How to Minimize Frizz With Natural Hair

One of the most common questions I receive about hairstyles (especially from transitioners) is how to get them to last longer.

The key to minimizing frizz and getting your styles to go the distance is applying the right products while your hair is wet and using proper products and styling techniques.

So let’s get to it!

Dry Your Hair With a T-Shirt

Towels can make more frizz.  So instead of rubbing a towel over your hair to dry it, try wrapping it in an old T-shirt.  This really makes a difference if you are wearing a wash and go style.

When I do WnG’s I gently blot and squeeze the excess water out with a shirt and let my hair drip dry.

Use Taut Motions

When you are setting your hair with rods or twisting your hair, hold the hair taut as you go through the motions.  That means to gently pull the hair away from your scalp as you rod/twist.  This will give you a firmer set.

Infuse Your Hair With Moisture

Hair that is well moisturized will clump together into your natural curl pattern, and you’ll have less frizz.

If you haven’t heard of the Max Hydration Method, you have to check it out.  It changed my whole perceptions of moisturizing, wash and go’s and altered my overall hair routine.

While moisturizing will help will frizz, remember Type 4 hair is generally prone to frizz. So while you may not be able to get rid of it completely, you can minimize it. Learning to accept what your hair will and won’t do is key to a successful natural hair journey. 🙂

Use Products That Set The Hair

You can use a number of different products to set your hair.  You don’t have to use a setting lotion, although if you do, make sure you use one that is alcohol-free like Bronner Brothers Foam Wrap Lotion. (Alcohol dries the hair out.)

This product is technically for wrapping the hair but I use it on my rod sets and it works nicely.  My hair has a nice finish.

Look for curling or sculpting solutions like Goddess Curls Gel.  I used that on my first rod set with natural hair.  These products are often moisturizing, but also give a slight hold.

Use Anti-Frizz Serums

There are several anti-frizz serums you can purchase at any beauty supply store. Try applying this to your hair while it’s wet  before/after you apply your setting product.  This may keep the frizz at bay for a day or two longer.

You can also apply a bit of gel right before you set/twist your hair.  Just don’t overdo it.  You don’t want your hair to be crunchy and hard.

Detangle Thoroughly

After you’ve detangled with a wide tooth comb and have all the big tangles out, use a smaller tooth comb on smaller sections of your hair right before you set/twist your hair.  Be careful that the teeth are not too close together or you’ll snag your hair.

When your hair is detangled before setting, you’ll get a smoother finish.

See more tips on detangling here.

Use Perm Rods – Not Sponge Rollers

If you’re doing a rod set, go with the perm rods.  They usually run anywhere from $.50 cents to $1.50 per pack at most beauty supply stores.  Perm rods have a solid finish, so you will get a smoother set than sponge rollers.

Try to Let Your Styles Set Overnight

If you’re doing twists or bantu knots, this is easy to do, but it can be a pain if you are wearing perm rods.  They aren’t the most comfortable things to sleep on. However, it makes a big difference when you can let your hair set for at least 8 hours.

What I do is put my hair in flat twist on the sides like I did in this video to make it easier to sleep on.

And with twists, if you can go more than one day before taking them down that’s even better.  If your lifestyle accommodates, rock a slouch/knit hat, if you aren’t comfortable wearing the twists when you’re out and about.

(See my favorite beanie style that’s great for cooler months.)

Make Sure Your Hair is 100% Dry

Removing rods or taking down twists, bantu knots, etc. while your hair is wet (even the slightest bit damp) is like getting a direct ticket to frizz city!  Always make sure your hair is completely dry.  If you are in a hurry, hold a blow dryer up to your head to help the hair dry faster.

Keep it Covered

If you take a shower in very warm water and steam up the bathroom, be sure to leave your shower cap on until the steam has evaporated.  You’ll be surprised how a little bit of steam can make your hair poof up.

Tip:  Don’t you hate how shower caps are too small for people with thicker, longer hair?  Well I buy my caps from mycelestialsouls.com.  Their caps last forever (good elastic bands) and they are big enough for my big hair days.

Warning:  These caps are HUGE so check the sizing info.  The medium is usually fine for me.

Sleep With Satin

Buy a satin pillow case or sleep in a satin bonnet.  This makes a HUGE difference.  Most of us move quite a bit during our sleep and our hair strands slide against the pillow.

Cotton fabric can cause friction and make the hair frizz, but satin will keep your strands calm and even prevent tangling.

Hands Off!

I have HIH (hand-in-hair) disease worse than anyone.  I believe it’s a nervous habit and I do it when I’m thinking/concentrating, so I have to really train myself to keep my fingers out of my hair.

Constantly touching your hair will make it frizz much faster.

I hope these tips will help you get more mileage out of your natural and transitioning hairstyles!  Don’t forget to check out my hairstyle gallery for inspiration and ideas.