That being said, we know frizz can be a bit much to handle sometimes.

In the name of hair health,sometimesfrizz is a sign that your hair needs some TLCbut not always.

Here are the nuances of what causes and how to tame frizzy strands.

Hannah Frye

What is frizzy hair, and what does it look like?

If you take a look at a single strand of hair, it might not look frizzy at all.

Yet with all of your hair combined, a straggly look may appearwhy is that?

hair brushing  Boyloso // iStock

Well, frizz doesn’t necessarily take over every single strand.

“Frizzy hair is due to the cuticle being flared,” stylistAmy Stollmeyertells mbg.

“Think of shingles on a roof, aligned and lying flat,” Stollmeyer says.

But what does this actually look like?

Let’s be honestfrizz is subjective.

More specifically, “Natural texturedwavesand curls commonly have a degree of frizz,” Stollmeyer says.

However, committing to a solidconditioning routinepost-wash will help replenish some of the moisture lost by drying products.

It can also depend on how you use said products.

A shampoo may not be the problem but instead how much you shampoo.

These both are major culprits in causing frizz," Papanikolas says.

“Friction is a big culprit to frizz for waves and curls,” Stollmeyer reiterates.

Diffuse your curls

If you have curly hair, using adiffusercan help minimize frizz too.

According to celebrity hairstylistNate Rosenkranz, a diffuser can help manage frizzy hair thanks to the airflow.

“A diffuser slows and distributes the airflow coming from within the dryer,” he says.

For regular cleanups, experts recommendtrimming every three months.

Hair tends to split around that time frame (even if you don’t notice it!

), and it can happen even faster if you regularly take a hot tool to those strands.

Switch to sulfate-free shampoos

Sulfates are cleansing agents commonly used in shampoos.

If you don’t feel like taming your frizz, let it fly.

FAQ

How do I stop my hair from frizzing?

Frizzy hair is because of the cuticle being flared.

So to limit frizzing, youll want to help lay the cuticle flat.

This can be done through smoothing products, such as leave ins and styling creams.

What are the main causes of frizzy hair?

Frizz happens when the hair fibers cuticle lifts.

Is frizzy hair unhealthy?

Some people just have frizzy hair naturallysuch as those with naturally dry hair, waves, or curls.

So frizz isnt always a sign of unhealthy hair.

To tame the stragglers, use hydrating and smoothing ingredients post-wash and put heat protectant and hair care first.

If you think heat damage is causing your frizz,start here.