Anyone else having a bad hair week? While it’s wonderful to get out in the sunshine, it’s a struggle to look presentable in the heat when you have fine, mature hair. No wonder searches for ‘hot weather hairstyles’ are rising faster than the mercury.
‘This hot weather can really play havoc with fine hair,’ agrees Jonathan Andrew, Fudge Professional Global Ambassador. ‘Frizz and/or lankness is pretty much to be expected!’
Firstly, check to see if the styling problem is you, not just the weather. ‘You’re applying SPF regularly, and then constantly wiping your face, and moving your hair away from your face. Which all means your hands are getting greasy and transferring to your hair,’ he says.
‘So, my number one tip for hot weather styling is to try NOT to touch your hair with dirty hands. I know, I know – it’s difficult but try to be aware of what you’re doing.’
Your next strategy is to work with your hair, not against it. ‘Try air drying over heat styling, but ensure your hair is prepped to encourage your natural texture,’ he advises. ‘You don’t want to be over-doing it with heat when it’s hot outside. Embrace the natural!’
But not too natural – fine hair needs a helping hand with products. ‘After washing, you need to blot your hair with a towel and then apply a styling crème that will prevent frizz. Comb it into your look and let the warm air do its thing,’ he says. Find our GHI-tested favourites here.
What you absolutely do not want to do is fight frizz by dampening fine hair with water and nothing else. ‘‘If you just add water, you can guarantee it will just dry it out and frizz up again,’ says Becky Sutherland, OSMO Ambassador and owner of Odd Apple salon in Durham.
‘Frizzy hair is caused by humidity in the air, and fine hair is especially prone to it in summer, so you must use frizz control products if that’s your hair type. Always spritz hair with a leave-in conditioner like the OSMO Dual Action Leave-In Repair to put moisture back into the hair.’
Osmo Keratin Deep Moisture| Intensive Leave-in Treatment
Becky advises that fine, frizz-prone hair will behave better in summer if it’s prepped with hydration. ‘When you’re washing your hair, in the summer swap to a moisture-rich shampoo and conditioner, so it gives you the extra moisture you need. Also, up your weekly treatment to twice a week to keep your hair frizz free.’
Becky says this is also a good time to book a trip to the hairdressers if you’re overdue a trim. While this isn't the moment for a big restyle, as you want to cut your hair to suit more usual weather, nipping off dead ends will help with frizz. ‘Book a backwash intensive treatment, too,’ Becky says.
If you’re heading out for a catch-up with friends or partner, there are some easy styling hacks to deal with fine hair in hot weather. Headbands are a boon in summer, and you can always smooth hair back with an SPF styling spray during the day to stop the sun's rays affecting your colour and condition.
‘Another go-to style I love to suggest is the wet look. It’s so quick and easy you can even do it in your work toilets!’ says Jonathan. ‘For mature hair, I’d suggest cocktailing a gel with a serum and then combing it into your hair and slicking it back. The gel will keep hair in place, while the serum gives it that shine finish.’
Or reach for a dry shampoo. ‘It’s a great product for the summer as it’s a brilliant alternative to a hairspray and gives a much softer lift and shape to your style,’ says Becky. ‘Plus, it can give a textured finish that fine, mature hair loves. The OSMO Two Day Styler is my go-to in the salon.’
When it’s hot, one of the simplest but most chic styles is a ponytail plus a bit of texture and volume from a dry shampoo. ‘Don’t be afraid to use dry shampoo for more than cleaning your hair!’ says Becky. ‘It works so well for both work or a going-out look.’
Meet up for a cheeky rosé, anyone?
