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Frizz is usually caused by the cuticle in your hair not laying flat. If the cuticles are damaged, hair struggles to lock in the moisture needed for strength and elasticity. The right fix depends on your hair type and environment, but below Laura Elliott, Head of Education at Neäl & Wølf explores some of the ways you can get rid of frizzy hair.
1. Consider straightening
Sebum is a waxy, oily substance naturally produced by the scalp glands that protects and hydrates the hair and can also provide a barrier against moisture from the environment. However, when sebum is slowed from travelling down the hair shaft, it can leave the strands vulnerable to damage. That’s why those with curly hair may experience more frizz, as the curls can block the ends of the hair from their sebum intake. An easy fix could be to wear your hair straight from time to time, allowing the sebum to drift down.
2. Use sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner
Tackling hair whilst it’s wet is one of the best tips for reducing frizz. When hair washing, we’d recommend avoiding haircare products that use sulphates - these can strip away the hair’s natural oils by creating a negative electrical charge, which can result in dry or damaged locks. Use a nourishing solution like our HYDRATE Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner, which use shea butter extract to moisturise dry strands, as well as a blend of oils to smooth strands.
3. Rinse your hair with cold water
When each hair cuticle lays flat, light reflects off the hair’s surface to create a gloss-like finish on the strands. However, when the temperature rises, the cells that form the cuticles can separate and leave them open to swelling, which can often occur whilst in contact with water. For instance, when the hair is rinsed with hot water, the cuticle layer struggles to completely seal, ultimately increasing the chance of frizz. Warm water should only be used during the shampooing phase, as it separates the cuticles and enables the product to deeply cleanse the hair. Once the cleansing phase is complete, we’d then recommend finishing off the conditioning phase with a cold rinse to lock in moisture.
4. Avoid excessive brushing
It’s time to put the brush down! Hair is a complex matter when you consider the multiple layers and thousands of cells. But the reason for the frizz is simple - when you run a brush through the hair, the overlapping layers that lie flat making it appear smoother are lifted, which ultimately leads to frizz. Use a wide tooth comb when you brush your hair, and avoid brushing it when it is wet - this is when hair is at its most vulnerable and fragile.
5. Invest in a nourishing hair oil
A simple way to restore sebum is by using an oil to increase the strength and hydration of the hair, specifically on dry ends where sebum struggles to reach. When using a hair oil, the fatty acids in the formula add a protective layer to the hair’s shaft. Our VELVET Nourishing Hair Oil is a multi-tasking product formulated with three natural oils; Argan, Avocado and Jojoba. VELVET is the perfect addition to any de-frizzing hair routine and is designed to transform rough and unruly locks into a smoother and more nourished finish
6. Use a hair mask regularly
Weekly deep conditioning treatments can be the difference between dry locks and nourished strands. These penetrate deeper than the shampoo and conditioner that you will use on wash-day, keeping frizz well and truly controlled. Try incorporating a weekly solution like our HYDRATE Moisture Mask, which uses ingredients such as hydrolyzed wheat protein and betaine to strengthen and hydrate locks. A blend of argan, avocado, and jojoba oil can also add a smooth shine to locks.
7. Protect hair from heat
If you are using a hair dryer to dry your hair after washing, ensure you use a blow-dry spray with anti-frizz properties. Our MIRACLE Rapid Blow-Dry Mist not only offers heat protection while drying, it works by repelling water from the hairs surface, significantly reducing drying times. The hair dryer that you choose is also important, as the quicker you dry your locks, the less time that your hair is exposed to heat. Our HERØ Ionic Technology Hair Dryer has fast and powerful drying, so that you can spend less time styling.
8. Get regular trims
Split ends can lead to hair becoming frizzy, due to dry and brittle strands. Visit your local salon for a regular trim every 6-8 weeks to stay on top of split ends, keeping your hair as healthy as possible. This prevents damage from travelling further up the hair shaft, which can make hair even frizzier. Use our Neäl & Wølf Salon Finder to book in at your local salon today, and read our blog for further advice: How to Get Rid of Split Ends
9. Dry hair with a micro-fibre towel
When it comes to drying your hair, switch your cotton towel out for a microfibre one. These absorb water much quicker, without you having to rough up your locks when drying. This gentler drying tactic avoids harming the hair’s cuticle layer, which prevents frizz and causes less breakage. After towel drying, we’d recommend applying a product like our SILK Smoothing Blow-Dry Balm to further tame flyaways. This contains hydrolyzed wheat protein and panthenol, which help strands to absorb and store moisture - creating a smooth finish.
10. Use leave-in conditioner
Leave in conditioners are an absolute must for frizz control. These provide hydration throughout the day, protecting hair from environmental aggressors like humidity, which can cause frizz. Opt for a lightweight formula like our HYDRATE Leave-In Conditioning Spray that detangles, hydrates, and adds shine without weighing hair down. This contains ingredients like avocado oil and hydrolysed vegetable protein to nourish, soften and strengthen locks. Shake well before each application, and evenly spritz throughout damp hair.
11. Sleep on silk
Cotton pillowcases are popular, but you should be sleeping on silk. The rougher texture of the cotton can rough up your hair as you sleep, causing damage and frizz. It also pulls moisture from your hair, working to undo all of the hard work you’ve put into your hair care routine. In contrast, silk pillowcases are naturally smooth, so your hair can glide across rather than snagging and getting damaged. Silk is also less absorbent than cotton, so it won’t take away your hair’s natural essential oils.
12. Avoid touching your hair
Touching your hair can be a habit that you do subconsciously throughout the day - but we’re here to make you aware! When you touch your hair, you disturb the cuticle and open it up - leaving it vulnerable to damage, which then causes frizz. You can also remove the natural oils from your hair, which keeps the cuticle smooth and hydrated. To prevent the temptation of touching your hair, it can be a good idea to tie hair up. Wearing up-dos can also protect your hair from humidity and sweat, which can cause the hair shaft to swell and become frizzy.
13. Use a diffuser
Diffusers are a game changer, especially if you have curly or wavy hair. Diffusers work by evenly distributing airflow through your locks, helping curls to form without the frizz. The tool also reduces heat intensity, which prevents hair from becoming damaged and dried out. As well as a concentrator nozzle, our HERØ Ionic Technology Hair Dryer comes with a handy diffuser attachment which can be added to the end of the hair dryer to dry hair evenly.
14. Shield against humidity
Humidity is one of the leading causes of frizz. It causes hair cuticles to swell and lift, which can cause hair to become unruly and frizzy. As this is an environmental factor, it can be difficult to avoid humidity completely. This said, dry, damaged, curly and wavy hair is most likely to be harmed by humidity. As well as being used before blow drying, our MIRACLE Rapid Blow-Dry Mist can be sprayed over styled hair as a finishing mist to minimise frizz and static - ideal for protecting against the elements.
15. Avoid overwashing
When it comes to hair washing, it’s important to reduce shampooing to only when necessary, as the longer the intervals, the more time your sebum has to travel down the shaft. Washing your hair too often can also strip hair of its natural oils, which can make it more vulnerable to dryness and frizz. If you need to extend the life of your hair between washes, choose a solution like our DAILY Dry Shampoo which gently moisturises your hair and scalp, and leaves your hair feeling fresh.
With the right care, frizz can be completely manageable. By using high-quality, nourishing products and making small changes to your daily routine, you can keep your hair looking effortlessly smooth and radiant. Whether you’re battling humid weather or dry ends, our luxury product range is here to help you achieve salon-worthy hair everyday. Find out more: Frizzy Hair Products
