The Effects of Humidity on Facial Hair

Humidity and moisture can spell disaster for our beards.  When it’s particularly humid or clammy, our beards start to look messy and frizzy, regardless of how much time we spend grooming them.

So, is it possible to tame that frizz when the weather gets clammy or humid?  And, why does humidity affect our beards so dramatically in the first place?  If you’re looking for answers to these questions, this guide is for you.

What Can Humidity Really Do to Your Beard?

Humidity, as you know, is the level of moisture that’s in the air.  During the warm months, moisture evaporates into the air, causing it to feel wet and heavy.  Humidity also tends to bloat our hair strands and follicles because they absorb the water that’s in the air. This causes frizz, which is essentially a state in which every hair strand is swollen with moisture. Of course, moisture is a good thing, but too much can have an undesired effect.

Interestingly, dry, coarse and thick hair is more prone to frizz than hair that’s naturally fine and thin.  That’s because thick hair is naturally more dry than fine hair, and so thick hair soaks up more moisture that’s in the air in an effort to remedy that dryness.

What You Can Do to Avoid Beard Frizz

Now that you know why humidity makes your beard look so unkempt, it’s time to learn what you can do about it.  These tips will get you through the wet months with a sleek, healthy-looking beard.

Tip #1: Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

The less moisture your beard naturally has, the more it will try to grab it from the moisture that’s in the air around you. Therefore, the best way to beat frizz is to hydrate your beard more than you usually do when humid seasons come around. This means doubling up on your beard oil by using it twice each day, rather than once. Also, avoid harsh facial and beard care products that strip the hair of moisture.

Tip #2: Trim Those Split Ends

Frizz looks a million times worse if your beard has lots of split ends.  That’s because once those strands become swollen, the split ends stick out more.  Therefore, during the warm summer months or clammy winter months, try to really stay on top of those ends with regular trims. And, again, keep that beard nice and moisturized to avoid split ends from occurring in the first place.

Tip #3: Avoid Dry-Brushing and Combing

Believe it or not, running a comb or brush through a dry beard can lead to more frizz. That’s because this action damages the protective cuticles, making it more likely that moisture in the air will permeate each strand. So, try brushing and combing only after you wash your beard and it’s still dripping wet. Even better, use a brush or comb when your beard has a beard conditioner in it. This will protect each strand from damage thanks to the moisture seal that conditioner creates.

Don’t Let Humid or Clammy Conditions Ruin Your Magnificent Beard

While the humidity is known to cause beard frizz, there are some simple things that you can do to minimize the situation.  Follow these tips and tricks for a wonderful-looking beard that’s soft and healthy, no matter what’s going on with the weather. And, remember that moisture regulation is key.