How to handle your hair

in the sweltering heat

I stepped off the plane and BAM. There she was immediately: hair exploded. But what do you expect in that 34 degrees in Bangkok? Really, since I've been in Thailand Thailand, my hair – not to mention the bangs – has been a complete disaster. So it was time to see how I was going to solve this situation.

First, I wanted an answer to the question of why hair goes frizzy in the heat. I mean: how illogical does it sound that your hair dries out and frizzes in a place where there is actually a lot of moisture in the air? Long story short: there are different types of 'protein areas' in your hair that swell in sticky weather. This causes your hair shafts to bend in different directions, which leads to the infamous terror frizz. What can you do about it?

Prevention is better than cure

First of all, you’re not going on vacation with dry hair. So before your trip, quickly get a moisturizing hair treatment at the salon or at home, for example, use a hair mask. Also, during the trip itself, it’s important to leave the house well-hydrated. Buy a good moisturizing shampoo and conditioner and say bye bye to frizz.

Make your hair water-repellent

By spraying or applying a protective layer over it (there are also anti-frizz serums) or using a salt spray. Also important: skip the hairspray for a while. Your hair won’t be happy about that.

Cover your hair

A scarf or a sun hat (and definitely not a cap, because those are often too tight and then you damage your hair anyway) is the best way to protect your hair from drying out. And a hat looks quite fashionable with most vacation outfits too.

Wash your hair as little as possible

Showering twice a day to wash the stickiness off, fine, but stay far away from using shampoo every day. The natural oils in your hair tame the frizz by themselves. Try it out on vacation to wash your hair two to three times and if you think it’s getting greasy, just use dry shampoo instead of washing your hair. Read: less dryness, read: less frizz, read: this is what you want.

Just a little about drying…

If you went out with wet hair (that mainly explains my frizzy hair in Thailand or suddenly ended up in a tropical rain shower, don’t let your hair dry naturally. Go back to the hotel room for that hairdryer or, as uncharming as it may be: with your hair under the blower in the ladies' restroom. And also important: don’t keep touching your wet hair with your hands, as this often makes it even frizzier and greasier.

And in absolute emergencies…

…just put your hair up in a messy bun. Maybe a bit less awesome for your feeling, but it saves a lot regarding the flyaway strands. And the biggest advantage? Bye bye sticky neck!

Photographer: Leroy van den Berg