Best Hair Products for Humidity

Living by the coast and spending time on the east coast, it’s been a struggle to nail down a humidity-proof hair routine that works. As tempting as it is to throw my hair in a messy bun or wear a hat, I do feel that having my hair done makes me feel more put-together overall so I wanted to find the right mix of products that reduce frizz, keep my hair smooth and shiny, and don’t weigh down my hair or harm its color. Below are my tried and true favorites!

best hair products for humidity

davines nounou shampoo

The first line of defense in a proper anti-humidity routine starts with shampoo (and conditioner). A lot of the shampoos that claim to be anti-frizz end up adding films that lead to product build-up and ultimately weigh your hair down. I’ve found that a lightweight, hydrating shampoo works much better. This shampoo by Davines is color-safe, makes your hair soft and shiny, reduces damage, and restores hydration. It has a light, fresh scent (from the tomato extract) that isn’t overpowering, which I appreciate as someone who is sensitive to fragrance.

ouai medium conditioner

While I also love the Davines NouNou conditioner, this one from Ouai is just as good and a little easier to purchase (available at Target, Ulta, Sephora, and Amazon). It’s hydrating without weighing your hair down, and adds tons of shine and softness - my hair looks like I just stepped out of the salon or got a gloss treatment. I have fine hair, but haven’t noticed much of a difference between the medium and fine formulations. They also formulate this conditioner for thick hair, too.

unite hair 7SECONDS detangler leave-in conditioner

Whether you want to heat style your hair or go natural, adding a leave-in conditioner will really help your hair fight the frizz that comes with humid weather. This detangler is my ultimate favorite; it’s lightweight and deeply hydrating, but feels like nothing in your hair. It’s also made such a big difference with breakage and overall hair health, so I have less baby hairs to try to tame, too. One bottle will last you a long time, and I love that it doubles as a leave-in conditioner and heat protectant, too.

dae agave dry heat protection and hold styling mist

One of the top clean-beauty hair brands, I don’t love their shampoos/ conditioners but their styling products truly are so good. This heat protectant is the only one that feels like nothing in your hair; it’s so lightweight yet it helps hold curls all day, so the “hold styling” aspect definitely works. The scent is fruity, yet not so strong that it gives me a headache. It adds shine to my hair, and I am surprised by how often get compliments whenever I use this product.

verb ghost oil

Humidity doesn’t just make your hair feel unmanageable and frizzy; it actually causes damage to your hair by causing it to absorb excess moisture from the air, which breaks and reforms bonds in the hair shaft. This weakens your hair’s outer layer, which visually results in frizz. Therefore, it’s important to not just attack the frizz, but treat your hair to reduce the damage caused to the source. I really love the Verb Ghost Oil as a hair treatment; lots of hair oils out there make your hair soft and shiny, but they don’t offer any deep treatment or hydration. Ghost Oil strengthens hair by reinforcing the cuticle, so it’s a dream for fighting humidity. That being said, this is a thicker oil than you may be used to. A little goes a long way! I’ve found I get the best results when I apply it to damp hair and really work it into my ends (not so much the roots). I also save this for my pre-wash days and let it soak in my hair all day, rather than on days when I have freshly washed and styled hair. Just spray your hair with water or run it under the shower, add a dime-sized amount (or less if you have shorter hair), and let it work its magic.

dae cactus fruit 3-in-1 styling cream

This is truly a miracle product. Whether you want a slicked-back pony or just want to tame flyaways at the root, this product is so lightweight yet packs a punch. It doesn’t feel crunchy or leave a film, but the hold lasts all day. It smells light and fruity, yet isn’t overpowering. Where some hairsprays can weaken your hair or cause damage long-term, I’ve found this styling cream to be really nurturing and hydrating. I truly can’t live without it and always keep the travel size in my bag for quick touch-ups.

ouidad climate control gel

If you have curly hair, this gel is a must-have. It’s lightweight, smells incredible, and enhances your curls without drying your hair out. A little goes a long way, and it doesn’t leave a residue. I recommend applying it to damp hair after you’ve used a leave-in conditioner for max results, and the price on Amazon is cheaper than what I’ve found in my local stores.

amika the shield anti-humidity spray

I’m not typically one for hair spray, but this one is great for reducing frizziness without feeling heavy or making your hair feel like you have a ton of product in it. It’s going to add a ton of shine and gloss, and it also has UV filters to protect from the damage caused by sun exposure. A little goes a long way, so unless you like in a humid climate and heat-style your hair daily, I’ve found that the travel size is a more economical purchase (and then you don’t have to worry about TSA requirements should you need to travel with it).

slip silk scrunchies

As someone who used to go through a pack of regular hair ties a month (I relied heavily on auto-ship), I thought silk scrunchies were the equivalent of throwing money down the drain because I swore I’d lose them immediately. Maybe it was the investment made, but I haven’t lost one and I’m absolutely obsessed with them. They really do prevent breakage and ponytail creases, reduce frizz, extend heat styling, and limit tangles and knots. I can’t live without them, and highly recommend them if you live in a humid climate or are going to travel somewhere tropical - they’re a game-changer.

microfiber hair towels

You can use all the right products in the shower, but when the weather forecast is excessively humid, a microfiber hair towel is worth the extra step. They’re going to wring out extra water and moisture from your hair without adding to the frizz, and will help your hair dry a bit smoother and shinier. They prevent damage to your hair when it’s most susceptible, so they’re worth the switch and you can get a 2-pack on Amazon for super cheap. Because they’re lightweight, I always try to travel with one or two if I’m going to a humid destination because I find hotel towels to be too harsh.

slip silk pillowcase

I used to think these were so extra and not worth the price, but they’ve absolutely transformed the health of my hair. They’re one of my non-negotiable travel products because I find hotel pillowcases to be extra harsh on my hair, which is a recipe for disaster when you factor in humid weather on top of it. I’m always looking for a dupe or cheaper option, but get the silk pillowcase; satin ones can actually cause damage and just aren’t worth it.