Fight the frizz this summer

Sweat, humidity, scorching sun and rising temperature indicates the arrival of our hair’s not-so-favourite season, Summers!  And with the summers comes frizz which, if not treated right, keeps coming back. While there is nothing wrong with a little seasonal wispies, the frizz can quickly veer into lion mane territory making it the one universal mess we all can relate to!

Before we get into all of the genius ways to treat frizz, it’s probably best if we first explain what causes frizz. Frizz is primarily caused by a lack of moisture in the hair, yet it may be a component of some people’s DNA – but, just because it’s in your DNA doesn’t mean you cannot manage it. When your hair is dry, damaged, or chemically treated, the cuticle (the outer layer of the strand) becomes raised, rather than lie flat exposing the hair shaft open to absorb moisture from the air which causes it to swell and develop into frizz. This causes limpness in fine hair, and the unwelcomed poofiness in thick, curly hair.

And summer in particular may be a very drying season for hair because of all the humidity it brings. Chlorine from swimming pools, salt water from beach dips, sweating and those extra-strong UV rays can all cause your hair to get high and dry. And so, your parched hair leaves the hair strands to start searching for moisture wherever they can find it.

But don’t fret, you can still control the frizz in your hair, keep reading to find out how

Use oil-based serums

The more hydrated your hair is, the more the cuticle layer will lie flat, leaving you with smooth, flyaway-free strands. So opt for an oil-based serum that will coat each hair shaft and block the extra moisture from getting in. Or, you can add them midday for a quick touch-up to calm down the frizz throughout the day.

Rinse your hair with cold water

Once the summer heat really hits this is probably everyone’s favourite part of the shower because cold water closes the hair cuticle blocking out any opening for the moisture to enter the hair.

Use a hydrating shampoo and a conditioner

Make sure you use a rich, deep conditioning mask at least once a week to give your hair an extra burst of hydration. A good hair mask will not only hydrate your hair from the inside out, but it will also prevent it from things like heat damage and split ends, both of which can cause scary frizz.

Introduce a hair mask to your regimen

For an extra boost of hydration reach for a rich, deep conditioning mask at least once a week. A high-quality hair mask will not only help hydrate your hair from the inside-out but also protect it from things like heat damage and split-ends—two things that also make your hair more prone to frizz.

Switch to a microfiber towel

Using the wrong towel can actually make or break your hair (especially the latter), as your hair is most vulnerable when it is still damp from the shower. Instead of using a low quality rough cotton towel that can create frizz, breakage, and friction, use a velvety microfiber towel. It is particularly absorbent and soft on the hair, so begin by gently squeezing and blotting your hair rather than rubbing it back and forth.

Wear your hair up

Ultimately, the easiest way to keep your hair under control, especially if you’re prone to extreme frizz. And who says keeping your hair up should be boring? With the summer heat cooking us all up already, we recommend you start practicing hairstyles that require your hair to be up, like space buns and the oh-so-chic braids.

Use hot styling tools when your hair is 75% air-dried

As tempting and quick the hot styling tools may seem, remember that thermal damage also causes frizzy hair when used on sopping wet hair at a high intensity setting. When used on a low setting and about 6 inches away on hair that’s been air-dried about 75% of the way through they are actually a great way to help seal the hair cuticle so that your strands lay flat and smooth. It is also recommended that you don’t expose a particular section to heat for longer as it can overheat and damage the hair.

Switch to a silk pillow cover

A silk pillowcase might sound a little extra, but trust us when we say that it can effectively help battle frizz and spilt ends. Like a cotton towel, a typical cotton pillowcase can tug at hair fibers and generate friction while you’re tossing and turning at night, resulting in frizz, breakage, and tangles in the morning. Silk, on the other hand, is a far softer and gentler fabric that can assist in retaining your hair’s natural oils while you sleep, reducing friction and damage.

Stop touching your hair

We know it’s difficult, but trust us it works! The more you brush your hair or run your fingers through it, the more friction and frizz you create, especially if you have curly or wavy hair. Wearing your hair in a braid or a sleek topknot will help keep your fingers away if you have a habit of fiddling with it during the day.