How To Fix Frizzy Straight Hair

Discover the right regimen to fix those pesky flyaways and get smooth tresses.

Reviewed by Madison Dufour, Barber & Cosmetologist
Written by Anjali Sayee, BTech
Edited by Eshna Das, BA, MSc
Fact-checked by Krati Darak, MBA, Certified Skin Care Coach  • 

If you think only wavy or curly hair gets frizzy, then you may be wrong. Even straight hair can get frizzy. You can fix frizzy straight hair by following some a simple hair care regimen. If not addressed, frizzy hair will get unmanageable and tough to style and may become prone to excess damage. Read on to know ways of minimizing frizz in straight hair.

Why Does Straight Hair Get Frizzy

Woman with frizzy straight hair due to excessive heat styling
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  1. Attrition: Attrition is when hair becomes weak and damaged. This happens due to constant styling, chemical usage, coloring, and excessive product use, causing hair to go frizzy (1).
  • Using styling tools like curling irons, flat irons, crimping tools, and blow dryers can damage hair by heat.
  • Wearing tight hairstyles that pull on hair may cause hair to stretch, thin out, and break.
  • Excess use of serums, shampoos, and volumizers that contain chemicals can damage hair.
  • Bleaches and color- or chemical-treatments can also cause frizz.
  1. Hair Structure: Changing your hair structure from straight to wavy or curly may cause frizz. Research shows that curly and wavy hair types have dry hair fibers, which become frizzy on combing (1). The use of curlers or chemicals to curly hair can add to the damage and friction when you are changing the hair style back to straight hair.
  1. Weather Conditions: Exposure to humidity can cause frizz (1).
  2. Dryness: Lack of hair moisture can increase the inter fiber friction, leading to frizz (1). This is more common in curly and wavy hair types than in straight hair. Over-shampooing, excess use of heating tools, and chlorine from swimming pools can leave hair stripped of hydration.

Now that you know the causes for frizzy straight hair, here is what you can do to reduce the frizz.

How To Minimize Frizz When Using Heat

Woman using heat protectant to minimize frizz in straight hair
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  • Applying a heat protectant keeps the heat from drying and damaging hair. This reduces the chances of frizz. Apply a heat protectant to protect the moisture and shine whenever you use curling irons, flat irons, blow dryers, or hot rollers.
  • Give your hair a blowout by drying it on a low or cool setting (keep the dryer 15 centimeters away from your hair) to prevent interfiber friction and minimize heat damage.
  • Cover your hair with a scarf or thin cloth when going out in the sun.
  • Use a blow dryer with a diffuser to distribute heat evenly. A diffuser also prevents concentrated gushes of heat and protects hair from damage.
  • When using a blow dryer to dry the hair straight, point the nozzle down towards the ends of the hair. If the cuticle is dried in the opposite direction that it naturally lies down, the hair will be frizzy and easily tangled. If the hair is dried nozzle down, the cuticle will dry and lying flat and closed instead of open and frizzy.
  • Use heating tools with ceramic coating and smoothing capabilities that protect hair.
protip_icon Quick Tip

You may use a boar bristle brush while blow-drying your hair as it distributes any hair product and natural scalp oils evenly and helps manage frizz.

Here is how you can reduce frizz on a daily basis.

Tips On How To Eliminate Frizz In Straight Hair

Woman using hair serum to eliminate frizz in straight hair
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  1. Always use a conditioner after shampooing. Conditioners neutralize any negative charge in the hair fibers and reduce inter fiber friction. They keep hair from going frizzy.
  2. Use products that hydrate hair (2). One major cause of frizz is hair dryness. Hydrating masks, serums, creams, oils, natural ingredients like aloe vera, and other deep conditioning treatments can leave hair moisturized and frizz-free.
  3. Hair smoothing products reduce frizz, moisturize dry hair, repair damaged hair, and also soften hair.
  4. Avoid products that can dry your hair out or damage it. These include shampoos with an alkaline pH that disrupt natural hair pH and cause frizz.
  5. Do not shampoo more than twice a week. Over-shampooing can also cause frizz as it dries out the scalp and strips it of its natural oils. You can instead use a co-wash or a conditioning cleanser to clean your hair.
  6. Use a hair mask. It usually contains ingredients that neutralize frizz and leave hair without any static or flyaways. You can find hair smoothing and hydrating hair masks at your nearest beauty store.
  7. Wash hair with cold water after shampooing and conditioning. Cold water closes the cuticles that could have been opened while shampooing, thereby reducing frizz.
  8. Opt for haircuts with blunt endings or layers at the top. These leave your hair frizz-free and thicker at the ends.
  9. Brushing your hair down can reduce frizz. You can use a comb or a brush for this purpose. Apply a smoothing serum to your hair before brushing it down for better results.
  10. Use a pillow covered with a silk pillowcase while you sleep. The silk makes hair smoother and prevents frizz. You can also sleep with a thin cotton shirt or a silk scarf wrapped around your hair.
  11. Apply an anti-frizz serum before working out or heading out. Anti-frizz products keep hair frizz-free for a long time.
  12. Use a hair mousse to provide control and definition. It has a light hold and adds volume and bounce to the hair without weighing it down. Some formulas may even help combat humidity and make your hair appear smooth and sleek.
  13. Apply some hairspray to tame your frizzy hair as it provides a firm hold and controls unruly strands. It also creates a protective barrier against moisture and maintains a sleek, polished look that lasts a long time.
  14. Use a dryer sheet to quickly fix static and flyaways. The sheet’s anti-static properties work to neutralize electric charges. Rub a dryer sheet over your hair to reduce static and smooth down frizz for a polished appearance.
  15. Try keratin smoothing hair treatments that leave your hair smooth, sleek, and friction-free. Keratin strengthens hair and reduces any frizz or static. Visit a salon for a keratin smoothing treatment at least once or twice a month if your hair becomes frizzy often. Some salons even offer customized treatments specific to your hair type.

A blogger shares her experience of experimenting with different ingredients and coming up with a great DIY anti-frizz hairspray using olive oil, jojoba oil, and water. She writes, “I bought every product available (spend way too much money on it) to help me with the frizz: frizz ease serums, sleek and shine serums, anti-frizz shampoos, but nothing helped (i).” After using her DIY hairspray, she continues, “I use it after the shower and comb it through with my fingers before drying it, which even makes my hair smooth after blow drying it. Sometimes I need a little extra (when it’s extra humid outside) and just give it a little spray before going outside.”

protip_icon Quick Tip
Towel drying may cause frizzy hair due to the towel’s rough texture. Instead, you may use a microfiber towel or press and squeeze out the water.

Infographic: 8 Easy Hacks To Prevent Frizz On Straight Hair

There can be multiple internal and external reasons for straight hair to get frizzy. While maintaining a proper diet can keep your hair healthy and reduce frizz, you also need to focus on proper hair care to maintain its smoothness. Don’t worry. There are ways to fix it. Check out the infographic below for simple tips to keep frizz at bay.

8 easy hacks to prevent frizz on straight hair (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Frizzy hair can be difficult to manage and more prone to damage. If you are someone looking for ways to fix frizzy straight hair, this article discusses all the tips you need. Applying a heat protectant, blow-drying your hair on a cool setting, covering your hair with a scarf, using conditioner after shampooing, using hair masks, brushing your hair down, etc., can help reduce frizz. If left untreated, frizz can make your hair brittle and break. Following these haircare tips will help you get healthy and strong hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does coconut oil help frizzy hair?

Yes. Coconut oil penetrates deep into the hair shaft, seals moisture, and prevents frizz. However, avoid applying too much of it as it can weigh your hair down.

Why is my hair getting frizzy as I get older?

As we grow older, the natural oil production from the scalp slows down. This results in dry, weak, and frizzy hair.

Which oil is best for frizzy hair?

Argan oil, avocado oil, and jojoba oil are great for frizzy, unmanageable hair.

Is frizzy hair genetic?

Genetics is one of the many factors that lead to frizzy hair. Environmental factors like dry and humid climate and excessive chemical treatments may also contribute to frizz.

Is oil or cream better for frizzy hair?

A lightweight oil is the best solution for frizzy hair. Creams tend to weigh your hair down and make it look greasy.

Can too much conditioner cause frizz?

Yes. Over-conditioning can make your hair porous and dry in the long run, leading to frizz.

Does frizzy hair need protein or moisture?

Frizzy hair generally means dry, damaged hair that lacks moisture. Therefore, moisturizing products are best for frizzy hair. However, if your hair is brittle, it also needs protein to strengthen.

Do leave-in conditioners help with frizz?

Yes. Leave-in conditioners can provide your frizzy hair with adequate amounts of moisture and also protect it against harsh environmental conditions.

Key Takeaways

  • Straight hair can get frizzy due to hair weakening and damage, hair structure changes, weather conditions, and dryness.
  • You can reduce frizz when using heat styling tools by following a few simple tips like using a heat protectant.
  • Making sure your hair is hydrated, sleeping on a silk pillowcase, and showering with cold water can prevent frizz in straight hair.
Fix Frizzy Straight Hair

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Discover the ultimate secrets to transforming your frizzy, dry hair into stunningly silky straight locks. Say goodbye to frizz and hello to gorgeous, lustrous strands! Watch this informative video to learn more.

Personal Experience: Source

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. Hair Cosmetics: An Overview
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387693/
  2. Healthy Hair: What is It?
    https://www.jidsponline.org/article/S0022-202X(15)52655-9/pdf
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