Summertime and the living is easy… unless, that is, you have curly hair! Depending on your hair type, summer travel and weather can present a host of challenges, from dips in the pool and UV exposure to high humidity. But the right products and techniques can keep your curls healthy and minimize styling challenges along the way.
1. Build a Foundation for Hydration
If you notice that your set isn’t going as far as it used to in the stickier seasons or that your curls seem frizzier, it may be time for a detox. Build-up, mineral deposits, and weathering can accumulate over time (especially if you swim in a chlorinated pool or travel in areas with hard or well water), making it more difficult for the hair to fully absorb and retain moisture. Detox treatments offer a reset for your curls, removing occlusive mineral deposits and other debris and allowing your moisturizing products to fully penetrate the cuticle for maximum moisture.
For best results, schedule a Moisture Detox™ with a licensed professional. Our signature treatment is calibrated to suit your porosity and texture to effectively remove build up and mineral deposits while creating long-lasting hydration and moisture retention. For at-home care, opt for chelating, clarifying, and hydrating treatments, such as Triple Threat™ Detox Shampoo and Hydrofuse™ Moisture Treatment Mask. These will leave your hair feeling refreshed and looking more defined. Regular treatments every four to eight weeks are recommended to optimize hair health.
2. Style On Soaking Wet Hair
It seems counterintuitive, but proactive hydration is your best friend in humidity! When hair is thoroughly and evenly hydrated, it is not as prone to frizzing out in humid weather. For high porosity hair types (your hair expands quickly and feels dryer in humid climates), we recommend avoiding glycerin-based moisturizers in favor of products that contain fewer active humectants.
Everyday Leave-in™ and Shape Shifter™ provide hydration without excess poof. Lower porosity types can benefit from humectant leave-ins during humid weather, as it helps to gently open the cuticle and allow hydration further into the hair. As a bonus, applying stylers on soaking wet curls ensures even product distribution, better clumping, and longer‑lasting definition.
3. Set & Protect
Extending your wash-and-go is all about strategic layering. Anti-humectant definers, like Mane Tame™ Frizz Control or Hold Up™ Defining Serum are like a topcoat for your hair – preserving wash day definition by locking out the environment. While these water-based products won’t survive full submersion in water, they are highly effective in high-humidity weather conditions.
To pool-proof your hair, oil-based sealants can supplement your swim cap by creating a waterproof lipid barrier on the outside of the cuticle. Hair Bling™ has the advantage of containing Mango Butter, a multi-tasking wonder that strengthens hair follicles, seals in moisture, and protects hair from UV radiation. Emollience™ pre-treatment is excellent as a pre-swim sealant for curls and protective styles.
4. Diffuse for Longevity
Air‑drying in humidity can cause your curls to expand before they set or expose them to unexpected outside disturbances. Summer road trip? Watch out for that car seat headrest. Diffusing helps to set curl patterns when they are at their most defined. Allow your gel cast (the ‘crunch’ you feel when your hair is fully dry) to open up naturally for maximum longevity.
5. Selectively Refresh
Keep in mind that frizz helps to build volume and can actually be an ally! If your hair starts to get frizzy, consider a curl-by-curl refresh on the outer-layers only. This quick and easy technique preserves volume while enhancing definition. We recommend carefully wetting (not dampening) target areas and lightly coating them with Just Gel™, a soft-hold, hydrating definer that works on most hair types. Smooth from roots to ends, making sure that your curls regroup into cohesive clumps. Diffuse dry to lock in the results.
By following these simple steps, you can your hair healthy, feel good about your curls, and focus on what matters most – enjoying your Summer!
