Why Does Humid Air Make Hair Frizzy?

Humidity and Hair

You spend a decent amount of time to get your hair in perfect condition. You mousse and you gel. You curl and you tease. You use up half a can of hairspray to keep your style in place. And then it happens. You step outside, and humidity takes over. Some people will find that their hair will go completely straight, while others will find that it frizzes out beyond control. So what is a girl to do about the humidity? Hide inside forever? Some days, girls would love to, but let's face it, we just can't remain locked in our bathrooms to save our perfect style.

What Does Humidity Do to Hair?

Humidity, other than ruining a perfect creative hairstyle, is a naturally occurring weather phenomenon. We can't get rid of it, and we do need it. So what exactly does humidity do to hair? Humidity is water in the air in vapor form. When we walk outside with dry hair, the water vapor in the air is naturally attracted to the dryness. Hair will absorb and give off water throughout the day, which breaks the hydrogen molecule bonds in our hair. This is what causes our hairstyles to fall and frizz. Fine hair, when it is subjected to humid air, will absorb the moisture, causing it to go limp. The flatness is because of the weight of the water within the hair follicle. Courser hair will absorb water and expand, causing frizziness.

What Can Be Done For Humidity-driven Frizz?

Women will try to reinvent their hairstyles after the humidity hits, which actually works to their disadvantage. Combing and restyling hair will increase the frizziness. Daily use of heating elements and chemically processing hair will also increase its adverse reaction to humid air, because of the extreme dryness of the follicle. If your hair is dry, it will look for moisture to absorb, and humidity is happy to help. So what can a frizzy-headed fashion diva do? First, keep your hair moisturized. This will prevent over-absorption of water molecules by the hair follicles. Secondly, use products that are hydrophobic, that is, water-repellent. Products that include amino-silicones and cationic ingredients will help repel water in high-humidity environments, meaning you can keep your hair style and go outside too.