15 Natural Remedies for Frizzy Hair

Tired of the frizz and can't seem to fix it? Maybe what you need are some Natural Remedies for Frizzy Hair that don't involve the use of any chemicals!

We've all been there. You take hours styling your hair till you are completely satisfied with how it looks. Then you step outside and when you look at yourself all of five minutes later, your hair is a huge mess! It can feel natural to hate your hair for completely disregarding all that time and effort you put into it, but in reality, all that frizz is a cry for help. 

What is frizz?

Frizz is basically a lack of moisture. The outer covering of the hair shaft is made of cuticles, which are in the form of overlapping scales. When the hair is dry, the cuticles on the hair shaft open up to let moisture in from the atmosphere. This causes hair to swell and what you have is the dreaded frizz. The more humid the weather is, the more the hair cuticles swell to receive moisture, making frizz worse.

Besides the weather, there are many other factors that can cause frizzy hair. Curly hair is naturally more prone to frizz, solely because of its texture. If your hair is lacking in protein or has high porosity, it can frizz more easily. Hair also gets drier as we age, aggravating the condition of frizz. 

Our actions can also lead to more frizz, like washing hair too often, using chemical shampoos and other hair care products or subjecting hair to too much heat styling. Styling products that contain alcohol end up drying hair out. All this tends to damage the outer surface of hair, leading to frizz. 

While we can't fight nature, we can definitely use Mother Nature's hacks to treat frizz! Here are 15 natural remedies for frizzy hair, none of which require buying expensive products or reading extensive ingredient labels. These are remedies you can try at home with everyday items, and your hair will thank you for all the love!

15 Natural Remedies for Frizzy Hair

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

One reason the cuticles on the hair shaft rise up is because of the pH level. Hair naturally has a pH level of 4.5-5.5. At this level, the cuticles stay closed and flat, but when the hair becomes too alkaline (pH>7),  the cuticles rise up, causing frizz. The best way to combat this is to increase the acidity of hair, and apple cider vinegar is ideal for the purpose.

What's more, ACV also removes product buildup, and can help prevent scalp infections. In short, it works as a detox treatment for hair. The easiest way to use ACV is as a post-wash rinse. Dilute 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water and pour over freshly washed hair. Leave it on for 2-3 minutes and then rinse off with cool water.

You can try this treatment twice a week. You may need to adjust the dilutions and find what works best for you by trial and error.

2. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has been used for centuries to treat various hair issues, and it works great for dry hair as well. The lauric acid in coconut oil helps it get easily absorbed into the hair, nourishing it from the inside out. Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer, and it creates a moisture barrier preventing the cuticles from rising up. 

Coconut oil also prevents protein loss and strengthens hair preventing breakage. Coconut oil works best as a pre-wash treatment. Warm a little coconut oil and apply it all over the scalp and hair ends. You can also mix in a little Vitamin E oil for added benefits. Leave the oil on for 30-60 minutes and wash off. 

For extremely dry hair, you can leave the oil in overnight and wash it off in the morning. Be sure to use an old pillow case or cover it with a towel to prevent stains.

3. Almond Oil

Like coconut oil, almond oil also works well as an emollient by trapping in the moisture. Almond oil is also rich in Vitamin E, a hair-friendly nutrient that provides antioxidants that fight free radical damage. This makes almond oil a great pick for those with damaged hair or for those older in age. 

Almond oil can be applied on its own, or it can be mixed with an egg to make a protein hair mask. Whisk an egg with almond oil  till smooth and apply the paste all over the hair lengths. Leave it on for 30-40 minutes and wash off. Almond oil is lighter than coconut oil, so it can also be used as a post wash treatment to prevent frizz. 

4. Castor Oil

Another oil that's popular in natural hair care is castor oil. Extracted from castor beans, this oil solves a slew of hair problems from split ends, hair loss, brittle hair and of course, frizz! Castor oil hydrates and nourishes hair from within, and the fatty acids in it smoothens the hair cuticles making hair look less frizzy.

This is a must have if you're struggling with hair loss along with frizz. Castor oil is also great in increasing the absorption of other ingredients, which makes it an excellent pick for DIY hair products. A great way to fight frizz with castor oil is by using a DIY hair serum.

Combine ¼ cup pure aloe vera gel, 2 tablespoons of almond oil, a tablespoon of castor oil, a teaspoon of Vitamin E oil and two and a half tablespoons of rose water in a small spray bottle. Shake and spray on hair lengths whenever you feel like your frizz is acting up.

5. Raw Honey

Honey is a must have ingredient if you're into DIY skin and hair care since it has so many benefits for every personal care issue! Honey is not just a good emollient; it is also a good humectant  which means that it helps locks in moisture, ensuring hair stays hydrated for longer. 

Honey also improves overall hair health by making it stronger, fighting dandruff and keeping scalp infections at bay. However, in order to get all these benefits, it's important to use raw honey which has not been filtered. Filtered honey will lose out on important nutrients which are essential for soft, smooth and frizz-free hair.

Raw honey can be applied as a hair mask on its own, or it can be combined with any of the other ingredients in this list. Apple the mask all over the scalp and hair and leave it on for at least 30 minutes before washing off.

6. Aloe Vera

When it comes to natural moisturization, few things can beat freshly extracted aloe vera gel! Aloe vera is packed with all kinds of nutrients including Vitamins A, C, B12 and especially Vitamin E, which plays a major role in making hair soft, smooth and frizz free.

Aloe vera is also full of fatty acids that provides great nourishment for dry and damaged hair. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties that fight infections like dandruff. While it can be applied on its own, mixing the gel with a carrier oil like coconut oil multiplies the hydrating effects manifold, helping to keep frizz at bay.

7. Eggs

Eggs are known to be high in protein and great if you're trying to watch your weight, but it's also a good protein source for your hair. Hair that has high porosity is more prone to dryness and frizz, and this kind of hair can benefit a lot from the protein in eggs.

Eggs also contain healthy fats that nourish hair and automatically add shine to hair, which helps in combating frizz. Eggs are a cost-effective way to provide your hair with the much needed protein. Eggs can be whisked till smooth and used as a mask, and you can also add some essential oil to get rid of the smell.

You can also add ingredients like honey or yogurt for a more hydrating hair mask. Please avoid this treatment if you are allergic to eggs.

8. Yogurt

If you're allergic to eggs or aren't a fan of the smell, yogurt is a great alternative. Rich in protein and healthy fats, yogurt is also soothing and cooling for the scalp. The lactic acid in yogurt also serves to cleanse the scalp, promote better hair growth and of course, eliminate frizz.

Yogurt also helps repair damage caused by styling tools, exposure to chemicals or general poor hair care. However, it's best to use organic or homemade yogurt instead of store bought yogurt that may have preservatives. You can apply yogurt to washed hair and scalp, and wash it off after 30 minutes. You can also add in other ingredients like eggs or honey.

9. Banana

Bananas are a great workout snack, but they're also ideal to tackle all that frizz on your head! The main nutrient in bananas is silica, that strengthens hair and promotes the production of more collagen, which is a protein that is needed for healthy hair. This is a natural alternative to all the silicones in hair products you find today.

Bananas also fight dandruff and can soothe an itchy scalp, while also keeping infections at by due to its anti microbial properties. Banana can be used in a variety of hair masks, by combining with a carrier oil or honey or yogurt. However, it's important to ensure that the banana is completely blended to a smooth puree, so you don't have to deal with large chunks of banana.

10. Coconut Milk

If coconut oil has so many benefits for hair, wouldn't coconut milk have them too? It does! Coconut milk has all those healthy fats that help keep hair smooth, soft and frizz-free. Coconut milk is also rich in healthy proteins that strengthen hair as well as in Vitamin E that keeps hair smooth and healthy.

Coconut milk prevents hair breakage, split ends and also helps repair damage caused by chemicals and heat styling. It is great at detangling hair and can be used as a natural conditioner. You can pour coconut milk along your hair lengths and let it sit for a few minutes before washing off. It can also be used to thin out hair masks made with other ingredients.

11. Avocado

Avocado has become increasingly popular in Indian homes, and not just as food! Avocado is a great ingredient in personal care recipes, particularly due to the immense amount of healthy fats in it. These fats help in adding moisture to hair and keeping it frizz-free.

Avocado also has lots of protein, which is an added benefit to strengthen hair. What's more, the Vitamins A and E help keep hair nourished and healthy. Avocado flesh easily mashes into a paste that's easy to apply on its own as a hair mask. If you like, you can also add some coconut oil to make it a runnier consistency. Leave the mask on for 20-30 minutes and wash off. 

12. Shikakai

One of the biggest reasons for frizz is all the washing we do with chemical-laden shampoos. That's where shikakai comes into the picture, as it stimulates the production of natural lubricating oils that keep hair moisturized, shiny and frizz free. Shikakai also has cooling properties and is great for itchy, flaky scalp conditions.

Shikakai is a natural cleanser that contains saponins making it a wonderfully chemical-free alternative to shampoos. Herbal shampoos made with shikakai produces a mild lather while cleaning the scalp and hair. To make the shampoo, boil shikakai with soap nuts and amla peel for 10-15 minutes. When cool, strain and extract all the liquid from the boiled ingredients and use as you would a regular shampoo.

13. Steaming

Hair steaming may not be very common, but it has been followed by many people for generations. Steaming allows moist air to enter the hair cuticles, leaving the hair hydrated and soft. It also helps any treatment you've applied on the hair to be better absorbed and to be overall more effective.

Steaming hair is simple enough, and is best done after an oil massage or applying a hair mask. Dip a towel in hot water and wring out the excess water. Cover the hair with a shower cap and wrap the head in the hot towel. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes so the steam helps the hair absorb all the nutrients of the mask or oil. Wash off as usual.

14. Hair Coverings

As anyone with frizz will know, the weather plays an important role in how frizzy hair gets, because of the humidity. When the air is humid, it makes sense to cover hair so that it is less likely to absorb moisture from the air around. A silk scarf or hat can protect hair from humidity, and it also protects hair against other weather conditions like extreme sunlight, snow or rain.

Hair coverings are also useful when working out or participating in a sport. Hair tends to frizz more than ever when you're being active, which can be a chore to take care of later. Covering the hair before starting out your activity will make it a lot easier on the hair.

15. Silk Pillowcases

Cotton pillow cases may be the most popular choice for everyone, but it doesn't do frizzy hair any favors. Cotton tends to absorb any moisture in the hair, making it drier when you wake up in the morning. Cotton pillow cases are also more likely to cause friction that snags hair causing breakage. 

Instead, opt for silk or satin pillowcases that minimize static, reduce friction and prevent both frizz and breakage. Good quality pillowcases can prove expensive but are a much safer and long lasting solution to eliminate frizz, making your morning hair care routine a lot simpler.

Here are some more Do's and Don'ts to prevent frizzy hair without the use of chemicals. 

Do:

• Wash hair in cool or lukewarm water to smoothen the cuticles
• Trim hair regularly, especially damaged parts or split ends
• Use a gentle shampoo that is free from sulfates, parabens and other toxins
• Use a conditioner and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing
• Eat a diet filled with nutritious foods
• Drink enough water for adequate hydration
• Embrace your natural hair texture and work with it instead of against it

Don't:

• Wash hair more than thrice a week as over-washing can strip the hair of its natural oils
• Use hot water when washing hair since heat makes the hair cuticles to rise up causing frizz
• Use heat styling tools or even blow dryers
• Touch your hair all the time as it roughens up the hair cuticle

Image Sources:

Coconut milk - Marco Verch

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