Best Monsoon Hairstyles and How toHandle Frizz

The best monsoon hairstyles are braids, low buns, claw-clip twists, short shaped cuts, and natural curls. They work because they don’t depend on smooth, dry hair staying perfect through rain and humidity. Don’t spend the wet season fighting your hair. Choose a contained style or a cut that dries well in your natural texture, use a little smoothing product on damp hair, and accept some frizz.

For dry, hot heat rather than rain, see our hot weather hairstyles.

Everyday monsoon hairstyles

Single braid

A braid keeps your hair together when it’s windy or wet, and it won’t go shapeless if it gets a little damp. It’s also easy to fix when you arrive somewhere. See braid styles for 2027.

Low bun

A low bun fits under a raincoat hood or umbrella. Make it after your hair is mostly dry, since a wet bun can take hours to dry and may stay damp.

Claw-clip twist

This is the quickest option. It lifts your hair off your neck and clothes, and it doesn’t leave a mark. Bring a clip in your bag, so that you can use it if your blowout gives up on the way to work.

Half-up clip

This keeps your front pieces under control when the rest of your hair frizzes up, and it’s handy for hair that’s short to medium in length.

Slick low ponytail

Using a little gel on your part can make a simple ponytail look deliberate when humidity won’t let you do anything else. Keep it comfortable. The American Academy of Dermatology warns that continually pulling hair tightly back can lead to permanent hair loss.

Haircuts for the wet season

Short bob or lob

Shorter hair dries faster, which is really useful when it never feels dry outside. A lob still ties back. See lob haircut ideas for 2027.

Long layers

Removing some weight helps long hair dry faster and feel less heavy without losing length. See layered haircuts for 2027.

Short curly shapes

Natural curls can look great in humidity, so you don’t have to fight them. See short curly hairstyles for 2027.

Men’s short cuts

A short crop or taper handles rain very well. Skip heavy gels that run when wet, and use a small amount of matte product instead. See short crop hairstyles and hairstyles for Indian men in 2027.

Managing frizz

• Apply product to damp hair. A smoothing cream or leave-in works better before your hair has already frizzed.
• Stop rubbing. Blot your hair with a towel or an old cotton T-shirt.
• Hands off. The more you touch it, the more it frizzes.
• Use a light oil on the ends. One or two drops over the surface can smooth flyaways.
• Don’t over-brush. Brushing dry curly or wavy hair often makes frizz worse.

For a fuller guide, see how to fix frizzy hair.

Rain on your commute

If you get caught in the rain, here’s what to do:

1. Blot gently. Use a towel or a clean cloth once you get indoors.
2. Let it breathe. Take your hair out of a tight bun if it’s soaked.
3. Dry it through. Use a low setting if you’ve got a dryer at hand, or leave it loose.
4. Wash when it feels dirty. Rainwater and city grime can leave hair feeling unclean, so wash if you want to. You don’t need to panic if you can’t do this immediately.

Keep a spare elastic, a clip, and a small towel in your bag during the season. A compact hood or a good umbrella helps a lot, too.

Scalp comfort

Damp hair and warm weather can make the scalp feel oily or itchy for many people. It helps to:

• Make sure hair is fully dry before you tie it up or sleep on it.
• Wash as often as your scalp needs. See how often to wash your hair.
• Don’t pile on heavy oils near your scalp if your hair feels greasy. See how to stop greasy hair.

Any scalp itch, flaking, or soreness that doesn’t settle is worth showing to a doctor or dermatologist, since an itchy scalp has a number of possible causes.

Going easy on heat

A straightening session may not last in heavy humidity, so it’s often not worth the time or the heat. The American Academy of Dermatology advises limiting blow drying and irons and using low or medium settings with a heat-protecting product. Try working with your natural texture instead. See wavy hairstyles for 2027 and how to air-dry hair.

Keratin and smoothing treatments

Many people book a smoothing treatment before the rains. It may reduce frizz for a while, but it’s a chemical treatment with its own trade-offs, so ask your stylist what’s in it and how it might affect your hair. Read keratin treatment vs. relaxer for more.

Monsoon festivals and events

Weddings and festivals still happen in the rain. For a dressy occasion, a contained style and a good set of pins will outlast loose waves. See our Teej hairstyles for 2027 and saree hairstyles for 2027.

Hair and clothes

Hair sticking to a damp collar is uncomfortable, and it’s also a good reason to put your hair up. Use a soft elastic to keep your hair clear of your raincoat. If you’re wearing a hood, a low bun or braid won’t push against it.

Choose your cut before the rains

If you want an easier season, consider a new cut before the monsoon starts. Hairover lets you upload a clear photo, get recommendations with a match score, and try shorter or layered styles on your own face in Style Studio.

Try a low-fuss cut on your own photo with Hairover.