When hair is frizzy, the scales that make up the hair’s cuticles are raised. Humidity passes through the cuticles and swells the hair strands. This happens especially when hair is dry, so give hair the moisture it craves, and smooth and seal the cuticles. Frizzy hair does the opposite of what you want it to do, and it stands away from the rest of your hair, and it can leave your hair looking frazzled and unkempt.
The main causes of frizzy hair are:
- Dryness and damage: when hair is dry or damaged, the scales of the hair cuticle – or outer sheath – loosen and become abraded, instead of lying flat against the cortex.
- Humidity: wondering what causes frizzy hair in humidity? At a molecular level, humidity causes more hydrogen bonds to form between the keratin proteins that make up the structure of your hair. This encourages the hair to coil up. So, humidity causes hair to frizz because it alters the hair’s chemical structure.
- Genetics, which determines your hair type: Some hair types are more prone to frizz than others. Thick, curly hair, for example, tends to be drier and more susceptible to frizziness.
How to fix frizzy hair at home
- Replenish moisture.
- Smooth and seal the hair cuticles.
- Protect the hair from further dryness and damage.
- Even if your hair is naturally very frizzy, the right products and tools can make it much smoother and easier to manage.
- Also, be gentle with your hair.
- Try to avoid excessive heat styling, chemical treatment, rough brushing, and exposure to sun and pool chemicals.
- Have your hair professionally trimmed every six to eight weeks.
How to fix frizzy straightened hair
Sometimes the straightening process itself adds static to the hair. It can leave the bulk of your hair straighter but with “fly-away” strands that stick out. The best way to fix frizzy hair after straightening is to apply a small quantity of a good hair serum or hair oil. This will smooth down fly-away strands. It also protects the hair against moisture and UV damage so it stays sleek for longer.
What chemicals to avoid for frizzy hair
Ideally, avoid hair products that contain sulphates. Some examples are sodium laurel (also called sodium laureth sulfate or sodium lauryl sulfate); ammonium laurel sulfate; and sodium dodecylsulfate. These ingredients have a drying effect and so can add to frizziness. It’s also best to avoid parabens, diethanolamine and triethanolamine, isopropyl alcohol and polyethelyne glycol.
How to tame frizzy hair overnight
- If you’ve washed your hair, dry it with a microfibre towel or a soft t-shirt instead of a normal towel
- Make sure your hair is completely dry before bed (see styling tips for frizzy hair above)
- Switch to a satin or silk pillowcase to reduce static
- Apply a small amount of a hair serum or leave-in conditioning spray
- Loosely tie up your hair (or plait it if you want natural waves by morning).
- Opt for a serum or spray that contains nourishing natural oils.
Good shampoo for frizzy hair
Smoothing shampoo for frizzy hair uses natural oils, amino acids, and protein (like keratin) to repair and smooth the hair and reduce frizz, static, and fly-away strands, making hair much easier to manage, with less of a matted, frizzy finish.
The best conditioner for frizzy hair is intensely moisturising and rich in natural oils. It coats and helps seal the hair cuticles. Sealed cuticles cause much less frizz, preventing the hair from looking and feeling like straw.
Use a hair mask once or twice a week, to inject extra moisture and boost control of frizz. Greatly helpful in preventing further frizz from forming as these masks provide long term protection from the elements. This includes humidity, dryness and sun exposure.
Hair oils & treatments for frizzy hair
Hair oils and treatments are some of the best products for dry, frizzy hair. They smooth and seal the cuticles, tame fly-aways, and protect against split ends, which add to frizz. Great for using when needed or throughout the day, so the hair is always protected.
Heat protection for frizzy hair
Prevent frizziness that’s caused by heat styling and UV exposure. Frizz is commonly caused by not protecting the hair before hot tool styling. Use a heat protector to ensure hair is protected so heat does not open the cuticles and cause more frizz to form.
A little coconut oil is good for frizzy hair, or opt for a product containing argan oil, which absorbs well and is ideal for treating frizz.
