Frizz by Hair Type: Frizz Control Strategies for Coily, Curly, Wavy and Straight Hair

1. Coily hair frizz

With its tight curl pattern and delicate curl structure, coily hair (type 4) is the most susceptible to moisture loss. Strands are more porous, so they will try to absorb external moisture, causing cuticles to swell and frizz. Excess frizz can also make coily hair feel dry and rough, and the natural shrinkage of this hair type may emphasise frizz further.

Depending on the depth of dryness and damage, coily hair can be affected by most types of frizz: surface, in-the-curl, pouf ball, and frizzy ends.

How to control coily, frizzy hair

This delicate hair type should be treated with care, with a strong focus on hydration and protection. Our key anti-frizz tips include:

• Incorporate deeply hydrating formulas: Sulphates and silicones can easily dry out strands, but our sulphate-free, ultra-nourishing Curl Manifesto collection is perfect for all types of curly hair frizz.
• Opt for protective styles: Twists, braids, or buns can help reduce damage and manipulation.
• Use satin accessories: Bonnets, pillowcases, and hair accessories made of satin can help minimise traction and frizz.
• Minimise heat styling: This can be quite damaging on coily hair and exacerbate frizz concerns.

Curly hair frizz

Like coily hair, curly hair is especially prone to frizz due to its naturally drier texture. The more defined your curl pattern is, the more difficult it is for your scalp’s natural oils to disperse down the hair shaft. External factors like humidity, improper products, damage from heat styling, and rough handling will also exacerbate dryness and increase curly hair frizz.

Depending on the structure of your curls, external elements, and level of damage, curly hair can experience the full scope of frizz types. Curly hair frizz makes strands look fluffy and undefined – so it’s important to understand the best products for curly frizzy hair.

How to control curly, frizzy hair

The best products for curly frizzy hair nourish locks, while introducing definition to curls and realigning strands. Below are some of our top curly hair tips to mitigate frizz:

• Use a hydrating, sulphate-free shampoo: The Curl Manifesto Hydrating Douceur Shampoo for Curly Hair gently removes impurities while preserving the hair’s natural oils to keep strands hydrated.
• Opt for leave-in treatments: Designed for curly hair frizz, the Curl Manifesto Crème de Jour Anti-Frizz Cream for Curly Hair is a leave-in cream that defines curls and improves elasticity while controlling frizz and protecting from humidity.
• Nourish with deep conditioning formulas: Conditioning is an essential hair care step for curly hair types, and hair masks like the Curl Manifesto Hydrating Nutrition Mask for Curly Hair provide lasting nourishment to help smooth and tame frizz.
• Incorporate hair oils: For added shine and frizz protection, we recommend a smoothing hair oil like the Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops High-Gloss Lightweight Hair Oil, which offers up to 100 hours of anti-frizz protection*.

*Instrumental test after application of the oil

Wavy hair frizz

Defined by its S-shaped structure, wavy hair sits halfway between straight and curly hair, with certain challenges from either camp. For example, it’s common to experience wavy hair frizz from heat styling, harsh brushing, towel-drying, and humidity. However, wavy hair is also more easily weighed down by products than other curl types.

Since wavy hair is less textured than curly or coily hair, it tends to experience less frizz. Common types of wavy hair frizz include halo frizz and surface frizz, though frizzy ends can also occur if the hair is damaged.

How to control wavy, frizzy hair

Controlling wavy hair frizz is all about balance – giving hair enough hydration without weighing down strands. Anti-frizz for wavy hair should focus on the following strategies:

• Reach for lightweight leave-in products over heavy creams: The best products for wavy frizzy hair will help smooth cuticles without overloading strands. Our pick is the Anti-Frizz Glaze Milk All-In-1 Spray: which hydrates, protects, and controls frizz.
• Use a hydrating, smoothing shampoo and conditioner: The Bain Hydra-Glaze Illuminating Shampoo and Insta Glaze Conditioner use a nourishing blend of hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, and wild rose oil to give hair a bouncy, glossy, frizz-free finish.
• Use a diffuser when blow-drying: This can help define your natural wave pattern and reduce frizz.
• Use a wide-toothed comb to detangle damp hair: Over-brushing can lead to surface frizz on wavy hair textures.

Straight hair frizz

Straight hair is less likely to develop frizz because it’s better at retaining moisture than curly hair types. But that doesn’t mean it’s completely immune from frizz – particularly if it’s overprocessed and heat damaged.

Frizz in straight hair tends to manifest as static and flyaways. If you have damaged, fine hair, frizzy ends are common – especially without regular trims. Thick hair types may be more prone to surface frizz – since oil doesn’t travel as fast – and therefore may experience dehydration and a ‘poufy’ appearance.

How to control straight, frizzy hair

Even straight hair can benefit from anti-frizz strategies that offer lightweight moisture without adding unnecessary oils to the hair. From thick to fine hair frizz, here are our tips:

• Limit heat styling: Fine, straight hair types are highly susceptible to heat damage because strands are more vulnerable. Always use a heat protectant before heat styling.
• Tame frizzy ends with a lightweight oil: Straight hair is likely to get greasy faster than curly hair, so apply a lightweight oil like the Elixir Ultime Refillable Hair Oil to your ends only.
• Brush gently: Use a soft-bristle brush when your hair is dry, and a wide-toothed comb when wet, to minimise unnecessary breakage and frizz.
• Invest in a microfibre towel: This will help reduce friction and frizz when towel-drying strands.

Hair oils are some of the most effective products for managing straight, wavy, coily, or curly hair frizz. Next, discover how to use argan oil for hair for smoothing, anti-frizz benefits.