The Science of Frizz

Frizzy hair can be a constant struggle for many people, especially those with curly or wavy hair. While there are a variety of products and techniques that can help tame frizz, it’s important to understand the science behind what causes it in the first place. In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into the science of frizz and explore some effective ways to combat it.

So, what causes frizz?

At its core, frizz is caused by the outer layer of our hair, called the cuticle, becoming raised and uneven. When the cuticle is smooth and flat, our hair looks shiny and healthy. But when the cuticle is raised and uneven, our hair appears frizzy and dull. There are a number of factors that can cause the cuticle to become raised, including:

Humidity

Humidity is a major culprit when it comes to frizz. When the air is humid, our hair absorbs moisture from the air, causing the cuticle to swell and become raised.

Dryness

On the other end of the spectrum, dryness can also cause frizz. When our hair is dry and lacking in moisture, the cuticle becomes rough and uneven.

Heat damage

Excessive heat styling can damage the cuticle, causing it to become raised and frizzy.

Chemical treatments

Chemical treatments like hair dye and perms can also damage the cuticle, leading to frizz.

How to Combat It

Now that we understand the causes of frizz, let’s explore some effective ways to combat it:

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Since dryness is a major cause of frizz, it’s important to keep our hair hydrated. This can be achieved by using hydrating shampoos and conditioners, as well as hair masks and oils that are designed to add moisture to the hair.

Avoid excessive heat styling

Excessive heat styling can damage the cuticle, causing it to become raised and frizzy. If you must use heat styling tools, be sure to use a heat protectant spray and keep the heat setting as low as possible.

Invest in a good quality hair dryer

Using a hair dryer that has ionic technology can help combat frizz. Ionic hair dryers emit negative ions that help to neutralize the positive ions in our hair, smoothing the cuticle and reducing frizz.

Use a wide-tooth comb

Brushing or combing our hair too vigorously can cause the cuticle to become raised and frizzy. Using a wide-tooth comb is a gentler way to detangle our hair and reduce frizz.

Try a silk or satin pillowcase

Cotton pillowcases can cause friction against our hair, leading to frizz. Switching to a silk or satin pillowcase can help reduce friction and keep our hair smooth and frizz-free.

Use anti-frizz products

There are a variety of anti-frizz products on the market, from serums to sprays to creams. Look for products that contain ingredients like argan oil or shea butter, which are known for their hydrating and smoothing properties.

Our Pick

• 100% Pure Multi-Vitamin Healthy Hair De-Frizz Serum
• VIRTUE Frizz Block Smoothing Spray
• Briogeo Farewell Frizz Blow Dry Perfection Heat Protectant Creme

Get regular trims

Regular trims are important for maintaining healthy hair and preventing split ends. Split ends can cause the cuticle to become raised, leading to frizz.

Final Thoughts

Frizzy hair can be a frustrating problem to deal with, but understanding the science behind what causes it can help us combat it effectively. By keeping our hair hydrated, avoiding excessive heat styling, using the right tools and products, and getting regular trims, we can keep our hair smooth, shiny, and frizz-free.