DOES FRIZZY HAIR MEAN DAMAGE?

As we travel through our ever-changing hair journeys, it’s hard to keep up with the unpredictability that comes with our hair’s life cycle. 

As we experiment with colour, style, and testing products to achieve our hair desires, we often experience an unintentional change in the general condition of our hair. Two unfortunate consequences of this are frizz and the appearance of damage. 

While these terms are often used interchangeably and have similar symptoms, there is a common misconception that frizzy hair means damaged hair and this is simply untrue.

Frizz occurs when hair is lacking moisture and becomes, resulting in the hair being dry as a result, whereas damage occurs due to an overuse of hair processes that disrupt the hair cuticle (the hair’s protective layer).

Whether your hair is dry or damaged, it is important to understand your specific hair type and the steps that need to be taken to improve the condition and appearance of your hair. This will promote the longevity of your healthy hair and minimise future hair concerns. 

What does frizzy hair look like? 

Frizzy hair is easily identifiable, and tends to affect the manageability, texture, and overall appearance of the hair. 

The most common symptoms of frizz include:

• Fluffy and irregular hair texture
• Sporadic curling that doesn’t blend with your natural hair pattern
• Brittle ends 
• Rough and dry to the touch

It’s safe to say that frizzy hair can not only ruin the appearance of your hair but can also ruin your overall mood! If you are seeing parallels between your current hair condition and these signs of frizz, it's time to consider taking action to prevent the risk of frizz and potential damage over time.

What causes frizzy hair? 

There are many factors that can contribute to frizzy hair:

External environment. Without a sufficient amount of moisture, your hair tries to draw hydration from the air around it. As a result, your hair becomes overdried and shifts from your regular hair pattern. Thus, while warm temperatures and sunshine bring good summer vibes, they also bring frizz. 

The natural hair cycle. As we age, our hair pattern inevitably shifts too, with frizz being a common result of such change. It is important to understand that this is a normal process of life and can be managed with the right products and consistency. Look for these key buzzwords that promote hair hydration:

Hydrate!

• Glycerin - Retains moisture and hydrates hair. 
• Panthenol - Helps strengthen hair and retains moisture, while improving the texture of dry hair. This is often the main ingredient used in hair masks.
• Honey – Honey has emollient and humectant properties. In other words, it locks in shine, restores moisture, smoothes hair follicles, and is therefore a great natural hair moisturiser!
• Oil – Oil keeps your scalp hydrated, therefore improving healthy hair growth and minimising frizz. 

Harsh chemicals. Your hair relies on its natural oils, which function to keep it hair moisturised and healthy. Harsh chemicals strip these essential oils from your hair, therefore excessive use can lead to excessive frizz! Avoid products that contain sulphates, parabens, silicones and bad alcohols in order to minimise frizz and benefit your overall hair health.

Solutions for frizzy hair?

The condition of your hair is not only crucial for your hair health, but also your mental health. It can be very disheartening when managing your hair becomes a severe uphill climb, making it almost impossible to embrace your beautiful hair. However, there are many solutions you can incorporate into your haircare routine to elevate your health and wellbeing while minimising frizz and damage.

Wash your hair with cold water. Hot water is prone to stripping your hair of the natural oils that are essential to maintain its moisture and shine.

Avoid washing your hair every day. Washing your hair two to three times per week, depending on your hair, will help reduce dryness. Excessive washing is a key factor that can contribute to further damage.

Incorporate a hydrating shampoo or conditioner. Providing your hair with extra moisture is paramount in helping seal each hair strand’s cuticle, leaving it less susceptible to frizzing. The natural ingredients in our Nereus London hydrating conditioner restores moisture into your beautiful hair, reducing frizz and leaving your hair nourished and healthy.

• Use a microfibre towel or air dry. Regular towels draw moisture out of your hair and are harsh on your hair strands, promoting frizz. Wrapping your hair in a microfibre towel or allowing it to air dry helps to control frizz and reduce damage caused by improper drying.

• Get regular haircuts. Getting a haircut every six to eight weeks aids your hair’s manageability, preventing split ends from travelling up the hair strands and causing frizz. 

Are you ready to make a change?

It is important to remember that frizz is not permanent if you take the proper precautions to prevent it. Our hair is a key part of our identity and must not be neglected or given up on. Thus, understanding your unique hair type, and identifying your specific hair needs will bring you one step closer to reviving your beautiful hair’s health and desired appearance.

 

Written by Tamia Mullaney for Nereus London