Say goodbye to poof, fuzz, and flyaways! Frizzy hair can be tamed with the right techniques and products. Whether you have straight, fine, thick, curly, wavy, or coily hair, frizz can strike at any time, particularly in humid conditions or after washing or being caught in the rain. But fret not! We have two fantastic techniques for achieving dreamy, frizz-free, and defined waves, curls, and coils: plopping and pineapple-ing. Let’s dive in and learn how to conquer frizz and achieve smoother hair and more defined curls.
To combat post-wash frizz, establish a simple routine that focuses on how you care for your waves, curls, and coils after washing, at night, and between washes. Here are four steps to help you achieve smoother hair and more defined curls:
- Use lukewarm water when washing your curly hair: Hot water can damage your hair and scalp, so opt for lukewarm water instead. This temperature opens up the cuticle, allowing your shampoo and conditioner to penetrate and work their magic without drying out your scalp. Finish with a cold water rinse to close the cuticle and promote shinier locks.
- Use your fingers or flexi brush: While in the shower, apply shampoo, co-wash, and condition as usual. Instead of waiting until after you step out of the shower to comb through your locks, use your fingers or a gentle flexi brush to gently rake through your hair. This helps preserve curl clumps and encourages definition. Consider leaving some conditioner in your hair instead of rinsing it out, as this can be a game-changing move for frizzy hair.
- Apply products to soaking-wet hair: This step may be controversial, but hear us out! Stay in the shower and apply your products (excluding oil) to your soaking-wet hair. This ensures even distribution and prevents your hair from dripping all over your bathroom floor.
- Use a microfibre towel instead of a terry cloth towel: After your shower, reach for a microfiber Curl Towel to dry your hair. Unlike traditional heavy terry cloth towels, microfibre Curl Towels absorb water evenly, reducing frizz and preserving your hair’s moisture.
Now, let’s uncover the secrets of plopping and pineapple-ing to keep your hair defined and frizz-free.
Plopping is a simple, heat-free drying technique that protects your curls, waves, or coils, minimising frizz and flyaways. Here’s how to plop your hair:
- Spread out your curl towel on your bed or any flat surface.
- Bend over, allowing your hair to fall directly onto the towel.
- Continue lowering your head, letting your hair naturally coil up on the curl towel. Don’t worry about arranging your locks in any particular way; just let them pile up.
- Wrap the towel around your head, twist the sides, and tie it at the back.
- The duration of plopping depends on your hair’s moisture needs. Dry and parched locks may only need 15 minutes, while fine, wavy tresses can benefit from leaving the towel on for up to an hour. Experiment to find your hair’s sweet spot!
- Remove the curl towel and allow your hair to fully dry or use a diffuser. Separate any large clumps to enhance volume, then gently squeeze your hair to break the gel cast and create more volume. That’s it!
Now, let’s move on to pineapple-ing, a technique to keep your locks fuzz-free between washes and during sleep:
- Gather your hair into a high ponytail on the top of your head, resembling the shape of a pineapple. Secure it loosely.
- This method prevents tangles and preserves your waves, curls, or coils. You can pineapple your hair during the day or while you sleep. To further protect your mane and reduce frizz overnight, consider wrapping it with a silk bonnet.
To protect your curly hair from frizz, it’s important to understand your hair type and avoid overwashing. Overwashing can strip your scalp of its natural oils, leading to dryness and increased frizz. The frequency of washing depends on your hair type: loose curls and waves can be washed two to four times a week, tighter curls can go a few days to a week between washes, while coils typically benefit from a weekly wash. If your curls feel dry, try reducing the frequency of washing to retain your scalp’s natural oils and promote healthier hair growth.
By following these tips and techniques, you’ll be well on your way to conquering frizz and achieving smoother, more defined curls. Embrace your hair’s natural beauty and explore what works best for you.
