by Shelli of A variety of factors can contribute to frizzy, dry hair. However, no matter the contributing reason(s), the appearance of “frizz” is caused by one thing. The cuticle layer of the hair strand is raised, rather than laying flat and closed like shingles on a good roof. A closed cuticle makes the hair look smooth and shiny. A raised cuticle makes it look frizzy and dry. There are a variety of things that one can do to help close these “shingles” on the hair strands. But, one of the easiest is as simple as the cool/cold water in your sink or shower.
Shampoos and warm water both raise the cuticle layer to aid in cleaning the hair of dirt and product build-up, which can get “jammed” between and under the cuticle layer. If you don’t do something to close the cuticle after you shampoo or use warm water, the result will be frizzy hair. Many conditioners are formulated to be pH balanced in order to aid in closing the “shingles.” However, if you rinse them with hot or warm water, you’re not allowing them to do their job. So, when completing your wash regimen with the rinse of your daily conditioner or DC, use water as cold as you can tolerate (start with lukewarm to slightly cool if you’re scared) to shut down the cuticle layer. Not only will this reduce frizz and enhance shine, it will also do the following:
- Reduce tangles and mechanical damage, because a raised cuticle layer causes friction between hair strands;
- Protect the cortex of the hair (which aids in length retention);
- Seal in moisture from the water and conditioner;
- Give curls “spring” as sealing moisture into the cortex aids in elasticity;
- Help “set” your curls.
*And here’s another tip: Try storing your leave-in conditioner and/or moisturizing spritz in the refrigerator as applying cold product to hair will also help close the cuticle.
Do you rinse with cold water? If so, have you noticed enhanced shine , smoothness and “spring?”
I agree with Anonymous 9:19PM 100%. Hair porosity is what matters most. That's what "natural hair gurus" fail to consider. I think the most successful natural hair expert would be one that considers hair porosity. THAT relates to pH and temperature.
I think all advice has to be tempered with knowledge or one's own hair and research. If your hair isn't porous and the cuticle isn't raised, I suspect that you don't experience frizz (though you may experience dryness due to the lack of porosity and inability of water to penetrate the cuticle layer), so this information isn't directed towards those individuals. However, I think natural hair is also about experimentation. If one has always rinsed with warm water and doesn't know the science behind pH, this information might lead them to experiment. And, I think by experimentation, trial and error, we learn what works for our hair and what doesn't. We also can learn the science behind it.
I don't subscribe to hair typing and don't think that it's necessary for every individual who provides information to include their "hair profile" in every post. Also, this was a re-post from my own site, so individuals who follow it already know a lot about my hair. Regardless, we all know what works for some, doesn't necessarily work for others and we have to be our own hair's expert. But, if no one offered information because it might not work for everyone, we wouldn't have this wonderful natural online world that we have now. When I read blogs, I do look at the person's hair to determine if it might be similar to mine and if their products and regimen could potentially work for me. But, I also learn from those with different textures, such as Kimmaytube, whose leave-in recipe I swear by, and Naptural85 who does gorgeous styles.
Also, if anyone wants to learn more about my hair and regimen, I provide information throughout my site, which is linked under my picture above. I know that when I'm reading suggestions on the web, I often will research to find more information about it before attempting. I spent about 3 months researching henna after first finding CurlyNikki.com before taking the leap. Again, I think these posts are about sharing information, but it is up to the individual to do the research and listen to their own head of hair as it relates to what works best for them.
Thank you.
Shelli
Cold rinses never work for me, I absolutely hate them. After a deep condition my hair is soft, supple, and freakin' amazing. After a cool rinse my hair is straw-like and terrible!
I do appreciate the above comment about porosity. It makes perfect sense that low porosity hair would not benefit from something that closes the cuticle even MORE! Problem is, I've always believed I had highly porous hair, especially with the hair dyes I use and what not. Hmmm…now I'm all confused.
I used to rinse with cold water, but discovered rinsing with warm water worked better for me. I am low porosity and rinsing with cold water closed my cuticles and made everything just sit on my hair strand even water-based products, which didn't help with moisture. I have not noticed any difference in frizz and my curls are better defined with just leave-in this way. Go figure.
I think it would be very helpful if people reveal their hair texture, porosity, and density (type is unimportant) when they start doling out advice.
I always rinse with cold water, and I always store my moisturizing spritz in the refrigerator. It definitely helps with the shine and frizz factors.
I always rinse with cold water. The first time I tried it my curls sprung out and my hair was so shiny. I haven't looked back since.
Yes, I do the curly girl method which includes rinsing with cold water and my hair has been dramatically more moisturized and frizz free! Even the dry patch in the back that I can never seem to do any about is gone!
ACV rinses are super awesome.
Regular DC treatments are also a great way I combat frizz.
The right products and consistency in hair maintenance are key.
Yes after a shampoo and condition, my last rinse, is an ACV rinse diluted in cold water. I have noticed more shine, frizz-less styles and better curl definition (and less itchiness).
Prior to this morning I thought my hair was just frizz prone in "out" styles and there was nothing I could do about. But now I've realized with the right product you can get a nice frizz-free style. I used DIY haircare hair milk and whipped butter and got a GREAT banut knot-out. I couldn't make my hair frizzy if I tried with this stuff in it lol