Rodan + Fields / Blog / Hair Concerns

Why Is My Hair So Frizzy? Causes & Treatment


Young woman shown from the back with thick wavy frizzy hair

Why is my hair so frizzy? If this is a question you’ve asked yourself before, you’re not alone. Whether you’re someone who has naturally frizzy hair or it tends to frizz up in humid conditions, you know how annoying it can be. But what causes frizzy hair in the first place, and how can you fix it? Here’s everything you need to know.

What Is Frizzy Hair?

First things first: What is frizzy hair, anyway? Essentially, frizzy hair is hair that is a different texture than your other hair. It may appear in a kind of “halo” around your hair, or on the sides in little tufts. It may be a constant for you, it may happen when your hair is halfway dry and then settle down, or it may pop up in hot, humid climates.

What Causes Frizzy Hair?

The top reason why hair becomes frizzy is because of dryness. So if your hair gets frizzy in humid weather, it’s because there’s more humidity in the air than moisture in your hair. So as your dry hair absorbs the moisture, it creates a fun little halo.

And if you’re wondering why your hair gets frizzy as it dries, you can blame the temperature of the water: Water that’s too hot can strip your hair of its natural oils.

Other causes of frizzy hair are related to dehydration, too, such as heat styling tools, hair products that use harsher chemicals, or washing your hair too much. Another possible culprit? Towel drying your hair, which can create friction and damage the hair cuticle.

Can Damaged, Frizzy Hair Be Repaired?


While certain products and steps can certainly help with frizzy hair, the absolute best way to repair frizzy hair is to identify the culprit (washing your hair with water that’s too hot? Using damaging styling products?), stop engaging in those hair-damaging behaviors, and then wait for your hair to grow out. If you’re not sure what’s causing your frizzy hair, talk to a hair stylist or dermatologist.

How Do I Fix Frizzy Hair?

If you want to fix your fizzy hair, start by engaging in as many frizz-prevention behaviors as possible. Wash your hair with lower-temperature water, use shampoos with hydrating ingredients (like glycerin), condition your hair, use a moisturizing hair mask, and steer clear of heat-styling products for a bit. With time, with a haircut or two and time for it to grow out, your hair will likely become significantly less frizzy.

Best Products to Stop and Prevent Frizzy Hair

So, what products help stop and prevent frizzy hair? Looking for moisturizing shampoos that contain ingredients like glycerin can help, as can using a conditioner regularly. Leave-in conditioner can be a helpful tool, too, as can hair masks and hair oil. All three can help bring extra moisture to the hair.

If you’re looking for a product to tame the frizz, you can look for hairdryers that are geared toward targeting frizz, or hair spray serums that target frizz.

But remember, the best “product” of all is time,a haircut, and doing everything you can to keep your hair hydrated and healthy.

You can also try Rodan + Fields’ SMOOTH+ Regimen, which replenishes dry, damaged, and frizzy hair and improves scalp health with the help of the SMOOTH+ Shampoo, SMOOTH+ Conditioner, and the DEFRIZZ+ oil treatment.

FAQ About Frizzy Hair

Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about frizzy hair.

How do I stop my hair from being frizzy?

Since the primary cause of frizziness is dehydration, the best way to stop your hair from being frizzy is to avoid washing with water that’s too hot, steer clear of too many heat styling products and harmful chemicals, get a haircut, and use hydrated hair products like shampoo with glycerin, conditioner, leave-in conditioner, hair masks, hair oil, and more.

What does it mean if your hair is always frizzy?

If your hair is always frizzy, it likely means one thing: Your hair is very dry. If you’ve tried a handful of home remedies without any success, talk to your a hair stylist or dermatologist, who can hopefully help you get to the root of the issue.

Does frizzy hair mean curly hair?

It could! Anyone with curly hair who has ever brushed it likely has likely had the experience of it turning into a giant ball of frizz. If your hair is frizzy, it could mean that it’s simply on the curlier side—but the best way to find this out is to chat with a hairstylist of dermatologist. If your frizz is really masking curly hair, they can give you product recommendations to help you maximize those curls.

Why is my hair frizzy after washing and how do I stop it?

This most likely has to do with the temperature of your water. If you’re washing your hair in really hot water, it reduces natural oils in the hair and can cause frizz to pop up. If you want to stop this from happening, use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner, and keep your water lukewarm (or even cold!)

How do I control frizzy hair overnight?

Tossing and turning on a pillow all night can cause frizz to pop up. To avoid this, try using a silk pillowcase instead of a cotton one, and make sure your hair is fully dry before getting into bed.

How can I fix my frizzy hair naturally?

To fix your frizzy hair naturally, start by getting a haircut—this will help eliminate some of the unhealthy strands and give you the opportunity to “start fresh.” You can also avoid washing your hair in super hot water, and use shampoo with glycerine and condition.

Why is my hair frizzy all of a sudden?

If your hair is suddenly frizzy, it could have to do with your environment—for example, you may not have known you were dealing with dehydrated hair until you entered a humid climate. It could also have to do with a heat styling product you used, a recent dye job, or bleaching.

Frizz isn’t fun for anyone, but luckily there’s a lot you can do to tame yours. Just remember: For the most part, frizz means your hair is dehydrated, so make it your mission to keep your moisturized and healthy!