What Effect Does Humidity Have on Human Hair?

Humidity can make hair frizzy.

Humidity creates havoc on human hair. People who live in the southeast region of the United States know this better than anyone. Warm, moist air can cause human hair to be frizzy or weighed down, depending on the hair's texture.

Humidity

Humidity can be measured by how much water vapor is saturating the air. The more water vapor, the higher the humidity level.

Hair Hygrometer

In 1783, Horace-Benedict de Saussure discovered that humidity caused hair to lengthen. With this knowledge, he invented the Hair Hygrometer, a machine that measures humidity by reading the changes in a hair's length.

Hair Texture

Humidity causes thick, curly hair to frizz and become uncontrollable. Whereas thin, straight hair will become limp and weighed down.

Solutions for Limp Hair

To help give life to limp hair, start with a layered haircut. Layered hair naturally adds more bounce and is lighter. Also, use less hair products to decrease the weight of your hair.

Solutions for Frizzy Hair

To combat frizzy hair, keep your locks on the longer side. Long hair is heavier and won't frizz as much. Let your hair air dry instead of using a blow dryer. As a finishing touch, try an anti-frizz product to help tame your mane.

References

• HairFinder.com: Humid Weather Hear
• "Washington Post;" How Humid's That Air? Ask Your Hair; Ann Posegate; July 2008
• "USA Today;" How Humidity is Measured; Jack Williams; May 2005

Resources

• Ladies Home Journal: Humidity-Proof Your Hair