How to style frizzy hair when humidity strikes this summer

How do I stop my hair from getting flyaways?

A huge debate when it comes to flyaways is whether blow-drying or air-drying gives smoother results, and the answer usually varies from person to person.

Hairstylist Larry King is team blow-dry, recommending those prone to frizz to “use a smoothing nozzle on your hairdryer and always finish with the cool shot to smooth down the cuticle.” He is a fan of applying Redken's Frizz Dismiss Rebel Tame before starting a blow-dry, as it will make a real difference to how long it lasts.

If you prefer to air-dry, Antony says to style the hair while it's still wet so that it dries smooth, rather than trying to shape it once it's dry.

Is frizz caused by damaged or dry hair?

Both, in a word. A lack of moisture in the hair can cause thirsty strands to absorb more moisture from the environment. If your hair is damaged through chemical colouring, over-zealous brushing and sun exposure, the outer cuticle will be compromised, which can all lead to hair looking and feeling rough.

"Over-brushing can damage the ends and cause them to misbehave", says Larry, who recommends a round brush for when you do use one, so that “you’ll have more control over the ends and can get in tighter to the root to smooth.”

As for the bristles of your brush, Antony recommends going for boar bristles to prevent breakage and to distribute the scalp's natural oils through the hair. Try the Denman Pro-Tip Boar Bristle Round Wooden Brush.

What are the best products for frizzy hair?

Nourishing oils are great at cocooning each individual strand and protecting it from absorbing any moisture from the air. How you apply a serum makes all the difference, too, especially if you have fine hair.

“Distribute the product thoroughly through your hands first, then start at the back of your hair and apply to underneath, leaving that final top layer until last," says Larry. "This way you'll only be using the smallest amount of residue.”

Sephora Collection Hair Repair Concentrated Rescue Serum

£18.99

Sephora

Kérastase Paris Genesis Anti Hair-Fall Fortifying Serum

£52

LookFantastic

Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil

£10.99

Boots

Nature Spell Natural Argan Hair Oil

£8

Amazon

And if you're heading out on a particularly humid day, he says to follow your serum with a humidity spray on top. “But always spray onto a brush and then brush through the hair instead of spraying directly onto your hair,” he adds.

Briogeo Farewell Frizz Smoothing Conditioner

£24

Cult Beauty

Redken Frizz Dismiss Rebel Tame

£28

Look Fantastic

If your hair is particularly prone to frizz and you don't have the time or inclination to keep applying hair oils and nourishing masks, there is a long-term solution in the form of an in-salon keratin treatment (sometimes called a Brazilian blow dry). The treatment involves applying a keratin formula to hair before sealing it with heat. It takes around two to four hours to apply, lasts for up to six months and costs £200 and up.

Once you've incorporated some strengthening and smoothing ingredients into your hair care regimen, you can also take advantage of the hairstyles and hacks that are great for safeguarding against the effects of humidity.

Here are the best hot-weather hairstyles

A loose up-do will disguise flyaways while the band will keep the rest of your hair locked down.

Frizz can be most apparent on the crown of the head, so smooth this section into multiple micro plaits (they don't have to be perfect!). Either wear loose or secure the ends by twisting and pinning at the back of the head.

An accessorised updo is a great choice for humid days, as pretty clips or a headscarf keep strands locked down (and looking lovely).

Create two thick space buns on either side of your head. Leave a few loose tendrils around the face or wrap and pin the ends. Casual but very cute.

A loose French braid is perfect for embracing and making a feature of your natural texture; add plenty of root lift spray before you style.

Slick ponytails never go out of fashion; use this look as your style guide and be free and easy with the hairspray.

Tightly-wound double French braids are pretty much weather-proof. Come on, humidity; do your worst. Be sure to apply a mousse or salt spray through locks before styling for extra hold.

Plaits are a great way to contain thick hair so it doesn't absorb all the moisture in the air. Pull your hair back from your face, then loosely plait for a chunky finish.

A loose, multi-strand halo braid is undone enough to look even better once the humidity adds a little extra texture to your hair.

Wet-look curls scooped up into a loose chignon with face-framing layers is a great way of adding extra texture to a high ponytail and looking chic poolside.

Wet-look hair is a top trend for summer, and humid weather is the perfect time to tap into it. Add a gel-spray product through the upper lengths of locks and, when wet, slick back behind your ears and finish with a holding spray.

If you're blessed with natural waves or curls, embrace the extra volume humidity affords. Style your curls as normal and finish with a nourishing hair oil to lock in moisture.

Nothing will keep your strands in place quite as well as a hair net; and lucky for you this sleek ballet bun is on trend. Pull hair back into a tight high ponytail and spray into place before twisting hair into a bun and pinning it securely with a net.

If you'd rather not sweep your hair back into an up-do, opt for beachy, tousled tresses that will look better with a little extra volume. Spritz with salt spray and carry it with you to touch up throughout the day.

Scoop your hair into a high pony and twist into a high bun, letting the knot peek over your head. Frizz will just add to the relaxed summer vibe of this look.

Using serums, oils and glosses in humid conditions is always a good idea. Slick back your locks and keep it simple with a centre parting.