There are ways to make frizz-prone hair a friend, rather than foe. With a little TLC, some clever care choices and even the right brush, you can farewell flyaways and look forward to a smoother future. Here’s how to tame frizzy hair.
Frizzy hair can afflict short, long, curly, straight or kinked hair. It’s not fussy. And there is not one factor you can put your finger on to determine its cause, explains Philip Barwick, Redken Artistic Director and owner of Muse hairdressing.
“Hair can frizz due to many contributing factors,” he says, citing the main culprits as natural texture or movement, structural break down, over-styling, over- application of chemical services and too much heat styling.
The Frizz Factors:
“Any hair type can end up looking frizzy if the conditions are right, even glossy straight hair can turn frizzy if the cuticle is abraded and the natural elasticity is diminished,” says Philip.
- This can be especially problematic in summer when harsh heat and humid climates aggravate the already unhealthy follicle. Add seawater and chlorine to this, and you are really asking for a whole lot of tousled hair trouble.
- Styling tools of poor quality are also guilty of giving frizzy hair free reign, notes Philip. “Any brush with sharp plastic or metal protrusions like screws in the barrel or poorly manufactured bristles can do damage. Metal parts of hair bands can do damage also when they are removed from your hair and they scrap down the hair shaft.”
- Heritage and hormones can play a part in frizz, notes Philip, so if your folks are afflicted, or you are getting older and your body is reacting to hormones, texture changes may be occurring. “Hair begins turning grey, becomes brittle and less supple as the production of sebum – our hairs natural oil – may reduce with age causing dryness and frizz,” he notes. “In saying this any extreme changes hormonally – like post-pregnancy – can thin the hair, weaken it and give it a frizzy appearance.”
- Lastly, using incorrect products can certainly add to frizz as can shampooing without conditioning, warns Philip. “If you feel your fine hair will become limp if you condition visit your stylist and have a hair consultation so they can prescribe a hair care regime that’s best for your hair type.”
Don’t give up hope, you can win the war on frizz, Philip assures. “Nicole Kidman has naturally very textured hair that is sometimes highly lightened and her hair looks beautiful.”
Dismiss the Myths:
The number one myth is that frizzy hair can’t be tamed, says Philip. “Another is that people say they don’t contribute to the situation by doing their colour themselves at home and the third myth is that your hair looks better longer regardless of the damaged frizzy ends!”
Philip insists clients should literally set their watch to a regular trim. “It’s 6 to 8 weeks people and that’s that! Your stylist should be able to precisely trim – and I’m talking mm’s – if needed. Also its important to do regular treatments at home and in the salon so your hair has an extra health boost.”
Five Frizz Fighting Tips from Shower to Styling
- Blot excess water from your hair after washing it and don’t rub with your towel.
- Work in a leave in anti-frizz serum or lotion into damp hair before styling.
- When combing damp hair, make sure you use a wide toothcomb made of a non-rough materials, like carbon or wood. Also be nice to your hair by combing from the ends first and moving upwards and always in sections.
- For extra nourishment use hair oil. Always.