How to get rid of frizzy hair

Key Points

• Frizzy hair could be influenced by genetics and may affect all hair types.
• It’s caused by hair cuticles breaking and not returning to their normal shape.
• The right products and techniques may make a difference to overall frizziness

Do you look in the mirror and get frustrated with the frizz? There are good hair days, bad hair days and then there’s “I look like I’ve been dragged through a hedge backwards” days. 

But it doesn’t have to be like that. It doesn’t matter if you’ve got curly or straight hair, coloured roots or going grey gracefully. We’ve got the know-how to get rid of frizzy hair so your true lusciousness may shine. 

Why is my hair so frizzy?

Genetics may take some of the blame here. There is even a condition called Uncombable Hair Syndrome where the hair is resistant to being combed flat. Albert Einstein is said to have had this syndrome, but we can't say for sure.

For the rest of us, the main cause of frizzy hair is moisture. Or more accurately, the lack of moisture. That frizz may be intensified by things like:

• humid weather
• styling products
• styling tools with too much heat
• friction from rubbing your hair the wrong way

No matter the cause, frizz isn’t usually the look you want. Now that you know what could cause it, you may work out what you need to do to flatten the frizz.

Before you head out the door each morning you might wonder – how do I get rid of frizzy hair in five minutes? Let’s take a look. 

Before we get to your hair...

OK, so five minutes to eliminate frizz might be a bit ambitious. But creating healthy hair is more than just hair care. It could also start with your stomach. 

Your hair needs certain nutrients, such as keratin and a variety of vitamins, to be strong and healthy from the roots to the tips. So, make sure you’re including foods for healthy hair in your diet.  

Curly girls fight harder

If you’re blessed with curly hair, you might feel that you’re already fighting a never-ending battle with the frizz. But don’t confuse frizzy hair with curls. 

Yes, curls may get frizzy. But all hair types may feel the frizz if they're not cared for properly. 

Curly hair needs a whole different way of care. The curliness of your hair is determined in the follicle, so a more holistic approach to hair care is needed. And this is where the no poo method for curly hair comes in. 

With the right approach, you’ll be showing off those frizz-free curls with confidence.

The right tools for the right job

Even healthy hair may show off a bit of frizz if you’re choosing the wrong products or using styling tools incorrectly. Just as you have a skin type, you have a hair type and that could influence which products you should be using.

Find the perfect products for your hair type

If the main cause of frizzy hair is lack of moisture, you need to make sure you’re using products that will add moisture. Diet may help, but you could give yourself a helping hand by making sure your shampoo isn't stripping your hair of the natural oils it needs. 

A good conditioner is like skin hydration for your hair. It adds in moisture that might have been lost during washing and gives your hair cuticle some protection to reduce that annoying frizz. Deep conditioners and leave-in conditioners generally have a little extra kick to help with moisturising. 

You might have a tough time figuring out how to get rid of frizzy hair in humid weather. So, consider adding a weekly deep conditioner to your hair routine to help lock in that moisture.

Correct your technique 

Even the way you wash your hair may add to the frizz factor. Hair doesn't like being roughed up too much. The friction of scrubbing your hair while washing or rubbing it all around with a bath towel may cause the cuticles to break. They’ll then struggle to return to their original shape once dry.

So, try to focus on washing your scalp and not the entire length of your hair. Massage the shampoo into your head and let the water rinse the suds down your hair to clean it. Don’t scrub with your nails because this could cause tiny cuts in your scalp which could let in germs that hide in your nails. 

Conditioner should be used in the opposite way. Focus on the ends of your hair where the hair is older and drier. Adding conditioner to your roots could potentially make them oilier.

If you’re brave enough, try to rinse your hair in cold water. Or at least try cooler water. Cold water assists in closing the cuticles and further helps to prevent frizzy hair after washing. 

Squeeze out as much water as you can before using a towel to blot your hair dry instead of rubbing it. Keeping those cuticles flat helps to keep your hair looking smooth.

Blow-dry the frizz away 

How to get rid of frizzy hair after blow-drying is always a big challenge. It's not always practical to leave your hair to dry naturally so a hair dryer is a must for many people. 

If you need to blow-dry, make sure you:

• towel dry gently before using the dryer
• keep the heat on low-medium
• use a brush with a large surface area, like a paddle brush
• aim the air down the hair to help keep the hair cuticles flat
• consider a hair protectant to protect your hair from the heat – a bit like how sunscreen works on your skin 

Sleep your way to smooth hair

So, your diet might be tip-top with foods for happy healthy hair and your bathroom may resemble a professional salon with all the products you need for your hair type. But if you’re still seeing the frizz in the morning, head back to bed. 

Not to hide under the bedsheets! To change them. If you have cotton pillowcases, the fibres could be drawing out moisture from your hair, which we know hair needs to remain frizz-free. The rough fibres could also be snagging on your hair as you move around in your sleep. Switching to a smooth silky pillow may make it easier for your hair to slide around, helping you to avoid frizzy hair when sleeping.

Healthier hair is just the beginning

Spending time on self-care, such as nourishing your hair, should be an important part of your life. The best way to look good and feel your best is to take good care of yourself.  

Whether that’s by tackling the dry skin on your hands or increasing your healthy eating for better skin, feeling good about yourself is something you deserve. 

Related:

• How to help your teenager with pimples
• How your life stage impacts your skin (and what you can do about it)
• Why do I still have pimples at this age and how to fix

Reviewed by the healthylife Advisory Board December 2021.