How To Smooth Frizzy Hair

Identify The Cause

“Frizz can happen at any time of the year, but it tends to worsen in the summer,” explains Adam Reed, founder of Arkive Headcare. “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, ghd ambassador 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 Easy Styling Hacks 

“Try styling your hair when it is wet or damp,” suggests Adam. “This doesn’t mean doing a full, intensive 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 include trying 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 at 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.”

Use 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 that you can use on wet or dry hair. Not only does it protect against heat and humidity, but it also 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 Arkive Cushioning Moisture 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 you down, so look to lightweight formulas – you can try leave-in milks and mists for something less heavy. Another benefit of masks is that they 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 – 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.” 

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, then use a tangle-free brush to direct it back into a low ponytail or bun. Secure and plait the ponytail, twist it 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.”

Give Shampoo A Break

“Another thing is to avoid over-shampooing, ” 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 in that hydration and a mask once or twice a week to avoid your hair becoming too dry. Never skip the conditioner, either. That is key to sealing in moisture and, in turn, preventing flyaways and frizz.”

Avoid Touching Your Hair

“One big mistake people prone to frizz make is touching their hair too much,” says A-list stylist Larry King. “If you’re styling it, try to do so on low-heat settings to avoid the hair swelling too much. Frizz can also be a sign of damage, so limiting how often you heat-style is worth considering. Easier said than done, but don’t touch it too much throughout the day either, as your hands, which naturally carry sweat, body heat and oils, will only transfer these elements to your hair, messing up the moisture balance and causing more static.”

Try A T-Shirt

“Avoid using towels to dry your hair,” adds Larry. “This might sound odd, but the materials they are made from cause so much friction and, in turn, frizz. They are also quite abrasive and your hair is more fragile when wet, so it pays to be careful. You’re better off using an old t-shirt or something that is made from soft cotton instead. Trust me, it makes a world of difference.”