How to Care for Frizzy Hair

Co-authored by Yan Kandkhorov and Amber Crain

Last Updated: October 16, 2021

Caring for frizzy hair can be challenging at times, as it is often tangled and unruly. Taming it into a manageable hairstyle can often be a daunting task. Luckily, there are lots of options for managing frizzy hair, starting with tips for shampooing and conditioning, as well as pointers for styling, haircuts, and products.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Shampooing and Conditioning

Before you step into the shower, apply a deep conditioner to your hair. Cover your hair with a shower cap and then step into the shower. Wash your body and do your other shower tasks before you remove the cap to wash your hair. The heat from the shower will help to moisturize and soften your locks.
Right before you wash your hair, mix a quarter-sized amount of sulfate-free shampoo with double the amount of conditioner to allow your hair to be moisturized as it is cleaned.

Massage the mixture into the scalp, starting at the crown of your head. Focus on cleaning only the roots, since this is the oiliest area of your head. This will allow you to clean your hair without stripping it of its natural oils. ^{[1]
X
Research source}
If your hair is particularly parched, skip shampoo altogether. Hair that is lacking in moisture or oil doesn’t necessarily need shampoo. Shampooing dry hair will only dry it out further, leading to brittle, damaged-looking hair. ^{[2]
X
Research source}
When you have finished shampooing, apply conditioner to your hair and allow it to soak into your locks for several minutes. Rinse it out with cool water to seal the cuticle, leaving a small amount of conditioner in your hair, especially on your ends.

This will help keep your hair moisturized and should help tame any fly-aways. This works especially well for super dry hair. ^{[3]
X
Research source}

Alternatively, you can rinse out all the conditioner in the shower, then apply a leave-in conditioner to damp hair when you get out of the shower.
5
Dry your hair with a T-shirt instead of a towel. Once you have stepped out of the shower, wring out excess moisture from your hair with an old T-shirt, rather than using a towel. Towels can be too absorbent, thus depriving frizzy hair of much-needed moisture. Lack of moisture will produce more frizz. ^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Unlike towels, T-shirts are smooth enough to help smooth out frizzy hair and will help prevent curls from matting together.
- You could also use a microfiber towel, which is less absorbent.
Advertisement

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Styling Frizzy Hair

When detangling your mane, always use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers, rather than use a brush. This will minimize breakage and damage and will also preserve the shape of your curls. Brushing your hair will separate the individual strands, making it much frizzier. ^{[5]
X
Research source}
If your hair is frizzy, chances are it is often difficult to brush through. Avoid starting from the roots and start detangling at the ends instead.

Take a wide section of your hair, about 3 inches (7.6 cm) or so, and use a wide-tooth comb to detangle the strands, starting from the ends and working upward. Do this for each section of hair until you have detangled all of it. ^{[6]
X
Research source}

If you get pretty severe tangles, try a spray-on detangling product. Apply it to wet hair and then proceed with your wide-tooth comb.
3
Avoid brushing your hair while it is dry. Brushing your hair while it is dry will only serve to make your hair frizzier by separating each strand of hair, especially if your hair is curly. A great way to avoid brushing dry hair is to comb it before you get out of the shower.

Start by detangling large curls with your fingers, then use a comb to start combing out the tangles, starting from the ends.
- If you get a knot during the day, gently work through it with a wide-tooth comb.
4
Apply styling cream right after you wash your hair. After you have stepped out of the shower, apply styling cream to your hair. This targets frizz before it even has a chance to start by forming a moisturizing protective layer over your locks. ^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Styling cream can be purchased at a beauty supply store. Look for creams or sprays that protect hair against frizz, such as Moroccanoil Frizz Control or DevaCurl Frizz-Free Volumizing Foam.
A diffuser is an attachment for your hair dryer that can be purchased at a low cost at your local beauty supply store. These attachments are designed for curly hair and work well for managing frizz and keeping the curls intact.

Keep the dryer on a low-heat setting, as too much heat on wet hair can create humidity, creating the perfect environment for frizz to flare up.

Consider purchasing a high-wattage ionic blow dryer, as well. These tools can dry your hair quickly and help cut down on frizz. Pick one with 1800 watts or more.
To effectively manage and contain frizz, consider braiding your hair. You can wear a single braid off to the side of your head, down your back, or sport pigtail-style braids for a more youthful look. Apply a smoothing cream or spray to your hair before you braid it to tame flyaways and keep frizz under wraps.
After washing your hair and applying an anti-frizz styling cream, pull your hair up into a ponytail and then wrap it into a bun. A bun will prevent your hair from becoming frizzy and unmanageable, as it will be neatly contained on top of your head.

Advertisement

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Getting a Frizz-Managing Haircut

Conduct an Internet search of salons near you or within a reasonable distance from your location. Jot down the phone numbers of a few salons that look interesting to you and call them to find out if they have any stylists that specialize in curly or dry hair.

Save yourself some heartache from a horrible haircut and do your due diligence before letting someone near your hair with a pair of scissors.

If you believe you have found someone that is able to cut curly hair, ask to schedule a consultation where you can ask how they cut curly hair. The way they talk about curly hair should reveal their level of knowledge about it. Ask to see samples of their work on other curly-haired clients.
To maintain healthy hair, visit your hairdresser at least 4 times a year (every 3 months) for a trim. Regular trims will prevent split ends, which can contribute to unruly frizz.
If you see another curly-haired person with a great haircut, don’t be shy! Approach them and ask where they get their hair cut.

You can start a conversation by saying something like, “Hey! I love your hairstyle. Would you mind telling me where you get your hair cut? I’m looking for a good stylist.” It is generally perceived as a great compliment, and most people are willing to divulge who cuts their hair.
Curly, dry, or frizzy hair should always be cut in layers to avoid the dreaded triangle-head, which is a term for curly hair that is cut in a blunt style.

Curly hair is often voluminous, and when it dries, the ends become voluminous while the top remains flat, creating a triangle effect. Cutting hair into layers will distribute the volume and look much more flattering on you.

Advertisement

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Using Hair Products to Manage Frizz

Coconut oil is a great oil for moisturizing hair and taming frizz. Purchase a jar of coconut oil from your local grocery store. This can be found in the cooking oil aisle.

Before sleeping, apply a liberal amount of coconut oil to your hair, making sure that it is completely coated. Cover your hair with a shower cap, go to sleep, and wash the oil off your hair the next morning.

This will give the oil plenty of time to absorb into the cuticle, effectively taming flyaways and adding shine and gloss to your hair.
Whenever you use styling cream, add a quarter-sized amount of leave-in conditioner to it. Massage the mixture into your damp hair with your fingers.

You can either let your hair air-dry or style it as you normally would. Leave-in conditioners can be purchased at grocery stores or beauty supply stores, such as Sally Beauty Supply, Sephora, or Ulta. ^{[8]
X
Expert Source

Yan Kandkhorov
Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Interview. 28 January 2020.}
3
Use a dab of hair oil after styling your hair. Sometimes too many products can leave hair feeling crunchy or stiff. When you have finished styling your hair, add a touch of vitamin E oil, which can be purchased at your local drugstore or beauty supply store, to your ends or wherever your hair feels stiff. ^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Stay away from argan oil. Argan oil will probably do more harm than good in the long run. ^{[10]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Yan Kandkhorov
  Professional Hair Stylist
  
  Expert Interview. 28 January 2020.}
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Is argan oil good for frizzy hair?

Yan Kandkhorov
Hair Stylist
Yan Kandkhorov is a Hair Stylist and Owner of K&S Salon, a hair salon based in New York City's Meatpacking District. Yan has over 20 years of experience in the hair industry, is best known for paving the way for iconic hair trends in the industry, and has operated his salon since 2017. His hair salon has been voted one of the Best Hair Salons in New York City in 2019 by Expertise. Yan and K&S Salon has collaborated with leading fashion magazines and celebrities such as Marie Clair USA, Lucy Magazine, and Resident Magazine.

Yan Kandkhorov

Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

I know a lot of people are really big on argan oil, but I think it's more likely to dry your hair out and damage it over time. There are just so many better options out there.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3
Question

Is leave-in conditioner good for your hair?

Yan Kandkhorov
Hair Stylist
Yan Kandkhorov is a Hair Stylist and Owner of K&S Salon, a hair salon based in New York City's Meatpacking District. Yan has over 20 years of experience in the hair industry, is best known for paving the way for iconic hair trends in the industry, and has operated his salon since 2017. His hair salon has been voted one of the Best Hair Salons in New York City in 2019 by Expertise. Yan and K&S Salon has collaborated with leading fashion magazines and celebrities such as Marie Clair USA, Lucy Magazine, and Resident Magazine.

Yan Kandkhorov

Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Yes, leave-in conditioner and leave-in moisturizers are both going to be good for your hair. You don't want to overdo it, but it's a good way to keep your hair healthy.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3
Question

Do thinning shears make your hair frizzier?

Yan Kandkhorov
Hair Stylist
Yan Kandkhorov is a Hair Stylist and Owner of K&S Salon, a hair salon based in New York City's Meatpacking District. Yan has over 20 years of experience in the hair industry, is best known for paving the way for iconic hair trends in the industry, and has operated his salon since 2017. His hair salon has been voted one of the Best Hair Salons in New York City in 2019 by Expertise. Yan and K&S Salon has collaborated with leading fashion magazines and celebrities such as Marie Clair USA, Lucy Magazine, and Resident Magazine.

Yan Kandkhorov

Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

They can, yes. Thinning shears leave really thin hairs behind. The thinner your hair is, the more likely it is to frizz up.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 3

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

At the end of a shower, rinse your hair in cold water. Also, leave lots of conditioner in your hair to sit while in the shower. You could shave your legs while waiting and then rinse it out.

Thanks
Helpful 4 Not Helpful 1

Things You'll Need

Sulfate-free shampoo
Moisturizing conditioner
Leave-in conditioner
Wide-tooth comb
Styling cream
Hair dryer with diffuser attachment
Old T-shirt
Hair ties
Coconut oil
Vitamin E oil

You Might Also Like

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

Expert Source

Yan Kandkhorov
Professional Hair Stylist

[9]

[10]

How to Care for Frizzy Hair

Steps

Shampooing and Conditioning

Styling Frizzy Hair

Getting a Frizz-Managing Haircut

Using Hair Products to Manage Frizz

Expert Q&A

Video

Tips

Things You'll Need

You Might Also Like

References

About this article

Did this article help you?

You Might Also Like

Explore Categories