Defrizzing Your Hair

When it comes to hair, the "F" word is "frizz". Nothing is harder on a hairstyle, except, perhaps, a red-eye flight or a typhoon.

Here's how to avoid an uprising:

1. Shampoo and Condition:

Wash hair, concentrating on the scalp, using a low-detergent shampoo such as Loreal Serie' Expert' Absolute Repair or Intense Repair. (the tip-off is that they don't lather very much,they are cream cleansing rather than detergent cleansing, but when in doubt, ask your stylist for advice).
Rinse and apply conditioner, leave it in for a few minutes, and rinse with cool water. Then press - don't rub - wet hair with a towel.
Comb your hair gently with a wide-tooth comb.

2. Apply Styling Products:

While hair is still fairly wet, rub a dose of silicone gel, cream, or serum between your palms and run hands down the length of hair to help seal the cuticles shut.
The coarser the hair, the heavier and richer the product should be. Paul Mitchell's Super Skinny Serum is great for a broad range of hair types but for coarse,thick hair we recommend Serie'Expert' Fluid Intense.
To make sure every strand is coated from the roots to the ends, pin up the top layers of hair and smooth gel or serum on the bottom layers first. Work to the top layers then comb the product through the hair to ensure even distribution.

3. Dry

If you have curly hair and want to wear it natural, let it air-dry, or blow-dry it using a diffuser. Hold the dryer so that the diffuser cradles hair from below.
To wear hair straight, divide it into two-inch-wide sections. Blow-dry each one on high from roots to ends, using a tourmaline barrel or boar-bristle brush and pointing the nozzle down.
To finish sealing cuticles, use a small amount of serum or pomade on dry hair.


Tricks Of The Trade

Shampoo only every other day - since detergent inflates the hair shaft and roughs up cuticles. On alternative days, rinse hair and condition only the ends.

To clean hair without fluffing frizz-prone ends, try shampooing only from the crown to midshaft avoiding the ends.