The Science Behind Why Curly Hair is Frizzy
Curly hair often faces the challenge of frizz, defined as the misalignment of curly hair fibers. When hairs point in various random directions and fail to hold a defined curl pattern, they appear frizzy and are difficult to manage and style.
The unique physiology and curvature of curly hair contribute to this issue. Overexposure to wet and humid conditions is a primary cause of frizz, as high adsorption of water molecules causes hair swelling. This changes the physical properties and appearance of the cuticle layer, leading to a loss of natural shine and hair fibers projecting in different directions from the main curl body.1
Understanding these factors is essential, especially when it comes to identifying why your curly hair becomes frizzy when wet.
Why is My Curly Hair Frizzy When Wet?
Curly hair becomes frizzy when wet due to the hair protein's ability to adsorb water molecules from the air, causing the hair fiber to swell. This swelling opens the cuticle pores, allowing water molecules to penetrate deep inside the hair structure. These water molecules form hydrogen bonds with the hydrophilic amino acids, breaking the columbic chemical bonds (salt linkages) within the hair protein structure.
Such changes in chemical bonding weaken the mechanical strength of hair fibers, making the hair damaged and fragile. The concentration gradient of water molecules and exposure to wet or humid conditions significantly alter the hair's physical properties, making it appear dull and lacking its natural shine. The hair tips point in random directions, failing to align and even holding a definite curl hairstyle.2
To avoid this, you should not leave curly hair wet for extended periods or sleep overnight with wet hair.
Why is My Curly Hair Frizzy When Wet?
Curly hair becomes frizzy when wet due to the hair protein's ability to adsorb water molecules from the air, causing the hair fiber to swell. This swelling opens the cuticle pores, allowing water molecules to penetrate deep inside the hair structure. These water molecules form hydrogen bonds with the hydrophilic amino acids, breaking the columbic chemical bonds (salt linkages) within the hair protein structure.
Such changes in chemical bonding weaken the mechanical strength of hair fibers, making the hair damaged and fragile. The concentration gradient of water molecules and exposure to wet or humid conditions significantly alter the hair's physical properties, making it appear dull and lacking its natural shine. The hair tips point in random directions, failing to align and even holding a definite curl hairstyle.2
To avoid this, you air-dry when possible, or gently diffuse in cool to low heat. You should completely avoid putting wet hair into tight styles and/or sleeping overnight with wet hair.
How to Fix Frizzy Curly Hair
Understanding the science behind frizzy, curly hair and why it becomes frizzy when wet is important to developing an effective hair care routine.
Now that we know how water molecules interact with hair proteins, causing frizz and weakening hair fibers, let's explore practical steps to manage and reduce frizz.
- Avoid over-washing: Wash your hair only once or twice a week to prevent over-stripping of natural oils (of course, this can differ from person to person, and if you are more prone to an oily scalp you should wash your hair more often).
- Use gentle formulations: Choose mild shampoos that avoid harsh chemicals, preventing lipid loss from the hair shaft.
- Avoid hot air: Select air-dry or diffusing over hot air.
- Use anti-frizz products: Humidity-blocking products with water-repelling emollients that help prevent excess water penetration.
- Apply natural oils and butters: Regularly using natural anti-frizz agents helps lubricate the hair shaft and effectively combat frizz.3
Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Curly and Frizzy Hair
Once you've established an effective hair care routine, choosing the right products becomes key. The best products for frizzy curly hair contain natural, gentle, and mild ingredients that are fiber-friendly and scalp-compatible. These products maintain the hair's adequate moisture level, prevent dryness, and can help control frizz by lubricating the hair shaft.
Bounce Curl offers advanced formulations with novel ingredients to address frizz and optimal healthy, bouncy curls. Here are some recommended products from the Bounce Curl family:
- Pure Silk Moisturizing Shampoo: This is a great solution for those looking for the best shampoo for curly, frizzy hair. Its mild cleansing formulation contains natural botanical extracts and oils that remove excess sebum and debris without stripping essential lipids from the hair shaft. It helps maintain the hair's natural water-repellency and controls frizz.
- Ayurvedic Deep Conditioner: Crafted with India's finest herbs, extracts, and oils, such as Amla, Brinjal, and Shikakai, this conditioner nourishes hair, leaving it soft, lustrous, and weightless. It provides intensive nourishment and moisture, enhances softness and smoothness, restores shine, reduces breakage, and detangles hair while reducing frizz.
Recommended Products for Frizzy Curly Hair
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Define EdgeLift Brush: The patented Define EdgeLift Brush has distinctive lateral edges with medium spaces between them, resulting in effortlessly defined curl clumps. Crafted from bio-based materials and specifically designed to enhance your waves, curls, and coils, the "EdgeLift" design crafted by our founder, Merian, sets this brush apart.
This innovative 5-in-1 brush creates smooth, separated, and defined curl clumps while the handle provides precision parting and doubles as a heatless curling tool. Experience the remarkable styling potential of the Define EdgeLift Brush and elevate your hair game to new heights.
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Avocado & Rose Oil Clump & Define Cream: This medium-moisture cream holds and softens hair simultaneously, defining and clumping curls without weighing them down. Infused with exotic oils like black seed oil, it nourishes and locks in moisture.
- Light Hold Creme Gel: This lightweight styling gel defines curls and reduces frizz. It is 80% gel and 20% cream, leaving hair feeling weightless and locking the curl shape for a long time. Infused with black seed oil, it combats dryness and frizz.
Essential Tools for Frizzy Curly Hair
In addition to these products, incorporating the right tools can make a significant difference in managing frizz and achieving beautiful curls. If you've ever wondered, "Why is my curly hair still frizzy?" even after using the best products, the answer might lie in your tools. Here are two highly recommended tools:
Conclusion
Frizzy curly hair can be managed effectively with the right hair care regimen and products. Understanding the causes of frizz, such as humidity and improper hair care practices. You can maintain healthy, shiny, and frizz-free curls by incorporating gentle shampoos, conditioners, and styling products like those from Bounce Curl.
Remember to protect your hair from extreme weather conditions and use anti-frizz agents regularly. With consistent care and the right products, your curly hair can look its best, free from frizz and full of natural bounce and shine.
References
- Marsh, J. M.; Gray, J.; Tosti, A., Healthy Hair. Springer International Publishing: 2015.
- Zviak, C., The Science of Hair Care. Taylor & Francis: 1986.
- Stoia, M.; Oancea, S., Selected evidence-based health benefits of topically applied sunflower oil. App. Sci. Rep 2015, 10, 45-49.
