How to Fix Dry, Frizzy Hair Without Cutting It All Off – A Professional Guide

You wash your hair, you condition, you add a bit of serum… and somehow it still dries like a halo of frizz. You smooth it down in the morning, but by lunchtime it’s expanded again—especially in damp UK weather. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
At Bohairmia, we speak to women and men every week who feel like they’ve “tried everything” for dry, frizzy hair. Most of them are using decent products—but not the right combination for their hair type, history, and lifestyle. The good news? You don’t need to cut it all off or give up on wearing your hair down. With the right professional routine, frizz can be softened, shine can be restored, and styling can become a lot less stressful.
This guide is written by salon professionals with 35+ years of experience working with dry, damaged and frizzy hair. We’ll walk you through what’s really happening—and the simple changes that make the biggest difference.

Professional diagnosis: what’s really happening?

From a professional point of view, frizz is usually a sign that the hair cuticle (the outer layer) is raised or damaged. When the cuticle doesn’t lie flat, moisture in the air can get in and out too easily. That’s why your hair might feel:
  • Dry and rough to the touch
  • Puffy or expanded in humidity
  • Dull, with little reflection or shine
Common causes we see in our clients:
  • Repeated colouring, bleaching or heat styling
  • Using shampoos that are too harsh or not hydrating enough
  • Skipping conditioner or using one that doesn’t match the hair’s needs
  • Not protecting hair from heat or environmental stress
It’s important to understand: this isn’t about you “not looking after your hair properly”. Most supermarket and generic products simply aren’t designed with the same concentration or technology as salon professional formulas. When your hair is already dry or damaged, it needs targeted care—not just “moisture” on the label.


Step-by-step routine: what to change


Step 1: Start with a gentle, hydrating cleanse
Look for a shampoo that cleans without stripping. For dry, frizzy hair, we recommend formulas that are sulphate-free or very mild, with added hydrating ingredients.
  • Professional recommendation:
    • Sassoon Illuminating Shampoo 1000ml – Ideal if your hair is dry, coloured or dull. It gently cleanses while adding shine and smoothness, without leaving hair feeling “squeaky” or tight.
    • Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo – A great choice for normal to dry hair that needs moisture and manageability.
Use lukewarm water (not hot), and focus shampoo on the scalp, letting the lather run through the lengths rather than scrubbing the ends.

Step 2: Condition with intention
Conditioner is where a lot of the smoothing magic happens. For frizz-prone hair, you want a formula that hydrates, smooths the cuticle and adds slip without weighing hair down.
  • Professional recommendation:
    • Sassoon Illuminating Conditioner 1000ml – Pairs perfectly with the shampoo to add shine, softness and manageability.
    • Moroccanoil Hydrating Conditioner – Helps detangle and smooth while keeping your hair bouncy.
Apply from mid-lengths to ends, comb through with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers, and leave on for 2–3 minutes before rinsing.

Step 3: Add a leave-in treatment or mask 1–2 times per week
This is where you can really repair and protect.
  • Look for masks or leave-ins that target dryness, damage and frizz.
  • Use once or twice a week instead of your usual conditioner, or as an extra step.
(Here you’d plug in a specific mask or leave-in from your range—e.g., a Moroccanoil mask or a Sassoon treatment.)

Step 4: Protect before you style
Heat protection is non-negotiable for frizz-prone hair. A good heat protectant:
  • Shields the cuticle from further damage
  • Helps keep the hair surface smoother
  • Can add extra shine and control
Apply to towel-dried hair before blow-drying or using any hot tools.

Step 5: Finish with a lightweight smoothing product
Serums, oils and creams can all help, but the key is choosing the right texture for your hair type:
  • Fine hair: lightweight serum or spray
  • Medium to thick hair: smoothing cream or oil
Use a small amount, focusing on mid-lengths and ends. You can also smooth a tiny amount over dry hair to tame surface frizz.

Product spotlight: our go-to duo for dry, frizzy hair

If you want a simple starting point, we often recommend this combination for our clients with dry, frizzy or dull hair:
  • Sassoon Illuminating Shampoo 1000ml
    • Why we love it: It cleanses gently while adding noticeable shine and smoothness. Ideal for hair that’s lost its gloss due to colouring or heat styling.
    • Who it’s for: Normal to dry, coloured or dull hair that needs a professional-level refresh.
  • Sassoon Illuminating Conditioner 1000ml
    • Why we love it: It makes hair easier to detangle, reduces frizz and leaves hair feeling soft and silky rather than coated.
    • Who it’s for: Anyone who wants smoother, shinier hair without heaviness.
Because we source directly from manufacturers and authorised distributors, you can be confident you’re getting genuine salon professional quality—not grey-market stock.

How long until I see results?
Most people notice a difference in smoothness and manageability after the first few washes with a professional routine. For hair that’s very dry or damaged, give it 4–6 weeks of consistent use.
Will this routine weigh my hair down?
If your hair is fine, focus on using smaller amounts and keeping conditioner and masks mainly on the mid-lengths and ends. Our recommendations are designed to smooth without heavy build-up.
Can I use these products on coloured hair?
Yes. In fact, dry, frizzy hair is often coloured or highlighted, and professional formulas are usually much kinder to colour than harsh supermarket shampoos.

If you’re tired of fighting frizz every morning, starting with a professional shampoo and conditioner can make a bigger difference than adding yet another styling product.
You can explore our curated range for dry and frizzy hair at Bohairmia.

You don’t have to guess your way through hair care. With the right professional products, your hair can feel like you again—just smoother, shinier and easier to manage.