April Showers: Rain-Proofing Your Hair

"Drip, drip, drop, little April showers…" – the month all hair lovers dread! Along with the rain comes frizz, humidity, and the battle to keep your blow-dry smooth and bouncy. The struggle is real, especially when you can’t keep your style intact for more than five minutes.

But don’t worry, it’s not all a washout! There are a few expert tips from the SILKE HQ team that will help turn April from a frizz-filled nightmare to a smooth, bouncy hair month. Soon, you’ll learn to love this wet springtime, no matter what the weather throws at you.

Why Does Wet Weather Cause Frizz?

Maria Sotiriou, co-founder of SILKE London, has 37 years of experience behind the salon chair and has worked with countless hair types, including some of the most difficult to manage. She explains why wet weather and increased humidity can cause hair to frizz and become unruly:

"Certain hair types are naturally more susceptible to frizz in wet and humid weather. For example, curly, fine, dry, porous, and damaged hair tends to suffer the most. These hair types often experience dehydration in both the inner cortex and outer cuticles of the hair. Hair is made up of four parts: the inner medulla, cortex, cortex cells, and outer cuticle. The cuticle is especially vulnerable to damage because it’s on the outermost part of the hair strand. However, you’ll also see the effects of dehydration in the inner cortex and cortex cells.

When hair is exposed to damp air, it behaves like a sponge, drawing in moisture. The more moisturised and hydrated your hair is, the less moisture it will absorb. This is why dry and damaged hair tends to frizz more easily in humid conditions."

Pro Tip: If your hair is curly, fine, or prone to dryness, it’s more likely to be impacted by humidity. Read on for expert tips to help manage your hair during wet weather!

Top Hair Care Tips for Managing Humidity & Frizz

Even if your hair is prone to frizz, there are plenty of ways you can improve its appearance during damp and humid months. Maria recommends the following hair care tips to help your locks stay smooth and healthy:

1. Wash Your Hair Less Often

During wet and humid weather, try washing your hair less frequently. Over-washing can strip away natural oils that keep your hair smooth and healthy. Washing less often lets your scalp produce oils that help keep the cuticle smooth and protected.

2. Use a 100% Silk Hair Wrap for Hydration

Wearing a 100% silk Hair Wrap at night helps those natural oils work on the drier, more damaged lengths of your hair. Without the Hair Wrap, the oils remain stuck at the roots, potentially causing greasy hair. The silk material helps maintain your hair’s hydration and prevents frizz.

3. Choose a Sulfate-Free Shampoo

When it’s time to wash your hair, avoid shampoos that contain sulfates, as they can dry out your strands. Opt for a sulfate-free shampoo and use lukewarm water instead of hot water, as hot water can further dry out your hair.

4. Pre-Wash Hair Oil Treatment

To give your hair extra nourishment, consider applying a pre-wash oil treatment. Maria recommends using a nourishing hair oil to hydrate your hair and scalp. Apply it to your hair and leave it for a few hours or overnight. For added benefits, you can also warm your scalp by blow-drying your hair on a low heat setting to help the oil penetrate deeper.

5. Use a Hair Mask for Extra Conditioning

Swapping your regular conditioner for a deep conditioning hair mask can provide extra moisture. Leave the hair mask on for a little longer than usual to give your hair the deep hydration it needs to fight off frizz and humidity.

6. Always Use a Heat Protector

Finally, add a heat protector to your routine, especially if you blow-dry or style your hair. Wet weather and humidity will always affect your hair, but the right care and products can reduce damage and help maintain your style longer.

Fighting Frizz with 100% Silk

One of Maria’s favourite tricks for preventing frizz during wet weather is wearing a SILKE Hair Wrap under a waterproof hat. This tip has been widely adopted by everyone at SILKE HQ because it’s incredibly effective for protecting your blow-dry.

“The SILKE London Hair Wrap is beautifully designed and lightweight, making it easy to wear throughout the day. It’s versatile, so I love wearing it under a hat or even the hood of my coat on rainy days. If you’re frequently out in the rain, a waterproof hat with your Hair Wrap underneath is a game-changer. It keeps your hair 100% frizz-free and hydrated, while also preventing the rain from ruining your blow-dry. It’s the perfect solution for wet weather,” Maria explains.

Recommended Products for Frizz Control

In addition to the SILKE Hair Wrap, Maria has tried every product under the sun when it comes to controlling frizz in wet weather. From her numerous trials, these are the hair saviors she recommends that she has personally tested and trusts to control frizz in damp weather. Here are her top picks:

Colour Wow Dream Coat: A must-have for locking out humidity and keeping your hair sleek and smooth.

Living Proof No Frizz De-Frizz: This product is perfect for combating frizz and keeping hair under control.

Amika Anti-Humidity Spray: A great option for preventing frizz in high-humidity conditions.

While these products can help manage your hair in damp conditions, the SILKE Hair Wrap is the ultimate solution to keep your hair fully protected from humidity and rain.

The Takeaway

Maria says, “During my time as a busy hairstylist, we didn’t have access to the wide range of products available today. Even so, I always recommend finishing your hairstyle with a good coat of hairspray when you know it’s going to be rainy or humid. It’s a simple and effective way to make sure your style lasts as long as possible." While these products can help manage your hair in damp conditions, the SILKE Hair Wrap is the ultimate solution to keep your hair fully protected from humidity and rain.

How will you be rain-proofing your hair this April? Whether you follow Maria’s expert tips or have your own rain-proofing routine, we’d love to hear how you keep your hair looking flawless in wet weather. Share your tips and tag us on social media @silkelondon!

Love,
SILKE xo