Anti-humidity hair products and hacks

We’ve all been there – hours of perfecting wash day techniques and practising styling, just to step outside and be greeted by a delightful day of drizzle. Cue perfectly sculpted curls that decide to stage a rebellious uprising. While lovely for the garden, that dewy air can be the nemesis of defined, bouncy curls, turning them into a halo of frizz. 

But with our humidity know-how, you can achieve the definition your curls deserve. Let’s explore how to navigate those damp days with grace and gorgeous hair, armed with the essential anti humidity hair products. 

The science behind humidity-caused frizz 

The first thing to understand is it’s not you, it’s the dew point. And the good news is we can plan for the weather. 

The dew point is the temperature at which water vapour condenses in the air. The lower the dew point, the drier the air. The higher the dew point, the more moisture in the atmosphere and the more humid it feels. 

Unfortunately, humidity tends to open up the hair’s cuticles, which causes the strands to swell and puff up as they absorb the moisture like a sponge. The result? The carefully formed bonds that give our curls their shape start to lose their structure and revert to their natural state. 

So, just as you might adjust your skincare routine through the seasons, adapting your haircare to the weather is important too. Luckily, you can check what the dew point is in the humidity section of your weather app.  

Understanding glycerin and humidity

This bit is important when considering the best products for frizzy hair in humidity. Many curly hair products contain humectants like glycerin, an ingredient that absorbs water and helps draw moisture into your hair when you need it most. It’s brilliant for curly hair that dries quickly and works best during normal conditions, when the dew point is between 2-16°C/35-60°F. 

However, when humidity levels are high, glycerin continues to absorb moisture from the air, leaving your follicles bloated, limp and (you guessed it) frizzy. Not the desired outcome.

Why long-term curl care helps combat weather-related frizz

Here’s a little secret when thinking about the best hair products for humidity: your hair’s thirst levels play a significant role. If your strands are feeling parched and neglected (read: dehydrated), they’ll be even more eager to guzzle up any moisture they can find in the air. 

However, if you’ve been diligent with your hydration routine, your well-moisturised locks will be less inclined to throw a moisture-absorbing frenzy, meaning they’re far more likely to hold onto their lovely shape. 

Likewise, if your curls are heat damaged, or you have high-porosity hair (meaning your hair cuticles are naturally more open) they’re also more likely to be rolling out the welcome mat for moisture, making them prime candidates for puffing up at the first hint of dampness, which only highlights the need for targeted anti humidity hair products.

The Bouclème guide to effective anti humidity hair products

So, how do you choose the right products for the ever-changing weather? Dry wintery days with a low dew point (below 2°C/35°F) will likely leave your hair feeling thirsty and brittle to the touch. But when the dew point is high (above 16°C/60°F), you might find yourself reaching for products to keep your curls bouncy and defined. 

Remember, every curl pattern is different. And, depending on your hair’s porosity and thickness, finding the right products can sometimes feel like a bit of a journey. But here’s the expert view on what to look for when choosing a product, whatever the weather decides to do.

Low dew point – below 2°C/35°F

Goal: nourish, soften, add moisture

Bouclème recommends: leave-in conditioners, emollients (like moisturising oils and rich, creamy butters) and film-forming humectants (like aloe vera, flax seed gel and agave). 

High dew point - above 16°C/60°F

Goal: frizz control and curl definition.

Bouclème recommends: lightweight formulas, strong-hold gels, glycerin-free products.

How to prepare for humidity with Bouclème

Our Seal + Shield collection is entirely glycerin-free and packed with protective natural actives. Each product keeps your curls sleek and fresh, whether it’s hot and sweaty or cool and drizzly. It cleverly stops humidity in its tracks by first sealing and then shielding your curls. If the moisture in the air can’t easily get to your hair, there’s less need to fear humidity.

But how does this collection compare to our standard Bouclème range? 

Our core collection focuses on providing essential hydration and definition for everyday curlcare. Products like our Curl Cream and Curl Defining Gel contain beneficial ingredients, including humectants, that work wonderfully in balanced conditions to moisturise and define. They are your go-to for maintaining healthy, happy curls when the humidity isn’t trying to have its own way.

The Seal + Shield range, on the other hand, is your specialist for tackling high humidity. Its formulations are specifically designed to create a more robust barrier against external moisture. 

Think of it this way: your standard Bouclème routine is your everyday armour, while the Seal + Shield range is your designed weather shield for those particularly challenging, moisture-laden days. 

So, for everyday curl care, when the humidity level is low to moderate, stick with your trusted Bouclème core collection for cleansing, conditioning and styling. On high-humidity days, incorporate the Seal + Shield range into your routine. The Seal + Shield Conditioner, the Seal + Shield Curl Cream and the Seal + Shield Curl Defining Gel all work together to block humidity and maintain definition. 

Weatherproofing your curls: the best products for frizzy hair in humidity

We’ve made it super-simple for you and come up with the best way to beat humid weather with this easy four-step routine:

1. Cleanse

Refresh roots and revitalise curls with our Curl Cleanser. Our newly reformulated co-wash removes dirt and buildup while preserving your scalp’s natural oils.

2. Condition

Enrich your curls with Seal + Shield Curl Conditioner. Infused with vitamin B5, cupuacu butter and wheat bran extract, this lightweight conditioner controls frizz and keeps curls defined even when the air is thick with moisture.

3. Style

Our Seal + Shield Curl Cream contains marula oil to hydrate thirsty locks, keeping softness and shine while contributing to that crucial humidity barrier.

4. Hold

Maximise definition and lock in your products with Seal + Shield Curl Defining Gel. This glycerin-free gel, made from a plant-based sugar complex, offers ultimate weather protection, ensuring your carefully crafted curls stay put.

How do different curl types react to humidity?

Loose curls and waves: fine textures can gain definition from some humidity, but excess moisture quickly causes loss of shape.

Curls: the spiral structure makes them highly susceptible to humid conditions due to more exposed cuticles.

Tight curls and coils: prone to dryness and damage; they can swell significantly in high humidity, leading to disrupted patterns. Moisture is key, but not too much! It’s a delicate balance. 

Four essential tips for humidity defence

Beyond the right products, a few tweaks to your routine can significantly enhance your hair’s ability to handle humid weather. 

Cool rinse 

A final rinse with cooler water can help to seal the hair cuticle, making it less susceptible to absorbing moisture from the air.

Gentle drying is key

Ditch the terry towel for a soft jersey alternative (like our Curl Towel) or a cotton t-shirt to minimise friction and prevent cuticle disruption.

Avoid stepping out with damp hair

Make sure your hair is completely dry before stepping outside. Even partially damp hair means your cuticles are more open, making it more likely to puff up and absorb the moisture in the air. 

Be weather-wise 

Accept that a wash-and-go approach isn’t the most strategic manoeuvre for a damp day. When the humidity is high, but you’re short on time, embrace the chic practicality of a stylish ponytail, a sophisticated bun or some beautifully intricate braids.

Humidity doesn’t have to mean defeat for your curls. By understanding the science behind frizz, choosing the right Bouclème products – particularly our targeted Seal + Shield range for those high-moisture days – and incorporating these helpful hacks into your routine, you can confidently embrace your beautiful, defined curls – come rain or shine. 

Shop the Seal + Shield Range now.

We’ve put our new collection to the test with Gena Marie. Check out their thoughts on the Seal + Shield frizz control routine below.