Identifying and fighting frizz with PRO expert, Alifia
Frizz gets a bad rap, especially in the curly–coily hair world. Whether your unique texture has been compared to unrealistic beauty standards, or you’ve felt pressure to fit in with damaging chemical straighteners—frizz makes us feel some type of way.
Contrary to popular belief, frizz is not always a bad thing—it might even be by design.
not all frizz is created equal
Humidity isn’t the only thing to blame for frizz (looking at you, Florida). It can come from your natural hair texture or shape, or environmental factors that are worsened by damage. Here’s what we mean…
Frizz from your natural texture and shape happens when strands aren’t in formation with the rest of your curls and coils. They break free from the crowd and stand on their own, creating a soft halo around your crown—a one-of-a-kind accessory. Sometimes I create it on purpose, using a hair pick to shape hair to new heights. Embracing these voluminous, less-defined locks are one of our many modes of curly–coily expression.
Then there’s not-so-intentional frizz. What I like to call “wet frizz” in humid environments. Our hair picks up water molecules in the environment, which causes different points along our hair fibers to swell unevenly. This changes the shape of hair, straying away from the patterns you’re used to.
So avoid humid environments and you’re good…right? Well, frizz can happen in dry environments too, from charge buildup. You see, hair naturally carries a negative charge. In cold, dry climates, like charges repel and push your strands away from each other. This is what we call “dry frizz” or staticky flyaways.
the damage domino effect
If looking out for wet and dry frizz wasn’t enough, damaged curls + coils are more vulnerable to frizz. Things in our routine like heat styling, brushing, and UV rays can wear down the outer protective layers of hair, allowing more water absorption, and thus—wet frizz. Dry and damaged hair accumulates excess negative electrostatic charges, causing even more dry frizz or flyaways. You can get a deeper dive into the science here!
how to fight frizz, for good
Understanding the root causes of frizz helps us fight the not-so-intentional kinds of frizz + and strengthen our hair’s defenses against it. Here are my tips for fighting frizz in your routine:
Use a satin pillowcase, hair scarf, or bonnet to reduce friction that wears down the protective cuticle layer
Gently detangle with a wide-tooth brush or your fingers for less stress and mechanical damage
Use a quick-wicking towel to gently remove excess water without heat or friction
Reinforce your hair’s natural protective layer with a lightweight oil
Prioritize holistic molecular repair to reverse frizz-causing damage long-term
I hope this helps you wear your crown the way you want to! The beauty of curly–coily expression is embracing your fluffy hair one day, then switching things up if you feel like it. Your hair, your rules.
x Alifia, Curly-Coily Expert + K18 Educator
Check back for more curly-coily chats, we’re going all the way.
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