Frizzy hair can be an annoying problem that takes over on its own. Think fuzzy lanes that run wild, especially during wet weather.
But hey, don’t worry. Impressively smooth locks don’t have to be a dream.
With a little TLC, you can kick frizzy hair to the curb. Where. The. Belongs.
Let’s take a look at common frizz culprits and how you can tame your mane.
First, a little hair science 101
Your hair is made up of three main layers: the pith on the inside, the cortex in the middle, and the cuticle on the outside.
Think of it like a fancy house: the outside (the part everyone sees) is called the epidermis, and it’s made up of five to ten layers of protein-rich shingles. These shingles have a very important job of protecting the middle section, called the cortex, which holds the long, strong proteins that keep your hair from breaking like a twig.
Now, in the center of some hairs, there is a small empty zone called the medulla. Not everyone has it, but if you do, it makes your hair stiffer and more stubborn than your Aunt Gertrude’s.
And speaking of stubbornness, let’s talk about the importance of keeping that skin smooth.
When the protein layers are flat and smooth, your hair looks like a million bucks. However, everyday factors such as brushing, washing, weather and hair porosity can cause the cuticle to lift and break, leaving you with frizzy, rough hair that’s more prone to tangles and split ends.
Hair porosity? Huh?
Hair porosity is just a fancy way of saying how well your hair can absorb and hold moisture. It’s a bit like a tea towel (except we actually want our tea towels to dry our dishes). Some are very thirsty and soak up water like there’s no tomorrow, while others are a little more selective about what they let in.
Hair porosity can range from low to high, depending on the condition of the cuticles.
Low porosity hair has tightly closed cuticles that resist moisture absorption. This is usually characterized by hair that takes a long time to dry, can be resistant to coloring and other chemical processes, and is prone to product build-up.
Whereas high porosity hair has cuticles that are open, allowing for easy moisture absorption and easy moisture loss. These open cuticles are more likely to attract and absorb moisture from the air, which can cause the hair shaft to swell and frizz.
Now, the level of porosity in your hair is mostly determined by your genetics. So if you have naturally thirsty locks, you can thank your DNA for that. But external factors can also affect your porosity levels.
Heat styling, chemical processing, and even the environment can all affect how easily moisture can penetrate your hair.
The weather also plays a role in making your mop dull and fluffy (no matter what hair type you have….ah that rainy day…!).
When the air is humid, it means there’s a lot of moisture in the atmosphere, and water is great at bonding with other molecules, like the proteins that make up your hair. This causes the cuticle (the outer layer of our hair) to swell, which can make it more prone to flyaways and frizz.
So the next time you’re having a bad hair day, you can blame it on the weather gods—and science!
On that note, let’s see how to combat frizzy hair (for good!)
The problem: Heat styling and chemical treatments
If you heat your hair a lot (think flat irons and blow dryers), this can strip the hair of its natural moisture, leaving it dry and frizzy. Dying, bleaching and other chemical treatments also damage the cuticle, causing brittleness and breakage, a recipe for frizz.
The solution:One of the easiest ways to reduce frizz is to hold back on heat styling. We know; this is much easier said than done. So if you have curly hair and can’t hang your hair dryer, use a diffuser instead.
Another alternative is to switch to an ionic hair dryer. This type of dryer produces negatively charged ions to separate positively charged water molecules and stop cuticles from breaking open. An ionic dryer can also reduce drying time, which can help reduce heat damage.
To combat frizz-inducing flat irons and curling irons, make sure you use these tools on low heat and incorporate heat protection products into your routine where you can.
You may also want to take a break from bleaching, coloring and over-processing your hair. If your hair is looking a little fried, leave the color sessions for a while and try deep conditioning products.
Our natural Respect Your Roots Conditioner contains Jojoba Esters among other powerful botanicals that condition your hair, protect it from heat, reduce breakage, repair damage and control frizz. Touch!
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The problem: Harsh hair products (I’m looking at you, sulfates!)
While all washing disrupts your hair cuticles, some shampoos and conditioners can be quite harsh on hair. Those containing sulfates are known to damage and dry the hair and mess with the cuticles, which can leave your hair feeling frizzy. This is because sulfates are great cleansers that strip your hair of its natural oils. Yes, some natural oil is good as it coats the hair and reduces the amount of water your lashes absorb. The natural oils in your hair also tighten between the cuticles, providing a useful protective layer.
The solution: Keep your hair hydrated and healthy with a sulfate-free shampoo that washes just the right amount without stripping your hair of its natural oils.
Our natural silicone and sulfate-free Respect Your Roots shampoo is packed with hair-healthy ingredients that keep frizz at bay, support your scalp’s health, and smooth your strands.
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The problem: Overzealous hair care
We’ll forgive you for getting a little excited when it comes to your hair. Just don’t overdo it!
Too much fuss with your hair can lead to frizz. How exactly? Well, things like excessive washing, too much brushing and too tight styling can damage hair. Even touching the hair too much can cause dehydration and excessive friction. All of these can turn sleek tresses into a crazy frizzy mop.
The solution: If you religiously wash your hair every day, switch it up several times a week. Likewise, if you like to brush your hair, try using your fingers or a wide-toothed comb. The finger combing technique is a treat for kinky curls!
The best time to brush your hair is when it is dry or almost completely dry because wet hair is more prone to breakage and wet brushing = frizz!
If you are detangling, don’t brush tangled hair from top to bottom. Try untangling from the bottom and working your way up. It’s amazing what a difference it makes.
You might also consider ditching your regular towel and pampering yourself (and your hair) with a microfiber towel. Drying your hair with a towel can be quite harsh on the hair, creating friction and roughness on the cuticle. Big no-no!
Similarly, cotton pillowcases can cause friction between your hair and the pillow, which can lead to frizz. Switching to a silk (you can even get vegan silk these days!) or satin pillowcases can help minimize friction and keep your hair soft. Your skin will thank you for it too😉
The Problem: Naturally Dry Hair (Curse Those Genetics)
Some people just have dry hair. This is especially true for those of us with curly or split hair. Dry hair tries to absorb moisture. If the cuticles are damaged (as a result of dryness and high porosity), moisture gets inside the hair and swells it up causing a frizzy nest! This is exactly why high humidity environments cause such a headache for our curly haired friends.
The solution: For those prone to dry hair, it’s important to use products that seal the cuticles and retain moisture in the strands. Also, make sure you get regular trims to stop split ends.
While it’s a good idea to wash your hair less, try replacing one of your washes with a nourishing (silicone-free!) hair mask. Hair masks are an amazing way to deeply condition hair, helping to add and retain moisture. Who knows, there might be one in the works at Woohoo HQ🤫
So here are some tips to help you fight frizz and achieve smooth, sleek locks. No bucket of hair gel or gallon of oil required.
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