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How do I Tame Frizzy Hair?

B. Miller
B. Miller

Though it may not always seem like it, it is possible to tame frizzy hair and even to take some steps to prevent it. It is best to first determine what is causing the frizzy hair; for instance, frizz can be caused when the hair is too dry, when it is being washed too frequently, or simply when it is wet or humid outside. Determining the cause can help you to tame frizzy hair, and make sure it stays sleek and smooth.

People with curly hair frequently have frizzy hair as well. Somewhat fortunately, people with curly hair can also generally skip washing their hair every day, and only wash the hair every other day, or every few days. If frizzy hair is a problem for you, the first step to tame frizzy hair may simply be to wash it less frequently, and use a moisturizing shampoo when washing. You may or may choose not to condition hair on the days when you don't wash it; for some people, this is a necessary step, but others may find that this makes their hair far too greasy.

Using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner can help smooth the hair.
Using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner can help smooth the hair.

Do not use very hot water when washing and rinsing the hair; try using lukewarm water or cool water instead, to smooth the hair shaft. After getting out of the shower, gently towel-dry the hair and apply a smoothing cream or frizz cream to tame frizzy hair before it can appear. Heat styling is another main culprit of frizzy hair, so try to avoid it as much as possible, and apply a heat protectant lotion to the hair first. Blow-dry hair with the dryer aimed down the hair shaft, and use a curling iron or straightening iron on the lowest heat setting that still works for your hair.

Overzealous towel dying can cause breakage.
Overzealous towel dying can cause breakage.

After styling the hair, it might be helpful to quickly blast cool air onto the hair to set the style and close the hair shaft. Most hair dryers offer this cool air feature with a simple push-button. Keep in mind that damage to the hair, such as from hair dye or other chemicals, can cause frizzy hair. Only color or perm the hair as often as is necessary.

Frizzy hair, when straightened in sections with a flat iron, can be tamed.
Frizzy hair, when straightened in sections with a flat iron, can be tamed.

If frizz occurs throughout the day due to the weather, quickly tame frizzy hair by putting some hand lotion on the palms, rubbing it in, and then gently smoothing the hands over the hair. Be careful not to do this near the scalp, which can make the hair look very greasy. You may need to try a few different methods to tame frizzy hair before finding one that works for you.

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    • Using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner can help smooth the hair.
      By: Dessie
      Using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner can help smooth the hair.
    • Overzealous towel dying can cause breakage.
      By: volff
      Overzealous towel dying can cause breakage.
    • Frizzy hair, when straightened in sections with a flat iron, can be tamed.
      By: Daria Filiminova
      Frizzy hair, when straightened in sections with a flat iron, can be tamed.
    • Getting regular trims may help prevent dry, frizzy hair.
      By: fmarsicano
      Getting regular trims may help prevent dry, frizzy hair.
    • When using a blow dryer with frizzy hair, aim the dryer down the hair shaft.
      By: ia_64
      When using a blow dryer with frizzy hair, aim the dryer down the hair shaft.
    • Those with curly hair should wash their hair every other day.
      By: esp2k
      Those with curly hair should wash their hair every other day.
    • Hot oil treatments can be used to tame dry, frizzy hair.
      By: thelosteyeball
      Hot oil treatments can be used to tame dry, frizzy hair.
    • Use of hair dyes can cause frizzy hair.
      By: Valua Vitaly
      Use of hair dyes can cause frizzy hair.