Frizzy hair can be a major frustration, making it difficult to achieve smooth and sleek styles. While genetics and environmental factors play a role in frizz, many hair habits contribute to the problem.
Understanding these habits can help you to better care for your hair and reduce frizz. In this article, we will explore some of the most common bad hair habits that lead to frizz and provide tips on how to break them.
Using Heat Styling Tools too Often
One of the primary causes of hair frizz is excessive heat styling. Regularly using hot tools like blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can strip your hair of natural oils and cause damage, leading to frizz.
The high temperatures from these tools dehydrate your hair, leaving it vulnerable to frizz. To avoid this, limit your use of heat styling tools and opt for heat protectant products when you do use them. Additionally, try air drying your hair whenever possible to give it a break from excessive heat.
Not Protecting Your Hair from the Elements
Exposure to harsh environmental elements such as the wind, sun, and humidity can also contribute to frizzy hair. Wind can roughen the hair cuticles, making them more prone to frizz.
Sun exposure can weaken and dry out your hair, leading to frizz and breakage. Humidity, in particular, is a common enemy for those with frizz-prone hair as it causes moisture to be absorbed by the hair, resulting in unwanted volume and frizz.
Protect your hair from these elements by wearing a hat or using a scarf, and invest in hair products that offer UV and humidity protection.
Overwashing Your Hair
Believe it or not, washing your hair too frequently can contribute to frizz. Overwashing strips away the natural oils that keep your hair moisturized, leading to dryness and frizz. Instead of shampooing your hair daily, try reducing it to every 2-3 days.
This allows your scalp to produce natural oils that can nourish and condition your hair, helping to prevent frizz. When you do shampoo, opt for sulfate-free formulas that are gentler on your strands.
Using Harsh Hair Products
Using hair products that contain harsh ingredients can also contribute to frizz. Ingredients like sulfates and alcohol can strip away moisture from your hair, leaving it dry and frizzy.
Look for products that are specifically designed to combat frizz and that contain moisturizing ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, or coconut oil. These ingredients will help to hydrate and nourish your hair, reducing frizz and promoting smoother strands.
Skipping Regular Trims
Skipping regular trims may seem like a time-saving tactic, but it can actually lead to more frizz. Split ends and damaged hair shafts can contribute to frizz, making your hair look unruly and unhealthy.
It’s important to trim your hair every 6-8 weeks to get rid of split ends and keep your hair in optimal health. This will not only reduce frizz but also help your hair grow stronger and shinier.
Related Article
8 Common Mistakes that Lead to Frizz
Brushing Your Hair When Wet
Brushing your hair when it’s wet is a common mistake that can lead to frizz. Wet hair is more vulnerable to breakage, and brushing it can cause the hair strands to stretch and break, resulting in frizz.
Instead of a regular brush, use a wide-toothed comb or a detangling brush specifically designed for wet hair. These tools are gentler on your hair and help to minimize breakage and frizz.
Aggressively Towel Drying Your Hair
Towel drying your hair vigorously may seem like the quickest way to get it dry, but it can actually exacerbate frizz. Rubbing your hair with a towel causes friction that roughens up the hair cuticles, resulting in frizz.
Instead, gently squeeze out excess water from your hair using a microfiber towel or an old cotton t-shirt. Pat your hair dry in a downward motion to help minimize friction and reduce frizz.
Using the Wrong Type of Towel
The type of towel you use can make a big difference in the level of frizz you experience. Rough and textured towels can cause hair breakage and frizz due to increased friction.
Instead, opt for a microfiber towel or an old cotton t-shirt to gently dry your hair. These materials are much smoother and gentler on your hair, helping to minimize frizz and breakage.
Not Using a Silk or Satin Pillowcase
Believe it or not, the type of pillowcase you sleep on can affect your hair. Sleeping on a cotton pillowcase can cause friction between your hair and the fabric, leading to frizz and tangles.
Switching to a silk or satin pillowcase reduces friction, allowing your hair to glide smoothly as you sleep. This helps to prevent frizz and keeps your hair looking smoother and less tangled in the morning.
Not Moisturizing Your Hair Enough
Dry and dehydrated hair is more prone to frizz, so it’s crucial to ensure your hair is properly moisturized. Using a moisturizing conditioner regularly can help to keep your hair hydrated and prevent frizz.
Additionally, incorporating a deep conditioning treatment into your hair care routine once a week can provide extra hydration and nourishment to combat frizz. Look for products that are specifically formulated to hydrate and tame frizzy hair.
Conclusion
While frizz can be frustrating, it’s important to remember that it can be mitigated by breaking bad hair habits.
Being mindful of the products you use, the way you style your hair, and the treatments you provide it can greatly reduce frizz and promote healthier, smoother strands. By incorporating these tips into your hair care routine, you’ll be well on your way to taming frizz and achieving the hair of your dreams.
