I’ll be real with you, dealing with flat hair in humidity is an ongoing battle. I’m constantly looking for new ways to fight the flatness. I even wrote a post last year about “how to stop your style from falling flat” and while that is still very useful, it’s more for days when your hair is very polished and properly styled. I want it to be nice and fluffy when I do a more tousled, effortless look too. So that’s what we’re here to talk about today.

Those of you with curly hair are probably wondering what the hell I’m talking about because your hair gets really big and fluffy in humidity. Fun fact, for those with straight, smooth textured hair it’s the opposite problem. The moist air can turn you into Morticia Addams real quick. Which is a fine look if you can rock it, but for me . . .it’s just not flattering. Maybe its the plump cheeks? I dunno.

So here are the steps I have been taking to help my hair stay fluffy throughout the day, even when it’s hot, sticky and humid out:

1. Selective Conditioning: Most of the time, when the air is chilly and dry (or even just mild and dry) I am all about using cleansing conditioners. They are gentle and keep your hair healthy and manageable and they cut a whole step put of your shower routine. But in the intense humidity I just can’t hack it - I have to switch back to real shampoo. Otherwise I end up washing my hair every day because it gets oily too quickly. Instead I opt to use a natural, sulfate free shampoo and a light conditioner and “selectively condition” my hair. (I like Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle) Basically what I mean is that I avoid putting conditioner on my roots like the plague, and instead put the majority of the conditioner in the “pony tail” section of my hair. I then take whatever is left on my hands and rub it in to the ends of the shorter layers in the font. When I first tried this I thought the top of my hair would be dry and gross, but it wasn’t at all! In the heat and humidity your scalp produces extra sweat and oils anyway, and it seems to me thats plenty for the immediate root area. I notice that my hair stays fluffy WAY longer when I do this.
2. Blow Dry Your Roots: Even if you are planning to let your hair air dry, it is very helpful to dry your roots with a blowdryer. When your hair air dries it never get’s quite as dry as it does when you use a blowdryer. Whiiiiich is probably healthier, but when the moisture and oils are coming back with a vengeance the way they are in warm, humid weather it’s better (volume-wise) to start your day with the root area as dry as possible. You can still let the rest of your hair air dry, just run the blowdryer through the roots, especially on the top of your head. You can even let the back part air dry if you really want, the top is most important.
3. Add Texture: It’s totally fine to want a laid back, effortless, beachy style in the summer months, but if you let your straight hair just be soft and clean the whole way through, then it’s going to get flat much faster. Using product to add texture will help it maintain some shape. What I do is apply my hair oil and styling cream as usual and then dry the roots like I mentioned above. When it is dry or almost dry I add a sea salt spray. I don’t apply it directly to the roots, but I start just below the crown and spray it from there all the way to the ends. Then I just scrunch it in with my hands a few times. My hair is very straight so this doesn’t make it really wavy, but it adds some shape and texture that seems to last through a warm sticky day.
4. Add MORE Texture: So the salt spray will add texture to the length of the hair, but what about the roots? They need some texture too. This solution is easy peasy, just use some dry shampoo! Even if your hair is freshly washed, adding dry shampoo will lend texture and volume. But that’s not all it will do, it will also absorb some of the onslaught of moisture and natural oils coming at your hair throughout the day, helping your hair stay fluffier longer.

As an example, yesterday I did all of these things to my hair and then went out about my business. It was super hot and muggy out, and I even took the dog for a long walk near the river (so humidity central basically)

I don’t know why I look grumpy here, but it was the only decent picture of my hair that I got so it is what it is, I guess! Grump-face aside, even well into the steamy afternoon it held up pretty well. I think I’m on to something with this little hair care recipe. If you have any tricks to avoid flat hair in humidity, please share with the class! (In the comments obviously) I’m sure we could all use some extra tricks to add to the arsenal. 🙂