An Expert Guide To Tackling Frizz In The Heat

Understand Why It Happens

“Frizz can happen at any time of the year, but it tends to worse in the summer,” explains Adam Reed, UK Editorial Ambassador for L’Oréal Professionnel. “This is because the humidity levels in the air are higher, and our hair is extremely sensitive to humidity. In the simplest terms, frizz happens when your hair becomes dry, or when it’s lacking in moisture.” Patrick Wilson, Kérastase Expert and Celebrity Hairstylist, agrees: “When your hair is dry, the cuticle is rough, which is why hot, humid weather becomes the perfect cocktail for frizz. The outer layer takes in moisture from the air, causing strands to swell and become ‘poofy’, for want of a better word.”

Master Some Easy Styling Hacks 

“Try styling your hair when it is wet or damp,” suggests Adam. “This doesn’t mean doing a full, sleek blow-dry, but leaving your hair to air dry naturally with zero product will likely contribute to the amount of frizz you have – when your hair is completely dry, it will struggle to absorb product as much. Other tips would be to try a silk pillowcase or a silk scrunchie. Both will help you to avoid any friction, and in turn, reduce the levels of frizz – especially if you tend to move a lot in the night.” Patrick adds: “Think about starting from the inside, too. Your food choices are just as key – oily finish, nuts, avocado and plenty of water will help to create strong, healthy hair that’s less prone to breakage and friction.”

Stock Up On The Right Products

“A good hair oil can help to lock in moisture,” advises Patrick. “My favourite is the Discipline Huile Oleo-Relax, by Kerastase. It’s an anti-frizz product, and you can use it on wet or dry hair. Not only does it protect against heat and humidity, it provides great shine, too. Use one to two pumps then run it through your hair evenly.” Adam adds: “A simple smoothing cream will work wonders, too, and I always keep the L’Oréal Professionnel TECNI.ART Liss Control Cream nearby. It has 24-hour humidity control and is great for smoothing frizz and flyaways. Pop a few drops onto towel dried hair, spread it throughout your lengths with a comb, then let it dry naturally, or blow-dry. Also, invest in a multi-purpose spray or cream – there are so many on the market that work as a leave-in conditioner and heat protector, too, so you’re tackling frizz, while conditioning simultaneously – try Briogeo Farewell Frizz Milk Leave-In Conditioner if you’re not sure where to start.”

Practise The Toothbrush Trick

“If you’re short on time, the easiest way to tame flyaways and frizz is with a toothbrush,” says Patrick. “Use any old one you have lying around, or invest in a simple, bamboo brush – these have soft, but firm bristles – and brush the hairs into place. When you’re done, use a touch of hairspray on the tips of the brush and continue to lay everything down into place. It’s the oldest trick in the book, but it works.” 

Make Time For Masks 

“Hydrating masks are a must for those with frizzy or unruly hair,” continues Patrick. “Your hair needs a product that will add moisture and then seal it in after, which is why masks are great for those who suffer with frizz. You want one that won’t weigh your down, so look to lightweight formulas – you can try leave-in milks and mists for something less heavy. Another benefit is masks help to shield the hair surface from drying out, so you’re less likely to get flyaways or baby hairs resurfacing throughout the day.” Adam agrees: “There are heaps of hydrating masks on the market, but try to look for ones that contain ingredients like gold quinoa and protein, like L’Oréal's Professionnel Absolute Repair Mask – these formulas work to replenish, hydrate and strengthen the hair, while leaving behind a protective veil of moisture that holds up in warmer, humid climates.” 

Give Shampoo A Break

“Another thing is to not over shampoo,” explains Adam. “If you continue to wash your hair too often and you’re not using a good, hydrating shampoo, it can easily dry it out and strip it of moisture. The result? You’ll cause more frizz. Make sure you’re using a nourishing shampoo to lock that hydration in, and a mask once or twice a week to avoid your hair becoming too dry.”  

Use Conditioner Wisely 

“The wet look is one of the best ways to get rid of frizz and flyaways,” says Patrick. “Try doing this style with your conditioner. There is nothing chicer than a low bun, with a slicked back parting. Generously apply a mask or treatment to your hair using a tangle-free brush, and direct your hair back into a low pony or bun. Secure and plait the ponytail, twist into a loose chignon, then pin everything into place. By slicking back the hair with conditioner at the start, you’re allowing your hair to be nourished, but it also looks cool, and no one will know you’re battling flyaways at the same time.”

Speak To An Expert

“My final tip if frizz is bothering you, is to speak to your stylist during your next salon visit,” finishes Adam. “Different hair types need to be treated differently and often, it has to be a treatment plan that’s bespoke to you. Experts will be able to help you with a routine, product suggestions for your individual hair type and advice on how you can best manage your frizz, so don’t be afraid to ask for some extra advice.”

Finally, Some Key Dos & Don’ts When Taming Frizz…

Patrick says:

• DO use a deep conditioning treatment once a week. 

• DON’T skip the conditioner.

• DO brush your hair from the ends when detangling your hair.

• DON’T use a towel to dry your hair – try a t-shirt or soft cotton instead.

• DO use a heat protector.

• DON’T touch your hair throughout the day. 

• DO invest in a good hairdryer.