Frizz is not a hair type: it is a sign. Once you know why it happens, the solution is a good deal less complicated than it seems.
Short answer: Hair goes frizzy when it is dry or damaged: the cuticle lifts, absorbs moisture from the air and each hair swells in its own direction. It helps to hydrate the lengths at every wash, dry without rubbing, use a leave-in product on damp hair and cut down on heat from straighteners and hairdryers.
In short
- Cause: lack of hydration and a lifted cuticle. Moisture in the air makes it worse.
- What helps most: conditioner at every wash and a leave-in product.
- What makes it worst: rubbing with a towel, very hot water and heat without protection.
Habits that reduce it
- Rinse out conditioner with lukewarm or cold water.
- Dry by pressing with the towel, without rubbing.
- Detangle with a wide-tooth comb, on damp hair.
- Do not touch your hair while it dries.
Products, in order of importance
- Conditioner at every wash, from mid-lengths to ends.
- A leave-in mist or cream on damp hair. How to use it: leave-in mist.
- A mask once a week if your hair is coloured or damaged.
Three kinds of frizz
| Cause | How you notice it | What helps |
|---|---|---|
| Humidity | It appears when you go outside or when it rains | A leave-in product and not touching your hair while it dries |
| Damaged hair | Mostly on the lengths and ends, with colouring or straighteners | Conditioner at every wash, a weekly mask and less heat |
| Natural texture | In wavy or curly hair, from the roots | Hydrating and defining, without brushing dry hair |
Ingredients to look for
- To hydrate: glycerin, aloe vera, panthenol.
- To smooth the hair surface: hydrolysed proteins and light oils such as argan.
- On very humid days: some people find products high in glycerin make them frizzier. If that is you, use a lighter formula on those days.
Which Nitiel product fits
KERAGLOSS is a leave-in keratin mist: four or five sprays on damp hair to detangle, add shine and leave hair manageable. It is ECOCERT COSMOS Natural certified and is not vegan.
Sources and references
- Hair Cosmetics: An Overview. M. F. R. Gavazzoni Dias, International Journal of Trichology (2015). Scientific review of surfactants, silicones, conditioners and protein hydrolysates in hair care.
- Tips for healthy hair. American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Dermatologists’ guidance on how often to wash depending on the scalp and where to apply shampoo and conditioner.
Frequently asked questions
Does frizz go away completely?
It is reduced a lot, but on very humid days it is normal for some to appear.
Does cutting your hair help?
Yes, if the ends are split: that is where frizz shows most.
Why does hair frizz when it rains?
Because dry hair absorbs moisture from the air and each strand swells unevenly. Well-hydrated hair absorbs less and frizzes less.
Does keratin get rid of frizz?
It reduces it until the next wash, because it smooths the surface of the hair. It does not change its shape: salon keratin straightening is a different process altogether.