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The joys of summer unfortunately bring with them sweat and humidity: two things that our hair… hates.
Heat, dryness and damage are the three main culprits of frizzy hair. So is it possible to have professionally smooth hair without spending hours caring for it this summer? Luckily, yes.
TV hairstylist Michael Douglas talks us through the products you need in your hair care routine to combat frizz this summer.
What are the main causes of frizzy hair?
Although we often think of external factors, Douglas points out that the main cause of frizz is actually due to hair styling. “You have about 120,000 strands of hair on your head,” she explains. “If they’re all doing the same thing at the same time, your hair won’t be frizzy. But if 10 to 20 percent of those hairs are doing other things, it’s going to look frizzy.”
However, no matter how hard we try, the environment often plays a role. “Humidity is the enemy of all hairstyles and hair will frizz if it comes into contact with water or humidity,” explains Douglas. “Humidity is present in the atmosphere all the time, so it’s essential to use a styling product that prevents moisture from penetrating the hair.”
What step in your hair care routine is most important for controlling frizz?
Contrary to popular belief that it's all in the shampoo, the most important step in keeping frizz at bay is in your styling, says Douglas.
“Having all the strands of hair do the same thing at the same time is what reduces frizz,” she explains, “And this is accomplished at the styling stage, using a bristle brush and a hair dryer, or some hot tools once the hair is dry.”
Am I using my styling tools correctly?
“Putting your hair under tension with a bristle brush and then applying heat and air until it dries will manipulate all the hair strands to do the same,” says Douglas.
This is the technique to use to achieve a professional-looking blow-dry. However, if you're starting with dry hair, “using direct heat from a straightening or curling iron and putting it under some tension will also have a very good effect on reducing frizz,” says Douglas.
Cloud Nine Pro 2-in-1 Contour Iron, £239 (was £299)
mdlondon WAVE Multi-Styler Thermal Barrel Brush, £125
What should I consider before purchasing anti-frizz products?
There are a variety of products that claim to provide smoother, shinier, softer hair, but finding an anti-frizz formula that in fact It all depends on the ingredients.
Despite what some people say, occasional silicone use can be beneficial for hair texture. Plus, ingredients like dimethicone and copolymer help seal the gaps between hair cuticles, which can leave hair soft and shiny.
The best products for damaged hair
Investing in a good hair mask or treatment is the best way to tame damaged hair, says Douglas. “Damaged hair is basically broken down hair. It’s actually lighter, and using a hair mask or treatment will bring that weight back to the hair and temporarily strengthen it.”
OGX Rescue Fusions Intense Repair & Recovery Hair Mask, 285ml, £12, Boots
Olaplex No. 7 Setting Oil, £28, John Lewis & Partners
The best products for fine hair
Douglas recommends avoiding any oily or greasy products if you have fine hair. “Lightweight volumizing hair sprays are my favorite for taming fine hair,” she explains. “Use a light shampoo like OGX Biotin and Collagen and use just a small amount of conditioner on the ends.”
Incorporating products that include terms like 'volumizing', 'texturizing' or 'enhancing' will also help to give your hair body without having to resort to frizzy backcombing.
OGX Thick & Full+ pH Balanced Shampoo with Biotin and Collagen, 385ml, £7.49, Boots
Olaplex Volumizing Blow Dry Mist, 150ml, £28, Cult Beauty
The best products for thick and coarse hair
Thick, coarse hair requires a more aggressive treatment. “I like to use styling creams combined with a blow-dry spray to tame thick, coarse hair,” says Douglas.
“Using a boar bristle brush while blow-drying your hair will also make a huge difference in controlling coarse hair and eliminating frizz. I highly recommend this as a weekly treatment to moisturize dry hair.”
ARKIVE The Body Hybrid Mousse, 200ml, £13, Boots
Denman D81M Medium Nylon Bristle Grooming Brush, £15, Superdrug
