Frizzy curly hair is common and can be challenging to manage, especially if you don’t know what causes the frizz or how to deal with those stubborn flyaways. While some people embrace their frizzy curls as part of their unique texture, others prefer smoother, more defined strands.
Frizz is often a natural by-product of curly or wavy curly hair, influenced by genetics, dehydration, humidity, damage, and incorrect styling techniques. With the right curly hair care routine, proper products, and expert hair advice, even the most unruly curls can be transformed into soft, beautiful curly hair.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to understand frizz, why it happens, how to prevent it, and which products work best for your hair type.
Hair Frizz Explained
Hair frizz is the physical state of the hair. It refers to hair that looks misaligned or “spiky” spread around the scalp area, caused by small fibers that project away from the main body of hair. It is often called “flyaways” (short hairs perpendicular to the hair shaft).
Three factors contribute to hair frizz:
Genetics
Your hair type and texture are largely influenced by genetics. If a parent or grandparent has curly hair that naturally frizzes, you may inherit the same tendency. While you can’t change your genetic makeup, you can still manage and minimize frizz with the right care routine.
Damage
Hair damage is one of the leading causes of frizz, especially in curly textures that tangle and break more easily. Chemical processes like coloring and bleaching can weaken the strands, while improper products or poor hair care habits strip away strength and elasticity. The result is fragile, brittle hair that’s more prone to breakage and frizz.
Humidity
Humidity isn’t so much a cause of frizz as it is a trigger for flyaways. When the air is damp, the excess moisture disrupts the hydrogen bonds that support the hair’s protein structure.
As these bonds break, the cuticle layer lifts, allowing water to penetrate the hair shaft and swell the cortex. This swelling creates raised cuticles and uneven texture, which appear as frizz.
It’s important to note that frizz isn’t exclusive to humid climates; variations in hair texture also play a role. In fact, all hair types, including straight hair, can experience frizz under the right conditions.
What Causes Frizz In Curly Hair?
We’ve explored the main causes of frizz and understand that it can affect every hair type; however, because it’s most common and often a natural outcome of curly textures, it’s essential to examine why frizzy curly hair occurs and how to manage it effectively.
Dry Hair
Curly hair naturally craves moisture. Unlike straight strands, its twists and turns make it difficult for natural oils from the scalp to travel down the hair shaft. This slower distribution of hydration often leaves curls drier.
To combat this, curly hair benefits from extra nourishment with products such as deep conditioning masks, leave-in conditioners, and rich moisturizers that help lock in hydration. Using conditioner after shampooing is essential for restoring balance once oils are washed away.
Over-washing is another common culprit. Shampooing too frequently strips away natural oils, leaving hair dry, brittle, thin, and prone to breakage. This lack of moisture weakens the strands, resulting in frizz and flyaways.
Lack Of Hold
Freshly styled curls may start off smooth and defined, but exposure to daily elements like sun, wind, rain, or even friction from clothing, accessories, and chairs can quickly disrupt the texture.
When styling products don’t provide enough hold, curls lose their shape, and frizz sets in. Incorporating leave-in conditioners, serums, mousses, or light hairsprays helps lock in definition, reduce moisture loss, and keep curls supple throughout the day.
Incorrect Hair Care And Styling Techniques
Curly hair requires specific methods of care and styling to stay healthy and defined. Brushing curls vigorously, especially once they’re dry and set, can easily disrupt the curl pattern and cause breakage. Skipping conditioner or neglecting to oil the hair regularly also weakens strands, leaving them prone to frizz and damage.
Excessive use of hot tools such as curling irons, flat irons, and blow dryers further compounds the problem. Without a heat protectant, hair exposed to high temperatures or excessively hot water loses moisture and protein, resulting in brittle, frizzy strands. Using the wrong products, such as those formulated for straight hair instead of curl-friendly options, can also strip hydration and compromise curl health.
Other Factors That Contribute to Frizz
Beyond daily care and styling, many other elements can influence frizz in curly and even straight hair types:
- Shifts in season or weather conditions
- Damage from heat styling tools (curling irons, flat irons)
- Excessive use of humectants.
- Sulfate-based shampoos
- Product buildup from polymers, silicones, or cationic ingredients
- Infrequent conditioning or moisturizing
- Over-washing that strips natural oils
- Prolonged sun exposure
- Sweat, which contains salts that draw moisture out of hair
- Too many protein treatments
- Harsh chemicals, including bleach and dyes, that erode protein and strength
- Drying alcohol-based products
- Chlorine exposure from pools or tap water
- Hard water minerals
- Split ends
- Skipping cuticle-sealing techniques
- Friction from towels, pillows, hats, scarves, or rough brushing
- Underlying health conditions
- Internal dehydration, poor diet, or vitamin deficiencies
- Hormonal changes
- Natural aging
How To Prevent Frizzy Curly Hair
There’s no instant cure for frizz, but with consistency, you can reduce it dramatically and, over time, keep it under control. Because every head of hair and lifestyle is different, the key is to discover what works best for you and let your curls guide the way.
12 Tips to Minimize Frizz and Keep Your Curls Luscious:
- Deep condition regularly. Use a conditioning mask or deep conditioner to strengthen and moisturize your hair. Regular oiling can also help replenish lost nutrients.
- Apply a leave-in conditioner. After washing, a leave-in helps seal in moisture and reduces frizz throughout the day.
- Air-dry whenever possible. Allowing hair to air-dry prevents excess heat damage and helps minimize frizz.
- Sleep smart. Use a silk or satin pillowcase to cut down on friction and moisture loss compared to cotton or polyester.
- Choose hydrating, curl-friendly products. Invest in a quality shampoo and conditioner made specifically for curly hair. If your hair is color-treated, opt for formulas that protect both color and curls.
- Avoid sulfates and parabens. Harsh ingredients strip natural oils and contribute to dryness and frizz.
- Use gentle cleansers. Look for ingredients like cocamidopropyl betaine or decyl glucoside. Incorporate a clarifying shampoo once a month, or as needed, to remove buildup.
- Skip drying alcohols. Avoid products with ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, or SD alcohol, which dehydrate curls.
- Protect before heat styling. Always apply a heat protectant before using hot tools.
- Handle hair gently after washing. Skip vigorous rubbing with a regular towel. Instead, use a microfiber towel or turban cap to absorb excess water.
- Invest in the right tools. A high-quality brush, diffuser, proper hair ties, claw clips, and satin scrunchies all help preserve your style and minimize breakage.
- Consult a pro if needed. If frizz persists despite your best efforts, seek guidance from a professional curly hairstylist who can recommend personalized solutions.
How To Reduce Frizz in Humid Environments
If you have curly hair, you already know how challenging humid weather can be. Humidity and curls rarely get along. Thankfully, there are techniques and products that can help you manage flyaways and keep your style intact.
- Choose anti-frizz products. Look for shampoos, conditioners, and stylers specifically designed to fight humidity and tame frizz.
- Apply a serum or oil before styling. A lightweight, frizz-fighting serum or nourishing oil can help smooth the cuticle and create a barrier against moisture in the air.
- Use gel or hairspray for hold. These styling products add definition and help keep curls in place throughout the day.
- Consider silicones for extra protection. Ingredients like dimethicone can help seal in moisture and smooth the surface of the hair. However, excessive use may weigh curls down, so it’s important to wash thoroughly with a clarifying shampoo to prevent buildup.
When to Avoid Silicones:
- If you rarely or never use shampoo, silicones don’t rinse off easily and can build up on the hair.
- If you have fine or thin hair that is easily weighed down.
- If you dislike the way silicones make your hair look or feel.
25 Favorite Frizzy Curly Hair Products
Hair porosity, the quantity of sebum produced, and curl pattern are just a few variables that determine whether or not a product or treatment is suitable for one person versus another.
Many products on the market help reduce frizz, but finding the right one for your hair type can be confusing. Below is an extensive list of products to help you choose the best option:
- Bounce Curl Hair Spray: This truly and genuinely works excellently in humid environments! A little spritz on your curls before going out goes a long way. (Discount code for all of my readers to save $ is ‘muse’)
- Bounce Curl Moisture Balance Leave-In Conditioner: This leave-in conditioner’s moisture balance and protective effects are great for every wash day. You can also apply it as a primer beneath any hair product.
- Briogeo Farewell Frizz Blow Dry Perfection Heat Protectant Cream: This is a heat-protecting, lightweight cream that reduces frizz, smoothens your hair, improves shine, and protects it against heat up to 450 degrees F!
- Bumble & Bumble Bb Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Shampoo: This cleanser is made for dry, brittle hair and uses a potent combination of six hydrating oils to cleanse and condition your scalp.
- Carol’s Daughter Monoi Multi-Styling Milk: The multi-styling milk delivers less breakage and stronger hair. It is just what you need to moisturize and protect your curly hair.
- Christophe Robin Anti-Frizz Rescue Milk With Shea Butter: This formula is enriched with shea butter, vitamins, and omega-3 and 6. It also contains moringa, which protects hair against pollution, color oxidation, and heat up to 440°F (230°).
- Color Wow Supernatural Spray: This multi-award-winning anti-frizz spray keeps hair frizz-free for days. It is perfect when you are in humid environments.
- DevaCurl Frizz-Free Volumizing Foam: This light foam helps to add volume and reduce frizz. It holds your curls and locks in moisture.
- FEKKAI Brilliant Gloss Shampoo: This is a hydrating shampoo, and it’s a vegan and gluten-free formula. It is a nutrient-rich formula that revives and nourishes dry tresses while eliminating frizz.
- John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum: This serum is formulated with a unique blend of silicones that help protect dehydrated strands against the onset of frizz. Avoid this one if you don’t use silicones.
- Living Proof No Frizz Instant De-Frizzer: This dry conditioning spray will help those unruly hairs that refuse to lay down or form. Another one is perfect for humid weather.
- It’s a Ten Miracle Leave-In Product: This leave-in conditioner helps to moisturize and seal in moisture while protecting hair from heat.
- It’s a Ten Miracle Curl Defining Creme: This creme is designed for frizzy, curly hair because it has been shown to reduce the appearance of frizz by 80%!
- Moroccan Oil Treatment: A little goes a long way with this product! It helps to tame frizz while providing shine and conditioning.
- NaturAll Avocado Curl Custard: This is a medium-hold curl-defining styler and a medium-hold gel. No sulfates, parabens, silicones, dyes, phthalates, or animal testing.
- Oribe Foundation Mist: This product has “anti-static properties” that keep your hair from becoming staticky when you blow-dry it.
- OUIDAD Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Stronger Hold Gel: This is the product if you need a strong gel to fight against humidity. This recipe is perfect for extremely humid days or curls requiring more structure.
- Redken Extreme Anti-Snap Leave-In Treatment: This product strengthens and protects hair from heat. Leave-in treatments are brilliant for preventing frizz,
- Righteous Roots Oils: This oil is the hair’s bees-knees. You may use it in various ways, such as hot oil treatment or scrunching out the crunch.
- SheaMoisture Curl Mousse for Frizz Control Coconut and Hibiscus with Shea Butter: This moisture-rich mousse enhances natural curl memory and adds definition. The neem oil controls frizz while adding shine to your curls.
- SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Hair Mask For Dry, Damaged Hair Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil: This deep conditioning hair treatment delivers a powerful dose of moisture to your locks while strengthening follicles and producing frizz-free curls.
- Tigi Bed Head Foxy Curls Extreme Curl Mousse: This mousse softens and smoothens the cuticle, conditions, and protects the hair from thermal damage.
- Tresemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Serum: This is more than an anti-frizz serum. The keratin and marula oil help fight frizz, detangle knots, and tame flyaways.
- TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner: These products are designed to help tame frizzy hair while smoothing the cuticle.
- Virtue Polish Un-Frizz Cream: This keeps the humidity at bay, allowing you to minimize as much frizz as possible throughout the day.
Tips for Styling Curly, Frizzy Hair
Styling curls doesn’t have to be a battle against frizz. With the right approach, you can turn frizzy curls into soft, defined spirals that highlight your natural curls. Here are some tried-and-true techniques to build into your curly hair care routine:
- Start with clean, damp hair. Styling products work best on freshly washed, damp strands.
- Apply product while damp. Use a styling cream, gel, or mousse to define curls, reduce frizz, and add shine. Always scrunch the product into your spirals to encourage shape.
- Air-dry or diffuse gently. Let curls air-dry when possible, or use a diffuser on low heat to help them retain their pattern without excess frizz.
- Use anti-humidity sprays for light hold. If you prefer less product but still want frizz control, spray an anti-humidity mist into your palms and smooth it through your hair.
- Protect before heat styling. Always apply a heat protectant before using dryers, irons, or other hot tools.
- Finish with a serum. After heat styling, apply a lightweight serum to smooth flyaways, lock in moisture, and boost shine.
For added curly hair inspiration, experiment with protective hairdos for curly hair, like pineapple updos, loose buns, or half-up styles that help keep frizz at bay while showing off your texture.
