How High Humidity Causes Hair Frizziness (and What You Can Do About It)

If you live in a humid climate or have ever stepped outside on a warm, sticky day only to watch your smooth hair turn frizzy within minutes, you’re not alone. This is a challenge majority of women in Abu Dhabi face during the summer, when the humidity on the late summer nights can reach as high as 100%. High humidity is one of the biggest enemies of sleek, polished hair — and understanding why it happens is the first step to managing it.

In this article, we’ll break down how humidity affects hair, why some hair types are more prone to frizz than others, and what you can do to keep hair smooth even in moisture‑heavy environments.

What Is Humidity?

Humidity refers to the amount of water vapor present in the air. When humidity levels are high, the air is saturated with moisture. While this might feel uncomfortable for us, it’s even more disruptive for our hair — especially if it’s dry, porous, or chemically treated.

The Science Behind Hair Frizz

Hair is made primarily of keratin, a protein structure held together by different types of bonds:

• Disulfide bonds (strong, permanent)

• Salt bonds (affected by pH)

• Hydrogen bonds (weak and easily broken by water)

  
  

Humidity directly interferes with hydrogen bonds.

When moisture from the air enters the hair shaft:

• Hydrogen bonds break

• Hair swells unevenly

• Strands lift, bend, and expand

The result? Frizz, puffiness, loss of shape, and reduced shine.

Why Some Hair Gets Frizzier Than Others

Not all hair reacts to humidity in the same way. The key factor is porosity.

High‑Porosity Hair

High‑porosity hair has a lifted or damaged cuticle layer, which allows moisture to enter easily.

Common causes include:

• Chemical treatments (bleaching, coloring)

• Heat styling

• Environmental damage (sun, salt water)

This type of hair absorbs moisture quickly — and frizzes almost instantly in humid air.

Low‑Porosity Hair

Low‑porosity hair has a tightly closed cuticle, making it more resistant to moisture absorption. It generally handles humidity better, though product buildup can still cause surface frizz.

Curly and Wavy Hair

Curly and wavy hair naturally has a more open cuticle structure, which makes it especially prone to frizz in humid conditions.

How Humidity Affects Hair Appearance

High humidity can cause:

• Frizz and flyaways

• Loss of straightness or curl definition

• Hair swelling and puffiness

• Reduced smoothness and shine

• Styles not holding

This is why hair may look perfect indoors, then completely change once exposed to outdoor humidity.

Why Humidity Is a Bigger Issue in Hot Climates

In hot, humid regions (such as coastal or desert‑adjacent areas), hair is constantly exposed to moisture in the air — even indoors.

This means:

• Styling results don’t last as long

• Keratin treatments may fade faster

• Daily frizz management becomes more challenging

Without proper protection, hair remains in a constant cycle of moisture absorption and evaporation, weakening its structure over time.

How to Reduce Frizz in High Humidity

While you can’t control the weather, you can control how your hair responds to it.

1. Seal the Cuticle

Smooth, sealed cuticles prevent excess moisture from entering the hair shaft. Treatments that strengthen and align the hair structure are especially beneficial in humid climates.

2. Focus on Hydration (Not Dryness)

Ironically, dry hair frizzes more. Well‑hydrated hair is less desperate to absorb moisture from the air.

3. Use Humidity‑Resistant Styling Products

Look for products that:

• Contain silicones or anti‑humidity polymers

• Create a lightweight protective film

• Reduce surface friction

  
  

4. Limit Heat Damage

Over‑use of heat tools increases porosity, making hair more vulnerable to humidity.

5. Consider Long‑Lasting Smoothing Treatments

Advanced smoothing treatments (such as modern, formaldehyde‑free technologies like nanoplasty) can significantly reduce frizz and improve manageability in humid conditions by restructuring and strengthening the hair from within.

Final Thoughts

Humidity doesn’t just affect how your hair looks — it affects how your hair behaves at a structural level. Frizz is not a sign of “bad hair”; it’s simply hair reacting to moisture in the environment.

By understanding the science behind humidity and frizz, and choosing the right care and treatments, it’s possible to maintain smooth, healthy‑looking hair even in the most challenging climates.

With the right approach, humidity doesn’t have to win.