Tropical Climates & Curly Hair

Woman with curly hair in a tropical climate
Photo: Olhapro/Shutterstock
Q: I used to have straight hair when I was living in Seattle, then I moved to Hawaii and my hair began to curl. Do hot, tropical climates cause hair to become curly?
 
A: It is a commonly known fact that climate can have a noticeable effect on the way your hair looks and behaves. Moving from a cooler, drier climate to one that is warm and humid can often lead to changes in your hair's manageability and overall appearance.
 
Humidity doesn't change the structure of your hair or permanently make straight hair curly. However, it can reveal or enhance your hair's natural texture. If your hair has even a slight natural wave or curl pattern, the extra moisture in the air can cause those waves or curls to become more noticeable.
 
Hair is porous and absorbs moisture from the environment. In tropical climates, the added heat and humidity cause the hair shaft to swell, which can make hair appear frizzier and more textured. For people with naturally curly or wavy hair, this often means tighter curls and more volume. Even people who have always considered their hair straight may discover they actually have a slight wave that was kept under control in a cooler, drier climate.
 
But, if your hair is truly pin-straight by nature, a humid climate won't turn it curly. It may become puffier, frizzier, or develop a slight bend, but the underlying hair type remains the same. Factors such as genetics, hormones, and chemical treatments have a much greater influence on your natural curl pattern than climate alone.
 
If the extra curl or frizz is unwanted, you'll likely need to adjust your hair care routine to suit your new environment. Using moisturizing shampoos and conditioners, anti-frizz serums, leave-in conditioners, and humidity-resistant styling products can help keep your hair smoother. When straightening your hair, apply a heat protectant first, then use a quality flat iron and finish with a strong-hold, humidity-resistant hairspray to help maintain the sleek style throughout the day.
 
On the other hand, if you decide to embrace your newly enhanced waves or curls, you may find that curl creams and lightweight gels help define your natural texture while minimizing frizz. Many people discover that their hair is healthier and easier to manage once they begin styling it according to its natural pattern rather than fighting the effects of a humid climate.
 
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See also:
 
Your hair and humid weather
 
How to make curly hair resist humidity
 
Maintaining curly hair in different climates