Natural Hair in Florida Heat and Humidity

What the heat does to natural hair

Curly and coily hair often runs drier than straight hair, partly because natural oils from the scalp have a harder time traveling along a coiled strand. Hot, humid weather adds its own challenges. Humidity makes hair swell and frizz, sweat can leave salt and buildup on the scalp, and strong sun can dry out the ends.

Here is the good news. Defined curls and coils often handle humidity well when they are moisturized and set with the right product. Summer is a good time to lean into your natural texture rather than fight it.

Build your routine around moisture

Think in layers. Many people use a leave-in conditioner first, then a cream for moisture, then a light oil or gel to seal and hold. Lighter textures usually feel better in the heat, so you might swap heavy butters for creams or lotions until fall.

The American Academy of Dermatology suggests washing textured hair about once a week or every other week, conditioning every time and using a hot oil treatment about twice a month. If sweat builds up between wash days, ask your stylist about a co-wash, which means cleansing with a conditioner instead of shampoo.

• Condition every time you wash, focusing on the ends.
• Refresh with a little water and leave-in rather than piling on more product.
• Sleep on a satin pillowcase, or wrap your hair in a satin scarf or bonnet.
• Keep a spray bottle handy for quick refreshes on hot days.

Styles that work in the heat

Protective styles keep the ends tucked away and cut down on daily handling, which can mean less breakage in summer. Twists, braids, buns and updos also keep hair off your neck when the air is thick. Ask for braids and twists to be installed loosely enough that they never pull, and if a style hurts, ask the stylist to stop and redo it.

Wash-and-go styles, where curls are defined with product and left to dry, are easy on humid days. Twist-outs and braid-outs give a stretched, defined look, but they can loosen faster in high humidity. Setting them with a product that has some hold helps them last.

Give heat tools a summer break

Straightened styles tend to puff up quickly in Florida humidity, so summer is a natural time to rest your flat iron. If you do straighten, apply a heat protectant to damp hair first. The AAD also suggests using the lowest temperature that works and limiting pressing to about once a week. For length without heat, a stretched style such as a twist-out or a banded ponytail is a gentle alternative.

Sun, pools and the beach

Hair needs sun protection too. A wide-brimmed hat or a loose scarf is the simplest shield, and the AAD notes that some leave-in products contain SPF. Shade helps as well, especially in the middle of the day, and your part and edges are the most exposed spots.

Before swimming, wet your hair with fresh water and smooth in a leave-in conditioner or oil, or wear a swim cap. Afterward, rinse right away and follow with a good conditioner. A weekly deep conditioning treatment helps make up for long days outside.

What to ask your stylist this summer

A quick check-in at the start of summer can save you a season of frizz and breakage. Your stylist can see things you can't, like dry ends at the back or buildup at the scalp.

If you notice thinning, breakage around your edges, itching that won't go away or any change in your scalp, see a dermatologist. A stylist can point out what they notice, but scalp and hair-loss concerns belong with a doctor.

• Which products suit my curl pattern in humid weather?
• Is my hair getting enough moisture, or is there buildup?
• Which protective style will last, and how long should I keep it in?
• How should I care for my scalp under braids or twists?

Sources: American Academy of Dermatology: Black hair, tips for everyday care · American Academy of Dermatology: Must-try summer hair care

This guide is general information, not medical advice. For scalp, skin or hair-loss concerns, see a dermatologist.