Curly hair is a common and frustrating problem that many people face, especially those with curly or wavy hair. Frizz occurs when the hair cuticle, which is the outer layer of the hair that consists of overlapping cells, is lifted and roughened, causing the hair to look dull, damaged, and frizzy. Various factors, such as humidity, heat, friction, dryness, damage, or improper hair care, can cause frizz.
If you have extremely curly hair, you might wonder what the best product to tame your frizz and achieve smooth, shiny, and manageable hair is. The answer is complex, as different products work for other hair types, goals, and issues.
How to choose the best product for curly hair
When choosing a product for curly hair, you should consider the following factors:
• Your hair type: Your hair’s thickness, shape, and texture are referred to as its “hair type,” they can impact how frizz and products work with your hair.
For instance, if you have fine or thin hair, opt for a lightweight, water-based, and volumizing product from curly hair products. This will help hydrate and detangle your hair without weighing it down or making it greasy. If you have coarse or thick hair, use a rich, oil-based, smoothing product that can seal and tame your hair without leaving any residue or buildup. If you have curly or wavy hair, consider using a curl-enhancing, moisturizing, and defining product to protect your hair from moisture and lock in your curl pattern.
• Your hair issue: Your hair issue denotes the particular problem affecting your hair, impacting how it reacts to products and frizz. For dry or frizzy hair, consider using a product that repairs, nourishes, and strengthens to restore hydration and prevent frizz and split ends. If you have colour-treated or chemically processed hair, you might want to use a colour-protecting, bond-building, and shine-boosting product that can preserve and enhance your hair colour and prevent frizz and fading. If you have unruly or unmanageable hair, you might want to use a disciplining, controlling, and softening product that can smooth and tame your hair and prevent frizz and flyaways.
• Your hair goal: Your hair goal refers to the desired result or effect that you want to achieve with your hair, and it can affect how your hair looks and feels after using products and frizz.
These factors allow you to narrow your options and find the curly hair product set for your curly hair. However, it would help if you also remembered that not all products are created equal, and some products might contain ingredients that can harm your hair or cause adverse reactions. Therefore, you should also pay attention to the ingredients list and avoid products that include:
• Sulfates: Abrasive detergents, can potentially remove the natural oils and moisture from your hair, resulting in frizz, breakage, and lacklustre appearance. Sulfates can also cause buildup and residue on your hair and scalp, interfering with your curl pattern.
• Silicones: Silicones are synthetic polymers that can coat your hair and create a smooth and shiny film, but they can also prevent moisture from entering your hair and cause buildup and residue on your hair and scalp. Silicones can also weigh down your hair and make it harder to style and curl.
• Parabens: Parabens are preservatives that can extend the shelf life of products but can also disrupt your hormonal balance and cause allergic reactions. Parabens can also dry out and damage your hair, causing frizz and static.
• Alcohols: Alcohols are solvents that can dissolve and evaporate other ingredients, but they can also dry out and damage your hair and cause frizz and static. Alcohol can also make your hair more prone to breakage and split ends.
Instead, it would help if you looked for products that contain natural, gentle, and nourishing ingredients, such as:
• Aloe vera: It is a plant extract that can hydrate, smooth, and protect your hair, as well as enhance your curl pattern. Aloe vera can also soothe and heal your scalp and prevent dandruff and itchiness.
• Shea butter: It is a natural fat that moisturizes, nourishes, and softens your hair and prevents frizz and dryness. Shea butter can also seal and smooth your hair cuticles and add shine and lustre.
• Coconut oil: It is a natural oil that can hydrate, smooth, and protect your hair and improve its elasticity and manageability. Coconut oil can penetrate and repair your hair shaft and prevent frizz and split ends.
• Argan oil: Argan oil is a natural oil rich in fatty acids and antioxidants that can hydrate and protect your hair and improve its strength and shine. Argan oil can smooth and tame your hair and prevent frizz and flyaways.
Which product is most effective for highly curly hair?
Based on the above criteria and guidelines, we have handpicked some of the best hair products for frizzy hair that you can purchase right now. These highly rated expert-recommended products can play a crucial role in achieving smooth, shiny, and glamorous hair. Here are our top picks:
• Best Overall: Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil. This concentrated oil can repair and strengthen your hair, preventing frizz and split ends. This oil contains Olaplex’s patented bond-building technology, which rebuilds the broken bonds in your hair and improves its structure and integrity. This oil also has heat protection up to 450°F, which means you can use it before or after using heat tools without worrying about damage. To use this oil, apply a small amount to your damp or dry hair and work it through from mid-length to end.
• Best Budget: Shea Moisture Frizz Control Shampoo. This sulfate-free shampoo can gently cleanse and condition your hair without drying or damaging it. This shampoo contains shea butter, a natural fat that can moisturize, nourish, and soften your hair and prevent frizz and dryness. This shampoo also contains coconut oil, which can hydrate, smooth, and protect your hair and improve its elasticity and manageability. This shampoo also contains hibiscus flower extract, which can enhance your hair’s shine and smoothness and reduce frizz and static. To use this shampoo, apply a generous amount to your wet hair and massage it into your hair and scalp. Rinse it thoroughly, and follow with a conditioner or a styling product.
• Best for Curly Hair: Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat and Humidity Gel. This gel can protect your hair from moisture and lock in your curl pattern. This gel is specially formulated for curly hair and contains anti-frizz nanotechnology that seals the hair cuticle and creates a barrier against humidity. This gel also contains wheat protein and pliable styling polymers that hold and shape your curls without making them stiff or sticky. This gel is also heat-activated, which means it works best when you use a diffuser or a blow dryer to dry your hair. To use this gel, apply a small amount to your wet hair and rake it through your fingers to coat every strand. Then, use a diffuser or a blow dryer to dry your hair, and enjoy your smooth and defined curls.
• Best for Fine Hair: Innersense Sweet Spirit Leave-In Conditioner. This lightweight, water-based, and volumizing product can hydrate and detangle your hair without weighing it down or making it greasy. This product contains aloe vera, a plant extract that can hydrate, smooth, and protect your hair and enhance your curl pattern. This product includes honey, a natural humectant that attracts and maintains moisture in your hair, preventing frizz and dryness. This product also contains tamanu oil, which can nourish and condition your hair and add shine and softness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, managing extremely frizzy hair involves considering factors such as your hair type, specific issues, and desired goals. When selecting the best product, avoid harmful ingredients like sulfates, silicones, parabens, and alcohol. Our top picks include Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil for overall excellence, Shea Moisture Frizz Control Shampoo for budget-friendly care, Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat and Humidity Gel for curly hair, and Innersense Sweet Spirit Leave-In Conditioner for fine hair. Achieve smooth, shiny, and glamorous hair by following these guidelines and incorporating the recommended products into your hair care routine.