How to Eliminate Frizz: The Complete Guide for Unruly Hair
Do you step out of the shower with smooth hair, only for humidity to strike and frizz your hair the moment you step outside? You're not alone 😅. Here's how to eliminate frizz for good, starting with understanding why it appears, then adjusting your routine and products.
Why does hair frizz?
Frizz appears when the cuticle, the outer layer of the hair, lifts. Air humidity then penetrates the hair shaft, causing it to swell irregularly and create that well-known frizzy effect. Porous, color-treated, textured, or simply dried-out hair from summer or heating is particularly at risk: their cuticle is already more open, making them more vulnerable to changes in humidity levels. This is why the same downpour can leave some hair perfectly smooth, and turn others into a true cotton ball.
Actions that truly make a difference
Choose a cleansing that doesn't strip your hair
An overly drying shampoo opens the cuticle even further. To tame frizzy hair, opt for a formula that cleanses gently while depositing a fine protective layer, capable of smoothing the hair fiber instead of drying it out.
Drying: the most neglected step
Rubbing your hair with a cotton towel after showering is enough to create frizz, even on healthy hair. The rubbing lifts the cuticle and damages the hair fiber. It's better to blot with a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt, without ever rubbing. When blow-drying, a diffuser or concentrator nozzle, used from a distance and never at full heat, closes the cuticle instead of damaging it.
Don't neglect heat protectant
Flat iron, curling iron, blow dryer: each pass of heat without protection opens the cuticle a little more. A thermal protectant applied to damp hair limits damage and helps the results last longer, even in humid weather.
Products that really help control frizz 🧴
At Beauté à Rabais, Amika's Forget Frizz line and Redken's Frizz Dismiss range are specifically designed for unruly hair sensitive to humidity. Here's how to build a complete routine with professional products actually in stock.
Amika Forget Frizz Anti-Frizz Shampoo – Unruly Hair 275 ml
This shampoo smooths the cuticle from the first wash, without weighing hair down. It's well-suited for thick, curly, or wavy hair that frizzes easily. Use it as a regular cleanser, 2 to 3 times a week if your hair is color-treated or fragile, to avoid further drying it out.
Amika Forget Frizz Anti-Frizz Conditioner – Unruly Hair 275 ml
Its role: nourish and close the cuticle after shampooing. Apply it to lengths and ends, never to roots, to avoid weighing down fine hair at the base.
Amika Frizz-Me-Not Anti-Frizz Treatment – Unruly Hair 60 ml
A leave-in treatment to apply to damp hair before drying. It specifically targets the most stubborn frizz. Since it's concentrated, a small amount is enough: fine hair should start with a pea-sized amount to avoid any greasy effect.
Amika Velveteen Dream Smoothing Balm – Dry and Damaged Hair 200 ml
A richer balm, designed for dry or damaged hair that needs a little more softness. Apply it to damp lengths to deeply nourish while taming the hair fiber.
Amika The Wizard Detangling Primer Spray – All Hair Types 150 ml
A lightweight primer to spray before blow-drying or straightening. It detangles and protects in one step, but remains lighter than a dedicated anti-frizz treatment: for very unruly hair, combine it with Frizz-Me-Not rather than relying on it alone.
Redken Frizz Dismiss Anti-Frizz Shampoo – Unruly Hair 300 ml and Redken Frizz Dismiss Anti-Frizz Conditioner – Unruly Hair 300 ml
Want another brand? Redken's Frizz Dismiss shampoo-conditioner duo follows the same principle: tame the hair fiber from washing while nourishing it. It combines well with Frizz-Me-Not or Velveteen Dream balm for the most unruly hair.
You can find the entire selection in our Anti-Frizz Products collection and the Amika collection.
Adjusting your routine according to your hair type
A product advertised as "all hair types" does not have the same richness as a treatment specifically designed for very dry hair. Before adding a new product to your routine, look at its actual texture: a light finishing spray will never replace a nourishing mask if your hair is damaged or very porous. Conversely, a rich treatment designed for dry hair can weigh down fine hair if applied in too large a quantity or too close to the roots. The right anti-frizz routine is always built according to the density, porosity, and dryness level of your hair, not just its shape.
Frequently asked questions ❓
Does frizz go away with time?
No, it returns as long as the cuticle remains lifted and the ambient air is humid. It's the routine and products used that make the difference, not time passing.
Can frizz be eliminated without using heat?
Yes. A good gentle cleansing, microfibre towel drying, and an anti-frizz leave-in treatment are often enough to tame hair, even without a blow dryer or iron.
Do curly hair types have more frizz than straight hair?
Generally yes, because their cuticle is naturally more lifted and their fiber more porous. However, it's not inevitable: a hydrating routine and a good anti-humidity protector make a big difference.
Should you change shampoo in winter and summer?
Not necessarily a complete change, but adjusting the frequency and hydrating intensity according to humidity levels and indoor heating can help keep frizz under control all year round.
In summary ✨
Frizz is not inevitable: it can be explained, and most importantly, it can be managed 💪. An adapted cleansing, gentler drying, and the right finishing products are often enough to regain tamed hair, even in humid weather. Want to try these anti-frizz ranges? Discover Beauté à Rabais' entire anti-frizz selection, in limited quantities depending on arrivals.
To complete your hair care routine, also consult our articles Which shampoo to choose according to your hair type? and Which conditioner to choose according to your hair type?