Your Guide to Frizz-Free Curls
You love your curls– they tell your unique story. But while your curls are everything to you, you’d love to leave the frizz behind. Follow our guide to understand where frizz comes from and learn how to unlock the smooth, shiny curls of your dreams.
WHAT CAUSES FRIZZ IN THE FIRST PLACE?
While humidity is one of the main causes of frizz, there are more factors. Your hair is made up of layers that form what looks like shingles on a roof. Flat layers indicate a healthy hair cuticle, minimizing your chance of frizz. But when the cuticle is rough and raised due to damage, moisture can easily escape your hair shaft, creating brittle, frizz-prone strands.
The truth is, frizz is usually not the root issue – it’s the symptom of dried-out, damaged hair. Heat styling, washing with hot water, shampooing too frequently or over-manipulating your curls can create behind-the-scenes damage that ultimately becomes frizz.
FRIZZ-FIGHTING PRODUCTS
Simply put, your hair is thirsty – so a moisturizing routine is essential to smooth the rough hair cuticle. Shampoos and conditioners like our Shea Butter or Coconut Oil line deeply quench your curls, creating smoother and softer strands while keeping damage at bay. When it comes to styling, creams and mousses are high in moisture, so try layering those under the Curl Quench + Coconut Oil gel to seal in the benefits and create frizz-fighting definition. Deep treatments are also a must. When your hair is soaking wet, gently comb a hydrating mask or deep conditioner through your curls and twist or braid them into smooth sections. Then, wrap all your hair in a satin scarf or shower cap and go to bed. When you wake up, your hair will have absorbed plenty of moisture, leaving frizz a thing of the past.
FRIZZ-FIGHTING TECHNIQUES
It’s fun to fill your shelf with products, but you need to improve your washing and styling techniques too! For curly hair, brushing can be a significant factor in damage that leads to frizz. Most curl types shouldn’t brush dry hair because breakage is more likely when your hair doesn’t have the added flexibility of water. Your best bet is to gently detangle your curls in the shower (with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb) while a nourishing conditioner sits in your hair for plenty of slip.While you’re washing, make sure not to over-scrub or be rough with shampoo. A gentle massage will be enough to eliminate buildup, and it won’t tangle your hair. When you condition, apply it using “praying hands” – smoothing your hair between your palms to create flat, sleek sections. Afterward, you can start scrunching or finger-rolling to encourage your curl pattern.
Styling is arguably the most satisfying part of your curl routine, and of course, the way you do it can make or break your frizz-free look. One of the best ways to disguise frizz is by having well-defined curl clumps, and everyone has their own techniques. If you scrunch your curls, be as gentle as possible and do it while they’re soaking wet so as not to break apart the clumps. If you’re finger-rolling or twisting, make sure to smooth the clump with praying hands beforehand. And if you plop, always use a cotton T-shirt or microfiber towel so it’s not rough on your coils.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
It takes time to manage frizz, and once you finally win the fight you won’t want to go back. So, here’s what you can do to maintain those smooth, defined strands.Anything that touches or rubs against your hair can disrupt curl clumps and cause damage, so you have to reduce friction – especially while sleeping. First, trade in your cotton pillowcase for a satin one or wrap your curls in a satin scarf overnight. You can also sleep in protective styles such as twists or loose buns to keep your hair up during the night.
The most important thing to remember about frizz is that sometimes, it’s just part of your texture. That’s not a bad thing! It can add volume, make your hair one-of-a-kind and show that you’re truly embracing your natural self. It doesn’t mean you should stop hydrating your hair or styling it gently, though – it just means it’s a part of the unique you. So if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em – and lean into it!
