7 Reasons Why Your Hair is So Frizzy (And How to Fix It!)

Frizzy hair is frustrating.

As a curly hair person myself, it’s a common struggle I face.

You spend time styling it, only to step outside and boom—instant puffball.

I get it. I’ve been there. Some days, it feels like your hair has a mind of its own, and no amount of smoothing products seems to help.

The other day my friend told me that my hair had puffed up and I realized that I had not deep-conditioned it for a while

So, here’s the thing—frizz isn’t just random.

It happens for a reason.

And once you figure out why your hair is frizzy, it becomes so much easier to fix. So, let’s break it down. Here are seven reasons your hair is so frizzy and what you can do about it.

1. You’re Washing Your Hair Too Much

I know, I know.

Clean hair feels amazing.

But overwashing strips away your scalp’s natural oils, leaving your hair dry, rough, and desperate for moisture. And what does dry hair do? It grabs moisture from the air, making it frizzy and poofy.

If you have curly hair, your hair is more prone to dryness.

How to fix it: Try washing your hair two to three times a week max, especially if your hair is cruly.

On non-wash days, use a lightweight dry shampoo to absorb excess oil. If you absolutely must wash daily, switch to a sulfate-free, ultra-hydrating shampoo that won’t strip your hair.

2. You’re Using the Wrong Shampoo

Not all shampoos are created equal.

If yours contains sulfates, alcohol, or harsh detergents, it’s doing more harm than good. These ingredients strip moisture, rough up the hair cuticle, and make your hair crave hydration—which leads to frizz.

I am currently using a curl-friendly (frizz-free) shampoo like this.

How to fix it: Look for a moisturizing shampoo that’s sulfate-free and packed with hydrating ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, or coconut oil. If your hair tends to get greasy fast, try co-washing with a cleansing conditioner instead of a harsh shampoo.

3. You’re Towel-Drying Your Hair the Wrong Way

Most people don’t realize how damaging a regular bath towel can be for their hair.

My partner (God knows how much I love him) still towel-dries his hair super roughly.

The rough texture of a towel creates a lot of friction, which lifts the hair cuticle and causes frizz. Rubbing your hair with a towel makes it even worse by roughing up the strands and creating breakage.

How to fix it: Swap your regular towel for a microfiber towel or even an old cotton t-shirt. You can just wrap it up and let it dry slowly. Instead of rubbing, gently squeeze out excess water. Let your hair air dry for a bit before applying any styling products.

4. You’re Using Too Much Heat

Heat tools are amazing for styling, but overdoing it can damage the hair cuticle, making it rough and prone to frizz.

I’ve abused my hair so much by straightening it in the past, coloring it and what not.

All of these process damage hair!

If your hair looks dry and frizzy even after straightening or curling, it’s a sign that you might be using too much heat—or not protecting your hair properly.

Please use a heat protectant. This is the only brand I trust and love!

Always use a heat protectant before blow-drying, curling, or straightening. Lower the temperature on your tools and try to give your hair a break from heat at least a few days a week.

When possible, opt for heat-free styling methods like braiding damp hair for waves or using foam rollers for curls.

5. The Weather is Working Against You

Humidity is the ultimate enemy of smooth hair.

Especially if you’re like me and live in a tropical climate. It’s rough!

When the air is humid, your hair soaks up moisture like a sponge, causing it to swell and frizz up. On the flip side, super dry weather can also make hair frizzy by stripping away moisture.

Use an anti-humidity hair serum or oil to create a barrier against moisture.

This has become my favorite serum! It’s taken the world by storm and for good reason!

If your hair gets frizzy in dry weather, switch to a richer leave-in conditioner to keep it hydrated. A silk or satin scarf can also help protect your hair when stepping outside.

6. You’re Not Using the Right Styling Products

If your hair is frizzy, it’s probably craving moisture. But using the wrong products—or not using anything at all—can make the problem worse. Light mousses, drying gels, and alcohol-based hairsprays can leave your hair feeling dry and brittle, making frizz even harder to control.

Use a lightweight hair oil, serum, or leave-in conditioner to keep frizz at bay.

If your hair is curly or wavy, look for a curl cream with hydrating ingredients to define and smooth your strands.

7. You’re Sleeping on the Wrong Pillowcase

Cotton pillowcases might feel soft, but they absorb moisture from your hair while you sleep.

The friction from tossing and turning can also create tangles and frizz, leaving you with a messy mane in the morning.

Switch to a satin or silk pillowcase like this one!

These materials create less friction, helping your hair stay smooth and hydrated overnight.

If you have curly or frizz-prone hair, try wrapping your hair in a silk scarf before bed or using a loose pineapple bun to prevent frizz.

Frizz doesn’t have to be your reality. Once you understand what’s causing it, you can start making small changes that make a big difference. Try adjusting your hair care routine and see what works best for you. Your hair deserves all the love it can get.