Frizzy or frizz-free, your hair is beautiful just the way it is. Frizz can be a halo that gives you a supernatural appearance, but you may prefer a sleeker and smoother look. But what causes frizz and is there anything you can do to tame it? If you’re looking for frizz-free manes, continue reading for ways to get rid of frizzy hair.
What is frizzy hair?
When your hair is chemically treated, dry, or damaged, the outer layer of the strand rises. This allows moisture to enter the strand, which makes individual hair fibres stand up or curl independently. And that is what we call frizzy hair! It’s a myth that only curly hair can be frizzy. Straight hair can be just as frizzy, and curled hair can be frizz-free.
Now that we’re at it, it’s time to bust another myth: frizzy hair does not mean that you have split ends! Split ends happen when the ends of your hair become dry, brittle, and frayed. (picture the end of an unravelled rope) They can not be repaired, and cutting them off is the only way to get rid of split ends. Frizzy hair is just a matter of hair texture and not a flyaway.
What causes frizzy hair?
There are 3 things that cause frizzy hair: humidity, genetics, and damage.
#1 Humidity
Frizz is caused when your hair is dry and in desperate need of moisture. Dry hair equals rough cuticles, or outer layers of strands. When the weather is humid, you have the perfect recipe to get frizzy hair. In a frizz-free world, the cuticle layers of your hair lay flat. When damaged or exposed to moisture, these cuticle layers may open up, and cause frizz.
#2 Genetics
Some types of hair are more prone to frizz than others. Curly hair that does not have a natural curl definition appears frizzy.
#3 Damage
Some styling techniques, like rough brushing and backcombing, can cause breakage, or chipping of the hair cuticle. Ease down blow-dryers and flat irons; excessive use of these stylings tools can weaken the hair, making it prone to breakage and split ends.
11 ways to get rid of frizzy hair
Let’s start by saying that there is absolutely nothing wrong with frizzy hair! If you don’t want to tame or conquer the frizz, you don’t have to. Your hair is beautiful just the way it is, and you can do whatever you want with it. Let the frizz be the frizz! But if you’re not in a frizzy kind of mood, and looking for a sleeker style, there are tricks and products that help you get smooth, frizz-free hair.
#1 Shower at low temperatures
Taking a hot shower soothes your muscles, but dries out your skin and causes frizzy hair. A cold water rinse helps seal your hair’s cuticles and creates smooth, frizz-free hair.
#2 Shampoo less
Your hair doesn’t need to be shampooed multiple times a week. Washing your hair with just water generally keeps the frizz at bay. This doesn’t mean that you can never use shampoo again. Use it wisely and never use a shampoo that contains alcohol if you want frizz-free hair.
#3 Use a rich conditioner to smooth frizzy strands
Using a conditioner is your number-one product in combating frizz. Apply the conditioner from mid-shaft all the way down to your ends, but keep away from the roots if you want to avoid a greasy hair-do. Then wait a couple of minutes before rinsing it out. You can shave your legs, sing a song or exfoliate while the conditioner sinks in.
#4 Weekly use a hair mask to nourish your locks
Using a hair mask once a week will help fill the gaps in your hair shaft, and leave your strands feeling soft and moisturised. If your manes need super deep hydration, then apply the hair mask to dry hair. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes, you can read a magazine and drink a cup of tea, before rinsing.
#5 Use a hair serum on wet hair
Serums are great for taming frizz. Serums contain silicones that help realign hair fibres and give hair a super smooth look.
#6 Brush your hair with a Tangle Teezer Brush
Brushing can do a lot of damage to your locks, but the Tangle Teezer comes to the rescue. These brushes have a two-tier tooth system that smoothly brushes out knots. There’s no pulling, snagging, or breakage involved! You can use the Tangle Teezer Brush on wet and dry hair to get rid of tangles in the smoothest way.
#7 Style your hair when it’s wet
Not only the products you use are essential, but when you use them. If you apply hair products to hair that is a bit dry, the product will not be evenly saturated. The result: frizz. Instead, apply the products to super wet hair and wait for your manes to dry.
#8 Sleep on a silk pillowcase
A silk pillow case does not only look posh, it also helps protect your hair while you sleep. Silk maintains your hair’s natural oils and keeps your manes hydrated. The Slip Silk Pillowcase products help your hair stay frizz-free.
#9 Apply a leave-in conditioner before working out
Exercising is good for you, but not so much for your hair. Sweat contains sodium that actually dehydrates hair. And dehydrated manes are prone to frizz, breakage, and snagging! Before you tie back your hair, apply a leave-in conditioner all over your locks for protection.
#10 Do not touch your hair
This tip is easier said than done but worth a try. By constantly touching your hair, you make the strands prone to snagging and breakage. The result? Frizz. If you want to avoid a frizzy ‘do, don’t touch your hair.
#11 Embrace your frizzy hair
Last, but not least: your hair is gorgeous, just like you! You can try to beat Mother Nature, but it’s a battle that’s just not worth it. Embrace your frizzy manes, and make the most of them!
