The insider secrets to caring for frizzy hair now the weather is getting humid
From tonging our lengths into submission to relaxing away texture with chemical relaxers, for years we've been seeking out super sleek strands. But a new movement has been slowly emerging. One that embraces every kink, curl and fly-away.
Whether you have fine hair, straight hair, curly hair or frizzy hair, we're very much about celebrating every different type of 'do.
Remember, despite all those ads and products persuading you otherwise, frizz is actually 100 percent natural and beautiful, and something almost all of us experience pretty regularly. No, your natural hair doesn't need to be "tamed" or "managed" - it's totally up to you how you want to keep it.
That said, it's also natural to want what you don't have, which is why keratin treatments, wigs and styling tools were created for those who fancy experimenting with their style. If you prefer some smoothing action to tame those suckers and de-fluff, we're here for that too.
This is your ultimate expert-guided handbook of fizzy hair tips, no matter if you're looking to free your frizz, or would rather see it straightened out with some helpful tips, tricks and products.
Less shampoo = less frizz
Frizz can be caused by so many different things, from humidity to the wrong hair cut, and dry or damaged hair. And one thing that can exacerbate the latter, is over-cleansing. Particularly with fine hair that's prone to flyaways.
If you're looking for a smoother finish post-wash, "Make sure you only shampoo light, do not vigorously rub the hair and finish with a cool water rinse after your conditioner," says Antony Rawlings, Creative Director at Lockonego for Redken.
He also recommends adding a mask into your routine once a week (or more often if you have a course or curly hair type).
Air dry vs blow-dry
A huge debate when it comes to frizz is whether blow-drying or air-drying gives smoother results, and the answer usually varies from person to person.
Larry King is team blow-dry, recommending those with frizz to "use a smoothing nozzle on your hairdryer and always finish with the cool shot to smooth down the cuticle. Invest in some great products to help; adding Redken's Frizz Dismiss Rebel Tame before you start your blow-dry will make a real difference to how long it lasts."
If you prefer to air-dry, Antony says to style the hair while it's still wet so that it dries smooth, rather than trying to shape it once it's dry.
Don't brush your hair
Or rather, try not to brush it too much.
"Overbrushing can damage the ends and cause them to frizz", says Larry, who recommends a round brush for when you do use one, so that "you’ll have more control over the ends and can get in tighter to the root to smooth."
If your hair starts to go frizzy halfway through the day, Larry says to reach for the hairdryer rather than a brush. "You can run the hair dryer back over your hair during the day. It doesn’t have to be wet to smooth it over, just add a little smoothing product and re-smooth using your round brush and hairdryer. I love the Dyson Supersonic (£299) because it doesn’t cause heat damage, so you don’t have to panic about going back over it again."
As for the bristles of your brush, Antony recommends going for boar bristles to prevent breakage and defrizz. Try the Denman Pro-Tip Boar Bristle Round Wooden Brush (£12.99 from Superdrug).
The secret to serums
Ever tried smoothing your frizz with a hair serum and ended up looking like a grease monkey?
Larry advises: "distribute the product thoroughly through your hands first, then start at the back of your hair and apply to underneath, leaving that final top layer til last." This way you'll only be using the smallest amount of residue.
Antony also recommends trying the new Redken Frizz Dismiss Oil Mist, "because it's light and in a mist form, so it smoothes flyaways and static without weighing hair down."
And if you're heading out on a particularly humid day, he says to follow your serum with a humidity spray on top. "But always spray on to a brush and then brush through the hair instead of spraying directly on top."
Want more frizz-spo? Check out our file of frizzy hairstyles...
InDigitalAccessorise
An accessorised up-do is a great choice for humid days. Not only will the pretty clips keep frizz locked down (and look lovely) - they'll prove a great distraction from any flyaways.
Headbands
If Chanel say it's OK to start wearing headbands again, then it's OK. A loose up-do will disguise frizz while the band will keep tresses locked-down.
Getty ImagesFrench braid
A textured French braid is perfect for humid days; add plenty of root lift spray before you style and finish with a spritz of firm hold hairspray to fight flyaways.
IndigitalThe twist
This super-messy Fendi twist will only look better when humidity strikes; spritz hair through with salt spray before styling to give a controlled textured finish.
Rex FeaturesLock down
Tightly-wound double French braids are pretty much weather-proof. Come on humidity; do your worst. Be sure to apply a mousse or salt spray through locks before styling for extra hold.
IndigitalCrimp it
Confuse frizz-prone hair by adding extra texture in the form of crimped sections swept back into a low ponytail. This way the added volume and frizz will look deliberate.
Rex FeaturesHalo braid
A loose, multi-strand halo braid is messy enough to look even better once the humidity adds a little extra texture to your locks.
IndigitalMulti-bun
Shorter hairs are those most likely to be affected by frizz in the humidity, so keep all your hair locked down with a multi-bun up-do like this catwalk style.
IndigitalWet-look
Wet-look hair is a top trend for summer, and humid weather is the perfect time to tap into it. Add a gel-spray product through the upper lengths of locks and when wet, slick back behind your ears and finish with a holding spray.
GoRunwayPin it
Divide your hair into two sections and twist back from the temples, adding in hair the lower you get. When both twists meet, pin into a bun and secure with plenty of pins down each side. Carry a pocket full of bobby pins for when the humidity strikes.
GoRunwayBallet bun
Nothing will keep your locks in place quite as well as a hair net; and lucky for you this sleek ballet bun is on trend for the summer. Pull hair back into a tight high ponytail and spray into place before twisting hair into a bun and pinning it securely with a net.
Getty ImagesTopknot
A summery topknot is perfect for when frizz levels are high. Just scoop your locks into a high pony and twist locks into a high bun, letting the knot peek over your head. Flyaways will just add to the relaxed summer vibe of this look.
Rex FeaturesTousled tresses
If you'd rather not sweep your hair back into an up-do as the frizz-factor raises, opt for beachy tousled tresses that will look better with a little extra volume. Spritz locks with salt spray and carry it with you to touch up throughout the day.
GettySlick hair & centre parting
Using serums, oils and glosses in humid conditions is always a good idea. Slick back your locks and keep it simple with a centre parting for a frizz-free mane.
