Life Hack: How to weather-proof your hair for the Christmas party season

Rainy nights are a recipe for disaster

Humidity swells the hair shaft, which is why frizz and flatness are so common in wet weather. The key is prevention: style smart before you step out, and treat your hair gently when you get back in

'Tis the season... to party in the wind and rain, apparently.

Now that December is upon us, socialising is making more of an appearance than usual in our calendars. Between office parties and festive catchups, chances are you're going to venture out of your home quite a few times, even in downpours and windy conditions.

It can be very frustrating to spend time perfecting your look for an evening out, only for the weather to ruin your efforts immediately. Luckily, I have some top hacks from haircare experts to steer you through the season with sleek locks.

“Rain doesn’t just mess with how your hair looks, it changes how it feels, too," hair stylists on the Fresha app say. 

"Humidity swells the hair shaft, which is why frizz and flatness are so common in wet weather. The key is prevention: style smart before you step out, and treat your hair gently when you get back in.” 

From frizz control to quick fixes when you get home, here’s what professionals from Fresha recommend to stop the weather from wreaking havoc on your style.

What to do before leaving home 

Humidity on rainy nights is a recipe for disaster for those of us with hair prone to frizzing. Using a silicone-based serum to smooth your style creates a protective barrier against humidity and helps to keep frizz at bay.

Your choice of style also has a part to play in how well your hair holds up. Loose styles can collapse quickly in the rain, so switching to a sleek braid or bun will help to keep things under control. Make sure to skip heavy hairsprays too; they mix with moisture and create sticky, crunchy hair.

You might think straightening your hair in advance will keep frizz at bay, but unfortunately, this may not be the case. Rain plus straightened hair equals instant frizz, the experts advise. Instead, don't fight it: embrace your natural texture.

That perfectly stylish Christmassy coat or jacket will keep your body warm and dry, but chances are it doesn't have a hood. To compensate, consider investing in microfibre headscarves or silk wraps. These not only protect from moisture, but they also stop breakage from the wind whipping your hair around.

What not to do when caught in the rain 

Don’t rub your hair with a towel to dry it. This actually roughens the cuticle and makes frizz worse.

And don't reach for the dryer straight away. Applying heat to damp hair can cause breakage and “steam damage”.

What to do when you get home 

Gently blot your hair with a microfibre towel to absorb moisture without causing frizz.

To restore moisture balance after wind and rain strip it out, apply a leave-in conditioner or lightweight oil.

Giving your hair a cold blast with the hairdryer will smooth cuticles back down and restore shine.

For those with dampened curls, a water + conditioner spritz will refresh your style and reactivate curl products without having to start from scratch.

Quick fixes at a glance 

Always opt for rain-resistant hairstyles such as slick ponytails, French braids, and messy buns.

For an on-the-go fix, keep dry shampoo in your bag to soak up excess moisture and revive flat roots after a downpour.

The go-to home hack: If your hair smells damp after the rain, spritz with diluted essential oils (lavender or tea tree) mixed with water for a natural freshener.