Whether your curls are tight and coily or loose and free-flowing, frizz can be a pressing issue. While no hair type is safe when it comes to humidity and constant environmental stressors, natural hair is more prone to frizz due to its texture. It happens to the best of us and can be more stressful during the summer when high temperatures mix with humid weather. The good news is that you don’t have to live with curls looking perpetually dry and crunchy. With the right routine in place and a regimen dedicated to hydrating and moisturizing curls, you can easily manage frizz and keep it at bay beyond wash day. Ahead, we tapped two expert stylists for their tips on preventing and controlling frizz on natural curls and textured hair.
Featured experts
- Leysa Carrillo is a celebrity hair colorist and curly hair expert
- Naomi Dove is a hairstylist and the artistic director of texture for Aveda North America
What causes frizz?
Frizz is a natural occurrence that can happen with any hair texture. However, it can be more prevalent in coiler textures. According to Naomi Dove, artistic director of texture for Aveda, this is due to a variety of factors, including hair porosity, the diameter of the hair, and climate. “Natural textures are more prone to frizz because of the way the hair grows out of the scalp. Since the hair goes out and up instead of lying flat, it prevents natural sebum from flowing down the hair strand, which can lead to dryness or swelling of the hair,” says Dove. Moisture levels inside the hair also play a role in how frizzy it can be. “Curly, coily and wavy hair types are naturally drier and more porous, which means they constantly crave hydration,” says Leysa Carrillo, hair colorist and curly hair expert. In that vein, they’re more reactive to humidity and environmental changes.
How to prevent frizz from occurring
Preventing frizz completely is easier said than done. Still, you don’t have to walk around with your curls looking parched or lackluster. Given that dryness is one of the main sources, keeping your hair hydrated and moisturized is the most important step. It starts at the shampoo bowl, with products aimed at locking in water—think hydrating shampoos, hair masks and leave-in conditioners. Adding these types of products to your wash-day lineup is crucial, but so is the way you use them. “Layering lightest to heaviest in terms of moisture sealing abilities is key, as is using a microfiber towel to dry,” says Carrillo. After washing, Dove recommends prepping your hair with a leave-in product to ensure your curls are properly hydrated before adding a product on top to seal in moisture. Styling your hair, whether you’re blowing it out straight or using a diffuser to define the curls, should always include a heat protectant. Many products feature ingredients to help smooth the hair's cuticle and prevent frizz from occurring immediately.
How to manage frizz after styling
If you’re out in a humid climate, say at the beach or the subway station in NYC, you can expect frizz to follow you. It’s normal with textured hair. So it’s best to stock up on products, such as a lightweight oil or leave-in or spray, to keep flyaways at bay. “A quick smooth-down with your hands and a bit of product goes a long way without flattening your texture,” says Carrillo. However, it’s important to be gentle. “If you’re touching your hair too much before it has time to set, that will contribute to unwanted frizz,” adds Dove.
Products for managing frizz
Pattern Hydration Shampoo
Aveda Nutriplenish Leave-In Conditioner
Redken Naked Gloss Lightweight Shine Oil
