How to Keep Your Hair Hydrated in Hot Climates
Between the sun’s intense heat, combined with humidity or dry winds, your hair can be stripped of moisture, leading to dryness, frizz, and breakage. Whether you live in a hot climate or are planning to holiday in a hot climate, this article will briefly walk you through what to do to protect and hydrate your hair and reduce frizz.
Why Hydration Matters
Dry hair is more prone to breakage, tangling, dullness and frizz. In hot climates, moisture evaporates more quickly from the hair, creating a problem of dry hair. Hydration is a necessary step in your routine to reduce dryness. And if you’re also dealing with humidity, then dry hair, plus humidity will equal frizz. So, if there is one thing that is crucial in caring for your hair in the heat, it’s hydration.
8 Tips to Keep Your Hair Hydrated
1. Avoid Drying Alcohols Ingredients
Not all alcohols in your products are created equal. Some alcohol ingredients are actually hydrating, while some are drying. (By the way, the reason why drying alcohol ingredients are used is because it helps with product spreadability and evaporates easily, but we digress). Check your product labels for drying alcohol ingredients like Ethanol (ethyl Alcohol), Isopropyl alcohol and denatured alcohol
Click here to learn more about alcohol in hair products
2. Deep Condition Regularly
Deep conditioning treatments help. Full stop. Deep conditioners are formulated differently from your regular conditioners, which is why you don’t really need to use them every time you wash your hair. But using them once a week is heavily advised. Find your favorite one and stick to it. restore moisture and strengthen hair against heat damage.
Click here for a guide to understanding and controlling frizz
3. Use a Leave-In Conditioner
A good leave-in conditioner acts as a moisture sealant, keeping your strands hydrated throughout the day. Choose one based on the climate:
- Dry, hot climates: Opt for humectant-rich leave-ins (aloe vera, honey, glycerin) to attract and retain moisture.
- Humid, hot climates: Avoid humectants as they can cause frizz; instead, use anti-humectant leave-ins (shea butter, silicones) to create a protective barrier.
4. Seal in Moisture with Oils or Butters
If you have fine hair, opt for lighter oils. If you have thicker hair, then you can apply. Pick your product according to what your hair can sustain. This sealing step just further protects your hair.
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5. Protect Your Hair from the Sun
Just as your skin needs protection from UV rays, so does your hair. Wear a hat, scarf, or use UV-protectant hair sprays to shield your strands from excessive sun exposure, which can dry out and weaken hair.
Click here for tips on how to protect your hair and scalp in the sun
6. Hydrate from the Inside Out
Drinking plenty of water and eating foods rich in healthy fats (such as avocados, nuts, and fish) can improve hair hydration from within. Dehydration directly affects hair health, so make sure you’re consuming enough fluids daily.
7. Avoid Excessive Heat Styling
Using heat tools like blow dryers and flat irons frequently can lead to moisture loss and damage. Opt for heatless styling methods or use a heat protectant spray when necessary to minimize the impact.
Click here for tips to help minimize damage when heat styling
8. Protective Hairstyles Help Retain Moisture
Protective styles like braids, twists, and buns can help maintain hydration by reducing moisture loss because it just has less interaction with the air.
Click here for common misconceptions about hair and scalp care in protective styling
In Conclusion
If you live in a hot climate or are planning to visit one, hydrate your hair. Full stop.
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