It’s no secret that frizz happens year-round, and anyone with waves, curls, and coils can be particularly prone to frizz due to the unique structure of each hair strand. Curly hair has natural bends, arcs, and angles that help to form a beautifully shaped curl pattern. However, this also means that curls are more susceptible to moisture loss over time, and dry hair can often mean more frizz, especially in humid climates and during the hot summer months. Keep reading for some easy ways to combat frizz and keep curls looking smooth and defined!
1. Hydration, hydration, hydration!
Making sure that curly hair stays hydrated is the key to sealing in the nutrients that curls need to stay frizz-free. Deep conditioners and hydrating treatment masks are great ways to moisturize curls, but it’s important to start with a clean canvas to really help those conditioning ingredients penetrate the hair strand. Build-up from environmental factors like saltwater and chlorine can lead to mineral build-up on hair over time, preventing curls from absorbing and retaining the proper amount of hydration they require.
When hair starts feeling dry and brittle, it may be due to mineral build-up, so try pairing a clarifying product like Water Works Clarifying Shampoo with a deeply moisturizing hair mask to infuse curls with hydration and nutrients. The Frizz-Fighting Hydrating Mask is a treatment mask for curls that will hydrate hair while also actively fighting frizz thanks to the Anti-Frizz Nano Technology® ingredient that seals hair cuticle to lock in moisture and lock out humidity. This helps curls stay defined and frizz-free for much longer, even in the super-humid summer months.
2. Squish to Condish
Try a new application method! Conditioners and hair treatment masks are a great option to help moisturize curls, and the “squish to condish” method takes hydration to the next level, so you get the most out of your curly hair products. Using the ideal amount of water in combination with nourishing conditioners will help curls to retain moisture for longer, which reduces frizz and enhances definition.
After shampooing, thoroughly saturate hair with water until it is soaking wet. Reach for a Defrizzing Conditioner and apply a generous amount onto curls, evenly distributing throughout and coating hair strands until they feel fully covered with conditioner. At this point, hair should feel slippery to the touch. Wait a few minutes before rinsing, then it’s time to squish. As you start to rinse water and conditioner out of the hair, use the palms of your hands to catch and squish that moisture into your curls in a gentle scrunching motion. Doing this will help to seal those nutrients into hair and allow hydration to be absorbed into strands. Continue until your curls have stopped dripping and are damp to the touch, then style as usual.
3. Layer products to build volume and definition—without frizz
Set your curls up for success! Creating a frizz-free foundation before you apply your curl styling products can do wonders to enhance curl definition and increase hair moisture levels. After shampooing and conditioning, use a leave-in conditioner to prime curls before styling. This helps to detangle and adds more hydration into the hair. After priming, use a lightweight styling product like Advanced Climate Control® Featherlight Volumizing Foam to add soft, crunch-free hold to curls. This curl foam is weightless but also moisturizing, making it the ideal styler for anyone looking for added hydration and nourishment that won’t weigh down curls. It’s also infused with Anti-Frizz Nano Technology®, which helps to lock in moisture and lock out humidity in any climate, so curls stay voluminous, but also frizz-free throughout the day.
4. Style curls when they’re wet
Like the “squish to condish” method, applying styling products onto wet hair can help to reduce frizz and keep curls defined for longer. Next time you’re styling your curls, try layering each product for extra frizz-fighting power and apply them by raking products through hair while it’s still pretty damp. Whether it’s a frizz-fighting gel for heat and humidity or a curl defining styling cream for soft, touchable hold, the extra water on your hair will provide more slip and really help to lock in the moisture needed to keep frizz away for longer.
5. Refresh curls on the go
When you’re out and about, curls can start to stretch out and lose their shape, especially if you’re in a humid environment. Once signs of frizz begin to show, an easy way to combat this and redefine the curl pattern is to use a curl refresher. Made with Anti-Frizz Nano Technology®, the Featherlight Touch-Up Gel Cream works wonders to moisturize and refresh on the go because it’s designed to be used on dry curls, so no water is required! Simply take a nickel-sized amount and apply onto any individual curls that need a refresh. Your strands will be redefined, hydrated, and frizz-free in no time. Bonus: It’s super lightweight so it won’t weigh curls down and can be layered if more touch-ups are needed later.
For more curly hair tips and information on frizz-fighting hair products for curls, visit Ouidad.com.