Frizz
Frizz is hair that does not align with the surrounding hair, but stands up or curls independently, creating a fuzzy or irregular texture. The three main causes of frizz are genetics, hair damage, and humidity. Frizzy hair can be seen as a positive or a negative trait depending on the current fashion and one's personal preference. Many hair products, such as gels, pomades, and hair waxes, are designed to reduce frizz.
Definition
There is more than one definition of frizz. Researchers who studied the perception of hair health found that while women around the world perceived the absence of frizz as a sign of healthy hair, how they described "frizz" varied widely according to hair type and desired style. As described by women in the study, the two main types of frizz are:
- short strands sticking up at the part and throughout the hair length that "project away from the main body of hair"; this type is especially noticeable on women with straight hairwho are trying to achieve a smooth style; and
- strands of wavy or curly hair that do not align with others to form a defined wave or curl.[1]
By this definition, frizz is not exclusively a characteristic of curly hair; straight hair can be frizzy, and tightly curled or
Causes
According to cosmetic chemist Randy Schueller, the three main causes of frizz are genetics, damage, and humidity.[3]
Genetics
Some wavy or curly hair naturally aligns or "clumps" in a clearly defined, consistent pattern, and some does not. Curly hair that does not have natural curl definition appears frizzy and is sometimes mistakenly characterized as damaged.[2][3]
Even when hair has a defined curl pattern, combing or brushing it when it is dry can break up the clumps, causing the hair to expand into a frizzy mass. This is often done intentionally to add volume.
Damage
Although all hair is technically "dead", hair that has been damaged is perceived as less "healthy" than undamaged hair.[7] Some styling techniques can cause breakage, chipping of the hair cuticle, and other forms of damage which contribute to frizz.
Excessive or rough
Other common causes of hair damage include the use of
Having some hairs that are shorter than others is not necessarily a sign of breakage. Hair naturally sheds as it reaches the end of its growth cycle, and a new hair grows in its place; the average lifespan is about six years.[15]
Humidity
In a humid environment, moisture penetrates the hair shaft and is absorbed into the
Although moisture causes frizz, which many women perceive as "unhealthy", many women also believe that moisture is good for their hair, and buy moisturizing hair products. In reality, these products are designed to smooth the surface of the hair rather than increase the hair's water content.[16]
Perception and treatment
Frizzy hair has been perceived differently in different eras and cultures. Publicity photos of the silent film star
Those looking for ways to reduce frizz encounter a great deal of conflicting information online and in the media. Products and treatments that work well for one person may not work for another due to factors such as curl pattern, hair density, hair porosity, the amount of
Some relatively non-controversial recommendations for reducing frizz include regular use of instant, deep, and leave-in conditioners;[14][24] occasional hot oil treatments;[25] and regular trims to remove any split ends or damaged tips.[26]
See also
References
- ^ a b Marsh (2015), p. 40.
- ^ a b "7 Reasons You Can't Figure Out Your Curl Pattern". Naturally Curly. January 11, 2015.
- ^ a b c d e Schueller, Randy (October 2006). "The top 3 causes of frizzy hair". The Beauty Brains.
- ^ a b LaFlesh (2010), pp. 68–69.
- ^ a b c LaFlesh, Teri. "How to Take Care of Our Hair: The Rules". Tightly Curly.
- ^ Milady (2011), p. 466.
- ^ Marsh (2015), p. v.
- ^ Milady (2011), p. 542.
- ^ Marsh (2015), p. 64.
- ^ Milady (2011), pp. 64, 548.
- ^ Blume-Peytavi (2008), p. 290.
- ^ LaFlesh (2010), p. 113.
- ^ Milady (2011), p. 372.
- ^ a b Blume-Peytavi (2008), p. 512.
- ^ LaFlesh (2010), pp. 26–27.
- ^ Marsh (2015), p. 42.
- ^ "My Brilliant Career". mReplay.
- ^ "19 Ways to Embrace Frizz This Summer". Allure. April 29, 2015.
- ^ "Embracing the Frizz: How I Learned to Love My Crazy Hair". Marie Claire. April 2, 2015.
- ^ "How to Embrace Your Frizzy Hair". InStyle. April 30, 2016.
- ^ LaFlesh (2010), p. 144.
- ^ "5 Natural, Effective and Alcohol-Free Hair Gels". Black Girl With Long Hair. September 6, 2014.
- ^ LaFlesh (2010), p. 179.
- ^ LaFlesh (2010), pp. 183–188.
- ^ LaFlesh (2010), pp. 123–124.
- ^ Marsh (2015), p. 38.
Bibliography
- Milady Standard Cosmetology. ISBN 9781439059302.
- Blume-Peytavi, Ulrike; Whiting, David A.; Trüeb, Ralph M. (2008). Hair Growth and Disorders. ISBN 9783540469117.
- LaFlesh, Teri (2010). Curly Like Me: How to Grow Your Hair Healthy, Long, and Strong. ISBN 9780470536421.
- Marsh, Jennifer; Gray, John; Tosti, Antonella (2015). Healthy Hair. ISBN 9783319183862.