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On days when your hair just won't cooperate, humid weather might be the culprit. You could either cover it up with a hat or take steps to manage the situation.
Photodisc/Getty ImagesIs your hair misbehaving today? The weather might be to blame! No matter if your hair is naturally wavy, curly, or straight, humidity can significantly alter its appearance and texture, affecting everyone regardless of gender.
Humidity causes hair to change length, leading to frizz in curly hair and limpness in straight hair. When the air's moisture level rises, hair can expand or contract by as much as 3 percent [source: Exploratorium].
Human hair is remarkably responsive to humidity, so much so that meteorologists use it in hygrometers to gauge air moisture. Inside the device, hair strands expand or contract with humidity changes, moving a needle on a dial to indicate moisture levels [source: Britannica].
Low humidity or overuse of blow-dryers can strip moisture from a man's hair, weakening its structure. This leads to frizz, brittleness, and overall damage.
How can a stylish man manage humidity? Numerous products are available to counteract its effects. Shampoos, conditioners, and styling creams straighten hair by coating strands with oils, preventing moisture absorption. Other products aim to replenish moisture in dry hair using similar oil-based formulas. Electric straighteners remove moisture to smooth hair, while curling irons temporarily alter its shape by eliminating moisture. These effects are short-lived, as hair reverts to its natural state once moisture returns.
For a lasting fix, men might opt for relaxers or perms. Relaxers chemically alter disulfide bonds to straighten curls permanently, while perms increase these bonds to maintain curls. Both methods allow men to customize their hairstyles chemically, though the effects fade as new hair grows in. Overuse can damage hair, making it thin and fragile. For long hair, a simple ponytail can be a practical solution on humid days, saving styling efforts for drier weather.
