The summer is finally here. And while that’s great news for your tan, it may not be quite so good for your hair. Human hair is very sensitive to moisture in the air (humidity). In fact, this sensitivity is so strong, older devices (hygrometers) used hair to measure humidity.
Hair reacts to humidity in a number of ways, depending on the type of hair and the level of moisture in the air. For example, straight hair goes wavy or curly. And if you already have curly hair, the problem can get out of control very quickly. Similarly, hair can change shape and length in particularly dry climates that are starved of airborne moisture.
To tackle the summer frizz this year, you need to first understand the science behind it.
The Chemical Process Behind Summer Frizz
Hair has a chemical structure that makes it highly susceptible to changes in the amount of hydrogen in the air. Each strand of hair contains a collection of proteins called keratin. Molecules of keratin are bonded together permanently through a complex process of bonding.
But there’s a second method of keratin-bonding going on in hair — and it involves hydrogen. The more water there is in the air, the more hydrogen there is. The bonding of keratin molecules accelerates which causes the length and shape of hair to change.
This problem is exacerbated in the summer when you’re in and out of the pool or ocean all day. Hydrogen bonds break and reform every as your hair gets wet and dries throughout the day. And as more hydrogen bonds form, hair folds back on itself at the molecular level — creating the curls and frizz you don’t want to see during the summer.
How to Protect Your Hair from Humidity This Summer
If you don’t want your hair to go curly this summer, there are several options available to you. For example, if you’re travelling to sunnier climes, invest in a permanent blow-dry, which involves the use of chemical straightening agents that reverse the effects of humidity.
There are also moisturizing treatments that help the hair to maintain a consistent texture. In many cases, these treatments are contained in specially formulated shampoos. Or if you want a natural remedy, why not braid your hair last thing at night? This not only prepares hair for humidity the following day, but it also helps to prevent breakage when you’re asleep on your pillow.
Solutions for Hair Loss & Thinning Hair
Whether you live in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Phoenix, Arizona, or anywhere in between, if you are experiencing the devastating effects of hair loss and would like to learn more about non-surgical hair replacement options available to you, we invite you to consider scheduling a free private, confidential consultation with an experienced hair loss professional near you.