Frequently asked questions
What causes frizz in the first place?
Frizz begins at the cuticle of the hair. “If the cuticle layer starts to lift or is roughened up, that is where frizz can and will be seen,” says Shannon Gainey, educator coach at the Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute New Orleans. And some hair types are predisposed to this. “Curly hair and high-porosity hair are more prone to frizz due to the hair cuticle being slightly raised,” says Leigh Hardges, a hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. When your hair is porous, it allows moisture to escape more quickly, leaving it dry, frizzy, and prone to breakage. The same goes for dry hair as well as damaged hair, since neither can retain moisture as well as their well-hydrated, glossy counterparts.
What hair type is most prone to frizz?
According to the hairstylists we spoke with, dry hair is the most prone to frizz. “When hair is dry, it’s looking for moisture. When there’s a lot of humidity in the air, the hair starts absorbing that moisture from the environment—and frizzes,” says Cavalcante. That’s why it’s important to hydrate your hair properly and use a conditioner, hair mask, or leave-in to keep it from losing moisture.
What do hairdressers recommend for frizzy hair?
A good humidity-blocking product should do the job when it comes to taming frizzy hair, according to Tiffanie Richards, a colorist based in New York City. “Anything that is going to provide moisture and create a barrier on the hair strands,” she suggests. Cavalante says using frizz-fighting shampoo, and a hydrating leave-in conditioner will make all the difference. “And a silk pillowcase—which will help reduce friction while you sleep and can help diminish frizz,” he adds.
Does hair get frizzy as you get older?
As you get older, hair won’t necessarily become automatically frizzier, but the texture, density, and moisture levels can change. It also depends on how much you’ve treated your hair with various dyes or treatments. “Of course, years of coloring and highlighting can add to this,” says Richards.
What are the best product types for aging frizzy hair?
Hydrating hair masks, leave-ins, heat protectants and smoothing oils and serums can make a huge difference, says Richards. “But the key is consistency—great products only work if you actually use them regularly,” says Cavalcante.
How we evaluated the best products for frizzy hair
We determined the best products for frizzy hair based on their formats, ease of use, and longevity of results. The best products for frizz came in easy-to-use serums, creams, or oils that we were able to incorporate into our routine without extra steps. The ones we landed on did a good job of taming frizz immediately and lasted throughout the day—some even for multiple days—for a blowout-worthy finish that we were able to gain without setting foot in a salon.
