On a hot and very humid summer holiday a couple years back in Barcelona, partner in crime Emma and I had a laugh over what we now describe as "Monica" hair. Which I sadly have. Monica was a character in U.S. sitcom Friends. Her and husband Chandler go to Barbados and once the humidity hits she loses complete control of her hair which so many women like me can relate to.
I have tried everything. Sadly with curly hair I will never have complete control in humid places but I do have a few tips that that will help. I always take these with me - even if it doesn't last all day or night it makes me feel better knowing they are around to touch up. Get a good pair - use as a curler to help define your curls.
Step 1 - Shampoo your hair with a good moisturising shampoo. Frizzy hair is often exacerbated by dryness so it's imperative to keep hair hydrated. A really good one I have used is Korres for dry hair (£8.00).
Step 2 - Condition your hair after every shampoo. Conditioner will help tame. Opt for a moisturising conditioner since it will be heavier and weigh your hair down a bit more.
Step 3 - End your shower by rinsing your hair with cool water. Hot water leads to further dryness and frizz. Cool water helps to seal the hair cuticle, making your hair look smoother.
Step 4 - Apply a good product such as Bumble & Bumble Calming Creme. Using a good product like this one helps to keep the frizzles at bay and define the curls.
Step 5 - Just give up blow drying and let it dry naturally. Apply a serum like Sebastians Taming Elixir.
I am not going anywhere hot in the near future but I know a lot of people are escaping the cold weather so let me know how you get on or any further tips are welcome!
I don't fight the curls anymore and agree 100% with the advice to step away from the hairdryer. Just blotting gently with a towel after washing helps too.
ReplyDeleteIn humid and sun-baked climates (south Florida and central Texas) the curl looked after itself (boing!) but certain products helped: the Kerastase Soleil range was very good for ocean-side living in FL. I swear by Aveda products too - not cheap but they are long-lasting and they work. My favorites: 'Brilliant' pomades - the anti-humectant variety repels humidity and the the other one keeps moisture in which was great for 24 hour a/c living.
'Light Elements' smoothing fluid, with lavender. Lighter than the pomade. Lasts a long time, just a few drops in the hand and smooth in.
And you know how the dye process traumatizes curly hair? Using Aveda hair color was one of those corny life-changing experiences for me. Swear I'm not being paid!