New Orleans Curl and Humidity:

Answers on How to Best Manage the Frizz and Fluff

New Orleans - some time called the "northernmost Caribbean city". People can say it's largely due to the architecture, festivals, and lifestyle of the city. Natives and visitors notice how moist the air gets, and in the summer time the moisture has a robust weight to it. Almost like a slimy film that collects on your hair and skin that you don't notice till you take that most glorious shower where you feel the slime film dissipate and wash off. Situated in a sub tropical zone and below sea level, many people come here and realize how useless it is to fight the natural texture that the humidity derives. You may have straight hair some where else, but when you come down to New Orleans, this humidity can give you waves, curls, and body you never knew you could have before.

Understanding the Science of Oil on Curls

Our bodies are natural oil wells, producing sebum that skincare enthusiasts and dermatologists alike celebrate for its protective and conditioning properties. But on the battlefield of humidity, why does oil play such an important role for our curls and waves? The answer lies in the molecular structure of hair, particularly the cuticle, which can lift and frizz in the presence of water vapor. Sebum acts as nature's rain jacket, coating individual strands to protect against moisture and keep your style sleek. Look at your hair this way, when faced with New Orleans humidity every single strand of hair on your head becomes a moisture seeking antennae. So in essence, whenever this moisture seeking strand senses moisture nearby its going to stand and rise and try to meet the water wherever it may be. We naturally produce oils however some of us for various reasons may not make enough for the massive amount of hair we have. Perhaps some of you are in a season of life where health deficiencies and medications can alter the natural productions of oil in the skin. The solution is to supplement the hair the needed lubrication.

New Orleans natives, visitors, and the curl-loving community share a common plight — the unending battle against frizz. To harness the power of oil is to arm oneself with a potent ally in this fight. But not all oils are created equal; each possesses unique properties and benefits. Whether it's the penetrating moisture of coconut oil, the shine enhancement of argan oil, or the lightness of jojoba oil, understanding your oil arsenal is the first step in crafting your anti-frizz strategy. Becoming familiar with the skin on your scalp can be beneficial. Adding oils to your haircare routine will get you discovering the unique properties of your scalp and skin that the lies under the hair. Some of us have very specific areas that may need an extra dose or a spot treatment of a medicinal oil additive.

Incorporating Oil into Your Haircare Routine

For the uninitiated, the thought of adding oil in humid scenery can seem counterintuitive. Yet, it is the understated hero that can transform a potential frizz disaster into a triumph of soft, supple, tamed tresses. Here's how you can incorporate it into your daily routine:

• Pre-Shampoo Treatment: Apply a generous amount of a heavier oil such as Castor oil or Olive oil to dry hair before washing to prevent shampoo from stripping away your natural oils. This method, known as pre-poo, deeply nourishes and protects your hair from the inside out.

• Daily Moisturizing: Work a small amount of oil through damp hair to seal in moisture and provide a layer of defense against the day's humidity assault. Oils that can be worn daily and reapplied throughout the day tend to be lightweight and quick to penetrate the hair structure. Dryness can be culprit for so many beauty issues. Daily hydration of drinking adequate amounts of water is not to be ignored or minimized. Moisturizing is often best when we begin from the inside and work our way out.

• Styling: If you'll be facing New Orleans' outdoor labyrinth and need your style to last, using oil as a finisher can provide control and luster saving you from wearing a wild mop while you're out exploring and having fun. Your hair goes everywhere you do. Check in with yourself. Does the hair need just a kiss of oil or spray for a boost of shine or added control. Hair can become unruly during the hustle of the day. Often times, I relay to my clients that if you your hair getting larger or feel a rough spot on your hair or a knot forming, then that is your call to action to apply a lightweight oil to relieve the dry spot and lubricate the hair strands.

• Overnight Treatment: For a more intensive treatment, apply oil to your hair before bedtime and cover with a shower cap or towel. This allows the oil to penetrate deeply overnight and wash out in the morning for maximum hydration and protection.

Nurturing Your Curls in the Humid South

Living in a humid environment means constantly adapting and learning to work with nature instead of against it. Embracing our natural texture and utilizing the power of oil can make managing frizz and achieving beautiful, healthy curls a breeze. Remember, each person's hair is unique and may respond differently to various oils, so it may take some experimentation to find the right fit. With a little patience and understanding, you can conquer the humidity and leave your hair looking and feeling its best in any weather. So next time you're in New Orleans, don't be afraid to let your curls loose and embrace the power of oil for a truly captivating look. Sign up to our newsletter to keep learning about how to nourish your unique hair and harness the power of natural oils to enhance its beauty in any climate. The possibilities are endless when you embrace your curls and work with, instead of against, their natural texture. Happy exploring and enjoying all that New Orleans has to offer! See you at the second line! And don't forget your oil for those humidity battles yet to come!

Gel and Hairspray: Tools of the Trade

Two products of much contention in the curly community are gel and hairspray — both having come a long way from their crunchy, high-school-dance days. Modern formulations have been engineered with focus on quality, providing superior hold and frizz control without sacrificing texture. People try to forgo these two products because they remember some horrible traumatic experience from using the old formulas, however these two products can be very necessary in humid conditions. The new hairsprays of today have a capability of holding hair while maintaining the soft touch of hair sans the spray. Even if the spray or gels I find to be my favorites may form a good cast to start but break apart very easily yet still holding for a long time. My ultimate favorites hold till the next day and then make refreshing the next day super easy.

• Gels: opt Formulas can be quite varied from liquid glaze textures to jelly like gels, opt for alcohol-free gels, which provide structure without the drying or flaking side effects. These gels can range from light to firm hold, perfect for adapting to the day's activities and forecast. Gels are best applied to wet hair and can be scrunched in for a more defined curl or smoothed over with fingers for a sleeker look.

• Hairsprays: For light, flexible hold hairsprays that allow you to brush through and restyle as needed. Look for formulas that provide humidity resistance to combat frizz without weighing down.

• Hairspray: In New Orleans' particularly potent humidity, not every hairspray is equipped to handle the task at hand. Look for anti-humidity formulas that offer flexible hold and a touchable finish. For hair with texture, hairsprays in the non-aerosol formula works best. Some people may think of them as Spritz's or scrunch sprays. These non-aerosol hairsprays slightly rewet the hair allowing you to capture even the smallest fly away, smooth it, and leave to set and dry and last all day long. Many of the aerosol hairspray tend to spray too hard and lose control with hair moving, ending up in a sticky disaster for you.

• Refresh throughout the day: Don't be afraid to refresh your curls throughout the day with a small amount of gel or hairspray. Use a small spray of Rosewater and add a few drops of your favorite oil!

Product Recommendations to Tame the Crescent City's Humidity

Now, for the moment you've been waiting for — the products that come tested and trusted by both the New Orleans climate and the curl community. Here are my top picks:

• Curl Creams: Surface-critical. Choose a curl cream with an oil as the first ingredient, focusing on defining your pattern without weighing it down. Like AG Care Curl Fresh Definer, or

• Moisture Masks: Invest in a weekly moisture mask to replenish what the humidity depletes. My favorite masks are the Mielle Hydrating gel mask, Babasu Protein Conditioner (this one I will say be careful because it does contain protein), K18 Hair Mask, Malibu Treatments for curl and hard water mineral deposit removal.

• The LCO Method: Leave-in, cream, and then oil. Layer them in this sequence for maximum moisture retention.

• The Pineapple Technique: A loose, high ponytail using a banana clip instead of a scrunchie before bed can preserve curl patterns and volume overnight.

• Curl Refresh Mists and Sprays: A spritz of Rosewater is the best natural curl refresher spray. Rosewater has been known to be very moisturizing while containing astringent properties calming sensitive scalp issues. Unlike many other curl refresher sprays, Rosewater does not build up on the hair and cause the curl to collapse and appear dry.

• Microfiber Hair Towels: These towels remove the right amount of water every time so you can get consistent results in regard to wet the hair is to be primed for product application.

• Silk or Satin Pillowcase: Switch from cotton to silk or satin pillowcases to reduce frizz and keep curls intact overnight.

With these tips and tricks, you can successfully manage your curls in the humid

New Orleans' humidity is a force to be reckoned with, but armed with the right knowledge and products, you can turn it from foe to friend. The city's magic may be in the air, but your hair's magic is in your hands. Go forth with confidence, knowing you have the tools to tame any frizz that dares to challenge your style.

Conclusion

In summary, managing curls and frizz in the humid climate of New Orleans can be daunting but not impossible. By understanding your unique fabric of hair and what the hair needs in these unique climate conditions, is what will spark a special relationship with your hair. Living or visiting New Orleans, Louisiana really showcases how we are to alter our beauty practices, products, and routines to adapt to the climate and environment we're currently living in. We just can't be on autopilot expecting stellar results with absolutely no effort. Practicing mindfulness with yourself, starting with your hair is what will propel you into new territories of self-discovery and understanding.