Nobody is immune to Frizz. Unfortunately, just like blemishes on the skin, we all get it from time to time and it is completely natural as hair dries out or becomes damaged. Frizz occurs when the cuticle of the hair becomes dry and splits, opening up and allowing moisture from the environment into the strand, which causes it to increase in size and become a little un-manageable; what we know as frizz. Though bouncy and voluminous, curls are also more vulnerable to frizz due to the shape of the strands. The gaps and shape of the curl expose the cuticle to the environment, making it easier for air to enter and cause frizziness. Thankfully, there are ways to prevent this from happening and keep hair looking smooth and curls defined. We've put together our top tips, as well as Celebrity hair stylist, Jason Collier's, expert advice to banish frizz.
Jason Collier celebrity hair stylist to stars including Victoria Beckham & Damian Lewis
Use a Sulfate free shampoo
Sulfate in shampoo is notoriously known for stripping hair of it's natural oils and weakening it, which can leave cuticles more prone to damage and splitting. To keep hair healthy and strong, opt for a sulfate-free shampoo that is gentle and won't damage hair. Try to look out for hydrating ingredients such as glycerin too; glycerin is known for it's hydrating properties in haircare which helps to prevent cuticles from opening and therefore helps stop frizz. If you can, leave hair for longer between washes by using a dry shampoo to preserve moisture.
Condition
To help keep curls under control and hair hydrated, use a conditioner after each wash on the lower parts of the hair, including the tips. Also sulfate-free, the Shea Moisture Raw Shea & Cupuacu Frizz Defense Conditioner is specially formulated for thick curly or wavy hair, intensely moisturising locks using Pistachio Oil and Raw Shea Butter. The Conditioner also helps to de-tangle hair, making it easier to style after washing and defends against humidity for smoother, shinier, frizz-free hair.
Use soft materials
Particular materials can damage and dry out strands causing breakages. Hair is in it's most vulnerable state when wet, so it's important to take even more care when you get out of the shower to protect it from pulling. Instead of a cotton towel, use a micro-fibre towel which wraps gently around your locks and minimises drying time. If you do brush your hair when it's wet, don't pull at knots and do this in the shower after using conditioner when it is more manageable. Similarly, cotton pillowcases can dry hair out over time and pull when you toss and turn at night. To fight-frizz use a satin or silk pillowcase that reduces friction and has been shown to leave both the skin and hair looking and feeling healthier.
Use a curl defining cream
Use a curl cream to re-define curls before drying to leave them looking sleeker and bouncier. Start off by separating the hair into sections. To get the perfect amount of product, use the tip of your finger to get a small "peanut size" of the cream says Jason. Work this into your hands and then into the separated section of hair, working it into the hair, focusing on the root to get the hairline under control. Jason's top tip: "gently twirl the hair around your finger to get complete control over the direction of the curl and you'll find that the curl will bounce back up". Once you have done this on all sections of your hair, gently scrunch up the hair with a little more of the Souffle to give it that added body and life and encourage your natural curls.
Use a heat protector
Dry hair is one of the main causes of frizz and heat damage is one of the main causes of dry hair. To protect from both, use a protective spray that will guard against heat damage from styling tools such as the Bumble and bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer. The multi-benefit primer also protects against UV damage from the sun and nourishes hair, providing a defensive barrier. Jason's top tip for blow drying: " only dry the hair so it's about 70-80% dry. Any more than that and the hair is going to frizz".
Tidy fly-aways
Jason uses the Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Edge Treatment to polish off the edges of the hair, tidying any fly-aways or small areas of frizz. The nourishing formula offers a light hold and protects against humidity to leave hair sleek and perfected. As Jason does, work the product into your roots, focusing on any fly-aways and then comb through into place so that you are left with beautiful, glossy style.
Use a hair mask or sheet
Top up moisture levels and strengthen cuticles by using a hair mask or sheet treatment specifically designed for frizzy hair such as the OUAI Anti Frizz Hair Sheets. The hemp paper sheets are infused with Coconut Oil and work to combat both frizz and static in the hair. Sweep the sheet over your hair from roots to ends to tame your tresses.
Shop all anti-frizz haircare on LOOKFANTASTIC here.
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