I've been embracing my naturally curly texture for over a decade now (I was 18 the last time I got a relaxer), and while I've put maximum effort into my natural hair routine over the years to ensure my curls stay healthy, hydrated, and springy, I also love a good silk press every once in a while. That said, there's nothing quite as disappointing as receiving a stellar silk press or blowout at the salon (or giving yourself one at home) only to be betrayed by the elements the moment you step outside, where humidity causes your once-silky tresses to expand and transform into a head full of frizz and flyaways.
At one point, this was my perpetual dilemma. I get my hair professionally straightened every two to three months, but before I finally narrowed down a routine to keep my hair straight and frizz-free for as long as possible, my silk presses would only last a few days before quickly succumbing to even the smallest amount of humidity.
I know it's impossible to avoid my hair reverting in the rain (or any other extremely wet condition), but I can at least count on the below routine to keep my straight hair looking fresh for up to two weeks in moderately humid weather. These are my 10 go-to products for a humidity-proof hair routine.
Don’t Skip On Moisture
Your hair is more likely to frizz up from humidity when it’s already dry in the first place, since your parched strands will want to draw in any bit of moisture that’s in the air. A good humidity-proof routine starts with shampoos and conditioners that hydrate from the inside out.
A shampoo that cleanses and moisturizes at the same time may seem counterintuitive, but this one is made with oils like argan and babassu to add moisture back into dry hair. It also features ceramides that work to smooth out each individual hair strand and increase hair shine.
This sulfate-free formula is a great option for already dry hair since it gently cleanses away dirt, flakes, and build-up while moisturizing with jojoba oil.
This conditioner specifically targets frizz, and it uses a blend of three oils—rosehip, argan, and coconut—to seal moisture into the hair and make your strands feel smoother.
My textured hair is very prone to dryness, and for that reason, I’m a huge fan of Amika’s Hydro Rush collection. This deep conditioner features ultra-moisturizing hyaluronic acid and squalane as its star ingredients, and it’s meant to moisturize the hair more intensely than the collection's traditional conditioner while addressing other issues like split ends and breakage.
Anti-Frizz Products Are a Must
You can’t put together a routine that combats humidity and frizz without anti-frizz products. These picks in particular are heat-activated and are specially-formulated to make blowouts and silk presses last longer.
This product gives me two benefits for the price of one: It's a heat protectant that also blocks humidity and water from the atmosphere from entering the strand and causing frizz. Apply before heat styling your hair to get the best effect.
This leave-in conditioner is like a barrier for the hair: It locks in moisture while ensuring that your silk press or blowout stays glassy and straight for up to three days after use.
The Right Heat Tools Matter
There’s no shortage of options out there in terms of heat tools that blow dry, straighten, curl, and more, but the right tools will do all of the above while giving your hair a smooth, glossy finish that actually lasts. These are my personal favorites.
Sure, it's a pretty big investment, but it's worth it since it dries my hair fast and leaves me with very minimal frizz and flyaways.
I've had several hairstylists sing the praises of this flat iron while using it to straighten my thick, type 4 hair. Not many other tools have gotten my hair as glassy and bone straight as this one has, and the titanium plates really make a difference in creating that super-sleek finish. (Note: Titanium tools can be a little harsh on the hair and make it more susceptible to heat damage, so make sure you're using a heat protectant and applying minimal heat after your initial press.)
Protection From the Elements
Once my hair is perfectly pressed, I like to make sure I'm protecting it from the elements as much as possible by wrapping it up before I go to bed at night and concealing it with a plastic cap any time I shower to block steam from getting in.
I learned very quickly that the best way to ensure my straight hair stays silky for as long as possible is to wrap it and cover it with a netted cap. I often sweat in my sleep, but this allows my scalp to breathe and keeps my hair out of my face without causing me to overheat at night.
Of course, you'll need a good shower cap to protect your hair from steam. This one is lined with cotton, but it still allows your hair to breathe, so you don't have to worry about scalp sweat causing a problem either.
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