Images: Imaxtree
We get it, April showers bring May flowers, but they also bring something else — bad hair days. Whether it be a subtle sun shower or full-on thunderstorm, nothing can prepare you for flat, frizzy hair or a style meltdown. While we can’t quite rainproof your strands, we can offer insight to turn a hot mess into a good hair day. Beat it wet weather!
[ Next: Battle Summer Humidity with 11 Frizz-Fighting Products That Really Work ]
How to rainproof hair
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Make Your Blowout Actually Last
Julien Farel, owner of Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa, suggests always opting for a cool (not hot) rinse in the shower to smooth rough hair cuticles. “For extra shine, apply a pea size of Flexible Styling Gel at the roots and comb it through for perfect distribution.” He also suggests using his namesake paddle brush paired with silicone bristles. “Brush your hair upside down to revive volume day after day.”
Matrix celebrity stylist Nick Stenson is all about technique. “Make sure you dry the hair in sections and ensure it's dry 100 percent,” he shares. “Most blowouts don't last or get frizzy because the hair isn't completely dried.” Noted!
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Tame Your Tendrils
Taming out of control curls on high humidity days really needs to start with product preparation after shampooing. [Editor’s Note: Remember to always apply from root to tip, not vice versa.] Curly girls also know touching your hair too much can cause drama, aka the moisture from your hands can get into the hair shaft, causing it to swell even more.
“Pre-styling products to avoid frizziness would be my all-time favorite, Kérastase Oléo-Relax serum — it’s both anti-frizz and anti-humidity. You have to get those products in at the start,” explains Senior Education Director at Antonio Prieto Salon Brian Zinno. Another hack? Twist curl large sections together to keep them weighted as they dry.
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Rethink Your Hairstyle Choice
When straight and sleek simply isn’t an option, try something else instead. “A chic-yet-cool hairstyle to wear when the weather is awful is braids — they have limitless possibilities of looks,” shares Zinno. “If you got caught in a downpour, a quick fix that will make you look presentable is a high ballerina bun.”
If you got caught in the rain, Farel recommends another quick fix. “Slick your hair back with sculpting gel, a long part on the side to create a runway look in under two minutes.” Look for formulas that are also hydrating — Farel’s version contains hyaluronic acid, which protects your hair from dryness and hydrates.
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Thicken Up
Don’t let your thin hair fall flat, fake it instead by layering on products. “On wet hair, start with some Matrix Style Link Volume Builder before you blowdry,” shares Stenson. “Once dry, apply a small amount of Style Link Mineral Airy Builder before applying any heat tools to your hair.” To finish, Stenson recommends a spritz of Style Link Texture Builder to give lasting grip and volume that will take you through the day.
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Fake the Wet Look
Sometimes it makes more sense to join in rather than fight. If you start out with wet hair, it can’t get any worse, right? Not quite.
“The ‘wet hair’ look shouldn’t be wet all over,” shares Zinno. “I prefer it when the root to mid shaft have a wet look, while the rest of the hair has some texture and looks dry. Sometimes you can achieve the wet look without starting with wet hair. Using a priming spray, lightly mist the area you want to appear wet followed by a generous dollop of mousse or flexible gel,” he adds.
Take your look one step further by brushing it into a low pony. “Once secured, twist the hair like a rope till the hair starts to bend, then wrap it around the pony and pin it into place,” adds Stenson. “This will give you a sleek, tight, low chignon.”
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Accessorize
When rainy weather hits, hair accessories are your friends. Experiment with barrettes, bows and hair bands to keep hair in check.
