As we lurch closer and closer towards wet weather season, it’s time to consider what can be done to help prevent the rain from ruining your hair. While brollies and hoods are great if you get caught short, there are also some preventative products you can apply before you leave the house to help seal and smooth hair, giving it the best possible chance to defy the damp. Read on as we give you the lowdown on how to beat the big frizz.
Lather, Rinse, Repeat
It may sound obvious, but always check the weather forecast before leaving the house, as this will allow you to prep hair in advance. While there are hair hacks you can put into place once you’ve been caught in the rain, it’s better to smooth the hair cuticle before it’s exposed to moisture as this will reduce swelling, and ultimately prevent that dreaded frizzy halo effect. When the weatherman says it’s raining, shampoo and condition hair with an anti-frizz system infused with natural oil and keratin-based ingredients to help smooth the hair cuticle and lock in shine.
Try: Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner.
Give hair an extra helping hand by incorporating a moisturising leave-in conditioner into your routine. IGK Hair Thirsty Girl Coconut Milk Leave-in Conditioner 24-Hour Frizz Control is formulated with hyaluronic acid, which forms a moisture barrier around the hair follicle and helps to protect against humidity and reduce frizz for up to 24-hours, even in very humid conditions.
Gently Does It
Hair is most vulnerable when wet. Avoid rough-drying hair, which causes breakages and makes the hair strand rough and more frizz-prone, instead use an Aquis towel made from super-soft, water-wicking material to help reduce friction and drying time. Prevent moisture from permeating the hair structure and making cuticles swell and hair look bigger by sealing the cuticle with a smoothing serum applied to damp lengths and ends.
Protect & Perfect
When it comes to drying, protect hair first using a heat-protective blowout spray that’s enriched with proteins, such as body building keratin and spirulina to help strengthen and smooth hair, reducing its surface area and therefore its chance of absorbing moisture.
Try: IGK Good Behaviour Spirulina Protein Smoothing Spray
If you use a hairdryer, try using a narrow attachment or nozzle that helps to direct the heat onto the hair in a downward motion, sealing and smoothing the hair cuticle as it dries. Don’t forget that a damp atmosphere will always return your hair to its natural state, so if your hair is curly or wavy try to resist spending too long blow-drying and heat-styling hair on rainy days. Instead, plait or braid hair or tie in a topknot once dry.
Finishing Touches
Before leaving the house, spray your finished style with an anti-humidity spray to help shield hair from water droplets and moisture. Try: Living Proof No Frizz Humidity Shield or Oribe Impermeable Anti-humidity Spray.
Instant Hair Hacks
If you do get caught in a downpour, here are some quick fixes to set things straight.
“If I get caught in the rain, as soon as I get indoors, I tip my head upside down, twist my hair around and then wind it up into a ballet bun on the top of my head. I allow it to dry and then let it down, by which time it’s got natural volume, movement and soft, loose waves.” Says Kate Saunders, Colour & Haircare Buyer, Space NK
If you arrive at your destination with wispy flyaways and unruly curls, swipe them smooth with Ouai Anti-Frizz Sheets. Formulated from a luxurious blend of moisturising coconut oil and shea butter, these hemp paper wipes condition the hair, helping to eliminate the static which causes unwanted frizz and leaves hair looking smooth again. Plus, they take up hardly any room in your handbag and are ready for use whenever frizz strikes.
Sometimes, it really is the small things, and Tangle Teezer’s Compact Styler fits perfectly into the palm of your hand and makes light of tough tangles in seconds but without damaging or pulling at hair.
