Frizz is one of the most common hair concerns — and one of the most frustrating. You can spend 20 minutes perfecting your style, step outside, and watch it puff up within minutes. But frizz isn't random: it has specific causes, and once you understand them, it's much easier to control.

Here's everything you need to know to get smooth, shiny, frizz-free hair — whatever the weather.

What Causes Frizzy Hair?

Frizz happens when your hair's outer cuticle layer is raised, allowing moisture from the air (humidity) to penetrate the hair shaft and cause it to swell unevenly. The main culprits are:

• Humidity: The most common trigger — especially in the UK.
• Dryness: Dehydrated hair is more porous and absorbs moisture from the air more readily.
• Heat damage: Repeated heat styling raises and damages the cuticle over time.
• Colour or chemical treatments: These increase porosity, making hair more prone to frizz.
• Rough towel drying: Rubbing hair with a towel roughs up the cuticle and creates instant frizz.

Step 1: Start With the Right Shampoo and Conditioner

The foundation of frizz control is a moisturising, sulphate-free shampoo and a rich conditioner. Sulphates strip the hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and more prone to frizz. Look for formulas with smoothing and hydrating ingredients like argan oil, keratin, or shea butter.

Step 2: Apply a Leave-In Treatment or Serum

After washing, apply a leave-in conditioner or smoothing serum to damp hair before styling. This creates a barrier against humidity and helps keep the cuticle flat. The Moroccanoil Treatment — the iconic argan oil serum — is one of the most effective frizz-fighters available, and a little goes a long way.

Step 3: Be Gentle When Drying

How you dry your hair matters as much as what you put on it. Avoid rubbing with a regular towel — instead, gently squeeze out excess water and wrap in a microfibre towel or an old T-shirt. If blow drying, always use a nozzle attachment and direct the airflow downward along the hair shaft to smooth the cuticle.

Step 4: Use a Heat Protectant Before Styling

If you're using heated tools, a heat protectant is non-negotiable. It protects the cuticle from heat damage — one of the key long-term causes of frizz. Apply before blow drying and before using any irons or tongs.

Step 5: Finish With an Anti-Frizz Product

Once your style is set, lock it in with a lightweight anti-frizz serum, cream, or spray. These products coat the hair shaft to repel humidity and keep frizz at bay throughout the day. Avoid anything too heavy, which can weigh hair down or make it look greasy.

The Best Frizz-Control Products

Browse our full range of frizz-control products — including smoothing serums, anti-humidity sprays, and deep conditioning treatments from Moroccanoil, Wella, Sebastian, and more.

Quick Frizz-Fighting Tips

• Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce overnight friction
• Avoid touching your hair while it dries — it disrupts the cuticle
• Use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair, never a brush
• Deep condition weekly to keep hair hydrated and less porous
• Consider a keratin treatment for long-term frizz control

Free UK delivery on orders over £30. Shop frizz control now →