How to Fix Frizzy Hair: WhatActually Helps

Frizz usually comes from a combination of dryness, friction, and humidity. Hair that is dry or damaged has a raised outer layer, so it takes in moisture from the air, and strands swell and go their own way. The most effective fixes are simple: condition well, stop rubbing your hair, apply product while it’s wet, and leave it alone while it dries.

Why hair frizzes

• Dryness. Hair looking for moisture absorbs it from the air.
• Damage. Bleach, heat, and sun raise the cuticle. See the hair porosity guide.
• Friction. Towels, rough brushing, and cotton pillowcases all rough up the hair.
• Humidity. Moisture in the air swells strands, particularly on porous hair.
• Texture. Waves and curls are naturally more prone to frizz. It’s often unformed curl rather than a problem.

Change your wash routine

1. Wash less often if you can. Our guide on how often to wash hair gives you a starting point.
2. Choose a gentle shampoo, and focus it on your scalp.
3. Condition every time, from the mid-lengths to the ends.
4. Detangle only with conditioner in, using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers.
5. Use a mask occasionally, if your hair is very dry.

Change how you dry

• Blot with a microfiber towel or T-shirt rather than rubbing.
• Apply product to very wet hair.
• Don’t touch your hair while it dries.
• Use a diffuser on low speed for waves and curls.
• When blow-drying straight, keep the nozzle pointing downward. See how to blow-dry.

Products that help

Fine hair: a light mousse or serum. Use only a little, since heavy creams can flatten it.

Medium hair: a leave-in conditioner plus a smoothing cream.

Thick or coarse hair: richer creams and a small amount of oil can make a big difference.

Waves and curls: a leave-in plus gel. The hold from gel keeps curls together, so that they frizz less.

For humid days

• Apply an anti-humidity product before you go out.
• Choose styles such as buns or braids that keep hair contained.
• Don’t brush dry curls, since that breaks them apart.
• Keep a little serum with you for touch-ups.

Daily habits

• Sleep on satin or silk, or wear a bonnet.
• Use heat protectant, and lower your heat setting. See our heat protectant guide.
• Trim damaged ends. Our guide on how to fix split ends explains why.
• Protect your hair from sun and chlorine when you can.

When your cut is the issue

Hair that fights its shape often frizzes. Heavy length pulls waves straight, leaving a frizzy halo near the roots. A few layers can let the wave come back, and frizz often drops as a result. Our hair type chart can help you identify your pattern. A chemical treatment is another option, but read keratin vs. relaxer first.

See a cut that works with your texture

Sometimes the fix for frizz is a shape that suits your hair. Upload a clear photo to Hairover, get a hair analysis, and try hairstyles on your own face in Style Studio.

Preview new cuts on your own photo with Hairover.