What Is the Best Product for Extremely Frizzy Hair

What Is Frizzy Hair & Why Does It Occur?

Frizzy hair is a common hair concern characterized by dry, rough, and unruly strands that stick out or curl up, giving hair a dull, unmanageable appearance. Frizz occurs when the hair’s cuticle layer is raised, allowing moisture to pass through and swell the strands.

Several factors can contribute to frizzy hair:

• Humidity: When there’s excess moisture in the air, dry hair soaks it up, causing the cuticle to swell and frizz to appear.
• Lack of moisture: Dry hair seeks moisture from the air, leading to frizz, especially in humid conditions.
• Damage: Chemical treatments, heat styling, and harsh products can damage the hair cuticle, making it more prone to frizz.
• Friction: Rubbing hair with a regular towel, sleeping on a cotton pillowcase, or brushing too harshly can ruffle the hair cuticle and create frizz.
• Hair type: Curly, wavy, and fine hair are naturally more susceptible to becoming frizzy compared to straight, coarse hair.

Understanding the causes of frizzy hair is the first step in choosing the right products and techniques to tame unruly locks and achieve a smooth, polished look.

What Are the Ingredients to Look for in Anti-Frizz Products?

When shopping for anti-frizz hair products, look for formulas that contain the following key ingredients:

1. Glycerin: This humectant helps hair retain moisture, preventing dryness that leads to frizz.
2. Silicones (dimethicone, cyclomethicone): These coat the hair shaft, sealing the cuticle to lock out humidity and minimize frizz. However, avoid products with heavy silicones, which can build up on hair.
3. Natural oils (coconut, argan, jojoba): Oils smooth and coat the hair cuticle, helping to seal in moisture and reduce frizz. They also add shine and softness.
4. Shea butter: This rich emollient moisturizes and smooths dry, frizzy hair without weighing it down.
5. Keratin: This protein helps fill in gaps in the hair cuticle, strengthening strands and preventing frizz and breakage.
6. Panthenol: This form of vitamin B5 attracts moisture and seals the cuticle layer to fight frizz.
7. Amino acids: These building blocks of protein help strengthen and repair damaged hair, reducing frizz.

When using anti-frizz products, always apply them to damp hair, as they work by sealing in moisture. Avoid products with drying alcohols (ethanol, SD alcohol 40), which can exacerbate frizz. Opt for sulfate-free shampoos, as sulfates can strip hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and frizz.

What Are the Best Shampoos for Frizzy Hair?

Choosing the right shampoo is important for managing frizzy hair. Look for sulfate-free, glycerin-rich formulas that gently cleanse while infusing moisture.

Here are some top shampoos for frizzy hair:

1. Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo: Designed for curly hair, this sulfate-free shampoo contains glycerin and shea butter to moisturize and fight frizz.
2. Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo: This silicone-free formula uses the brand’s patented Healthy Hair Molecule (OFPMA) to block humidity and prevent frizz.
3. Kérastase Discipline Bain Fluidealiste Shampoo: Enriched with pro-keratin and ceramides, this shampoo gently cleanses while strengthening the hair fiber to control frizz.
4. Moroccanoil Smoothing Shampoo: Infused with argan oil, this sulfate-free shampoo hydrates and smooths hair, combating frizz and boosting shine.
5. Pureology Smooth Perfection Shampoo: This sulfate-free formula contains camellia oil and vitamin E to moisturize and tame frizzy, unruly hair.

When shampooing frizzy hair, concentrate the product on the scalp and roots, as the ends tend to be drier and more prone to frizz. Rinse with cool water to seal the cuticle and reduce frizz. Avoid washing frizzy hair daily, as this can strip natural oils; instead, aim for 2-3 times per week.

Which Conditioners Are Effective for Reducing Frizz?

Conditioners are also essential for keeping frizzy hair moisturized and manageable. Choose rich, nourishing formulas with smoothing ingredients like silicones, oils, and butters.

Here are some effective conditioners for frizzy hair:

1. Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie: This thick, creamy conditioner contains shea butter, coconut oil, and silk protein to define curls, tame frizz, and deeply moisturize.
2. Briogeo Farewell Frizz Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioning Spray: Enriched with rosehip, argan, and coconut oils, this lightweight spray detangles, moisturizes, and controls frizz.
3. Redken Frizz Dismiss Conditioner: This conditioner uses a Humidity-Resist Complex to block humidity and deliver smoothing control to frizzy hair.
4. DevaCurl One Condition Original: Designed for curly hair, this conditioner contains olive oil and botanicals to moisturize and define curls while fighting frizz.
5. Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream: This luxurious conditioner uses shea butter, olive oil, and silicones to hydrate, smooth, and add glossy shine to frizzy hair.

When conditioning frizzy hair, focus the product on the mid-lengths to ends, as these areas are typically the driest and frizziest. Use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle hair and distribute the conditioner evenly. For extra moisture, apply a leave-in conditioner or hair mask weekly.

How Do Leave-in Treatments and Serums Help With Frizz?

Leave-in treatments and serums provide an extra layer of moisture and protection against frizz-causing elements. They work by coating the hair shaft, sealing the cuticle, and creating a barrier against humidity. Here’s how to use them effectively:

Leave-in conditioners: These lightweight formulas add moisture and detangle hair without weighing it down. Apply a small amount to damp hair, focusing on the mid-lengths to ends. Try It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product or Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner.

Serums: Silicone-based serums smooth the hair cuticle, add shine, and protect against humidity. Apply a pea-sized amount to damp or dry hair, concentrating on the ends. Be careful not to overuse, as this can make hair look greasy. Try John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum or Moroccanoil Treatment.

Oils: Lightweight oils like argan, jojoba, and coconut penetrate the hair shaft to moisturize and smooth frizz. Apply a few drops to damp or dry hair, focusing on the ends. Try Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil or Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil.

When using leave-in treatments and serums, remember that a little goes a long way. Start with a small amount and add more as needed. Apply them to damp hair before styling to lock in moisture and prevent frizz. For best results, use them in conjunction with other anti-frizz products, like shampoos and conditioners.

What Are the Benefits of Hair Masks and Deep Conditioners for Frizzy Hair?

Hair masks and deep conditioners are intensive treatments that provide a boost of moisture and nourishment to frizzy, dry hair. They contain higher concentrations of conditioning ingredients like oils, butters, and proteins that penetrate the hair shaft to hydrate and strengthen strands from within.

Here are the benefits of using hair masks and deep conditioners on frizzy hair:

1. Deep hydration: Hair masks and deep conditioners infuse hair with moisture, helping to plump up strands and reduce frizz.
2. Smoothing: The rich, nourishing ingredients in these treatments help to smooth the hair cuticle, resulting in sleeker, more manageable hair.
3. Strengthening: Protein-rich formulas help to fortify and repair damaged hair, reducing breakage and split ends that can contribute to frizz.
4. Softening: Hair masks and deep conditioners leave hair feeling softer, silkier, and more supple, making it easier to style and less prone to frizz.

To use a hair mask or deep conditioner, apply a generous amount to damp, detangled hair, focusing on the mid-lengths to ends. Use a wide-tooth comb to distribute the product evenly. Leave on for 5-30 minutes, depending on the product instructions and your hair’s level of dryness and damage. Rinse thoroughly with cool water, then style as usual. Use a hair mask or deep conditioner once a week for best results.

Some top hair masks and deep conditioners for frizzy hair include:

• SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Masque
• Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
• Kérastase Nutritive Masquintense Thick Hair Mask
• Ouidad Curl Immersion Triple Treat Deep Conditioner
• Christophe Robin Regenerating Mask with Rare Prickly Pear Seed Oil

Which Styling Products Are Best for Managing Frizz?

Styling products are the final step in a frizz-fighting hair routine. They help to seal in moisture, smooth the hair cuticle, and protect against humidity and other frizz-causing elements.

Here are some of the best styling products for managing frizzy hair:

1. Anti-frizz creams: These lightweight creams tame frizz, add moisture, and provide a smooth, polished finish. Apply a small amount to damp hair, focusing on the mid-lengths to ends. Try Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Featherlight Styling Cream or Living Proof No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream.
2. Smoothing lotions: These lightweight lotions help to smooth and define curls while controlling frizz. Apply to damp hair, scrunch, and air dry or diffuse. Try DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel or Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream.
3. Mousses: Mousses provide hold and definition to curly and wavy hair while fighting frizz. Apply to damp hair, scrunch, and air dry or diffuse. Try Ouidad VitalCurl+ Soft Defining Mousse or Redken Curvaceous Full Swirl Sculpting Cream-Serum.
4. Hairsprays: Frizz-fighting hairsprays provide a final layer of protection against humidity and flyaways. Look for formulas with anti-frizz ingredients like oils and silicones. Try Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Strong or Bumble and Bumble Spray de Mode Flexible Hold Hairspray.

When using styling products on frizzy hair, remember to:

• Start with a small amount and add more as needed to avoid weighing hair down.
• Apply products to damp hair for best results.
• Use a diffuser attachment when blow-drying to minimize frizz and enhance curls.
• Avoid touching or playing with hair throughout the day, as this can disrupt the style and cause frizz.

What Daily Hair Care Tips Can Prevent Frizz?

In addition to using the right products, adopting healthy hair care habits can go a long way in preventing and managing frizz. Here are some daily tips to keep frizzy hair under control:

1. Use a silk or satin pillowcase: Cotton pillowcases can absorb moisture from hair and create friction that leads to frizz. Switching to a silk or satin pillowcase can help hair retain moisture and reduce frizz.
2. Sleep in a protective style: Putting hair up in a loose bun, braid, or pineapple (for curly hair) before bed can help minimize frizz and tangles overnight.
3. Use a microfiber towel or t-shirt to dry hair: Regular towels can rough up the hair cuticle and cause frizz. Instead, gently squeeze excess water from hair with a microfiber towel or soft t-shirt.
4. Air dry or use a diffuser: Letting hair air dry or using a diffuser attachment on a low heat setting can minimize frizz and enhance natural texture. Avoid rubbing hair with a towel or using high heat, as this can disrupt the cuticle and cause frizz.
5. Don’t over-brush or touch hair: Brushing dry, frizzy hair can make it look puffier and more unruly. Instead, use a wide-tooth comb on damp hair to gently detangle. Avoid playing with or touching hair throughout the day, as this can cause frizz.
6. Trim hair regularly: Split ends and damaged hair are more prone to frizz. Getting regular trims every 6-8 weeks can help keep hair healthy and frizz-free.
7. Use a humidifier: Dry air can suck moisture from hair, leading to frizz. Using a humidifier in your home or office can help add moisture back into the air and keep hair hydrated.