How to Deal With Frizzy Hair

Humidity, coarseness, curls that are brushed out rather than defined or hair that is overprocessed from heat or styling products are just some of the culprits of frizzy hair. In most cases, the cuticle on the hair shaft is opened, causing a rougher feel as well as hair that is dull instead of shiny. Those with frizzy hair are not stuck with it indefinitely, though, as there are many methods and products designed to help make frizzy hair look sleek.

Things You'll Need

• Moisturizing shampoo and conditioner
• Leave-in conditioner
• Mousse or curl defining wax
• Hair dryer
• Diffuser attachment
• Large barrel roll brush
• Smoothing serum
• Light mist, flexible hold hairspray
• Flat iron

Instructions

1. Decide after each washing whether you want to style your hair curly or straight. Many people with frizzy hair can go either direction, but cannot necessarily wash, brush and go. Invest in the correct products and tools to allow you the choice each day.

2. Wash your hair with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Blot excess water from your hair instead of rubbing it with a towel. Spray a light leave-in conditioner and work it through your hair using your fingers.

3. If you want your frizzy hair to tend more toward curls, apply mousse or a curl defining cream (found in most drug stores) and work it through your hair to the ends. "Scrunch" your hair by grabbing small handfuls at a time and pushing it up toward the root. This will cause waves in the hair shaft. Do this throughout your hair.

4. Attach a diffuser to your hair dryer and blow-dry on a medium cool setting, lightly separating curls with your fingers when needed. Once your hair is completely dry, spray it lightly with a flexible hold, light mist hairspray to help set the curls. Do not comb through your hair at any point, as this will cause it to frizz.

5. If you would like your frizzy hair to be more straight and sleek, wash and blot your hair as instructed in Step 1. Warm a small amount of smoothing cream or serum and, with your fingers, work it through your hair, paying particular attention to the drier ends. Use a large barrel roll brush to blow-dry 2- to 3-inch sections of your hair (do not use the diffuser for this) until it is completely dry.

6. Set your flat iron on medium high. Twist the top half of your hair out of the way to expose the bottom half. Separate a 2-inch section of hair and clamp the flat iron down at the root as close to the head as is comfortable. Quickly but firmly slide the iron down the section of hair to the ends. Some hair may take two or three slides to get each section as straight as you want it. Once you have finished the bottom section of your hair, do the same to the top until it is all straight. Spray a light mist of flexible hold hairspray to help set your hair, and then style as usual.

7. If you happen to have frizzy hair because of overprocessing and not because of a brushed out curl, one of your only options to eliminate the frizz is to get your hair healthy again. Deep condition once a week and avoid harsh dyes or products. Heat will make your problem worse in this case, so stay away from flat irons, curling irons and the heat setting on your blow-dryer whenever possible. If you must use a heat source, use some form of heat protectant (available at most drug stores). Always use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner and work a leave-in conditioner in your damp hair. Regular trims will help eliminate dry ends and keep your hair looking smoother.