15 Frizz Reducing Tips

Must-have frizz-fighting tips to help you whip your get your curls back in shape in no time.

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10ShareAlicia Ward
April 28th, 2011

Get a good haircut for your curls.
We know how frustrating frizzy hair can be, and we’re here to help! We’ve compiled this must-have list of our favorite no-frizz tips for curly hair.

1. A Good Haircut is Key
Split ends are the beginning of frizz, so stop them before they start by getting your curls trimmed every 6-8 weeks. Don’t cut hair too short, since shrinkage can be a real problem in humidity. You can find the best stylist for your curls using NaturallyCurly’s Salon Finder.

2. Don’t Shampoo Every Day
Curly, kinky and wavy hair needs the natural oils from your scalp to reduce frizz. No more than four washes every week is good. For your off days, go the rinse and condition route.

3. Lots of Conditioner!
Moisturize = Happy Curls! Aѕ curls succumb easily tο dryness, regular conditioning іѕ crucial. Never skip thе conditioner, аnԁ avoid two-іn-one, shampoo/conditioners. Once уου аrе done shampooing, squeeze extra moisture frοm уουr tresses (never wring), thеn work уουr conditioner іn frοm root tο tip. Leave thе conditioner іn fοr at least two minutes before rinsing. Using a deep conditioner once a week can be a major hеlр іn combating frizz.

4. Rinse with Cold Water!
Try a cold rinse to seal the hair cuticle and make it extra shiny. Let your hair drip after you rinse, and do not comb through it any more. Whеn rinsing out your conditioner, υѕе thе сοldest water уου саn tolerate, since сοƖԁ water helps smooth thе cuticle, diminishing frizz аnԁ fluffy, flyaway hair. Cold water also locks the follicle, which keeps the hair sleeker and shinier.

5. Avoid Terrycloth Towels; Use Microfiber Instead
Avoid wringing or rubbing your hair with a towel as this creates friction, breakage and split ends. Gently scrunch out most of the water with your fingers while you’re still in the shower. Always avoid rubbing the towel over your head as this will break up the curls you just shaped. The key when using any towel is flip your head over and scrunch up. Microfiber towels not only reduce frizz but speed up drying time. Microfiber is a super-absorbent fabric that soaks up excess water. Microfiber does not disturb the cuticle – instead it smooths it down, reducing frizz.

6. Air Dry, Hood Dry or Use a Diffuser
Curls and kinks can quickly become frazzled into frizz in the drying phase of the styling process. While using a diffuser can add a much-needed boost to looser curls, a hooded dryer is often the best option for kinkier curl types. If you have a really tight curl and kinky texture, try a hooded dryer because it will make heat flow down so it won’t disturb the curl as much as a blow dryer or diffuser. If you don’t have a hooded dryer at home, try air drying instead.

7. Comb Conditioner Through Hair in the Shower
Conditioning is a must, and distribution is the key. Distribute conditioner in the shower to help your so your hair will absorb more as the steam opens the hair follicle. Comb your hair out, parting it as you go. Be sure to apply lots of conditioner and really work it in there using a wide-tooth comb.

8. NEVER Use a Brush
Skip the hairbrush—separate your curls and define your hair style with a wide-toothed comb or your fingers. Don’t brush your hair—EVER! Get yourself a wide-toothed comb and comb your hair while it’s wet (you may want to comb the conditioner through in the shower to help with tangles). Brushing while wet will break your hair, and brushing while dry is a curly hair sin.

9. Don’t Touch Your Hair
Don’t touch your hair even though it’s tempting! The more you play with and tousle your hair during the day, the more frizz you’re going to get. If you need to, you can perform a mid-day touch up by moistening broken curls and wrapping them around your finger to reshape them.

10. A Pomade is Great for Mid-Day Touch Ups
Pomade is great for controlling frizz and even repelling humidity—if you use the right product. Use these products very sparingly by emulsifying the hair pomade into your palms until it’s barely there. Then skim gently over the surface of the hair, coaxing stray hairs into the natural waves where they are supposed to be. Follow through to the ends for best definition…and don’t forget about the back. Certain pomades combat puffy, frizzy hair. Pomades do not harden in the hair, and because they are rather thick, work well to define the hair while controlling flyaways, which will make your hair appear smoother. Pomades also weigh the hair down slightly, keeping it from appearing so puffy.

11. Apply Styling Products to Dripping Wet Hair
Add products to your hair while it’s still wet. A good place to start is a gοοԁ leave-іn conditioner. Always υѕе conditioner liberally аftеr washing, directly οn уουr damp hair, paying special attention tο the ends. Aftеr applying thе leave-іn conditioner, apply serum evenly, mаkіnɡ sure еνеrу curl іѕ coated. Thеѕе steps, plus deep conditioning weekly, ѕhουƖԁ ɡеt rid οf frizz. Ensure thаt thе products уου υѕе аrе mаԁе fοr уουr type οf hair аnԁ thе type οf styling уου prefer. Each hair type responds differently to weather conditions. Make sure you are using the right no-frizz products for your hair type.

12. Avoid Frizzy Hair Stressors
Smoking, excessive ingestion of alcohol or caffeine (which are diuretics and have a drying effect on the whole body), chemical treatments (including coloring and perming), and excessive consumption of processed foods can create or worsen frizzy hair.

13. SPF For Your Locks!
To decrease sun damage, use a shampoo with a built-in SPF. SPF protects your hair just like your skin – and prevents it from drying out.

14. Sleep on a Satin Pillowcase
When you sleep, you toss and turn, which creates friction causing tangles, split ends and breakage. Satin pillowcases reduce frizz-causing friction by minimizing hair breakage and reducing split ends. A satin pillowcase also makes it easier to maintain hairstyles. Use satin whenever possible, whether that’s a scarf bonnet to protect spirals or a pillow case to rest a curly head. Sleeping with satin helps to maintain the moisture in the hair. Cotton and other materials dry hair out, which adds to frizz.

Note: Some curlies ask about silk pillowcases. Silk is a natural fiber, and while some believe that silk provides hair and skin benefits, it does have a tendency to have tiny irregularities in it, which can cause friction. We recommend satin pillowcases. Satin is a type of smooth finish more effective in reducing frizz.

15. Cut Down on Hot Styling Tools
The heat from styling tools, such as hair dryers, curling irons, flat irons or hot rollers, can leave hair dry and damaged which leads to more frizz. In addition, hair tends to form uniform curls more easily when it dries naturally. Try to keep the use of these hot styling tools to a minimum. When a flat iron or hair dryer is a must, use a silicone-based serum beforehand to protect hair from the heat and control frizz.