If you have less-than-perfect locks, hot and humid days can literally be a hair-raising experience. Luckily, there are numerous ways to keep your hair smooth in the sweltering heat. With the dog days of summer just around the corner, TODAY Style editor Bobbie Thomas explores some of the best ways to fight the summer frizz.Salon service
You may have heard of Japanese straightening techniques. This super-sleek service made quite an impression when it first launched in the United States more than six years ago. Though many women find the treatment successful, it has its limitations, especially for women who either color-treat or still want volume in their hair. Now, a new treatment has the beauty world buzzing. Better known as “Brazilian straightening,” Keratin Hair Treatments are not permanent, but are effective for various types of hair, including colored, highlighted, and previously straightened. These treatments are meant to increase shine and wipe out frizz, a dream solution for those who struggle during the steamy summer months.
While keratin is a natural protein found in the skin and hair, there is some controversy surrounding the procedure. Formaldehyde, considered a carcinogen by a number of health and safety organizations, is used to heat seal the keratin. While no conclusive studies exist, experts have raised concerns about the risk of exposure both during and after the service. For the many women who don't believe that the benefits of frizz-free locks are worth the risk, salons nationwide are now experimenting with formaldehyde-free versions of the treatment.
At-home help While it doesn’t have the same effect as the professional Brazilian process, many companies offer personal products with keratin. These items not only fight frizz, but repair damaged hair as well. Chemistry Salon Labs offers shampoo, conditioner and treatment designed to mend and smooth the hair’s cuticle ($7.99-$9.99; walgreens.com). Sebastian Professional’s new Whipped Crème Styler uses keratin to nourish and protect your hair’s natural elasticity. In addition, it is designed to lift curls and waves without crunch or stickiness. The final addition to anyone’s at-home arsenal should be ApHogee’s Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor. This powerful treatment strengthens brittle, damaged and frizzy hair while helping to restore its natural shine.
Quick fixes
Beyond keratin, there are other items that can help you tame your frizzy mane this summer. They include Zero Frizz’s Corrective Hair Serum ($7.99; walgreens.com), Alterna’s Caviar Anti-Aging Polishing Serum ($26; 4alterna.com), and Citre Shine’s Miracle Anti-Frizz Serum ($3.99; drugstore.com).
If you’re looking for a spray, Fekkai’s Zero-Humidity Frizz Control ($22; sephora.com) and Kerastase’s Voile Oleo-Relax ($34; kerastase.com) are designed to stop frizz before it starts.
Last but certainly not least, don’t forget about lotions like Real Solution’s Frizz Repair Smoothing Balm ($5.99; target.com), Got2b’s Smooth Operator Frizz-Fighting Lotion ($7.99) and Biolage’s Smooththerapie Smoothing Gel ($14; biolage.com).