Frizzy and curly hair are often confused as being the same thing. However, while they share some similarities, they are quite different hair types. This article will explore what defines frizzy and curly hair, how to care for each hair type, and tips for managing both hair textures.
What Is Frizzy Hair?
Frizzy hair is a common hair condition characterized by unruly and disheveled strands that lack smoothness and shine. It often occurs when the hair cuticle, the outermost layer of the hair shaft, becomes raised and allows moisture to pass through, leading to swelling and an uneven texture.
A Lack of Moisture Balance
Frizzy hair lacks proper moisture balance, causing the cuticle (outer layer) to lift and hair to become dry and coarse. This leads to strands that are unruly, undefined, and stick out from the head in all directions.
One key factor contributing to frizzy hair is an imbalance in moisture levels. When the hair is deprived of essential moisture or exposed to excessive humidity, it can result in a loss of natural oils and hydration, causing the cuticle to lift and frizz to manifest. Understanding and addressing this moisture imbalance is crucial for achieving smoother, more manageable hair.
Frizz occurs when the hair cuticle becomes raised, often from damage or lack of moisture. When this protective outer layer is compromised, it leads to a loss of definition and flyaway strands.
Common Causes
There are a few key causes of frizzy hair:
- Humidity: Moisture in the air raises the cuticle layer.
- Heat damage: Frequent heat styling compromises the cuticle.
- Chemical processing: Perms, relaxers, bleach damage the cuticle layer.
- Improper washing: Shampoos that strip natural oils or lack of conditioning.
- Physical abrasion: Towel drying, rough brushing, tight hairstyles can lift cuticles.
Frizz tends to be worse in humidity but can occur even in dry environments if the hair lacks moisture balance.
Hair Type Factors
Certain hair types are more prone to frizz:
- Curly hair
- Chemically processed or color-treated hair
- Dry, porous hair
- Fine hair
However, any hair type can become frizzy if the cuticle layer is damaged and unable to retain moisture.
What Is Curly Hair?
Curly hair is a unique hair type characterized by a distinctive spiral or wavy pattern in the hair strands. Unlike straight hair, the follicles of curly hair are not perfectly round, leading to the natural formation of curls or waves. This type of hair often has a delightful bounce and texture, adding a touch of personality to one’s overall look.
The Structure of the Hair Follicle
Curly hair grows differently than straight hair. The biggest factor is the shape of the hair follicle underneath the scalp.
| Straight Hair Follicle | Round |
| Curly Hair Follicle | Oval or elliptical |
The oval/elliptical shape causes curly hair to grow outward and around itself rather than hanging straight down. This leads to natural texture ranging from soft waves to very tight coils.
The Bonds Within Strands
In addition to the curly follicle shape, bonds within the hair strands influence texture:
- Hydrogen bonds: Temporary bonds altered by water/moisture
- Salt bonds: Broken by weathering/mechanical damage
- Disulfide bonds: Permanent bonds requiring chemical processing to reshape
The combination and concentration of these bonds contribute to curl pattern and elasticity. Tighter curls have more of these bonds per hair strand.
Key Differences Between Frizzy And Curly Hair
While frizzy and curly hair may appear similar at first glance, their underlying causes differ significantly.
| Frizzy Hair | Curly Hair | |
| Cause | Cuticle damage from lack of moisture | Naturally curly shape of hair follicle + internal bonds |
| Feel/Appearance | Dry, coarse, undefined | Soft and defined curl pattern when properly cared for |
| Manageability | Very unmanageable | Can range from loose waves to very tight coils |
While curly hair is a hair type, frizziness is a hair condition reflecting damage or lack of moisture.
Well-cared for curls may frizz when humidity is high but go back to defined spiral shapes after drying. Whereas persistent frizz generally points to an underlying issue with the cuticle layer itself.
Next, we’ll go over proper care methods to manage each hair type.
Caring For Frizzy Hair
Getting frizzy hair under control requires moisture-boosting and gentle care to allow the cuticle to heal and lay flat again.
Shampooing Tips
- Use a hydrating, sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfates strip the hair.
- Shampoo less frequently, only 1-2 times per week.
- Focus shampoo on the scalp rather than length of hair.
- Rinse with cool to lukewarm water. Hot water causes more cuticle lift.
Conditioning Tips
- Condition every time you shampoo. Focus conditioner from mid-lengths to ends.
- Let the conditioner sit for 3-5 minutes before rinsing.
- Use a deep conditioning hair mask 1-2 times per week.
- Rinse conditioner with cool water.
Drying and Styling Tips
- Blot hair gently with a t-shirt or microfiber towel. Rubbing creates frizz.
- Let hair air dry naturally when possible.
- If heat-styling, always use a heat protectant. Keep temperatures medium to low.
- Avoid tight hairstyles like ponytails which can damage the cuticle layer.
Other Care Tips
- Use a wet brush in the shower for gentle detangling.
- Apply anti-frizz serums or oils while hair is still damp.
- Protect hair from sun damage with hats or gentle styles.
With a regular moisture-focused routine, you can heal and control frizzy hair over time. Be patient as it takes time to undo damage.
Caring For Curly Hair
Curly hair thrives with hydration and techniques to enhance natural texture.
Shampooing Tips
- Spread shampoo through hair without creating excess lather. Focus on scalp.
- Choose hydrating sulfate-free formulas.
- Only shampoo once a week or when truly needed.
Conditioning Tips
- Always condition after shampooing. Squish conditioner in and leave on for a few minutes.
- Deep condition weekly for very dry or coiled hair.
- Rinse out conditioner upside down with cool water.
Drying Tips
- Blot gently with a t-shirt or microfiber towel. Do not rub.
- Air dry whenever possible to prevent frizz.
- To diffuse, use a gentler speed/heat setting and do not touch curls while drying.
Styling Tips
- Define curls with a curl cream, mousse or gel.
- Gently scrunch products in using a t-shirt instead of fingers.
- Do not brush dry curls – this breaks up curl clumps.
- Protect hair at night with a satin cap or pillowcase.
The key is hydration, gentle handling, and letting curls form their natural pattern after washing.
Conclusion
While it’s easy to mistake frizzy and curly hair as the same thing, understanding the key differences is important for proper care.
Curly hair traces back to the natural shape of the follicle which leads to coils, ringlets and waves, influenced by bonds in the strand. Well cared for curls form spiral shapes and defined groups of hair.
Frizziness stems from external damage raising the cuticle, causing dryness and lack of moisture retention. This leads to hair sticking out haphazardly in multiple directions.
Managing these hair types calls for specialized techniques as well. Curly hair requires hydration, gentle handling, and letting texture form naturally. Smooth, loose styles also help reveal pattern.
Frizzy hair needs intensive moisture and bond-repairing treatments to heal the compromised cuticle layer. Avoiding chemical/heat damage while infusing conditioner and oils is key. Finally, embracing natural texture often reveals hidden curls beneath frizz.
While genetics determine if your natural hair is straight or curly, diligent care makes all the difference in manageability and appearance. Be patient with your hair texture and follow fundamental care steps to enhance instead of fight against it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about frizzy and curly hair? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
Can you have both frizzy and curly hair?
Yes, curly hair is prone to frizz when the weather is humid or hair has residual damage. The keys are to provide moisture, smooth the cuticle, and care for curls gently overall.
Does frizzy hair eventually become curly?
Frizzy hair does not naturally become curly over time. The curl pattern is dependent on the shape of your natural hair follicles. However, those with an underlying wave or curl may see their pattern emerge after correcting damage.
Can I make my frizzy hair curly?
You cannot alter your natural hair pattern. However, reducing frizz often reveals hidden texture. Using styling products like gels or salt sprays also lets you mimic curls temporarily.
Is curly hair lower maintenance than frizzy hair?
Well cared for curls are generally lower maintenance than frizzy hair which reflects damage needing repair. Lack of proper care will lead to frizz and dryness in curly hair too however.
How do I know if I have curly or frizzy hair?
Signs your texture is naturally curly not just frizzy damage: Well-defined spiral curls when properly hydrated, ringlets form close to the scalp, visible S-shaped curl pattern when wet. Frizzy hair often lacks curl definition.