Close up of two female best friends laughing and embracing each other. They each have beautiful curly hair, one has long brunette 2C curls, while the other fashions shoulder length, blonde, 3B curls. Close up of two female best friends laughing and embracing each other. They each have beautiful curly hair, one has long brunette 2C curls, while the other fashions shoulder length, blonde, 3B curls.

Frizzy Curly Hair: 7 Proven Ways to Tame Unruly Curls

If you have any type of natural curls, you know about the inevitable trade off: frizz. The struggle is real, especially when conditions are humid or dry, or when you overdo the hot tools. The good news is you don’t have to resign to a life of frizzy curly hair. It can be tamed once and for all with the easy strategies in this guide on getting smooth frizz-free curls, so let’s get started!

What Causes Frizzy Curls?

As you probably know, curly frizzy hair is basically a moisture imbalance. Curls demand more moisture than straight hair because it takes longer for natural hair oils to travel down from the scalp and coat each ringlet. If you don’t rehydrate accordingly, the hair cuticles can suffer damage. Other reasons that curly and frizzy hair go hand in hand include triggers like seasonal dryness and ill-adapted hair care routines that rob your curls or coils of much-needed moisture (think straightening irons and chemical treatments).

How to Get Rid of Frizzy Curly Hair

If you find yourself constantly wondering how to get rid of frizzy curly hair, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a step-by-step guide for kissing frizzy curls goodbye and achieving the definition you’ve always dreamed of.

A close-up of a person with wet, curly hair, likely in the process of applying or rinsing out shampoo.

1. Use a Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner for Curly Hair

The best curl products for frizzy hair do not contain sulfates, which can be very drying. You need specially formulated shampoo and conditioner that both hydrate and help retain moisture while adding nourishment. The Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish line is the perfect blend for combatting frizzy curly hair, plus it won’t strip any of your natural oils. Start your curly hair care routine with Curl Nourish shampoo and conditioner.

2. Trim Your Hair Regularly to Prevent Split Ends

Stay one step ahead of split ends by regularly snipping them off. Frayed tips coarsen your hair texture and are major culprits of frizzy curls – and a big reason your locks may look unruly and unhealthy.

Prevent split ends - Garnier
A woman conditions her hair in the shower.

3. Deep Condition Weekly for Maximum Hydration

The ultimate goal when taming frizzy curly hair is striking the ideal moisture balance. Deep conditioning treatments like leave-in Curl Air Dry Cream and hair masks are your ticket to restoring the happy hydration medium.

4. Apply Lightweight Hair Oils to Tame Frizzy Curly Hair

Plant-based oils have been conquering frizzy curls for millennia because they naturally seal in moisture without the weighdown. After washing and conditioning, but before styling, apply a hair oil that suits your curly hair texture like Curl Multi-Use Oil with vitamin E and coconut oil.

A person with curly hair smiles while applying hair oil.
A woman with long wet hair uses a comb, illustrating one of the recommended tools for managing curly hair.

5. Avoid Brushes and Go Wide

Traditional hairbrushes can actually cause frizzy curls and breakage. Always gently style and detangle with a wide-toothed comb or your fingers, and make things easier with Pure Clean Detangler. Look for a detangling comb made from pliable material to avoid unnecessary tugging and only use it only on wet hair.

6. Control Frizzy Curly Hair with a Regular Routine

Keep your curly hair routine simple and consistent: diligence goes a long way to preventing frizzy curls over time. Shampoo and condition in the shower, add a leave-in conditioner or cream to damp hair, apply some hair oil, style with a detangling product, air-dry, and deeply hydrate weekly with a curly hair mask/treatment.

A close-up of a person with curly hair, eyes closed, enjoying the feel of air-dried curls.
Curly hair when you sleep - Garnier

7. Protect Your Curls While Sleeping

Once you have curly frizzy hair under control, don’t mess it up! Maintain your soft curls by sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase. Resting your head on cotton can create friction that dries out curls and worsens tangles and frizz. Also try wearing a protective hairstyle like pineappling or a silky bonnet.

The Best Products for Taming Frizzy Curly Hair

The best curl products for frizzy hair contain ingredients that hydrate, soften, nourish, and define. Garnier Fructis has developed an entire line of solutions called Curl Nourish for every stage of your curly hair care routine. It’s also good to know what formulas you should and should not use on your ringlets.

Top Ingredients to Look for in Curly Hair Products

Your top options for fighting frizz are key ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, aloe vera, and coconut oil. Say no to anything that may dry out your hair like sulfates and alcohol because they tend to cause frizzy curls.

Best ingredients for curly hair - Garnier

How to Choose the Right Styling Products for Frizz Control

It’s important to get the texture and purpose of your hair care products right. Leave-in conditioners are applied after the shower and focus on extra hydration. Gels and creams are usually used for styling, hold, and definition. They all contribute to controlling frizz. Also look for products based on your curl type like wavy or coily.

Curly Hair Mistakes That Make Frizz Worse

There’s a chance you may be making your frizzy curly hair worse without knowing it, so make sure you’re not committing these common curly hair no-nos.

01
Overwashing and Using Harsh Sulfates
Only wash curly hair twice or three times a week and always use sulfate-free products. Frequent washing and sulfates strip away natural hair-hydrating oils, which leads to dryness and frizz.
02
Towel-Drying with Rough Fabrics
Your terry towels may feel soft, but they actually create friction and are rough on hair, which causes frizz and breakage. Opt instead for a microfiber towel or even a cotton T-shirt.
03
Using Too Much or Too Little Product
It’s true what they say about too much of a good thing [sigh]. Overdoing it with heavy hair care products can weigh curls down and create buildup. But you won’t get any frizz control if you use too little. Find the middle ground for your curl type and length by starting with the amount recommended on the label. Then use slightly more or less until you hit the sweet spot.

How to Tame Frizzy Curly Hair in Humid Weather

If you don’t live in an arid climate, you know how humidity can cause frizzy curls. This is because curly locks are more porous, so they absorb moisture in the air. When the weather gets extreme, try reducing frizz with a protective hairstyle or wrapping your head in a silky scarf. And check out Garnier’s humidity-fighting products for frizzy hair like Anti-Humidity Smoothing Milk with argan oil, Sleek & Shine Leave-In Conditioner for up to 72 hours of control or Anti-Frizz Serum with our exclusive Kera-System+ technology.

Embracing and Managing Your Natural Curls

Adopting a frizzy curly hair care routine is a gesture of self-love because there’s everything to adore about manageable curls! Embrace the beautiful natural bounce in your hair and keep trying different products and techniques until you find the perfect ritual.

Frizzy Curly Hair FAQ

  • What is the best way to hydrate curly frizzy hair?
  • Why is my curly hair so dry and frizzy?
  • What deficiency causes frizzy hair?

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