Click play to listen to Humid Air and Frizzy Hair—Plus Other Health Impacts of Humidity.

Be honest: How is your hair in humidity? It’s probably happened to you—spending time and energy to create a hairstyle that quickly unravels once you step into the high humidity of summer. But did you know that frizzy hair is one of the most common symptoms of high humidity in homes, too?

What Happens to Hair in Humidity

Humid air adds moisture to your hair, similar to running a wet comb or brush through already-dry strands. As the moisture is added and removed (either by the sun or heat), the drying process causes your hair to change shape and revert back to a natural, unstyled look—often frizzy or curly.

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While frizzy hair in humidity is one of the more obvious symptoms of high humidity in homes, there are some other health and home impacts you might not be aware of. Read on to discover potential threats and how ideal humidity in a home can help keep your family protected!

Symptoms of High Humidity in Homes

Respiratory Health Impacts

An increased risk of respiratory infections is one of the key symptoms of high humidity in homes. This is because our mucus membranes work best at fighting germs and viruses when they’re properly hydrated. Additionally, without ideal humidity in a home, viruses are more likely to thrive.

Increased Allergy Symptoms

Though allergy symptoms can increase when low humidity levels dry out our sinuses, they can also be one of the symptoms of high humidity in homes. High humidity can aggravate allergies because it creates a suitable environment for the growth of mold, prevalence of dust mites, and other common allergens. This is why it’s important to maintain ideal humidity in a home and ensure your home’s humidity levels are between 40–60%.*

Regular Heat Illnesses

One of the symptoms of high humidity in homes is difficulty in cooling down in high summer temperatures. Because high humidity prevents sweat from evaporating, it’s important to keep an eye on your area’s heat index. The heat index gives you a more accurate picture of how outdoor conditions will impact your body by combining temperature and humidity levels.

Annoying Skin Conditions

Dry, itchy skin is relatively common when humidity levels are low, but other skin conditions can arise as a result of high humidity in homes, too. Symptoms of high humidity in homes include more irritations, like acne breakouts or heat rashes. Staying hydrated, along with prioritizing ideal humidity in a home can help!

Disrupted Sleep

Even poor sleep can be one of the key symptoms of high humidity in homes! According to the Sleep Foundation, “high humidity can increase wakefulness and reduce the amount of time you spend” in the stages of sleep, which impacts bodily recovery and memory consolidation. With ideal humidity in a home, you can expect more restful sleep night after night.

Maintaining Ideal Humidity in a Home

While you can’t control the humidity outdoors, you can put a stop to the symptoms of high humidity in homes! Balancing your high humidity indoors is simple with an AprilAire Whole-House Dehumidifier.

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*While balanced humidity exists between 40 and 60%, it’s important to remember that outdoor temperature and other home factors will impact what relative humidity level is attainable and recommended for your house. Talk with your Aprilaire Healthy Air Professional to learn more.