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Tame the Humidity: How to Keep Frizz Under Control
New Zealand summers are stunning - beaches, BBQs, road trips… but your hair? Not so much.
If your strands puff up the second you step outside, you’re not alone. Humidity is one of the biggest culprits behind frizz, and when moisture in the air meets dry or porous hair, the result is flyaways, rough texture, and hair that just won’t cooperate.
But don’t panic! There are ways to fight the frizz and keep your hair looking sleek, smooth, and healthy - even on the muggiest days. The trick? Prevention, hydration, and protection.
In this guide, we’re breaking down why humidity frizzes your hair, what you can do about it, and the best salon-grade products to help you stay in control.
Let’s get into it - because you deserve frizz-free hair, no matter the weather!
Why Does Humidity Cause Frizz?
Ever wondered why humidity and frizz seem to go hand in hand? The answer is science - but don’t worry, we’re keeping it simple!
Your hair’s outer layer (the cuticle) is like a shield, and when it’s healthy and sealed, moisture stays locked in. But when your hair is dry, damaged, or naturally porous, that cuticle lifts - kind of like tiny shingles on a roof.
When humidity strikes, your hair soaks up all that extra moisture in the air, causing strands to swell, misbehave, and frizz up instantly.
Who’s Most Affected by Humidity?
👉 Curly & Wavy Hair – Naturally more porous, meaning it soaks up humidity fast.
👉 Coloured & Bleached Hair – More fragile cuticles make it easier for moisture to sneak in.
👉 Heat-Damaged Hair – Weakened strands struggle to retain their natural smoothness.
👉 Dry & Dehydrated Hair – Lacking natural oils? Your hair grabs moisture from the air instead.
Why Some Hair is More Prone to Humidity Frizz
Not all hair types react to humidity in the same way. Some people barely notice a change, while others feel like their hair tripled in size the moment they stepped outside.
So why does some hair frizz more than others? It all comes down to hair type, condition, and porosity.
Hair Porosity Matters
Porosity refers to how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture. If you have high porosity hair, the cuticle layer is more open, meaning humidity easily seeps in, causing frizz and puffiness.
🚩 Signs of High-Porosity Hair:
✔️ Hair dries very quickly after washing
✔️ Struggles to retain moisture and feels dry often
✔️ Absorbs products fast but doesn’t always feel hydrated
Curly & Wavy Hair = More Frizz-Prone
If you have naturally curly, wavy, or textured hair, you’ve probably noticed that humidity makes your curls swell, frizz, or lose definition. That’s because curls are naturally drier than straight hair, meaning they absorb excess moisture from the air much faster.
Damaged & Over-Processed Hair is More Vulnerable
If your hair has been bleached, coloured, or heat-styled often, it’s likely more porous, making it extra prone to humidity-related frizz.
🚩 Signs Your Hair is Over-processed:
✔️ Feels dry, rough, or brittle
✔️ Lacks shine and elasticity
✔️ Struggles to hold a smooth style in humid weather
The good news? You can control the chaos. With the right products and haircare routine, you can create a barrier that protects your hair from humidity and keeps it sleek, smooth, and frizz-free.
Knowing your hair type, porosity, and damage level is the first step to getting frizz under control - and staying smooth no matter the weather!
How to Tame Humidity-Induced Frizz
Now that we know why humidity sends hair into full frizz mode, let’s talk solutions!
The key to fighting frizz is creating a protective shield around your hair to keep excess moisture out while locking in hydration where you actually need it.
1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
It sounds counterintuitive, but dry hair is more likely to frizz in humidity because it tries to absorb moisture from the air. When your hair is properly hydrated, it won’t need to pull moisture from the environment, making it far more resistant to humidity.
The fix: A hydrating shampoo and conditioner designed to replenish moisture and strengthen your strands from within. This will keep hair soft, smooth, and frizz-resistant!
🔹 Try: Pureology Hydrate Shampoo & Conditioner: Packed with antioxidants and hydration-boosting botanicals to keep hair smooth and nourished. Be sure to check out our blog on effectively moisturising dry, frizzy hair for more helpful haircare tips!
Got fine hair? Try Pureology's Hydrate Sheer options for hydration without weighing hair down!
2. Use a Heat Protectant (Even If You’re Not Styling!)
A heat protectant isn’t just for hot tools - it’s your first line of defence against humidity. These formulas coat each strand in a lightweight barrier that prevents excess moisture from sneaking in and causing frizz.
The fix: Apply a humidity-blocking heat protectant to damp hair before drying or air-drying.
🔹 Try: Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray – This lightweight, humidity-proofing mist acts like a mini waterproof coat for your hair, keeping it smooth and sleek for up to four washes!
3. Lock in Moisture with a Leave-In Treatment
A good leave-in treatment or serum works overtime to smooth the hair cuticle, strengthen strands, and prevent frizz. This is especially helpful if your hair is already dry or damaged from colouring, heat styling, or environmental exposure.
The fix: Apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner or bond-strengthening treatment to damp hair before styling. This will help hair retain its natural moisture while keeping humidity out.
🔹 Try: Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother – A leave-in styling cream that strengthens the hair’s natural bonds, reduces frizz for up to 72 hours, and protects against humidity.
4. Dry Your Hair the Right Way
One of the worst things you can do for frizz-prone hair? Rough drying.
Rubbing your hair with a towel can lift the cuticle (the outermost protective layer of the hair shaft), allowing humidity to seep in and cause frizz.
The Fix: Instead of rubbing, gently squeeze excess water from your hair using a soft towel. If blow-drying, use a low heat setting and finish with a cool blast of air to seal the cuticle and lock in shine.
🔹 Pro Tip: A high-quality hairdryer with ionic technology can reduce drying time, minimise static, and smooth hair for a sleeker finish.
![Wahl Power Dry Ionic Dryer Aqua [2000Watt]](https://static.holygrailhaircare.co.nz/img/products/sm/pd5439a.jpg.webp)
![Wahl PowerDry Ionic Dryer Black [2000Watt]](https://static.holygrailhaircare.co.nz/img/products/sm/pd5439ne.jpg.webp)
![Wahl PowerDry Ionic Dryer Hot Pink [2000Watt]](https://static.holygrailhaircare.co.nz/img/products/sm/pd5439hp.jpg.webp)
![Wahl PowerDry Ionic Dryer White [2000Watt]](https://static.holygrailhaircare.co.nz/img/products/sm/pd5439wh.jpg.webp)
5. Finish with an Anti-Frizz Serum or Oil
Once your hair is dry, the best way to keep it frizz-free all day is by sealing it with a lightweight serum or oil. These formulas smooth the cuticle, add shine, and prevent humidity from wreaking havoc on your style.
The Fix: Use a small amount of oil or serum, focusing on mid-lengths and ends. Avoid applying too much to your roots, as this can make hair look greasy.
🔹 Try: Moroccanoil Treatment – This ultra-light argan oil-infused formula instantly tames frizz, enhances shine, and protects against environmental stressors.
Pssst - we've got the 100ml bottle, too! 👀
Fighting Frizz Throughout the Day
So, you've tamed your hair and it looks sleek, smooth, and frizz-free. Great! But how do you keep it that way all day long - especially in humid weather?
Here’s how to stop frizz from creeping back in after you step out the door:
Hands Off!
We know, we know - it’s tempting to run your fingers through your hair, but resist the urge! Touching your hair spreads oils, disrupts your smooth style, and causes friction, leading to unwanted frizz and flyaways.
Keep a Frizz-Fighting Serum Handy
A small drop of lightweight oil or serum can work wonders when frizz starts to pop up during the day. Moroccanoil Treatment is a cult-favourite for keeping hair smooth and glossy, while NAK Hair 10V Toning Foam adds sleekness while neutralising brassiness in blonde hair.
Style Smartly
Some hairstyles naturally keep frizz at bay! On particularly humid days, go for a sleek ponytail, low bun, or soft braid to keep hair polished and under control. If your hair needs extra smoothing, a touch of Matrix Mega Sleek Iron Smoother will help keep everything in place.
💡 Pro Tip: If your hair starts to feel dry or rough throughout the day, spritz a hydrating mist like Davroe Tame Detangler to refresh and rehydrate without adding weight.
Frizz control doesn’t stop after styling - having a touch-up plan throughout the day means your hair stays fresh, smooth, and humidity-proof from morning to night!
FAQs: Your Frizz-Fighting Questions, Answered
Why does my hair get frizzy in humidity?
Humidity causes frizz because your hair absorbs excess moisture from the air, which disrupts the cuticle (the outer layer of your hair) and makes strands swell and misbehave.
The more porous or dry your hair is, the more moisture it will soak up - leading to even more frizz!
How do I stop humidity from making my hair frizzy?
The best way to keep frizz under control in humid weather is by locking in moisture with hydrating shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in treatments.
A heat protectant or humidity-blocking spray, like Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray, helps create an invisible shield around your hair to keep moisture out while smoothing the cuticle.
Does frizz mean my hair is damaged?
Not necessarily! Frizz is often a sign of dryness or high porosity, but it doesn’t always mean your hair is damaged.
That said, over-processed or heat-damaged hair is more prone to frizz, so using bond-building treatments like Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother can help restore strength while keeping your hair sleek.
Is coconut oil good for frizz?
Coconut oil can help smooth frizz by sealing the hair cuticle, but it’s not the best solution for everyone. It’s quite heavy and can make finer hair greasy.
Instead, opt for a lightweight, salon-grade oil like Moroccanoil Treatment, which hydrates and smooths hair without weighing it down.
Are supermarket shampoos and conditioners good for frizzy hair?
Supermarket shampoos and conditioners might give you short-term results, but they often contain harsh sulphates, silicones, and diluted formulas that don’t provide real, lasting frizz control.
Many also contain heavy fillers that coat the hair instead of actually hydrating it - leading to buildup, dullness, and even more frizz over time.
Salon-grade products, on the other hand, use concentrated, high-performance ingredients to deeply nourish and protect your hair. They repair damage, seal the cuticle, and create a lasting barrier against humidity - without the cheap fillers.
If you want smooth, frizz-free, and truly healthy hair, switching to professional products is a game-changer! 🌿✨
Can I use purple shampoo on frizzy blonde hair?
Yes! Purple shampoo is great for keeping blonde hair cool-toned, but make sure you’re also using hydrating and smoothing treatments to prevent frizz.
Blonde hair (especially if bleached) is more porous and prone to humidity-related frizz, so following up with a nourishing mask like SO Blonde Toning Treatment is a game-changer.
What’s the best way to style frizzy hair in humidity?
Go for sleek, frizz-resistant styles like low buns, polished ponytails, or heatless waves.
A finishing spray or lightweight oil, like Matrix Mega Sleek Iron Smoother, can help keep everything in place without making your hair stiff or greasy.
Your Anti-Frizz Arsenal Awaits!
You can’t change the weather, but you can change how your hair reacts to it!
With the right products and techniques, you’ll stay sleek, smooth, and frizz-free - no matter how humid it gets.
Shop professional anti-frizz products at Holy Grail Haircare today – expert-approved formulas, unbeatable discounts off RRP, and fast NZ-wide delivery! ✨
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