Control People Yummy Curls With One Of These Incredible Hair conditioners for Frizzy Hair

Caring for Curls and Kicks in Portland's Damp Climate

The title of this page points to a problem many Portland residents know well: frizz. The city's long, drizzly autumns and springs keep the air humid for much of the year, and curly hair responds by swelling and losing definition. The same moisture that roughs up curls also takes a toll on footwear, so it is worth thinking about both together when you plan for the wet months.

Why curly hair frizzes in humid weather

Curly and wavy hair tends to be drier than straight hair because natural oils travel less easily down a coiled strand. When the outer cuticle layer is raised or dry, hair pulls moisture from the air and the strand swells unevenly, which shows up as frizz. Conditioners help by smoothing the cuticle and adding a light film that slows that moisture exchange. In general, people with curls look for:

• Rich rinse-out conditioners used every wash, worked through with fingers or a wide-tooth comb rather than a brush.
• Leave-in conditioners applied to damp hair to hold definition through the day.
• Weekly deep conditioning or masks for very dry or colour-treated hair.

Hair types vary a lot, so if you have scalp irritation or sudden changes in texture, a stylist or dermatologist can give advice suited to you.

The footwear side of a wet season

Just as curls need a protective layer, shoes need one too. Suede and nubuck benefit from a water-repellent spray before the rainy months, and leather boots stay supple with regular conditioning. Let wet shoes dry at room temperature, stuffed with newspaper, rather than beside a heater, which can crack leather and warp soles. Rotating between two pairs gives each one time to dry fully.

If you are building a rain-ready wardrobe, browse our new arrivals for boots and weather-friendly sneakers, and check the size guide so thicker winter socks still fit comfortably.