IN the dog days of summer, there are few things more frustrating than a frizzy mane.
To keep strands looking sleek when humidity is high, a New York City hairstylist has shared her top tips, tricks, and products.
"The main issue we run into with heat and humidity is frizz," Mahogany Grace, owner of Mahogany Grace Salon, told The U.S. Sun.
"Taming frizz is extremely challenging. In most situations, Mother Nature will win, but here are a few tips that can help."
Some of these are down to preventative measures during the summer months, as well as shopping for the right frizz-taming hair products.
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But one of the biggest ways to make a difference is to start with styles that are less likely to be uncontrollable in the first place.
PULL IT BACK
"I find that wearing my hair all up or off my face is the best way to manage it in these situations," Grace said.
"As someone who wears their own hair curly, one of my go-to styles on super humid days is to slick the top half of my hair up into a bun and leave the back half out.
"I also love a tightly-coiled top knot or a polished ponytail with my curls puffed out."
To smooth her hair out for a bun or ponytail, Grace uses a boar bristle brush with Milbon Wet Shine Gel Cream 8, which is sold at salons.
For budget-friendly buys, she also likes Shea Moisture Frizz-Free Curl Mousse, $3.49, and The Doux Mousse Def, $15.
She then ties her hair with medium silk scrunchies.
STICK WITH THE SKEEK
If you've straightened or blow-dried your hair, Grace recommends covering it with a silk scarf or bonnet while you're outside.
"Wrap or cover the hair immediately after it’s been blow-dried or styled and before going out in the heat and humidity to allow the hair to seal and settle.
"It can help prevent the humidity from entering the cuticle and causing frizz," she explained.
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But if you want "ultimate frizz control," she suggests chemical straightening treatments.
"They are the best humidity-proofing that one can do to combat frizz," she said.
"If done correctly, the keratin treatment loosens the curl and seals the cuticle, creating a frizz-free barrier."
Women with coarse or textured hair can also try a relaxer, but "because the cuticle isn’t being sealed with a flatiron, the hair may still frizz."
"With a relaxer, styling will be easier because a relaxer literally relaxes and straightens hair texture."
BIG HAIR, NOT HERE
Much as you might want to rock a big, voluminous 'do, Grace warned that it's not the best move at this time of year.
"Voluminous looks are hard to maintain in humid weather because humidity will naturally create frizzy unruly volume.
"Starting with straighter hair is usually best," she said.
PROTECT YOUR STRANDS
"When it comes to smoothing textured hair, using a heat protectant in conjunction with anti-frizz products and sealing the cuticle with a flat iron are extremely helpful in humid weather," Grace explained.
Some of Grace's favorite products are Mizani Press Agent Thermal Smoothing Raincoat Styling Cream, $25; Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray Anti-Frizz Treatment, $28; and Living Proof No Frizz Instant De-Frizzer, $33.
For a lower-priced option, she likes Moroccanoil Treatment, $16.
"For my go-to curly products, I alternate between using a mousse by itself, a mousse and gel combo, a cream and gel combo, or a cream and mousse combo," she said.
CONDITION AND WRAP
"Conditioning treatments strengthen and repair the hair, which can also aid in frizz reduction — especially during the hot summer months," Grace said.
"Wearing a silk scarf or bonnet at night can aid in maintaining your style.
"Using a bit of serum and holding spray will also help lock things in," she added.
