What Causes Hair to Frizz?

In a word: dryness.

There are lots of different factors that can dry your hair out and exacerbate frizz:

• Humidity

This is why your hair gets frizzy during a hot, humid summer day (or when you’re on vacation somewhere warm). “The dry cuticle becomes rough and open for humidity. A humid environment makes overdried hair frizzy because the outer layer starts soaking the moisture from the air and swells.”

• Washing your hair in very hot water

Washing your hair in really hot water can cause the same effect as humidity. It also stresses your hair and your scalp, which produces beneficial oils. That’s why it’s best to wash your hair in lukewarm water.

• Harsh hair products

“Chemicals or harsh products over-strip the hair of its natural oils. Your natural oils smooth the hair, so getting rid of those completely can cause your hair to frizz up.”
Harsh hair products can include:

• Hair color
• Perms
• Products containing sulfates
• Products containing alcohols

“Excessive lightening — or bleaching — and coloring hair with formulas that are too strong with high ammonia contents can damage the surface of the hair, making it feel rough to the touch, stealing its shine, and creating frizz.”

• Heat styling

“Hot styling tools always damage your hair,” explains Davis. That’s why it’s best if you don’t use them every day. If you do, use conditioners, oils, or sprays that help minimize heat damage before and after styling.

• Over washing your hair

When you wash your hair every day, you strip it of the natural oils it needs to stay healthy and moisturized.

• Towel-drying your hair

Friction created from brushes with nylon bristles and roughly towel-drying your hair can also ruffle the cuticle, causing annoying frizz. Instead, blot your hair when drying with a towel and use gentler brushes.

How to Handle Frizzy Hair

You can combat frizziness by using hydrating products, conditioning masks, or serums that protect and smooth your hair. Use mild shampoos or detergents. In addition:

• Reduce heat styling.
• Use lukewarm water for washing your hair.
• Don’t wash your hair too often.
• Use conditioner or masks.
• Avoid harsh products.
• Use a microfiber towel to dry your hair.
• Switch to a boar-bristle brush.
• Use a frizz protectant if you live in a humid climate.