Are you tired of fighting frizz every time you look in the mirror? In this post, we’ll cover quick and easy solutions to get rid of frizzy hair.
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If your hair’s anything like mine, there are days you wake up looking like Hagrid’s long lost twin.
Frizz can be a big annoyance to deal with. It makes managing your hair frustrating, and it can feel like a huge battle with no end, especially for those of us with curly hair.
But…imagine your strands looking sleek, shiny and healthy, no matter what hairstyle.
Sounds awesome, right? Well, it’s time to say hello to smooth hair and leave the frizz behind.
In this hair care guide, we’ll uncover the secrets to banishing frizz and saying goodbye to bad hair days for good. You’ll also learn mistakes that you could be making that make your frizz worse.
From understanding the causes of frizzy hair, to choosing the right products, to natural remedies – it’s all here. Here’s your guide to frizzy hair and quick fixes to tame it.
You Want to Get Rid of Frizzy Hair…But What Is It?
Let’s go over some info about frizz before we get into the remedies. To achieve that sleek, frizz-free look you’ve always dreamed of, it’s important to first understand what causes frizzy hair.
What Causes Frizzy Hair?
Frizz occurs when your hair is dry. The hair’s outer layer, the cuticle, becomes lifted and allows moisture to penetrate the hair shaft, leading to swelling and frizz.
There are several factors that can contribute to this frustrating problem, so let’s explore them one by one.
- Humidity. When the air is humid, it contains high levels of moisture. This moisture can be absorbed by your hair, causing it to swell and frizz. The drier your hair is, the more moisture it will try to absorb from the air, so keeping your hair full of moisture is key.
- Excessive heat styling. Using hot tools like flat irons and curling irons too often or at very high temperatures can strip your hair of its natural moisture, leaving it prone to frizz.
- Environmental factors. Exposure to harsh elements such as wind, sun, and pollution can damage the hair’s cuticle, making it more susceptible to frizz. To keep your hair protected from harsh cold weather, follow these winter hair care tips.
- Harsh hair products. Products with ingredients that are drying to the hair may cause more frizz (such as alcohol denat or sulfates).
- The type and texture of your hair. People with naturally curly or wavy hair tend to have a higher risk of frizz due to the structure of their hair strands. Curly hair is often drier and more prone to frizz because the natural oils produced by the scalp have a harder time traveling down the hair shaft.
- Certain hair care practices. Brushing or combing your hair vigorously, especially when it’s dry, can create friction and disrupt the cuticle layer, resulting in frizz. Also, using regular towels and cotton pillowcases can cause friction and roughen up the cuticle, leading to frizz as well.
Now that you have a better understanding of the causes of frizzy hair, you can start taking the necessary steps to combat it.
In the next section, we’ll dive into hair products and help you choose the right ones to keep frizz at bay.
How to Get Rid of Frizz
Let’s go over the different areas of haircare that we can focus on, and the habits you need to skip if you want to get rid of frizzy hair.
1. Use the Right Hair Products
Choosing the right hair products is essential when it comes to taming frizz and achieving gorgeous, frizz-free hair. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to know which ones to choose, so here are some guidelines.
- Look for products that are specifically designed to combat frizz. These products typically contain ingredients that help smooth the hair cuticle and prevent moisture from penetrating, which is key to reducing frizz. As a general guide in the right direction, look for words like “anti-frizz,” “smoothing,” or “frizz control” on the labels.
- Use products that contain humectants. These are ingredients that will draw moisture into the hair (such as glycerin, propylene glycol, and honey).
- Consider your hair type and texture when selecting hair products. Different hair types have different needs, so it’s important to choose products that cater to your specific hair type. For example, if you have fine hair, you may want to opt for lightweight products that won’t weigh your hair down. On the other hand, if you have thick or coarse hair, you may benefit from richer, more moisturizing products.
- Take into account the climate and environmental factors that can contribute to frizz. If you live in a humid area, look for products that specifically target humidity and offer long-lasting frizz protection. These products often contain ingredients like silicone or oils that create a barrier between your hair and the humid air, preventing frizz from forming.
- It’s also important to consider your personal preferences and lifestyle. Some people prefer natural or organic products, while others may prioritize affordability or convenience. Take the time to read product reviews and do some research to find brands that align with your values and meet your needs.
BONUS TIP: Keep a travel-sized bottle of anti-frizz serum in your bag. When you notice frizz starting to appear, simply apply a small amount to your palms, rub your hands together, and then lightly smooth it over your hair to tame it.
2. Home Remedies for Dry and Frizzy Hair
You can try a natural at home remedy as a gentle and effective frizzy hair solution.
These frizz remedies use natural ingredients to nourish and moisturize your hair, smoothing it and leaving it feeling soft and manageable.
They’re also quick to do – if you want to get rid of frizzy hair in 5 minutes, try these!
1. Coconut oil. This versatile oil not only moisturizes your hair but also creates a protective barrier that locks in moisture and prevents frizz. There are a couple of ways to use it:
- Daily treatment: Use a small amount as a last step in your styling routine. Focus the oil on the ends and areas prone to frizz, such as the outer layer of the hair.
- Deep oil treatment: apply coconut oil liberally to your hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Leave it in overnight or for a few hours before washing it out. To give it a boost you can warm up the oil for a hot oil treatment.
If you don’t like coconut oil, you can use sweet almond oil or jojoba oil for something more lightweight (or check out this post for more ideas). Just remember, a little goes a long way with oils, so start with a small amount and build up if needed.
2. Aloe vera. Known for its soothing properties, aloe vera can moisturize your hair without weighing it down. You can use pure aloe vera gel (or look for hair care products that contain aloe vera as a key ingredient).
- Apply a small amount of the gel or product to your damp hair, then style as usual. Your hair will be left smooth and frizz-free. It’s also amazing for healing scalp issues such as itchiness and flakes.
3. Apple cider vinegar. This ingredient helps to balance the pH of your hair, resulting in smoother, shinier locks. Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 4 parts water, then use it as a final rinse after shampooing and conditioning your hair. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it out thoroughly.
4. Hair masks and deep conditioners. Hair masks are great for delivering moisture and strength to the hair. They help to keep the hair soft and smooth. You can make your own DIY hair mask for frizz, or use your favorite store bought one. Whichever you choose, make sure you use it regularly. Start with once a week or each wash day, and see how your hair responds.
What Makes Frizzy Hair Worse?
Now that we know what we should be doing to get rid of frizzy hair, what mistakes are we making?
These are a few hair care habits that can make frizz much, much worse. You don’t have to be 100% perfect with it, but try avoiding these as best you can.
1. Heat. As mentioned earlier, curling irons, straighteners, and blow dryers can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and prone to frizz. So can hot water.
Heat can damage the cuticle and prevent it from laying flat and smooth. If you can’t resist the allure of heat styling tools, be sure to always use a heat protectant spray beforehand to minimize damage.
Also, opt for lower heat settings and limit the amount of time the heat is applied to your hair.
If you are blow drying your hair straight, use a nozzle and aim it downward so the cuticles lay flat. If you have curly hair, use a diffuser.
And when washing your hair, always use warm, not hot water.
2. Over-washing. While it may be tempting to shampoo your hair every day, doing so can strip away the natural oils that keep your hair hydrated and frizz-free.
Instead, try to extend the time between washes and use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo when you do wash. This will help preserve your hair’s natural oils and prevent unnecessary frizz.
3. Rough handling. Ripping your brush through your hair from top to bottom, or towel drying vigorously can create friction, leading to frizz.
Instead, gently squeeze excess water out of your hair after showering using a microfiber towel or a soft cotton t-shirt.
When brushing or detangling your hair, start from the ends and work your way up. If you come across tangles, gently use your fingers to release the strands before continuing with the brush or comb.
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4. Brushing curly hair when it’s dry. Don’t do this! Brushing dry curls can cause breakage, frizz and damage. In the shower, use a wide-tooth comb or a brush designed for use with wet hair (like the Wet Brush) to minimize damage.
Make sure your hair has detangler or conditioner in it so it has lots of slip to prevent snags!
5. Over-processing your hair. Using chemical treatments such as dye and relaxer frequently causes the hair cuticle to lift. This can result in hair that looks and feels rough, dry and frizzy.
Try reducing the frequency of your treatments, and keep up with a healthy hair care routine in between treatments.
Now that you know what makes frizzy hair worse, you can take steps to adjust your hair care routine.
By being mindful of heat styling, adjusting your washing frequency, protecting against environmental factors, and handling your hair with care, you’ll feel the difference in your hair.
My last tip is: don’t stress over it. Do what you can to follow healthy hair care habits and get rid of frizzy hair, but know that having some frizz in your hair doesn’t mean it’s not beautiful!
With some simple changes you can add a few of these habits into your hair routine, and you’ll be amazed at how much smoother and more manageable your hair becomes!
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