Electric Shock? Nope, just another day in Singapore. While living in the Lion City has its benefits and a steady dose of vitamin D, the downside of a tropical climate is the never-ending battle against frizz across all hair types. It almost feels like a personality trait to step out of the house and—poof—strands in disarray. We stare longingly at shampoo commercials and spend hours perfecting TikTok techniques in hopes of achieving silky locks for the entire day. In most cases, it all comes down to the science.
Here's the breakdown: Frizz happens when the hair's cuticle is raised instead of flat, leaving it unsealed. This makes it difficult for the hair shaft to hold moisture and, in turn, causes strands to swell and frizz out. In short: it's the lack of moisture that is making your strands go all over the place. This can be caused by excessive chemical treatments, heat styling tools, environmental aggressors, exposure to chlorine, and even genetics in the case of courser, curlier tresses. Fortunately for us, there is light at the end of the tunnel. From the get-go, schedule in regular trims every four to five weeks, keep heat to a minimum, and switch to silk pillowcases, but in terms of haircare, we have it covered for all three main hair types. Below, we've created routines to achieve the mane of your dreams that'll withstand Singapore's heat and humidity.
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Straight Hair
Sleek and smooth—that's our goal when it comes to straight hair. Start with a shampoo and conditioner that has smoothing, moisturising properties. From there, you can either go in with a weekly mask, a milky leave-in conditioner, and anti-frizz cream that'll smooth and nourish the ends. Opt for a microfiber towel and spritz on a heat-activated frizz tamer (we absolutely adore the one from Color Wow). Blow dry downwards with a large round brush and seal it in place with hair oil. For maximum impact, go in with a hair straightener at the lowest setting and add a hair fixer for flyaways.
Gloss Absolu Bain Hydra- Glaze Shampoo, $92, KÉRASTASE.
The Rich Conditioner With TFC8®, $95, AUGUSTINUS BADER.
Anti-Frizz Crème, $51, OUAI.
Dream Coat Supernatural Spray, $41.96, COLOR WOW at Revolve.
Style + Treat 4-In-1 Weightless Hair Oil, $43, BRIOGEO.
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Wavy Hair
For strands with a little bend, pick shampoo and conditioner that'll add a boost of hydration. Use a wide tooth comb to gently detangle from the ends upwards and start your styling routine with a leave-in conditioner with a curl cream or styling balm—two to three pumps depending on your hair thickness and density. Work it through your ends and gently scrunch (not too much though, we don't want to add frizz). Either air dry and leave it in braids for a natural wave or diffuse with a hairdryer and attachment. Add hair oil if necessary. If you're wanting something more permanent, there are smoothing treatments designed to add shine and control frizz while still retaining the wave pattern such as Chez Vous' Curlplasty.
Like A Virgin Super Hydrating Shampoo, $37, COCO & EVE.
Manuka Honey & Yogurt, Hydrate + Repair Conditioner, $17.98, SHEA MOISTURE at IHerb.
Curl Defining Cream, $53, MOROCCANOIL.
Ultra Hydrating Curl Leave-In Cream, $20.38, KRISTIN ESS at Amazon.
Hair Alchemy Heatless Styling Balm, $66, ORIBE at Chez Vous.
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Curly Hair
For the curly girls, frizz is unfortunately a familiar friend, but that doesn't mean she can't be tamed. Depending on your scalp's health and the weather, you can opt to wash alternate days or even once-twice a week. In the shower, go in with a moisturising shampoo and conditioner and, while your ends are still wet and covered in product, gently detangle with a wide tooth comb. After, apply a leave-in conditioner, curl cream, and then a soft gel, flipping your head upside down to scrunch and define with a microfiber towel or shirt. You can either let it airdry or diffuse with a hairdryer and attachment before breaking the curl cast gently with a wide tooth comb and applying a lightweight hair serum. To protect all your hard work, use a silk or satin bonnet.
Eternal Curls Moisturising Shampoo, $84, ORIBE at Selfridges.
Curl Conditioner, $30.77, VERB at Revolve.
Jelly Soft Curl, $42.29, MISS JESSIE'S at Amazon.
Universal Dryer Diffuser, $39, REMINGTON at Amazon.
Multi-Use Silk Tie Bonnet, $114, LILYSILK.