A heatwave is good for all sorts of things. Your hair is not one of them. And the best sort of hairstyles for hot weather are the ones that shear off much length, and incorporate anti-heat product.
That’s why so many reach for the clippers. Not only does a buzzcut or fade seem like the more cooling hairstyles a man can have, but they’re also relatively low maintenance and won’t require meticulous reworking when the condition of your hair and scalp become compromised by warmer weather.
That being said, we find shorter ‘dos that limiting. So, we’ve called on the expertise of Ruffians barber Betty Lingwood for some clever tweaks that can be made when washing, drying and styling men’s hair that’ll have your lid looking flawless and easy to manage.
What causes hair to frizz in hot, humid weather?
“Hair will frizz during warmer weather due to the overload of moisture making its way into the hair strands and binding to the proteins inside,” says Lingwood. “People with curlier hair tend to be more at risk of frizz – hence that famous Friends scene when Monica touches down in humid Barbados.” If you know the episode in question, you’ll be happy to know it’s not seashell-embellished braids she recommends. “To prevent it, you’ll need a fixing spray or matt clay. These will create a barrier on top of the hair so the moisture can’t find a way in.”
Should I just go shorter in summer?
For obvious reasons, short hair is less likely to cause a fuss (there’s a reason why animals that hibernate have thick mains of fur). But that doesn’t mean a breezy buzzcut is the answer to all of your prayers and problems. “If you are one to wear a hat, it can actually be better to keep it long,” Lingwood advises. “It’s easier to push back and avoid hat hair if there’s more length to play with, and it also looks sexier if you can see hair flicking out from beneath a cap – think 1990s Brad Pitt.”
How should men alter how they wash their hair during a heatwave?
Because you’ll be sweating more in the hotter, summer months, you might find you have to wash your hair every day just to maintain some basic hygiene. Though it’s not always the ideal solution for those prone to dry hair, it’ll be necessary to maintain a healthy scalp. “The solution is to scrub the roots without scrubbing the ends,” says Lingwood. “Simply let the shampoo rinse through the ends as you wash it out.”
How should men be drying their hair?
Considering that those who’ll suffer worst from frizzy hair during humidity will be those with curlier locks, avoid using a hairdryer. “Unless, that is, you’re going to pair it with a brush and work on smoothing it out,” Lingwood adds. “If you’re used to it, this can work well, but it admittedly takes a lot more effort than many men are willing to put in. Finish with a fixing spray to keep the moisture away.”
What’s the best kind of styling product to use to avoid greasy hair in summer?
Going a little lighter on your usual heavy-duty styling product will certainly be a good start – product is much more likely to build up and make the hair appear greasy when sweat is added to the mix. “Ideally, you’ll want a product that can actually soak up the grease, such as a dry shampoo or a hair powder like that by Ruffians. They usually come in tiny bottles, meaning you can sneak it around with you in your pocket.”
