Have you ever taken a good time to wash, condition, and style your hair with care, only to find it turning into a frizzy disaster the instant you brush it? Summer humidity has a way of turning even the best hair days into puffy, unpredictable disasters. And while we often blame the weather, the real culprit might be your hair brush. It could be working against you during hot, humid months. But don’t worry, with a few smart swaps, you can tame the frizz and get the silky, smooth hair days you deserve.
In summer, excess moisture in the air makes hair strands swell, especially if the hair is dry, damaged, or naturally curly. The outer layer of your hair (the cuticle), opens up and lets the moisture in, which causes hair to puff up and frizz.
How Your Brush Makes It Worse
1. It’s Creating Static
Plastic or metal brushes produce static electricity, particularly on dry hair. Mix in humidity and it's a frizz-causing recipe. Static raises the hair cuticle, causing strands to zoom away from one another.
2. It’s Breaking Your Hair
Some brushes tug and pull, particularly if they're not to detangle or your hair is damp and sensitive. This causes breakage and split ends, which results in frizzy hair. According to a 2009 study, overbrushing hair can result in hair loss. It was observed that brushing hair less often decreased hair loss, which suggests an association between more frequent brushing and increased hair shedding.
3. It’s the Wrong Brush for Your Hair Type
Not all brushes are created equal. A paddle brush might be perfect for straight, long hair, but a disaster for curls. If you are not using the right type of brush, it’s like using a fork to eat soup; ineffective and messy.
Also Read: Brushing Hair Is Not A Simple Practice! Here Are Its Benefits And How to Do It Correctly
What to Use Instead (Frizz-Free Favorites)
1. Wide-Tooth Comb for Wet Hair
Always detangle damp hair with a wide-tooth comb, beginning at the ends and moving upwards. It's soft, minimises breakage and won't abrade the cuticle like a hard brush.
2. Boar Bristle Brush for Shine and Smoothness
Boar bristle brushes spread the natural oils from your scalp down to the tip, keeping the hair shaft moisturised and less likely to frizz. They are designed especially for taming flyaways on straight or mildly wavy hair.
3. Detangling Brushes with Flexible Bristles
These are ideal for all hair types in summer. They run through tangles instead of snapping strands. Find the ones made of flexible, bendy bristles that move with, not against, your hair.
4. Microfibre Towels Before You Brush
Although not a brush, this is still a crucial step. Rubbing your hair with a coarse towel produces friction, which roughens the cuticle and leads to frizz. Instead, gently blot your hair dry using a microfibre towel or a soft cotton T-shirt before brushing.
Also Read: These Tips To Comb Your Hair Can Boost Your Hair Growth
Bonus Tips to Beat the Frizz
- Use a leave-in conditioner or anti-frizz serum before brushing to provide slip and protection.
- Don’t brush curly or wavy hair dry. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb while the hair is damp and conditioned.
- Avoid over-washing as it can strip natural oils, making your hair more prone to frizz.
- Keep your brushes clean. Product buildup and oils can transfer back to your hair, causing greasiness and more frizz. A gentle shampoo once every couple of weeks should do the trick.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]