The Dos And Don’ts Of Managing Frizzy Hair, Regardless Of Your Hair Type

Hair Types

Sara Boutin July 8, 2015 No Comments 8 views

The Dos And Don’ts Of Managing Frizzy Hair, Regardless Of Your Hair Type

As a result of my naturally curly, textured hair, frizz and I have come to know each other fairly well. In the beginning of my journey to wear my hair curly every day, like a jilted lover, frizz kept showing up uninvited and making a fuss on every possible occasion.

These days I have come to respect frizz now that I understand how to handle it. Instead of shunning it, I accept that it’s a natural characteristic of my hair type that I can rely on when I want some va-va-voom volume without looking like I’ve been attacked by a flock of birds looking for a nest. Most days, my curls repay me by behaving the way that I want them to: with moderate control. Organized chaos, if you will.

So here are a few dos and don’ts that I’ve learned that will help you to stay on the path to frizz-freedom:

DO make sure to deep-condition regularly. I cannot overstate the importance of well-moisturized and nourished hair. I like Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque and Macadamia Deep Repair Masque.

DON’T use hair products that contain humectants in the first five ingredients when the dew point in the atmosphere is high (I’ll get more science-y on this in a bit — sit tight). The most common humectants are glycerin, panthenol/provitamin B5, propylene glycol and honey. If your hair is straight and you want it to stay that way, it’s probably best that you avoid humectants at all costs.

DON’T fluff or pick at your curly hair until it is mostly dry. Unless you plan to twist or braid your hair, leave your curls alone to sit with their thoughts on how to behave for the day.

DO invest in some good hair serums — this is especially important for straight hair. On days when the dew point is high, consider using products that contain silicones such as amodimethicone or PVP/VA copolymer. On both straight and curly textured hair, silicones tend to create a moisture-blocking barrier to keep hair strands from swelling into a perpetual rat’s nest. My favorites are Aveda Brilliant Emollient Finishing Gloss, Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum, and Biosilk Silk Therapy.

DO pack on the protein when conditioning and preparing the hair to block moisture with ‘cones. As I’ve explained before, there are several types of proteins commonly found in hair products. Protein fortifies the hair and can help to temporarily patch up any porous deficiencies strands may have. When used in combination with silicone-laden products, the combination is a solid one-two punch that’ll help to knock out frizz.

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Sara Boutin

Sara with no H. A mass communications major with a focus in journalism & writing minor at Iona College. Too Hispanic to be white, too white to be Hispanic.