It’s no secret that frizz is an issue just about anyone with hair can relate to. Even though there seems to be an endless availability of frizz-combating products on the market, frizz-relief is still one of the most sought after remedies within our community.
So what exactly is frizz, and what causes it? Frizzy hair lacks moisture, leaving your hair cuticle rough and dry. Combine that with a little humidity and voila, uncontrollable frizz. There are a number of factors that can contribute to unwanted, frizzy hair, many of which are actually avoidable if you can determine the root of the cause (or causes).
To help, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 factors that bring about frizzy hair, along with some helpful tips and tricks you can try now!
1. Sulfates
What even are sulfates you ask?! Allow us to introduce you—sulfates are chemical agents that cleanse. And by cleanse, we aren’t just referring to hair but also surfaces... as in your kitchen counters and your clothes. That’s right, you’ll likely find sulfates in your household cleaner, laundry detergent, and yep, your shampoo and conditioner.
Sulfates found in your shampoo and conditioner are typically used to create that lathering effect, removing oil and dirt from your hair. However, what you may not know is that sulfates tend to strip your hair of its natural oils, which are essential in keeping your hair hydrated and frizz-free.
This is precisely why we are committed to 100% sulfate-free formulas and what essentially inspired our hero product, Aceite de Moska. Aceite de Moska does the work of restoring your hair with its natural oils, while also lifting and removing dirt and unwanted oil.
You can read more about the list of ingredients we suggest avoiding to keep your hair extra happy and healthy!
2. Towel-Drying Hair
Odds are you’ve spent most of your life using the towel wrap method post-shower, in which you wring your wet hair out with a regular towel and leave it wrapped up atop your head. What you probably didn’t know is that this is likely a contributing factor to your unwanted frizz, as a coarser towel often dries out and raises the hair cuticle.
If there’s anything we’ve learned from TikTok this year, it’s the plop method, replacing your towel with a t-shirt instead while enhancing your curls sans-frizz in the process. You can also try a more mainstream approach with the use of a microfiber towel and a pat dry method.
The trick is to find what works best for you and your hair type… but whatever you do, it’s time to toss in the towel.
3. Hair Dryness
Usually, in an attempt to curb greasy, oily hair, we do things like avoid hair oils or serums and, perhaps, even tend to over wash it. Unfortunately, this may be having an opposite effect than what you think. While there is no need to stock up on dozens of hair products, finding one you can apply post-wash will keep your hair hydrated and sealed to protect from the many environmental factors that can cause dryness. But, in all honesty, it's not realistic to expect to have a frizz free hair after using one product, especially if you aren't treating the root of the cause, which is why switching to an overall clean hair care routine should be step one. This will allow your hair a reboot and ensure your products are, indeed, providing nutrition to your hair and not just masking it (like silicones).
As for over-washing, it’s recommended to wash your hair with shampoo only twice a week or, at the most, every other day and be sure to skip the sulfates in your shampoo of choice. It might take your hair some time getting used to it, but it’s better for your overall hair wellness and will help to keep those natural oil-stripping agents in check.
Another common cause of hair dryness is over exposure to sun and wind. Using a leave-in conditioner before and after intense sun exposure can help make up for the moisture that is sucked out of your hair in these harsher climates.
4. Heat Styling/Color-Damaged Hair
We all know that heat-styling and coloring is not the best for our hair, but don’t worry, you don’t have to skip it altogether. Let’s talk about why it causes frizz, though...
It all comes down to your hair cuticles. The intense heat from blow-dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can cause damage to the hair cuticle, which, in turn, causes the frizz. The chemicals in hair dye, bleach, and any other medical treatments can also cause damage to the hair cuticle, causing breakage and brittleness, which you guessed it, also leads to more frizz.
If you regularly color or use heat tools, it’s important to make sure you are properly hydrating and nourishing your hair to avoid frizz and further damage. You should always have a good heat-protectant spray on hand that you apply before any heat, and allow your hair to air dry at least 80% through before blow-drying. Be mindful with your styling habits; use heat-styling tools as minimally as possible, and try to prolong your heat-styled hair for a few days between washes if you can. If you color regularly, be sure to keep it extra-hydrated by moisturizing often with hair masks, oil and a good conditioner.
We recommend our miracle oil, Aceite de Moska, 1-2 times a week, especially if your hair is damaged or on the mend. This will work to nourish heat-damaged cuticles from root to tip, enhancing your natural oils while stripping away dirt, grime and sebum too, allowing you to unlock your best hair days.
5. Brushing your Hair
This seemingly harmless, and also quite necessary practice can cause intense breakage and strand-stretching that will lead to more frizz if not performed carefully, especially when hair is wet and at its most vulnerable. Try a wide-toothed comb or wet your fingers and run through your hair. Be sure to use a wet brush or natural boar bristles to help minimize frizz.
At the end of the day, when it comes to all things frizz-related, it’s ultimately about the hydration. Here’s our compiled tips to end frizz once and for all:
- Wash your hair with sulfate-free shampoo twice a week at most, treating with Aceite de Moska beforehand for at least one of those washes to hydrate and cleanse. You can even try it as a leave-in oil, on your ends, post-shower to lock in that moisture.
- Remember to plop-dry or air-dry hair using a microfiber towel and be mindful of brushing when wet, opting for a wide-tooth comb or your fingers.
- Ensure your hair care routine is nourishing your hair from within, and not just masking it with chemicals. Switching to a clean hair care ritual is the most efficient first step towards overall hair wellness!
With these game changing tips in mind, you’re steps closer to frizz-free strands!
