6 Tips for Controlling Frizz in Natural Hair

Dianne Austin
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6 Tips for Controlling Frizz in Natural HairLet’s face it, our natural hair is prone to frizz.  Frizzy hair is viewed as a virtue by our adventurous sisters because it adds fullness and texture to natural hairstyles.  Then there are those of us who wish that we could take a magic wand and “poof” the frizzies away.

The good news is that you don’t need a magic wand to reduce or eliminate frizz in your natural locks. Check out these tried and true methods used by other naturals for frizz-free hair:

1. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize: Frizzy natural hair is accentuated when your hair is dry – and we all know that our delicate hair is a magnet for dryness.

Make a habit of deep conditioning your locks with hair-friendly oils such as coconut, jojoba, argan, and olive oils.  Apply a heat cap, a hot towel, or sit under a hooded dryer using low heat for 15 minutes to ensure that the oils are absorbed into the hair shaft. Add some protein like raw eggs, mayonnaise, or yogurt into your oil  conditioner for an added boost of conditioning.

2. Don’t use harsh shampoos on your hair: If you were to look at frizzy hair under a microscope, you’d see that the cuticle, which is part of the hair shaft is raised which translates into frizzy hair.  To control frizz, the hair shaft needs to be smooth.  Shampoos that contain harsh detergents such as sulfates can raise the cuticle on the hair shaft as part of the cleansing process which contributes to frizz.

Try using sulfate free shampoos or co-wash your hair more often to prevent roughing up the cuticle layer of the hair shaft.

3. Rinse your hair with cold water:  As cold as you can stand!  Hot water also raises the cuticle layer, while cold water smooths and seals it.

4. Try aloe vera juice or apple cider vinegar rinses: Many naturals, myself included, swear by aloe vera juice rinses which smooths and seals the cuticle because of the ph balance.  Just mix one part aloe vera juice,  gel, or apple cider vinegar with 2 parts water – and make it cold if you can for an added smoothing boost.

5. Use a microfiber towel when drying your hair: Microfiber towels are a godsend because they absorb more water than a conventional towel and reduce frizz.

6. Don’t comb your natural hair:  This is key if you want to wear your hair loose. Combing your hair will encourage frizz.  You should manipulate your hair as little as possible.

Do you have other strategies that help you prevent frizz?

 

 

Author:  Dianne Shaddock

Comment on this article“Changing attitudes about natural hair” is what we do at Natural Haircare News. Through informative articles, podcasts and videos, we go beyond just sharing the latest advice and tips on kinky, curly, wavy haircare – We shake things up and focus on the realities of wearing our hair natural. 
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3 Responses to 6 Tips for Controlling Frizz in Natural Hair

  1. Shay says:
    April 22, 2015 at 11:58 am

    I agree with you Dana its naturally frizzy when curls aren’t present.

    Reply
  2. Dana says:
    May 28, 2013 at 8:20 pm

    I always believed that my hair was frizzy because it’s dry. Now I’m thinking this is a myth. I put straight olive oil on my hair and it is still frizzy. I could pour the whole bottle and it would be greasy and frizzy. I believe this is just my natural hair, not dry.

    Reply
    • Dianne says:
      May 28, 2013 at 11:05 pm

      It’s true, natural hair is “naturally” frizzy, but there are things that we can do to counteract the frizz if in fact that is what you want to do. Many naturals embrace the frizz as do I from time to time. When I don’t want the frizz, I use the tips highlighted in the article.

      Reply

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