Don’t get me wrong, I love having thick hair. I fully appreciate the benefits that come with possessing a heavy brunette mane: the silky post-wash swoosh, the endless styling options and the nonchalant attitude towards thinning. Yet come summer, this privilege becomes something of a nightmare.
In the midst of the current heatwave, having thicker locks is akin to wearing a woolly scarf. The frizz is untameable, the baby-hair unruly and the extra heat around the neck area unbearable.
Which is why we spoke to Dr Aamna Adel, Consultant Dermatologist and founder of rhute, for her advice about how to control thicker hair during scorching summers. From styling tips and tricks to recommended products, here’s what the expert said.
© Getty ImagesWhat are your go-to products or ingredients for keeping thick hair hydrated, frizz-free and manageable in hot, humid weather?
"In humid weather, the aim is to smooth and seal the cuticle, because frizz happens when the cuticle lifts and draws in moisture from the air. A good leave-in conditioner is the most useful product for thick hair, and sealing the mid-lengths and ends with a lightweight oil or serum, such as rhute’s Density + Repair Serum helps keep it smooth and polished. Ingredients like argan oil, shea, and panthenol work well to hydrate and smooth, while anti-humidity formulas create a barrier against moisture in the air. The key is enough moisture to keep the hair calm, without weighing it down."
© ImaxtreeAre there any common mistakes people with thick hair make during a heatwave that can lead to dryness, excess oil or damage?
"Yes, a few come up often. When shampooing, concentrate the product on the scalp rather than the lengths; the strands don't need shampoo directly, as what runs through them on rinsing is enough to cleanse them, and rubbing the lengths together can lead to dryness and roughness. Many people also underestimate sun exposure: UV degrades the hair fibre and fades colour just as it damages skin, so it's worth using an SPF product formulated for the hair and scalp, along with physical protection like a hat. And if you're swimming, chlorine can be very drying, so rinse your hair with fresh water and apply a conditioning mask before you get in, which helps stop it soaking up the chlorinated water."
What hairstyles or styling techniques do you rely on to keep thick hair comfortable and looking polished when it's too hot to wear it down?
"Loose, low-tension styles are best, as they keep hair off the neck without pulling on the follicles. A soft braid, a low bun, or a claw-clip style all work well and reduce the risk of tension damage over time. Braids are particularly good in humidity because they keep thick hair contained and minimise frizz while still looking intentional. Styling the hair while it's slightly damp lets it dry into a polished shape without heat."
© ImaxtreeIf you could give just one piece of advice to someone struggling with heavy, unruly thick hair during a heatwave, what would it be?
"Focus on moisture and protection rather than fighting the volume. Thick hair tends to misbehave in the heat when it's dry, so a well-hydrated, sealed cuticle is what keeps it smooth and manageable. Keep the lengths conditioned, work with the texture in loose styles rather than forcing it, and protect the hair from the sun. A pre-wash oiling with the rhute Triple Density Complex Pre-Wash Hair Oil is a great starting point, as it seals the cuticle and reduces frizz before you even wash, and finishing with a smoothing, anti-humidity spray helps hold that frizz down through the day."
