FRIZZ..FRIZZ..FRIZZ..LET'S TALK ABOUT IT!

Greetings, Ladies and Gents, I pray all is well with everyone. Ok, so let's chat about a topic that I get oober questions on and I'm quite sure many of us have dealt with..FRIZZ!!! As always, I hope this topic will help shed some light on a popular topic not only in the natural hair community, but, well, almost every hair community.

FRIZZ...WHAT EXACTLY IS IT?

• I define it, in simple terms, flyaway hair that has been lifted from the normal curl, wave, or coil. It's the hair that, so to speak, 'goes against the grain of the masses.' What it is not, is  hair that is naturally curly, wavy or coily  paired next to a picture of the same person with straightened hair. It's where hair that normally clumps, waves  or coils fail to do so. You may also experience frizz when shorter pieces of hair separate from the normal curls, waves or coils. See my examples below of my hair when experiencing low and high frizz:

FRIZZ...WHAT CAUSES IT?

• Harsh handling of the hair (harsh combing, brushing or styling techniques)
• Improper or Lack of Moisture
• Dry Styling (styling hair that lacks moisture or that is not damp or wet)
• Humidity (especially when using stylers, moistrizers or leave ins containing humectants: glycerin, honey)
• Certain product ingredients (because humectants attract moisture to the hair it can cause swelling which causes the hair to dry and frizz. It's best to use products that contain humectants as leave ins during cooler months)
• Over manipulation and constant touching of the hair (guilty me!)

FRIZZ..WHAT CAN HELP?

• Go easy when styling the hair. When undoing styles such as twists for twist outs or braids for braid outs, be sure to coat hands lightly with a butter or oil to minimize frizz. 
• Check your ingredients and be mindful of humectants during warmer and hot months. If you do use products containing humectants, you can follow up by using anti humectants such as products or raw ingredients such as; shea butter, mango butter, castor oil, coconut oil, olive oil, to name a few.
• Try to eliminate excessive 'HIH' (Hand In Hair) Syndrome..that's a hard one for me too
• Keep hair moisturized. Check out my step by step on a moisturizing tip that has helped me and many naturals keep our tresses properly moisturized.

Remoisturizing old hair in 5 simple steps

Step 1: grab your favorite moisturizer (leave in conditioner, moisturizing cream, spray mist, water). I alternate between my Natty Moist and Natty ACV Mist as my moisturizer of choice.

Step 2 - 3: Working in sections (if the hair is long enough) apply moisturizer to your hair making sure to coat each strand. Then apply an oil, butter or your Natty Butter to seal/lock in moisture.

Step 3: be sure to moisturize your edges and ends as well. They can become dry and brittle leading to breakage

Step 4: twist, braid or apply any protective style of your choice. Nice moisturized, sealed and protected hair. I wear my hair in this manner throughout the week allowing me to retain moisture, minimize breakage and retain length due to its low manipulation.

Step 5: cover and protect at night with a silk or satin scarf, bonnet or pillowcase.

Step 6: When unraveling for styling, be sure to apply some butter or oil to your hair to undo any style. This way, you minimize the amount of frizz and friction caused. AND, as a bonus, you may get a few days worthy of rocking your favorite style!

Natty products available at NattyNatural

My Tresses

For the most part, I experience low frizz by following my moisturizing routine, using products with great ingredients and practicing low manipulation styles. Keep in mind, though, even keeping hair in protective styles such as braids and twists for a long period of time can create not only frizz but the potential for the hair to 'loc'. As mentioned above, I make sure when unraveling my twists, I apply my Natty Butter onto my hands, rub in to melt, then unravel my twists or braids for a great twist out. I also keep my ends nice and moisturized and trimmed. So, again, I hope this helps..Have a Happy Natty Day!!