It can be difficult to style and manage gray hair because of its fragile state. Let’s discuss how to get rid of frizz in gray hair for softer and smoother locks.
The best way to get rid of frizz in gray hair is to follow these steps:
- Do A Deep Conditioning Treatment
- Wash Your Hair The Correct Way
- Seal Your Hair With Cream Or Oils
- Hot Oil Treatment
- Clarify Your Hair
Read on for instructions.
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Why Does Gray Hair Get Frizzy?
It’s very common for gray hair to become frizzy, dry, and unmanageable. But what causes it to become like this?
Hair Loses It’s Natural Oils
Due to a combination of genetics and hormonal changes in the body, the hair begins to lose pigmentation, turning the hair gray.
As this happens, the sebaceous glands, which are responsible for keeping the scalp moisturized, begin to produce less oil. With fewer natural oils on the hair and scalp, the hair becomes drier and frizzy.
It Becomes Sensitive
As you get older, your hair naturally loses its shine and pigment. It can be a frustrating process but it is completely normal.
During this time, your hair becomes sensitive and more susceptible to damage. Heat, chemicals, and the sun’s rays can dry out your hair, making it appear dull and frizzy.
If you can, try to refrain from using heated tools too frequently and wear a hat when sitting in the sun for longer periods.
Dyeing Hair Regularly
Many people choose to dye their gray hair either at home or at a salon in an attempt to conceal them and give their hair a rich shine.
But the truth is dyeing your hair can make your hair even drier, which results in more frizz. As the dye washes out and the gray hairs return, you may notice that your hair is wiry.
This is often due to the chemicals present in dyes and the lack of moisture that occurs.
Also Read: How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar On Gray Hair (Easy Guide)
5 Ways To Get Rid Of Frizz In Gray Hair
Frizz and dryness are a natural part of the aging process but there are steps that you can take to make your hair smoother and manageable.
We’ve narrowed it down to 5 simple yet highly effective methods.
Deep Conditioning Treatment
Deep conditioning refers to the process of restoring moisture to the hair and preventing further damage. A proper treatment routine can help combat frizz in gray hair and keep it healthier and stronger.
However, it’s important to find a product that is formulated for your specific hair type. Some may be too heavy and weigh the hair down, while others will provide the perfect balance.
How to do it:
- Start by washing your hair first. Damp hair often provides better absorption and it helps to start with clean hair. You can use a gentle shampoo followed with regular conditioner (if the hair is very dry or damaged)
- Comb your hair or use your fingertips to detangle each strand. This helps to ensure that the product can glide on and fully saturate each section of hair
- Start applying your deep conditioning product to the ends and the lengths of the hair, starting with smaller sections. Apply most of the product on the ends of the hair to help repair and protect brittle, weak ends
- Apply to the scalp if needed by massaging it in gently with your fingertips
- Comb the product through or use your fingertips to ensure the hair is fully saturated
- Cover your hair with a cap or cling film to lock in warmth and moisture
- Let it sit for between 5 to 60 minutes (check the product packaging for the recommended time)
- Rinse the product out thoroughly with warm to cool water
- Let hair dry and style as usual
Gray hair needs intense hydration, which is why Aunt Jackie’s Curls And Coils Intensive Conditioning Masque is a perfect choice.
Enriched with natural and nourishing ingredients like flaxseed, mango butter, and shea butter, this deep conditioning mask aims to lock in moisture and prevent unruly frizz.
Using this product on your hair once or twice a week will leave hair stronger, healthier, and more vibrant.
Wash Hair The Correct Way
Did you know that the way you wash your hair could affect the texture and appearance? It’s important to follow correct washing techniques to keep your hair healthy and protect against damage.
Gray hair is more vulnerable than other types of hair and this is why it’s often prone to frizz. This is why you should be careful using hot water when washing and rinsing out your hair.
You should use warm or cool water to prevent breakage and keep your hair in great condition.
How To Do It:
- Choose hair products for your specific hair type and ensure they are free of harsh chemicals and drying ingredients
- Rinse your hair with warm to cool water
- Start massaging your shampoo or conditioner into your scalp, ensuring that the hair is fully saturated
- Use your fingertips to try and lift dirt and excess grease from the scalp. This will also help to improve circulation
- Rinse out your hair products with warm water
- Blast cool water on the hair for 30 seconds to 1 minute, this will help to seal the hair cuticles and keep hair looking shinier and healthier
- Try to avoid towel drying hair or using heat as this can dry out the hair and cause further frizz. Use a microfiber hair towel to soak up excess water before leaving the hair to air dry
Caring for your gray hair starts with a good hair routine.
Charlie Miller’s Silver Shampoo is designed to remove yellow and brassy tones from gray hair and help with moisture retention, leaving your hair looking brighter and feeling softer.
It’s free of sulfates and parabens, so it’s gentle enough to be used frequently on sensitive hair and scalps.
When combined with Charlie Miller’s Silver Conditioner, you can expect to see a reduction in frizz and fewer tangles. With regular use, your hair and scalp will feel energized.
Sealing The Hair
Sealing hair involves applying oil or butter to freshly washed hair to help lock in moisture. This is effective at protecting against dryness, frizz, and split ends, which are commonly caused by dehydrated strands.
As gray hair is prone to all of these common hair issues, sealing the hair can be beneficial.
There are many different oils and butters that you can use to seal the hair, but the most common ones are olive oil, castor oil, jojoba oil, shea butter, and mango butter.
As butters are thicker and heavier in texture, these may not be ideal for people with thinner and finer hair.
Those with very thick hair will see a huge difference when using butters rather than oils, particularly in the winter.
It’s important to consider your hair type when choosing a product to seal the hair. If it’s too heavy for your hair, it could weigh it down or make it greasy. And if it’s too light, it will be ineffective at preventing frizz and dryness in gray hair.
The amount of oil or butter you use also depends on your hair type. Specifically, the texture and the length. For shorter, finer hair, 1 – 2 tablespoons may be enough. For thicker or longer hair, you may need to use 4 – 6 tablespoons. You can adjust this depending on the results.
How to do it:
- Start by washing your hair with shampoo or conditioner (or both!)
- Rinse the products out of your hair
- Let your hair dry a little bit so that it is damp, not wet
- Separate your hair into sections as this makes it easier to evenly coat the hair strands
- Start applying your chosen butter or oil from the roots to the ends of the hair, pay special attention to the tips as they are more prone to damage
- Use your fingers to detangle the hair and ensure that each section is fully saturated
- Leave hair to dry
The Pukka Herbs Castor Oil is organic, sustainably sourced, and contains no other additional ingredients. It’s a great option for sealing the hair because it’s not too heavy and can suit many different hair types.
If you have thicker hair and are looking for a product that will give your hair the nourishment that it needs, the Naissance Organic Shea Butter will be a great choice. It is 100% natural and unrefined and will provide your hair with intense hydration and shine.
Hot Oil Treatment
A hot oil treatment can provide your gray hair with intense moisture and prevent unruly frizz.
Hot oil treatments are beneficial for everyone, but people with gray hair will notice a huge difference in hair texture and appearance when regularly carrying out this treatment.
Hot oil lubricates the scalp and stimulates circulation, which can help with things like dry scalp and dandruff, but it can also help restore moisture to the hair.
How to do it:
- Choose an oil that suits your hair type, such as olive oil or castor oil, and warm it up in the microwave for just a few seconds
- Make sure the oil isn’t too hot by testing a small patch on the skin. If it’s not too hot, you can begin applying to damp hair
- Pour a small amount of oil (1 – 6 tablespoons depending on length and thickness) into your palms and rub them together
- Start by massaging the oil into your scalp with your fingertips, making sure to apply just the right amount of pressure
- Work your way down to the lengths and then the ends of the hair, ensuring the hair is saturated
- Wrap the hair up in a towel or a cap and let it sit for 30 – 60 minutes
- Rinse the oil out with cool water
- Leave the hair to dry
Hot oil treatments can be done weekly to help reduce frizz and keep hair looking healthy.
Cliganic’s Certified Organic Jojoba Oil is 100 percent pure and organic and can be used on sensitive skin. This oil is lightweight, which makes it a great option for people with thinner or finer hair because it will not weigh the hair down.
Clarify The Hair
Clarifying the hair helps to remove bacteria, excess grease, product build-up, and other impurities that can contribute to a wide range of problems.
Clarifying shampoos and rinses are beneficial for people with all hair types.
If you frequently use different products on your hair, you may benefit from clarifying the hair once a week to lift excess product and residue.
If you only use shampoo and conditioner once or twice a week, then you may only need to clarify the hair once a month.
Product build-up can contribute to problems like frizz and dryness because too much excess product can inhibit the absorption of moisture. A clarifying wash can help keep your hair hydrated and smoother.
How to do it:
- Choose your clarifying rinse. You can opt for a clarifying shampoo or you can use apple cider vinegar, which is also very effective
- If using ACV, mix half a cup of ACV with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle or jug
- Shampoo your hair as usual or rinse with cool water
- Pour the ACV rinse all over your hair and scalp, massage it in thoroughly and leave for 2 – 3 minutes
- Rinse with cool water
- Optional: Use your normal conditioner to add more shine and to leave your hair smelling fresh
If you are searching for a gentle clarifying rinse, then POO FREE’s Natural Clarifying Shampoo is a good choice.
This product doesn’t contain any harsh or drying ingredients, instead, it aims to gently lift product build-up and impurities without drying out the hair or scalp. This makes it a great choice for all hair types.
This clarifying rinse contains apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, and aloe vera, which all work to encourage healthy hair development.
If you prefer to make your own rinse from 100% pure apple cider vinegar, then we recommended Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar. This product is organic, unfiltered, and it contains The Mother, so you know that you will receive the full benefits.
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