Sorry boys, this episode is brought to you by pony tail holders, various and sundry hair products, and Mufasa’s mane. This article is about taming the tresses when the humidity hits. Although some of you guys with longer locks might not want to tune out just yet. Maybe you’ll pick up some useful tips.
Humidity can have a significant effect on hair, particularly if your hair is naturally curly or wavy (author raises hand). During humid conditions, hair tends to absorb moisture from the air making it frizzy and unmanageable. If you have porous hair, meaning it absorbs moisture easily, humidity can have an even greater impact on your hair.
Products
Smoothing serums and anti-frizz sprays can help to combat the effects of humidity. They work by sealing your hair’s cuticles to prevent moisture from penetrating each shaft. Think of your strands of hair not as a smooth surface like cooked spaghetti but as a rope that has notches cut into it all along the surface. That’s the cuticle. How open or closed your cuticles are determines how well your hair absorbs moisture. Avoiding using heat styling tools when it’s hot and humid is good for your hair too. These tools make your hair dry and more susceptible to humidity.
The drawback to using more products than usual is build-up. Most of us need to wash more often in summer to clear away sweat, oil, and dirt. More shampooing can dry your hair too. Adding an occasional deep conditioning routine can mitigate the effects for more frequent washing. Leave in conditioners and hair oils can protect your hair from the heat between washes.
Styles
Now that we’ve covered some hair-care and product solutions for the summer, let’s turn to some styles that will help you stay cool, manage your hair, and rock a cute look at the same time. In my google searches for better hairstyles for hot weather, every site suggests high ponytails and messy buns. I think we all know those, and they can get a bit hum drum, right? I typically use a claw clip rather than an elastic, but the effect is basically the same. Here are a few alternatives to try for on and off the trail this summer.
Two braids or french braids. This look tends to be better for young ladies, teens, and kids. But it is an excellent option for keeping hair in place, off the neck, and out of the face. Long hikes or a day at the lake are the perfect setting to try this look.
Add some barrettes. This is another look for younger girls. I showed up at camp to pick up my girls and found them with little braids studded with flower-shaped beads. It was super cute and they could leave the little braid hanging free while they ponied or braided the rest of their hair.
A fishtail braid. You class it up for ladies of a certain age with a low fishtail braid. It still keeps the hair off your neck but looks more intricate than a regular three-strand braid. The trick to keeping it in your hair all day is to use an elastic at the tip and bottom.
Side braid with a low ponytail. I’ve looked for ways to wear a low pony without looking like a founding father. Starting a braid with a front section of your hair working from your part and joining it to the rest of your hair at a side pony is elegant and doesn’t make you look like an Elsa wannabe. You can also easily put a bike helmet over this style.
Getting beyond the messy bun for the summer is easier than it might seem. A good hair-care routine and a few new styles to try will keep your tresses happy and healthy even when the thermometer is topping out.