How To Manage Your Hair In Hong Kong Humidity: Tips From A Stylist

Beat the heat this summer in Hong Kong with tips from a professional stylist and the best frizz-fighting hair care products. From scalp serums and shampoos to cult-favourite styling oils, we’ve rounded up everything you need to tame your tresses — with picks from Sephora, Revolve and more.

News flash: it’s humid outside. Again. And no matter what kind of hair you have, we know summer humidity and hair are not good friends. We asked professional stylist Darrin Usher to help us get those locks in place!

Whether you love the humidity or hate it, one thing’s for sure: this little force of nature can wreak havoc on your hair. Anyone who has spent more than a few weeks in Hong Kong’s summer will know battling the unwelcome curls and frizz caused by the relentless humidity is an endless cycle. In my 20-plus years as a hairstylist in HK, it’s probably the most common hair problem for both men and women, so here are my top tips for battling the humidity while keeping gorgeous, smooth hair through the humid months.

Read More: Beat-The-Heat Beauty Products To Keep Cool In Hong Kong Humidity

Complete hair care guide: Tips and best hair care products, from shampoos to oils

Why does humidity cause frizzy hair, and how do I fix it?

Let’s start with the reason why humidity has such a hair-raising effect on hair itself. The hygroscopic nature of hair during humidity prompts absorption of airborne moisture and reacts with the hydrogen bonds in each strand of hair to cause swelling of the hair. This density change can account for many unexpected styling issues such as puffiness, tangled hair, dullness and, of course, frizz. Every person’s hair type responds differently to the moisture vapour’s effects, even various strands on the same head can react unpredictably. This uneven absorption presents an added problem of twisting, bending and swelling of the hair, which can then take the curl out of fine hair strands, increase curls in natural curly hair or, alternately, cause frizzy hair to both.

Read More: Summer Beauty Trends 2026 — What’s Hot In Hong Kong Right Now

How can I keep my hair healthy in Hong Kong’s humidity?

If you’re not inclined to spend hours in the salon, here are my tips: hydrate, hydrate, moisturise and hydrate again.

• Drink more water! Hydration starts from within — seriously, go grab a glass right now!
• Condition, condition and condition some more. Use a good conditioner plus apply a deep moisture treatment weekly with humectants and protein-rich vitamins
• Comb your conditioner through to help seal the cuticle and lock out excess moisture
• Try 100% lanolin oil, add it to your conditioner or — a bit unorthodox — mix with warm water for a 15-minute treatment. It’s nature’s original frizz fighter!
• Ditch the rough towel dry! Squeeze or blot instead, or even better, grab a microfibre towel
• Step away from the plastic bristle brush! Swap it for a natural bristle brush to reduce static
• Wide tooth comb is your best friend for detangling without the frizz
• If you are in a rush (who isn’t?), spritz on some leave-in conditioner and comb through, your hair will thank you later!

Read More: The Best Hair Salons In Hong Kong

What are the best hair products to use to prevent frizz and protect against humidity?

Nothing can ruin a one’s day more than walking out of the house with gorgeous hair only to have it transform itself into a bird’s nest within minutes of leaving the house. There are some great products on the market now that have proven to be invaluable for those who are willing to put in the time to use. Some of my top picks are listed below.

Sassy Tip: Finding what works for your hair is a little bit of trial and error, but that’s okay. Chat with your stylist, experiment with these tips and products and you will find your perfect frizz-fighting combo.

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Moroccanoil Treatment

It’s a true cult classic in the haircare world for good reason. Infused with antioxidant-rich argan oil, this treatment smooths, conditions and adds shine without greasiness. Choose the original formula for thick or coarse hair, or the lighter version for fine or colour-treated hair, both are priced at $370 for 100ml. Works on damp or dry hair as a finishing touch.

Living Proof No Frizz Vanishing Oil

Living Proof’s silicone-free oil blocks humidity, eliminates frizz and leaves zero residue behind. It’s lightweight enough to use on both damp and dry hair — it smooths the hair shaft without clogging it, so hair stays clean, soft and frizz-free for longer. At $282 for 50ml, it’s a tad expensive, but since only a pea-sized drop is needed per use, it’s worth considering.

Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo & Conditioner

Along with the oil, use the Living Proof’s full No Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner for best results. Both priced at $270, the shampoo removes buildup without stripping moisture, while the conditioner seals and smooths each strand for a noticeably softer, more manageable finish.

Living Proof No Frizz Smooth Styling Spray

Think of it as your hair’s makeup primer. This lightweight spray ($360) creates an invisible shield against humidity and frizz before you even begin styling. Apply it to damp hair before blow-drying to lock in smoothness for long hours.

Virtue Overnight Scalp & Hair Elixir

At $505, it’s a bit of a splurge, but it’s worth considering, especially if you struggle with dryness or a sensitive scalp. Formulated with Alpha Keratin 60ku — a protein identical to what hair is naturally made of — this overnight elixir is designed to repair and hydrate your scalp and strands while you sleep. You only need a pea-sized amount, so the bottle lasts surprisingly long. Sassy’s executive editor Suchetana swears by it. 

ghd Platinum Flat Iron

While it’s generally wise to limit heat exposure, the ghd Platinum+ is in a league of its own. Since it has sensors that monitor and adjust heat 250 times per second, it is said to minimise damage while sealing the cuticle for smooth, glossy results. On the other hand, it’s a considerable investment at $2,395, so think carefully before taking the plunge.

Editors Note: This post was originally published in July 2014 and updated in July 2026