Frizzy hair affects so many of us, but for people with curly hair, it can be a nightmare and almost impossible to avoid every day. Even the coolest hairstyles will turn out terrible with frizzy hair because it completely ruins the aesthetic due to leaving hair dry and unmanageable. Surprised? Don’t be. With proper knowledge, the right products, and consistent care, frizz control is achievable. For starters, let’s understand the reasons for having frizzy hair and discuss how we can achieve smooth, straight hair without any frizzy strands.
What Are the Causes of Frizzy Hair?
Frizz is a common term for many people dealing with unmanageable hair. More often than not, it occurs because of a lack of moisture in the hair. When the hair is dry, it leads to the cuticle losing moisture, which in turn causes the cuticle to open up due to excess moisture from the surroundings being absorbed. Hair expansion and frizz are caused by this because the hair shaft is uneven. Some common contributors to frizzy hair are:
- Humidity: While high humidity may seem ideal for many things, when it comes to hair styling, high humidity can cause a significant increase in frizzy hair strands.
- Dryness: Damaged hair is a prime cause of frizzy hair, whether due to excessive heat or dryness caused by over-brushing. Every factor plays an important role.
- Hair Texture: Curly or wavy hair types tend to be more prone to frizz since their structure prevents the oils from the scalp from being evenly distributed across the hair shaft.
Tips to Control Frizz
1. Hydration
To deal with frizz, the first rule of thumb is to keep hair moisturized. The best option in this case is to use a shampoo and conditioner specifically made for frizzy hair. Ingredients such as argan oil, shea butter, and coconut oil are great at retaining moisture and flattening the hair cuticles.
2. Use a Deep Conditioning Mask
Adding a deep conditioning mask to your hair care routine at least once a week provides extra moisture and strengthens the hair, reducing frizz. Deep conditioners help restore moisture by penetrating the hair shaft, where moisture may have been lost.
3. Avoid Hot Water
Hot washing of the hair leads to washing the oils away from the hair and scalp, resulting in dry, frizzy hair. Instead, lukewarm or cool water should be utilized as it helps seal the outer cuticles of the hair and retain moisture.
4. Use the Right Products
Look for smoothing creams and leave-in conditioners. These items easily coat the hair shaft and prevent it from coming into contact with humidity, providing an anti-frizz effect. Look for silicones (dimethicone), smoothers, and natural oils that protect the hair and add sheen.
5. Reduce Use of Thermal Stylers
Styling tools that emit heat, such as curlers, blow-dryers, and flat-irons, usually cause significant damage to thick hair, resulting in increased frizz. If you must use heat on your hair, use a heat protectant spray and try using the lowest temperature possible. It is preferable to air-dry the hair or use a diffuser set on low.
6. Drying Hair
Using a regular towel to dry hair can cause frizz to develop, as they are harsh on the cuticle area. Instead, use a microfiber towel or a soft cotton T-shirt. Gently squeeze the hair to remove excess water while avoiding scrubbing or rough motions.
7. Limit Brushing
Brushing can disturb the natural curl patterns in your hair and lift the hair cuticle, resulting in more frizz. During the shower, when the hair is covered with conditioner, use a wide-tooth comb to detangle, and avoid using brushes when your hair is dry.
8. Use Serum or Oil
Sealing the hair cuticles and styling the ends with a light oil or serum can add shine and minimize frizz. Light oils such as argan oil or silicone-based serums are helpful for minimizing frizz while also providing a styling effect.
Styling Hacks to Control Frizz Hair
- Plopping: This technique is specific to those with curly hair. It involves wrapping your hair with a cotton T-shirt after applying hair styling products. This aids in setting curls while preventing them from getting disrupted as they dry.
- Twisting and Braiding: Twisting or braiding your hair while it is still damp helps prevent frizz and gives you nice, defined waves or curls once loosened. This procedure minimizes the amount of hair exposed to moisture, making it less likely to expand.
- Cool Air Blow-Dry: If using a blow dryer is necessary, switch to the cool setting towards the end of drying. This ensures the hair cuticle scales close and locks in moisture.
Recommended Products for Controlling Frizz
- Leave-In Conditioners: Consider trying SheaMoisture Strengthen & Restore Leave-In Conditioner or Ouai Leave-In Conditioner for added moisture and frizz-free hair throughout the day.
- Anti-Frizz Serums: John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum is great for controlling frizz while providing shine, making it a popular choice.
- Styling Creams: Moroccanoil Smoothing Lotion and Bumble and Bumble Curl Anti-Humidity Gel-Oil work well in humid conditions to tame frizz.
Final Thoughts
It is your responsibility to pamper and hydrate your hair consistently and embrace the right products to control frizziness. You can smooth out your hair by eliminating frizz once you understand the underlying cause and stick to a hair care regimen that implements small but effective changes. Your desire for deeply conditioned and hydrated hair is not far away—all you have to do is avoid heat styling and begin to apply the right ‘anti-frizz’ ingredients.
FAQs
Frizzy hair is typically caused by a lack of moisture, leading the hair to absorb excess humidity from the environment. Common contributors include high humidity, dryness, and curly hair textures, which struggle to distribute natural oils evenly.
To reduce frizz, keep your hair hydrated with products designed for frizzy hair, like shampoos and conditioners containing argan oil or shea butter. Avoid hot water when washing your hair, and use a microfiber towel to dry it gently.
Look for leave-in conditioners, smoothing creams, and anti-frizz serums. Popular options include SheaMoisture Leave-In Conditioner, John Frieda Frizz Ease Serum, and Moroccanoil Smoothing Lotion.
Yes, frequent use of heat styling tools like flat irons and blow dryers can damage your hair, leading to more frizz. To protect your hair, use a heat protectant and switch to air-drying when possible.
Yes, techniques like plopping with a cotton T-shirt, twisting or braiding damp hair, and using a cool air setting on your blow dryer can help frizz control and keep your hair looking smooth.
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