I recently found out that August is Anti-Frizz Month! An entire month devoted to bringing awareness to how to tame frizzy hair? Oh, I am definitely taking advantage of this one. I was “blessed” with wavy, coarse, AND frizzy hair, and honestly think that it is one of the reasons that I pursued cosmetology! I could never find the right stylist or products to tame my luscious locks, so I took matters into my own hands (or head, lol).
Almost everyone regardless of their hair type has dealt with frizz. I think that this is the perfect opportunity to share not only what I’ve learned after working on thousands of client’s frizzy heads of hair but also what I have learned from dealing with my own frizzy hair for my entire life! Read on for 11 tips to tame and get rid of your frizzy hair once and for all!
What is frizzy hair?
Frizz is caused by moisture entering the cuticle of the hair which makes it swell. It happens when the cuticle layer of your hair is raised, which allows moisture to pass through and swell the strands.
The cuticle layer is the outermost layer of the hair strand that protects the innermost layers of the hair shaft. If you look at the cuticle layer underneath a microscope, it looks almost like shingles on a roof.
Hair is actually made up of several different layers of keratin protein, the external layer-the cuticle and the inner layers known as the cortex and medulla. So, when the cuticle layer is properly sealed, it can retain moisture in the hair shaft longer, making your hair less prone to frizz.
What causes frizzy hair?
There are essentially about four different factors that cause frizzy hair, and some are things that YOU may be doing that are actually causing you to have frizzy hair!
The first factor is environmental, such as humidity. Hair fibers act like sponges and when exposed to moisture, they swell. This is why you may notice your hair is more frizzy in the summer or when you travel to a humid climate.
The second factor is physical. The natural texture of your hair or the diameter of the hair fiber itself. As we learned previously, frizz is misaligned hair fibers, and the thicker the hair fiber, the more difficult it is to reshape and realign.
The third cause is related to how curly your hair is. The curlier the hair, the greater the challenge it is to align the hair fibers.
The fourth is the condition of your hair. The amount of damage to the hair leads to frizz. For instance, split ends, cuticle loss, and breakage give hair that frizzy look because the hair fibers aren’t uniform or aligned.
1. Get regular trims
Get rid of dry, dead ends. Split ends can travel up the strand causing more damage and frizz, so it’s best to get a haircut when you start to notice fraying. If you live in a humid climate, you may want a cut with blunt ends. Honestly just find a stylist that is a fit for your texture hair. They should know how to cut it properly. I recommend scheduling regular haircuts appointments with your stylist-before you leave, schedule your next appointment so you don’t forget and try to get in at the last minute. Great stylists are usually incredibly busy.
2. Hold off washing your hair EVERY DAY
Washing your hair too often can deplete your hair of moisture and raise your hair cuticles, both of which contribute to frizz. Instead, wash your hair 2-3 times a week to prevent frizz.
Now before you argue with me saying that you HAVE to!! Hear me out. If you wash your hair every day, your body is used to that and will produce more oil (at your scalp) to make up for you stripping all of it away every day. Give your body time to adjust and believe your new ways. Trust me, I have been through this with HUNDREDS of clients. Just give it a month before you say you can’t.
3. Avoid using shampoos that contain sulfates
Look, I get it. You love those shampoos that have luxurious “suds”, but these strong detergents that are often added to shampoos, have been shown to add frizz and dry out the hair. Sulfates can also strip hair of natural oils that keep it moisturized.
On the days that you do wash your hair, use a sulfate-free shampoo. If you want to get a little suds out of it, make sure to emulsify it in your hands first with a little water. Then work it into the scalp and out through the ends. If you went a few days in between shampoos, you may have to wash twice.
My pick: Fixx™ ColorShield Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Purify your hair with the ultra-conditioning Fixx ColorShield Sulfate-Free Shampoo that is formulated to cleanse and extend the life of your color. Sulfate-free and fade-resistant, this nourishing blend helps you maintain hair vibrancy and color for the most luscious locks.
4. Condition, condition, condition
Remember earlier when I talked about the condition of your hair? Well, you need to use the right conditioner regularly. Frizz can be caused by the lack of moisture, so it’s important to use conditioners that contain ingredients that will go into the hair strand and actually add moisture.
Try to leave your conditioner in as long as you can so it has time to do its job. I usually wash my hair, wring out as much water as possible. I recommend starting by applying your conditioner to your ends and work up to the scalp. Usually, your ends are a bit “thirstier”. You also want to use cool water to rinse out your conditioner. This will help the cuticle lay down and almost form a seal.
My pick: Fixx™ Argan Oil Intensive Hair Mask
Repair and restore dry, damaged locks for healthier-looking hair with Fixx Argan Oil Intensive Hair Mask. Consistent heat styling, products, and washing damages the hair cuticle and fiber leaving strands dull, broken, and weak. Utilizing Fancorsil® LIM-2 (can be absorbed into the hair cuticle and help repair damaged hair and is a shine enhancer). Botanisil ME-14 (provides Over 50X protection in Luminosity), this deep-conditioning mask smoothes and repairs damaged hair for increased brilliance and strength. The reparative formula conditions and detangles hair for increased flexibility, texture, and color.
5. Avoid using hot water
Washing or even rinsing your hair with very hot water can actually strip the hair of the natural oils that keep it moisturized and smooth. It also opens the cuticle, which will look a bit rougher. So, if you’re prone to frizz, you might want to try easing up on the heat.
6. Do not towel dry
Avoid using a terry cloth towel to dry your hair. Scrunching your hair up in a towel right after a shower may seem like a convenient way to dry it, but it won’t do you any favors when it comes to preventing frizz. Cloth towels can add damaging friction to your hair.
When your hair is wet, it is at its most fragile state. Do not wrap your hair in a towel turban-style. If your hair is prone to frizz, invest in a microfiber towel to gently absorb excess moisture while keeping frizz at bay. Simply use the towel to blot the hair, then do not touch it, and let it air dry.
7. Avoid over-brushing
Brushing can help with untangling your locks, but it’s not always great for keeping frizz at bay. Certain hairbrushes can damage hair cuticles and lead to frizz. Switch to a wide-tooth comb to prevent breakage.
If you are going to use a brush, definitely avoid using a bristle brush. Certain hairbrushes can damage hair cuticles and lead to even more frizz. Switch to a wide-tooth comb or a “Wet Brush” to prevent breakage.
If you have wavy or curly hair, skip brushing or combing altogether. Instead gently “comb” your hair with your fingers while rinsing out your conditioner. The less you touch it after that, the better!
8. Layer your products
The best way to keep your hair frizz-free is to lock in moisture right after you shower by applying a leave-in treatment to your hair. Look for products containing oils and silicons, which build a barrier on the hair, helping to keep the moisture in the air from getting under the cuticle.
My first layer: Fixx Argan Oil No Frizz
Fixx Argan Oil No Frizz helps tame your frizz while making your hair smooth and adding shine and body. While other products might stop the frizz temporarily, your hair will return to a mess of frizz once it wears off. Fixx Argan Oil No Frizz has been specially formulated with ingredients, such as argan oil and linseed seed oil to not only manage frizz but provide nutrients for healthy hair growth.
My 2nd layer: Fixx Control the Day Heat and Humidity Cream
Rising temperatures are no match for Fixx Control the Day Heat and Humidity Cream. Formulated to protect your hairstyle, this innovative treatment utilizes Ama-Oil to reduce frizz caused by heat and humidity. Take charge and preserve your luscious strands.
It contains Ama-oil, which is an oil-rich in squalene and non-saturated fatty acids. It rebuilds the hair erosion caused by daily brushing and damaging treatments. Replenishes the gaps of lost lipids, restoring the inner structure.
9. Reduce Friction
If you shower at night or just want to preserve your perfect style for second-day hair, try pulling your hair back into a loose bun. I actually twist mine and use a large clip to secure it onto the top of my head. This helps keep your hair from moving around while you toss and turn and it prevents morning tangles.
Switch to silk or satin pillowcases to reduce friction and combat frizz. Rough cotton sheets can cause a lot of friction, roughing up your hair’s cuticle and leaving you with a frizzy, tangled mess in the morning.
10. Avoid heat
Using hot styling tools will literally make all of the moisture evaporate from your hair. If you have to use a curling iron or flat iron, try using the lowest heat possible and products that will protect your hair from the heat.
Both of the products I mentioned above will protect your hair and prevent frizz. Even though, Fixx Argan Oil No Frizz is my first product to apply, if I am going to use heat, I will apply again to my dry hair before the use of my irons. It brings out so much shine in my hair.
11. Keep your hands off!
Avoid touching your hair too much during the day. Bad hair habits, like running your fingers through your hair all day long, can ruffle your hair’s cuticle and make it appear poofy and frizzy.
I hope some of my tips help! If you liked this article, you may want to check out these blog posts: 6 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD GO SULFATE FREE, HOLIDAY HAIR TUTORIALS (for some great tips on using hot tools) and SPRING INTO SUMMER WITH HEALTHY HAIR.
Do you have any tips that I missed? I’d love to hear them!
