How To Tame Frizzy Hair

If there’s one haircare concern we’re all familiar with, it’s frizzy hair. Frizz can be caused by any number of factors, from dryness to humidity and even good, old-fashioned aging. And while frizz isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it can be frustrating on days you want to rock a sleeker style like a slicked-back bun. To help you achieve your hair goals in the summer and beyond, we’ve put together this guide to all things frizz. Ahead discover some of the common causes of frizzy hair and learn how to tame hair for sleek, silky-looking strands—even in the dead of summer.

What Is Frizzy Hair?

Frizz is a common haircare concern that occurs when the outer layer of the hair’s cuticle becomes raised. This results in a frayed or staticky look and may be accompanied by dry or rough-looking flyaways. Frizzy hair can happen to anyone, regardless of hair type or texture, but it tends to be most common during the summer months (particularly when humidity is high). While frizzy hair can be frustrating to deal with, the proper products and routine can help keep your strands looking smooth and shiny.

What Causes Frizzy Hair?

The best way to tame frizzy hair is to prevent frizz from developing in the first place. And in order to do that, you need to understand what causes it. Below, we’re sharing some common causes of frizzy hair to help put your best foot forward:

• Hair damage: Excessive use of hot tools, chemical treatments like bleach, and even rough styling can damage your hair’s outer cuticle. When this happens, your hair becomes unable to hold onto moisture effectively. The hair may swell in an effort to retain moisture, ultimately resulting in a frizzy, frazzled look.
• Environmental changes: Humidity can contribute to frizz, particularly for those with dry or damaged hair. Your hair can absorb the excess moisture in the environment, causing the strands to swell and become frizzy. Frizzy hair in the summer is especially common, as humidity tends to rise during these months. Unfortunately, frizzy hair isn’t just an issue in the heat: Dry winter air and harsh indoor heat can also contribute to frizzing. And, regardless of the season, environmental factors like exposure to UV rays and air pollution can also damage the hair over time, bringing on frizz.
• Washing and styling hair incorrectly: Some shampoos contain sulfates or other harsh cleansers that can strip away your hair’s natural oils, leaving it dry and staticky.
• Aging: As we age, the scalp produces less natural oil, which results in dryer hair that’s more vulnerable to frizz. Aging hair also loses elasticity, which makes it easier for hair to break and become damaged.

How to Fix Frizzy Hair

While embracing frizz is always an option, it’s not your only option. If you prefer a smoother style, here are a few frizzy hair tips that can help smooth your strands.

1. Avoid overwashing your hair

Overwashing your hair can strip your strands of their natural oils, leading to dryness and damage. How often you should wash your hair depends on your hair type, but for many, every other day (or less) is sufficient.

When you do lather up, be sure to use a gentle, non-stripping shampoo. We like Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Shampoo, which contains sustainably-sourced Moroccan argan oil and leaves strands smooth, silky, and shiny.

2. Don’t skip conditioner

It’s always a good idea to use conditioner after shampooing, but it’s especially important if you’re looking to tame frizzy hair. Conditioner helps lock in moisture and lubricate the hair so it’s easier to detangle without damage. Generally, we recommend using shampoos and conditioners from the same system, as they’re designed to work in harmony. So if you use the aforementioned shampoo, you’ll want to pair it with the Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Conditioner for the best results.

3. Style your hair wet

Waves and curls are especially prone to frizz as these hair types tend to be naturally drier, particularly at the ends. The trick for curly hair to avoid frizz is to style hair while curls are soaking wet. This helps ensure you’re able to distribute your styling products evenly throughout the strands and smooth frizz before it has a chance to set in.

4. Ditch the towel

Drying your hair with a towel places friction on your strands, which can leave them rough, frizzy, and unmanageable (it can also contribute to breakage). To help prevent damage, gently squeeze out any excess water from your hair using a cotton T-shirt or a microfiber towel. For those with curls, try the “plopping” drying method: After wet styling your hair with product, place your T-shirt or microfiber towel on your bed, flip your hair upside down, and gently lower (or “plop”) your curls onto the fabric. This technique allows the hair to air-dry while maintaining your curl’s structure and definition.

5. Take caution while heat styling

Air-drying your hair can help prevent damage that contributes to frizz, but it can take a while for your hair to dry fully (especially if it’s thick). If you must dry your hair, there are some precautions you can take to help reduce damage. First, prep your mane with a heat protectant—these formulas are designed specifically to help shield your hair against the damaging effects of hot tools (you can find some of our favorite picks here).

It’s also important to blow dry your hair properly. Try to keep your dryer on the lowest heat setting and blow-dry your hair downward, rather than head-on. This helps the hair lay flat and reduces the chances of it frizzing up as it dries.

6. Try a nourishing frizz tamer

Garnier expert stylist Millie Morales' secret to perfecting a slicked-back style is using a serum designed just for the occasion. While there’s no such thing as a magical wand that can eliminate frizz for good, the Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Frizz Tamer comes pretty close. This innovative frizz-fighting serum is housed in a mascara-like tube that allows for a precise, targeted application.

Simply use the spoolie to brush the argan oil-infused serum onto areas that need it for up to 12 hours of frizz control sans greasiness, stiffness, or stickiness. Morales’ favorite way to use it is for touch-ups throughout the day since you can easily stash the portable tube in your bag.

7. Avoid touching your hair

We get that it’s sometimes hard to resist, but those with curly hair, in particular, want to avoid manipulating their hair to help reduce frizz. This helps keep your curl pattern intact and smooth and frizz-free. Furthermore, when you touch your hair, dirt and oil can easily transfer from your hands to your strands, which can weigh down or rough up the cuticle, leading to frizz.

8. Sleep on silk

Sleeping on a cotton or linen pillowcase can place undue stress on your strands, and the friction between the fabric and your hair can result in damage and breakage. If you’re prone to frizzy hair, try a silk pillowcase instead. The smoother surface of the fabric will allow your hair to glide over it while you sleep, minimizing snags and tangles.

9. Optional: Make regular trims a habit

Morales recommends everyone “get regular trims to remove split ends, which can contribute to frizz.” How often you should head to the salon for a trim may depend on your hair type, texture, and length. To ensure you’re following a schedule that works for your strands, we recommend consulting with a professional hairstylist.

Next Up: Ingredient Talk: Is Hydration or Protein Better for Your Hair?