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Rain, rain, go away, come again another day—or not, actually. No need to come back, we’re good, thanks. But if that pesky rain does indeed circle back, don’t let humidity and a downpour ruin your good day (and good hair day). We consulted (more like begged) some of our favorite hair experts on what to do when a rainy day gets in the way.
PREP
When frizz and rain hit, an arsenal of products (or even just one single powerhouse product) can prevent hair from reacting, making you look fresh even while getting your parade rained upon.
Start in the shower.
“Sometimes it feels like the universe wants you to look like a frizzy mess at the most inopportune times,” says Aoife McCarthy, amika Pro Educator. “So, it’s always good to be prepared for when that day comes. Start the preparation in the shower with amika Velveteen Dream Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner ($20 each); both contain an ingredient that offers time-released humidity protection—so your style will be locked-in for up to 24 hours.”
Either combat or embrace the frizz.
“For extremely frizzy hair, smooth the surface with a flat brush and tie it up into a bun or ponytail,” says Coby Alcantar, Oribe Director of Training and Content, Cutting. “If you want to wear it curly, try to have the top layer more polished, so it snaps frizz before it happens. Curls will need a little more hold to combat frizz—oils and creams will smooth, but you need a hairspray on top, such as Oribe Free Styler Working Hair Spray ($42). Or, you can embrace the frizz and go for a wild look by tousling hair with Oribe Apres Beach Wave and Shine Spray ($42).”
Hydrate those tresses.
“If you know it’s going to rain, try to prep your hair before you leave the house to keep it from getting frizzy or flat,” says Leo Izquierdo, co-Founder of IGK Hair Care. “I tell my clients to use IGK THIRSTY GIRL Leave-In Conditioner ($28) every day, but especially when it’s rainy or wet out. It uses a patented hyaluronic acid technology and pure coconut milk to keep hair hydrated and frizz-free for up to 24 hours. Just apply it to damp hair and style as usual. You can air dry or blow dry and do your normal routine—it won’t weigh hair down.”
VOLUMIZE
As if humidity wasn’t enough of an insult, rain can also do a number on volume in the hair, making it somehow both frizzy and flat.
Combine products for a one-two punch.
“To combat flatness on a rainy day, my go-to products are a combination of Phytovolume Actif Volume Spray ($15) applied at the root area and Phytodefrisant Anti-Frizz Balm ($16) applied mid-strand to ends,” says Phyto’s Cristiano. “Phytovolume is designed to create fullness and bounce, and will hold volume throughout the day. Phytodefrisant is a lightweight, non-greasy botanical straightening balm that will hydrate and keep your hair smooth in any weather condition.”
Use spray with “oomph”.
“Having your hair fall totally flat when you worked so hard on making it look cute is a little bit heartbreaking, right?” says amika’s McCarthy. “So, I always like to keep amika’s Vandal Volume Powder Spray ($25) in my purse for those ‘just in case’ moments. You just need to put a few pumps in your crown area and massage it in: It will instantly bring your hair back to life. Plus, it absorbs moisture and oil so that your hair will feel lighter and fresh.”
Go for texture for a lift.
“Humidity can also make your hair go flat at the roots,” says IGK’s Izquierdo. “Use a texturizing spray for quick volume and hold all day. After you use Thirsty Girl (and once your hair is dry), apply IGK BEACH CLUB Volumizing Texture Spray ($14) to your roots and throughout the hair. It’ll help keep your volume and texture, even when the air is wet.”
Take it to go.
“Always keep a travel size of your favorite frizz-taming product in your bag for mid-day application,” says Oribe’s Alcantar.
“A lot of my clients keep a travel dry shampoo, like IGK DIRECT FLIGHT Multi-Tasking Dry Shampoo ($14), in their purse to absorb oil, as well as add texture and volume throughout the day,” says IGK’s Izquierdo. “There’s no white powder residue, so it’s an easy way to refresh your look if your hair is going flat.”
Bring wipes.
“If it’s humid and your hair is getting frizzy, our IGK SWIPE UP No-Frizz Smoothing Hair Wipes ($18) are perfect,” says IGK’s Izquierdo. “They’re portable, single-pack hair wipes that instantly smooth static and flyaways, as well as add shine. They won’t make hair greasy, and are the best thing for on-the-go touch-ups.”
STYLING
It might be tempting to just pull all your hair under a hat and call it a day (that sounds rather chic though, do it!), but there are other styling options as well.
When in doubt, pull it up.
“My favorite hairstyle on a rainy day lends itself toward something sleek and chic, like an amazing top knot or a great ponytail,” says PHYTO brand ambassador Anthony Cristiano. These two classic styles will give lift to one’s features, and will always keep you looking fresh and modern.”
Braids to the rescue.
“When prepping hair to head out in rainy weather, stick with a style that will stand up to Mother Nature: braids,” says Ali Anger, amika Pro Educator and owner of Anger & Artistry. “Braids will keep a look put-together without you having to worry about frizzing ends or your hair falling flat by the end of the day. My secret tip is to add in amika Heist Molding Blend ($25) before you get started to give more control.”
Actually, a blowout can work, too.
“If you have a polished blowout, you’ll get the best results by blowing in your structure product,” says Oribe’s Alcantar. “Blowing in a product like Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray ($38), Oribe Volumista Mist of Volume ($44), or Oribe Straight Away Smoothing Blowout Cream ($44) will give the majority of control. Then, add something topical like Oribe Impermeable Anti-Humidity Spray ($42) to tame flyaways and moderate frizz.”
Go low.
“A sleek, low bun is perfect for a rainy day,” says IGK’s Izquierdo. “To get the look, apply IGK Thirsty Girl to damp hair and comb through. Part your hair to the side or the middle, depending on the look you want, and gather your hair at the nape of the neck, making sure it’s lying smooth. Add hydration and hold to the bun by mixing IGK MISTRESS Hydrating Hair Balm ($15) and RICH KID Coconut Oil Air Dry Styler ($15) in your hands and applying over the mid-lengths and ends. Twist the hair carefully down on itself and tuck the ends under; then, secure with a pin. This style is great because it won’t frizz or come undone in the wind or rain, and it looks chic. You can also do this with a braid.”
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