Summer humidity has a way of turning even the best hair days into a frizz-filled situation. If you’ve got naturally wavy hair, you already know what it feels like to leave your house looking one way and come back looking like a completely different person. One gust of muggy air, and suddenly your soft waves start to puff out like a lion’s mane—except less majestic and more chaotic. But here’s the good news: with the right care and styling approach, your waves can still look dreamy even on the stickiest days. It’s not about fighting the waves. It’s about working with them and letting them do what they’re meant to—just with a little more polish.
Start in the Shower, Stay Ahead of the Frizz
You can’t control the weather, but you can definitely control how your hair handles it. And that starts before you ever pick up a styling product. Summer means your hair is soaking up moisture from the air all day long, which can make your waves puff out or feel heavy and limp, depending on your hair type. That’s why what you do in the shower matters. Don’t skip the conditioner, but don’t overdo it either. You want moisture, not weight. Focus on your ends, not your roots. Rinse with cool water to help your cuticles lie flatter, which makes a surprising difference once you step outside.
When you towel dry, go gentle. Rubbing with a regular towel can rough up the hair shaft and start the frizz battle early. Instead, scrunch your hair with a soft T-shirt or microfiber cloth. It feels a little silly at first, but once you see how much softer and more defined your waves are, you’ll never go back. And if you’re showering at night, sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase. It’s one of those small swaps that somehow makes your waves wake up way less tangled and much more cooperative.
Let Your Waves Do Their Thing—with a Little Help
Once your hair is about 50 to 70 percent dry—yes, you’ll need to be that specific—it’s the perfect time to add in a product that helps your waves find their shape and hold it. And if you’ve never tried a volumizing mousse, summer is the time to give it a shot. There’s something magical about how it lifts your roots without feeling sticky or heavy. It makes waves look intentional, not accidental. You just scrunch it in gently from the ends upward, and then either let it air dry or use a diffuser if you’re short on time. The goal is to keep your hands off it while it sets. Constant touching while it’s drying invites the frizz to the party—and no one wants that guest.
You can also add a lightweight curl cream or gel if your waves lean more toward curls or if they need extra help staying defined. But be careful not to layer too much. In summer, more product doesn’t always mean better results. Sometimes it just means limp, greasy roots and crunchy ends.
Humidity-Proof Styling Without the Fight
There’s a difference between embracing your waves and just letting them run wild. Some styles are better suited to hot, sticky days than others. Loose braids, low ponytails, and half-up twists are all super forgiving when the humidity starts to creep in. They keep your waves controlled but still visible. And they don’t fall apart the minute you sweat or step into the sun. These styles also work beautifully when your waves are already a day or two old. Just spritz in a little water or wave refresher spray and reshape with your fingers.
For more volume at the crown, flip your part to the opposite side of where it normally sits. It’s such a simple trick, but it gives your hair a natural lift without heat or teasing. And if your waves tend to fall flat as the day goes on, carrying a tiny bottle of leave-in spray or mist in your bag lets you perk them back up wherever you are.
When in Doubt, Mix Texture with Sleek
There are some days when your hair just does not want to behave. Maybe the air is so thick you can feel it pressing down on your scalp. Maybe your waves are being more poodle than pretty. That’s when it’s time to blend styles—because a little contrast can work magic. Think beach waves and sleek buns. Use the front of your hair to make everything look polished—pull it back smooth and neat, then let your waves do their thing in a ponytail or loose bun. This trick makes it look like you tried really hard, when in reality, you just needed to get the puff out of your face.
Accessories help here, too. A cute claw clip or scrunchie pulls everything together without adding weight. And on those extra-humid days, a silk scarf wrapped around your head can help protect your waves while making your whole look feel way more put together.
Sleep Matters More Than You Think
One thing most people forget is how much nighttime habits affect how your waves look the next day. It’s not just about what you do in the morning. If you go to bed with damp hair and no plan, you’re probably waking up with flat or tangled waves. Try loosely braiding your hair or twisting it into two buns before you sleep. It helps set your natural texture and keeps it from getting crushed as you toss and turn. If your hair tends to frizz overnight, rubbing a little bit of leave-in or oil through the ends before bed can keep everything calm by morning.
And on those mornings when your hair looks okay but not great? Sometimes all it takes is rewetting a few pieces, scrunching in a little product, and letting it dry again. The fix doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to respect what your waves are trying to do.
Wavy hair doesn’t have to be the enemy of humid weather. With the right prep, a little strategy, and some low-effort tricks that make a big difference, you can spend less time stressing and more time just living your life. Summer should be about ease—not fighting with your hair in the mirror. Let your waves show up. They know what they’re doing.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
