress Effects Styling Gel. It injects moisture and locks in the moisture memory. Use a nickel-size amount of gel, Rake & Shake and go!
Friend or Foe: Humidity is a classic curl's foe because it can quickly lead to frizzing.
TIGHT curls in humidity
What it needs: Moisture balance without heaviness. Uneven moisture levels within curl cuticles hinder consistent curl formation, create dull or limp patches and reduce the effectiveness of styling products.
What to use: The Tight curl is especially prone to dehydration and damage because as a curl pattern gets tighter, the more exposed the cuticle to external manipulators. Layering of products is a must to help seal the cuticle. On Tight curl types use Curl Quencher Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner to replenish moisture. Then use Moisture Lock Leave-in Conditioner. It's made with arnica extract, which creates a breathable foundation that encourages optimal curl formation.
Friend or Foe: Foe, if humidity is too high, tight curls will swell and cause frizz; low humidity can be a friend if you're using anti-frizz products.
COILY curls in humidity
What it needs: In humidity, coily curls need moisture-based products that are not heavy. While this texture needs more moisture than all other curl types, oil-heavy products aren't necessarily the solution-they can weigh down this hair type leave it looking flat and lifeless.
What to use: Twice monthly, alternating between protein and moisture treatments is best for coily curls in humid climates. Consistent deep treatments, deep hydrating shampoos and conditioners, and moisture-rich stylers can all help to boost moisture levels year-round. Free of sulfates and parabens, try Ultra Nourishing Cleansing Oil, then follow with Curl Recovery Whipped Curls Daily Conditioner and Styling Primer to prime and condition to restore natural curl pattern remove frizz. Or use Moisture Lock Leave-in Conditioner.
Friend or Foe: When it comes to curls humidity is your friend.