Remember that scene from the hit sitcom Friends, where Monica Geller’s hair plays spoilsport when they’re on a vacation in the Caribbean? Frizzy hair is a tough reality that many women have to deal with. Experts say that there can be a host of reasons for this — right from genetics to pollution and even the hair oil that one uses.
“One of the primary reasons for frizzy hair is the lack of moisture. This leads to dryness, which eventually causes frizzy hair. Adding to women’s woes is the fact that we have a tropical climate, where humidity is often very high. This is one of the main deciding factors for the level of frizz in one’s hair. Of course, since Indians often have wavy or curly hair, they are more prone to this menace,” explains Shivali Jaiswal, a hair care expert and consultant, while adding that genetics also has a role to play. Apparently, even celebs like Angelina Jolie suffer from ‘bad hair days’.
Rather than going in for expensive, intense treatments only once in a month or two, hairstylists believe that a healthy, daily hair care regimen is far more effective in combating frizz. “One of the primary rules, especially for Indian women, is to oil their hair. Yes, oiling one’s hair may not be so cool these days, but the truth is that oils like coconut and almond contain moisturizing properties that help to calm and relax the hair,” says Nilofer Hasam, a stylist.
Choosing a good shampoo, conditioner and other hair products is equally important. “Use a regular shampoo without a high moisturiser content, because when the moisturiser touches your scalp it makes the hair dull and lifeless. Instead, go in for a leave-in conditioner, which is more effective in controlling frizz. You could use other products, too, like an anti-frizz cream or serum. Make sure your hair is free from pollution. If you need to travel every day, then wash you hair daily with a mild shampoo and use an anti-dandruff shampoo once a week,” she says.
“Hair styling products like hair dryers and straightening irons can dry out the hair and make it more frizzy, so keep them to a minimum. Also, it is important to let your hair relax, so once in a month go in for a deep conditioning treatment or a hydrating mask to relax your tresses,” suggests Shivali.