Let's be real,

A healthy amount of frizz is completely normal.

I know this may be frustrating to hear, especially for those with type 3 hair, which is often easily susceptible to frizz and dryness.

But trust me, there’s a method to the frizzy madness and it can be easily managed once you have an understanding of where frizz comes from.

So let’s get to the bottom frizz, shall we?

What is Hair Frizz?

Hair frizz is simply hair that does not align with the surrounding hair.

Frizz isn’t inherently bad but it gets a bad rep due to a lack of understanding of its origin.

First, let’s start with the three main causes of frizz, they are:

• Genetics
• Hair damage
• Humidity

ALL curly hair, will experience some level of frizz that is just something you have to expect.

This is due to the structure of the hair follicle for curly hair.

Hair Frizz is in your Genes

You see, genetically, curly hair has a more flattened follicle which makes it more susceptible to frizz.

This is because our curls curve coming out of the follicle, making it a challenge for the hair strand to receive the sebum that our scalp naturally creates.

I know that sounds super technical so here is another picture of the hair follicle for clarity.

Don’t worry, if your hair naturally grows frizzy, doesn’t mean it can’t be helped.

However, before we get into fighting frizz, let’s continue understanding the other 2 causes.

The second cause of hair frizz is hair damage.

Hair Damage Leads to Frizz

“Hair damage is a disruption to any of the 3 hair layers, the cuticle, medulla, and cortex.”  - Kim Lewis

Damaged hair can mean changes to your hair texture, porosity and more; completely altering the results of any hairstyle.

One sure-fire way to prevent the appearance of frizz is to protect it from damage.

For instance, excessive styling with a direct heat tool is sure to cause some damage to your beautiful hair.

Instead, use an indirect heat source, such as a blow dryer set on low-medium heat or hooded dryer.

And if you MUST use a direct heat source like a flat iron, be sure that you are using a heat protectant. 

Finally, our last main cause of frizz, is humidity.

Humidity Leads to Frizz

The environment can also have a huge impact on frizz.

Heat in the air causes the hair cuticle to open up.

This allows moisture from the air to penetrate the shaft causing the strand to swell up.

And the result?

You guessed it frizz!

Now, as I mentioned earlier there are things you can do to manage and control frizz.

5 Helpful Tips to Help You Fight Frizz

Tip #1 Clarify Your Hair Weekly

Be sure that you are styling your hair after it has been properly cleansed using a clarifying shampoo.

Product build-up blocks moisture and prevents your hair cuticles from being properly conditioned which leads to frizz later on.

So be sure your hair is clean before adding product and do it regularly, we suggest once a week at least.

Tip #2 Use a Moisturizer

Leave-in conditioners or Moisturizers provide an excellent styling base for pairing with a light gel. 

Pro tip: Using a good moisturizer like our CurlMix Pure Avocado Moisturizer, lays the cuticle layer down so that you get even more slip and less frizz when applying your gel.

Tip #3: Treat yourself to a Moisturizing Hot Oil Treatment

After shampooing and conditioning, an excellent way to help seal in moisture (water), is to give yourself a hot oil treatment using a moisturizing serum/oil.

Make sure your oils are light enough to be absorbed into the hair strand, or else they might build up on your hair and scalp.

Tip #4 Protect your hair overnight

Frizz can occur from friction due to movement and moisture loss. 

One of the most common times both of these happen is while we sleep.

Go to bed using a silk or satin material pillowcase or bonnet to keep your moisture in your hair and prevent frizz.

Tip #5 Embrace it!

I know it is hard but embrace that frizz! 

Undefined curls do not have to be the bane of your existence.

In fact, I find that it gives a style more volume when there is some kind of frizz.

And because now that you understand where it comes from, you can become more confident in the face of it.

It’s Your Turn

Do you have a tip we missed? Share your frizzy hair tips and tricks in the comments.

Are you someone who lives in a high humidity area? What have you found to work for you when managing frizz?

You can also share some of your frizz concerns below, I would love to hear about your experiences!