Let’s talk about frizz, that fluffy, fuzzy, sometimes unpredictable part of curl life. If you're dealing with frizz but aren't quite sure why it's happening or what type it is, you're not alone.
Not all frizz is the same. In fact, there are three main types of curl frizz, and once you understand the difference, you can tweak your routine to suit what your hair needs, instead of throwing more product at the problem and hoping for the best!
Here’s the lowdown on the three main types, what causes them, what they look like, and how to treat them.
WET FRIZZ
Ever notice frizz showing up while your hair is still wet? That’s wet frizz. It usually means your hair is lacking moisture, and your strands aren't clumping together like they should; instead of forming juicy curls, you see fuzzy, separated strands during the styling phase, which is often a sign that your hair is thirsty.
WHAT CAUSES IT?
- Lack of moisture/hydration
- Product not penetrating properly
- Damaged or raised cuticles
- Hard water buildup
WHAT TO DO:
- Deep condition regularly, focusing on moisture-rich treatments.
- Style on soaking wet hair: This helps lock in hydration and encourages curl clumping.
- Use a leave-in or curl cream with slip: Look for ingredients like aloe, marshmallow root, that hydrate and help smooth the cuticle.
STRUCTURAL FRIZZ
This is the kind of frizz that shows up in the body of the hair in between defined curls, where strands don’t clump properly or curl the same way. Think of it like an inconsistent curl pattern or definition. You might have a few beautifully defined spirals... and then random puffy or straight patches.
WHAT CAUSES IT?
- Uneven curl patterns or disrupted clumping
- Incomplete styling application
- Not enough hold in your products
- Over-manipulating during drying or diffusing
WHAT TO DO:
- Section your hair for styling: This ensures even product distribution.
- Use a curl cream or gel with light to medium hold to help curls stay defined and clumped.
- Hands off while drying. Touching your hair too much while it’s wet or damp can cause curls to separate.
HALO FRIZZ
That fuzzy layer that shows up mostly on the crown and around your hairline, the “halo” that seems to hover over your curls. This one is super common, especially if you wear your hair out and are exposed to the elements.
WHAT CAUSES IT?
- Dry or damaged hair at the crown
- Friction from pillowcases or hats
- Not applying enough product to the root area
- Humidity
WHAT TO DO:
- Smooth a small amount of product over the crown during styling (without weighing it down)
- Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase or wear a bonnet to prevent breakage
- Use a refreshing spray or a small amount of oil/serum to tame frizz on non-wash days
To sum it up, frizz is entirely normal and comes with having curls, but when you can identify what type you’re dealing with, it becomes so much easier to manage.
Instead of aiming for zero frizz, aim for healthy curls that feel soft, hydrated, and defined in the way that works for you.
Love Claire x
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