Summertime brings sun, BBQs, and sandals, but for many, it also brings hair havoc. Travelling to warmer climates often means exposure to chlorine, salt water, UV rays, and humidity—all of which can cause dryness and frizz. Another common culprit abroad is softer water than in the UK, which changes hair behaviour, making it prone to flyaways and altering how usual products work.
Trichologist Anabel Kingsley of Philip Kingsley explains: 'High humidity definitely adds to frizz.' She adds that soft water leaves less residue, making hair feel softer and shinier but more prone to flyaways due to loss of texture from minerals. 'Your usual products may work differently, so you might need to rethink your products,' she advises.
Beauty editors recommend several products to combat these issues. Living Proof's frizz range, starting with its shampoo, is praised by Freelance Beauty Editor Mica Ricketts for transforming hair feel. 'It's infused with a special Sili-clone HairTech which really helps to smooth the shaft of the hair and leave it feeling really silky, but without any residue,' she says.
Color Wow's Dream Coat spray is a popular anti-humidity choice. Beauty Editor Lucy Abbersteen notes: 'If I'm styling my hair smooth, good moisturisation and some kind of humidity shield are musts. I love a pre-blowdry spray and am a longtime Color Wow Dream Coat user.' She also recommends Amika's Frizz-Me-Not Hydrating Treatment as a worthy competitor.
Davines' anti-frizz spray is favoured by beauty editor Humeara Mohamed for its lightweight formula suitable for fine hair. She says: 'I love everything about it: the packaging, the delightful smell, the way it makes my hair look smooth and glossy, and the brand’s dedication to the planet.'
For braids, Culture & Beauty Journalist Ata-Owaji Victor recommends Charlotte Mensah Manketti Oil Finishing Mist for hydration and gloss. She shares: 'It's the perfect spritz of hydration for that dreaded 3-week mark.' These products aim to keep hair smooth and frizz-free despite humidity, soft water, and other holiday hair challenges.
