So you just spent 20 minutes blowing out your tresses … only for it them to fluff up before you finish locking your front door. Sound familiar? There’s no question that the summer season is rife with coif-ruining elements. “Moisture in the air is what causes frizz — and of course, sweating,” Drybar founder Alli Webb says. So while your first instinct might be to scream in frustration and give up on your signature look for good, don’t despair: Hair help is on the way. Sure, you can stick to braids, buns, ponytails, and other updos to stay cool this season, but you really can rock a blowout — if you’re prepared. We spoke with haircare experts to score their best blowout tips and tricks to ensuring your stick-straight hair still slays in the summer heat.
Prep your mane with moisture
No matter your texture, the summer’s humidity is a challenge. But dry, porous, and damaged hair is much more likely to go awry when humidity is in the atmosphere. “These types of hair are really sensitive to it,” says Miriam Quevedo, founder of the eponymous haircare line.
Infusing your locks with moisture is the first step. “Keeping your hair moisturized and hydrated in the summer months is super important,” says Webb. That means prepping your hair with hydrating shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks in the shower, as well as adding oil, like Miriam Quevedo Sublime Gold Oil ($90), to keep ends sealed, not split.
Don’t Pile on the Product
We know from the crunch of too much mousse or hairspray when we’ve gone overboard. But while each head of hair is different, both experts agreed it’s much easier to start with a small amount and build up slowly to the hold or effect you’re looking for. “You don’t want to overdo it and make your hair too oily or greasy,” explains Webb.
But it’s not just how much you apply product, but where. Heat-protection sprays, like Drybar’s Prep Rally Prime & Prep Detangler ($23), should be applied from roots to ends to save your strands from the scorch of heat tools, but Webb says that most products shouldn’t go higher than mid-shaft to avoid weighing down your roots. The only exception is a humidity-fighting hairspray to seal in the style.
Work a Wave
While sleek, stick-straight strands may be your fave, you might want to cut your losses when the temperatures rise. “If you live in a place that super hot and humid, go with a messy or tousled look versus trying to keep your locks super smooth. If there’s moisture in the air, it’s an uphill battle,” Webb says. Besides, it’s easier to hide frizzy bits among your waves and curls rather than try to tamp down those tiny hairs.
Don’t Overdry Your ‘Do
The phrase “everything in moderation” should also include daily styling. A full blowout every day can quickly lead to loads of damage no matter the weather, according to Quevedo: “The heat from drying tools could increase the frizzing, especially in color treated hair or chemical treated.”
The solution that won’t sacrifice your style? “Try to ride your blowout out as many days as possible by sleeping on a satin pillowcase and using a shower cap,” Webb advises, recommending Drybar’s Slumber Party Silk Pillowcase ($39) to fight the frizz while you sleep. Spritz with a bit of dry shampoo for that “next day” look and switch up your style the rest of the week so your sleek strands have a better chance of standing up against the summer’s moisture.
TOTE a Touch-Up Item
The best way to keep things fresh? “Don’t touch your hair during the day,” says Quevedo. It prevents the hair from gathering static electricity and growing any further with heavy humidity.
But we’ll admit, it’s hard, especially when you start to sweat. Keeping a styler on-hand in case of an emergency could be key to rescuing your ‘do midday. “I personally keep a couple of key products in my purse in case my hair starts to get frizzy,” Webb says. A mini can of anti-humidity spray, vial of oil, or tube of styling cream in your bag can quickly tame those flyaways so you can get your style back on track.
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