With the heat comes the humidity, which can turn your beautiful mane into a science experiment

Summer’s wonderfully warm, sunny days often come with a price tag: humidity. Wreaking havoc on hair, moisture-rich air is often the culprit of bad hair days, causing strands to frizz, curl and fluff up. Ouidad, a hair care line created specifically for those naturally blessed with waves and curls, just debuted a new Climate Control Collection targeted at eliminating the humidity-induced frizzies. “Humidity affects hair by causing strands to expand from absorbing the increased moisture in the air. Hair can lose its shine, smoothness and sleekness in humid conditions,” says Morgan Willhite, creative director at Ouidad. “In humidity, your hair returns to its natural state so even the most blow-dried, straight hair can become puffy and unruly as a result.”

Unfortunately those without curly locks aren’t clear of humidity’s effects, either. “Even those with naturally straight hair can be affected. No matter what your texture, new or broken hairs that are shorter than the rest of your hair can expand and become twisted, resulting in a frizzy look,” says Willhite, who also mentions that fuzzy hair can happen all year long due to climate changes.

The key is to nourish and condition hair with proteins so “[it] won’t frizz up in any weather.” Willhite recommends Ouidad’s new Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo—a sulfate-free formula packed with cleansing agents derived from coconut and glucose clears the scalp of oil, allowing hair follicles to breath—and new Climate Control Defrizzing Conditioner, which detangles and defrizzes while increasing softness and shine, combatting humidity’s negative effects. Both products contain Ouidad’s “exclusive Humidity Shield Complex that acts as a protective barrier against heat, humidity and other environmental factors.” Willhite also discourages over-blow drying or over-straightening hair. “If you are susceptible to frizz, you should avoid overusing heating tools as they strip the hair of its natural oils. Humid weather dries out your hair already, so avoid hot tools that will leave hair porous and more likely to expand and frizz.”

For those hitting the pool, “swimming in the ocean or pool can increase your chances for frizz as most wavy or curly hair textures become curlier after being in the water,” says Willhite. “Coating your hair with a little Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner and Climate Control Heat and Humidity Gel prior to swimming can help maintain your style.” And if the weather ever gets the best of you, turn towards fashion’s latest hair fixation—braids—or accessorize with a statement-making headband. “Headbands and easy braids are a hot trend right now and work well in humid conditions. Try styling a braid to the side for a modern flair, or add a cute loose bun that works for day or even a night out.”