Frizzy hair has to be in the top 5 problems women face with natural hair. How do you fight frizz? What can you do to stop if from occurring and how the heck can you tame your hair when it is frizz central? I personally don’t hate frizz all that much because when you are volume-challenge, a little bit of frizz can give you amazing big hair. Too much frizz though, and you look like a frazzled mop. There has to be a common ground.
What’s In Your Natural Hair Spray Bottle?
Whether you are a newbie or a veteran, frizzy hair can be an issue and can create a bad hair day if you let it. I’ve won the battle of frizz by adopting the Curly Girl Method which is a unique way to care for your natural coils, kinks and curls. I learned all about it here, Curly Hair: The Handbook by Lorraine Massey and Michelle Bender (I’ll discuss next week!) and it’s a book worth picking up for an all-around maintenance for natural hair. As far as frizz is concerned, it helps tremendously, but let’s first understand what frizz is and how you can work with it and not against it.
Frizz occurs when the cuticle layer of your hair is raised, allowing moisture to pass through and swell the strands. As a result, your hair appears dry and frizzy instead of smooth and defined. In general, curly hair tends to have more frizz than straight hair because of dehydration in the strands, which leaves it more vulnerable to frizzing. Moknowshair
There are also three types of frizz that we experience:
SURFACE FRIZZ which is on the outside of the hair and not underneath.
HALO FRIZZ is just just at the crown of the head. (I get this a lot!)
IN-THE-CURL FRIZZ which often comes from 2nd, 3rd or 4th day hair where curls are not smooth but frazzled and lost their definition.
How To Properly Dry Natural Hair
No matter the type, frizzy hair can be unsightly and ruin a hairstyle. Not every tip I could share will work for your hair but I do have some tips I learned that work from the Curly Girl Method and the Curly Girl: The Handbook. Frizz can be a natural’s worst enemy but Lorraine Massey has found some great do’s and don’ts that will help with this problem.
* On rainy or really humid days wet your hair and add extra conditioner to help weigh down the hair and keep it from spreading to a east-west direction.
* Steer clear from that steamy bathroom after your shower. The humidity you’ve created can open the hair’s cuticle and create that frizz.
@naturallytemi
* Use a leave-in conditioner to keep the moisture in your hair as well as fighting off the frizz. I love SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Conditioner.
* Giving your hair a cool rinse to seal the cuticle before styling can really fight the frizzy hair. Lorraine suggests after showering, fill a bowl with cool water (add ice if you dare) and dunk your head in it. Tilt head forward and scrunch out as much water and conditioner as possible. Apply gel and viola! I love Kinky Curly Curling Custard Gel
Sound a little extreme? You can just let the cool water from your shower run over your head too. I just brace myself for the coolness and it really helps my hair.
The Purpose Of The Pre-Poo For Natural Hair
* Using a gel so it can give your hair definition as well as hold. I ALWAYS notice less frizz when I apply my gel. It’s gotta be an alcohol-free and silicone-free gel so your hair won’t be hard and because the gel will be in your hair for a few days.
* No drying hair with a conventional towel! It will absorb too much of your much needed moisture and ruffle the hair cuticle. Use instead an old cotton T-shirt, microfiber towel or even paper towels! And yes, I’ve used the paper towels….. they are excellent!
@battybychoice
* Do not touch your hair after you’ve applied your gel!!! Back away from your hair Naturals!! I cannot say this enough. You can mess your hair up if you don’t just leave it alone.
* Leave those combs and brushes out of your hair. They not only cause breakage but can also create frizz. Finger combing when it’s wet and drenched with conditioner is best.
Have you tried any of these tips to fight frizzy hair? Share what works for you below!
Sabina
