Curly hair: what to do about frizz?

Cheveux bouclés : que faire contre les frisottis ?

They appear at the slightest humidity, appear as soon as a strand lacks hydration, transform the most structured curls into rebellious clouds... Frizz is the daily challenge of many textured hair. Harmless but persistent, it reflects an invisible imbalance: a sensitized fiber, dehydrated hair, or an unsuitable routine.

But the good news is: frizz isn't inevitable. It's not about hiding it at all costs, but rather understanding its origins to better soothe it. With targeted actions, expert care, and careful attention to your texture, it's possible to regain crisp, shiny, and perfectly defined curls.

The origin of frizz

Before you try to tame it, it's essential to understand where frizz comes from. This hair phenomenon never appears by chance. It reflects an imbalance at the very heart of the hair fiber, often accentuated by inappropriate actions or an overly aggressive routine.

To overcome it, you must first decipher the causes: natural texture, hair porosity, external environment, invisible everyday errors... It is this fine reading of the signs that we suggest you explore, to gently regain control.

A hair warning sign

Frizz is not a defect: it's a signal . It occurs when the fiber is porous, when the cuticle is raised, irregular. Ambient humidity then penetrates the hair, disrupts its internal balance, and makes it swell in an anarchic manner. Result: the curls become deformed, become frizzy, and lose their definition.

A texture more prone to frizz

Curly hair, due to its twisted structure, is naturally more vulnerable to frizz . Sebum, which glides easily on straight hair, has more difficulty traveling through wavy or frizzy lengths. The fiber is therefore drier, more exposed to aggressions, more likely to react to climatic variations.

Mistakes to avoid when dealing with frizz

Washing too frequently, using too much water, using towels that are too rough, using oil that is too heavy, using poorly protected blow-drying or using alcohol-based gel... Certain simple actions can permanently weaken the hair fiber, without us even realizing it. Regularly exposing your hair to heat without proper hair care , dry brushing it or using products that are not suited to its nature accentuates internal imbalances. It is these repeated, sometimes invisible, micro-aggressions that cause frizz to appear and make it increasingly difficult to control. In the long term, they alter the structure of the hair, harm its definition and make it duller and more brittle.

Create an anti-frizz barrier right from your skincare routine

Cleanse while respecting the fiber of your curly hair

It all starts in the shower. To prevent frizz, avoid drying out the hair fiber when washing. A gentle shampoo, without sulfates or harsh surfactants, gently cleanses while naturally moisturizing the hair . The lather should be fine, the gesture slow, and the rinse lukewarm. Shampoo for curly hair , enriched with mango butter, provides intense hydration and deep nourishment to curls.

Seal in deep hydration

The mask acts like a cocoon. Once or twice a week, it hydrates, nourishes and strengthens the fiber from the inside . For a reinforced anti-frizz action, the mask for curly hair is ideal: its melting texture fills in the gaps, nourishing the curls in depth.

Apply a leave-in treatment

Once the hair is washed and towel-dried, the leave-in treatment for curly hair becomes an invisible shield. It locks in moisture, disciplines the fiber, and defines curls without stiffness . Its fluid texture is applied strand by strand, using an upward scrunching motion. The aim here is to envelop the curls in a nourishing veil, which limits their reactivity to humidity, whether the hair is wavy, curly, or frizzy.

For a flexible, frizz-free hold, apply a light but effective curly hair gel that sets the shape without freezing the natural movement of your curls.

Finish with a shiny shield

As a finishing touch, add a few drops of hair serum to form a light, protective, and silky film that prolongs the shine of your curls and leaves the lengths luminous. It is particularly recommended in case of exposure to humidity or wind.

Adopt anti-frizz actions every day

Frizz doesn't disappear after a shower: it can appear at any time of day, and sometimes even during the night. That's why care outside the bathroom is just as crucial as the care itself.

Gentle drying, long-lasting results

The simple act of drying can transform the look of curly, frizzy, or wavy hair. Conventional cotton towels wrinkle the hair cuticle, causing static electricity and flyaways . Instead, opt for a microfiber towel, which is softer, more absorbent, and gentler on the hair fiber, or a lightweight cotton t-shirt to limit breakage and maintain shine.

When it comes to drying, air drying remains the ideal solution, allowing you to maintain the suppleness and natural appearance of your locks, without excessive heat. If using a hairdryer is necessary, it is advisable to first apply an anti-frizz heat-protective treatment , then use a diffuser at a low temperature. This advice helps control frizz, protect your hair and reduce the effects of ambient humidity, while giving your hair a silky and even effect.

Sleep without creasing your lengths

Nighttime is often the cause of frizz in the early morning. Friction against the pillow, body moisture, repeated movements... So many micro-aggressions that defy the definition of curly, frizzy, or even kinky locks. To limit these effects, a silk or smooth satin pillowcase creates a real protective barrier by preventing breakage and dehydration of the hair. This trick helps keep the lengths supple and shiny, while respecting the cuticle. A silk bonnet completes this nighttime hair routine by gently enveloping the hair fiber and reducing the effect of friction.

For the lengths , a loose braid or a high bun ("pineapple") is an ideal technique, which allows you to control the shape and protect the ends. You can even apply a dab of serum or moisturizer beforehand, enriched with natural ingredients like shea butter, to deeply nourish and hydrate the hair fiber while protecting your hair at night.

Revive without weighing down

There's no need to re-wash your entire head to restore definition. A spray of water, enriched with a hint of moisturizer or jelly, can be enough to restore suppleness and revive curls . This quick tip helps reactivate products already present in the hair fiber, while limiting the effects of ambient humidity, which promotes the appearance of frizz. Spray on strands, gently scrunch, and let air dry for a natural, bouncy effect.

For those who prefer a ready-to-use solution, a leave-in treatment specially formulated for curly, frizzy, or even kinky hair, rich in naturally derived ingredients like aloe vera and shea butter, is the ideal ally. This complementary step to your daily hair care routine helps moisturize, nourish, smooth the cuticle, and protect the hair, while maintaining its highlights and shine.

Observe and adjust your routine

Frizz isn't always the result of an unsuitable routine: sometimes it reflects a deeper need, such as an irritated scalp or temporary hair loss . In these cases, it's a good idea to enhance your routine with scalp care or anti-hair loss products to restore balance at the source.

FAQs about curly hair and frizz

What types of hair fibers are most likely to form frizz?

Curly, coily, or kinky hair is more prone to frizz. Its shape prevents sebum from distributing properly, making it drier, more porous, and more sensitive to humidity.

How does hair porosity influence the appearance of frizz?

Highly porous hair allows moisture to penetrate the fiber. As a result, the cuticle lifts, the curl swells, and frizz appears.

What common hair care mistakes contribute to frizz?

Washing too frequently, rubbing with a rough towel, dry brushing, and alcohol-based products damage the fiber. These actions dry out the hair and increase frizz.

What specific treatments help create an effective barrier against frizz?

A gentle shampoo, a nourishing mask, and a leave-in treatment moisturize and condition the hair fiber. A finishing serum seals in moisture and smooths the cuticle.

What daily practices can help limit frizz besides washing?

Avoid rubbing, air dry or use a diffuser, sleep on a satin pillowcase, and moisturize curls with a mist or light cream.

Related Articles