Tips For Managing Hair And Taming Frizz In Humid Weather

Whether you’re living in the tropical climate of Cairns or holidaying on the Whitsundays, humidity can turn even meticulously styled hair into frizz. From tropical storms to Sydney drizzle – whether your hair is straight, wavy, curly, or coily – the struggle is real. But fear not, with a little bit of knowhow and the right tools and products, you can rescue your hair from frizz and flyaways, ensuring good hair days in any weather.

HAIR TIPS FOR HUMID WEATHER: KEY TAKEAWAYS

Invest in high-quality anti-frizz serums and leave-in conditioners to keep hair smooth and manageable.
Choose humidity-resistant hairstyles like braids, buns, or ponytails that hold up well in humid conditions.
Apply a heat protectant before using styling tools to shield hair from humidity-induced damage.
Avoid heavy creams and gels that can weigh hair down and make frizz worse.
Ensure hair is fully dry before stepping outside to prevent moisture absorption and frizz.
Keep hair hydrated and healthy with regular deep conditioning treatments.
Use silk or satin pillowcases and hair bobbles to reduce friction and frizz overnight.
Lower the temperature of heat styling tools to prevent damage and maintain hair's natural moisture balance.

UNDERSTANDING HAIR AND HUMIDITY

What is humidity?

Humidity happens when the sun can’t evaporate and we're left with damp, sticky air that loves to mess with our hair. Here in Australia, humidity varies a lot depending on where you are. Up north in places like Cairns and Darwin, it's super humid and tropical, especially during the wet season. On the east coast, spots like Brisbane get that sticky subtropical feel. Head inland to central Australia, and you'll find dry heat with low humidity.

Down south, cities like Adelaide and Perth enjoy a Mediterranean climate with moderate humidity, while Sydney and Melbourne have a more balanced, temperate vibe. So, whether it's tropical, subtropical, dry, or temperate, there's always the chance of your hair becoming frizzier than you’d like.

But it’s not just humidity, rainy days and mist we have to contend with – think saunas, steam rooms, and misty post-shower bathrooms. Our hair can even go frizzy because of excess sweat generated after exercise – humidity is everywhere and can occur every day, wherever you are.

Why does my hair go frizzy in humid weather?

Your hair gets frizzy in humid weather because the extra moisture in the air disrupts the hydrogen bonds in your hair's keratin structure. Hair loves to soak up water, so when it's humid, the hair shaft swells and the cuticle lifts, causing your hair to lose its shape and become extra curly or wavy. If your hair is naturally curly or wavy, or if it's damaged, you're more likely to experience frizz.

Why does my hair go puffy in humid weather?

If you have type 1 (straight) or type 2 (wavy) hair, you may experience puffiness in humid weather. This is because hair soaks in moisture from the air when it’s humid, which causes the hair shaft to swell, leading to an increase in volume at the roots.

Why does my hair go greasy in humid weather?

High humidity can trigger the scalp to produce more sebum – a natural oily substance by your sebaceous gland, designed to protect and hydrate your skin. Excess sebum can result in a greasy scalp and can cause your hair to lie flatter and appear duller.

Why am I shedding hair in humid weather?

Humidity itself doesn’t directly cause hair loss, but the repeated swelling and shrinking of hair cuticles due to humidity can make your hair weaker, and possibly lead to more shedding. Hair tends to shed at the same rate throughout the year, depending on where your hair is in its hair growth cycle. It may be a coincidence that you’re noticing more hair in the shower drain, and not down to humidity itself. Another reason why you might appear to be shedding hair in humid weather could be simply that you’re wearing a more relaxed ‘holiday’ hairstyle, with waves or curls on show. The natural shedding that your hair does during the day may not fall out as easily and is rinsed off your head in the shower instead.

Find out more about seasonal shedding.

Why does my curly hair go frizzy in humid weather?

Curly hair tends to be on the drier side because those gorgeous twists and turns make it harder for natural oils to travel down the strands. Now, add in high porosity hair, where the cuticle layer is more open, and you've got a recipe for frizz. In humid and heavy air, your hair soaks up all that moisture like a sponge, causing the cuticle to swell up and the strands to rebel by going frizzy.

Why does my fine hair go limp in humid weather?

Fine hair tends to have low porosity, meaning the cuticle layer is more closed and doesn't absorb moisture easily. So, instead of soaking up all that extra moisture in humid conditions, your fine hair appears to deflate. The moisture in the air weighs down your hair, making it look flat and lifeless – so while everyone else's hair might be going wild with frizz, yours may be dull and lacking volume.

BEST HAIR PRODUCTS FOR HUMID WEATHER

To protect your hair from the effects of humidity, it’s best to moisturise it from the inside out. We’ve lined up some product ideas to help boost your hair’s resilience to humidity.

Shampoo

A cleansing, but hydrating, shampoo is the perfect start to your humidity-beating routine. Shampoo twice to fully cleanse your scalp, removing any excess sebum or sweat generated in humid weather.

Conditioner

A nourishing, hydrating conditioner like CLOUD NINE’s Magical Remedy is an important step towards helping your hair stay frizz-free in humid weather. We recommend squeezing excess water out of your hair in the shower before applying conditioner, then leaving it for 3-4 minutes to really soak into the hair shaft before rinsing.

Intensive hydrating mask

If your hair is especially dry or frizzy, it may be in need of an intensive mask treatment to inject a moisture boost. Our Magical Remedy works wonders as a hair mask – its nourishing ingredients can revive dry hair if left for around 15 minutes and then rinsed out. For ultra dry hair, use it as a leave-in conditioner to help flatten those cuticles and protect them from humidity.

Serums and gels

Apply a small amount of a light hair serum or gel to help prevent frizz in humid weather. Serums and gels work by forming a protective barrier around each strand, sealing the cuticle to lock in moisture and keep out excess humidity.

Natural oils

Natural oils like argan, coconut, jojoba, and almond are great for protecting hair from humidity and preventing frizz. Argan oil smooths and shields the cuticle, coconut oil provides deep conditioning, jojoba oil balances natural scalp oils, and almond oil strengthens and seals the hair. Using one of these oils as a leave-in treatment or pre-wash conditioner can keep your hair smooth and manageable even in humid weather.

Heat protectant

If you’re using heated styling tools on your hair (hairdryers, straighteners or curling wands), it’s vital that you use a heat protectant like our Magical Potion. Heat protectants are packed with nourishing ingredients that help nourish each hair strand and smooth down the cuticle layers for a glossier finish.

STYLING TIPS FOR MANAGING DIFFERENT HAIR TYPES IN HUMID WEATHER

Whatever your hair type, whatever the occasion, it’s likely that humidity will have some form of impact on your hair. Whether you’ve got unruly type 2 (wavy) hair that you need to stay sleek for a wedding, type 3 curls that go puffy by the pool, or type 4 coils that have a tendency to fluff in damp air, we’ve rounded up our top tips for managing your hair type in humid conditions.

Find out what kind of hair you have by checking out our expert’s guide to hair types.

Humidity tips for straight hair (type 1)

Dealing with straight hair in humid weather can be quite the challenge, but with a few savvy tips and the right tools, you can keep your hair looking sleek and fabulous, even in tropical climates where humidity is off the scale.

Go for regular trims: Keep your hair trimmed regularly to help prevent split ends to keep your hair looking healthy and neat when humidity hits. Split ends can make your hair appear frizzy, which is the last thing you need in humid weather. Aim for a trim every 6-8 weeks to maintain a fresh, tidy look.
Avoid over-washing: Washing your hair too often can strip it of its natural oils, which are essential for keeping your hair smooth and frizz-free. Try to limit your washes to two or three times a week. If your hair tends to get oily, consider using a dry shampoo between washes to keep it fresh without over-washing.
Keep brushing to a minimum: Brushing your hair too much, or too vigorously, can cause frizz and breakage, especially in humid weather. Instead, try using a brush with soft nylon bristles like our Luxury Dressing Brush, which is gentle on your hair and helps distribute natural oils from your scalp to the ends of your hair, adding natural shine and smoothness.
Use a heat protectant: Before you even think about applying heat to your hair, always use a heat protectant like our Magical Potion, which creates a barrier between your hair and the heat to keep your hair healthy and smooth. Spritz it evenly throughout your hair before using any heated styling tools, including the hairdryer.
Use straighteners with adjustable temperature settings: For straightening, use straighteners with Variable Temperature Control like our Original Iron. Its mineral-infused Floating Ceramic Plates heat up quickly and evenly, allowing you to straighten your hair with just one pass. Coupled with its innovative Revive Mode™, this means less time exposing your hair to heat, less risk of damage and less chance of frizz. But before picking up the straighteners, make sure you know the optimum temperature for your hair type by using our Temperature Calculator.
Use straighteners with adjustable heat setting and ceramic plates, even on holiday: If you’re planning to take a hol to a humid spot, the Cordless Iron is a must-have. It’s lightweight and portable, making it perfect for on-the-go styling. The Cordless Iron’s Floating Ceramic Plates, Revive Mode™ and Variable Temperature Control allow you to straighten your hair or create beachy waves while keeping your look as healthy as possible.
Apply an anti-frizz serum: Apply a lightweight anti-frizz serum or try a small amount of our Magical Remedy after styling to keep frizz and flyaways at bay.

Humidity tips for wavy hair (type 2)

Wavy hair has its own unique needs, and with the right tips and products, you can keep those beautiful waves looking their best even when the humidity is off the scale.

Embrace the humidity: Wavy hair can often be more prone to frizz in humid weather, but the key is to work with the humidity, not against it. Celebrate your hair’s natural texture by using a hydrating shampoo and conditioner designed for wavy hair and resist the temptation to straighten your waves.
Use a styling cream for frizz control: Our Magical Remedy is a lifesaver when it comes to keeping frizz at bay. After washing and lightly towel-drying your hair, apply a pea-sized amount of Magical Remedy to your waves to help define them and keep the frizz under control without weighing your hair down.
Scrunch and style: Once your hair is dry, scrunch in a bit more of the Magical Remedy to enhance and define your waves. This will give you that effortless, tousled look that’s perfect for beachy vibes. Avoid brushing your hair, as this can disrupt your wave pattern and create frizz. Instead, use your fingers to gently separate and style your waves.
Use a curling wand for perfect waves: For those days when you want to perfect your beachy waves, our Curling Wand is your go-to tool. The Curling Wand has a mineral-infused barrel that’s kinder to your hair, ensuring even heat distribution to keep your hair healthy. Plus, it features Variable Temperature Control, so you can adjust the heat to suit your hair type and the humidity level. Make sure you use our Temperature Calculator before styling your hair to work out the ideal heat setting for your hair type.
Use lightweight products for hold: Choose lightweight styling products that won’t weigh your hair down. A sea salt spray or a light mousse can add texture and hold without making your hair feel sticky or crunchy.

Humidity tips for curly hair (type 3)

Instead of fighting the humidity, it’s all about embracing and enhancing your natural curls. Here’s how you can maintain your curls and style them beautifully in humid conditions.

Celebrate your natural curls: Humidity can actually enhance your curl pattern if you know how to work with it. It’s not about flattening or smoothing your hair all the time – sometimes, it’s about rocking the natural volume and bounce your curls provide.
Keep your curls hydrated: Hydration is key for curly hair, especially in humid weather. Start with a curl-friendly moisturising shampoo and conditioner to keep your curls hydrated, defined and frizz-free.
Use a frizz control cream: After washing your hair, apply a small amount of a frizz control cream like our Magical Remedy to your wet curls before diffusing to help define your curls, reduce frizz, and add a touch of hold without weighing your hair down in the humidity.
Use a diffuser to define your curls: For a bouncier curl, use a hairdryer with a diffuser attachment. Our Airshot Pro comes with a magnetic diffuser attachment which helps to evenly distribute heat and reduce frizz, giving you defined, bouncy curls. To use, tilt your head to the side and cup sections of your hair with the diffuser, scrunching gently to encourage curl formation. Check out our blog on how to use a diffuser for more tips.
Use silk scrunchies and protective hairstyles: Silk scrunchies are a must-have for anyone with curly hair, especially in humid weather. They’re gentle on your hair and help to reduce breakage and frizz. Use them to create protective hairstyles like loose buns or pineapple updos to keep your curls intact and frizz-free while you sleep or go about your day.

How to keep curly hair straight in humid weather

Keeping curly hair straight in humid weather can feel like a never-ending battle, but with the right strategies and tools, you can win the war against frizz and unwanted kinks.

Start with a smoothing shampoo and conditioner: The foundation of straight hair starts in the shower. Use a shampoo and conditioner designed to control frizz and add moisture. This will help tame your curls and prepare your hair for straightening. Look for products that specifically mention humidity resistance.
Towel dry with care: When you step out of the shower, be gentle with your hair. Patting rather than rubbing helps keep your hair smooth and ready for straightening.
Apply a heat protectant: Create a barrier between the hair shaft and the heat from your hairdryer and straighteners by spritzing a heat protectant on first. Our Magical Potion is the perfect heat protectant for curly hair as it’s packed full of natural oils, amino acids, keratin, and collagen.
Apply a smoothing cream: Our Magical Remedy is a must-have for keeping curly hair straight in humid weather. Apply a small amount to your damp hair. This product helps to seal the hair cuticle, locking in moisture and keeping out humidity. It also provides a bit of heat protection, which is essential for the next steps.
Blow dry with a paddle brush: Blow drying is key to achieving straight hair if it’s naturally curly. Use a paddle brush and the Airshot Pro hair dryer with its concentrator nozzle. Work in sections, keeping the dryer’s nozzle pointing downward to smooth the hair cuticle to straighten your hair while adding shine.
Use straighteners with an adjustable heat setting: Curly hair is naturally more delicate than straight or wavy hair, so you need to pick straighteners with Variable Temperature Control like our Wide Iron. This flat iron is perfect for achieving sleek, straight hair because it comes with our signature Revive ModeTM and Axial VibrationTM technology, meaning hair is in contact with the heated plates for less time, promoting health and shine. Remember to use the CLOUD NINE Temperature Calculator before styling to make sure you’re using the optimum temperature for your hair type.
Finish with an anti-frizz serum, gel or spray: Once you’ve straightened your hair, lock in that sleek look with a serum, gel or spray. A lightweight serum or gel will add shine and keep your hair smooth, while an anti-frizz spray provides an extra layer of protection against humidity.

Humidity tips for coily hair (type 4)

Managing coily type 4 hair in humid weather can be a bit of a challenge, but with the right care and products, you can keep your curls defined, hydrated, and frizz-free.

Use a deep conditioner: Type 4 hair thrives on moisture, and this is especially true in humidity. Start with a deeply hydrating shampoo and conditioner designed for coily hair that won’t strip it of its natural oils.
Use a leave-in conditioner or curl cream: After washing, apply a curl-enhancing cream or leave-in conditioner like our Magical Remedy while your hair is still damp to lock in moisture and define your curls.
Diffuse to define your coils: For added bounce and definition, dry your coily hair with a hairdryer that has a diffuser attachment like our Airshot Pro, which can help you achieve beautifully defined curls without the frizz. Check out our guide on how to use a diffuser for tips on how to use a diffuser for maximum results.
Use protective hairstyles: Protective styles are a fantastic way to keep your delicate coils safe from humidity-induced frizz. Styles like twists, braids, and bantu knots not only look fabulous but also protect your hair from the elements. These styles help to retain moisture and reduce the risk of breakage. If your coils are type 4c, head to our guide to 4c hair for caring and styling tips.
Care for your coils at night: Sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and prevent frizz. Alternatively, the ‘pineapple’ hairstyle – where you gather your hair at the top of your head – can help protect your curls while you sleep. Secure your hair loosely with a silk scrunchie to avoid any dents or breakage.

Frizzy hair

Dealing with frizzy hair in humid conditions can be tricky, but here are three fresh tips that can help you tame the frizz and keep your hair looking smooth and sleek.

Give your hair a cool rinse at the end of your shower: Finishing your shower with a cool (not cold) 30 second rinse can make a big difference in managing frizz. Cool water helps to seal the hair cuticle, locking in moisture and reducing the likelihood of frizz.
Avoid touching your hair throughout the day: One of the easiest ways to combat frizz in humid weather is to resist the temptation to touch your hair throughout the day. Constantly running your fingers through your hair can disturb the hair cuticle, leading to frizz and flyaways. Instead, try to leave your hair undisturbed as much as possible. If you need to adjust your style, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingertips to gently smooth down any unruly strands.
Sleep in a hair mask: Give your hair some extra love with a preventative overnight treatment using coconut oil. This deeply moisturising oil helps seal the hair cuticle, keeping frizz at bay before it even begins. Simply warm a small amount of coconut oil in your palms, then apply it evenly throughout your hair, paying extra attention to the ends and areas prone to frizz. Cover your hair with a shower cap or silk scarf to protect your pillowcase while you sleep, then rinse out the oil in the morning with your regular shampoo and conditioner routine.

Read our guide to managing frizzy hair for more ideas.

Puffy hair

To prevent your hair from becoming puffy in humid conditions, focus on techniques and products that help to control frizz and maintain your hair’s natural texture. Here’s a trio of tips to help you keep the puffiness at bay:

Use protective hairstyles: Protective styles like braids, twists, buns, or ponytails can keep your hair contained and protected from humidity – minimising exposure to moisture and reducing the risk of puffiness and frizz.
Use silk hair products: Silk scrunchies are a kinder, snag-free way to secure your hair. Silk or satin headbands can help disguise puffiness around the hairline too.
Apply an anti-frizz cream: Packed with hydrating ingredients like oils and silicone, anti-frizz creams can coat each strand of hair, creating a protective shield against the moisture in the air. A small amount of Magical Remedy can be applied before or after styling to help keep puffiness at bay.

Hair loss

If you’re experiencing or concerned about hair loss, check out our guide to identifying and coping with hair loss and seasonal shedding blog.

HAIRSTYLES FOR HUMID WEATHER

Whether you’re attending a destination wedding in Bali, or simply dodging June showers in Melbourne, humid weather doesn’t have to get in the way of your style. In this section, you’ll find some easy and low-maintenance hairstyles as well as our top pick of bridal styles to beat the humidity.

Easy and low-maintenance hairstyles

When faced with humid conditions, you need an easy, low-maintenance style to keep the frizz at bay. From easy updos, buns, and braids, we’ve rounded up nine gorgeous hairstyles for short, mid-length and long hair.

Short hair

1. Choppy bob

If your hair is prone to kinking or waving in humidity, go for a choppy bob. By having layers chopped into your hair, you can wear this cut straight or allow it to do its own thing in humid weather.

2. Pixie with shaved sides

Go super short and low-maintenance by keeping your hair long on top and shaving the sides. With so little hair, there’s little room for humidity to take hold, and any natural waves or texture will create an edgier look. To add a few waves on top, try our Slim Iron – its half-inch plates are smaller-than-average, making it the perfect tool for styling fringes or short hair.

3. Headband or silk scarf

Flatten the frizz or disguise greasy roots with a headband or silk scarf and embrace the waves. Pull some tendrils of hair out to frame your face and create a more relaxed look.

Medium-length hair

4. Messy updo

Tame your puffy hair with a relaxed updo – simply use a silk scrunchie to pile your hair up at the back of your head and twist your hair a few times before securing.

5. Half-up half-down

The half-up half-down style is a chic, relaxed look which allows you to embrace your humid waves while keeping some hair off your face – perfect if you’re experiencing a dose of Aussie humidity.

6. Gelled bun

If you want to banish frizz entirely, the slicked-back gelled bun is great for all hair types and lengths. Apply a small amount of fixing gel, then pull your hair back and smooth the top and side sections with a nylon-bristle brush or comb and secure with a snag-free hair tie.

Long hair

7. Silk headscarf

For an effortlessly chic look, use a simple silk headscarf to sweep your hair back from your face. Pick a scarf that complements your outfit for the ultimate in humid chic.

8. Relaxed topknot

Keep your neck and shoulders cool in hot and humid conditions with a relaxed topknot. Simply sweep your hair up high and use snag-free hair elastics to keep in place. Allow some tendrils of hair to drift forward to show off your hair’s volume.

9. Simple braid

Braiding doesn’t have to be complicated, and you don’t even need to braid all of your hair – this simple half-up half-down style can be easily achieved without the need for a mirror. It’s a great way to sweep your long hair off your face, but showcases the natural kink if your hair has a tendency to curve in humidity.

For more ideas about low-maintenance hairstyles – for all weathers – head to our guide to low-maintenance hairstyles.

Hairstyles for weddings and special occasions

Creating the perfect bridal hairstyle in humid conditions can be challenging. Discover tips and tricks to ensure your wedding hair stays flawless and frizz-free, no matter how high the humidity rises on your special day.