Frequently Asked Questions
How does frizz form?
So, what causes our hair to frizz up in the first place, and how do we get it to stop? Frizz happens when the outermost cuticle layer of the hair shaft is out of alignment, creating a jagged look. Multiple factors have an impact on your hair and its texture, but one of the most likely causes is dehydration. Frizzy strands can also form from heat damage, friction, and breakage.
What is the root cause of frizzy hair?
Simply put, frizzy hair is dry or dehydrated hair. When the hair cuticle (that protective outer layer) is lifted, it takes in more of the surrounding moisture and humidity in an effort to balance the moisture levels between the hair and environment. After it takes in that moisture, it swells, appearing to the naked eye as frizz.
And dryness and damage are what lead to that lifted cuticle. Rose and Los Angeles-based hairstylist Chris Russell both cite dehydration; Patchett adds heat and chemical damage to the list. You could also be washing your hair a little too frequently, “especially if you have dry, curly, or textured hair,” says Patchett.
What kind of hair products should I use for frizzy hair?
A frizz-fighting hair routine starts in the shower—namely, with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. You’ll also want to make use of “hair masks, leave-in conditioners, and hair serums; I would suggest using all three if you really want to make sure that you are keeping your hair hydrated,” says Patchett. Ingredients-wise, as New York City-based hairstylist Paul Labrecque previously told Allure, “naturally moisturizing ingredients”—such as shea butter and nut oils—“will smooth the hair shaft but not overly weigh the hair down.”
As you move on to styling, Russell recommends using heat protectants and anti-humidity finishing products; indeed, the latter might be the most valuable of all. “If a big cause of frizz is damaged hair, I want to make sure none of my tools are causing more heat damage,” he says. “My clients’ hair depends on me using hot tools intentionally.”
If you’re not heat-styling but still want to target frizz, Atkin says to elevate your post-shower, damp hair regimen with conditioning, moisture-replenishing products. When air-drying, foregoing a wrap altogether is key to minimizing frizz, but if you’d prefer your floors to stay dry, Atkin suggests using a microfiber towel or an old cotton T-shirt to wring out the excess water.
And if the arsenal of products feels a touch overwhelming, there are longer-term options. “If you would like something slightly more permanent, I suggest a smoothing treatment like Lasio [a keratin treatment], which will eliminate frizz, but the hair will still have natural volume and movement,” says Patchett.
What are common mistakes in treating frizz?
- Getting too touchy-feely: If you decide to air-dry, do your absolute best not to touch your hair after applying your styling products. This can loosen shorter hairs and create friction on the cuticle, causing frizz to form, says Patchett. “Your best bet is to let your hair fully dry before moving it around,” she adds.
- Being too conservative with products: “People tend to be very reserved with how much product they use,” says Patchett. “I recommend reading the label’s suggestion, starting there, and adding more product depending on your hair density.” Remember, these serums, leave-ins, and oils are crucial for moisture. And consider dampening your hair a quick fix and only that. “Applying water will only temporarily smooth the frizz,” explains Rose. So, if you aren’t locking in that hydration, it will return.
- Using heat irresponsibly: Since damaged hair can lead to frizz—and heat can lead to damage—always start with a heat protectant and use the lowest possible temperature that will yield the desired results on your hair type. “I want to make sure none of my tools are causing more heat damage,” says Russell. “My priority is moisture first, then protection.”
Meet the experts
- Tiffani Patchett is a hairstylist with Beauty Supply in New York City
- Sophie Rose is a hairstylist and curly-hair expert based in Los Angeles
- Chris Russell is a hairstylist based in Los-Angeles
- Paul Labrecque, a New York City-based hairstylist and colorist and founder of the Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While there are certain products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are created in order to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn’t want to pick up a purple shampoo that’s only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that’s never been tested by anyone with curls—right?
For our review of the best frizzy hair products, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and hairstylists who all want frizz-minimizing formulations for their own hair-care routines. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture and experience, fragrance, and packaging. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
