5 Tips for Taming Curly, Frizzy Hair Without Making it Greasy
I've been in the beauty industry for 4+ years now, although my background is originally in fine arts. In between researching and publishing our guides, I’m usually snacking and making spontaneous (and somewhat chaotic) choices about what to do with my hair.
We get it, curly hair usually requires a lot more maintenance than straight hair.
Generally, curly hair is a lot drier than straight hair, making it much more prone to frizz.
However it's also possible to have hair that's both curly, frizz-prone, and greasy. Kinda unfair, right?
Well don't you worry 'bout a thang baby. You've come to the right place.
We're going to let you in on 5 frizzy hair tips, so you can enjoy the benefits of smoothing hair products without causing any extra oiliness to those gorgeous curly locks of yours.
1. Know why hair gets frizzy
First things first: you need to understand why your curly hair is frizzy and greasy sometimes too.
When the hair cuticles open to absorb moisture from the atmosphere, the hair strands swell.
With curly strands naturally being quite dry, your hair is more likely to become frizzy. You may have dehydrated hair, but you can also suffer from greasy roots if your scalp is producing too much sebum.
Using the right products for frizzy curly hair can be a game changer. Here's a couple of our favourites...
A hydrating styling cream for frizzy hair
This silicone-free cream is the perfect addition to your haircare regime as it combines the benefits of a treatment with the results of a styling product. Christophe Robin Luscious Curl Cream is formulated with 98% natural ingredients, including Aloe Vera to soothe and deeply hydrate the hair. Plus, Flaxseed Oil boosts hair elasticity and resilience without weighing strands down. Apply evenly on damp hair from root to tip before air drying or blow-drying with a diffuser.
A defining curly hair cream
KEVIN.MURPHY Killer Curls is a lightweight cream that’s designed to calm frizz and create defined, controlled curls. Perfect for all types of curls, this leave-in conditioner also provides heat protection up to 420°F/216°C—perfect for those of us who’re addicted to our blowouts. Also the smell is *chef's kiss*
- Find more of best Kevin Murphy products for curly hair here
2. Use Clarifying Shampoos
Clarifying shampoos are the superheroes of the shampoo world. As they’re powerful, it's not recommended you use one every time you wash your hair.
However, using a clarifying shampoo every few washes prevents the product build-up that can leave your roots greasy.
Many anti-frizz products contain silicones, which are notorious for causing product build-up. Silicones work by forming a layer over the cuticle. But this layer can leave a residue and stop moisturising products from penetrating.
If you use silicone-based hair products, you should definitely use a clarifying shampoo.
Here's some of our fave clarifying shampoos...
This formula dissolves excess oil and product build-up without drying the scalp. A dynamic duo of refreshing Peppermint and calming Tea Tree leaves the scalp feeling cleansed and cool. O&M haircare is 100% animal cruelty-free, has never been tested on animals, and is PETA approved.
Say goodbye to flakes and dandruff! If you'd like something even more intensive, consider Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub. This cult-classic, multi-award winning scalp revitaliser clears out all unwanted build-up with Sea Salt. It also nourishes and relieves scalp irritation and itchiness with gentle Chamomile and Sweet Almond Oil. Once or twice a week, before you shampoo, massage in about a tablespoon to exfoliate the scalp.
- Discover more of the Best Christophe Robin Hair Masks & Hair Treatments
3. How to apply serum on curly hair (the right way)
Serums are some of the best products you can use to control and prevent frizz. However, different serums should be used at different stages in your haircare routine. Check the product instructions to find if they should be used on wet, damp or dry hair.
Serums should also only be used on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair. If you apply serum to the roots, this may leave your hair looking greasy, as silicones do have a high-shine finish.
So what's the best anti frizz serum? Well here's some our favourites...
Formulated with Argan Oil for frizzy hair, lightweight ELEVEN Smooth & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum can be used on damp, towel-dried, or heat-styled hair. Argan Oil can be rich, so when you use Argan Oil for frizzy hair, dispense just 1 or 2 pumps into your palm. Work through dry hair from mid-lengths to ends.
With a combination of Melon Seed oil, Vitamin E and Alpha Kertin 60ku, this hair oil for curly frizzy hair helps to style and add body to your hair while nourishing. Unlike other oils and serums, VIRTUE Healing Oil can help repair the hair fibres and has an invisible finish. The best oil treatment for frizzy hair, use sparingly through the mid lengths and ends.
4. Don't Overload Your Hair With Products
If you're fighting frizz, you may be tempted to throw every single product at your hair in the hope that one may actually sort things out. Even though that’s very proactive of you, overloading your hair with ingredients is counterproductive.
It's much better to introduce haircare products into your routine slowly and see what works for you. If you're struggling to know where to start, we have some great anti-frizz product recommendations.
5. Try Not to Touch Your Hair Too Much
It's a bad habit that most women are guilty of. Whereas most people think of this as 'fixing' their hair, excessive handling actually causes more harm than good.
If you have curly hair, keeping your hands off your mane is particularly important. The more you play with your strands, the more you lose curl definition and cause more frizz.
If you're doing a great job of taming frizz but notice your hair becoming greasier, take a step back and rethink your haircare routine.
And if you haven't heard of the curly girl method yet...well, just watch the video below for some serious curly hairspo...
Want more of best products and tips for frizzy hair? Check out these helpful articles...
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