What causes frizzy hair? This is a question we get all the time, as the frustrations of frizzy hair are one of the most common issues when it comes to everyday hair styling. Understanding why hair becomes frizzy in the first place is incredibly useful, as it can help inform how everyday activities are accidentally encouraging the frizz. However, it’s impossible to just stop frizzy hair from occurring altogether – the frizz can be managed, but not completely.
Hair is made of up to three layers: the medulla, the cortex and the cuticle. The cuticle is the outermost layer of a hair strand, and is therefore the part of hair that is most in contact with the elements. The cuticles are the part of hair that cause it to be frizzy, as actions like brushing and washing hair will cause the cuticles to open or close. When hair cuticles are open and raised, it makes it possible for air and moisture to enter the shaft, making it swell up and creating the frizz. When cuticles are closed and the hair shaft is flat, this creates a smoother look.
Frizz control is therefore all about keeping those cuticles closed through careful maintenance of your hair when washing and drying, and the correct use of specially-designed hair products. This includes using frizzy hair conditioner, shampoo and hair serums, which are all created by experts who know what causes frizzy hair.
First start by using a frizzy hair shampoo and paying close attention to your scalp. So much of hair health is reliant on having a healthy scalp and completely removing all product, as the buildup from leftover shampoo and conditioner can create problems. Rinse thoroughly and apply the conditioner evenly, using a wide comb or wet brush to make sure the mid lengths and tips are coated properly, before rinsing thoroughly once more.
Before drying your hair, apply a mix of frizzy hair cream and hair serum. Use a paddle brush to make sure the product is evenly distributed, and make sure you don’t overload the strands with excess product. Ideally, hair should be left to air dry rather than blow dried, as the extra heat and movement will instigate those cuticles.
However, if you do choose to blow dry your hair, use a nozzle and ensure the hair dryer is angled down, not up and blowing your hair around wildly. This will help keep those cuticles protected as you completely dry your hair, ensuring there are no damp areas left.
By understanding that the cuticles are the main culprit for what causes frizzy hair, you can take steps every day to make sure you have smooth and silky hair. Of course, what causes frizzy hair will be slightly different from one person to another, so it may take a bit of experimenting with these tips in order to best treat your hair. However, the hard work is worth it when you can flip your lovely smooth hair about like a model in a shampoo commercial. Hopefully now you know what causes frizzy hair and how you can prevent it yourself using the right hair brush types and hair care products. Now your only question is, what frizz?
