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Tired of frizz? Learn how to get rid of frizzy hair for good with 20 expert tips, including product picks and causes like damage, dryness, and humidity.

How To Get Rid Of Frizzy Hair: 20 Tips Stylists Swear By

Tired of frizz? Learn how to get rid of frizzy hair for good with 20 expert tips, including product picks and causes like damage, dryness, and humidity.
How To Get Rid Of Frizzy Hair: 20 Tips Stylists Swear By

If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and asked yourself, “Why is my hair so frizzy?” you’re not alone. You’ve also probably searched for how to get rid of frizzy hair more times than you can count. Well, it's time to smooth things out. In this guide, we’ll break down the root causes of frizz and share 20 stylist-approved tips for taming frizz that actually work.

What Is Frizzy Hair and What Causes It?

Frizz can be caused by a mix of factors, everything from the weather outside to the way you care for your hair. Environmental conditions, a lack of moisture, and certain styling habits can all contribute to strands that puff up, feel rough, or refuse to stay smooth. If you've ever asked yourself Why is my hair so frizzy, you need to know that frizz is one of the most common hair concerns, and understanding it is the first step to learning how to get rid of frizzy hair.

Environmental factors

Humidity is one of the most common culprits behind frizzy hair. When the air is full of moisture, your hair absorbs it, causing the shaft to swell and the cuticle to lift, resulting in that familiar halo of frizz and flyaways. Even changes in weather, like moving from a warm day to a chilly, dry room or seasonal shifts, can throw off your hair’s balance and make it more reactive and hard to control.

Hair condition

Your hair's natural state plays a big role in how prone it is to frizz. Dry hair is especially vulnerable, as it tends to pull moisture from the air in an attempt to hydrate itself, leading to puffiness. If your hair cuticle is damaged or raised (often due to heat, chemical treatments, or brushing), it lets moisture in and out too easily, making frizz worse. Curly and wavy hair types are naturally drier and have a more open cuticle, which makes them more likely to frizz even without much external interference. If the question is how to get rid of frizzy hair, keeping your hair hydrated and healthy is definitely part of the answer.

Haircare mistakes

The way you wash and style your hair can also make a big difference. Overwashing can strip your scalp of its natural oils, leaving strands dry and brittle. Using harsh shampoos, especially those with sulfates or drying alcohols, can further dehydrate the hair and roughen the cuticle. Frequent heat styling without a protectant weakens the hair structure over time, while chemical treatments like bleaching, coloring, or perms can cause long-term damage that leads to chronic frizz. If you’re wondering why is my hair so frizzy, your routine might be the answer, and adjusting it is key to preventing frizzy hair.

20 Tips Stylists Swear By To Get Rid Of Frizzy Hair

1. Use a sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoo

A great first step in learning how to get rid of frizzy hair is switching to a sulfate-free shampoo. Overusing products with sulfates can strip your hair of its natural oils, making it dry, brittle, and more prone to frizz. A moisturizing formula helps maintain your hair’s hydration and protects the cuticle. Look for ingredients like coconut oil, aloe vera, or shea butter for an extra moisture boost. An excellent option is the Pureology Smooth Perfection Shampoo, a sulfate-free, smoothing shampoo that not only targets frizz and dryness but also detangles hair for both textured and straight styles.

2. Deep condition your hair once a week

Another reason for a frizzy mane could be a lack of regular deep hydration. Frizz often starts with dryness. Weekly deep conditioning treatments can help replenish moisture, restore elasticity, and smooth the hair cuticle—key in preventing frizzy hair. An excellent product to incorporate into your routine is the Kérastase Discipline Maskeratine Hair Mask. This smoothing hair mask provides fluidity, movement, and softness for frizzy hair while acting as a heat protectant to help shield the hair against blow-dry damage.

3. Apply a leave-in conditioner for daily moisture

Leave-in conditioners provide long-lasting moisture and can help manage daily frizz. They’re lightweight enough for everyday use and great for detangling and smoothing hair. A leave-in is a must-have step if you’re serious about getting rid of frizzy hair. A great option to consider is the Biolage Professional Smooth Proof Leave-In Cream. This product is infused with camellia oil and glycerin, designed to help control frizz, static, and flyaways, providing smoothness and shine without weighing hair down.

4. Dry with a microfiber towel or soft T-shirt

Traditional towels can cause friction, which lifts the cuticle and leads to frizz. A microfiber towel or soft cotton T-shirt is a gentler option that helps preserve your hair’s natural texture. Switching your towel might be a game-changer for anyone wondering how to prevent frizzy hair. Remember: blot, don’t rub.

5. Let your hair air dry or use a diffuser

High heat can damage your cuticle, leading to more frizz and breakage. Letting your hair air dry is a gentle way to maintain its integrity. If you prefer blow-drying, use a diffuser on a low setting to enhance your natural waves or curls. This technique supports smoother strands and is key in getting rid of frizzy hair without heat damage.

6. Detangle with a wide-tooth comb while wet

Wet hair is more fragile but also more flexible, making it the perfect time to detangle gently. Use a wide-tooth comb while your hair is coated in conditioner to avoid breakage. This minimizes frizz by keeping the cuticle smooth and intact.

Remember, detangle starting from the bottom of your hair, working your way up. If you go from your roots to the tips, you risk breaking and pulling some of your hair on the way down, even with the best detangler.

7. Use a heat protectant before styling

Before using any hot tool, apply a heat protectant to shield your strands. This barrier locks in moisture and prevents heat-induced frizz. It’s one of the most effective ways to protect against styling damage and prevent frizzy hair. Even on low settings, hot tools can weaken your hair over time. A great option is the Kérastase Discipline Fluidissime Thermique Heat Protecting Spray, offering up to 72 hours of anti-frizz protection and 450°F thermo-protection.

8. Seal ends with hair oil or serum

The ends of your hair are older, drier, and more prone to frizz and breakage than the roots or mid-lengths. Using a lightweight oil or serum can help smooth split ends and give your mane a glossy finish. This step is essential to control frizzy hair, especially if your hair feels rough or looks puffy. Our recommendation is the Biolage Professional Smooth Proof Serum. This serum tames frizz and enhances shine, infused with camellia oil and glycerin to provide 24-hour frizz control and a protective layer against humidity.

9. Try anti-frizz creams or smoothing balms

Anti-frizz products are specially formulated to smooth the hair cuticle and control flyaways. Apply to damp hair before styling for best results. If you want to figure out how to get rid of frizzy hair with minimal effort, this will become your go-to: Pureology Smooth Perfection Smoothing Serum. This finishing serum creates silky smoothness, controls frizz, and provides heat protection while being suitable for color care. It adds shine, smooths, and softens hair, making it a versatile addition to your styling routine.

10. Use a humidity-resistant spray

Humidity can undo your best styling efforts in minutes. A humidity-resistant spray creates a protective shield that locks in your style and blocks out moisture. A top choice is Redken’s Spray Smooth, an anti-frizz humidity mist formulated with citric acid that provides instant smoothing and de-frizzing for a silky finish.

11. Look for keratin-infused or silicone-based products

Keratin can help strengthen the hair, while silicones help seal the cuticle for a sleeker finish. Together, these ingredients protect against moisture loss and frizz. Use your leave-ins sparingly to avoid buildup and add a clarifying shampoo to your routine once a week to keep your hair fresh.

12. Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase

Cotton pillowcases cause friction and absorb your hair’s natural oils. Satin or silk allows your hair to glide smoothly, reducing breakage and frizz overnight. If you’re struggling with frizzy hair, upgrading your pillowcase can help. To enhance your overnight hair care routine, consider using the Shu Uemura Art of Hair Essence Absolue Nourishing Overnight Hair Serum. This overnight serum provides nourishment while smoothing, softening, and taming frizz for sleeker hair by morning (no need to rinse).

13. Don’t overwash your hair

Washing too often can strip your scalp and hair of essential moisture. The less you wash, the more natural oils your hair retains, keeping frizz at bay. You can use dry shampoo in between washes to refresh your roots.

14. Use protective products before swimming

Chlorine and saltwater are harsh on your hair and can worsen frizz. If you plan on swimming, apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil beforehand. This creates a protective barrier that helps shield your strands from chlorine or saltwater damage. Rinsing with fresh water before and after your swim can also keep frizz and dryness at bay.

15. Trim your ends regularly

Split ends can travel up the hair shaft, making frizz worse. Regular trims every 6–8 weeks help maintain healthy hair and minimize puffiness. If you’re figuring out how to get rid of frizzy hair, never skip this maintenance step. Even tiny trims can improve texture.

16. Consider an in-salon keratin treatment

Keratin treatments infuse your hair with protein and seal the cuticle, making strands smoother and shinier. These treatments can last for weeks and dramatically reduce frizz. If you’re overwhelmed by daily upkeep and wondering how to get rid of frizzy hair, talk to your stylist. They’ll recommend the best treatment for your hair type.

17. Ask about glossing or smoothing treatments

Glossing treatments add shine and tame frizz without permanently altering your hair texture. They’re a great way to enhance manageability and polish. If you’ve been searching for salon solutions on how to prevent frizzy hair, this is a gentler alternative to keratin. Results typically last several weeks.

18. Get a haircut that supports your texture

The wrong haircut can worsen frizz by creating uneven volume or removing too much weight. Choose a shape that works with your natural wave or curl pattern. If you want to know how to get rid of frizzy hair without fighting your hair daily, this is key. The right cut can reduce your need for heat styling, too.

19. Avoid over-processing with color

Frequent coloring, bleaching, or relaxing can strip your hair of moisture and damage the cuticle. This leads to long-term frizz and dullness. So, try to keep chemical treatments to a minimum. And if you do color your hair, be sure to give it plenty of moisture on a daily basis with a gentle shampoo and nourishing conditioner.

20. Get personalized product recommendations from your stylist

If you're overwhelmed by options and still wondering, "Why is my hair so frizzy?" it might be time to call in a pro. A professional stylist can help you make sense of it all—your hair's texture, density, and porosity all play a role in how it responds to products. With expert advice, you can build a routine that actually works for your hair type.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is frizzy hair?

Frizzy hair happens when the outer layer of your hair, called the cuticle, is raised instead of lying flat. This allows moisture from the air to enter and swell the hair shaft, causing strands to puff out, bend, or stand apart from the rest.

What causes frizzy hair?

Frizz can be caused by several things, including humidity, dryness, hair damage, or even your styling habits. Environmental moisture makes hair swell, while heat styling and harsh products break down your hair’s natural defenses. If your hair is curly, coarse, or naturally dry, you’re more prone to frizz.

How to prevent frizzy hair

Start by keeping your hair well-moisturized—hydrated strands are less likely to puff up. Use sulfate-free shampoo, deep condition weekly, and protect your hair from heat and humidity. Avoid rough towel drying, and opt for satin pillowcases at night. If you’re wondering how to get rid of frizzy hair, the key is consistency and gentle care.

Next Up: How to Air Dry Your Hair in 6 Easy Steps

If you’re looking for an in-salon keratin treatment or want specialist advice for your hair, try our salon locator and find an expert near you.

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