How to Get Rid of Frizzy Hair: Expert Tips
Frizzy hair can be tough to handle, but don’t worry – with the right products and techniques, you can achieve sleek, smooth hair that’s easy to manage.
Regardless of what is causing your frizzy hair, the right combination of products and hair care techniques can help. We asked our in-house hair experts and some fantastic stylists to break down all you need to know to get your smoothest, most gorgeous hair ever.
Why Does My Hair Get Frizzy?
Frizzy hair results from hair fibers running in different directions, creating that rough, dry texture we all try to avoid. There are plenty of reasons why frizz happens—overwashing, dehydration, and heat styling can all contribute. The main culprit? Lack of moisture. When hair is dry, it soaks up moisture from the air, which causes the strands to swell and frizz.
Sometimes, frizz is just part of your hair’s natural structure. Hair porosity, or how easily your hair absorbs and retains moisture, plays a big role. High-porosity hair lets moisture in too easily, which can lead to frizz.
But no matter what’s causing it, we’ve got expert-backed solutions to help you get rid of frizzy hair for good.
How to Get Rid of Frizzy Hair: Expert Tips
1. Give Your Hair a Cold Water Rinse
Start in the shower: “Preventing frizzy hair starts in the shower,” says Sean Steigerwald, head R&D scientist at Kao USA Inc. Showering with warm water opens the hair cuticles, allowing moisture to escape.
Finish with a cold water rinse to help seal the cuticle, which locks in moisture and smooths the hair. If you love your hot showers, no problem — just keep your hair out of the hot water to prevent overdrying.
2. Opt for a Conditioning Shampoo
Choosing the right shampoo is crucial. “Shampoos can sometimes be over-drying,” says celebrity stylist David Stanwell. A moisture-based shampoo and conditioner work wonders on frizzy hair.
Look for products that focus on hydration and frizz control. Conditioning shampoos are great because they detangle and realign the hair fibers while they’re still wet, making them easier to manage later. Check out the John Frieda® Hair Care
Frizz Ease Collection for our top frizz products.
Steigerwald explains, “A conditioning shampoo is great because it helps to detangle hair and realign the hair fibers…”
Shop Frizz Immunity Shampoo
3. Dry Hair with a Microfiber Towel or Cotton T-Shirt
Your regular towel could be contributing to your frizz. The rough texture can damage the cuticle, leading to more frizz. Swap your towel for a microfiber towel or a soft cotton T-shirt—both are gentler on the hair. Instead of rubbing your hair, which can cause breakage, gently squeeze out the water.
Need more tips? Check out our guide on how to dry your hair without causing frizz.
4. Detangle Hair With a Wide-Tooth Comb
If you’re using the wrong brush, you could be making your frizz worse. Wet hair is especially delicate, so avoid using a boar bristle brush on wet strands. Instead, use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle your hair from the ends to the roots. This reduces breakage and keeps your hair fibers aligned, helping you avoid frizz.
Oil and product residue can stay on your brush, so Shellhammer suggests cleaning it to prevent excess material from getting into your hair and possibly causing frizz.
“Wash your brush with a mild shampoo at least once every couple weeks,” he explains. “There can be fuzzies that get trapped in the bristles that can get into the hair.”
5. Use an Ionic Hair Dryer
Regular hair dryers can worsen frizz over time, but an ionic dryer can be a game changer. Ionic dryers use negative ions to break down water molecules faster, sealing the hair cuticle and reducing frizz.
“Lower the heat setting to warm or medium, and always finish with a blast of cold air to lock in smoothness,” says stylist Josh Shellhammer.
Using a diffuser can also help reduce frizz by distributing heat more evenly — perfect for curly hair. For more tips, explore how to properly blow-dry without causing frizz.
6. Apply a Hair Serum for Extra Protection
After washing your hair, apply a serum or nourishing oil to damp hair. Serums that contain ingredients like Dimethiconol are especially effective at smoothing and realigning hair fibers. Steigerwald explains, “Serum is great for frizz because it contains silicones that realign the hair fibers and give your hair a smooth look.”
For more details, check out our guide on how to use hair serums.
7. Use a Hair Mask Weekly
Frizz is often a sign that your hair needs moisture. A weekly hair mask can help replenish lost moisture and create a barrier that locks in hydration. Look for masks with ingredients like avocado oil to smooth frizz and nourish your hair.
8. Tame Flyaways with Lightweight Hairspray
Hairspray can be your secret weapon against frizz — just be sure to use it lightly. Spray a little on a wide-tooth comb and run it through your hair to tame flyaways without making it stiff or heavy.
9. Embrace Your Natural Texture
Sometimes, the best way to deal with frizz is to work with your hair’s natural texture. Instead of fighting your curls or waves, enhance them with a curl-defining cream or gel. Products like those in the John Frieda® Hair Care Frizz Ease Dream Curls Collection can help define and control your curls, reducing frizz naturally.
Top Tips for Preventing Frizzy Hair
In addition to using products with the right ingredients, our hair experts divulged the best tips to help prevent frizzing in the first place.
Tip 1: Avoid Washing Hair Every Day
“Washing hair every day is not good for frizzy or curly hair. Be sure to keep your washing to 2-3 times a week tops,” explains Stanwell. On days when you skip washing your hair, use a curl resetting spray to realign curls and add bounce to your hair.
Tip 2: Trim Regularly to Prevent Split Ends
Split ends can travel up the hair shaft, worsening frizz. Regular trims every 6-8 weeks help keep your ends smooth and frizz-free. When you're at the salon, talk to your stylist about the best haircuts for frizzy hair.
Tip 3: Let Your Hair Air Dry When Possible
Whenever possible, let your hair air dry to minimize heat damage. For curly hair, try hair plopping—wrapping your wet hair in a cotton T-shirt to keep your curls defined and prevent frizz.
Key Takeaways
Getting rid of frizz is all about maintaining moisture, protecting your hair from heat and friction, and using the right products. Here are the key points to remember:
- Hydrate and condition: Use moisture-rich shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks.
- Use low heat: When styling, opt for ionic dryers and always finish with a cold air blast to seal the cuticle.
- Seal the cuticle: Cold water rinses and serums help smooth the cuticle and prevent frizz.
- Embrace your texture: Use products designed for your natural hair type to enhance your curls or waves.
With these expert-backed tips and the right products, you’ll be ready to tackle frizz and enjoy smooth, manageable hair every day.
