Frizz Control: 5 Tips to Adapt Your Natural Hair Routine for Summer Humidity
Summer is here, and with it comes the one thing that can ruin a perfect twist-out in minutes: humidity.
For those with coily and curly hair, the warm, moist air can be a double-edged sword. While our hair loves moisture, humidity can swell the hair shaft, lift the cuticle, and create that dreaded, undefined "halo" of frizz.
Your heavy winter routine won't work. You can't just pile on heavy butters, or your hair will feel weighed down and greasy. The key to a successful summer routine is to seal smart, protect, and fight humidity.
Here’s how to tweak your routine, using your favorite natural staples.
1. Prioritize a Clean Scalp
In summer, you sweat more. That sweat, combined with products, can lead to buildup on your scalp, which can clog follicles and weigh down your roots. You may need to clarify or co-wash more often than you do in winter. A clean, healthy scalp is the first step to defined summer styles.
2. Deep Condition for "Good" Moisture
Don't skip your deep conditioning step! A well-hydrated, moisturized hair strand is less likely to "search" the air for moisture (which is what causes frizz). Before you wash, apply a deep treatment like Nubiana's 100% Pure Batana Oil. It penetrates the shaft to strengthen it from the inside, making it more resilient to swelling.
3. Use Your Sealant Strategically
This is the most important change. In winter, you might slather on heavy Pure African Shea Butter. In summer, you need to be lighter.
Use your shea butter or batana oil as a spot treatment. After applying your leave-in, use a tiny, pea-sized amount of butter/oil, melted in your palms, and "glaze" it only over your ends and along your hairline (your edges). These are the most fragile areas and the first to frizz. This gives you protection without weighing your whole head down.
4. Embrace Protective Styles
The easiest way to fight humidity is to not give it the chance. Summer is the perfect time for braids, twists, or elegant buns. Before you install your style, seal your ends with a touch of Batana oil for strength and shea butter for moisture, ensuring your hair stays protected and hydrated while it's tucked away.
5. Protect from Sun & Chlorine
The summer sun (UV rays) and chlorine from the pool can be just as damaging as dry winter air. They can dry out your hair and cause breakage.
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For Chlorine: Before you swim, drench your hair in water and a light layer of conditioner. Your hair will absorb this instead of the harsh chlorine.
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For Sun: A light glaze of shea butter on your strands can offer a small amount of natural sun protection, shielding your hair from the elements.
Enjoy Your Summer, Frizz-Free
Summer doesn't have to mean a bad hair day. With a few smart adjustments, you can use your favorite natural products to keep your hair defined, moisturized, and healthy all season long.