How to Prevent Frizzy Hair After Washing

Hair consists of an inner cortex and an outer protective layer known as the cuticle. The cuticle is formed by a series of 'scales' that overlap like roof tiles. Hair remains smooth when these tiny scales lie flat against the inner layer. A damp or dry environment, friction, and damage from chemicals or styling methods can disrupt the cuticle, causing hair to become curly and frizzy. Proper hair care before, during, and after washing can help reduce frizz, even in highly humid and harsh climates.

Detangle with your hands. Combs and hairbrushes can create friction that may damage hair or disturb the strands, leading to more frizz. Hair is more likely to break and curl when you brush it dry. To reduce frizz from brushing, it's better to detangle hair by hand while it’s still damp.

• If necessary, you can use a wide-tooth comb in the shower while washing to distribute conditioner and detangle hair. Avoid using a comb when hair is dry. A boar bristle brush is a good choice for dry hair.

Let your hair air-dry instead of blow-drying. Your hair will be less frizzy when you allow it to dry naturally. Friction and heat are major causes of frizz, so avoiding blow-drying or rubbing your hair with a towel can help prevent this.

• To help the cuticle close as your hair dries, try loosely twisting or braiding your hair while it dries. This way, the strands will stay close together, preventing them from sticking out and becoming frizzy as they dry.

Don't rub your hair with a towel. When drying your hair, try using a cotton T-shirt or a microfiber towel instead of a regular towel. Towels often create friction that leads to frizz. T-shirts and microfiber towels are softer and help your hair stay smooth as it dries.

Reduce the frequency of hair washing. Your hair may become less frizzy if you wash it less often. Washing your hair frequently can strip it of its natural oils, causing it to become frizzy. Fine hair only needs to be washed every other day, while thicker hair can be washed every three days.

• People with oily hair or those who sweat heavily from physical activities may need to wash more often. You can use conditioner or rinse with just water to remove sweat and dirt, making it easier to style.

Avoid touching your hair. The more you touch your hair, the more friction you create. This can disturb the cuticle layer and cause frizz. Try to resist the urge to touch or flip your hair throughout the day.

Limit chemical treatments on your hair. Hair treatments such as coloring, perming, and straightening can significantly alter the texture of your hair, leading to frizz and a lack of smoothness. Try to reduce the frequency of chemical treatments to combat frizz.

• Consider using root touch-up powders between dyeing sessions, and look for hairstyles that allow you to maintain your natural texture rather than altering it with chemicals.

Prepare a frizz-control solution. If your hair tends to frizz, try mixing a solution of conditioner and water to apply to the ends of your hair. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of conditioner into 1 cup (240 ml) of water. Use your hands to apply a small amount of the solution to the ends of your hair. Keep this solution handy for quick fixes when your hair starts to frizz, or incorporate it into your regular hair care routine.

• Remember to apply the solution only to the ends, not the roots.
• You can also store the solution in a small spray bottle and carry it in your bag for easy access when needed.

Make an avocado hair mask. Mash one avocado and apply it to damp, clean hair, leaving a few inches from the roots. Leave it on for about 15 minutes, then rinse with water.

• Those with fine hair should apply the mask only to the ends.
• The oils in the avocado naturally coat the hair strands, protecting them in humid environments. It also helps lock in moisture, preventing hair from becoming dry.
• You can also use olive oil to make a hair mask. Heat the olive oil on the stove until it’s warm but not too hot. Apply the oil to damp hair and leave it for 30 minutes, then wash with shampoo and conditioner as usual.

Try using jojoba oil. Jojoba oil is a natural plant-based oil available as a hair moisturizer. It’s especially helpful for hair prone to frizz. Once a week, apply jojoba oil to your hair, starting from below the ears, focusing on the ends where hair tends to be the most damaged. Avoid applying it to the roots to prevent the hair from becoming flat.

Smooth hair with coconut oil. Coconut oil has many benefits, including moisturizing and preventing frizz for thick hair. Apply coconut oil to your hair, starting from the ends and working your way up. Stop when you reach the middle of the hair length, as applying it too close to the scalp can make your hair greasy.

Cool your hair with a gentle breeze in just a few minutes. Hair tends to frizz when styled with heat or in hot weather. To maintain the shape of your hair after styling, you can stand in front of a cool breeze for about a minute. This helps the hair's cuticle cool down and smooth out before you go outside where your hair will be exposed to sunlight and humidity.

• You can also turn on the cool air setting on your hairdryer after styling for a similar effect.

Choose high-quality shampoo and conditioner. The sulfates in shampoos are effective at removing dirt and oil from the hair, but they can also make hair dry and frizzy. It's best to opt for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners to reduce dryness and frizz.

Avoid hair products containing alcohol. Hair care products such as hairspray can dry out your hair. Before purchasing hair products, check the ingredients to see if alcohol is included. If it is, it's best to avoid that product.

• Not all types of alcohol dry out hair. Fatty alcohols like lauryl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, and behenyl alcohol do not dry out hair.

Minimize the use of heat styling tools. Heat styling tools like blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can damage hair and contribute to frizz. Hair can be permanently damaged if these tools are used frequently, so it's best to reserve them for special occasions.

• If you need to blow-dry your hair, consider purchasing a blow dryer with a diffuser to reduce the amount of direct heat on your hair.
• When using a regular blow dryer, let your hair air-dry about 90% before finishing off the last 10% with the dryer. This minimizes heat damage.
• When using heat styling tools, always apply a heat-protectant product to shield the hair's cuticle and lock in moisture. Many products provide an extra protective layer to prevent damage from direct heat exposure.

Use dry shampoo between washes. Regular shampoo can dry out your hair, and the friction during washing can contribute to frizz. Try using dry shampoo between washes to remove excess oil near the scalp. This will help you control frizz without the need for frequent washing.

• Be sure to check the ingredients on the dry shampoo bottle for any non-fat alcohols. Short-chain alcohols can worsen the situation if used repeatedly.
• If you shampoo too often, the product can build up on your hair, causing more dryness and frizz. To counter this, use a deep cleansing shampoo once a month.

Apply styling products right after washing. Moisture can be retained in your hair if you apply styling products immediately after washing. However, you need to blot the excess water from your hair first, or it won't absorb the product properly. Look for products that contain polymers and silicones to help fight humidity.

• If you have soft or wavy hair, try using mousse. It won’t weigh your hair down. For thicker hair, you might want to try gel or styling cream to hold thick curls in place.
• When applying product to frizzy hair, focus on the ends. Start from the tips and work your way to about the middle of your hair length. The ends often dry faster, and applying product to the scalp can leave your hair greasy.

Finish up.

• Consider going for a shorter haircut. Long hair is more prone to frizz than shorter styles. Talk to your hairstylist about short haircuts that could help reduce frizz. Even a simple trim can make a difference.