Frizz-Free Hair: Expert Solutions for Curly & Textured Hair

Sarah Kehoe

The Problem: Fuzzy, Frizzy Layers

"My hair is so frizzy, I'm starting to look like my Labradoodle!"
— Lisa Greenberg, 44, Public Relations Consultant

Like most women with curly hair, Lisa had different textures all over, including soft waves, medium-size curls, and tight ringlets. The top section near her crown was frizzier than the smoother bottom and underneath layers — and using one product (even sophisticated curl definers and frizz fighters, which she tried) couldn't tame it all.

Sarah Kehoe

Lighten Up

Salon owner Edris Nicholls pulled Lisa's hair into a low ponytail and cut off three inches in one slice to reduce the heavy weight.

Sarah Kehoe

De-Frizz Fix

Semipermanent color helps to ground flyaways, explains colorist Josh Dieffenbacher. "The protein in the dye flattens the cuticle."

Sarah Kehoe

Extra Lift

To keep curls bouncy and prevent strands from pulling them straight, Nicholls strategically added layers throughout Lisa's hair.

Sarah Kehoe

Lisa's Hair Transformation

Lisa says: "My long hair was a big part of my identity. Losing it has pushed me to take more risks."

Sarah Kehoe

Get This Look at Home: Step 1

Apply a drop of leave-in conditioner to a section of damp hair; repeat on the next section. "This guarantees you cover every inch of hair, which eliminates frizz," Nicholls says.

Kerastase Nectar Thermique, $34, kerastase-usa.com

Sarah Kehoe

Get This Look at Home: Step 2

To tame unruly areas, apply a pea-size squirt of alcohol-free gel, such as Aussie Opposites Attract Spray Gel, $3.25, drugstores, to the section. Wrap and roll it around your finger, then pin the knot at the roots to set it in place.

Sarah Kehoe

Get This Look at Home: Step 3

Using a blower with a diffuser, dry hair on a low speed with high heat, holding it five inches from strands until dry. Finally, unravel just-made curls and fluff hair with fingers.

Conair Infiniti Cord-Keeper, $34.99, drugstores

Originally published in FITNESS magazine, January 2009.