Those with straight hair might be more familiar with the term ‘flyaways’, or limp and lifeless locks, but the fact remains, when our hair absorbs moisture on a humid day or encounters friction, it’s likely to look less than smooth.
Frizz occurs due to a lack of moisture in the hair. This causes strands to seek out moisture from the air around it, which is why humidity often makes matters worse.
Styling products or heat styling helps smooth and tame frizz, rearranging the internal temporary bonds of each hair, known as hydrogen bonds, into the uniform pattern required to achieve a smooth style. But when our strands encounter any moisture at all, it disrupts those bonds and returns hair to its natural pattern.
Damaged hair can also be more prone to frizz too, particularly with daily heat styling. The protective cuticles on the outside of a strand of hair that normally lay flat and are normally able to keep too much water out of the cortex or fragile core, can become roughed up with damage from heat and other challenges like rough brushing. This allows more external moisture to move in and out of the strand, uplifting the cuticle, disturbing those bonds, and making hair less smooth.
Working to keep hair in heathy shape and without damage is the main way to ensure strands look sleek and defined.
Use a quality hydrating shampoo and conditioner
Using good quality haircare products for your hair type is crucial, particularly if you hair is naturally curly. Choose products designed to combat frizz and hydrate your hair. Looking for sulfate-free and moisturising options can also help.
While you’re washing avoid using a water temperature that is very hot. Scalding hot water can strip your hair and scalp of the natural oils that keep it moisturised and shiny.
Try not to wash your hair every day.
Use a treatment regularly
Again designed to keep hair well nourished, the use of a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask once a week will help keep your strands in good condition.
If you don’t like to leave your hair wrapped up or wet and slimy for the few minutes it takes for a treatment to do its thing, try using a leave-in conditioner or treatment hair oil or serum on the ends instead. These nourish your locks with vitamins and help seal and smooth strands.
Have regular trims
Regular trims help eliminate dry split ends and maintain healthier, less frizzy hair. Split ends can travel up the strand causing more damage and allowing that dreaded humidity in.
Reduce friction
After washing your hair, pat it dry gently with a microfiber towel rather than vigorously rubbing which can disrupt the cuticles of your strands. Gently detangle wet strands with a wide-tooth comb starting from the tips and working your way up.
You can also reduce friction by swapping out your cotton pillowcase for a silk pillowcase. The slippery fabric helps your hair to move smoothly over it during the night rather than continually snagging and rubbing.
Use anti-frizz styling products with heat protection
Try minimising your use of tools like straighteners and curling tongs but when you do need to use them, turn the temperature down and always apply a styling product that contains effective heat protection liberally through hair first.
Look for serums, oils, or creams designed to control frizz, and apply them sparingly to damp hair. Try a touch of anti-frizz finishing spray or a humidity blocker like Joico Humidity Blocker Protective Finishing Spray.
