What Causes Frizzy Hair? 5 Reasons You Might Be Dealing with Frizz

If you're someone who struggles with hair frizz, you're not alone. Frizzy hair can be pesky and frustrating, and it can take a lot of effort to tame. There are a variety of factors that can contribute to frizz, from weather conditions to hair care practices.

In this article, we'll explore the causes of frizzy hair and how to prevent and manage it by tweaking certain lifestyle factors and switching to Color Wow frizz-fighting hair products.

What is Hair Frizz?

Before we dive into preventing and managing frizz, it's helpful to understand what causes it in the first place. 

So, what exactly is hair frizz? Hair frizz is a condition where the hair appears dry, unruly or frayed. It's a common problem for many people, regardless of hair texture or type. Frizz can make your hair difficult to manage and style, causing it to look dull and lifeless.

Frizz happens when the outer layer of your hair, known as the cuticle, becomes raised. Humidity is a common cause of frizz when moisture in the air penetrates the hair and causes the cuticle to lift and become rough. Let's take a closer look at the factors that contribute to frizzy hair.

5 Common Causes of Frizzy Hair

1. Humidity and Weather Conditions

Humidity and dampness are some of the most common culprits for frizzy hair. When the air is humid, it causes your hair to absorb moisture, which can lead to cuticle swelling and frizz. This means that if you live in a humid or rainy climate, you may experience more hair frizz than someone who lives in a dryer environment.

One way to combat frizz caused by humidity is to use anti-humidity hair products. These products can help to repel moisture and keep your hair looking smooth and sleek. Additionally, you can try using a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to help seal in moisture and prevent frizz.

Thirty years ago, our scientists pioneered the first “frizz-fixing” line, a range of game-changing products designed to make your style totally frizz-proof.

Always on the forefront of new frizz-fighting technology, Color Wow's award-winning R+D team have now developed the most powerful anti-frizz treatments available that literally waterproof your hair to block humidity and prevent frizz.

2. Hair Type and Texture

The type and texture of your hair can also play a role in whether you experience frizz. People with naturally curly or wavy hair are more prone to hair frizz due to the structure of their hair. Curly hair is often drier than straight hair, which makes it more susceptible to frizz. 

If you have curly or wavy hair, it's important to use products that are specifically formulated for your hair type. Look for products that are designed to enhance your natural curl pattern and provide moisture to your hair.

Dream Coat For Curly Hair is our one-step solution for frizz-free, crunch-free curls, with the combined benefits of gels, serums and creams without the weight, crunchiness or greasiness that usually accompanies. 

If your hair is very curly/coily or very dry/dehydrated hair and you want to create a smooth, sleek style that defies humidity, look to Color Wow Extra Strength Dream Coat. This powerful, ground-breaking anti-frizz treatment is ultra-moisturizing plus has a super strong cuticle sealant to keep your style glassy-smooth and frizz-resistant for days.

Believe it or not, your hair styling habits can be contributing factors to frizz. Brushing your hair too vigorously, using hot styling tools, and harsh chemical treatments can all damage your hair cuticle and lead to frizz. 

It's essential to be gentle with your hair and use protective products when using heat styling tools or chemical treatments.

In addition to being gentle with your hair, you can also try incorporating hair masks and deep conditioning treatments into your hair care routine. These treatments can help to repair and strengthen your hair, reducing the risk of frizz and damage.

4. Lack of Moisture and Hydration

Another factor that contributes to hair frizz is a lack of hydration and moisture. When your hair is dry and dehydrated, it's more susceptible to frizz. 

In addition to using hydrating hair products, you can also try incorporating foods that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids into your diet. These healthy fats can help to nourish your hair from the inside out, promoting healthier hair.

Chemical treatments like coloring or relaxing your hair can also cause frizz. These treatments can damage your hair cuticle, making it difficult to maintain a sleek and smooth look. 

Frequent blow-dry styling and heat styling tools like flat irons and curling irons can also damage your hair and lead to frizz. Try to limit your use of these tools or use protective products to reduce the risk of damage.

If you do blow-dry your hair or choose to use heat styling tools, make sure to use a heat protectant spray or styling products that have heat protectant properties built into the formula to help protect your hair from damage. Additionally, you can try using a lower heat setting or limiting your use of these tools to help reduce the risk of frizz and damage. 

By taking steps to protect and nourish your hair, you can help to reduce the risk of frizz and keep your locks looking sleek and healthy.

How to Prevent and Manage Frizzy Hair

Frizzy hair can be a frustrating problem to deal with, but with the right hair care routine, you can prevent and manage it. Here are some tips to help you keep your hair looking smooth and healthy.

Choosing the right hair care products can go a long way in preventing frizz. Look for products that are specifically formulated for your hair type and texture. For instance, if you have fine hair, look for lightweight products that won't weigh your hair down. If you have wavy/curly hair, consider using moisture-rich products that can help define your curls and reduce frizz, like Color Wow’s Dream Coat For Curly Hair. Or, if you have very curly hair that you like to style sleek and frizz-free, Color Wow’s Extra Strength Dream Coat delivers extra strong, frizz-blocking power. 

It's also important to note that not all hair care products are created equal. Some products may contain harsh chemicals that can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and frizz. To avoid this, look for products that are free of sulfates, parabens, and alcohol.

The way you wash and condition your hair can also impact frizz. Try to avoid using hot water when washing your hair, as it can strip your hair of moisture and lead to frizz. Instead, use lukewarm water and a gentle sulfate-free shampoo that leaves no residues behind to cleanse your hair. Unlike most shampoos, every ingredient within our Color Security Shampoo rinses off for optimal hair and scalp health! 

If you have curly/coily textured hair, Curl Wow Hooked Shampoo is 100% clean, sulfate-free plus offers ground-breaking root-locking technology to help stop shedding. 

Round off your shampoo routine with our Color Security Conditioner, suitable for fine to normal hair and normal to thick hair. Or Curl Wow Coco-motion conditioner for textured hair. When conditioning your hair, focus on the ends, as this is the driest part. 

Another tip is to avoid rubbing your hair vigorously with a towel after washing. This can cause friction and lead to frizz. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water and let your hair air dry or use a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer.

Regular hair trims are essential for preventing frizz. When you don't trim your hair regularly, split ends can develop, causing frizz and damage. Schedule a trim every six to eight weeks to keep your hair healthy and prevent frizzy ends.

Trimming your hair regularly to get rid of damaged, frayed ends can also make it possible to grow longer, healthier looking hair. It's a simple step that can make a big difference in the appearance and feel of your hair.

Heat, UV rays, and environmental pollutants can damage hair and cause frizz, so it's essential to protect your hair from these elements. Avoid direct sunlight for prolonged periods and wear a hat or scarf to protect your hair when you're out in the sun. Use heat protectant products when using hot styling tools to reduce the risk of heat damage.

You can also protect your hair from UV damage, which can lead to frizz, by applying styling products that contain sun-safe ingredients like Ethylhexyl Salicylate which is used in many sunscreens.  By following these tips, you can prevent and manage frizzy hair and keep your locks looking smooth and healthy.

Home Remedies and DIY Treatments for Frizzy Hair

Some people swear that natural oils like coconut, argan, and jojoba oil can help moisturize and tame frizzy hair. Others create hair masks using natural oils and other ingredients like honey, avocado or egg yolks.  Raw, unrefined, natural oils  and viscous foods can leave heavy greasy coatings on hair. Professional products formulated by hair care experts to fight frizz are better, safer, and more effective choices!

Hydrating hair sprays or leave-in conditioners can help tame frizz and provide moisture to your hair. Look for leave-in products that are lightweight and won't weigh your hair down, like the Color Wow Dream Cocktails range that instantly improves the health and quality of hair.

Try using a hydrating overnight hair treatment to nourish your hair and prevent frizz. You can use a hair mask overnight or wrap your hair in a silk scarf to help lock in moisture and reduce friction.

The Bottom Line

Frizzy hair can be a frustrating problem, but there are steps you can take to prevent and manage it. By understanding the causes of hair frizz and implementing proper hair care practices, you can achieve healthier, more manageable hair. Try incorporating some of these tips into your hair care routine, and watch as your frizz gradually disappears.

For all your frizz-fighting needs, check out our selection of anti-frizz products and read our ultimate guide to frizzy hair for more tips, tricks and insights from Color Wow experts including Gail Federici and Dr Joe Cincotta.