Hair gets frizzy after showering because of the hot water’s effect on the hair cuticles. The heat causes this protective layer to open up, lose its smoothness, and dry in a disrupted form that causes hair frizz to occur.
However, that’s not the whole story. There are multiple causes of frizzy hair and various ways to prevent post-shower frizz, which we explore in more detail below. Therefore, make sure you read to the end.
Understanding Hair Frizz
Frizzy hair results from the properties of the hair cuticle, the outer layer that protects the brittle inner hair shaft. When the cuticle becomes warped, it makes the hair less smooth, leading to what people see as “frizz.”
More scientifically, hydrogen bonds form between water molecules and hair keratin, a protein that gives it its structure. These reactions make hair frizzy because of differences in ionization (often pushing hair apart), leading to issues at the chemical level. The most common cause is very hot water in a hot shower.
This can change the hair cuticle, causing it to loosen in some sections and tighten in others. However, even moisture in the air and mechanical action, like rubbing against a car seat, can make hair frizzy. The definition of frizzy hair (involving the cuticle) is quite scientific.
However, most people just don’t like how it looks. Mainly, people describe it as out-of-control, puffy, poofy, and chronically dry. Frizz can also cause the ends to change color and lead to hair breakage.
Common Causes of Frizzy Hair After Shower
Several factors can contribute to frizzy hair after a shower.
Humidity and Moisture Imbalance
The first, as discussed, is humidity and moisture imbalance. Wet hair is likely to become frizzy because of the water-related chemical reactions described above.
Hair Type and Texture
Different hair types can also play a role. For example, wavy hair is often more prone to frizz than straight hair. Curly hair is the most prone to frizz because of its low moisture levels. Dry hair can absorb more water from the environment, leading to additional post-shower changes in its structure.
Shampoo and Conditioner Issues
Furthermore, hair products can worsen frizz issues. Harsh shampoos and leave-in conditioner serums can change the cuticle layer and hair porosity, causing additional problems.
Water Temperature
Water temperature while washing hair is another factor. Higher temperatures can increase the risk of making hair brittle, leading to an added risk of frizz.
Drying Methods
Finally, how you dry your hair can impact frizziness. Generally, the more active the method, the more likely it is that frizz will develop. As such, using a hair dryer is the worst option to prevent frizz.
It adds more heat to the mix, making it more likely that hair moisture will interact with the cuticle and change the hair strand shape, leading to dry hair. If preventing frizz is a priority, changing your hair care routine to allow it to air dry after showering is probably better than blow drying.
You could also apply coconut or hair serum post-shower.
How Do External Factors Contribute to Frizzy Hair?
Showering can impact hair frizziness, but external factors can also play a role. For example, high humidity often leads to greater frizz. Moisture in the atmosphere gets into the hair, causing the shaft and cuticle to swell, leading to less manageable hair.
Dry weather can also be problematic. Here, the problem is the opposite. Dry heat strips hair of its natural moisture, leading to dehydrated hair. Chemical treatments can also contribute.
Hair dyes and bleaches often break down the cuticle, removing pigment. This action weakens the hair structure, making it harder to control frizz. Heat styling can also play a role.
Applying flat irons and curling wands to wet hair frequently can damage the cuticle and make it more prone to frizz-related changes. Finally, environmental pollutants can contribute to frizzy hair.
Air pollution particles can disrupt hair’s natural oils, leading to a more out-of-control appearance. Meanwhile, hard water containing calcium and magnesium can be a factor. Residues can build up on the hair shaft, leading to additional frizz.
What Are the Best Solutions to Combat Hair Frizz?
Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to reduce frizz.
1. Introduce Natural Remedies to Your Shower Routine
The first is to introduce natural remedies to your shower routine. These are safe and can help keep hair smooth.
One option is using olive oil or coconut oil on your hair as a heat protectant. These natural substances maintain the hair’s natural moisture while preventing additional hot water from affecting it.
Another remedy is using a cold water rinse to control excess frizz. Reducing heat exposure is another way to preserve your hair’s natural texture. You can combine this approach with apple cider vinegar, which naturally lowers the hair pH, buffering against the high pH that leads to frizziness in hard water areas.
2. Experiment with Different Styling Techniques
Another approach is to experiment with different styling techniques. For example, if you use curling or straightening irons, use heat protection. These products protect the hair from losing excess moisture and becoming too brittle.
You could also wear your hair in braids or twists overnight. These reduce friction while sleeping, allowing you to wake up with smoother hair in the morning. Loose hairstyles during the day are also recommended.
Tight ponytails or buns can stress the cuticle and lead to further damage.
3. Use Specialized Shower Products
If possible, use specialized shower products, especially on your hair. Avoid washing your hair with harsh shampoo. Instead, use different products that prevent frizzy hair and leave you feeling confident.
For example, use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. Look for products with less harsh cleaning ingredients. (Sodium laureth sulfate is the most common cleaning agent in shampoos, but use others that combat frizz, like cocamidopropyl betaine and sodium cocoyl isethionate, since these are less harsh).
You should also look for moisturizing agents suitable for your hair type. If you have fine hair, prioritize products with glycerin to attract moisture, or use polyquaternium as a smoothing serum if your hair is prone to static.
4. Lifestyle Changes
You can also make lifestyle changes to give you healthier hair less prone to frizz. One option is to add healthy protein to your diet. Legumes and tofu are excellent options because they increase your fiber intake.
Managing stress levels can also help. Getting more sleep and being mindful reduces telogen effluvium, where hair prematurely sheds. Finally, you can improve scalp health by using the right shampoo and conditioner and avoiding rough drying.
Applying hair masks or light oils may also help nourish the follicles and enable them to produce more consistent, smoother hair.
5. Using Hair Tools Wisely
Finally, ensure you use hair tools wisely. Avoid options that could make the situation worse. For example, choose the right hair dryer. When you dry your hair in the morning, use ionic options to blow dry excess water.
These use negative ions to remove water molecules to seal the hair for a smoother finish. Don’t use a regular towel on damp hair. A terry cloth can roughen the cuticle and lead to frizz. Instead, use microfiber towels or a soft cotton t-shirt on damp hair.
These materials are more gentle while absorbing moisture. If you still have issues, let your hair air dry. For heat styling and hair straightening, choose ceramic flat irons. These distribute heat more evenly, reducing the risk of deforming cuticle hotspots.
How Can Shower Filters Help Reduce Hair Frizz?
Shower filters can also play a role in managing hair frizz. These reduce contaminants that can make hair frizz worse. Most municipal water suppliers add chlorine and other chemicals to disinfect water.
These are essential for purification but can also reduce natural oils, leading to a higher frizz risk. Shower filters prevent this by reducing harmful substances from the water, such as cleaning agents, calcium compounds, and heavy metals. This way, they help to keep hair healthy.
The benefits of using shower filters to reduce frizz are extensive. For example, they help improve hair texture by removing harsh chemicals that roughen the cuticle. They also optimize scalp health more than normal conditioners by reducing induced irritation and dryness.
Finally, filters can enhance moisture retention in clean hair by helping strands retain their natural oils and remain hydrated, cutting down on dryness-induced frizz. Aquabliss offers a range of shower filters to help you experience all these benefits. View our collection today.
How Can You Prevent Hair Frizz from Reoccurring?
You can prevent frizz from recurring by:
- Lowering the heat of your shower to prevent damaged hair
- Use a hair product that protects your hair while showering
- Avoid using heated implements on damp hair regularly
- Applying a hair serum or oil before your shower to prevent moisture from getting to it
- Using a microfiber towel instead of a conventional one
- Use styling products that reduce frizz
- Shower in cold water to reduce frizz
So, Now You Know How To Stop Frizzy Hair
After reading this guide, you should know why your hair is frizzy after showering. The main culprits are hot water and environmental factors. Fortunately, you can take measures to reduce hair frizziness, including applying serums and patting your hair dry with a microfiber towel to gently absorb excess water.
The worst things you can do are blow drying and using harsh shampoos. These change the structure of the protective cuticle, making frizz more likely, especially if you have curly hair, wavy hair, or long hair. If you want to protect your hair at the source, use a shower filter.
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