What Causes Frizzy Hair? We Have the Answers (2023)

What Causes Frizzy Hair? We Have the Answers (1)Share on Pinterest

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Warm weather, sunshine … and frizzy hair? Yep.

If you live in a humid climate, summer weather doesn’t only bring good things with it — it can bring frizz. Frizzy hair can be frustrating, especially when nothing seems to tame it.

(Video) How To Tame Your Frizzy Hair

But as annoying as frizzy hair might be, most of us aren’t exactly sure what causes it, which means we’re in the dark about the best possible way to manage it. Don’t worry though, we’re here to answer all your questions.

Whether it’s a tried-and-true skin care regimen, how often you wash your hair, or the cosmetics you’re curious about, beauty is personal.

That’s why we rely on a diverse group of writers, educators, and other experts to share their tips on everything from the way product application varies to the best sheet mask for your individual needs.

We only recommend something we genuinely love, so if you see a shop link to a specific product or brand, know that it’s been thoroughly researched by our team.

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Hair cuticles are made up of little shingles that protect the hair strand from the elements.

(Video) 3 REASONS WHY YOUR HAIR IS FRIZZY + SOLUTIONS

“When examined under a microscope, a healthy cuticle lays down smooth, like the scales of a fish,” explains Steve Waldman, director of technical training at Hair Cuttery Family of Brands, a chain of full-service hair salons. Beneficial moisture from natural oils produced by your scalp help keep those shingles down in healthy hair.

But he says, “as hair becomes dry and damaged, its appearance resembles a pine cone: open, rough and prickly.”

When it’s open and damaged like this, beneficial moisture can escape the hair shaft while moisture from the air enters the hair shaft, causing it to swell and change shape. In other words, it becomes frizzy.

Do some people have naturally frizzy hair?

In short: yes.

Some people have naturally curly hair, which is drier because the natural oils produced by your scalp can’t travel down the hair shaft as well as it can on straight hair. As a result, they have some natural frizz, which is most noticeable when individual hairs don’t bond together to create a defined curl.

However, everyone’s hair can get frizzy even if it’s straight. But people with straighter hair tend to notice it most when their hair is damaged, dry, or when it’s super hot outside.

In a word: dryness.

There are lots of different factors that can dry your hair out and exacerbate frizz:

Humidity

This is why your hair gets frizzy during a hot, humid summer day (or when you’re on vacation somewhere warm).

“The dry cuticle becomes rough and open for humidity,” explains Monica Davis, professional hairstylist. “As a result, a humid environment makes overdried hair frizzy [because] the outer layer starts soaking the moisture from the air and swells.”

Washing your hair in very hot water

Washing your hair in really hot water can cause the same effect as humidity. It also, says Davis, stresses your hair and your scalp, which produces beneficial oils.

That’s why it’s best to wash your hair in lukewarm water.

(Video) 5 Reasons Your Hair Is Frizzy, Dry, Or Damaged (& How To FIX)

Harsh hair products

“Chemicals or harsh products overstrip the hair of its natural oils,” explains Kim Kimble, hairstylist. “Your natural oils smooth the hair [so] getting rid of those completely can cause your hair to frizz up.”

Harsh hair products can include:

“Excessive lightening — or bleaching — and coloring hair with formulas that are too strong with high ammonia contents can damage the surface of the hair, making it feel rough to the touch, stealing its shine, and creating frizz,” says Waldman.

Heat styling

“Hot styling tools always damage your hair,” explains Davis. That’s why it’s best if you don’t use them every day.

In addition, she says, if you do use heat styling, look for conditioners, oils, or sprays that help minimize heat damage before and after styling.

Overwashing your hair

When you wash your hair every day, you strip your hair of the natural oils it needs to be healthy.

“There’s no real need to wash your head more than two to three times per week, depending on your hair type,” explains Davis. “Otherwise, you break the natural balance with the shampoo, especially if it’s a foamy one.”

Towel-drying your hair

“Friction created from brushes with nylon bristles and roughly towel-drying your hair can also ruffle the cuticle, causing annoying frizz,” says Waldman.

Instead, blot your hair when drying with a towel and use gentler brushes.

You can combat frizziness by using hydrating products, conditioning masks or serums that protect and smooth your hair, explains Kimble. You should also use mild shampoos or detergents.

In addition, these steps might also help:

  • Reduce heat styling.
  • Use lukewarm water for washing your hair.
  • Don’t wash your hair too often.
  • Use conditioner or masks.
  • Avoid harsh products.
  • Use a microfiber towel to dry your hair.
  • Switch to a boar-bristle brush.
  • Use a frizz protectant if you live in a humid climate.

Here are some products you can use to try to combat frizz:

1. TRESemme Keratin Smooth Shine Serum

“With this remedy, you can protect both curly and straight hair from excessive heat,” explains Davis, so it’s a great spray to use before hair-drying or heat styling your hair. “It also seals the cuticle and makes it a lot less probably that your hair will become uncontrollable when you go out.”

2. Briogeo Farewell Frizz Smoothing Shampoo

Made with natural oils to lock in moisture and protect against humidity, this shampoo not only cleans you hair but also combats frizz in all types of hair. It also has no harsh sulfates, silicones, phthalates, parabens, DEA or artificial dyes.

3. TSD Hair Flower Extract Conditioner

“Proteins and keratin are the best friends of frizzy hair,” says Davis. “You can use this conditioner by TSD to close the cuticle after washing your hair.” The conditioner also helps detangle hair, making it easier to brush out.

4. Silk 18 Maple Holistics Conditioner

This conditioner is made specifically to moisturize dry hair and condition your scalp. With natural ingredients, including jojoba and argan oil, it will help tame your frizz and keep your hair shiny and smooth.

5. Hicober 3-Pack Microfiber Hair Towel

Skip aggressively towel-drying your hair with a bath towel and opt for one of these super-absorbent microfiber hair towel turbans. They’re super soft, lightweight and easy to use.

6. BioSilk Silk Therapy with Natural Coconut Oil Leave-In Treatment

After you shower, comb in this leave-in treatment to help lock in moisture into your hair and keep it from frizzing. This treatment also help combat breakage too.

(Video) What Causes Frizzy Hair? | Pantene

Frizzy, dry hair can be a nuisance, but there are ways to prevent it and manage it. If you’re careful with how you wash, brush, and dry your hair and use the right products, you can help keep your hair healthy and minimize any unwieldy, frizzy hair.

Simone M. Scully is a writer who loves writing about all things health and science. Find Simone on her website, Facebook, and Twitter.

(Video) There's no such thing as dry scalp? #Dermatologist answers hair care questions!

FAQs

What actually causes frizzy hair? ›

There are four primary factors that cause frizz: the environment, diameter of the hair fiber itself, level of curl, and the amount of damage. Avoid long and hot showers, excess exfoliation, and hot tools like traditional hairdryers and flat irons to prevent frizz.

What is frizzy hair lacking? ›

The main cause of frizz is a lack of moisture in your hair. This causes your hair to seek out and absorb moisture from the air, causing frizz - which also explains why humidity can make frizz even worse.

Why is my hair still frizzy no matter what I put in it? ›

"Make sure your hair is moisturized enough — dryness is typically what causes frizz," said Roszak. So, if your ends are frizzy, it's probably due to a lack of conditioner. As for products, steer clear of heavy oils or anything that contains wax, Kimble told us.

Why has my hair gone frizzy as I get older? ›

Hair will slowly become drier, coarser, and thinner over the years. The truth is that as we grow older, the oils that our scalp relies on for nourishment decrease, resulting in drier, frizzier hair. Along with a change in oil production, our body stops creating melanocytes, the substance that colors our hair.

What is the best moisturizer for extremely dry hair? ›

Ahead, find our 13 favorite moisturizers for thirsty hair.
  • Odele Leave-In Conditioner. ...
  • Davines MOMO Hair Potion. ...
  • SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Leave-In Conditioner. ...
  • Olaplex No. ...
  • Innersense Sweet Spirit Leave-In Conditioner. ...
  • Ranavat Mighty Majesty Fortifying Hair Serum.
Jan 10, 2023

Does frizzy hair mean damaged hair? ›

Frizz occurs when hair is lacking moisture and becomes, resulting in the hair being dry as a result, whereas damage occurs due to an overuse of hair processes that disrupt the hair cuticle (the hair's protective layer).

What vitamin deficiency is good for frizzy hair? ›

Supplement Your Diet to Counter Frizzy Hair
  • Biotin.
  • Zinc.
  • Vitamin D3.
  • Vitamin C.
  • Vitamin E.
  • Folic Acid.
  • Vitamin B-12.
  • Vitamin A.
Jul 21, 2021

What vitamin is deficient in dry frizzy hair? ›

Biotin is often referred to as the "hair vitamin" because of its role in maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails. Deficiency in biotin can lead to hair loss, brittle hair, and a dry and itchy scalp. Biotin supplements are often recommended for people experiencing hair loss due to biotin deficiency.

What vitamin deficiency causes hair texture? ›

In order to be its healthiest, your hair needs zinc, iron, vitamin E, omega fatty acids, and biotin. If your diet is high in alcohol consumption and low in nutrients, it will feel dry and rough. An iron deficiency will cause strands to feel brittle and coarse.

Which serum is best for frizzy hair? ›

Best hair serum for frizzy hair
  • L'Oréal Paris Serum. ...
  • Livon Hair Serum. ...
  • The Natural Wash Black Seed Hair Serum. ...
  • L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert. ...
  • Brillare Classic Hair Serum. ...
  • Schwarzkopf Professional Anti Frizz Serum. ...
  • Tresemme Keratin Anti-Frizz Hair Serum.
Jan 19, 2023

Why is my hair frizzy even after using conditioner? ›

If you notice your hair is frizzy after you apply conditioner, this may be because you haven't applied it on soaking wet hair. Your hair may also feel frizzy due to a lack of moisture, so you want to apply a deep conditioning masque that will help to prevent dryness.

Will my frizzy hair ever go away? ›

The best way to get rid of frizzy hair is by using the right hair products for your hair type. Look for moisture-based shampoos and conditioners and products that enable anti frizz treatment. Lowering the amount of heat and friction your hair fibers are exposed to will also get rid of frizz.

What hydrates hair the most? ›

"Honey and glycerin are also two of the best moisturizers around; they're natural humectants that bind to water to lock in moisture. And when you're looking for real moisture, it's hard to go wrong with shea butter.

Why is my hair so dry even when I moisturize? ›

Your hair can be dry even if you use a moisturiser or leave-in conditioner every day. This is because water easily enters the hair, but it can also easily escape from the hair strand, especially if you live in a cold, low-humidity climate.

What damages hair the most? ›

But we can all probably agree no one wants dry, brittle strands that split and break off, no matter your hair type, color, or cut. Unfortunately, it's your daily haircare routine that often causes the most damage to your mane — think heat-styling, aggressive brushing, sun damage, and improper washing.

Is frizzy hair due to lack of protein? ›

Unfortunately, this causes the hair to absorb and release moisture faster than normal—producing tangled and frizzy strands. In order to seal the gaps and tears, you will need a hair protein treatment to strengthen your strands. If you notice hair is limp and stringy, without bounce, you could have a protein deficiency.

How can I calm my frizzy hair naturally? ›

You can manage your frizzy hair with home remedies such as massaging your hair with warm herbal oils like coconut oil and olive oil, mayonnaise, or applying avocados, teas, egg whites, and apple cider vinegar. These home remedies may help you to manage frizzy hair and acquire shiny, healthy hair.

What can I use daily for frizzy hair? ›

Use a moisturising shampoo and conditioner

Unsurprisingly, your hair might be frizzy if it is dry and damaged—whether that's from using too much heat, bleach or colour. To combat this, experts recommend anti-frizz shampoos that have nourishing ingredients like fermented rice water, amino acids and vitamin E.

Which vitamin is responsible for silky hair? ›

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is reportedly important for thick, healthy hair.

Which vitamin makes hair soft? ›

B Vitamins

B6 and B12 are vital for healthy hair because they help deliver nutrients to your hair follicles. B vitamins can be found in leafy greens, citrus fruits, whole grains and lean meats, to name just a few.

Which ingredient is best for dry frizzy hair? ›

Below we share seven ingredients to look for when shopping for products for your frizzy hair.
  • SHEA BUTTER. ...
  • MACADAMIA NUT OIL. ...
  • JOJOBA OIL. ...
  • AVOCADO OIL. ...
  • COCONUT OIL. ...
  • COCOA BUTTER. ...
  • HONEY.

What illness can change your hair texture? ›

Sudden hair changes in texture could signal a more serious condition. Anemia and insufficient vitamin D levels can bring on thinning hair. A thyroid disease can also result in a sudden change in the texture of your hair.

What vitamin is best for hair? ›

“Vitamins are essential for healthy hair growth and may help in preventing hair shedding and thinning,” says Michele Green, M.D., a cosmetic dermatologist in New York. “The best vitamins for hair growth include B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin E, zinc, biotin and iron.

What vitamin deficiency is bad for hair? ›

Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is a component of two important coenzymes: flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) [22].

What do hairdressers use for frizzy hair? ›

Keratin hair treatment, also known as a Brazilian blowout, is a salon hair treatment designed to smooth frizz and tame unruly hair. It involves applying a keratin-based solution to the hair and then using a flat iron to seal the formula into the hair cuticle.

What oil is good for frizzy hair? ›

Almond Oil is best for unruly, frizzy hair because it contains high levels of vitamin E, magnesium and omega-rich fatty acids, which create hydration and shine which makes styling and smoothing a breeze. Almond Oil would make a great smoothing hair mask.

Should I use conditioner if my hair is frizzy? ›

Conditioner restores hydration to your strands — particularly your ends, which tend to get the most dry — as well as smooth your mane. Whether you have color-treated hair, frizzy hair, or find yourself heat styling your hair often, using conditioner is a key to healthy hair.

How do I make my frizzy hair smooth and shiny? ›

Wash-off mask: Blend 1/2 a ripe banana, 2 tbsp honey and a few drops of almond oil. Apply this mixture on your strands and allow it to set with a shower cap for 20 minutes before rinsing. Bananas help maintain the moisture of your hair, smooth frizz and also soothe itchy scalp.

Does frizzy hair need protein or moisture? ›

However, too much protein can lead to dryness and breakage. It is especially in hair that is already dry or damaged. On the other hand, moisture helps hydrate the hair and prevent frizz. Moreover, making it essential for hair that is dry or lacks shine.

Can frizzy hair be fixed? ›

For happy, frizz-free hair, Ramirez Tran Salon hairstylist Erin McKay says her number one tip is moisture. She suggests leave-in conditioners, oils, and creams to coat the hair's shaft so it's less able to soak up the humidity in the air.

Is frizzy hair caused by stress? ›

Though stress affects everyone differently, one thing seems to be consistent across the masses: stress wreaks havoc on hair. When stress takes over, your body is prone to imbalances in hormones and bacteria, which can cause dry skin or rashes. A dry scalp can result in flakiness and dull-looking hair.

Can frizzy hair be cured? ›

Use a moisturising shampoo and conditioner

Unsurprisingly, your hair might be frizzy if it is dry and damaged—whether that's from using too much heat, bleach or colour. To combat this, experts recommend anti-frizz shampoos that have nourishing ingredients like fermented rice water, amino acids and vitamin E.

Is frizzy hair dry or dehydrated? ›

Frizzy hair is caused when hair is dry or damaged. This dryness allows moisture from the air to enter the open hair shaft and causes it to swell, which leads to frizz. Here are some common reasons for why your hair is so frizzy: Dryness and dehydration causing your hair to absorb excess moisture.

What should I avoid with frizzy hair? ›

What ingredients should you avoid in CG-approved products?
  • Silicones.
  • Sulfates.
  • Drying alcohol.
  • Parabens.
  • Certain waxes and mineral oils.

Does frizzy hair mean too much protein? ›

Hair that has been damaged from dye, bleach, heat styling, and other chemicals is prone to frizz, breakage, and split ends, which can make it hard to spot the difference. The thing to remember is that protein overload in your hair doesn't happen as the result of a high-protein diet or other lifestyle choices.

How do you rejuvenate frizzy hair? ›

How to Fix Frizzy Hair
  1. 1 Use sulfate- and silicone-free products.
  2. 2 Wash your hair with warm, not hot, water.
  3. 3 Use conditioner after you wash your hair.
  4. 4 Try a deep conditioner once a week.
  5. 5 Squeeze moisture out with a towel.
  6. 6 Comb through your hair when it's mostly dry.
  7. 7 Limit your use of heat styling tools.

Which vitamin deficiency causes hair loss? ›

Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss.

Is frizzy hair hormonal? ›

Have you ever woken up one day and realized that your hair is noticeably thinner, drier, frizzier, or a combination? During menopause, estrogen and progesterone levels drop and wreak havoc with our hair. Thick, smooth, shiny locks are suddenly thin, dry, and frizzy. Not to mention going gray and looking a little dull.

What medications change hair texture? ›

Other medicines that can affect hair and hair texture are beta-blockers, antidepressants, blood pressure medication, acne treatments, and painkillers. On the plus side, when you stop those kinds of medications hair usually reverts to its prior state.

Which oil is best for frizzy hair? ›

We are here with a list of some of the best hair oils for dry and frizzy hair that will give you smooth and manageable hair!
  1. Coconut Oil. ...
  2. Macadamia Oil. ...
  3. Grapeseed Oil. ...
  4. Avacado Oil. ...
  5. Olive Oil.

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4. If you have dry hair.. follow tips posted in the comments 🫶🏻 #haircare #hairgrowth #dryhairremedy
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5. JVN Answers More Hair Questions: Hair Growth, Frizz, Oily Scalp, Shampoo & Conditioner Tips
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6. Moisturizing Your Hair is a Mistake, And Here’s Why
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