Did you know that August is Anti-Frizz Month? Yes, an entire month devoted to bringing awareness to how to tame frizzy hair! Almost everyone, regardless of your hair type, has dealt with frizz. 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 my top tips to tame and get rid of your frizzy hair once and for all!
What Is Frizzy Hair?
Frizz is essentially
caused by moisture entering the cuticle of the hair and making it swell, 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 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 frizzier 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.
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. Try to find a stylist that is a fit for your texture hair. They should know how to cut it properly. I recommend scheduling regular haircut 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.
Don't Wash 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.
Avoid Using Shampoos That Contain Sulfates
Condition, Condition, Condition
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.
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, and let it air dry.
Avoid Over-Brushing
Brushing can help with untangling your locks, but it’s not always great for keeping frizz at bay, especially if you plan on air-drying.
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 all-together. Instead gently “comb” your hair with your fingers while rinsing out your conditioner. The less you touch it after that, the better!
Layer Your Products
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 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.
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.
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 poufy and frizzy.
I hope some of my tips help!
Do you have any tips that I missed? We'd love to hear them!
