What is Frizzy Hairs?

Frizzy hairs is characterized by strands that lack defined, smooth curls or waves. The hair stands away from the head in an uncontrolled, tangled mess, often caused by dryness, damage, or humidity exposure.

Frizz happens when the outermost layer of the hair cuticle becomes rough and lifts away from the hair. This causes strands to lose their defined pattern and clump together in frizzy pieces rather than forming smooth curls or waves.

Frizzy hairs is most common in those with naturally curly, coily, thick, or dry hair types. The bend of the hair follicle leaves curly hair more prone to frizzing. Coily and thick hair contains more strands per follicle, causing congestion and friction that can lead to frizz. Dry hair types lack moisture and oils that help keep cuticles flat and smooth.

Exposure to humidity is a leading cause of temporary frizz since moisture swells the hair, stretches cuticles, and breaks hydrogen bonds in the hair that normally hold curls and waves together. Hot and dry conditions can also degrade hair oils and lead to chronic frizz over time.

In summary, frizzy hair is a hair condition characterized by dry, damaged strands that lack defined curls and clump together in a tangled, fuzzy mess rather than forming smooth waves. It most commonly affects those with curly, coily, thick, or naturally dry hair.

Causes of Frizzy hairs

Frizzy hair is caused by a lack of moisture in the hair shaft. When hair lacks moisture, the cuticle layer can swell and lift up, creating a rough texture and frizzy appearance. The main causes of frizz include:

Lack of moisture – Dry hair is more prone to frizz since it absorbs moisture from the air. Shampoos can strip hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and frizzy. Not properly conditioning hair after shampooing is another cause of dry, frizzy hair.

Humidity – Humid weather causes frizz by swelling the hair cuticle and allowing moisture into the hair shaft. The moisture causes the cuticle to swell and lift up. This is why hair frizzes more on humid, rainy days.

Hair damage – Chemical treatments like perms, relaxers, and dyes can damage the cuticle layer and cause frizz. Heat styling tools can also damage hair over time and lead to frizzy strands. The damaged cuticle lifts up and becomes porous, allowing humidity in.

Managing Frizzy hairs with Products

Leave-in conditioners, anti-frizz serums and oils, and smoothing creams can help tame frizzy hair.

Leave-In Conditioners

Leave-in conditioners provide hydration and nutrients to hair strands. They help seal the cuticle layer of the hair, preventing moisture loss that leads to frizz. Leave-in conditioners contain smoothing and hydrating ingredients like oils, silicones, proteins, and humectants. Apply a leave-in conditioner to damp hair after washing. Concentrate on the mid-lengths and ends of hair. Let it air dry or gently scrunch with a t-shirt.

Anti-Frizz Serums and Oils

Anti-frizz serums contain silicones and other lubricating ingredients that coat the hair shaft. This helps smooth the cuticle and prevent frizz. Apply a few drops of anti-frizz serum to damp or dry hair, avoiding the roots. Oils like argan, coconut, and marula can also tame flyaways and frizz when applied to damp hair. The oils help seal in moisture.

Smoothing Creams

Smoothing creams and styling creams create a barrier on the hair strands to block humidity. They usually contain hydrating ingredients like shea butter along with silicones and polymers to smooth the cuticle. Emulsify a small amount of styling cream in your hands, then evenly distribute through damp hair. Let air dry or blow dry with a round brush.

Managing Frizz with Styling

One of the easiest ways to reduce frizz is to be mindful of how you style your hair. Here are some tips:

• Avoid rubbing hair vigorously with a towel – This can cause frizz and breakage. Instead, gently squeeze out excess moisture.

• Let hair air dry – Air drying allows hair to dry smoothly and evenly, preventing frizz. Avoid blow drying on high heat.

• Use a diffuser for curly hair – Diffusers distribute air flow gently and evenly. Attach a diffuser to the end of your blow dryer and hold it to your head upside down. This helps define curls and reduces frizz.

• Apply styling products to damp hair – Styling products like leave-in conditioners and anti-frizz serums are most effective when applied to damp hair right after showering.

• Use soft scrunchies or fabric hair ties – Rubber bands and tight hair ties can lead to kinks and breakage. Stick to gentle, soft hair ties.

• Sleep on a silk pillowcase – The smooth surface of silk minimizes friction that can cause frizz and breakage overnight.

With some simple styling adjustments, you can tame frizz and enhance your hair’s natural texture. Embrace air drying, diffuse curly hair, and avoid rough handling for smooth, frizz-free hair.

Managing Frizz with Diet

What we eat can have a big impact on the health and appearance of our hair. Making sure your diet includes nutrients that support strong, hydrated strands can help tame frizz from the inside out.

Healthy Fats for Moisture

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, avocados, and walnuts can help add moisture and shine to hair. The fats in these foods get incorporated into the hair strand, acting as a natural conditioner. Aim for 2-3 servings of healthy fats daily.

Protein for Strength

Hair is made mostly of a protein called keratin, so getting adequate protein from foods like eggs, chicken, fish, beans, and Greek yogurt gives your body the building blocks it needs to construct strong hair shafts resistant to breakage and frizz. Shoot for 20-30g of protein per meal.

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins like A, C, and E, along with minerals like iron, zinc, and selenium provide nutrients that enhance hair growth and repair damage. Focus on eating fruits, vegetables, nuts and enriching foods to obtain these essential micronutrients. A daily multivitamin can help fill any gaps.

Making nutrition a priority and eating a balanced diet with whole foods that offer hair-healthy compounds can make a difference in frizz management. It provides the raw materials for growing healthy, hydrated, frizz-resistant hair from within.

Managing Frizz with Routines

Having a good hair care routine can help minimize frizz and keep hair looking smooth. Here are some tips for frizz-fighting routines:

Regular Trims

Getting your hair trimmed regularly, every 6-8 weeks, helps reduce split ends and frizz. Split ends lead to more tangled, frizzy hair so keeping up with trims is key. Ask your stylist for a small trim just to neaten up split ends. Resist any urge to get several inches cut off, as keeping length will help weigh hair down and keep it smoother.

Deep Conditioning Treatments

Using a deep conditioning hair mask 1-2 times per week provides an extra dose of hydration and helps smooth the hair cuticle. Apply a nourishing, moisturizing mask like one containing shea butter, coconut oil, or argan oil. Allow it to soak in for at least 10-15 minutes with a shower cap or heat cap. Rinse out thoroughly and follow with a leave-in conditioner.

Protective Styling

Wearing low-manipulation hairstyles can help reduce frizz and friction. Styles like braids, twists, buns, or ponytails limit the hair’s exposure and keep strands together smoothly. Alternate the position of ponytails and partings to avoid breakage in one spot. Sleep in a loose braid or pineapple to protect hair overnight. Use soft scrunchies, fabric bands, and clips to avoid damage from tight elastics.

Managing Frizz with Humidity

Humidity can exacerbate frizzy hair. When humidity in the air is high, moisture is absorbed into the hair shaft, causing it to swell and frizz. Here are some tips for managing frizz on humid days:

• Use humidity blocking products – There are products made specifically for blocking humidity and reducing frizz. Look for ingredients like silicones or oils that create a protective barrier around the hair. Apply these before going outside.

• Avoid going outside on very humid days – When humidity levels are very high, it’s best to stay inside with air conditioning if possible. The cooler, dry air will help reduce frizz.

• Use hair dryer on a cool setting – If you must go outside on a humid day, make sure to use a hair dryer on a cool setting when styling your hair. The heat from the dryer will cause more frizz. Stick to cooler air to get moisture under control.

• Carry a small hair spray – Keep a small hair spray with you when out and about. If frizz starts to develop, you can quickly smooth it down. Look for anti-humectant and anti-frizz formulas.

• Don’t touch or play with your hair – Resist the urge to run your fingers through your hair or play with it. That will worsen frizz by breaking up your style.

• Use scarves or hats – Covering your hair with scarves, hats, or other accessories can protect it from humidity. Just avoid fabrics that could rub and cause static.

• Embrace the frizz – Sometimes humidity is unavoidable. Rather than fight it, embrace your natural texture those days. Show off your frizzy locks with pride!

By using humidity-blocking products and being strategic with your hair care routine, you can reduce frizz, even when humidity is high. With some preparation, you can still have great hair days, no matter the weather.