As the seasons change, so do the challenges our hair faces. Humidity, in particular, can significantly impact the health and appearance of thinning hair. Understanding how humidity affects your hair and adopting the right hair care practices can help you maintain a healthy, manageable mane year-round.
How Does Humidity Affect Your Hair?
Humidity refers to the amount of moisture present in the air. When exposed to humid conditions, hair can absorb moisture from the environment, changing shape and texture, resulting in
Flat Hair: The moisture in the air can weigh down your thin hair strands, causing it to go flat.
Frizz and Unmanageable Hair: When the air is humid, hair tends to absorb moisture. As a result, the hair shaft swells, and the cuticles lift. This leads to frizz and makes hair difficult to manage, especially for those with thinning hair.
Dryness and Breakage: Humidity can strip away natural oils, which is particularly detrimental for thinning hair, already more fragile. The repeated swelling and shrinking can make hair weaker and more susceptible to breakage, emphasizing the need for proactive hair care in humid conditions.
Scalp Health Issues: Humid conditions make your scalp sweat more, leading to dandruff, fungal infections, and other scalp conditions. An unhealthy scalp can worsen hair thinning and loss.
The Science Behind Humidity and Hair
Hair is hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb moisture from the environment. When exposed to humid conditions, the hydrogen bonds in the hair’s keratin structure break and reform, causing your hair to change shape and texture. This process can lead to the expansion of the hair shaft and the frizzing effect commonly experienced in high humidity.
Managing Humidity’s Effects on Thinning Hair
To protect your thinning hair from the adverse effects of humidity, following a targeted hair care routine is essential. Here are some dos and don'ts to keep your hair healthy and manageable:
The Dos
Hydrate Your Hair: Use hydrating shampoos and conditioners specially formulated for thinning hair. Look for plant-based products as they are gentler on your hair and scalp. Harsh chemicals like sulphates, parabens, and silicones can strip your hair of essential moisture.
Remember to keep your hair sufficiently hydrated; the drier it is, the more it will soak up moisture from the air.
Deep Condition Weekly: Include a deep conditioning treatment in your weekly routine. Use a hair mask for thinning hair to hydrate it and repair damage caused by humidity. Choose masks with nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, glycerine, and plant extracts.
Volumize when humidity is high: Add a volumizing spray to your hair routine to boost volume and lift to thin, flat hair. Use plant-based ingredients that are gentle on the scalp/hair.
Use Anti-Frizz Serums: Apply a lightweight, anti-frizz serum to damp hair to help smooth the hair cuticle and lock in moisture.
Protective Hairstyles: Opt for braids, buns, and twists to minimize exposure to humidity and reduce frizziness.
Scalp Care: Cleanse and exfoliate to maintain a healthy scalp and prevent sweat and oil build-up. This is an absolute must for promoting hair growth and reducing thinning.
And the Don'ts
Avoid Heavy Products: Heavy styling products can weigh down thinning hair and make it appear limp. Stick to lightweight, plant-based products that won't add unnecessary weight to your hair.
Don't Overwash: It can strip your thin hair of natural oils, resulting in dryness and breakage. Plan to wash your hair 2-3 times a week and use a gentle shampoo.
Minimize Heat Styling: Heat styling tools can increase frizz and worsen your thinning hair condition. Always apply a heat protectant spray first if you need to use heat.
Takeaway
Humidity can present unique challenges for those with thinning hair. Understanding how humidity affects hair and adopting the correct hair care practices can keep your hair healthy, manageable, and looking its best. Remember to use lightweight, plant-based products that provide hydration and protection without weighing down your thinning hair.
References
Healthline https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/what-causes-frizzy-hair#frizz-busting-products
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). "Hair Cosmetics: An Overview." Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387693/
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. "The physical changes in hair structure due to humidity."https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/action/doSearch?AllField=the+physical+changes+in+hair+structure+due+to+humidity
Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists. "The effects of humidity on hair properties." Available at: https://library.scconline.org/journal-of-cosmetic-science/
