“Help! How do I get rid of frizz?!” is the most common question on see in my Tiktok comments. Some struggle with frizz forming through the day while others finish styling their curls just to be left with fluff from the styling process.
When it comes to managing and reducing frizz, what you do with your hair in and immediately after that shower is as important as the products you use.
10 Tips to Avoid Frizz
1. Don’t brush curly/wavy hair dry! Instead, detangle in the shower after cleansing and applying conditioner. Make sure you’re using a gentle detangling brush (like this).
2. Rinse with cool water. It isn’t the most pleasant, but rinsing with cool water helps your hair and scalp in a few ways. One, cool water preserves natural oils, holds moisture in hair, and closes hair cuticles. Closed cuticles are smother which can give hair a smoother and shinier look. Cool water also helps close the pores on your scalp which, consequently, makes your hair cleaner for longer.
3. Use a microfiber or cotton towel or hair wrap instead of a traditional towel. Traditional body towels are rough and aggravate the hair follicle, causing frizz. Opt for microfiber or cotton instead! I use an old 100% cotton t-shirt to squeeze excess water and this microfiber wrap to keep my hair in place while I finish drying off, applying lotion, etc.
4. Apply product when hair is wet NOT damp. The more porous your hair, the less wet it needs to be to get the most benefit from products. For my most defined and bouncy curls, I squeeze dripping water out of my hair, rake through leave-in conditioner, then curl cream, brush with a Denman D3 styler, then scrunch in a gel or mousse product. I find the Denman brush doesn’t clump my curls as well on damp hair.
5. Choose products with anti-humectant ingredients. Humectants take water from the air and put them in your hair, while anti-humectants repel water from penetrating your hair. On hot summer days, you see this in action. You step outside and POOF your hair looks nothing like what it did indoors. Look for products that contain shea butter, avocado oil, and coconut oil. Silicones are also an anti-humectants (which is why you see them in so many “anti-frizz” products). I try to avoid silicones when possible, but they are one of the most effective ingredients to preventing frizz. As long as you are properly cleansing with a sulfate shampoo (every few washes) you shouldn’t see or feel the negative side effects of silicones. I’ll write more on silicones soon!
6. If you diffuse, keep movement to a minimum! Don’t bounce and jostle your diffuser bowl once it’s on your hair. Scoop and hold to minimize frizz when drying. Also, keep dryer on a low or medium heat setting.
7. Don’t diffuse 100% dry. I go to about 85-90% and air dry the rest.
8. Try not to touch your hair once it’s styled. This is one of the hardest for me! I twirl my ends whenever I’m nervous or ultra concentrated.
9. Touch up frizz that forms though the day with a smoothing cream or hydrating serum.
10. Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase for an easier next day refresh. I hate having to re-do my hair every single day so I try my best to preserve definition and minimize as much frizz as I can overnight (here’s the pillowcase I use). You can also use a silk bonnet to protect your curls!
*Melissa
