Do you feel during the summer months your hair has the ability to control itself? Most people seek that perfectly straight look, only to have it undone the moment we go outside. Many of us thought it was just the way of life, summer means frizzy hair.
I’ve found it was simply a matter of time (and a ton of bad hair days) before learning a few techniques that will help keep hair looking straight and smooth in the heat. In this case, I no longer needed to give up on sleek styles or sacrifices during the summer. So, learn from my mistakes, so that your hair too, can look perfect at all times!
Summer Hair Struggles: Why Humidity is the Ultimate Hydrophobic Nemesis
People all over the world are aware of the hair problems that appear with summer season. One of the biggest problems hair faces in summer is frizzing and curling, while every stylist will tell you the most important factor is uncontrollable humidity in hot weather. The summer is hot and very humid. When the moisture laden air is hot, it is soaking everything in, leading to it causing the shaft of hair to absorb water, causing it to swell, frizz, and lose all of the smoothness it once had.
This section is what caught my surprise the most:
For the longest periods, I believed it was only my hair type that was unable to manage heat. I attempted everything from thick serums to hairsprays. But none worked. That’s when it hit me — the products I used weren’t the only issue; there was a much deeper underlying issue that stemmed from my routine.
Why Humidity Mechanically Damages Hair
The cuticle layer gets lifted and humidity makes it easier for moisture to seep in, thus causing hair to puff up. This is most true in porous hair types like curls or chemically damaged hair. To prevent this, you need products and methods to provide a barrier from moisture.
3 Steps to Ensuring Your Hair Stays Smooth And Sleek For A Long Time
In the case of keeping hair straight, preparation becomes a pivotal factor. Even if one of the steps mentioned below is ignored, then that sleek look becomes impossible to achieve.
Step 1: Wash and Condition the Hair Effectively
Start with a gentle, moisture-retaining shampoo without sulphates. Then, a keratin conditioner to smooth the hair cuticle shall aid. Additionally, deep conditioning masks that strengthen and hydrate can be done weekly.
Step 2: Apply Your Hair Protection Serum During Heating
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This is compulsory! Select a light serum that will not sit heavily on your hair but will still form a protective barrier. I prefer doing this when my hair is 80% dried so that moisture can be sealed in.
Step 3: Use Cold Air to Blow-Dry
Odd as it may sound, ending your blow dry with a cold air blast will help seal the cuticle, making your hair shinier while also reducing frizz. Trust me on this: ever since I started doing this, my hair has been much smoother for a longer time.
The Definitive Order of Operations For Heat Styling Hair for Smoothing and Straightening
Having any straightener, I used to believe that I was good to go. I now appreciate the need to use the right tools alongside specific techniques for best results. Here’s how I maintain my straight hair:
Begin With The Right Tool:
A flat iron with ceramic or tourmaline plated should be your go-to choice. These materials have a low roughness which heats hair evenly and helps eliminate static hair.\n\n
Heat Setting is Important
If your hair is fine, use a maximum of 300-350°F on heat. For coarse-haired individuals, a higher temperature of 400°F is suitable. Anything in excess is dangerous, especially for women with brittle hair.
Technique Tips:
- Always work in small sections.
- Ironing should be done from the roots to the tips slowly.
- Make use of a comb to assist the flat iron to ensure all hair sections are evenly straightened.
Products That Help:
- Smoothening serum with heat protection
- Finishing spray – Anti-humidity
- Oil – Lightweight, for shine
Steps To Maintaining Sleek Hair For An Extended Period Of Time
Waking up to messy hair is the last thing someone would want after putting so much effort into it. The tips provided below will definitely help you:
- Silk Pillowcases: Help in tangling prevention while also reducing friction.
- Loose Topknot: Secure the hair in a topknot but use a soft approach with a scrunchie.
- Dry Shampoo: Applying some at the roots prior to sleeping will help absorb the excess oils.
Adjusting my routine to involve even a baseline amount of pre-sleep prep changed everything. I used to wake up with perfectly straight hair all on its own. Now, putting in a tiny bit of prep saves me time too!
Affordable Products That Ensure Smooth Hair During the Summer
Sometimes the most budget-friendly option yields the best results. I’ve come across some astonishingly effective products that are surprisingly inexpensive after testing both high-end brands and drugstore alternatives.
Simple Effective Hair Products And Routine That Works
| Product | Type | Price | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keratin Smoothing Serum | Leave-in Conditioner | $12 | Reduces frizz, adds shine, lightweight |
| Anti-Humidity Spray | Finishing Spray | $15 | Locks in style, fights humidity for hours |
| Silk Pillowcase | Hair Accessory | $20 | Prevents frizz and breakage while you sleep |
Final Thoughts: Hair Routine That Keeps It Smooth All Day Long
Through all my hours of research and trying out different methods I have finally found a simple effective approach. This is my breakdown:
- Wash And Condition: Gentle and moist
- Apply Heat Shield: This needs to be done before any heating elements are used.
- Use Straightener: Use at low temperature, and give smoothens that lasts.
- Overnight Maintenance: Using spray dry shampoo, and a silk pillowcase
It may sound simple, but this routine is the secret to looking trimmed and healed throughout the day. How people perceive the number of products comes down to making best use of minimal products and using them in the correct way and timing.
Tips on How to Avoid Problems That Can Leave You Looking Messy
Most of us do not realize some of the common mistakes we make, like:
- Forgetting to Use a Styling Product: Whether you have wavy, curly or frizzy hair, this is essential for managing your hair.
- Suffering From Oily Hair: Using more than the required amount of hair products makes your hair messy.
- Suffering From Greasy Roots: Curly hair does require moisture but too much touching leads to build up from hand oils.
As it usually happens, the moment that your forgotten to turn off the heater might be desirable in winter, my hair bothered me the most for the rest of the year. Since I tried ignoring the temperature and went on my own schedule, life certainly becomes easier.
Final Thoughts
No matter the time of year, look “tamed and polished” with hair prep and styling tool for sleek shine and smooth locks. Replace fighting with working-it make nature become your best friend.
