| Frizzy hair doesn't discriminate. It plagues both the | | | | all. Here are some tips for wading through the |
| thin and thick haired alike. If your hair has even | | | | claims and finding the right products. |
| the slightest wave or curl, it's susceptible to frizz. | | | | Try a pre-shampooing treatment like "The |
| This article details the six critical things you can do | | | | Strokes" by LUSH Cosmetics, which sheathes |
| to launch a full-on assault on those unruly | | | | your locks in all manner of goodies like beer, |
| frizzies...along with a list of things not to do. | | | | yeast, and olive oil. This treatment is applied |
| INTERNAL FACTORS--Our circulatory systems | | | | before you shampoo so it keeps the cleansing |
| deliver oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles, which | | | | agents from stripping away all the necessary oils |
| keeps hair growing healthy and strong. Make sure | | | | from your hair. |
| you're getting enough of the nutritional | | | | Conditioning Products--If your hair is on the thick |
| requirements for smooth, shiny locks. These | | | | side, use conditioners formulated to "smooth". |
| include: | | | | They'll deposit a friendly film on the hair strands, |
| Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids, Evening Primrose | | | | adding weight and smoothing at the same time. |
| Oil, Lecithin, Silica, Vitamin B8 (Biotin), Vitamin B5 | | | | On fine hair, however, the friendly film becomes |
| (Pantothenic Acid), Protein, and Water | | | | more of a foe as it can add too much weight. In |
| KEEP IT COOL--I'm lumping 2 cooling techniques | | | | this case, use a daily conditioner formulated for |
| into one category here. Both are equally | | | | colored hair. That'll ensure your hair gets some |
| important. Coolness combats frizzies by closing | | | | extra moisture, without trading frizz for flatness. |
| down the cuticle (outer) layer of each hair strand. | | | | Maximize the benefits of your conditioner! Keep a |
| And of course, heat has the opposite effect, | | | | dry face cloth or hand towel nearby and, after |
| obliterating moisture and amplifying frizz. So cool | | | | shampooing, squeeze all the excess moisture |
| your hair in these two ways: | | | | from your hair into the towel. Then apply the |
| - A cool rinse (with either just water or vinegar | | | | conditioner. It'll keep the product from becoming |
| water) will close down the cuticle and add shine. | | | | diluted by the water already in your hair, |
| - After heat styling with a blowdryer, use the cool | | | | increasing it's effectiveness. |
| shot button on your hair dryer to cool down the | | | | Leave-In Conditioners--Ordinarily, the concept of |
| section you're working with. That will increase the | | | | applying a slimy coating on your hair may seem |
| curl or volume you're creating and amplify the | | | | unappealing...when it comes to nixing the frizz, |
| shine! | | | | however, slime is the ticket. Not just any slime, |
| SQUEEZE, DON'T RUB--When towel drying your | | | | though, try Sebastian's "Potion 9" for a leave-in |
| hair, resist rubbing or creating any sort of friction. | | | | conditioning treatment that'll sooth your frazzled |
| The best method for drying frizzy hair is to use a | | | | strands and offer just a touch of hold. I'm not |
| hand towel and squeeze the hair up from ends to | | | | sure how the folks at Sebastian will feel about me |
| roots. | | | | touting their product as a slime-fix. I really do |
| KEEP IT TRIMMED--Surely you've heard it before, | | | | mean it in the nicest way possible. |
| but it warrants repeating...regular trims prevent | | | | Styling Products--Here's the truth. There does not |
| split ends. It's stressed so often because of the | | | | exist a styling product that is going to smooth |
| nature of splitting hairs...they continue on up the | | | | straighten your hair in the miraculous way |
| hair strand, which exacerbates the frizz. And, | | | | demonstrated in the ads. Surely this is not news |
| once the hairs have split, the only way to repair | | | | to you and I'm certain you've got a cupboard full |
| the damage is to cut the hair above the split. So | | | | of cast-away "smoothers" to prove it. Cream |
| if it's a bounty of smooth curls you desire, trim it | | | | styling products help condition the hair and silicones |
| up at least every two months. | | | | can disguise the frizz, but both need to be used in |
| PROTECT IT--Nature's elements can wreak | | | | combination with the right styling techniques. |
| havoc on frizzy hair. Sun, wind, and environmental | | | | Color Glossing--Products like Sebastian |
| humidity are the main culprits. Here's what you | | | | ColourShines have a sealing effect on the hair, |
| can do to defend against the harshness of the | | | | and dramatically amplify the shine. Great for frizzy |
| elements. | | | | hair! If you're not looking to change the color of |
| Humidity Control--Use an anti-humectant pomade | | | | your hair, go for a clear gloss...same benefits, no |
| to help repel water from the atmosphere. | | | | commitment. |
| Conversely, too arid of an environment can | | | | THINGS TO AVOID--Scan the list of "Don'ts" |
| contribute to frizz by drying out the hair too | | | | below to make sure you're not unknowingly |
| much. In that case, use a humectant pomade. | | | | contributing to the problem. |
| Aveda makes both...keeps the invisible forces of | | | | Fine tooth combs and brushes |
| nature from messin' with your mane. | | | | Excessive heat styling |
| Sun/Wind Protection--Get yourself a stylin' straw | | | | Touching hair while it's drying |
| hat, bandana, or scarf to shield your hair from the | | | | High alcohol content in styling products (firm hold |
| harsh effects of sun and wind. Always cover | | | | gels and hairsprays) |
| your hair in tanning beds...just wrap it in a towel. | | | | Any sort of friction on the hair |
| Some styling products contain SPF's, although their | | | | Consider yourself armed with sufficient knowledge |
| effectiveness is debatable. | | | | to challenge the frizz and come out victorious. |
| PRODUCTS AND TREATMENTS--Product | | | | Combine all of the tips here for best results...and |
| companies are clamoring for your dollars, | | | | visit my website for detailed information on styling |
| continuously launching "new improved" products | | | | curly hair. |
| which promise to quell your frizzies once and for | | | | |