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  • HAIRCARE 101
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  1. Home
  2. Haircare 101
  3. Control Frizz for Good: Smoothing Your Hair
woman with short black hair facing the camera against a plain blue background

How to control hair frizz: A complete guide to smoothing your hair

Intro

Fighting frizz starts in the shower

Frizz-fighting products aren’t created equal

Tackle frizz by pampering wet hair

Replenish moisture to tame frizz

Tackle frizz by changing up your bedding

Controlling frizzy hair can seem complex, but the cause is simple: a lack of moisture. When your hair's cuticle is dry, it absorbs humidity from the air, causing it to swell and create frizz. While anyone can experience frizz, it's most common in naturally drier hair types like curls and coils, which are more prone to seeking external moisture.

If you have struggled with anti-frizz products that don't deliver lasting smoothness, you might feel discouraged. However, achieving sleek, defined hair is possible. The key to effective frizz control lies in targeted routine changes and using scientifically-backed products that address the root cause of frizz by replenishing hydration.

Key takeaways

  • Understand the cause: Frizz occurs when dry hair absorbs humidity, causing the cuticle to swell. The fundamental solution is to replenish moisture.
  • Adjust your wash routine: Use lukewarm water to avoid stripping natural oils and choose silicone-free, hydrating products that address frizz at its source.
  • Handle wet hair gently: Detangle with a wide-toothed comb while hair is wet and conditioned, and use a microfiber towel to prevent breakage and cuticle damage.
  • Protect hair overnight: Swap your cotton pillowcase for a silk one to reduce friction and help your hair retain moisture while you sleep.

Fighting frizz starts in the shower

While a hot, steamy shower can feel relaxing, high water temperatures are a critical factor in causing frizz. Hot water strips your hair and scalp of their natural protective oils, leading to dryness and causing the hair cuticle to swell. A raised cuticle is the primary cause of frizz. To help control frizz, avoid hot showers and opt for a lukewarm water temperature instead. This simple change helps keep the hair cuticle smooth and sealed.

Frizz-fighting products aren’t created equal

Many anti-frizz products provide a temporary fix by coating hair in heavy silicones. This approach only masks frizz instead of replenishing lost hydration and can lead to long-term buildup, dullness, and scalp irritation. The Nexxus Ultralight Smooth range offers a different, science-led solution for frizz control. This collection, including a weightless protection shampoo, conditioner, and a frizz defy cream serum, is silicone-free and targets frizz at its source. Formulated with our PROTEINFUSION blend containing almond protein and jasmine flower, it strengthens hair from within and repairs the outer cuticle to restore lasting smoothness.

Tackle frizz by handling wet hair with care

Hair is most fragile when wet, making it susceptible to damage that causes frizz. To control frizz, never brush your hair when it's dry. Instead, gently detangle it with a wide-toothed comb while wet, either before rinsing out your conditioner or after applying a leave-in product. For targeted hydration, consider the Nexxus Humectress Lightweight Leave-In Conditioner For Dry Hair or the Nexxus Curl Define Leave-in Conditioner For Curly Hair.

The Humectress conditioner uses a lightweight protein complex to lock in 24-hour moisture, while the Curl Define formula provides intense hydration for curls and coils with a PROTEINFUSION blend of silk protein and marula oil. After showering, gently squeeze out excess water with a microfiber towel or a T-shirt instead of a rough cotton towel to prevent cuticle damage and breakage.

Replenish moisture to tame frizz

Since a lack of moisture is the root cause of frizz, restoring hydration is essential for achieving a smoother finish. Incorporate a deep-conditioning treatment into your weekly haircare routine. The Nexxus Humectress Moisture Restoring Masque delivers deep moisturization comparable to an in-salon treatment, effectively smoothing the hair cuticle. For best results, apply after shampooing, leave on for three to five minutes, comb through, and then rinse thoroughly.

Tackle frizz by changing your bedding

Your choice of pillowcase fabric plays a significant role in managing frizz overnight. Cotton and linen pillowcases can create friction that roughens the hair cuticle as you sleep. They also absorb moisture from your hair. Switching to a silk pillowcase helps reduce this friction, allowing hair to glide smoothly and retain its essential hydration. This simple change helps minimize frizz and keeps hair moisturized while you rest.

Achieve lasting smoothness with a complete routine

Effectively controlling frizz goes beyond a single product; it requires a holistic approach that addresses the root cause of moisture loss. By incorporating these strategies—from adjusting your shower temperature and choosing scientifically formulated products to handling your hair gently and protecting it overnight—you can build a routine that delivers lasting smoothness. Consistent care focused on replenishing hydration is the key to transforming frizzy hair into sleek, healthy-looking strands.

Featured Products

ULTRALIGHT SMOOTH® Shampoo - Product Image packshot

ULTRALIGHT SMOOTH® Shampoo

ULTRALIGHT SMOOTH® Conditioner -Product Image packshot

ULTRALIGHT SMOOTH® Conditioner

HUMECTRESS® Moisture Conditioner - Product Image packshot

HUMECTRESS® Moisture Conditioner

HUMECTRESS® Hydrating Mask - Product Image packshot

HUMECTRESS® Hydrating Mask

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