Before you assume your hair is damaged, dehydrated, or in need of an entirely new product lineup, look at your technique. Frizz by itself is not a good indicator of hair health or damage. Yes, humidity can absolutely make hair frizz, but when the weather isn’t the issue, I usually start by looking at how thoroughly the hair is being cleansed, conditioned, detangled, and styled. Proper detangling isn’t complicated, but it does take time. It takes me an average of 20–30 minutes to cleanse and thoroughly detangle many of my clients. So if your entire shampoo-and-conditioner routine takes seven or ten minutes, especially if you have tighter curls, coarse strands, or high-density hair, you may simply be moving too fast.
I prefer to detangle with my hands because I’m not just trying to remove knots. I’m smoothing the hair, bringing curl clumps together, distributing conditioner from strand to strand, and helping those wayward hairs find their way home. Think about curling ribbon with scissors: as you smooth the ribbon along the blade, it begins to take shape. Finger-detangling your curls can have a similar effect. You’re encouraging the hair to organize into its natural curl pattern while also making sure the product is actually coating the hair instead of sitting in random spots. Take your time and pay attention to how your hair feels. Your hands will tell you where you need more water, where you have tangles, and where the hair hasn’t been completely coated.
Another big change I recommend is applying your moisture and hold products in the shower while your hair is still soaking wet. Towel-drying first and then standing in front of the mirror with a spray bottle trying to put all that water back into your hair is making the process harder than it needs to be. Water helps your leave-in or moisturizing product spread more evenly, and it can help you use less product. After you rinse your conditioner, apply your moisture product thoroughly and finger-comb it through your hair. Then apply your hold product while the hair is still wet. Now you can towel-dry. If you’re committed to the wash-and-go life, I’m happy for you—but make it easy on yourself. You don’t need to see every curl while you style it. Looking in the mirror hasn’t solved the problem yet. Learn to feel your hair instead.
Once your products are evenly distributed and your curls are set, focus on getting your scalp dry as soon as possible with a good dryer. You can diffuse the lengths or allow the ends to air-dry if you prefer, but don’t leave your scalp wet for hours. And before you throw away everything in your bathroom because you saw a little frizz, give your technique a chance. If you want help learning how to properly cleanse, detangle, moisturize, and style your curls, book an appointment at The CurlSpa and let’s work through your routine together. Already know what you need but running low? Shop your CurlSpa hair-care favorites online and have your products shipped directly to you. Good hair care doesn’t have to mean more products. Sometimes it means slowing down, adding more water, and using the products you already have better.
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