It’s a tale as old as time: I give myself an ~impeccable~ bouncy blowout only for my hair to become a frizzy mess the moment I step outside. What gives? I wish I could blame the humidity, but truthfully, frizz is caused by much more than just the weather.
There are plenty of factors that lead to frizz, and according to celebrity hairstylist Marc Ballance, it all depends on your hair type, maintenance routine, and overall health of your mane. With his help, we broke down four small steps you can take to tamp down on frizz and improve your hair health. If smooth, flyaway-free hair is your goal, keep reading for his comprehensive tips.
What causes frizzy hair?
There are quite a few things that cause frizzy hair. You can’t blame it all on humidity! Most often, Ballance says frizz is correlated to a lack of moisture. “When hair is dry, the cuticle lifts up and allows humidity from the air to enter the strand, causing it to swell and appear frizzy.” Dryness, and ultimately frizz, can be a result of heat styling, chemical treatments (including bleach), and an inconsistent hair routine.
Are certain hair types more prone to frizz?
All hair types can deal with varying levels of frizz, but wavy and curly hair types are more susceptible. “Wavy and curly hair naturally tends to be more prone to frizz because the shape of the strand makes it harder for natural oils to travel from the scalp to the ends,” explains Ballance. That’s why you often hear stylists recommend deep conditioning masks and leave-in conditioners for those with more textured hair. These products act like moisturizing reinforcement to keep hair hydrated and frizz at bay.
How to get rid of frizzy hair
1. Develop a routine that works with your hair type
First and foremost, you should work with your stylist to find the best frizz-combating regimen for your hair type. For those who struggle with regular frizz—I’m looking at you, wavy and curly hair types—it can be beneficial to use a smoothing shampoo and conditioner on top of frizz-fighting stylers. “These types of products smooth the cuticle and make a great foundation before you even begin styling,” says Ballance. The Odele Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner is a good place to start.
If frizz is a seasonal or secondary concern—which is usually the case for those with fine and straight hair—a standard hydrating shampoo will be the foundational step of your routine. Then you can add in specific anti-frizz stylers later.
2. Be gentle when drying your hair
Consider wet, freshly washed hair your baseline. Everything you do once you get out of the shower can affect your frizz levels—even how you wrap your towel around your head. “One of the biggest mistakes I see is aggressively rubbing your hair with a towel,” says Ballance. “Instead, gently pat excess water from the hair. You’ll create far less friction, which helps prevent frizz before styling even begins.” It’s also a good idea to swap your standard towel for a microfiber option. Not only will it help dry your hair faster, but it also reduces breakage and causes less friction.
When it comes to blow-drying your hair, always direct the airflow down the shaft to prevent the cuticle from lifting. This technique ensures each strand remains sleek and smooth.
3. Use de-frizzing styling products (the right way!)
You can use as many smoothing serums or anti-humidity sprays as you’d like to shield your hair from frizz, but if you’re not applying them correctly, you won’t get the results you’re after. Ballance says anti-frizz formulas should be smoothed through the mid lengths to your ends. “Be sure every strand is evenly coated as you go.”
It’s best to avoid heavy-duty smoothers near your roots—doing so can weigh down your hair and result in a greasy finish. If you deal with flyaways near your crown, keep a taming wand, like the Dae Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream and Taming Wand, on hand. These tools resemble mascara for your hair and quickly put each hair back in its place.
Team Cosmo’s Favorite Frizz-Fighting Stylers
John Frieda Frizz Ease The Controller Extra Strength Hair Serum
Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray
Ouai Anti-Frizz Creme
4. Improve your overall hair health
When you take care of your hair—get regular trims, avoid heat styling, and moisturize regularly—you’ll notice that your hair won’t frizz up as much. “Healthier hair naturally frizzes less,” says Ballance. He recommends keeping a nourishing oil or mask in regular rotation (Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother is his favorite) to ensure your mane retains moisture and stays in prime condition. Beyond masks and leave-ins, try swapping your cotton pillowcase for a silk one. Silk helps hair maintain its natural oils and protects it while you sleep.
Meet the expert
- Marc Ballance is a celebrity hairstylist at IGK Salon in New York City.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Mary Honkus is a contributor for Cosmopolitan with eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories, including a deep dive on why your hair gets so oily and making a case for coconut oil for hair. She’s an authority in all beauty categories and her hair is her prized possession. For this story, she consulted with a professional stylist to learn how to combat frizz.
