5 Ways to Fight Frizzy Hair

Keep tresses smooth all summer long with these five tips for controlling frizzy hair.

1. Wash In Sleekness

Start in the shower with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. "They contain ingredients, like dimethicone, that smooth each strand's outer layer — the secret to shiny, frizz-free hair," says Hannah Williams, a stylist with Blow Salons. Try: Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Shampoo and Conditioner ($3 each, drugstores). If your hair is fine, apply conditioner only from the mid-shafts to the ends, to prevent flat locks. Steer clear of volumizing formulas, which make hair swell and can exacerbate frizz.

2. Style with a Serum

The styling ingredient silicone can tame even the unruliest tresses. "Thick or coarse hair needs a lot; you'll find it in a serum," explains Heather Warnke, director of global haircare innovation for John Frieda. Try: Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum ($6, drugstores). If you have thin locks, opt for a cream or lotion, which has less of the frizz fighter. A safe bet: Wella Professionals Enrich Straight Leave-In Cream ($12, salons). Apply your choice to soaking-wet hair: "If it's dry or even damp, the product can leave a greasy feeling," says Warnke.

3. Forget Air-drying

"When you let hair air-dry, it absorbs humidity — the culprit behind frizz," says Williams. "The faster your hair goes from wet to dry, the quicker you lay down the cuticle and the less likely it is to frizz out." If you can't dry right after showering, rewet hair when you're ready to blow-dry it. Then make sure hair is 100% dry: Any residual moisture will cause frizzies later. (A final shot of cool air will help further seal the cuticle.)

4. Check Your Brush

Parched or fried hair is especially frizz-prone. But your scalp's own oils can keep strands supple, with the help of a boar-bristle brush (good for everyday brushing and blow-drying). "These natural oils attach to the bristles, and the brush distributes them down the length of your locks, coating and protecting them," says Eva Scrivo, author of Eva Scrivo on Beauty. Try: Conair Performers 100% Boar Bristle All Purpose Styling Brush ($11, drugstores).

5. Try an Updo

If you'll be outdoors en route to your destination, shield your tresses from humidity by putting them up till you arrive. "Only the top layer will be exposed, while all the hair underneath will stay sleek," says Williams. TryGoody Simple Styles Modern Updo Pin ($7, drugstores), and skip elastics, which can create creases. Take your hair down upon arrival, and run your palms over any stray frizzies; the natural oils on your skin will help smooth them.

SOURCE:  Frizzy Hair Tips - How to Control Frizzy Hair - Good Housekeeping