Curly hair, with its unique texture and structure, has long been a subject of fascination and, at times, frustration for those who embrace its natural beauty. One common issue that many individuals with curly locks face is the perpetual battle against that darned frizz!
Does curly hair tend to have more frizz?
Imagine two single curly hairs laying side by side with eachother:
Hair A wants to curl to the right, while hair B wants to curl to the left.
Then hair C has a tighter curl, and hair D has a looser, bigger curl.
What's the result? = a whole bunch of hairs that don't agree on which way to go.
THIS IS CURLY HAIR.
In this exploration, we delve into the intricate world of curls, examining the factors contributing to frizz and debunking myths surrounding this ubiquitous phenomenon.
We will also share some ideas on how to fix this frizzy issue once and for all!
Understanding Curly Hair
To understand the connection between curly hair and frizz, it's essential to grasp the fundamentals of curly hair anatomy (hang in there – it won't get that wordy or complicated – promise!) Unlike straight hair, curly strands have an uneven surface, creating more opportunities for environmental factors to influence the hair's behavior. The distinctive curvature of curly hair also affects its cuticle structure, making it more prone to frizz.
In this Instagram reel, we quickly shared a visual overview of the hair cuticle using a simple piece of rope – have a look, we think you'll appreciate it ;)
1. The Role of Cuticles:
The outermost layer of the hair shaft, known as the cuticle, plays a crucial role in determining the hair's overall health and appearance. In curly hair, the cuticles are often raised and irregular, making them more susceptible to moisture absorption. When the hair is exposed to humid conditions, the increased moisture content can lead to the swelling of the hair shaft, resulting in frizz.
As you can see from this image, those "shingle-like" bits are the hair cuticle, and there are layers upon layers of them sitting on top of eachother. As the hair gets dry – from heat or styling damage, or even from highlighting/colouring it – these cuticle bits stand up and cause friction, rubbing up against eachother.
One of the reasons why hair conditioners and leave-in conditioners are so incredibly efficient at smoothing down the hair and preventing frizz:
They help the cuticle bits lay FLAT.
2. Humidity's Impact on Curly Hair:
Humidity is a notorious culprit when it comes to causing frizz in curly hair. The science behind this lies in the hair's hygroscopic nature, meaning it readily absorbs and retains moisture from the environment. In high-humidity conditions, curly hair tends to absorb excess moisture, causing the cuticle to swell and leading to the characteristic frizzy appearance.
This is also one of the reasons why it's recommended not to wash your hair as often, because this causes you to remove the hair's protective oily layer, allowing more water to penetrate it.
Imagine how much more efficient (and healthier) hair would be if we left it to do its job!
3. Hair Porosity and Frizz:
Hair porosity, a term referring to the hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture, plays a significant role in determining frizz levels. Curly hair is often more porous than straight hair due to its irregular cuticle structure. High porosity can lead to increased frizz, as the hair readily absorbs moisture from the air. Understanding one's hair porosity is crucial for implementing an effective frizz management routine.
Do you believe the "Hair Porosity Test" is an accurate way to define how porous your hair is?
0%Yes, for sure!
0%Maybe, not sure.
0%Not at all – it's hogwash!
We should note that, at Truu by Nature we actually do not believe in the "Hair Porosity Test" as a true indicator of how porous your particular hair may be, because:
Hair porosity can change with every wash, style, change upon weather, even hormonal times of month.
Not everyone has the exact same porosity type on their whole head, and even one individual strand of hair can be more porous closer to the scalp than the rest of the hair.
The absorption of water can vary depending on the type of water, ie: hard water, soft water, chlorinated or treated water.
4. Environmental Factors and Frizz:
Beyond humidity, various environmental factors can contribute to frizz in curly hair. Exposure to wind, sun, and pollution can impact the hair's moisture balance and exacerbate that nasty frizz. Protective styling, such as using scarves or hats, can help shield curly hair from environmental stressors, reducing the likelihood of frizz; using hair oils can also help seal the hair cuticle to further protect it from too much water penetrating it, as well as from penetrating UV rays and causing damage. And they can look very stylish too!
FIXING THE CURLY-HAIR
FRIZZ ISSUE
(with the right products)
The products you choose to use on curly hair can significantly influence its frizz levels. Individuals with curly hair often benefit from using hydrating and anti-frizz products – such as leave-in conditioners, hair masks and hair oils – that help maintain moisture balance.
Natural hair care formulations are particularly suitable for curly hair, as they nourish and protect the hair without causing additional frizz, and without using ingredients such as silicones and sulfates which have been shown to weigh down and damage the hair if not properly formulated (which happens more often than you'd realize).
1. HAIR OILS: to penetrate and seal the hair
The right hair oil can help curly hair look shiny and be more protected. Shiny hair just looks healthier, but with the right combination of oils it will be nourished and protected from heat, sun, too much water penetrating it – since oils form a film on top of hair, just like on skin.
There are both penetrating and sealing oils that can be used on the hair, and each add their own properties and functionality. Penetrating oils, like coconut oil, have a smaller molecular size and so they are able to get in there deeper, while sealing oils like broccoli seed oil have a larger molecular size, so they sit on top forming a slight "film" on top, without penetrating too deeply, helping to bounce light off the hair and make it look shiny.
We have a very detailed blog post on just this topic [HERE], if you'd like to learn more to help you make the right shopping choice for your hair needs.
Our exquisite Nourishing Elixir Hair Oil was actually one of the first hair products we launched with in our OBLOOM line, as it's a wonderful addition to any haircare routine – it uses a combination of penetrating and sealing oils to both protect the hair cuticle preventing frizz caused by moisture penetration, as well as to nourish it. Have a look:
Back to the scenario we shared at the beginning of this blog post: The hairs that go everywhere.
What can you do?
2. CONDITIONING PRODUCTS: HOW DO THEY HELP FIGHT FRIZZ?
Conditioners and leave-in conditioners are wonderful products for the hair because they help lay the cuticle flat, and prevent individual hairs from rubbing against eachother, causing frizz and tangles.
But how?
Hair naturally has a strongly negative charge, and conditioning ingredients (also called "cationic" ingredients) have a positive charge. By gliding some conditioning products, you are temporarily changing the charge of the hair fiber and making it positive. It's the same ingredients used in dryer sheets that help "repel hair" and static from your clothes.
Since conditioners are mainly used to help you detangle hair and can act temporarily to smooth the hair down, we always recommend using a leave-in conditioner, since it will stay on the hair longer and help seal the cuticle and cause some positively happy hair!
3. HAIR GELS & MOUSSE: ARE THEY REALLY NECESSARY?
These types of hair products are made for the purpose of helping you "clump up" chunks of hair to help support curl and wave pattern. That's about it.
Gels and mousse are almost the same type of product, with mousse typically being lighter than a hair gel – but they both serve the same purpose as they're both stylers.
We are not big fans of hair mousse since the foaming bottle tops are made of plastic and not eco-friendly – plus we love a good hair gel!
We typically recommend adding a hair gel to your hair after you've added a leave in conditioner, to help seal the leave-in conditioner on your hair. So the hair gel will sit on top of everything – and since hair gels are mostly water, the water will dry and the gums (or polymers) will remain, forming a nice, clumpy hair curl. Love it!
Are hair gels and mousse necessary?
No, they are not.
Do they help to make hair look less frizzy?
They may, depending on your hair type and hair curl pattern. Some people don't mind "big hair" styles and more finer clumps of curls and waves, so for them that is perfectly fine. But if you want to have more defined lumps of hair, then a gel is a good choice for you.
The Importance of Hair Care Routines:
Consistent and appropriate hair care routines are paramount for managing frizz in curly hair. Regular conditioning, deep hydration treatments such as by using a hair mask regularly, and protective styling can contribute to maintaining the hair's health and minimizing frizz. Trichologists, experts in the science of hair and scalp, recommend tailored hair care routines based on hair type, ensuring optimal care for curly locks!
Nobody's hair routine is the same. Don't try to mimic someone else's routine you see on social media.
Not all curls and waves are alike!
Some people may be able to wash their hair and scalp every 2 days, while others can easily extend it to 7 days or more. Should you follow their routine?
Maybe not, so if it doesn't work for your particular hair – don't push it. Find your own routine and stick with it, adjusting when your hair send you signals it needs a change.
BONUS: Dispelling Myths about
Curly Hair and Frizz
While the relationship between curly hair and frizz is evident, several myths surround this topic. It's crucial to dispel these misconceptions to foster a better understanding of curly hair care:
Myth: Curly Hair Is Inherently Unmanageable: Contrary to popular belief, curly hair is not inherently unmanageable. With the right care routine and products, individuals can embrace and enhance the beauty of their curls while minimizing frizz. We find that using a leave-in conditioner followed by a light hair gel can help protect the hair from environmental damage and from too much tangling, which can cause frizz.
Myth: Frizz Is a Sign of Unhealthy Hair: Don't you find it incredibly frustrating when you visit a hairdresser and they suggest your hair is "dry" because it's frizzy? Frizz does not necessarily indicate unhealthy hair. Even well-maintained and healthy curly hair can experience frizz, especially in certain environmental conditions. Remember: Frizzy hair doesn't mean your hair is dry. If you hair looks or feels dry, it maybe is, but helping it look well-moisturized and conditioned can be as easy as using the right products. Don't be afraid to experiment until you find "what works for YOU!" Beautiful, healthy hair is an investment, just as much as your skincare routine is.
Myth: Curly Hair Requires Excessive Product Use: While curly hair benefits from specific products, excessive use can lead to product buildup, weighing down the curls and potentially causing more frizz. A balanced approach to product application is key. There's no need for you to use anything else aside from a leave-in conditioner. If you hair is quite curly, a hair gel may help you define the curls – but nothing else is needed.
Frizz Can Only Be Tamed with Heat Styling: Heat styling is not the only solution to combating frizz. Embracing natural textures and employing heat-free styling methods can be equally effective in managing frizz while preserving the hair's health. Contrary to this myth, heat is incredibly damaging to any hair type – not just wavy or curly hair! Only conditioning-type products (hair masks, conditioners, leave-in conditioners) can truly help the hair cuticle lay flat and prevent frizz.
Whew, that was a LOT! What do you think?
In the intricate dance between curls and frizz, understanding the science behind curly hair is crucial. While curly hair may be more prone to frizz due to its unique structure, effective management strategies, tailored hair care routines, and the use of appropriate products can empower individuals to embrace and enhance their natural curls. By debunking myths surrounding curly hair and frizz, we pave the way for a more informed and confident approach to curly hair care. Long live a healthy curl!