The Top 10 Fixes for Frizzy Hair

Hot, humid days are perfect for hitting the beach—not so much for keeping your hair smooth. Here's how to maintain control, no matter the weather.

May 16, 2011

PHOTOS: David Stesner (2), Getty Images, Courtesy of T3, David Stesner, Courtesy of Hot Tools, Roger Cabello (2), David Stesner (2)

1/10

Don't Towel-Dry

It roughs up the hair's cuticle so that it won't lie flat, which makes it look frizzy. Instead, use a superabsorbent microfiber towel to gently press the water out of your hair.
2/10

Only Lather Up a Few Times a Week

"The natural oils that accumulate are good frizz fighters," says hairstylist Nathaniel Hawkins. If your hair feels oily, use a dry shampoo, like Batiste Dry Shampoo Original, between washes.

3/10

Deep-Condition

Unless your hair is extremely fine, use a deep conditioner each time you wash, and be sure to leave it on for at least five minutes. Frizz happens when dry, porous hair sucks up moisture in the air, causing the shaft to swell. This heavy dose of conditioner coats the hair shaft, making it harder for moisture to sink in.
4/10

Protect Yourself

Heat damage can cause hair to look frizzy and frayed, so spritz on a heat-protecting spray (such as Tresemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray) before blow-drying or styling with a flatiron or curling iron.

5/10

Buy a Souped-Up Blow-Dryer

Ionic dryers do make a difference. They reduce frizz by compressing the cuticle, which locks out puff-inducing moisture. We like the Conair Comfort Touch Tourmaline Ceramic Styling Blow Dryer—a steal at under $35.
6/10

Apply a Silicone Serum

They work by coating each strand to make sure the cuticle stays smooth. Distribute the serum with a wide-tooth comb, then let hair dry or style it with a blow-dryer. Try Göt2B Glossy Anti-Frizz Shine Serum.

7/10

Use a Curling Iron

It may seem counterintuitive if you already have naturally curly or wavy hair, but wrapping a few frizzy strands around the iron will help noticeably smooth and shape them. Air-dry first to "give your hair a little body, which is the perfect foundation," says hairstylist Adir Abergel.
8/10

Do a Weekly Hot-Oil Treatment

It's not as heavy as a mask, so it won't weigh hair down. Choose one with jojoba oil (such as Queen Helene Jojoba Hot Oil Treatment to help strengthen the cuticle and further prevent frizz. Just be sure to apply it below your ears only so the crown doesn't get too flat.

9/10

Switch to Alcohol-Free Products

Most hair sprays and mousses have a high alcohol content, which can cause the cuticle to swell up. Skip them entirely or go with a formula that doesn't contain alcohol, like Leonor Greyl Mousse au Lotus Volumatrice.
10/10

Don't Forget Flyaways

Lightly mist a shine spray (such as Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine Spray) onto a spooley or large toothbrush and skim it over the hair to grab individual untamed strands.