The Best Anti-Humidity Hair Products To Pack For Your Tropical Vacay

Whether you're spending your summer on the beaches of Margate or jet-setting off to some far-flung, tropical locale, keeping frizz in check is often top of the hair agenda. But before we get into the best anti-humidity hair products, it's important to re-frame the frizz conversation.

For a long time, frizz was seen as something to 'tame', but it is actually completely natural occurrence and something that certain hair types experience more than others. 'Frizz is hair’s natural response to either humidity or a sign of damage or lack of moisture,' says Florence Johnson, co-owner of Simply Gorgeous Salon in North London.

Best anti-humidity hair products

• Best protector for curly hair: Bouclème Curl Defence Spray, £22
• Best for damaged curls: Aveda Be Curly Advanced Curl Perfecting Primer, £34
• The pro choice: Davines Oi All In One Milk, £27.75
• Best for fine hair: Living Proof No Frizz Instant De-Frizzer, £28
• Best for thick hair: Ouai Anti-Frizz Creme, £26

How to care for frizz for coily and curly hair

She continues: 'Coily, curly and wavy hair types are more prone to frizz due to the natural structure of the hair cuticles. The marketing around banishing frizz can make those who naturally have it feel as though their hair is something that constantly needs to be fixed, instead of seeing frizz as a natural characteristic of their hair type.'

To protect coily and curly hair from humidity, Johnson recommends using a bi-weekly or monthly hair mask to ' help maintain moisture levels, making it less prone to frizz'. Look for products containing hydrating ingredients such as glycerin, shea butter, jojoba oil, aloe vera and honey. Silicone-based styling products are useful too, as they 'coat the hair, thus forming a barrier that prevents moisture from getting in and frizzing,' she says, caveating that you should thoroughly wash with a clarifying shampoo after use. Black hair types will also benefit with protective styling - whether that's with twists, cornrows, braids or buns.

'Heat can worsen frizz. Protective styles are great as they keep your natural hair away from direct exposure to humidity, making it less likely to frizz,' offers Johnson.

How to manage frizz for straight and wavy hair

In high humidity, you might notice that your poker-straight hair can appear lacklustre. 'The moisture in the air causes the hair shaft to absorb water, leading to a flattening effect. This can release any underlying natural movement, especially if the hair is fine. Frizz and flyaways may become more noticeable if the smoothness of straight hair is disrupted,' says hairstylist and founder of Hare And Bone Salon, Sam Burnett.

Well-hydrated hair is less likely to absorb excess moisture, so he echoes Johnson's suggestion of incorporating deep conditioning treatments. Try one bi-weekly if you have fine hair, or weekly for drier hair types.

How to style your hair in humidity

It all starts in the shower with lightweight but hydrating shampoos and conditioner to replenish moisture without weighing the hair down. 'Leave-in conditioners will add moisture and help seal the cuticle, reducing the chance of frizz. Serums create a barrier around the hair shaft, preventing moisture from entering and causing frizz while humidity-resistant finishing sprays help lock in your style while shielding your hair from the effects of humidity,' Burnett tells ELLE.

That said, keep products minimal. 'Using too much can weigh your hair down and make it look greasy. A small amount of leave-in conditioner, followed by a light mist of anti-humidity spray, is often enough,' he says, recommending humidity-friendly hairstyles like braids and buns. 'Embrace your natural texture, air-dry or opt for a heat diffuser (to minimise damage and frizz).' If you must use a heat styler, make sure to prep with heat protector.

Regular trims will also keep frizz at bay as it takes away any damage or split ends. Burnett notes that touching your hair constantly can disrupt the natural hair pattern. Johnson agrees, adding: 'Sleep with a satin or silk scarf to avoid frizzing the hair in bed.'

What causes frizz?

The higher moisture content in humid weather can lead to frizz but you don't have to be on holiday for flyaways to happen. Heated styling tools can strip the hair off its natural moisture (fine hair is particularly susceptible to this as it is smaller in diameter and has lower protein content, says Burnett).

There are some easy steps to help manage. Burnett recommends sticking to a lower heat setting on your tools wherever possible. 'Fine hair doesn’t need as much heat to style effectively. Keep it at 150°C or lower to reduce the risk of damage,' suggests Burnett.

He also recommends taking stock of your hair tools. 'Invest in high-quality heat tools with ceramic or tourmaline plates as they distribute heat more evenly and help to smooth the hair cuticle, reducing the likelihood of frizz. A hair dryer with an ionic feature minimises frizz by breaking down water molecules and smoothing the hair,' he says. Finish your style with a light oil or serum on the ends to seal the cuticle and form a barrier against humidity.

Ahead, the best anti-humidity products for all hair types