How to Stop Frizzy Hair in Humidity: Expert Tips & Products That Actually Work

Humidity: it’s the silent saboteur of smooth, glossy hair. You spend time perfecting your style, only to step outside and—poof—your strands double in size, your ends start to lift, and that sleek finish turns into a halo of frizz. 

But why does humidity make hair frizzy, and more importantly, how do you actually keep hair straight in humidity?

We’ve got you covered with science-backed insights, proven tips, and pro-level product recommendations that won’t weigh hair down or build up over time.

This is your ultimate guide to weatherproofing your hair year-round—powered by Color Wow’s award-winning technology and the expertise of our Chief Chemist, Dr. Joe Cincotta.

Why Does Humidity Make Hair Frizzy?

Dr. Joe Cincotta, Color Wow’s Chief Chemist, explains that when humidity/water molecules from the air penetrate the hair shaft, entering through raised cuticles on the surface, they cause the hair strand to swell, puff out and push up already-raised cuticles even more… resulting in rough, frizzy hair and unwanted volume.  

In the case of naturally curly, frizzy hair that has been reconfigured into a straight style, the humidity/water molecules enter the hair shaft and disrupt the temporarily reconfigured hydrogen bonds.

The more porous or damaged your hair is, the more ragged the cuticle surface and the more moisture it absorbs.

This is why frizz is often worse on chemically treated or heat-damaged hair—those raised cuticles are a sponge for environmental moisture.  

How to Keep Hair Straight in Humidity: The 4 Non-Negotiable Rules

1. Start by Shampooing Smarter: Avoid Sulfates and Residues

Sulfates can strip your hair’s protective barrier and leave it vulnerable to frizz. Many shampoos also contain “moisturizing” agents that leave behind residues—film-formers that actually attract humidity. 

Color Security Shampoo is completely sulfate-free, residue-free, and safe for all hair types, including extensions and color-treated hair. 

2. Treat Your Hair to a “No puff, no fluff” Anti-frizz Treatment Mask 

When you have frizzy or damaged hair, regular use of a rich conditioner after shampooing is (or should be!) a given. But if your goal is to achieve super smooth style that’s resistant to humidity, it’s time to start Dreaming.

Dreaming Advanced Repair and Resurfacing Treatment Mask works in minutes to refinish, polish and smooth hair’s surface for hair that looks virtually reborn!

With moisturizing and smoothing properties, Dreaming is clinically proven to provide 83% less breakage* and 28% greater elasticity* and most importantly, powerful anti-humidity protection that lasts for days.

3. Block Out Moisture With The Most Powerful Humidity-Blocking Hair Product 

This is the single most effective humidity-blocking strategy—and the key is using advanced “dream hair” technology developed in Color Wow Labs that makes strands virtually impermeable to moisture. 

Color Wow’s Dream Coat Supernatural Spray creates a featherlight, invisible “raincoat” around each strand that blocks humidity for up to 3–4 shampoos. 

Featuring breakthrough polymer science, this ultra-light leave-in is activated when you blow-dry your hair with tension.

The result? Glossy, glassy, humidity-proof style that stays sleek for days and won’t re-frizz, even in high humidity.

4. Maintain Hair In-Between Washes With Cuticle Smoothing Touch Ups

Dream Coat lasts 3–4 shampoos. To keep hair super sleek and glossy, use products that smooth any wayward frays and help keep cuticles clamped tight:

For light smoothing and defrizzing:

• One-Minute Transformation – dry styling cream to instantly smooth frizz
• Pop & Lock Glossing Serum – adds shine and seals split ends
  
  

For powerful style retention that holds up to major moisture and high humidity: 

Texas Hold ‘Em Hairspray – our breakthrough low-alcohol, crystal-clear spray delivers bold hold and humidity resistance without stickiness or dullness. 

With 82% style retention in high humidity, it’s a styling essential for big, bold looks that won’t fold. “You get powerful hold without overloading hair with alcohol—and the humidity resistance is built in," says Dr. Joe.

What About Curly Hair in Humidity?

Curly and wavy hair is naturally more porous, making it especially vulnerable to frizz, puff, and haloing in humid conditions.

To keep your curly hair smooth and frizz-free (whether you’ve styled sleek and straight or created bouncy bundles) Color Wow‘s high-performance solutions are tailored to help “weatherproof” curly textured hair.

1. If you have curly/coily or dry/dehydrated hair and want smooth, sleek, humidity proof style:

Extra Strength Dream Coat delivers next-level humidity protection. 

Its heat-activated polymer complex forms an invisible, waterproof shield around each strand—locking in glossy, glassy style  that won’t revert to curly in humidity and lasts up to 3–4 shampoos.

2. If you have curly/coily or dry/dehydrated hair and your goal is defined, bouncy curls that won’t frizz in humidity:

Our Curl Wow dynamic duo is clinically proven to reduce frizz by 84%* in high humidity 

Great on their own, better together... Curl Wow Flo-etry Vital Natural Serum infuses dehydrated curls with nourishing moisture from root to tip for plump, juicy, silky-smooth results. 

Shook Mix + Fix Bundling Spray combines powerful hydrators and light polymers for super-hydrated, glossy, defined bundles with no crunch, no greasy feel and built-in humidity resistance.

3. If you want to rock your natural waves and curls AND keep frizz at bay in humidity:

Dream Coat for Curly Hair is a one-step solution designed to enhance natural wave and curl patterns without crunch or stiffness.

It uses a proprietary humidity-blocking polymer to define, hydrate, and control curls—leaving them soft, bouncy, and frizz-free.

Hair & Humidity 101: Your Questions Answered

Is humidity good for hair?

Not usually. While some moisture can benefit very dry hair, high humidity often leads to frizz, puffiness, and loss of style control—especially in porous or textured hair.

What does humidity do to hair?

Humidity causes hair to absorb excess moisture from the air, which swells the hair shaft, lifts the cuticle, and results in frizz, flyaways, and style breakdown.

Does humidity dry out hair?

Ironically, yes. Humidity can disrupt your hair’s moisture balance, making it feel dry, rough, or brittle—especially if the cuticle is open or damaged which lets hair’s essential internal moisture leach out. 

Does hairspray help with humidity?

Yes, especially a “tough but tender” strong hold hairspray Texas Hold 'Em that deposits less dehydrating alcohol on hair, helps lock in style and is proven to deliver 82% style retention in high humidity*

*Independent study. Average results recorded after 8 hrs in 60% Relative Humidity.

You don’t need to surrender your style to the weather. With the right products—and the right science behind them—glossy, humidity-proof hair is possible year-round.