How To Get Rid Of Frizzy Hair? How To Prevent Frizzy Hair?
Frizzy hair is a problem that the majority of the population suffer with. However, it is a simple problem that often goes overlooked because many people think it is normal, that it's something that just happens to an unfortunate few of us. That frizzy folk are cursed to never have a glossy hair day in our lives because of genetics. This is simply not true. Frizzy hair is usually caused by a few things, such as an over absorption of water. Hair is a porous structure and if it is very dry it will start absorbing water from the environment and get frizzier throughout the day. Think of it in the same way as plant roots that travel towards the closest source of water, your hair reaches for the closest source of water in the air. This is also why frizz gets worse during those hotter, humid, summer months.
So, we have put together a breakdown of things you can do to get rid of your frizzy hair and also a list of the top 3 tips you can do to prevent frizz from happening in the first place. Read on to find out more.
1. Rinse Your Hair With Cold Water
One effective way of getting rid of frizzy hair is to start showering at a lower temperature. Cooler showers protect both your hair and your skin. This stops everything from drying out and you will notice that your hair is considerably less frizzy too. A cold rinse will help seal your hair cuticles so after you finish washing your hair, turn down the temperature to as low as you can bare it and finish your shower with a refreshing cold-water rinse.
If you find you are unable to allow the cold water to run over you – as in you find it too unbearable – simply fill up a basin with some cold water and dunk your hair in it a few times after you get out of the shower, so you are still able to reap the benefits.
2. Invest In A Conditioning Shampoo
Shampoos have a tendency to be very drying, so it is important to invest in a shampoo that is moisture-based. A great shampoo for this is the NO GUNK Fig Barbary Shampoo which contains natural and nourishing ingredients such as aloe vera, argan oil and fig barbary oil. The aminos in aloe vera help to promote strength, add shine, and help to lock in moisture to improve the smoothness of hair. As a result of this aloe vera tames frizzy hair and leaves your locks looking glossy. Argan oil is the nemesis of frizz as the components it contains helps flatten the cuticle layer of your hair which helps increase shine while minimising frizz. Not to mention it is also a great heat and sun protector which both causes hair to frizz. Fig barbary oil – also known as prickly pear oil – is a beauty cure for all in the lands of Morocco. It is rich in vitamin E and restores the lipidic film of each hair strand by infusing it with moisture. It also improves conductivity and neutralises static charge meaning your hair will be less frizzy and prone to flyaway after a single use.
It is also a good idea to use a shampoo that is SLS free as the residue it leaves behind in your hair and scalp can cause it to dry out and certain sensitivity issues could occur. Good think the Fig Barbary Shampoo contains no SLS.
3. Use A Microfibre Towel Or A Cotton T-Shirt For Drying Your Hair
Few people realise this but one of the main reasons for your frizzy hair may be your towel. Towels contribute to frizz by roughing up the hair cuticles which cause them to stress and snap. Instead of using the standard terry cloth towel (this is the standard towel sold at most shops) opt for a microfibre towel or 100% cotton t-shirt. These are better options because both are made from softer and finer fibres which will create less friction and won’t snag your hair as much meaning there will be minimal breakage.
4. Detangle Hair With A Wide Toothed Comb
This is an important tip for your funky fellas that have medium to long hair especially. Using the wrong type of brush when your hair is wet can damage your hair cuticles and cause your hair to stretch and snap. This is the road to frizz city. It’s best to invest in a brush that is specially designed for wet hair or even get yourself a wide-toothed comb. This is because they have more space for the hair to pass through the teeth which will help prevent breakage.
It is common for oil and product residue to stay on a hairbrush due to the bristles therefore you might want to start washing your hairbrush (something I bet you aren’t doing currently) to stop excess build up from transferring into your hair causing frizz.
5. Use Hair Products That Don’t Leave Behind A Residue
Take the time to research and invest into hair products that don’t leave behind oils or residue build up in your hair, on your scalp or on the bristles of your hairbrush. NO GUNK is a brand that promises all natural products with a lightweight consistency that leaves behind “no residue on your hands or in your hair after use”. Its founder and Chief Funky Fella, Sal Essa, started the business because he was looking for a natural product that would hold all day and didn’t leave behind any gunk in his hair. Hence their slogan of NO GUNK, JUST FUNK. This applies to all their products from their Styling Funk to their Funky Flex Cream to their best-selling product the Matte Lava Clay. Don’t believe us, order one and find out.
6. Stop Drying Your Hair On A High Heat
When you’re in a hurry and you don’t have time to let your hair air dry it is very tempting to give in and end up using a hairdryer to hurry things along. This is all well and good except that the average hair dryer operates at heat that is fairly too high for your hair. This heat can dry out your hair and cause the hair to weaken and snap, damaging your hair in the long run. We always suggest air drying your hair when you can but if you find this is not an option we suggest turning the heat on your hair dryer down to the coolest setting it will allow. This will keep your hair from getting damaged and help seal the hair cuticles. This results in a more polished finished hair style.
7. Start Using A Hair Oil
Adding an extra product to your hair care routine may sound like a lot of effort but sometimes it is the best course of action you can take to tame that frizz and achieve those luscious locks. It doesn’t have to be a long and arduous process. By simply investing in some organic Argan oil you can change your hair game. By squirting a few drops of argan oil into your hands and then working it into your scalp and over the end of your hair you can tame your frizz and smooth out your hair. You can also use argan oil before you dry your hair. This will help the product act as a heat protector as well as a frizz tamer. This is because argan oil has a high smoke point therefore it will protect your hair from any damage that the heat tries to inflict upon it.
8. Sleep On Silk
One way to protect your hair from getting frizzy is by sleeping on silk pillows. This can be a real game changer. Silky fabrics don’t disturb the fibres of your hair and will also help boost shine. This will also combat bed head, prevent breakage, and reduce split ends. There are also further benefits for your skin as well as silk is hypoallergenic and helps to smooth out wrinkles as well as stop them getting deeper. Silk fabric also doesn’t absorb any oils or cream meaning you can go to sleep after slathering your hair in argan oil or any other hair treatments that you do before bed, meaning they are the most effective bedtime pillow.
We know silk can be dear so you can always buy the next best thing which is satin. They have similar effects and work just the same if you’re on a budget.
Sometimes the best answer to the frizzy hair problem is to prevent it before it even happens. And these are the top 3 tips given by hair experts to achieve that:
1. Do Not Wash Your Hair Every Day
Washing your hair every day is not good for frizzy or curly hair. Maximum you should be washing your hair 2 or 3 times a week. Less if you can get away with it. This is because daily shampooing strips your hair of its natural oils which makes your hair frizzy! This does not mean skip your wash days and opt for a dry shampoo instead. This is very drying for your hair and sucks out all the moisture which will leave your hair dry and frizzy with long term use.
2. Get Your Hair Trimmed Regularly
When you let your hair go for too long without a time you will start to get split ends. Split ends can expand up the hair shaft which makes your hair look frizzy. To prevent frizz, it's important to keep the ends of your hair smooth and well-trimmed. Experts suggest going to get your haircut every three to four weeks (every 6-8 weeks for women). You can also discuss with your barber about which haircut they think is best to help combat your frizzy hair.
3. Air Dry. Air Dry. Air Dry.
We know we said you can use your hair dryer on a low heat but in all honesty it’s just better not to use the hairdryer at all. Letting your hair air dry is the best and safest way to combat frizz. There is no need to worry about heat or breakage or split ends of damage. And if your hair is quite short the wait time isn’t even that long.
You are now equipped with the knowledge you need to deal with to battle your bad hair days – especially where frizz is concerned. It all comes down to making small but effective changes to your usual routine from rinsing with cold water at the end of a shower to invest in better hair products that don’t leave behind any residue in your hair. We hope you have found this helpful.
Drop a comment and tell us which tip you found the most helpful for your hair?
Zheelana Cottam
Auteur
Zheelana is a writer based in Cardiff. She has a BA Honours in English and Creative Writing and is a certified TESOL teacher. When she isn’t out hiking in the lush Welsh countryside, she fills her days with reading, journaling, and going out for food.