Quench the Thirst of Frizzy Hair

Written by Diana Dudas

“Why is my hair so FRIZZY and dry, coarse or brittle?” The simple answer – your hair needs moisture. Ninety percent of us suffer with dry, brittle or frizzy hair because our hair lacks WATER!

Oil and water

For years we’ve been told that out hair is dry because we are lack natural oils. We’ve been told that if we brush vigorously 100 times a day, or if we nurture our hair with hot oil treatments, then we are sure to be blessed with beautiful, shiny locks. This might be the case, if you have young, virgin (hair that is not chemically treated) hair. But this is certainly not the case for permed, colored or naturally curly hair. What contributes to frizziness?

Condition of the cuticle – Under a microscope, a cuticle looks like shingles on a roof. When the hair is in good condition, the tiles or cuticle layers are tight, together giving the hair a smooth appearance and lots of shine. When hair is in bad condition, is curly or has poor porosity, the cuticle layers are lifted. The light is absorbed instead of reflected and there is no shine.
Porosity – Is the ability for hair to be able to absorb and retain moisture. Hair that has poor porosity will not be able to absorb or retain moisture as well as hair that has good porosity. Hair that cannot retain water can become permanently dry.
Product build up – Once the hair is coated, the problems start. Moisture cannot permeate through the wall of product build. Oils cannot diffuse when there is product build-up; they just sit on top of the cuticle layer, uselessly. Using any kind of hot styling tools, such as blow dryers or hot irons, adds to the damage and decreases the shine.

Getting rid of the frizz

Hair in great condition has a moisture (water) content of at least eight percent and the right balance of protein and natural oil. Most of us produce enough natural oil to keep our hair healthy, but lack the moisture.

After having a chemical service (color or perm) your hair’s moisture level can drop as low as two percent, drying the hair and causing split ends. The same will happen with constant use of blow dryers and hot styling tools. If the moisture level is not restored to its optimum eight percent by the use of good moisturizing products, your hair will ultimately become brittle and possibly break. Give your hair some TLC to combat frizzies and bring back the shine.

Use moisturizing shampoos that are designed to restore your hair’s moisture level to its optimum eight percent.
Use intense conditioners that will help to repair damaged cuticles, improve porosity, elasticity and general health and appearance of your hair.
Avoid product build-up by using products that contain natural ingredients.
Avoid hot oil treatments, heavy cholesterol type conditioners, petroleum-based and silicone-based products. Also avoid hairsprays, mousses and gels that have a high alcohol or butane content.

Our hair needs MOISTURE, MOISTURE, and MOISTURE! Who needs to add moisture more than most? People with naturally curly or chemically treated hair, hot styling tool users and people who live in hot, arid climates.

Tags: beauty, Diana Dudas, hair, LIFE, Women

4 Responses to “Quench the Thirst of Frizzy Hair”

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Toni B says:

September 21, 2010 at 9:58 am

I have fine, wavy, long hair that is prone to frizz (on humid days) and static (on dry days).

I use the Shielo “Bounce Style Creme” which is all-purpose that you can use to tame frizzies and static, straighten hair or boost curls, and add shine, depending on how you use it.

After towel-drying my hair, I usually rub a nickel-sized amount into the ends (not the roots where it can get greasy) and then blow-dry as usual. It really protects my hair from heat styling damage and looks so healthy and shiny. My hair smells great, too! Don’t expect a lot of hold, but your hair will be touchably super soft. Also, make sure to evenly-distribute the cream in your hair. Be careful not to use too much or your hair can look a little oily/greasy like you haven’t washed it.
Smutny, Marc says:

May 25, 2010 at 9:45 pm

This website was given to me as a Link from a teacher. I was intended to be a link about selecting the right friends, not Frizzy hair!!! ahahaha Her bads, not mine!!! this is my proof that I was here.
Claire Colvin says:

February 27, 2009 at 12:25 pm

If you’re going to blow dry (which for better or worse, most of us do) make sure you’re using a heat protector in your hair to combat damage. John Frieda makes a Frizz Ease heat protecting serum that works really well. You only have to use a little bit of it so it lasts and lasts.

I’ve found Pantene shampoos and conditioners work well on my curly hair. The best tip I ever got from my stylist is areosol dry wax — it’s available anywhere that sells salon products. A lot of people use wax to style their hair byt he areosol dry wax is super light and does a great job of keeping hair in place without giving you ‘helmet hair’ .
Loretta bE says:

February 27, 2009 at 7:40 am

What products do you recommend that will put moisture back into my hair? I have wavy hair and blow drying keeps it down. Is there any alternative to blow drying