The one thing worse than the unforgiving summer is the unbearable humidity. The havoc of frizz and loss of volume is enough to bring down the vibe of the day but it's the hair fall that acts as the final straw.
However, humidity is not new, and the endless saga of changed texture doesn't have to dim the shine of a new day! To make your locks healthy, smooth, and manageable, Dr. Sukansha Kulshreshtha, Consultant cosmetologist, IFAM Institute, recommends a few essential dos and don’ts.
Say No to Heavy Oily Products, Advises Dr. Sukansha
It is a no-brainer that greasy and thick products should be a big no-no during humid weather. They lock in humidity, dragging your hair with them, causing your hair to feel oily and flat.
What to Avoid:
- Thick oils and hair butters
- Petroleum-based styling creams
- Heavy mousses and creamy waxes
Try: Light serums or water-based leave-ins that provide hydration without buildup.
Don’t Rub Your Hair With A Towel
One of the most overlooked reason of brittle and broken hair is the tug and pull caused during drying your hair. The wet hair are most fragile and even little pulling can break them in helf causing split ends, frizzy hair and loss of shine.
According to Dr Sukansha, “Aggressively rubbing your hair with a towel can cause breakage and frizz.”
Pro-tip: Use a micro-fibre towel or an old cotton t-shirt to dry your hair by simply blotting it.
Overstyling is Causing More Harm than Good: Dr Sukanshha
While humidity is resilient, we often turn to styling to look a little better or maybe to just fix our hair. But the straightener, curler and even blowing drying your hair with hot air can damage the hair. The quick drying might give an instant blow-out but in the long-run it wekans the roots.
As per Dr. Sukansha, “Humidity and heat styling are a disastrous combo. Blow-drying or straightening in this weather only damages your strands more, as moisture in the air reverses all the styling within minutes.”
Risks of Overstyling and Tips to Control It:
Risks:
- Frizz becomes unmanageable
- Hair loses moisture
- Cuticles stay lifted and exposed
Tips:
- Let your hair air-dry or style it into heat-free protective hairstyles like buns, braids, or twists.
- Keep your hair hydrated by properly hydrating yourself.
- Invest in a good leave-in conditioner.
- Lastly, avoid hot water showers.
Read The Label Carefully
While shampoo and conditioner are the utmost important to maintain hair hygiene, choosing the right ingredients is also paramount. As the market is filled with countless products, it becomes difficult to choose the right ones for your hair.
We asked Dr Sukansha what to look for in our hair care products and what to avoid. She answered, “Just like skin, hair also comes in different shapes and sizes, and colors. But before identifying the right products, we should know our hair type. Some of the most common hair types and their problems include:
Curly hair: Humidity can enhance curl definition, but excessive humidity can lead to frizz and unmanageability.
Straight hair: Humidity can cause straight hair to become frizzy, limp, or develop unwanted texture.
Dry hair: dryness and breakage can occur if not properly moisturised.
Oily hair: leads to unwanted textures, resulting in frizz and fall out.
What helps:
- Use humidity-resistant products (serums, creams, masks)
- Moisturize regularly Use leave-in conditioners or curl enhancers
- Tie your hair up into a braid or bun to limit exposure
Bonus Tips:
- Trim regularly: Regular trims can help prevent split ends.
- Use sulfate-free products to protect the natural texture of hair.
- During humid weather, apply a leave-in conditioner or curl activator to enhance definition.
- Use a lightweight serum or oil to control frizz and add shine.
Don’t Skip Basic Hair Hygiene
Just like your skin, your hair also needs to be cleaned from dirt and buildup, especially during the humid season. As the humid season brings more sebum production and sweat, it is important to prevent hair follicles from clogging and creating a playground for dandruff and itching.
Dr Sukansha Approved Haircare Steps:
- Wash regularly with gentle, sulfate-free shampoo.
- Condition thoroughly after every wash
- Avoid using rainwater—it’s often acidic and can damage hair texture
- Trim your hair every 6–8 weeks to prevent split ends
- Keep your hair tied during the day to reduce friction and exposure
Humidity Havoc: Roots at Risk
Frizz isn’t just annoying, it's weakening. The excess moisture mixed with excess oil and sebum production becomes an alarming sign of weakened hair structure. When the bonds in your hair strands break due to heat, humidity, or chemicals, it leads to dullness, dryness, and eventually, fallout.
ALSO READ: https://www.onlymyhealth.com/how-to-prevent-hair-breakage-during-monsoon-humidity-1722405196
How to Protect?
“Use lightweight oil or serum to add shine and nourishment. Ingredients like argan oil, jojoba, or vitamin E protect and nourish the hair and seal in moisture to protect your hair from humidity damage,” said Dr Sukansha.
Final Word: Let Your Hair Shine with Care!
Humidity is unavoidable, but its damage can be controlled. From using the right hair care products to choosing the right habits, your hair can shine even on cloudy days. Drop the heavy products, avoid the heat, and say yes to gentle care. Your hair will thank you, and you’ll finally stop dreading those sticky summer days.