Reader Question: Fine Straight Hair with the Frizzies
August 1, 2005 by Christina Jones
Filed under Hair Care
Tammy asked: I’ve got long fine straight hair. As I’ve gotten older, I notice that my hair looks a little frizzy sometimes, especially after washing it. I don’t blow dry my hair or color it. Why does it do this now? Is it just because I’m getting older?
Tammy,
I have noticed the very same thing with my hair as I have gotten older, but I really started noticing it after my second child was born. This is only a guess, but I have attributed mine to hormones going wacky. Here is a good article from UK Hairdressers.com that discusses hair moisture and aging a little bit. Ugh. LOL
My experience with fine hair is a little limited, although I have dressed my best girlfriend’s ultra fine hair for years and years, and I know that a great many conditioners will weigh it down. I would suggest to you, however, to try some different conditioners, and after you have shampooed and conditioned in the shower, to put just a small amount on your hair, away from the scalp, and comb it in, and let it stay there.
If you have never tried it, Paul Mitchell’s The Conditioner is a leave in conditioner that probably won’t weigh it down too much. Just be sure to not use too much (I use gobs of it on my thick hair and it just soaks right in).
Thanks for the question, Tammy–I hope this helped a little!
Thank you! My hair is very thick but very fine and very long. Basically, I’m very lazy! I use cheapo shampoo and conditioner, and if I’m running around the house or going to bed after washing my hair, I don’t even comb it out until it dries because it’s just too hard…and oh..I’m lazy! But, I will check out Paul’s product and actually comb my hair and see what happens. I saw my 15 yr old neice the other day. She’s got long hair, similar to mine, and it’s just so flat and shiny. Ahhh….
That is not a bad thing! Brushing or combing wet hair aggressively can be a cause of all kinds of problems, including frizzies. Always treat your hair very gently when it is wet, as it is much more prone to stretching (which will give you "the frizzies") and breakage. Do try that PM The Conditioner–I bet you will find that it helps. But use a regular conditioner as well. In my opinion, you can skimp on the shampoo, but good conditioners are well worth the extra money.
I am said best girlfriend with the ultra fine hair, and I can definately say that aggressive wet combing will give you breakage. My hair is super fine, but I have colored for years now, and although my natural hair color is medium brown, I have been everything from light ash blonde to true red with bright, and I do mean bright, red highlights. When I color, I need a heavier conditioner. Right now, I do have highlights, but my stylist uses a European product line with high-lift colors, and baliages three colors in an all-over foil. No more 40 volume peroxide with a scoop of bleach, and sitting under the dryer–which was sooo hard on my super-fine hair. So, as a result, my hair is in much shape, and the conditioners that were a necessity before due to my hair’s damaged condition are now to heavy. I find I can condition every other day, and try to apply only to the ends, and my one frizzy spot on the crown. But, I agree with CC, skimp on the shampoo if you must, but with conditioner–you get what you pay for. Also, with a good conditioner, a little goes a very long way. I had great results with Paul Mitchell when I wore a spiral perm (years ago), and my personal favorite is Bumble and Bumble.
I have found that Kerastase Bain Volumactive and Volumactive masque works really well on fine/limp hair. The strenghtening properties also repair damage which may occur from excessive styling of the hair and colouring treatments. they strenghtening the hair from within, giving you some added body and bounce to the hair