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What causes frizzy hair?

What causes frizzy hair?
Holly James
Beauty Writer3 years ago
View Holly James's profile

Though your mum may claim that your hair looks better when left in its natural, 'I woke up like this' state, and don't get us wrong we're all about embracing the volume and softness of a frizzy curl, sometimes you may prefer the option of a more defined look. However, taming your mane may be more difficult in the humid summer months, leading to a little extra effort to achieve a sleeker, smoother finish. Don't be fooled though, heat isn't the only culprit compromising your curls; we have summed up the five main reasons why you may be struggling to fight the frizz and how to fix it.

1.  Over-Cleansing

Just like skin, hair has a natural protective barrier that helps keep essential moisture inside and acts as a shields against the elements. Aggressive cleansers strip hair of this barrier, leading to dryness and breakage, which in turn causes frizz. To keep your hair healthy and frizz-free, choose a sulfate-free shampoo that won't strip it of oils such as the Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo, and avoid washing your hair every day. Instead, try rinsing your hair between washes, and only cleanse when your scalp is actually dirty. Or use a dry shampoo to go longer between washes.

Shop all Sulfate-free haircare on LOOKFANTASTIC here.

2. Dryness

Like a sponge, hair that’s thirsty will try to soak up moisture wherever it can find it, so the drier your hair, the more susceptible it is to absorbing frizz-causing humidity from the atmosphere. Keep your hair well hydrated by using a conditioner made for your hair type after every wash. Try using a hair mask once a week to replenish moisture levels and give your locks a bit of well needed TLC.

3. An Open Cuticle

Gaps between the overlapping cells in your cuticle, or split ends as we all know and not so much love, allow moisture and humidity to escape. In curly hair this cuticle is naturally raised due to the shape of the curl, meaning those with this hair type are more prone to frizz. Fight off frizz by keeping your cuticles sealed using a conditioner and moisturising styler to prevent from environmental and heat damage that can cause split ends. The Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Featherlight Styling Cream is formulated with nano-sized silk protein technology that helps to fill in gaps in the cuticle and protect against extreme temperatures to defend against frizz.

4. Damage

Damage from the environment including heat, pollution, UV rays and even friction from brushing can also damage the cuticle by making the strands weaker over time and therefore more prone to becoming frizzy. To prevent external damage, just like you would use SPF and moisturiser on your skin, use a priming spray to shield your hair from the sun, styling and tangles.

5. Humidity

Last but certainly not least, the main culprit this time of year: Humidity! Nothing makes your hair double in size like hot and humid weather, but why? Humidity disrupts the hair’s internal hydrogen bonds, causing strands to shrink, frizz, and lose their definition. Luckily, the right anti-frizz styler can help, along with a styling gel such as the Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat and Humidity Gel. The powerful gel uses the brands Anti-Frizz Nano Technology to provide a veil of protection around your locks to lock in moisture and turn away frizz-causing humidity. Expect smoother, more defined curls with a polished finish.

Shop all anti-frizz haircare on LOOKFANTASTIC here.

Enjoy this? Try our best shampoo for frizzy hair guide.

Holly James
Beauty Writer
View Holly James's profile
Working with brands at LOOKFANTASTIC for over two years I have developed my knowledge of all things beauty from key skincare concerns to niche makeup tricks and haircare hacks. I have a major passion for finding effective solutions that are easily accessible to everyone so that we can all achieve our best, glowing complexion.
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