Crowned Mane

This explanation might get a little science-y but stay with me. It'll all make sense. 

The drier and more damaged ones's hair is, the more frizz they tend to have. The way our hair works- it constantly is in search of moisture from the environment. When your hair is damaged, your hair cuticles would lift making your hair more porous and drier. This makes your hair draw more moisture from the environment. When it draws moisture from the environment, it leads to reforming of the hydrogen bonds in your hair. This results in the puffiness of the hair i.e. frizz.

What are hydrogen bonds- These are responsible for the changing of your hair's shape. When you wet your hair or apply heat, it breaks down this bond which allows you make your hair straight or have twist outs/roller sets etc.

There are a number of factors which can lead to frizz. Frizz could be as a result of one or a couple of these different factors below:

1. Heat damaged hair

2. Over-processing from relaxers or dyes: This leads to damaged hair and raised cuticles

3. Use of harsh shampoos to cleanse your hair or extra hot water

4. The natural shape of your hair fiber: People with naturally curly and wavy hair tend to have more areas of lifting in their hair cuticles just due to their type of hair. This type of hair would be more prone to frizz.

5. Use of conditioners with humectants like glycerin. Some people find that when they use products that contain glycerin, they notice more frizz. What usually happens with humectants is that they pull moisture into the hair shaft from the environment and as explained above, this can alter the hydrogen bonds and lead to frizz.

6. Use of hard water for cleansing your hair. You can actually check quite easily if you live in a hard water area by using this link (UK only): https://www.aquacure.co.uk/knowledge-base/uk-hard-water-map

7. Not actually conditioning your hair properly leading it to crave moisture.

1. Dry your hair with a microfibre towel or a cotton t-shirt: These absorb water from your hair more evenly and don't leave your hair with fly-aways and frizz

2. Get your hand out of your hair after your have styled it!

3. Avoid harsh and stripping shampoos. Always go for gentle sulfate free shampoos for your regular cleanse

4. Make sure to condition your hair whenever you shampoo. If you have very thick or naturally curly hair, you may find that leaving a little bit of light weight conditioner in your hair after washing can help combat frizz. It will help smooth and leave a breathable film on your hair. Avoid glycerin if you find that your hair doesn't like it.

5. Protein treatments: if you have damaged hair, you want to make sure you are getting some protein in your hair. Proteins help fill the gaps along your strands and help with retaining moisture. It doesn't necessarily have to be a full blown protein treatment. Check out the breakage post to see recommendations based on various levels of damage.

6. Pick the right styling products. You want to make sure you add alcohol free styling mousses and gels which are lightweight to your routine. When these are applied while the hair is damp, they create a light layer to prevent moisture being drawn in from the environment and consequently frizz.

7. Trim the damaged parts of your hair and split ends. These tend to result in fly-aways and frizz.

8. Avoid using heat on your hair as this can lead to damage and lifted cuticles. Where you have to use heat, make sure to use a hooded dryer or diffuser as these are gentler on the hair than blow dryers.

9. Avoid your regular brushes!! Detangling brushes like Denman brushes are gentler on the hair and help define waves and curls especially when used on wet hair coated with conditioner. However other brushes can result in frizz and puffy hair.