Taming summer frizz

I tend to hear this a lot: “Every summer, it seems like my hair has a mind of its own.”
No matter how much time I spend styling it, the heat and humidity quickly turn it into a frizzy mess. While it can be frustrating, there are several reasons why hair tends to become frizzy during the summer months.

The biggest reason is humidity. Hair is naturally porous, which means it can absorb moisture from the air. During the summer, especially in areas with high humidity, there is a lot of moisture in the atmosphere. When dry or damaged hair absorbs this extra moisture, the hair shaft swells and the outer layer of the hair, called the cuticle, lifts up. This creates the rough, puffy appearance we know as frizz.

Another reason hair becomes frizzy is exposure to the sun. Just like skin, hair can be damaged by ultraviolet, or UV, rays. Spending time outdoors without protecting the hair can dry it out and weaken the cuticle. When the hair becomes dry, it seeks moisture from the environment, making it even more susceptible to frizz.

Summer activities can also contribute to the problem. Swimming in pools exposes hair to chlorine, while swimming in the ocean exposes it to salt water. Both can strip the hair of its natural oils and leave it feeling dry and brittle. Hair that lacks moisture is more likely to react to humidity and become frizzy.

Frequent washing during the summer can make matters worse as well. Many people wash their hair more often because of sweat and outdoor activities. While keeping hair clean is important, overwashing can remove the natural oils that help keep hair smooth and protected. Without those oils, the hair becomes drier and more prone to frizz.

Hair texture also plays a role. Curly and wavy hair types tend to be more susceptible to frizz because their natural shape makes it harder for oils from the scalp to travel down the hair shaft. As a result, these hair types often need extra moisture and protection during humid weather.

Although summer frizz can be annoying, it is especially challenging here because of the salty air. Understanding its causes can help people manage it. Using moisturizing products, limiting heat styling, protecting hair from the sun and avoiding excessive washing can all help keep hair smoother throughout the season. While frizz may never disappear completely, a little extra care can make summer hair much easier to handle.

Joy Ross is the owner of Style It Salon. styleitsalon.com, 843-338-1530.