Glycerin & Humidity: Why It Can Make or Break Your Curls

All things glycerin free could be the answer you need!

Glycerin is one of the most common ingredients in curly hair products — and for good reason. It’s a powerful humectant that attracts water into the hair, helping curls stay hydrated, juicy and defined. For many curlies, glycerin is a hero ingredient.

But in humid weather?
Glycerin can actually turn from friend to enemy.

If the air is extremely humid, glycerin can start pulling too much water out of the environment and into your hair shaft. This sudden swelling can cause curls to lose their shape, frizz up, feel “puffy,” or look undefined. While not everyone reacts this way, curlies in tropical climates — or during those sticky days when the humidity is off the charts — often find that going glycerin free gives them noticeably smoother, longer-lasting definition.

At Curly Life, we specialise in helping Australian curlies avoid humidity chaos, especially during summer. One of our most popular solutions? Glycerin-free routines.

Glycerin-Free Tip: It Only Works If Your Whole Routine Is Glycerin-Free

This is where most people go wrong.

If your gel is glycerin-free but your conditioner isn’t, the glycerin in your earlier steps can still absorb humidity and cause frizz. For best results, your full routine — cleanser, conditioner, leave-in and styling products — should be glycerin-free.

When every step is free of humectants that misbehave in humidity, curls stay smooth, defined and protected throughout the day.

Top Glycerin-Free Options at Curly Life

We carry some amazing glycerin-free products that make humidity season so much easier. Here are your best choices:

Bouclème Seal + Shield — Humidity Warrior Range

This is the #1 recommendation if humidity is giving you grief.

Bouclème’s Seal + Shield line is designed specifically to block moisture fluctuations and stop frizz at the cuticle level — a dream for curls that expand, puff or lose shape. These formulas are completely glycerin-free and packed with lightweight sealing ingredients that help curls stay sleek and defined without stiffness.

Perfect for:
✔ humid climates
✔ frizz-prone curl types
✔ curls that lose definition outdoors
✔ anyone wanting long-lasting results

Other Glycerin-Free Products at Curly Life

Jessicurl Spiralicious Styling Gel is a great glycerin free gel made to withstand humidity.

We do also have a humidity focused collection with products made for this purpose. Please do note that not everything in this collection is glycerin-free, so be sure to check the ingredients.

You can also ask us on Instagram at @curlylifeau for personalised recommendations.

Why Shop Glycerin-Free Products at Curly Life?

Curly Life is Australia’s trusted destination for supporting every texture, curl challenge and climate struggle. Here’s why thousands of curlies shop with us:

• Fast shipping Australia-wide

• Local, authentic stock, no overseas wait times, no customs/tax surprises

• We hand-test and review the products ourselves

• Every order supports the McGrath Foundation for Cancer Care

Plus, our community support is unmatched!

Tame Humidity the Smart Way

If glycerin is causing your curls to frizz in Australia’s unpredictable humidity, a fully glycerin-free routine can be genuinely life-changing. Start with Bouclème’s Seal + Shield range, lock in a conditioner that’s also glycerin-free, and you’ll notice smoother, calmer curls almost instantly.

Shop all glycerin-free curls essentials today at Curly Life — where great curls and great causes come together.