Fifth Avenue Frizz: How to Manage Curly Hair in Humid Weather While Traveling
Curl Care - Fifth Avenue Frizz: How to Manage Curly Hair in Humid Weather While Traveling by: Sadie Hessing (Photo Credit: ChatGPT)
If you’ve been a client of mine for awhile, you know that I’ve been looking forward to my New York City trip for months! This month the time finally came. New York City was everything I dreamed of. We packed every day with 20k steps and lots of sight seeing and good food. But as a curl specialist, even I had to rethink my curly hair routine to deal with NYC’s humid summer weather.
I wasn’t sure what to expect for weather in NYC June. We got lucky in the sense that it was overcast the first few days but both mornings started with a lot of rain. This made for pretty humid afternoons. You’d think that as a curl specialist, I’d know exactly how to navigate curls in different climates, but I definitely felt a little out of my element when styling my hair, so I knew my clients probably would feel the same way in new climates. I learned some new things about styling curls in humidity that I wanted to share with you all.
Humectants like glycerin and aloe attract moisture, while anti-humectants like shea butter and avocado oil help repel it in humid climates. (Photo Credit: ChatGPT)
Tip 1: Know Your Products – Humectants vs. Anti-Humectants
When you're styling curls in different climates, it’s essential to understand how your products interact with moisture in the air.
Humectants (like glycerin or aloe) attract moisture—perfect for Colorado’s dry climate, but in humidity, they can cause frizz.
Anti-humectants (like shea butter, avocado oil, or silicones) repel moisture—ideal for keeping your curls defined in humid weather.
On day one of my trip, I used my go-to Colorado routine and ended up with fluffy, frizz-prone curls while walking around Central Park. That night, I switched it up using Innersense Serenity Smoothing Cream, which includes anti-humectant ingredients like mango seed butter and avocado oil. I sealed everything with Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Gel—a game-changer in humid environments.
Drying your curls completely before stepping into humidity is key—tools like the Shark FlexStyle make travel-friendly styling easy. (Photo Credit: Shark Beauty)
Tip 2: Style and Dry with Intention
Styling for Humidity
Thorough product distribution is key when you're prepping for a humid day. I use brush styling techniques to make sure the product coats every strand. Some of my favorite curl-friendly brushes include:
Curl Keeper Flexy Brush
Bounce Curl Define Brush
Denman Brush
Start with wet hair, apply your chosen curl cream or gel, then brush-style in sections to define your pattern and control frizz.
Drying Before You Step Out
Do not go outside with wet curls in humidity. I learned this the hard way in Florida years ago. If your hair isn’t fully dry, humidity will set it in a frizzy state.
For travel, I swear by the Shark FlexStyle—it's compact and powerful. If you're in a rush, finish with Innersense I Create Finish Spray for faster drying and hold.
Embrace the volume! Frizz is natural in humidity and often gives curls extra character and charm. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock)
Tip 3: Set Realistic Expectations & Embrace the Frizz
Let’s be real—humidity will change your curls. Expect more volume, some texture changes, and yes, a little frizz. But frizz isn’t the enemy—it adds personality and movement. I remind my clients: your curls are unique, and how they shift in different climates can be beautiful.
In NYC, I saw so many people rocking their natural curls with confidence—frizz, volume, and all. It felt inspiring. In fact, I got the most compliments when my hair was a little messy and lived-in. Embrace it!
Frizz and curl disruption are common in humid climates—understanding your products and drying techniques can make all the difference. (Photo Credit: Miss Jessie’s Original)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Curly Hair and Humidity
Q: How do I keep my curly hair from getting frizzy in humidity?
A: Use products with anti-humectant ingredients like avocado oil, shea butter, or silicones to block moisture from the air. Make sure to fully dry your hair before stepping outside, and apply a gel or finishing spray for extra hold.
Q: What products work best for curly hair in humid weather?
A: Look for lightweight creams and humidity-blocking gels. I recommend Innersense Serenity Smoothing Cream and Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Gel for frizz control and definition.
Q: Should I brush curly hair when it’s wet or dry in humid climates?
A: Always brush-style your curls while wet to avoid frizz and breakage. Use a curl-friendly brush to distribute product and define your pattern before drying.
Q: Is it okay to let curly hair air dry in humid weather?
A: It’s not recommended. If your hair is still wet when you go outside, humidity can disrupt the curl formation and increase frizz. Use a diffuser or compact dryer like the Shark FlexStyle to set your curls.
Q: Are humectants bad for curly hair in humidity?
A: Not at all—they’re just situational. In dry climates, humectants like glycerin help retain moisture. But in high humidity, they can cause the hair to swell and frizz. Switch to anti-humectants when traveling to humid places.
Humidity-friendly favorites: these are my go-to products for managing curls on the go, including gels, creams, sprays, and styling tools. (Photo Credit, Innersense, Ouidad, and Shark brand websites)
Quick Product Recap for Humid Climates:
Anti-Humectant Cream: Innersense Serenity Smoothing Cream
Humidity Gel Seal: Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Gel
Finishing Spray: Innersense I Create Finish Spray
Dryer: Shark FlexStyle
Final Thoughts
Every climate teaches us something new about our hair. Humidity might take some getting used to, but it also gives your curls a chance to show a different kind of beauty. With the right approach, products, and mindset, you can confidently wear your curls wherever you go this summer.
Happy summer traveling—and remember, your curls are always in style.
