5 Tips for Managing Frizz and Flyaways

Frizzy, flyaway hair can be frustrating to deal with, especially in humid weather. Those unruly little hairs seem to have a mind of their own, sticking up or out and ruining your carefully styled 'do. While a certain amount of frizz is natural, particularly for those with curly or textured hair, there are ways to minimise frizz and tame those pesky flyaways. Here are 5 expert tips to help you manage frizzy hair and achieve smoother, sleeker locks.

1. Keep Your Hair Hydrated

One of the main causes of frizz is dryness. When your hair is dehydrated, it seeks out moisture from the air, causing the hair shaft to swell and leading to that fluffy, frizzy appearance1. To combat this, it's essential to keep your hair well-hydrated from the inside out.

Start with a moisturising shampoo and conditioner suitable for your hair type. Look for products that contain hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, argan oil, or shea butter2. Avoid harsh cleansers that can strip your hair of its natural oils.

In addition to your regular conditioner, use a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask at least once a week1. Apply it from mid-lengths to ends, focusing on the most damaged or dry areas. Leave it on for at least 20 minutes, or overnight for an extra moisture boost.

Finally, always use a leave-in conditioner or moisturising styling product before air-drying or heat styling your hair. This will help seal in hydration and create a protective barrier against humidity3.

2. Minimise Heat Damage

Heat styling is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to causing frizz and flyaways. High temperatures from blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can weaken the hair's protective cuticle layer, leading to moisture loss and breakage4. If you have naturally frizzy hair, it's best to minimise your use of heat styling tools and embrace your hair's natural texture when possible.

When you do use heat, always apply a heat protectant product first. Look for a lightweight serum or spray that will shield your strands from thermal damage without weighing them down5. Use the lowest heat setting that's effective for your hair, and don't hold the tool on one section for too long.

Investing in high-quality, ceramic heat styling tools can also make a difference. Cheap, poorly made straighteners and curling wands are more likely to have uneven heat distribution and hot spots that can burn your hair6. Spending a bit more on professional-grade appliances can help minimise damage in the long run.

3. Perfect Your Drying Technique

How you dry your hair can have a big impact on frizz and flyaways. Roughly towel-drying or blow-drying your hair in a haphazard manner is a recipe for a frizzy, poofy mess.

After washing your hair, gently squeeze out excess water with your hands. Then use a soft microfiber towel or old t-shirt to blot your hair, rather than rubbing it7. This helps prevent friction that can rough up the hair cuticle.

If you prefer to air dry, apply your leave-in products and let your hair dry naturally, scrunching it gently with your hands to encourage your natural wave or curl pattern. You can also try "plopping" your wet hair: lay a soft t-shirt or microfiber towel on a flat surface, flip your head over, and pile your curls on top of your head. Wrap the cloth around your head and secure it while your hair dries8.

When blow drying, use the concentrator nozzle attachment and point it downwards as you dry each section to smooth the hair cuticle9. Keep the dryer moving constantly to avoid overheating any one area. If your hair is prone to frizz, finish with a blast of cool air to seal the cuticle and boost shine.

4. Sleep on Silk

If you often wake up with frizzy, tangled hair, your cotton pillowcase could be to blame. Cotton is an absorbent fabric that can draw moisture out of your hair as you sleep, leading to dryness and frizz10. It also creates friction as you move your head, which can cause your hair to tangle and break.

Switching to a silk or satin pillowcase is an easy way to reduce frizz and keep your hair smoother overnight. These smooth fabrics allow your hair to glide over the surface without friction, so you'll have fewer tangles and flyaways in the morning11. As a bonus, silk and satin are less absorbent than cotton, so they won't suck moisture from your strands.

If you don't want to change your pillowcases, you can also try sleeping with your hair in a loose top bun or wrapping it in a silk scarf before bed. This helps protect your hair from friction and keeps it in place while you sleep, so you wake up with smoother, more manageable locks.

5. Use Targeted Styling Products

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may still end up with some stubborn frizzy bits or flyaway hairs. This is where targeted styling products come in handy for quick touch-ups and finishing touches.

For fine, wispy hairs around your hairline or part, try using a clean mascara wand or toothbrush spritzed with hairspray to gently comb them into place. You can also smooth a small amount of hair oil or serum over flyaways to help them lie flat.

If you have thicker, coarser frizz, a lightweight pomade or wax can provide more control. Rub a pea-sized amount between your palms to warm it up, then gently smooth it over your hair, focusing on the frizzy sections. Be careful not to use too much, or your hair may look greasy.

For an all-over smoothing and humidity-proofing effect, mist your finished style with a light layer of anti-frizz hairspray. Hold the can about 30cm away from your head and spray in a sweeping motion to avoid overloading any one area. Look for a formula that provides flexible hold without crunchiness.

By incorporating these tips into your hair care routine and using the right products for your hair type, you can effectively manage frizz and flyaways for smoother, sleeker, more polished-looking hair. Remember, some frizz is natural and embracing your hair's texture can be liberating. Focus on keeping your hair healthy, hydrated, and protected, and you'll be well on your way to your best hair days yet.

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