Posted on July 1st, 2025

 

Humidity and curls: name a more iconic disaster duo.

 

One minute your hair looks cute, and the next it’s puffing up like it’s got its own weather forecast.

 

If you’ve ever stared at your reflection wondering how to keep things under control when the air feels like soup, you’re not alone.

 

Curls have their own personality—and they get even more dramatic when moisture shows up uninvited.

 

The beauty is real, but so is the chaos. Around here at Pooh Polly’s Beauty Station, we’ve seen every kind of humid-day hair meltdown.

 

Straight hair might dodge the drama, but curls? They throw a full-on rebellion.

 

Still, that’s where the fun starts. Knowing your hair’s mood swings is the first step toward turning frustration into fabulous.

 

Stick around, because we’re about to break down exactly how to keep your curls defined, bouncy, and way less stressed—even when the weather refuses to cooperate.

 

The Humidity's Impact on Curly Hair

Humidity and curly hair have a long, complicated history. When the air gets heavy with moisture, curls don’t just sit there quietly—they rise, swell, and sometimes throw a full-blown tantrum.

 

Unlike straighter hair types that might get a little limp or lose some shine, curls take humidity very personally.

 

The reason comes down to structure. Curly strands naturally have more bends and twists, which means more spots for moisture to sneak in.

 

Once that outside humidity makes contact, the hair cuticle swells, the surface becomes uneven, and just like that, frizz takes center stage. What started as soft, defined curls can quickly unravel into a puffy, shapeless situation.

 

Being aware of this chain reaction is the first step toward keeping your curls on your side. Think of your hair like a sponge—when it’s dry and thirsty, it’ll grab at any moisture it can find, including what’s floating in the air on sticky, humid days.

 

This is why curls often lose their definition and volume starts to creep into places you didn’t ask for. The good news? Knowing this gives you a head start in building a defense plan that actually works with your hair, not against it.

 

The secret sauce to surviving humidity starts long before stepping outside.

 

Well-moisturized curls are far less likely to soak up excess water from the air. When your hair already has the hydration it needs, it’s less tempted to reach for what’s swirling around in the atmosphere.

 

That’s where a consistent care routine makes all the difference. Conditioning becomes more than just a weekend self-care step—it’s your front-line shield.

 

Products that add moisture while sealing the hair cuticle help block outside humidity from crashing the party. Think of it as setting up boundaries between your curls and the elements.

 

But this isn’t about turning your curls into statues. The goal isn’t to freeze them in place but to help them move naturally without falling apart the second you step outside.

 

Balancing softness with structure is key. Protective styles like buns or twists can offer a stylish way to limit exposure when needed, but you don’t have to commit to them every day.

 

Some days, letting your curls roam free with the right prep and products can work just as well. It’s less about battling the weather and more about knowing your curls well enough to make humidity part of the plan—not the villain in your hair story.

 

The Magic of Layering Hair Products for Curls

Humidity doesn’t play fair with curls, especially during summer. Just when you think you’ve nailed your styling routine, a wall of thick, sticky air shows up and your well-defined spirals start expanding like they’re trying to catch a breeze of their own.

 

This is where hair custard steps in like a secret weapon for your curl survival kit. Its thick, creamy texture isn’t just for show—it creates a soft barrier that helps lock in moisture while keeping the wrong kind of moisture (a.k.a. humidity) out.

 

Packed with curl-loving ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera, and coconut oil, custards offer enough hold to keep your curls in check without turning them into crunchy statues. Plus, that natural sheen they leave behind doesn’t hurt either.

 

Getting the most out of your custard means thinking beyond just slapping it on and hoping for the best. The magic starts with damp hair, when your strands are most ready to absorb.

 

Emulsify a bit between your palms until it feels smooth and warm, then glide it gently from mid-lengths to ends. This targets the driest areas while avoiding unnecessary buildup at the roots.

 

For an even spread and less tugging, using a wide-tooth comb or the “prayer hands” method can be game-changing.

 

If you’re feeling fancy, flip your head upside down for extra volume and better root lift. Let air drying do the rest if you’ve got time, or bring in a diffuser set on low heat to help encourage curl formation without stirring up frizz.

 

Your style goal also plays a role: some custards bring volume, others offer more definition or even curl elongation. Small test runs with new products are your best friend here—your curls will tell you pretty quickly if they’re happy or not.

 

The real beauty of mastering custard technique is that it evolves with your curls. As seasons shift and humidity levels rise or fall, tweak your method, adjust your product amount, or layer with other favorites as needed.

 

Staying tuned in to what your hair’s asking for means fewer bad hair days and more “Wow, your curls look amazing!” moments—even when the air feels like soup.

 

The Best Techniques for Styling Curly Hair in Humidity

Humidity doesn’t play fair with curls, especially during summer. Just when you think you’ve nailed your styling routine, a wall of thick, sticky air shows up and your well-defined spirals start expanding like they’re trying to catch a breeze of their own.

 

This is where hair custard steps in like a secret weapon for your curl survival kit. Its thick, creamy texture isn’t just for show—it creates a soft barrier that helps lock in moisture while keeping the wrong kind of moisture (a.k.a. humidity) out.

 

Packed with curl-loving ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera, and coconut oil, custards offer enough hold to keep your curls in check without turning them into crunchy statues. Plus, that natural sheen they leave behind doesn’t hurt either.

 

Getting the most out of your custard means thinking beyond just slapping it on and hoping for the best. There’s a bit of technique involved if you want your curls to hold their ground against the weather.

1. Start with damp hair. Curls absorb product best when freshly washed and still a little wet. This ensures the custard sinks in rather than just sitting on top.

2. Emulsify the product in your hands before applying. Rubbing it between your palms warms it up and helps with even distribution, which means less patchiness and more consistent curl definition.

3. Apply with intention. Focus on mid-lengths to ends—where curls are typically driest and most prone to frizz. Use a wide-tooth comb or the “prayer hands” method to spread the product without disturbing your curl pattern.

4. Diffuse on low heat or air-dry. Letting your hair dry naturally keeps curls soft and defined, but if you’re in a rush, a diffuser set on low helps speed things up without kicking frizz into high gear.

Choosing the right custard matters just as much as how you apply it. Lighter formulas work better for low-porosity hair, giving you control without blocking essential moisture.

 

Meanwhile, thicker, richer blends suit high-porosity strands that leak hydration faster than a sieve. Paying attention to your hair’s porosity saves you from the common trap of overloading or undernourishing your curls.

 

The real beauty of mastering custard technique is that it evolves with your curls. As seasons shift and humidity levels rise or fall, tweak your method, adjust your product amount, or layer with other favorites as needed.

 

Staying tuned in to what your hair’s asking for means fewer bad hair days and more “Wow, your curls look amazing!” moments—even when the air feels like soup.

 

Check Our Hair Custards For This Summer's Styling

Summer styling is all about staying flexible and learning what makes your hair thrive. No matter if you're experimenting with new techniques or perfecting old favorites, the real goal is to keep your curls happy, healthy, and as frizz-free as possible.

 

Good hair days don’t happen by accident—they’re built on knowing your texture, using the right products, and adjusting your routine as the weather (and life) demands.

 

At Pooh Polly’s Beauty Station in Riverdale, we get that every curl story is personal. That’s why we offer a range of services and carefully selected products designed to fit real life and real hair—not cookie-cutter beauty standards.

 

If summer humidity has your curls calling for backup, check out our hair custards. They’re formulated to give you definition, softness, and protection—all without the dreaded crunch.

 

Beyond great products, we’re big believers in community and connection. From local events to personalized consultations, we create spaces where you can learn, share, and grow in your curl care journey. Our stylists are here to help you decode your hair’s unique needs, offering both advice and hands-on solutions when you need them most.

 

If you’re curious about trying something new or need guidance on building your perfect humidity-proof routine, give us a call at (678) 834-6064. Prefer typing it out? Shoot us an email at [email protected].