How to Achieve Frizz Free curls naturally: Steps and Types of Frizz

I. Introduction

The Battle against Frizz

Hey! Curly, wavy and kinky hair ladies. Yes, as we all know every curl type is different and there are total 9 categories of curly hair. But one thing is common in all these types that is the dryness and frizziness. So, the main question for every curly haired person is How to tame frizzy curls naturally?

Yes, every curly hair lacks oil in the roots which makes it dry and frizzy. But apart from this, people having curly hair are blessed. Because first, you won’t ever have a bad hair day. You can style your curls the way you want and the best you can leave your curls as it is, this will give you a unique look.

Why Curly Hair Is Prone to Frizz

The reason curly hair is prone to frizz, is due to their spiral shape. All types of curly hair are spiraled or twisted at the end. This restricts the flow of natural oil. Natural oil is produced from the scalp, and it travels all the way down to the roots, moisturizing all the hair strand.

But in the curly hair, due to wavy, spiral and coily shape the oil does not travel to the roots leaving it dry and resulting in frizz.

This is the main reason for curly hair to be prone to frizz.

How to Achieve Frizz Free curls naturally

Now, you know the reason for your curly hair to be frizzy. So, let’s focus on controlling the frizz. Yes, you can control your frizz and define your curls properly. But for that you need to follow, some tips and tricks.

Frizz-free curly hair routine-

This means you need to follow all those steps, which will help your curls to be frizz free.

•  Do not comb your hair frequently, it will dry them more.
•   Always microfiber cloth to dry your hair.
•   At night, tie your hair in pineapple trick.
•  Sleep on satin pillowcases.

Frizz control for natural curls-

For this, you need to use anti-frizz products for curls. Now, anti-frizz products means using products which contains moisturizing ingredients.

•   Use sulphate free shampoo and hydrating conditioner.
•   Always apply leave-in conditioner.
•   Use defining hair gel to style your curls.
•   Try DIY frizz control remedies.
•   Use humidity-resistant hairstyle.

II. Understanding the Science of Frizz

A. What Causes Frizz?

Humidity’s Role

Humidity plays a major role in curly hair being frizzy. You must have seen your hair acting strange, as soon as the humidity rises. So, what exactly happens in humid weather?

In humid weather, the hair cuticles gets open up and absorbs the moisture from humid weather. As a result, over dried hair becomes frizzier, as the outer layer of hair, soaks the moisture from air and swells up.

Hair Porosity and Frizz

First thing to understand is, what hair porosity is and how it causes frizz. Hair porosity means, how well your hair is able to absorb the moisture or to hold on to moisture. There are three types of hair porosity

• Low Porosity-

That means your hair is very intact and will allow only a little moisture to penetrate. This type of hair takes longer time to blow drying.

• Medium Porosity-

This hair type can easily absorb and release moisture from hair. The hair cuticles are not tightly woven together and they easily absorb moisture and also let other products get in the hair.

• High Porosity-

As with the name we can understand that this type of hair have open cuticles. The more open cuticles, the frizzier it will be. And as a result this type of hair are drier and more prone to breakage.

Friction and Mechanical Damage

The other reason for hair to be frizzy is the friction and mechanical damage. Thinking how these two get occurred?

Well, sleeping on a cotton pillowcase, brushing your hair harshly and drying them by rubbing vigorously you create friction in your hair, which damages them. A friction damage, makes your hair dry and as a result it becomes frizzy.

Mechanical damage is done by heating tools, coloring your hair and excessive blow drying. This type of damage is easily visible on your hair cuticles. Your hair strands will be dull, dry and rough.

Any kind of damage in the hair, will cause it dry and as a result frizzy.

B. Types of Frizz

Well, I too didn’t know about this. But then, I researched and came to know that there are three types of frizz.

1.     Surface Frizz

Surface frizz are the type of frizz, which appears only at the surface of hair. It seems like static around your hair. Only the outer layer of hair is frizzy, not the layers underneath it.

2.     Halo Frizz

Halo frizz gives you a crown of hair strands. Yes, if you feel that you have got frizzy hair on top that means you have halo frizz.

3.     Internal Frizz

Also, known by the name In-The-Curls frizz. This type of frizz occurs within the curls, they take away the look of smooth curls from your hair. Internal frizz can also be partly, like some curls will look great while some will have frizz.

4.     Application Frizz

This type of frizz is very frequent, it appears by touching your hair too much.

5.     Spider Web Frizz

Spider web frizz is very much like fly-a-way frizz. In this type of frizz, every hair strand has a different type of frizz and they all get connected to each other making a web like structure.

6.     Poof Ball Frizz

As the name suggests it appears like a giant poof ball frizz. It can be seen, at a very humid place. Curls are not at all recognizable. And to be honest, one looks like a hot mess.

Once you understand your frizz type, it becomes easy for you to take care of your hair according to frizz.

III. Building Your Frizz Control Routine

A. Choosing the Right Products

1. Sulfate-Free Shampoos-

It is necessary to keep your curls away from chemicals as much as possible. Sulfates are cleansing agents, which is used in soap and shampoo to give it lather, but they harm your hair and result in product buildup.

Some of the good sulfate-free shampoos are-

a. OGX Renewing+ Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo-

A good choice if you have got dry hair. The ingredients in the shampoo, not only helps to cleanse the scalp but also moisturizes it. It helps to repair the damaged hair.

Features:-

• Hydrate and repair hair
• Keep your curls soft, smooth and defined
• Helps to moisturize and revive curls
• Improves hair strength and hair elasticity

b. Aveeno Colo Protect and Strengthen Shampoo-

This shampoo is perfect for color-treated hair. It helps to rejuvenate the hair and keeps the color protected.

Features:

• Prevents hair breakage and color fade
• Promote a healthy scalp
• Infused with blackberry and quinoa protein
• Sulfate-free shampoo

c. St Botanica Go Curls Hair Shampoo-

Formulated with the goodness of avocado, flaxseeds and argan oil, the shampoo makes your curls go softer and bouncier.

Features:

• Helps to repair and strengthen hair strands
• Nourishes the strand and keep them hydrated
• Protects the hair from free radicals
• Encourages healthy hair growth

2. Moisturizing Conditioners-

I know you might feel that this is obvious, as conditioners are of moisturizing nature. But it is not. You need to choose conditioner which nourish, maintain and helps to define your locks properly.

Some of the best moisturizing conditioners are-

a. Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Shea Curl Defining Conditioner-

An all-rounder conditioner. Filled with ingredients like amino acids, shea butter, the conditioner helps to tame the frizz and add hydration to it.

• Seals the hair shaft
• Makes your hair look healthy and nourished
• Forms a protective barrier to protect the curls
• Increases curls softness and smoothness

b. OGX Lightweight + Coconut Fine Curls Conditioner-

Well, I can vouch for this conditioner. I have used it and it made my curls properly defined and smell like coconut. This conditioner does not weigh your curls down and give it a fuller and bouncier look.

• Amazing Fragrance
• Keeps curls soft, smooth and defined
• Lightweight conditioner
• Infused with coconut water and flaxseed oil
• Helps to de-frizz curls

c. Aveda Be Curly Conditioner-

This is a curl enhancing conditioner, which not only locks the moisture in your hair but also defines the curls. The conditioner is a perfect blend of wheat protein and organic aloe vera. It helps to increase the shine of curls and protect them from external environmental damage.

• Helps to enhance waves and curls
• A refreshing scent
• Controls the frizz

3. Leave-In Conditioners-

I too didn’t used to believe in leave-in conditioners before. But now, I never skip it. Leave-in conditioner not only make my curls softer but it defines them properly. It reduces the frizz and makes the curls look crunchier.

a. Fix My Curls Leave-in Conditioner-

You won’t regret spending on this leave-in conditioner. It keeps your curls soft, smooth and bouncier. You will feel your curls are properly defined.

• Bring back your curls shape
• Enriched with jojoba oi and amino acid
• Keep your curls healthy
• Free from chemicals

b. SheaMoisture Leave In Conditioner for Over-Processed Damaged Hair

With the name, we can understand that this leave-in conditioner is filled with shea butter. Loaded with shea butter, it helps to protect your curls from damage. After applying it, hair becomes soft and easy to manage.

• Helps to condition hair strands and make them soft
• Works great on curly hair
• Nourishes and hydrates the hair
• No chemicals

c. Kérastase Curl Manifesto Hydrating Leave-In Cream for Curly Hair-

You may feel that this is one expensive choice, but it is totally worth it for your curls. Free from all the chemicals, this leave-in cream is super hydrating. Along with nice fragrance, the cream helps to make your curls soft and smooth.

4. Anti-Frizz Serums-

Anti-frizz serum or smoothing hair oil helps to tame the frizz and keep the curls defined.

a. GK Hair Serum-

One of the best travel- friendly hair serum. Formulated with amazing quality of organic argan oil, the serum leaves your curls soft, smooth and bouncier.

• Stimulate thicker hair
• A good nourishing formula
• Makes hair healthy and revitalizing
• Tames frizz and balances scalp oil

b. Vitamins Hair Cosmetics Keratin Serum-

This keratin serum is made up of nourishing ingredients like biotin and keratin protein, it helps to repair the damage of your hair and rejuvenate it. The castor oil in the serum makes it amazing choice for the hair fall too.

• Gives hair a luxurious treatment
• Strengthens hair
• Restores hair elasticity
• Heals spilt ends

c. Davines Hair Serum-

This anti-frizz serum will transform your hair into a frizz-free zone. Its lightweight formula, easily penetrates into your hair and provides deep hydration to your hair. Formulated with the unique blend of oils, this hair serum also helps to strengthen your hair strands.

• Helps to add soft texture and flexibility in hair
• Anti-frizz effect
• Adds shine and strength

B. Washing and Drying Techniques

Let’s understand some of the washing and drying techniques of the curly hair, which keeps them frizz-free.

1. Co-Washing-

Co-washing is a new technique for washing your curls. With this you stay away from shampoo and give your curls a luxurious treatment of double conditioner.

• For co-washing, you first wet your hair.
• Apply a co-wash and massage it properly.
• Wash it off with water.
• Now, apply conditioner and leave it for 2 minutes.
• Wash it off with cold water.

2. Microfiber Towels-

Microfiber towels are the best way to dry your curls. They are soft, self-absorbent and helps to tame away the frizz. It is true that they won’t make your hair dry much, because they just absorb the excess water.

So, either you should use microfiber towel or any cotton t-shirt to dry your curls properly.

3. Plopping-

Plopping is another and the best method to dry your hair. It works best for all types of curls. Plopping is actually a drying method to keep your curls intact and defined.

It involves using a t-shirt or microfiber towel to keep your curls defined while removing excess water from your hair strands.

• Wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner.
• After coming out of shower, your hair will be wet.
• Do not touch your hair.
• Instead, flip them from side to side.
• Excess water will be removed.
• Take a styling crème and apply it on your curls.
• With the help of microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt, dry you curls.

C. Styling for Frizz-Free Curls

1. Curl-Enhancing Products-

For keeping curls properly defined, it is necessary to use curl-enhancing products. These products helps to add volume to your curls and define them properly. With the curl enhancing products, you can get beautiful ringlets.

Some of the good curl enhancing products are-

• Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Featherlight Styling Cream
• Moroccan Oil Curling Cream
• TGIN Twist & Define Cream

2. The Importance of Gel-

With the help of hair gel, you can style your curls the way you want. Applying a gel cast on your hair, adds definition to your curls. Gel cast is nothing but a gel cream which you apply on your wet hair.

With the help of gel, you can tame your frizz and prevent them from drying.

3. Diffusing vs. Air Drying-

This is one of the ways to style your curls. Diffuser helps to define curls properly. It maintain the curls shape, reduces frizz and tighten the curls.

Air drying means to dry your curls naturally. It means no heat exposure to your curls, which makes the curls dry and frizz.

You can choose any of the method to dry your curls. If you have high hair porosity, you can use diffuser. For low hair porosity, air drying is easier.

IV. Daily Maintenance for Frizz-Free Curls

A. Bedtime Care

It is difficult to sleep with curly hair. All day you need to take care of your curls and during night time, you need to give a little extra care to your curls. Having a perfect, tangle free curls in the morning seems like a lie to you, but it isn’t.

It’s just that you need to follow some rules for our curls, even in the night, so that you get perfect curls.

Check out the frizz-free curly hair routine–

• Sleep on silk or satin pillowcase. Yes, this is very necessary. Sleeping on cotton pillowcase causes friction in your hair. Satin pillowcases keep your hair hydrated and prevent them from breaking.

• Pineapple trick- Wondering in which hairstyle to sleep to keep your curls intact. Well, the best one is Pineapple hairstyle. Grab all your hair from bottom, and tie them up at the crown of your head in a loose scrunchie. This way your hair won’t come on your eyes and also curls will remain intact. This is a humidity-resistant hairstyle.

• Make sure your curls are not getting rubbed against each other. For this, you can try braiding your hair. This will keep your hair tangle free and protect your curls.

B. Trimming and Damage Control

You have saved your curls from being unruly, but what about the split ends. Now, don’t think that you don’t have split ends. Split ends get caused by the slightest change in your weather or care. The outer layer of hair, goes through many things like weather contact, heating tools and what not and all these things causes split ends.

The best way to protect your hair from split ends, is trimming. Trimming your hair every 6-8 weeks, keeps your curls fresh and reduces the chances of split ends.

Also, enough hydration and moisturization to your curls will reduce the hair damage and as a result split ends will reduce. It is necessary to lock in the moisture in your hair strands.

To control and repair hair damage, I would suggest using DIY home remedies for hair

V. Natural Remedies and DIY Frizz Fighters

Apart from using products, the best way to fight frizz is to use home remedies. Let’s check out some of the home remedies and frizz control masks.

A. Home Remedies

Coconut Oil

Applying virgin coconut oil on your frizzy hair, will give you defined curls and will also tame frizz. Before, you give any oil a try, apply coconut oil on your hair and massage it for 20-30 mins.

Later, wash it off with sulphate free shampoo. You will see a magical difference in your curly hair.

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

ACV is very effective when it comes to control the frizz and take care of your curls. Made from fresh and juicy apples, ACV helps to lower the pH value of your scalp and give your curls a much healthier, shinier and smoother look.

•       Take ½ tbsp. of ACV
•       Mix it with cold water
•       Apply it after you have shampooed your hair.
•       Gently massage the diluted ACV into your hair.
•       Leave it for couple of minutes
•       Wash it off and apply conditioner later.

You can also add some essential oil in the ACV mixture.

Avocado Oil

Not many of you have heard about Avocado oil. But Avocado oil is considered as a dry oil, yes, that means it is lightweight and does not weigh your hair down. If you have very dry hair, then applying a little bit of avocado oil on your roots will keep them moisturized and hydrated.

Avocado oil is fast absorbing and ultra- moisturizing.

B. Recipes for DIY Frizz Control Masks

Some of the best frizz control masks are-

1.     Avocado Hair Mask-

Avocado is rich in nutrients which helps to tame frizz and restore the shine in your hair.

•       Take 1 avocado and mash it.
•       Add 1 tbsp. of olive oil in it.
•       Apply the paste on your wet hair.
•       Leave it for 30 minutes.
•       Wash it off with lukewarm water.

2. Banana Hair Mask-

Bananas are heaven for curly and frizzy hair. They are rich in silica, which helps in collagen production and makes hair thicker, shinier and stronger.

•   Take one banana, peel it and mash it properly.
•   Add 1 tbsp. of honey in it.
•   Blend the ingredients properly.
•  Apply the mask on your hair strands.
•   Let it stay for 20 minutes.
•  Wash it off with lukewarm water.

3. Coffee and Coconut Mask-

You must have heard about coffee being an amazing face scrub. But do you know coffee is also effective for scalp. It is a great exfoliating agent, which helps to remove dead skin cells from scalp. Coffee makes your hair grow and also helps in stimulating roots.

Hair Mask:

•  Take ¼ cup of coconut oil and heat it.
•  Add 1 tbsp. of coffee powder in it.
•   Brew the mixture and keep stirring it.
•  Strain the mixture and apply the solution on your scalp.

This hair mask is sulfate free and helps to remove dead skin cells and other bacteria’s.

4.     Yogurt and Olive oil Mask

Yogurt is one secret ingredient for healthy hair. It not only prevents frizz but also boosts hydration and provides deep Moisturization to hair.

•  Take ½ cup of yogurt
• Add 1 tbsp. of olive oil
•  Mix the paste properly
•  Apply it on your hair strands
•  Let it stay for 20 minutes
• Wash it off with lukewarm water.

5.     Green Tea Hair Mask

Green tea is a great anti-oxidant. It keeps your scalp away from free radicals and helps to strengthen hair strands. Green tea also helps to increase the process of hair growth.

•   Take a cup of water.
•   Add a bag of green tea in it.
• Boil it for 5 minutes.
•   Strain the mixture.
•  Let the water get cooled down.
•   Add few drops of honey in it.
•  Transfer the liquid into a spray bottle.
•   Spritz the solution on your scalp and hair.
•  Massage your scalp
•  Rinse it off after 10 minutes.

VI. Frizz Free Curls in Challenging Weather

Rainy Days

Rainy days are to enjoy, but frizzy hair don’t let you. Yes, frizzy hair in rainy season can take away your peaceful sleep. Some ways to combat frizz in rainy season are-

• Use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner.
• Try to avoid getting wet in rainy water

Humid summers

Humid weather gives a boost to frizzy hair. Frizzy hair and humid weather are forever friends. Curly hair absorbs moisture from the environment and becomes frizzy.

The best way to tame frizz in humid summers is to use good products.

• Apply conditioner frequently
• Choose a hairstyle where your hair is away from your neck area.
• Use a holding spray to manage your frizz in humidity.

Winter Weather

Yes, you must be shocked thinking that frizzy hair don’t leave you even in winter season. But, it is also true that frizzy hair in winter weather is of low intensity.

• Wash your conditioned hair with cold water.
• Go for a trim.
• Never skip conditioner
• Use DIY frizz control remedies
• A good wide toothed wooden brush

VII. Troubleshooting Persistent Frizz

A.    Dealing with Stubborn Frizz

There are ways to deal with your frizz. Curly hair will be frizzy, but with following tips and tricks, you can deal with you stubborn frizz-

•     The first thing to keep in mind is washing your curls. Try using a co-wash or moisturizing shampoo.
•     Never skip a conditioner. Use a deep hydrating conditioner.
•     For drying your hair, either use air drying or try plopping method.
•   Avoid combing your hair. Use fingers to de tangle your hair.
•     Always use a wide toothed wooden comb.
•     For styling, let your curls be loose. Avoid using heating tools.
•     In the night, use pineapple trick to tie your hair.
•     Sleep on silk pillowcases, to avoid friction.
•     Do not keep touching your hair. The more you touch, the frizzier it becomes.
•     Once in a week, give your hair a hot oil massage.
•     Regarding product usage, use leave-in crème to keep your hair hydrated. And styling gel to define your curls.

B. When to Seek Professional Help

If you feel that due to excessive use of heating tools, you hair is damaged. And your curls have become dry and rough, then the best way to treat them is to seek professional help. Going to a stylist, will protect your curls from damage.

They will help to add hydration to your curls, and reverse the damage from your curls.

VIII. Styling Inspiration for Frizz-Free Curls

A. Everyday Frizz-Free Hairstyles

French Braid Combo

Long curly hair is difficult to manage, especially on a daily basis. With this French braid combo, you can not only tame your curls but it also looks elegant and stylish.

Voluminous Ponytail

If you have thin hair, then it may get little difficult for you to style your curls. In this hairstyle, you tie your hair strand from underside and create an illusion of voluminous ponytail.

Some other everyday frizz-free hairstyle are-

• Messy Half up Twist
• Side Braid Half Updo
• Pretty Loose Braid

B. Special Occasion Styles

Messy Chignon Bun

This is the most stylish bun a curly haired person can have. Take all your hair strand at the bottom of your neck and twist it into a low style bun.

Half Updo with Braided Crown

I can understand that styling your curls for a special occasion is a difficult task. But with this hairstyle you can style your curls and also show them off. Take few hair and tie them into braided hairstyle all through your hair.
Leave all other curls open.

Other hairstyle for special occasion are-

• Tucked Bun with a Twist
• Edgy Side Braids
• High Curly Pigtails

IX. Embracing Your Frizz-Prone Hair

It is very necessary to accept your curls the way they are and embrace it originality. Curls are the new trend, even you can see straight hair people curling their hair. Just because curls are frizzy, it should not bother you. You can take care of the frizziness and dryness in the curls by giving them enough hydration.

Also, if it’s possible connect with a curly haired community. This will give you confidence in keeping your curls the way they are. Connecting with like-minded people, helps to motivate you and also gives you new ideas for styling your curls.

X. Conclusion

Gone are the days, when we curly haired people have to listen to other people for our curls. Now, we can easily embrace our curls and people around us also love our curls.

I agree, that taking care of curly hair is a bit difficult, but with above tips and tricks and using right anti-frizz products, you can keep your curls hydrated and moisturized.

So, now no more styling your curls into straight hair, instead let them fall naturally and you will see that people won’t stop complimenting you.