Frizzy hair is hair that sticks out or curls away from your head and looks fuzzy or puffy. Frizz is a common issue that men with dry hair deal with. Curly or kinky hair types are particularly prone to drying out and becoming frizzy.

Men are just as likely as women to have frizzy hair. Unless you keep your hair extremely short or buzzed, you’ll likely deal with frizz at some point. Hot and humid weather usually makes it worse because dry hair absorbs moisture from the air.

Even if you’re prone to frizz, changing your haircare habits can go a long way toward taming your mane. Excessive washing, regular heating, and using products that dry your hair all contribute to frizziness.

Let’s look at some of the most common causes of frizzy hair and how you can treat it at home.

Your hair is made up of three layers. From most-inner to outer, these layers are the medulla, cortex, and cuticle.

The outer cuticle is made up of flat, overlapping cells that resemble shingles on a roof. Its job is to protect the inner parts of your hair from environmental damage and help lock in moisture.

When your hair is dry or damaged, the cuticle raises up instead of lying flat. When this happens, your hair becomes weaker and more susceptible to damage that may contribute to frizz.

The following may contribute to frizziness:

  • Weather. When it’s hot and humid, the moisture in the air causes your hair to absorb moisture and swell. This swelling causes hair to bend irregularly and become frizzy.
  • Sun exposure. Ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause discoloration, brittleness, and frizz.
  • Excessive shampooing. Shampooing your hair too often can strip your hair of its natural oil and cause your hair to be dry, frizzy, and prone to tangling.
  • Chlorinated water. Chlorinated water in swimming pools can dry out your hair.
  • Blow-drying or straightening. Heating your hair regularly can damage your hair and contribute to frizz.
  • Friction. Friction from wearing tight hats or towel drying roughly can damage the cuticle and inner layers of your hair.
  • Health conditions. Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa can lead to malnutrition that makes your hair dry and brittle. Thyroid disorders and a variety of other medical conditions can also lead to dryness.

The following treatment options may help you manage your frizzy hair at home.

Finding the right shampoo and conditioner

Shampoo and conditioner both play important roles in your hair care routine. Shampoo helps clean your hair while conditioner helps moisturize and detangle it.

When shopping for a shampoo or conditioner, look for a product that says it’s “moisturizing,” “for frizzy/dry hair,” or that includes oils like argan oil or coconut oil.

You may also want to avoid shampoos that contain sulfates since they may further dry out your hair.

Hair serums

Hair serums are silicone-based products that coat your hair and protect it from damage.

Serums may help fight frizz by preventing swelling and helping your hair retain moisture. Look for a serum that contains moisturizing ingredients like castor oil or aloe vera.

The best time to apply serum to your hair is immediately after washing it, while it’s still wet.

Shampoo less frequently

Even shampoos that are designed to be moisturizing can strip your hair of essential oils if they’re overused. If your hair tends to be dry, you may only need to use shampoo every third day or less often.

To reduce dryness and frizz, try only shampooing when your hair feels oily.

Hair oils

Hair oils help keep frizz and fly-away hairs under control by keeping your hair moist. Many types of oil can help you reduce frizz. Some of the most commonly used oils for dry hair include:

Leave-in conditioner

Leave-in conditioners are designed to stay in your hair instead of getting rinsed out. They’re typically more lightweight than the type of conditioner you use in the shower. Manufacturers of leave-in conditioners say that they’re more moisturizing than traditional conditioners because they’re left in your hair longer.

Hair mask

Hair masks provide your hair with ingredients that keep it moist and nourished. You can buy a pre-made hair mask or make your own out of ingredients like bananas, honey, or egg yolks. Hair masks are usually left in your hair for anywhere between 20 minutes to a few hours.

Even if your hair is frizz-prone, taking steps to minimize dryness and damage can help you minimize it.

  • Avoid shampooing every day. Shampooing your hair washes away your natural oils and can lead to dryness. If you have naturally dry hair, try only shampooing your hair when it feels greasy
  • Avoid heat. Try using lukewarm or cool water when washing your hair instead of hot water. It’s also a good idea to minimize blow-drying and straightening if you’re dealing with frizz.
  • Cover your hair while you’re swimming. Wearing a swim cap when in the pool can minimize the amount of hair that comes in contact with chlorine.
  • Condition your hair regularly. Conditioning your hair helps keep it moist. Even on days you don’t use shampoo, you can use a conditioner to hydrate your hair.
  • Trim your hair regularly. Cutting away split ends may help reduce fraying and the appearance of frizz.
  • Avoid products with alcohol. Hair products that contain a group of alcohols called short-chain alcohols may dry out your hair and contribute to frizz.
  • Eat a balanced diet. Eating a balanced diet can help you avoid nutrient deficiencies that may negatively affect the quality of your hair. Biotin and protein are two nutrients in particular that are important for the development of hair.

Frizz is a common hair issue that men deal with. It’s often caused by dry or damaged hair. Even if you’re prone to frizzy hair, you can reduce it by making a few changes to your hair care routine.

Avoid over-shampooing your hair. If your hair is naturally dry, you may only need to shampoo once every 3 days. It’s also important to use a conditioner regularly to help keep your hair hydrated and nourished.