Wavy Hair Care Routine That Actually Works in Humid Weather

Wavy hair in humid weather needs moisture, control, and minimal fuss. In climates like Singapore’s, where sweat, rain, and midday stickiness are a given, a proper routine keeps your waves defined, not puffy or limp.

We all know the feeling. You step out of the house with nice, soft waves then by lunchtime, your hair turns into a humid lion’s mane. Between the MRT rush, sudden rain, and that non-stop scalp sweat, it’s hard to keep any wave definition at all.

Rest assured friends, our simple wavy hair care routine nails down exactly how to wash, style, and maintain wavy hair in Singapore’s horrid humidity, with easy fixes, tips, and stylist-approved products that actually work.

1. Wash Less Often, But Smarter

Washing daily flattens your waves and strips away the natural oils they need to hold shape.

In the dreaded heat, it’s tempting to shampoo every day (especially after gym or a jog), but for wavy hair, this often leads to dryness, breakage, and extra frizz.

What to do instead:

• Wash 2–3 times a week, even if you rinse daily
• Use a gentle cleanser or co-wash between shampoos
• Dry shampoo or scalp mist can help on non-wash days

If you must wash daily because of the rice cooker weather, please use a low-sulphate or hydrating shampoo to keep your waves happy, not fried.

2. Use Lightweight, Sulphate-Free Shampoo

Heavy shampoos weigh down waves. Harsh ones frizz them up.

Wavy hair loves balance: clean enough to feel fresh, but not stripped. We recommend go for a shampoo that’s free from sulphates and silicones but still cleans well, because let’s be real, your scalp is sweating by 9am.

Look for:

• Gentle foaming action (not too creamy, not too sudsy)
• pH-balanced formulas
• Labels like “hydrating”, “for waves”, or “moisture light”

If you often pop by Watsons or Guardian, check the ingredients before grabbing the “anti-frizz” bottle,  many still contain drying alcohols that do more harm than good.

“We always tell clients: your shampoo is either lifting your waves or killing them post treatment." – Sandy, hair stylist from Toa Payoh

3. Always Condition with Moisture, Not Weight

Too many conditioners leave waves limp and sticky, especially once the humidity hits. The key is to use a moisture-replenishing conditioner that nourishes without flattening your wave pattern.

Use:

• Lightweight conditioners with amino acids or aloe
• Mid-length to ends only, don’t slap it on your roots
• Rinse with cool water to help seal the cuticle

If your conditioner makes your waves “meh” by the time you reach the sardined MRT, it’s time to switch formulas

4. Apply Leave-In Products on Wet Hair (Not Dry)

Applying styling products to damp hair helps seal in shape and moisture, before frizz kicks in. Why? Because your scalp is like a sponge!

If you wait till your hair’s half-dry or fully dry to apply cream or serum, it’s usually too late. The humidity, moisture and pollutants would take over, leading to the dreaded puff.

Do this instead:

• Squeeze out excess water with a microfibre towel
• Apply curl cream, leave-in, or serum section by section
• Use fingers or a wide-tooth comb to distribute evenly

Timing is key. Right after your shower, not after scrolling TikTok for 10 minutes is your sweet spot. So yay to leave-in conditioners.

5. Air Dry with the Right Towel & Technique

Do you dry your hair with a bath towel? You do, don’t you? That’s a surefire way to lose your wavy hair.

Try this instead:

• Use a microfibre towel or cotton tee to blot gently
• Flip your head upside down and scrunch upward
• Avoid over-manipulating once the waves start forming

And no, blasting your roots with a fan while rushing out the door isn’t doing you any favours, don’t rush the process and let it settle.

6. Lock Shape with Gel or Styling Cream

Waves in humidity need something to hold their shape, moisture alone won’t cut it.

Without hold, your carefully defined wave pattern will flatten by lunch. A gel or curl cream helps lock in texture without stiffness when applied correctly.

How to use:

• Start small: dime-sized amount per section
• Scrunch from ends up, or use praying hands method
• Let it fully air dry before touching 

Humidity tries to undo all your work. This step stops it in its tracks.

7. Refresh Midday With a Mist or Serum

Your waves don’t always need a full wash, just a quick refresh to bring the bounce back.

Often, the forecast says sunshine at 2 PM, and by 2:15, it’s pouring. What started as soft, polished waves in the morning can end up sticky, sweaty, or shapeless by mid-afternoon due to weather or external factors.

How to refresh:

• Use a curl-defining mist, leave-in spray, or light oil serum
• Finger-comb lightly to reactivate curl memory
• Let air dry or lightly diffuse if you’re in a rush

It’s like a face mist, but for your hair.

4 Best Shampoos for Wavy Hair in Humid Weather 

Wavy hair is picky about shampoo. The wrong formula can flatten your waves, frizz them out, or leave your scalp greasy before lunch. 

What you need is lightweight moisture, gentle cleansing, and zero heaviness.

That’s why we’ve picked four hair products that actually work for wavy hair. Tried, tested and true by our satisfied customers and our staff.

Shiseido Sublimic Airy Flow Shampoo

A feather-light shampoo that smooths texture without weighing down soft waves.

This formula is made for fine to medium hair that frizzes easily in Singapore’s climate. It cleans gently and helps keep your waves light, airy, and movement-ready.

• Price: From $38.00
• Ideal For: Wavy hair prone to mid-day puffiness
• Key Features: Airy texture, lightweight cleansing, anti-frizz control
• Why We Like It: Perfect for waves that collapse easily when overloaded.

Davines Love Curl Shampoo

Designed for waves and curls that need hydration without heaviness.

This sulphate-free formula adds elasticity and shine, ideal for humid conditions. It helps support natural texture while resisting frizz caused by water exposure or heat.

• Price: From $27.20
• Ideal For: Wavy or curly hair needing moisture + bounce
• Key Features: Elasticity boost, softening agents, low-foam lather
• Quick Take: Great for “wash-and-go” days, leaves waves hydrated but light.

Goldwell Dualsenses Curls & Waves Hydrating Shampoo

A reliable go-to for soft definition and frizz management on wavy hair.

Formulated specifically for curls and waves (it is in the name), this hydrating shampoo enhances natural movement while fighting the humidity drag-down effect.

• Price: From $32.00
• Ideal For: Singapore’s hot, sticky afternoons
• Key Features: Lightweight hydration, curl-enhancing protein complex
• Best For: Anyone who walks from the MRT and arrives frizz-first.

Aesop Shampoo

A minimalist shampoo that purifies gently, ideal for sweaty days and oily roots.

While not curl-specific, Aesop’s shampoo is a great addition to your mid-week cleanse routine. It’s gentle, smells amazing, and works well in rotation with your curl shampoo.

• Price: From $22.50
• Ideal For: Scalp balancing and humidity-prone scalps
• Key Features: Herbal, non-stripping, perfect for daily rinsing
• Why It Works: Keeps scalp fresh without undoing your wavy-care progress.

Conclusion: Keep Your Waves Defined, Not Fried

With the right routine and products, even the most stubborn mid-day puff can be tamed. 

At Top Secret, we believe every hair type deserves better than trial-and-error product guesses. Whether your waves are loose, bendy, or stubbornly in-between, there’s a shampoo and styling strategy that will work.

Be it for MRT rides or stuck under a kopi shop waiting out the rain after you tapau your lunch, we’ve got a hair product for every wave-related situation.

Explore our full wavy hair collection, carefully selected to keep your hair fabulous and in style.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wavy Hair in Humid Weather

How Often Should I Wash Wavy Hair In Singapore’s Humidity?

Two to three times a week is ideal. Over-washing removes natural oils that help define your waves. On non-wash days, use a scalp mist or dry shampoo to stay fresh.

What Type Of Shampoo Works Best For Wavy Hair In Humid Weather?

Lightweight, sulphate-free shampoos are best. They cleanse without stripping moisture. Look for labels such as “hydrating,” “for waves,” or “moisture light.”

Why Does My Hair Get Frizzy Even After Using Conditioner?

Your conditioner might be too heavy or not sealing the cuticle properly. Choose a lightweight, moisture-based formula and rinse with cool water to help lock in smoothness.

Should I Use Leave-In Products On Wet Or Dry Hair?

Always apply leave-ins or curl creams on wet hair. This helps seal in moisture before humidity takes over and prevents puffiness.

How Can I Refresh Wavy Hair During The Day Without Washing It?

Use a curl mist or light serum. Spray and scrunch gently with your fingers to reactivate curl memory, then let it air dry naturally.

What Is The Best Way To Dry Wavy Hair Without Frizz?

Avoid rough towel-drying. Instead, blot gently with a microfibre towel or cotton tee and let your waves air dry. You can scrunch lightly to enhance definition.