Frizzy hair is one of the most common hair-related problems yet most people don’t know what exactly causes it. Frizziness is caused by dry hair that is running low on moisture, and that’s ironic because humid weather tends to make frizzy hair worse. This is because dry hair tries to absorb moisture out of the air, causing the hair cuticles to swell up, instead of lying flat. Because of this, the hair cuticle scales that are normally lying flat, rise up and attain a spiky appearance. This makes hair look frizzy. But just like any other hair-related problem, frizz comes in a lot of variants and affects different hair types in various ways. According to a hair quiz crafted by Aaron Grenia, hair specialist and co-founder of IGK hair, New York City, USA, frizziness can be classified under four different types.

 

 

 

Different types of frizziness

Surface frizz

As the name suggests, surface frizz takes place only on the outer layers of the hair, not on the ones underneath. One easy way of spotting surface frizz is when your hair appears to be static. You can reduce it by keeping your hair hydrated, washing it less often and always using sulfate-free, hair-care products. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology warns people against sulfate-rich hair products as they can lead to excessive frizziness and scalp inflammation. Along with that, you should also be careful while using heat tools like blow dryers and straightening irons as they directly come in contact with the hair’s outermost surface and might damage it even further.

Curly frizz

A lot of people can mistake healthy curly hair for frizz but the actual curly frizz can make you lose definition in your curls while also ruining the hair’s natural texture. To treat this, you’d want to add both hydration and definition for a more uniform look. You should preferably dry your hair with a thin cotton towel by patting your hair and letting it air dry as much as possible. Also avoid touching your hair all the time as that can affect the way your curls naturally form.

Frizzy at the ends

This type of frizz can affect almost all hair types but it’s more common in people that have a history of bleaching and chemical dyeing their hair. The easiest way to spot it is by watching out for split ends. This type of frizz can make your hair appear almost lifeless at the ends, while the rest of the hair is comparatively healthy. You can prevent this by only using natural hair dyes and removing split ends by getting regular haircuts.

Poufy frizz

Did you ever go on a vacation to a relatively humid place and wake up with wild and poufy bed hair the next day? This type of frizz takes place in multiple layers of your hair and can make it look like you were stuck in a strong wind storm. Wash your hair less often to keep the natural oils intact and opt for leave-in conditioners instead of the ones that get rinsed out. And just like every other frizz type, avoid using heat styling as much as you can.

How to prevent frizzy hair

• Shampoo your hair twice or thrice a week. Washing your hair too much can strip it off it’s natural oils and leave it dry and frizzy. This also affects oily hair because washing your hair more frequently will lead your scalp to produce more oil as a response, leading to more hair-related problems.
• Make sure that you wash your hair with lukewarm water because extreme temperatures can also damage your hair.
• Similarly, it’s advisable to stay away from blow dryers and straightening irons as much as possible. And if you absolutely need it then make sure that you use a good quality heat protectant.
• If you live in a humid area then make sure that you shield your hair from the harsh environment every time you go out. You can physically cover your hair with a silk scarf and also use leave-in conditioners and serums to avoid frizzy hair.

 

 

 

Hair oils that can fix frizzy hair

If your hair is getting frizzy even after taking all the precautions and preventive measures, you might want to start oiling your hair after regular intervals, because ultimately, dryness is the main reason behind frizziness. Here are some hair oils that have been scientifically proven to help frizzy hair.

• Coconut oil: According to research by Dr Aarti S Rele, Research and Development Department, Marico Industries, Mumbai, coconut oil is high in lauric acid, which means that it can help moisturise the hair and also reduce protein loss caused by frizziness.
• Argan oil: Rich in oleic acid and linoleic acid, argan oil is known to hydrate the hair strands from within. It also contains antioxidants, such as vitamin E, which can help protect your hair from sun damage and reduce surface frizziness caused due to heat.
• Pomegranate seed oil: According to a study by Dr Aida Zarfeshany, Physiology Research Center, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Institute, Iran, pomegranate seed oil is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants that can help shield the hair from free radical damage. It also helps prevent split ends, hence reducing the frizziness that takes place at the ends of your hair.
• Onion oil: The sulfur in onion oil prevents breakage, split ends and frizziness. It also maintains the regular pH level of the hair, preventing premature greying. Onion oil is also rich in antioxidants, which can help protect hair from sun damage while nourishing the hair follicles.