Frizzy hair can be a big problem especially for those with curly hair and is among the biggest style spoilers. Frizzy hair is often a result of a dehydrated cortex (the inner layer of the hair shaft). Frizzy hair can be caused by many things: from lack of moisture to applying too much styling products. Fortunately there are a few simple things you can do to tame your frizzy hair and too keep it under control. Taking a proper care of your hair, using de-frizz products and following these simple steps will keep it healthy-looking and will ensure always looks its best.
CAUSES:
- abuse of heat appliances – curling irons, flat irons, blow-dryers
- applying too much styling products
- improper hair care
- frequent perming, bleaching, coloring
- using harsh chemicals
- lack of moisture
- stress, illness, some medications
- poor diet
- brushing wet hair
- touching too often during the day
- high humidity in the weather
- excessive exposure to the sun, tanning beds
- towel rubbing after shampooing
- imbalance of the pH level
- washing too often with improper shampoo
- pulling back tightly
- constant blow-drying and straightening
- static elasticity
The most common cause of frizzy hair is moisture deficiency. If you don’t take a proper care it can become porous and can lose its ability to retain its natural moisture. Just like your skin, needs moisture too, in order to look and feel healthy and beautiful. That’s why using a moisturizing and nourishing shampoo and conditioner is essential.
Chemically treated hair often looks frizzy. If you color, bleach and perm frequently you may seriously damage it, causing dryness, split ends and frizziness. Chemical treatments deplete the hair of its natural moisture which usually leads to damaged and dry hair.
Frequent usage of heat appliances can also cause it. Constant straightening or curling with a curling iron or with a flat iron damage the hair shaft and contribute to the problem of frizz, especially if you don’t use a heat protecting product. Blow-drying every day is more likely to cause frizziness and split ends even if you use a protective product.
Another cause is using improper hair care products for your type and for your needs. For example if your shampoo is too harsh it can cause dry hair, split ends, frizzy hair and even dandruff. If is prone to frizziness you should use a moisturizing shampoo that is appropriate for your type. Your conditioner should also be moisturizing, containing more natural ingredients – honey, chamomile. Frequent washing can also lead to this because you will strip of its natural oils.
It may also be a result of stress, illness, lack of essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids and poor diet. Recent studies show that some medicines and hair care products can also contribute to, such as oil-based conditioners, relaxers, gels, mousses, foams. Frizziness may also be hereditary – if your mother is prone to frizzing you are more likely to have a frizzy hair too.
High humidity also causes frizzy hair, making it look frizzy even after a few minutes being outdoors. Exposure to humidity in the climate can cause coarseness and damage to the hair, because it absorbs water through the cuticles, causing it to revert back and become kinky looking. Using an anti-frizz product before going out may help you, since these products provide excellent protection from humidity.
Brushing wet hair with a plastic hair brush combined with touching too often may also cause frizzy.
HOW TO TREAT AND TAME PROPERLY:
- The most important thing in treating is to use appropriate hair care products. Your best choice will be a moisturizing shampoo and a moisturizing conditioner. A good shampoo will cleanse well and will keep well-moisturized and healthy-looking. These shampoos contain more moisturizing and nourishing ingredients that intensely hydrate and restore the hair as they seal in moisture, restore shine and manageability. If it is prone to frizzing you shouldn’t wash every day as doing so can damage and dry it even more. Washing twice a week should be enough to keep it clean and healthy-looking. Rinse with cold water after the conditioner to lock down the cuticles and prevent frizzing.
- Cream conditioners work best in controlling frizzy hair – they help repair damaged cuticles, improve elasticity and the general appearance. Apply the conditioner every time you wash and leave it on for a few minutes to penetrate deeply into the hair. Leave in conditioners are also good in controlling frizziness as they rehydrate the hair during the day. Don’t use oil-based conditioners because they can contribute to frizz.
- Apply a hair mask once or twice a week to condition and nourish. Look for a moisturizing and nourishing hair mask containing natural ingredients and apply the mask generously to the hair, concentrating on the ends. Leave the mask on for approximately 10/ 15 minutes and rinse it thoroughly.
- Doing a deep conditioning treatment once or twice a month is the best way to tame frizzing. A deep-conditioning treatment will restore and repair, making it smooth, soft and well-hydrated.
- Limit blow-drying to once or twice a week because frequent blow-drying, curling or straightening can seriously damage and cause frizzing, especially if you don’t use a heat protecting product. Never run the dryer over the hair up and down as doing so may cause split ends and frizzing. Choice a ionic blow-dryer as it’s less damaging.
- Style with silicone-based products but never apply too much as it can make it look greasy, dirty and can make it frizz even more. There are some great de-frizz (anti-frizz) creams, serums, gels on the market that reduce frizzing. Apply the product only over the problem areas and distribute it evenly. The de-frizzing products remove frizz permanently and restore the shine of the hair, providing protection against humidity. They can be applied on wet or dry hair.
- Never brush if it’s prone to frizzing even if it is straight. Instead use a wide-toothed comb to style. Using hair brush may cause split ends and can make your frizz even more.
- Use pomade, designed for curly hair to tame frizzing and apply only a small amount, spreading it evenly throughout the hair. Apply the pomade on slightly damp hair and allow it to dry before styling.
- Get your hair trimmed regularly to prevent split ends and frizz. A good hair cut can tone-down frizz.
- It’s better to let dry naturally – don’t use blow-dryer and don’t run with a towel.
- Use products especially designed for your type.
- Look for products containing moisturizing agents, vitamin E, Aloe Vera, honey, chamomile, olive oil, panthenol and glycerin.
- Always apply de-frizz products before styling.