How to control frizzy hair: Dyson's tips for frizz-free styles

Why is my hair so frizzy? Common causes explained

Understanding frizz can help reveal why certain conditions trigger it, and others don't.

Your hair's outer layer (the cuticle) consists of overlapping cells with a similar structure to roof tiles. When the cells lie flat, your hair looks shiny and smooth. When they're raised or damaged, your hair becomes porous – this porous structure lets moisture penetrate unevenly, causing frizz.

Humidity and weather

Humid air contains more water molecules than dry air. Damaged or naturally porous hair readily absorbs this moisture, causing it to expand unevenly across individual strands. When this happens, hair swells in random directions. 

This explains why frizz can be worse on humid days and why some people experience significant frizz whilst others don't in the same conditions – it's determined by hair porosity, not hair type. 

Heat styling and hair damage

Conventional hair dryers blast air at high temperatures. At these temperatures, water trapped within the hair shaft can boil, creating steam that literally cracks the cuticle from the inside.

Similarly, straighteners and curling irons operating at 180-230°C can cause the hair's protective keratin structure to break down, leaving hair brittle and porous.

This damage makes hair vulnerable to humidity-related frizz, but heat styling doesn't just cause immediate frizz – it can create long-term structural changes that make hair perpetually frizz-prone.

Dry frizzy hair vs. curly frizzy hair

Whether your hair is frizzy because it's dry or because it's naturally curly matters because each one has a different solution.

• If your hair is frizzy because it's dry, it lacks moisture in the cortex and has a damaged, raised cuticle. The hair looks frizzy because the surface is rough, but the core problem is dehydration and structural damage. These hair types need moisture replenishment and cuticle smoothing.

• If your hair is frizzy because it's naturally curly, it may have enough moisture and a naturally raised cuticle – this is a characteristic of curly hair structure. Curly hair can be especially vulnerable to humidity-related frizz. The solution isn't adding moisture but protecting the existing moisture balance and keeping the cuticle as smooth as possible.

Both dry and curly hair can be frizzy, but one needs hydration and the other needs protection.

How to control frizzy hair

Frizz control requires addressing the immediate appearance and your long-term hair health.

Daily frizzy haircare routine

1. Start with damp hair (not soaking wet).
2. Apply a heat-protecting hair care product that creates a barrier between your hair and heated hair stylers.
3. Dry your hair using controlled heat and airflow. The Dyson Airwrap™ Origin multi-styler and dryer uses intelligent heat control to measure airflow temperature 40 times per second, preventing extreme heat that can damage hair.
4. Finish with cool air to contract the cuticle, lock in your style, add shine and avoid frizz.

Tip: Sleep on silk or satin pillowcases, as these fabrics create less friction than cotton, helping prevent cuticle damage as you move in the night.

How to stop curly hair from frizzing

Curly hair requires techniques that enhance its natural texture rather than fighting against it.

• Minimise manipulation when your hair is wet. Curly hair's structure makes it fragile when it's wet, which means aggressive towel-drying can break curls apart and raise the cuticle. Squeeze excess water gently using a microfibre towel or cotton t-shirt.

• Define curls while they're damp. Use styling products made for curls, containing conditioning agents that coat the hair shaft, enhancing definition and protecting against humidity.

• Dry with a diffuser. Dyson Airwrap™ attachments include options for diffusing airflow, which dries curls without disrupting their pattern.

• Never brush dry curly hair. Brushing breaks curl clumps into individual strands, which is the definition of frizz. Instead of brushing your curly hair dry, detangle when it's wet and coated with conditioner, using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. 

Recommended haircare products for smooth results

The haircare products you choose should match your hair's specific needs:

For frizzy dry, straight or wavy hair:

• Hydrating shampoos and conditioners.

• Leave-in conditioners that provide ongoing moisture.

• Light serums or hydrating hair oils. 

For frizzy curly hair:

• Sulphate-free shampoos that don't strip natural oils.

• Deep conditioning treatments.

• Curl-defining creams or gels. 

• Anti-humidity finishing products.

For all frizz-prone hair:

• Heat protectants.

• Microfibre towels or cotton t-shirts.

• Wide-tooth combs rather than brushes for detangling. 

Dyson-approved treatments for frizzy hair

Long-term frizz control involves preventing the damage that causes it in the first place.

How Dyson technology can help reduce frizz

Traditional styling machines can use excessive heat to restructure hair. Dyson machines use airflow to style your hair without damage.

• Intelligent heat control. The Dyson Airwrap™ Origin uses a thermistor that measures air temperature 40 times per second. When the temperature approaches damaging levels, the system automatically reduces heat.

• Fast drying. The faster your hair dries, the less total heat exposure it receives.

• Coanda effect styling. The Dyson Airwrap™ uses airflow to wrap hair around the barrel – no extreme heat required, which means the cuticle remains intact.

Accessories for frizz control

Dyson hair styling machines are compatible with multiple attachments for different styling needs, all using the same intelligent heat control system:

• Smoothing brushes dry and straighten simultaneously, reducing frizz by smoothing the cuticle as it dries.

• Barrels create curls and waves using the Coanda effect.

• Diffuser dries curly hair while maintaining the natural curl pattern, reducing frizz caused by concentrated airflow when curls are blown apart.