HOW TO STAY FRIZZ FREE FOR THE SUMMER: 9 HAIR CONTROL TIPS
With summer fast approaching, many people are looking for quick tips on managing frizzy hair. Keep reading to find out what causes frizz and what steps you can take to prevent it.
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Why Is My Hair So Frizzy?
One of the biggest causes of frizzy hair is a lack of moisture and overall dryness. When hair is dry and damaged, moisture from the air enters the open hair shaft. This causes it to swell, which is also known as frizz. If you're wondering why your hair tends to get so much frizzier in the summer, it's because humid air is saturated with moisture. People with natural curls also tend to have frizzy hair because the natural oils produced in the scalp have a harder time traveling down the hair shaft, resulting in dryness and frizz.
While many different factors can cause dry hair, the good news is that many of them are within your control. Here are nine simple tips on how to prevent frizzy hair and keep your hair under control this summer.
1. Shower Using Cool or Cold Water
Although it can be tempting, showering with hot water can dry out your hair, making it more susceptible to frizz. Hot water can also put unnecessary stress on your scalp and prevent it from producing beneficial oils. For optimal frizzy hair control, use cool or cold water to seal the cuticle and prevent moisture in the air from causing it to swell.
2. Change the Way You Dry Your Hair
Wrapping your hair in a traditional cotton towel after a shower can dehydrate it, making it a prime target for frizz. These towels are especially harmful if you have curly hair, as the terrycloth attaches to individual strands of hair and separates them.
Opting for a microfiber cloth is not only gentler on your hair, but it can also cut drying time in half. Microfibers are designed to absorb extra moisture while still leaving the hair feeling soft and silky. A T-shirt will work if you don't have a microfiber cloth.
Be sure to squeeze or scrunch your hair dry instead of rubbing it, as friction can disrupt your cuticles. If you want to use an even gentler method, air-drying is your best bet. It may be more time-consuming than using a towel, but your hair will thank you in the long run.
3. Use a Sulfate-Free or Glycerin-Rich Shampoo
Another way to fight frizz is to use a shampoo that's free of sulfates. Sulfates are harsh detergents that strip the hair of its natural oils, dehydrating it and leading to frizz. They can be especially damaging for curly hair, which is already naturally drier than straight hair.
On the other hand, products containing glycerin can be an effective solution for frizz. Glycerin is a hydrating agent that keeps your hair moisturized throughout the day. Moisturized hair creates a closed cuticle so that moisture from the air won't cause the shaft to swell. Glycerin can also help mend damaged hair and prevent further breakage.
4. Keep Your Hands Off
You may feel the urge to run your fingers through your hair or play with your curls. However, constantly playing with or agitating your hair can damage your cuticles and make your hair more prone to frizz. In addition, your fingers can remove essential oils from your hair, leading to dryness and breakage. For help with frizzy hair, be sure to put your hair up in a loose bun the next time you feel tempted to touch it.
5. Change Up Your Pillowcase
Similar to the harsh towel you use to dry your hair, your pillowcase contains rough cotton fibers that can cause damage to your hair while you sleep. The good news is that this is one of the easiest frizzy hair solutions to implement into your daily routine.
A satin or silk pillowcase is much gentler on your hair and can dramatically decrease frizziness and breakage. Due to silk's smooth texture, your hair will glide over it without any friction. In addition to eliminating frizz, silk can also make you less likely to wake up with tangles or bedhead. If you want to go the extra mile, swapping your sheets and bedding can also help keep frizz under control.
6. Use Leave-In Products
Using a leave-in conditioner after rinsing out your shampoo can ensure your hair remains moisturized throughout the day. This can be especially helpful for combating frizzy hair in the summer, as sweat can dehydrate your hair.
Another alternative to a leave-in conditioner is hair cream. It is an effective substitute for a leave-in conditioner because it's applied to dry hair as needed. This means you can keep it in your bag and apply it throughout the day to tame frizz.
7. Give Your Curls Some Love
If you have curly hair, you know how important it is to moisturize it. After you've conditioned your hair and hopped out of the shower, grab it by the ends and push it back into your scalp. Once you hear squelching sounds, you'll know that you've adequately worked the conditioner into your hair. Be sure to rinse and softly dry your hair afterward, as this can help seal your cuticles and lock in moisture. Look for a nourishing conditioner that seals in moisture and contains a unique blend of vital nutrients and proteins to keep your hair looking strong and healthy.
8. Apply a Hair Mask or Serum
For frizz-free hair this summer, apply a hair mask to help moisturize your hair and lock in oils that can tame frizz. Although you can apply it more often if desired, once a week should be adequate to reap the benefits. You can also use a hair serum, which coats the hair, adds shine, protects from humidity, and shields against damage during heat styling. Applying just a few drops creates a strong barrier against frizz.
9. Avoid Heat Treatments
The last thing your hair needs in the hot summer months is more heat exposure. This means avoiding hot tools such as straighteners, curling wands, or blow dryers. If you need to use these products, be sure to opt for the cold setting on your blow dryer and turn down the heat on your curling or flat iron as much as possible. However, it's best to avoid heat treatments if you want to learn how to prevent frizzy hair.
Dealing with frizzy hair can be frustrating, but the good news is that it's easily manageable. These nine simple tips can help you achieve smooth, silky hair this summer.
