Frizz remains an uncomfortable hair reality, especially for women with curly or split hair. For those of us who live in humid climates, we know that extra humidity can exacerbate frizz to no end. Many of us are all too familiar with the moment when we step out our door to find warm, muggy weather blowing our flawless tresses. In these times – especially in an era of instant gratification – we crave quick hair fixes.
But instead of a quick fix, don’t we want long-term solutions to all our skin and hair problems? The good news is that we can take both approaches with a high-quality hair serum and great hair care. A hair serum can provide you with a nourishing short-term and long-term recovery. Ultimately, great hair care is essential to the long-term health of your hair.
What causes frizzy hair?
When looking for a solution to your frizzy locks, identifying the cause is an important piece of the puzzle. Raised layers of skin tend to cause frizz. while your cuticles are elevated, moisture from the air can enter the hair shaft and lead to swelling. This leads to a rougher textureleading to frizz and breakage.
Dehydration is often the main culprit, which is why the hair is looking moisture from the air in the first place. If you’re wondering what exactly is causing this dehydration and raised skin, here are a few factors to consider.
Dry shampoo
Shampoos that dry and strip hair tend to contain a lot of harsh cleansing ingredients, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (known as SLS). While some bar soaps are specifically formulated for hair, most regular bar soaps have ingredients that leave your hair greasy and dry. These products strip your hair from its natural oils that fight frizz – that’s why washing your hair multiple times a week can also lead to dry hair.
Too much friction
Drying your hair with a towel can disrupt the cuticle. This process leads to increased friction between strands, leaving our precious hair vulnerable to moisture loss. And as we know very well, lack of moisture leads to frizz!
Heat damage
Whether it’s skin or hair, it’s no secret that heat leads to dryness. Using heat styling tools without any kind of heat protectant (like a hair serum) draws moisture from your hair, leaving it prone to frizz. This process is even worse if you leave your hair wet while curling or straightening. Heat damage is also a factor in hot showers – so keep it lukewarm for your hair’s sake.
How to treat and prevent frizzy hair
While preventing frizz is ideal, there will still be times when we slack off on our perfect hair routines and need a quick hit. You can use a combination of both approaches for smooth, hydrated locks.
Your first (and most immediate) line of defense is to use a hair serum. These work wonders on a frizzy bite and can be made with hair strengthening ingredients. Like skin serums, hair serums can bring hydration and shine to our thirsty tresses. Carry a small bottle of hair serum in your bag or purse for a quick touch up.
Pro-Vitamin B5 Smoothing Hair Serum not only has a relaxing lavender scent, but pro-vitamin B5 (AKA panthenol) hydrates and strengthens your hair follicles. You can thank the panthenol and other fatty acids in our formula for increased shine and tensile strength (read: less breakage). If you’re more into the DIY aspect of cosmetics, we’ve got you covered with a DIY hair serum recipe:
Feel free to adjust and scale this recipe to suit your hair needs!
Did you know that frizz tends to appear first at the crown of your hair? Spot treatment is great, but to really prevent frizz you need to step it up all of your hair. Chances are, factors that lead to frizz in one part of your hair will lead to frizz in other parts as well.
That’s why your second line of defense is to use gentle hair care. Try a non-toxic, gentle shampoo and conditioner. Our Glossing and Yuzu & Pomelo shampoos are perfect for removing dull residue like silicones and waxes that build up and weigh your hair down over time.
6 step hair routine
#1: Start with a gentle shampoo
First things first: avoid harsh sulfates and silicones when shopping for hair care. If you use a silicone-based shampoo, be sure to use a cleansing treatment like Grow More Shampoo at least once a week.
#2: Don’t forget the conditioner
This can be either a remover or rinse formula. Leave-in formulas are especially popular among girls with curly and textured hair. Make sure your conditioner is packed with moisturizing and conditioning ingredients. these will make your hair easier to detangle.
#3: Add a hair serum
Apply the serum all over your hair, but focus on the driest and most damaged areas. Hint: your extremities are one of those places! Note that for finer hair types, applying too much serum at the roots can result in heavy, greasy hair.
#4: Seal in moisture with hair oil
A light hair oil will coat your hair follicles, promoting moisture retention. Light oils that you can use include argan oil, jojoba oil and linseed oil. Choose a heavier oil only if your hair is very dehydrated or damaged. Otherwise, your hair may become greasy.
#5: Use a protein conditioner or a protein-rich shampoo
Don’t use protein therapy every day – once a month tends to be a good frequency. Too much protein can overload the hair shaft, leading to dryness and frizz.
#6: Sleep on a silk pillowcase
Compared to cotton, silk fabric significantly reduces hair friction. A bonus is that it can also help prevent facial wrinkles! Fear not, vegans: there are now vegan silk pillowcases on the market!
Quick tips and reminders
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Avoid washing your hair every day
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Use cool water to wash and rinse your hair
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Use an old, clean t-shirt to dry your hair (softer and less abrasive than a towel)
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Avoid brushing your hair when it’s wet (and more sensitive)
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Use a spray bottle to apply your serum more easily and for even distribution
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Use the hair serum before your workout to protect against breakage and moisture loss
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Give your hair a break from hot tools at least 2-3 days a week
Not only will you combat frizz now, but you’ll protect your hair for the future. How much hair serum to use – and how often you will use it – it depends on how often you use heat and wash yours hair. Another factor to consider is that your hair and scalp can be prone to dehydration. An annoying climate is another thing to consider!
Looking for more information on the best natural products for your hair type? First determine your hair type, then check out our post on How to Choose the Right Shampoo and Conditioner.
Frequently asked questions about curly hair
What are the basic steps to achieve frizz-free hair?
Key steps to achieving frizz-free hair include using a sulfate-free moisturizing shampoo. applying a moisturizing conditioner. use of conditioner or anti-frizz serum. let your hair air dry or using a diffuser on a low heat setting. avoiding excessive washing of your hair. and trim your ends regularly to prevent split ends that can contribute to frizz.
How does using a sulfate-free shampoo help reduce frizz?
Sulfate-free shampoos help reduce frizz as they are less harsh and don’t strip your hair of its natural oils. These natural oils are essential for maintaining the hair’s moisture balance, which is vital for preventing frizz. Sulfates can create a cycle of dryness and frizz, so choosing milder sulfate-free options can greatly improve hair texture.
Can regular haircuts contribute to less frizzy hair?
Yes, regular trims or trims can contribute to less frizzy hair. Split ends and damaged hair can travel up the shaft, causing more frizz and hard-to-manage hair. Trimming your hair every 6-8 weeks helps keep it healthy by preventing frizz that comes with wear and split ends.
What role do conditioners or serums play in managing frizz?
Conditioners and serums play an important role in managing frizz. They provide an extra layer of moisture, which is vital to keeping hair smooth and frizz-free. These products also often contain ingredients that form a protective barrier around the hair shaft, helping to lock in moisture and protect against environmental factors such as humidity that can cause frizz.
Is air drying better than blow drying for frizz control and why?
Yes, air drying is generally better than blow drying for frizz control. Blow drying, especially on high heat, can strip the hair of moisture, leading to dryness and frizz. If you must use a hair dryer, choose a low heat setting and use a diffuser attachment. This diffuses the airflow, reducing the direct heat and wind force on the hair, which helps maintain the natural curl or wave and minimizes frizz.
