Frizz and curls are two co-joined words, that always go hand in hand each other, wherever you will find curls, you will find frizz in it. And the reason is simple, the way the curls are designed, scalp oil does not travel down the hair strands making the curls frizzy. But to gain healthy curls, it is necessary to break these co-joined words.
So, how to reduce frizz in curly hair? To be honest, it is not a one-time process, getting rid of frizz in curly hair is not only a long process but a continuous process. I have tried to remove the frizz from my curls, and that’s when I came to know that I can’t just stop doing things for my curls and make them healthy, I have to care for my curls daily.
Let’s understand in detail how to reduce frizz from curly hair-
What Causes Frizz in Curly Hair?
Well, you all might know about it, but still let’s refresh our memory and try to find more reasons for curls to be frizzy, so that, we can care for them-
1. Lack of Moisture & Hydration-
We all know the main reason for curls to be dehydrated is because of the coiled structure of the curls. Due to a lack of moisturization and hydration, curls become dry leading to frizz.
Other Reasons are-
- Hair Porosity-
If you have high porosity, then your hair strands will absorb and lose moisture very quickly and this will make your curls frizzier.
- Environmental Factor-
The place you live in has high humidity, then curls will be frizzy as the curls absorb moisture from the air.
- Not Proper Care-
If you do not apply leave-in conditioner or over-wash your curly hair. They are bound to get frizzy.
2. Using Wrong Products-
Have you also used any products like me when you were small, leading to super frizzy curly hair? Or have used a different product just because you forgot to bring your shampoo, resulting- in frizzy hair?
Curls are special and so should their products be. Using the wrong products will not only make your curls frizzy but also damage them.
Some of the mistakes we make while using hair care products are-
- Products with too much of chemicals.
- Hair products loaded with silicone.
- Product build-up causes dullness and frizz.
Top 8 Tips to Reduce Frizz For Curly Hair
After understanding the two main causes of frizzy hair, now let’s see some of the tips to reduce frizz in curly hair. The tips are from my personal experience.
1. Do not rush while drying hair-
Curls are delicate, and rubbing them harshly while drying them will break your hair cuticles and that will lead to hair frizz. Always try to pamper your curls, swap your regular towel for a microfiber towel or a cotton t-shirt. They both cause less friction in the hair and do not take away moisture from the curls.
2. Styling on damp hair-
If you are thinking that damp hair is weak, so how come styling? But remember when you apply any styling cream or gel on your damp hair, it gets absorbed soon and this helps to make your curls moisturized and hydrated.
3. Learn diffusing-
I learned about diffusing curls just a few years back, and now I regret why I didn’t know about it before. Using a hair diffuser on your curls is like giving them special treatment. It minimizes the direct heat exposure on the curls and makes sure they do not lose their shape.
4. Night care for curls-
As we age, we start using different creams at night to keep our skin young and plump. It is our duty, to care for our curls, especially during the night. When you sleep, your curls toss over here and there and that causes them to tangle and also lose moisture. Therefore, sleep with a protective hairstyle on satin pillowcase.
5. Do not overwash-
Just like washing your face again and again will rip out natural oil from it, similarly, washing your curls again and again will remove the oil from it causing it to be dry and frizzy.
6. Protect cuticles with oil-
Applying oil on hair cuticles helps them to get sealed. So, the best way is to use the L.O.C method which is Liquid, Oil, and Conditioner (leave-in) to seal the moisture in the curls and make it soft and smooth.
7. Keep your hands away from curls-
I know we like to touch our hair again and again, just to see whether they are looking good or not. But the one thing, I learned it the hard way, do not touch your hair again and again. Doing so will make your curls drier and frizzier.
8. Trim makes your curl fresh-
Once I didn’t get time to go for trimming and then I kept delaying it, until one day I realized it’s been six months, I hadn’t given my curls a new fresh look, and no wonder my curls were getting super tangled, and knots all over my hair.
That’s when I realized the importance of regular trimming, it does not make your hair short but gives your curls a new look and a chance to grow in a fresh environment.
Best Haircare Routine for Frizz-Free Curly Hair
As I said earlier, taking care of curls is not a one-day job, you need to invest your time and energy in it so that, you get healthy curls. So, here is the short hair care routine that I made for myself and sharing it with you-
a. Washing & Conditioning Tips-
- Do not wash too frequently:
Well, everything starts with washing your curls and conditioning them. Do not wash your curls daily, until you have got an oily scalp and your curls keep sticking together, which is a very rare possibility.
Washing your curls twice a week helps to keep the scalp clean and also curls in good shape. Washing curls too frequently will rip out the natural oil from the curls.
- Try Co-washing:
Co-washing curls means staying away from chemicals altogether. When you feel your curls are not upto the mark, you can try the “conditioner-only” method, in this, instead of using shampoo, you wash your curls with conditioner.
This gentle cleansing method helps to maintain moisture in the hair strands.
- Conditioning is very necessary:
No matter how short you are on time, never skip conditioner. Skipping conditioner means, making your curls stay away from moisturization. Also, never be little on applying conditioner.
Always apply a good amount of conditioner on your curls, especially hair ends, this helps to seal the hair cuticles and make them soft and smooth.
- Gently De-tangle:
Always be patient, when you are to brush your curls. First, de-tangle your curls with your fingers, and then if you feel like it, use a wide-toothed wooden comb this will help to detangle your curls gently. De-tangling your curls gently helps to reduce hair breakage and frizz.
- Once in a while deep condition:
Deep conditioning is like giving a facial to your skin. It helps to enhance your curls and define it properly. Always deep condition your curls once in a month, this will help to keep them soft, moisturized, and smooth.
b. Best Drying Techniques-
After you are done with your first step of washing and conditioning your curls, now is the time to dry your curls. Let’s see some of the frizz-reducing methods to dry curly hair–
- Plopping-
In this, you try to make your curls curlier by wrapping your wet hair in a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt. This method not only helps to remove excess water but also tries to define curls.
- Diffusing-
The diffusing method means using a diffuser on your dryer to dry your curls. This method does not disrupt any natural pattern of the curls and distributes the heat evenly in the curls.
- Air-drying-
You can opt for this method if your curls are not very dense and you have the time to wait till your curls dry. In this method, you do not do anything to your curls, and let it take its natural shape.
- Microfiber towel-
One of the best ways to make sure your curls are not frizzy. Microfiber towel helps to remove excess water from the hair and keep the frizz out of sight.
c. Best Hair Products For Frizzy Curly Hair
After curls are dried in the best possible way, now you need to see which hair products to use on your frizzy curly hair. The reason is, that a good hair product is necessary and it makes all the difference. Let’s see some of the best hair products for frizzy curly hair-
- Sulfate-free shampoo-
Using sulfate-free shampoo or chemical-free shampoo helps to make sure that your curls are not dried due to the use of shampoo. A good curly hair shampoo helps to clean the scalp and remove all the product buildup from the hair.
- Hydrating conditioner-
Hydrating conditioner helps to seal the hair cuticles and make the hair strands soft and smooth. Applying moisturizing and hydrating conditioner is good for curly hair, as it reduces hair breakage and does not dry the hair strands.
- Leave-in conditioner-
After using a good shampoo and conditioner, applying leave-in conditioner on your wet hair is a must. Squeeze out the excess water from the hair, and apply leave-in conditioner on your hair strands with praying hands. After conditioner gets absorbed in the hair strands, the curls become soft and smooth and styling becomes easy.
- Hair gel-
If you are going to a party or want to hold your curls in shape, then use hair gel. Hair gel helps to style the curls and prevent the frizz.
- Curly Hair Mousse-
Hair gel often casts an invisible layer on the hair strands. If you wish to have a lighter-weight product, then use mousse. Curly hair mousse does not weigh your hair down and also holds the curl in style.
- Hair oil-
A hair product no curly-haired girl can live without. Applying hair oil on your curls is like giving it a princess treatment. Hair oil helps to add shine to the hair and reduce frizz. It penetrates the hair strands and makes it soft and smooth.
P.S. Always choose hair products that contain hydrating and moisturizing ingredients and are away from all the chemicals.
Natural Remedies to Control Frizz For Curly Hair
Using home remedies on your curly hair is necessary, as it helps to fight the frizz and make your curls healthy. Pampering your curls with natural ingredients helps to make them soft, smooth, and defined. Let’s see some of the best natural remedies to use on curly hair-
1. Aloe vera-
I consider it as a magical plant, as no matter what problem you are facing on your skin and hair, aloe vera solves everything. This natural moisturizer helps to smoothen the hair cuticles and also repair the damaged curls.
DIY Hair Mask for Frizzy Hair:
- Take one Aloe vera leaf.
- Extract the gel out of it.
- Grind the gel and make a paste of it.
- Apply the paste on your hair strands and scalp.
- Keep it for 30-45 minutes.
- Wash off the mask with lukewarm water.
Pro tip: Applying aloe vera gel will be messy, make sure you have properly covered your clothes.
2. Curd-
If ever you feel that the curd in your house has become sour and is of no use now, then wait, you can make that curd keep your curls healthy. Applying curd on your curls, helps to remove dandruff and make the hair strands soft and smooth.
Its anti-bacterial property gives relief to itchy scalp and also seal the moisture in the hair cuticles.
DIY Curd Hair Mask for Dry Hair:
- Take curd in one bowl.
- Add 1 tbsp. of honey in it.
- Apply the curd on your hair strands.
- Keep it for 30 minutes or until it dries.
- Wash slowly with lukewarm water.
Pro tip: If you feel your curls are smelling curd, you can apply an essential oil on your hair strands.
3. Avocado mask-
As healthy is avocado in eating, it also keep your curls in shape and make sure they are nourished with nutrients. Avocado being rich in both polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats helps to prevent hair loss and make the curls healthy.
DIY Avocado Hair Mask:
- Take one ripe avocado.
- Scoop out the pulp from it.
- Mash the avocado, so that no lumps are left.
- Add 1 tbsp. of oil and honey in it.
- Apply the avocado mask on your hair strands and scalp.
- Leave it for 30 minutes.
- Wash it off with lukewarm water.
Essential Oils for Hydration & Frizz Control
When choosing oil for curls, you also need to make sure that you are choosing a good oil, as the properties of oil also make a lot of difference in how they react to curly hair.
Some of the best essential oils to stop frizzy hair are-
- Argan oil-
This oil is my favorite, as it can be used daily and also as a leave-in conditioner. Popularly known as “liquid gold”, this oil is very smooth and helps in hydration and reducing frizz.
- Jojoba oil-
You don’t need to worry about your scalp while choosing this oil as if your scalp is dry, the jojoba oil will help to moisturize it and if your scalp is oily, jojoba oil will help to control the oil production.
- Lavender oil –
I use this oil while giving my curls a hot oil massage. Lavender oil is that luxurious hair product that will give your curls a magic treatment in just 2-3 drops.
Rich in antioxidants and nutrients, it enhances blood flow in the scalp and boosts hair growth.
Pro tip: Above essential oil are the best oil that helps to provide hydration to the curls and reduce frizz. You should choose oil according to your hair requirement.
Common Mistakes That Make Curly Hair Frizz
After understanding everything about taking care of frizzy hair, let’s also see what mistakes we make, that make our curly hair frizzy-
- We use a regular towel to dry our curls.
- Brushing your curls when they get dry.
- Not using good hair products.
- Sleeping on your curls, without doing a nighttime routine.
- Washing curls frequently rips out the natural oil from the scalp.
- Avoiding hot oil massage to curls.
- Not using a leave-in conditioner.
FAQs on How to reduce frizz for curly hair
1. How to Repair Damaged Frizzy Hair?
The best way to repair damaged frizzy hair is to change your haircare routine.
- Start by understanding your curl type, and change your hair care products to more hydrating and moisturizing.
- Use natural remedies to make your curls soft, smooth, and healthy.
- Deep condition your hair once a week.
- Try to limit the usage of chemical and heating tools.
- Regular trimming also helps to keep your curls fresh and healthy.
2. How to Make Curly Hair Silky?
Something, that every curly hair girl wants but is very difficult to achieve, the reason being only one- lack of hydration in the curly hair strands. To achieve, silky smooth curly hair, you need to make sure that your curls are well hydrated and moisturized. For that, you need to use good hair products, apply leave-in conditioner every time you wash curls, and take care of them during the night.
3. How to Quickly Fix Frizzy Hair?
Many times it happens, that we have to go out and we see our curls being frizzy. Well, this happens to me a lot, now, what should be done last minute? Check out how to fix frizzy hair-
- Take a small amount of oil or leave-in conditioner.
- Apply it to your frizzy hair.
- Now, take a clean toothbrush or a small comb to brush on the flyaways.
- You can also use conditioner mixed with water in a spray bottle to refresh curls.
