Women whose locks are naturally frizzy or who have damaged hair search in vain for ways to make frizzy hair wavy again. While coaxing frizzy hair into sleek waves may seem like an impossible feat, it can be done, as long as you use the right styling products and avoid styling techniques that do more damage. Does this Spark an idea?
Nature Plays a Part
When it comes to forcing your frizz into tame, shiny waves, remember that because nature plays a huge role, some things are beyond your control. Frizzy is largely a matter of your genetic makeup, and some women are born with hair that tends to frizz rather than wave or curl (hair that's naturally dry and coarse is more likely to frizz than wave).
Where you live plays a part as well. Climates high in humidity can cause hair to frizz almost as soon as you step out the door, especially on rainy days. If your hair is exposed to copious amounts of sun and harsh wind, that too can result in frizz. But frizzy hair can be the result of other factors, such as medications, stress, illness or a poor diet.
Product Tips
According to Ethan Shaw, a stylist based in Austin, Texas, you won't be able to avoid frizz unless you start using styling products. Using the right products, using them the right way and using enough of them is key to managing frizz. Hair products that are high in alcohol make wavy hair more frizzy, but so can conditioners that are oil-based, including hot oil treatments.
Experts recommend wavy-haired women use a sulfite-free shampoo formulated for coarse, dry hair. For hair that's uncontrollably frizzy, a leave-in conditioner might be appropriate. Deep treatments that are left on for 10 to 15 minutes can also calm frizz and give smoother, wavier hair.
Styling products that contain silicone tame frizz and encourage waves; however, the thick texture of these products is difficult to distribute through the hair evenly, resulting in greasy spots. A small dab of product rubbed briskly between the palms can be lightly run through the hair, avoiding the scalp area.
Frizz Don'ts
What else causes frizz? Damage comes from the usual culprits---bleaches, hair dyes and relaxers (especially those that contain lye). Chemical damage is irreversible, so you may require a good haircut to allow healthy hair to grow out.
But naturally wavy hair can be damaged into frizz by overdoing it with the hot tools, such as blow-dryers, hot curlers and straightening irons. While it might be tempting to use a barrel curling iron to strong-arm every last tendril into place, this can result in even more damage to your hair. Use a diffuser attachment on your blow-dryer, and dry the hair only to the extent that waves begin to form, then air dry the rest.
If you still struggle for ways to rid yourself of frizz, naturallycurly.com (see Resources) provides an excellent forum for discussion, product reviews and stylists' advice.
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