Is your hair resembling more shrub than chic? If the answer is yes, it’s likely that humid days have met their match – that, or I’m missing the memo on beauty’s latest trend… Jokes aside, hot, sticky weather (as well as rain and other factors such as genetics) can contribute towards frizzy, unruly hair, meaning summer ain’t so easy for the curly girlies.
Behold: A super helpful guide on how to tame frizz – that is, should you wish to. Because FYI, there is nothing wrong with frizzy hair! From picking the correct styling products to in-salon treatments, three Cosmopolitan contributing experts-stroke-hairstylists help me break down the deets.
'Why do I get frizzy hair?'
Before we get to the ‘how’, first, let’s address the ‘why’. So, why do some of us get frizzy hair in summer? Well, to put it quite bluntly, our strands are sponge-like and absorb moisture in the air, and the drier your hair, the more likely it is to absorb said moisture, resulting in bigger, frizzier locks. “Curly and wavy hair types are especially prone to frizz because their structure makes it harder for natural oils to coat the hair evenly, leaving it thirsty for hydration,” Samantha Cusick explains.
Jordanna Cobella, however, adds that it’s not just down to genetics; “colour-treated hair can sometimes become damaged and roughen the hair shaft which may cause frizz,” while Dionne Smith says that “hormonal changes, specific medical conditions and/or extended chemical treatments can also increase or decrease the likelihood of frizz in hair.” This ultimately means that frizz is more or less beyond our control, so an elite haircare routine is the way forward.
How to control frizzy hair
Now that we understand ‘why’, let’s get to how we can control it. One way is simply by using appropriate at-home hair products (and sticking with them to form a consistent routine!). Hydrating formulas, such as leave-in conditioners, help by adding moisture to dry hair, while others, like humidity-resistant sprays and anti-frizz serums, create a hydrophobic, anti-humidity layer on the top of the hair to leave a smooth finish.
If you’re after a longer-term frizz-fix, in-salon treatments are a fail-safe option. Cusick tells me that keratin treatments are one of the most sought-after, as they “work by sealing the cuticle with proteins (keratin), leaving hair glossy, manageable, and humidity-resistant for weeks.” Smith further explains that Brazilian blowouts, a type of keratin hair treatment, are popular for their long-lasting results. “The Brazilian blowout is great for those with coarser hair types as they can generally withstand the heat from a flat iron sealing a liquid keratin mixture onto strands,” she says.
Speak to your local salon about the keratin services they provide. There are several types (including express, intense, nano smooth, Brazilian blowouts and keratin oil treatments), and each works differently depending on hair type, desired results and how long you want the treatment to last.
My picks
L'Oréal Paris Elvive Hydra Hyaluronic Acid Shampoo (Various Sizes)
Hyaluronic acid is humidity hair's arch nemesis. This shampoo helps hydrate and smooth strands, which in turn reduces frizz.
STRAAND Woven Microfibre Towel
Microfibre may be overlooked, but it's key for a sleek ‘do. This gentle towel reduces friction and prevents disruption to the hair cuticles.
Dionne's picks
Moroccanoil Treatment Original 100ml
Apply this hydrating oil to damp or dry hair for a smooth finish. It adds a healthy shine without weighing it down.
SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow & Restore Leave-In Conditioner 431ml
Rich in nourishing ingredients, this leave-in conditioner moisturises and fortifies hair while minimising frizz. Dreamy.
Jordanna's picks
Briogeo Curl Charisma™ Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Crème 177ml
Crunchy hair ain’t it, so use this cream for defined curls with flexible control and a reduction in frizz. It’s a bestseller for good reason.
Wella Professionals Care Ultimate Repair Miracle Rescue 30ml
For damaged strands, opt for this spray powered by AHAs and Omega-9. It detangles wet hair and rebuilds broken bonds inside out.
Samantha's picks
ghd Sleek Talker - Wet to Sleek Styling Oil 95ml
This styling oil doubles as a humidity shield, creating an invisible and lightweight heat-protecting layer around the cuticle.
Nº.6 BOND SMOOTHER®
Repair, strengthen and smooth hair for up to 72 hours with this leave-in treatment. Blow-dry it into damp hair for a refined finish.
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Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
