When hair is damaged or dry, the outer layer of hair (the cuticle) lifts, which allows moisture to pass through and swell hair strands. Dry hair absorbs moisture which causes flyaways and frizz.
Heat tools can continue to dry out and damage hair. Giving up heat or alternating with a heatless styling method can make a big difference to improve the health of your hair. Sometimes making this shift can be a challenge if frizz is a problem. Heat tools can smooth the hair shaft, but at the same time can damage hair which perpetuates the cycle.
Here are 5 tips to help during the transition of reducing or giving up heat tools.
-
Get moisture into the hair (conditioner, oils, serums) so it isn’t so dry that it absorbs moisture from the air! If frizz is a problem, try heatless styling on day 2 or 3 hair. The natural oils can be a benefit.
-
Do not rub hair with a towel or brush it when it is wet and at its most vulnerable. Try wrapping wet hair up in a microfiber towel turban to absorb most of the water before continuing with heatless styling.
-
Try not to shampoo as often. Shampooing strips the natural moisture barrier. Hair is usually most frizzy on the day it’s washed.
-
Don’t use hair products with sulfates or alcohol which are both drying. No lather shampoos are more gentle and healthier for hair.
-
Try a satin pillowcase which will minimize breakage and frizz at night.
Everyone's hair is different and we can't change our hair type and tendencies. However, flyaways and frizz become less problematic as hair health improves. It's worth the effort to figure out how to take care of your hair because it will respond accordingly!