Have you ever had perfect hair at home only to leave the house and find it’s become a hot mess? Summer can wreak havoc on your hair, bringing many warm weather woes, from falling flat to scorched strands. However, the most common and dreaded dilemma is an unruly and frizzy mane! 

The struggle is all too real for those who have tried an array of tactics to tame their flyaways. If you feel like you’ve tried everything, you’re not alone. Most of us have attempted to battle frizz with little success.

Luckily, we’re bringing in an expert to help to restore your hair's smoothness and manageability. The expertise of beauty professionals can provide valuable insights and tailored solutions, considering your hair's unique texture, type, and specific needs.

By consulting an expert, you gain access to personalized recommendations and techniques based on years of experience and a deep understanding of all things hair. This can guide you in choosing the right products to combat frizz and achieve smoother, more manageable hair during the sweltering heat.

Understanding frizzy hair and warm weather

First, let’s start with how and why frizz forms in warm, especially humid weather. It has to do with how porous the cuticle is and the moisture imbalance between the cuticle and the air. When the air is humid, hair absorbs excess moisture from the air, causing the cuticle, the outer layer of the hair, to lift and swell. Consequently, the hair loses its smooth surface and becomes more susceptible to frizz.

People with curly or wavy hair, which are naturally more porous, experience pronounced frizz as the lifted cuticles lead to uncontrolled curls and volume. Even straight hair is not exempt, as humidity can cause irregular waves or kinks. Dry or chemically treated hair is also more prone to frizz in humid conditions. 

Different hair types face specific challenges, and understanding these factors can help you choose the right approach to combat frizz.

Expert insight

Meet our esteemed beauty industry expert, Roseann Fernandez. She comes with years of experience under her belt, leading innovation in haircare at renowned brands, such as L'Oreal, Matrix, and Paul Mitchell, to name a few. We’re excited to share Roseann’s personal tips and tricks, catered to every hair type for your best hair day yet.

Defrizz tips

When talking to Roseann, she shared her favorite combo using two Hair La Vie products, Nº 77 Leave-In and our Hair La Vie Serum. This unique blend, packed with keratin, silk amino acids, and argan oil, will help lock in moisture and protect against heat and humidity. You can cocktail these two in many different ways, but here is her step-by-step routine for different hair types.

Fine, thin hair

On towel-dried hair, apply the leave-in spray and use a dime-sized amount of serum before blow-drying.

After a blow dry, apply Hair La Vie Dry Shampoo to your roots and flip your head upside down, and hit with a shot of hot air to lock in your volume. 

Lastly, finish your look with your favorite hair spray and a cool shot from the dryer.

Medium-texture hair

With towel-dried hair, spray hair with leave-in and use a nickel-sized amount of hair serum before blow-drying. 

After blowing dry, add another small pump of serum and lightly apply the product from the back of your head to the front. 

Finish with a spray of hairspray and a shot of cool air from the blow-dryer. If traveling in humidity, use a silk scrunchy in a low ponytail, and once you’re in AC, take the ponytail out.

Thick/coarse texture

Deep condition your hair with a hydrating mask like the Hair La Vie Mask, and then towel dry your hair. 

Apply leave-in spray focusing on ends to roots and a quarter size of serum before blowing dry. 

After blow drying, apply a dime-sized amount of serum from the back of your head—ends first to the front. Use a styling iron for more de-frizzing, and apply a small pump of serum after. 

Finish with an extra hold hairspray and a shot of cool air from the blow-dryer. If traveling in a humid environment, use a silk scrunchy in a low ponytail, and once you’re in AC, take the ponytail out.

An essential warm-weather haircare routine

One thing is clear, while you can't minimize the moisture in the air on a humid summer's day, you can apply enough moisture to your hair so it doesn't absorb as much elsewhere. As mentioned above, the importance of adding extra hydration into your routine and protecting your hair is key.

Cleansing and conditioning

These haircare essentials, starting with basics, serve as the foundation of an effective frizz-fighting routine. 

A good shampoo like Hair La Vie Shampoo gently cleanses the hair and scalp without stripping the hair, which can contribute to frizz. Meanwhile, a hydrating conditioner like Hair La Vie Conditioner restores moisture to the hair, creating a protective barrier against humidity. Additionally, they help enhance the hair's ability to retain hydration and prepare it for easy styling. 

Over time, using a high-quality shampoo and conditioner promotes healthier hair that is more resistant to frizz.

Styling and maintenance

Opt for protective hairstyles to keep your hair tucked away and shielded from environmental factors. Consider styles such as:

♦ Low bun or chignon: Secure your hair in a low bun or chignon at the nape of your neck. This neat style keeps the hair in place, minimizing frizz and flyaways for a polished look.

♦ Braids: Braids are a fantastic way to control frizz and keep your hair looking on-trend. Opt for classic, fishtail, or French braids for a summery bohemian look.

♦ Top knot or messy bun: Embrace the top knot or messy bun for a chic yet effortless look. Use a gentle hair tie like a scrunchie and avoid pulling your hair too tight to minimize frizz.

♦ Ponytail with a silk scarf: The ponytail will keep hair off your neck, minimizing sweat, and the scarf acts as a barrier to humidity. 

In warmer months, minimize the use of hot tools for styling, and try simple air-dry methods to keep cool and maintain hydration. Try to use a softer microfiber towel or a soft t-shirt to dry your hair. To reduce friction, don't rub your towel into your wet hair. Instead, use a gentle pressure method called hair plopping to blot hair dry and define curls. 

Final thoughts

Armed with the right knowledge, you can keep unruly locks at bay! Expert-approved techniques and nourishing your hair with the right products are key to maintaining a smooth and frizz-free mane. With these tips in your arsenal, you can face any climate while managing your hair like a pro.