Frizzy hair is a problem that affects almost all of us. Humidity? Excess moisture? Chemical treatments? All of these conditions, and others besides, can cause your hair to frizz. And if you're like most women, you've likely run through a gauntlet of anti-frizz products and solutions that didn't really work, or didn't provide a long-term solution. At LatinUs (Lu), we've made it our mission to help people of all hair types manage and celebrate their hair, frizz and all. But if your goal is to control your curls, read on for our 10 can't-miss tips and tricks to tame frizzy hair.
What Is Frizzy Hair?
If you want to know why your hair frizzes up, go to the source: your cuticles. Hair cuticles are composed of tiny shingles that protect the hair strand from potentially damaging elements. The natural oils produced by your scalp provide beneficial moisture that helps keep those cuticles smooth and contribute to healthy hair. When your hair comes under stress and gets dry or damaged, however, the hair cuticles open up, allowing your natural moisture to escape the hair shaft and moisture from the air to enter and swell or distort the strands. This causes the hair fibers to fly off in every direction ... also known as frizzy hair.What Causes Hair to Frizz?
There are several reasons why hair frizzes, but the primary culprit is dryness. Dry hair often leads to frizzy hair, because your dry hair cuticles act like sponges, absorbing moisture from the air. That's why hot and humid environments (hello, summer vacation!) can cause such havoc on your hair, but it's not just about where you are. Hair products that use harsh chemicals can also be a factor, because they strip the hair of its natural oils. And heat damage is another well-known cause of frizz. Heat styling tools like curling irons or blow dryers can lead to hair damage and produce frizzy locks. Even an energetic towel dry or brush out after you shower can bring on the frizz!
Why Should I Care About Frizzy Hair?
Frizzy hair feels rough and looks dry and unruly, as opposed to smooth and under control. And it's not limited to people with curly hair or wavy hair. Even if you have straight hair, it can frizz up. Beyond making you look a bit more disheveled than you'd like, it can also be an effect of damaged hair. Of course, there are many styles and looks that embrace the frizz (we're looking at you, bedheads), but if you want to stay in control of your locks, you need to know how to tame your mane. These 10 easy hair care tips will do the trick:
1. Choose the right shampoo and conditioner for frizzy hair
As with so many decisions when it comes to your hair, the right product can make all the difference. Lu was made by Latinas and for Latinas, so we know our way around frizzy wavy hair and frizzy curly hair. Our Control Bundle was designed specifically to combat flyaways, split ends, and frizz, giving you perfectly put together hair with every wash. And because we use natural ingredients like Murumuru Seed Butter, quinoa seed extract, and ginseng root extract, our products are kind to your hair and work to protect and nourish it while keeping you in control of your look. Our patented Impossible Keratin™, made up of vegan keratin & collagen, and silk amino acids, adds strength and flexibility to every strand at a microscopic level, resulting in shinier, healthier hair.
2. Put away the hot tools
Does your hair care routine include flat irons, curling irons, or hair dryers? You could be doing major harm to your mane, especially if you've used chemical treatments. By minimizing heat styling, blow-drying, and repeated passes through the hair with your hot tools, you take one step closer to fighting frizz. You can always air-dry, use an ionic hair dryer, or try a diffuser that spreads the hot airstream over a wider area. Diffusers are particularly useful for curly and wavy hair types, because they work to maintain its natural curl pattern.
3. Use a heat protectant
Most of us can't completely avoid hot tools when we style our hair. Fortunately, you can take steps to minimize heat damage with a heat protectant. Lu's Lock the Look Styling Cream, part of our Control Collection, is an excellent example of a heat protectant that gives you stronger, smoother hair. (Trust us, your locks will thank you.) A good heat protectant keeps flyaways at bay, protects your hair from high heat styling tools, and helps stop the frizz. It's an essential tool to add to your hair care routine.
4. Take kinder showers
Here's one of the easiest ways to protect your hair from frizz: just turn the heat down in the shower! We recommend washing your hair in lukewarm water rather than hot water, because hot water causes the same effects as high humidity. While you're at it, use gentle pressure to massage the scalp and roots, rather than the rushed and vigorous tousling that your wet hair might be used to, especially when you’re in a hurry to start your day.
5. Don't skip the conditioner
There's a reason why our Control Conditioner is such an indispensable part of the Control Bundle. It helps to lock in moisture with natural oils. For the best results, spread the conditioner from the middle to the roots, and wait two to five minutes before rinsing it out.
6. Dry your hair with a microfiber towel
There's no need to mug your hair with a cotton towel as soon as you step out of the shower. You might disrupt the cuticle, cause static buildup, and end up with friction frizz. Use a lightweight microfiber towel instead. These towels absorb just the right amount of water, are gentler on your hair strands, and result in less breakage.
7. Switch your pillowcase
Did you know that cotton pillowcases can snag at your hair, contributing to the frizz factor? A silk pillowcase, on the other hand, offers a friction-free fabric that won't disturb your hair cuticles.
8. Brush up on your hair brushing technique
A hairbrush can do your curly hair no favors. Those bristles cause friction, and wrestling your brush through your tangles can cause breakage. Plus, brushing your dry curls can cause your cuticles to fray, leading to exactly the effect you're trying to avoid by brushing! A wide-tooth comb has less bristles, offering a gentler way to detangle hair, promoting smoother hair with less breakage. And make sure to moisturize with water in a spray bottle to dampen your curls before you brush. A final tip: brush from the bottom up instead of the top down. Work those curls starting at the ends and use gentle strokes toward the roots.
9. Don't wash your hair every day
Most people don't realize how delicate hair is. We spent years perfecting Lu so that it can be used daily without causing harm to your locks. But if you're not using the right products, washing your hair too often can strip it of its natural moisture and raise your cuticles, which contributes to frizzy hair. Instead, wash your hair two or three times a week to prevent frizz.
10. Just say no ... to harsh chemicals
There's a reason why frizzy hair is an unwelcome look for most people. Beyond giving you a bad hair day, it can be a sign of damaged or distressed hair, which in turn can be evidence of too many chemical treatments that remove natural oils, give you split ends, and cause breakage - the perfect trifecta for frizzy locks. Fortunately, when you choose Lu, you won't need to worry about harsh chemicals. Everything we make is free of sulfates, colorants, phthalates, and parabens. Oh, and did we mention that we're a cruelty-free company, too?Now that you've unlocked the secret to taming your frizz, check out our favorite hairstyles for frizzy hair!
