One of the most unrealistic things about Carrie Bradshaw wasn’t just her ability to afford Manolo Blahniks on a columnist’s salary, but her impossibly sleek curls in humid New York City summers. As the weather warms up, most hair types — especially high-porosity and curly hair — will poof up beyond control. Under humid conditions, dry hair absorbs moisture from its surroundings, causing the hair cuticle to swell up and lose its styled shape. This continuous swelling of the cuticle, if left untreated, can lead to breakage and future hair loss. The following four hair products can help prevent the poof and let your hair shine all summer long.
Amika Frizz-Me-Not Hydrating Anti-Frizz Treatment | $30
The Amika’s Frizz-Me-Not hairspray vibrant yellow and geometric pink-patterned bottle will surely catch your eye in any drugstore aisle. The Brooklyn-born brand emphasizes cruelty-free products for all hair types, and its Frizz-Me-Not hairspray is part of the brand’s frizz-fighter set, which also includes an anti-frizz shampoo and conditioner.
The spray is designed for medium to thick hair and is activated with heat styling tools. The ideal routine for application is to spray the serum on damp hair, detangling and combing through and then using a hair heating tool such as a hair-dryer, curling iron or hair-straightener to lock in moisture and prevent frizz. For those worried about heat damage, the spray also acts as a heat protectant.
The treatment should enable your shiny blowout to last 72 hours and resist frizz from humidity. However, users should be aware that the product contains silicone-based ingredients to shield against humidity, which may lead to increased product buildup in the hair. When used frequently, this could cause scalp irritation and require clarifying shampoos or apple cider vinegar treatments, followed by deep conditioning to restore moisture.
Amika’s hair quiz can help you determine the thickness of your hair and whether the Frizz-Me-Not hairspray is right for you this summer. Amika products are readily available for purchase at Sephora and Target, both located near campus at Union Square.
OUAI Anti-Frizz Crème | $30
Though OUAI gained popularity on social media for its minimalist aesthetic, featuring sleek translucent bottles, the product offers more than just pretty packaging. Made to hydrate, moisturize and protect your hair, the OUAI Anti-Frizz Crème has jackfruit, beetroot extract and plant-based polymers, all of which promote deep hydration that combat dryness which attracts frizz. The cream should be distributed evenly through detangled hair, whether damp or dry.
The cream can also be applied easily and consistently, as it’s not tied to an extensive hair routine. Used between regular hair-wash days, the cream tames humidity-borne frizz by smoothing hair follicles shut, so you spend less time in the shower.
OUAI also offers a 20% student discount on most products when shopping with a student ID.
Act+Acre: 2% Squalane Anti-Frizz Leave-In Conditioner | $48
Founded by celebrity hair stylist and trichologist Helen Reavy, Act+Acre has a unique product formula that uses a patented “cold-processed method” to create more potent, sustainable hair care. The 2% Squalane Anti-Frizz Leave-In Conditioner uses a unique silicone-free formula with three main ingredients: squalene, a natural lipid-based antioxidant, snow mushroom blend and meadowfoam seed oil. These ingredients power the formula by deeply moisturizing the scalp and hair root to preventatively counter frizz.
Meant to be used post-shower on the ends of damp hair, Act+Acre recommends using varying amounts of its conditioner for different hair types. Starting mid-lengths and working your way to the ends, this product requires one pump for fine hair and up to five pumps for coarser hair. Designed for long-term use, this product alleviates your daily battle with curly and high-porosity hair, making your hair-wash routine more rejuvenating.
With a slightly higher price point, this product can be purchased in various clothing and cosmetic stores throughout the city, with additional avenues beyond the Act+Acre website, including Sephora and Amazon.
Hairitage Anti-Frizz + Humidity Spray | $9
Despite this product being the most affordable on the list, you’ll still reap the benefits of haircare, as the Hairitage spray provides frizz-free hair for up to 24 hours after application. The spray’s main ingredient is Agave, a natural sugar that provides nourishing conditioning by drawing in moisture from the atmosphere.
The website notes that the spray is ideal for damp hair and is appropriate for all hair types, although some users with finer hair report increased grease and reduced curl definition. To apply, begin by shaking the bottle well. After spraying the product onto damp or dry hair from at least eight to 10 inches away, brush it through to ensure even distribution and follow up with a blow-dry to activate the anti-frizz technology. For those focused on protecting their hair from heat damage, this product protects against temperatures up to 450 degrees and ensures individual hair strands won’t suffer UV damage.
Contact Kriti Saksena at [email protected].