So, you got caught in the rain. Your hair is a little wet and it’s sticking to your neck. We think it’s safe to say that we’ve all been there. Look, although the rain may have ruined your vibe, you don’t have to let it ruin your look.
Just don’t get flustered and do what’s worst for your hair. If you’re going to rub it with your sleeve or over-brush it (or heat-blast it back to life), you’re going to make matters worse. More importantly, it’s going to feel like straw the next day.
In this article, we’re going to talk about what not to do when your hair gets wet unexpectedly. We’ll walk you through what to do instead.
First, What You Should Never Do
1. Don’t attack your hair with a brush
Dragging a brush through wet hair is like using sandpaper on silk. It causes breakage and makes frizz worse. Your hair is most fragile when it’s wet, especially if it has been in the rain. Skip the brush unless you like split ends.
2. Don’t blast it with high heat
Your first instinct might be to grab a blow dryer and crank it to full power if you have one nearby. But that’s going to zap out any moisture your hair had left. It also sets your frizz in place. Heat styling wet hair too soon locks in that flattened, stringy look.
3. Don’t layer on tons of product
Loading your wet hair with oils, gels, or creams can weigh it down and make it greasy. That’s especially if you’re outside and sweating a little from being wrapped up in more layers than you needed (thanks, fall weather!). You need something light and hydrating. Don’t go for anything heavy and sticky.
4. Don’t tie it up tight
Pulling your hair into a tight bun or ponytail while wet can cause tension breakage. Plus, it traps
moisture at your roots and scalp, which can lead to itchiness or even a little mildew stink if it doesn’t dry fully. Gross, right?
What To Do Instead
Step 1: Start with a gentle detangler
Reach for a detangler like Punkie Spice Leave-In Detangler. This stuff is made for rainy-day emergencies. Spray it into your damp strands and use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to separate and smooth. It helps with knots and gives your hair that soft feel.
Step 2: Air dry if you can
Let your hair breathe. If you’re indoors or in your car, shake it out a little and let it air dry. You can
scrunch it lightly or finger-shape it if needed. The goal is to reset the shape without fighting it. If your hair needs help with bounce or hydration, mist in a little more Punkie Spice while it dries. It reactivates your texture and smells so good.
Step 3: Refresh with a lightweight mask at night
Once you’re home, give your hair some recovery love. First, gently wash your hair with a pea-size amount of London Fog Shampoo.
Then, use Mask For Who You Are. It’s our deep-
conditioning mask that brings dull and tired strands back to life. Even five minutes in the shower works, but if you
have time, leave it on for fifteen. Your hair will feel softer, shinier, and stronger by morning. This is the step that undoes the damage. Think of it as your reset button.
Step 4: Prep for tomorrow
If you know rain is coming again, condition before it happens. Apply Mad Sponge Conditioner in the evening or morning after your regular wash routine and leave it in for a few minutes before rinsing. It’s the perfect final step to our trio. It locks in moisture and makes your hair more weather-resistant. Bonus points if you braid or twist your hair loosely before heading out. It keeps it from flattening and gives you waves later. That’s cute and practical. Whatever you do, don’t put your hair up in a hat! It’s going to mat your hair and make it brittle later on.
Build Your Rainy Day Hair Kit
You don’t need a giant salon bag. Just throw a few essentials in your purse or car. Here’s what we
recommend:
- Punkie Spice Leave-In Detangler in a small spray bottle
- Mini brush or wide-tooth comb
- Satin scrunchie or spiral hair tie (no breakage!)
- A soft microfiber cloth for gently patting dry
This is your wet hair emergency kit. It’s simple, but it just works.
Don’t Let the Rain Win
You’re not going to stay dry 100 percent of the time. That’s fine. But don’t let a little water ruin your hair or your day. The next time the rain comes out of nowhere, just remember these four things:
- Don’t brush or blast
- Do detangle gently
- Hydrate well
- Prep for the next round
All that said, your hair deserves more than damage control. It deserves a little care and a lot of
confidence.
We’ve got what you need for glossy and frizz-free hair that looks like you just left the salon. You only need the right products and we’ve already picked them for you. Shop your personalized hair stack now at The Runway Looks.