Humidity Is Not Your Friend

My sister was very adamant that I do this as my next post. She even reminded me as I was walking out the door to start a 4 day trip. I don't travel with a laptop, so I had to wait until I got home. So here ya go Sass!
 One of my sister's traveling challenges now that she lives in Denver, CO (where it's a great hair day everyday) is fighting humidity. Coming back east is always a blast but she always complains about the humidity and of course, her hair. Humid weather does two things to our hair. 1. LIMP 2. FRIZZ So her are a few things to consider when dealing with a hot humid climate.

• Don't fight what your momma gave ya. If you have curly or wavy hair, buy a frizz control styling product with lots of silicone in it. The silicone does three things: enhances shine, smooths the cuticle layer of your hair and locks in moisture. After applying a generous amount of this product (especially to the ends) let your beautiful naturally curly hair air dry. It won't be as "big" 

If you are dead set on a flat iron (you know who you are!) make sure your hair is bone dry before you flat iron and use a humidity fighting protective spray. Hot Tip: Take small sections, comb all knots out, spray the section and run the iron through twice.

• Now if you have straight hair that has zero volume in the humidity, you might just need a good layered cut. Yes I know you like your long hair with the long layers, but, don't expect to get much volume out of that type of haircut. You need to lighten the load a bit. Sorry girls. If you are hesitant to cut, you can at least fight the frizz with a silicone based smoothing gel for thicker hair or a smoothing serum for thinner hair.
• Extra fine hair always has it's share of problems in hot weather. The best thing you can do for your fine locks is to choose the right shampoo. Try something volumizing NOT moisturizing. Apply conditioner to ends and not scalp. Choose styling products that won't weigh your hair down. Try a volumizing mousse at your roots, blow dry on a cool setting and finish with a round brush. If it's frizz you are trying to combat use an extra light smoothing serum...the tiniest bit will work wonders. Most importantly keep your hands to yourself. Touching our hair too much creates oily, lifeless hair.

SMOOTHING PRODUCTS

1. For thick hair (curly, wavy or straight) try a silicone gel. I love Sebastian Laminates Concentrate Gel. I use it on my hair while it's damp. Then a tiny bit again when it's dry. 
2. For fine hair. My sister likes Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum. It's light and won't weigh you down. Be careful when applying, you don't want to get it close to your scalp.
3. For an amazing blow dry on just about any hair type try Moroccan Oil Treatment  The Original would be for normal to thick hair, and the new Light formula is for fine hair.

• For everyone: There is an art to applying a smoothing product. Start by warming it up in your hands and applying first to the ends. Warm it again and apply to the mid section, and so on...don't go straight for your scalp.

VOLUMIZERS

1. THIS is when you go straight for the scalp! Use a root boosting product like Redken Guts 10 Volume Spray Foam. Lift hair and spray roots. It keeps product off the ends of your hair for a fuller style.

THERMAL STYLING

1. When ever you are using hot tools (curling irons, flat irons) you want to make sure you start with completely dry hair. Using hot tools on damp hair won't hold a style and more importantly will do damage. Next you want a protective spray that is humidity resistant. I really like Matrix Sleek Look-Iron Smoother. A product like this will protect your hair from the high heat of your iron, prolong those split ends and lock in your style.

SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

1. Choose shampoos that are appropriate for your hair. If you have thick hair that tends to be dry. Use something moisturizing. If your hair is normal just use a daily shampoo, no need to weigh your hair down with shampoos for damaged or dry hair. If you have fine hair use a clarifying or a volumizing shampoo.
2. The same goes for conditioner. Match brands if you want but it's not necessary.

Hot Tip: If you have trouble combing out your hair when it's damp, keep a wide tooth comb in the shower.  Hair is a it's weakest when wet, so let your conditioner sit for a minute then comb through the knots. This will eliminate so much breakage! It's also a great tip for dealing with your little ones with knotty hair. It eliminates lots of tears.

Side Note: If all else fails there are all sorts of fun up styles you can do with your hair and gadgets to get you there.  For example, a simple ponytail topped with a pretty headband looks stylish and neat all day. Try handmade heads bands like Kaang's on Etsy.com