10 Mistakes that Cause Frizz When Washing Curls ft. Twist

This post is sponsored by Twist.

Frizz is very common when styling naturally curly hair, but did you know frizz can also be from improper washing techniques? Friction, tangles, damage, dryness, and buildup can all be culprits of frizz. For today’s post, we’ll be discussing 10 common mistakes and solutions to prevent frizz from forming before you style.

Disclaimer: there is no right or “wrong” way to style your curls. If you’re doing any of these “mistakes” and you like your result, keep doing them! This post is intended to share some things that I have tweaked in my wash day routine that have reduced frizz if that is something you’re looking to tame.

Washing Mistakes

1. Not detangling prior to shampooing can lead to a matted mess
   
   Why? Shampoo raises the pH of the hair and the cuticle layer becomes lifted, resulting in increased friction. You may also notice shedding during shampooing which makes tangles worse, especially for those with high-porosity hair and coarse hair.
   
   Detangling prior to shampooing prevents more tangles from forming during the shampoo process, resulting in less breakage which often causes frizz. This allows you to more easily reach your scalp to thoroughly cleanse without knots in the way.
   
   There are 2 options: dry detangling with oil and wet detangling with conditioner prior to shampooing. Detangling dry hair with some oil before washing your hair can reduce breakage because our hair is weakest when it’s wet. You can also detangle once hair is wet hair with conditioner in the shower prior to shampooing. I do both options because my hair is very tangly.
   
2. Shampooing BEFORE conditioner
   
   Why? Conditioner helps to lower the pH and smooth the hair’s cuticle, protecting it from damage which leads to breakage and frizz. This is ideal for high porosity hair.
   
   Applying conditioner or deep conditioner prior to shampooing helps protect it from harsh shampooing like clarifying

3. Not incorporating clarifying, especially if you’re prone to buildup
   
   Why? If your hair has buildup from products or minerals from hard water, you may notice your shampoos don’t lather well, you need to use a lot of shampoo, or you need to shampoo twice. Buildup can prevent moisture from absorbing and leaves a dull, frizzy appearance
   
   Clarify every couple of washes, such as 2-4 times per month. The Twist Light Clarifying Shampoo contains Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, an effective cleanser at removing buildup without stripping or drying out the hair. It’s important to not over-cleanse your hair and use harsh clarifying shampoos excessively because this will lead to dryness and frizz.

4. Washing upside down
   
   Why? The cuticle layer of our hair points downwards, so washing upside down can cause more tangles and shedding, especially those with high porosity hair or low-density hair.
   
   Wash in the upright position so the cuticle is smoothed downwards, resulting in less friction. Focus the shampoo on the scalp, gently massaging the roots, then let the shampoo rinse down the length of the hair.

5. Not using conditioner
   
   Why? Curls are naturally much drier than straight hair and require extra moisture. Conditioners also lower the pH of the hair back down to its natural levels after shampooing, smoothing the cuticle to reduce frizz.
   
   Use a conditioner again after shampooing to detangle and add moisture back. For low-porosity hair, try the “squish to condish” method to help increase absorption.

6. Not applying conditioner all the way to your roots
   
   Why? The hair at the top needs conditioning too to smooth the cuticle and lower the pH in order to reduce root frizz.
   
   Worried about getting weighed down roots? Don’t apply too much, and avoid getting it directly on the scalp. Instead, start at the ends and work the remaining conditioner to the roots. Don’t use a heavy conditioner that contains heavy oils/butters if your hair is fine. Rinse thoroughly while massaging roots.

7. Not combing through with your hands after rinsing
   
   Why? Hair gets stuck to the scalp and stretched out after rinsing, often leading to webbed frizz. 
   
   Run your fingers through your hair, lifting it up from the scalp. This helps the curls to begin forming clumps. Scrunch gently to wring out the excess water.

• Not deep conditioning when needed
  
  Why? Sometimes curls need extra moisture, and deep conditioners contain ingredients that penetrate deep into the hair or provide protein to help strengthen.
  
  The Twist Sunday Feels Deeply Hydrating Mask contains:
  – Coconut Oil moisturizes and softens strands.
  – Jojoba Oil nourishes strands and helps improve natural curl pattern.
  – Shea Butter helps lock in moisture without leaving hair heavy or greasy.
  – Grapeseed Oil locks in moisture to prevent frizz, split ends, and brittle hair.
  
  Apply the Twist mask and leave on for 3-5 minutes. Rinse with warm water, then cool water if desired.

9. Not using the right temperature of water
   
   Why? Hot water swells the hair, resulting in a more lifted cuticle. Lifted cuticles let vital proteins out and decrease the lipid content on the hair. Cold water is not able to break down oils as easily and may not rinse out the conditioner thoroughly.
   
   Studies show warm or hot water better removes buildup. Warm water is best for washing hair to avoid frizz. Cold water does not “close the cuticle resulting in shinier hair” as many may think.

10. Using a bath towel to dry your hair
    
    Why? The fibers on a bath towel create friction on the hair, increasing frizz.
    
    Instead, use a hair towel such as the Hair RePear towels that are flat-weave cotton, or a T-shirt. I prefer the Hair RePear towels or T-shirts over microfiber because microfiber still has small fibers that may cling to hairs.
    
    Use the hair towel to scrunch out excess water, plop, or loosely wrap the hair before styling.

Styling products used:
Twist Weather Up Lotion
Twist Weather Up Gel

Overall, frizz is inevitable and not necessarily something that needs to be “fixed.” However, these techniques can help reduce frizz so that the styling process is easier. If you make any of these tweaks to your hair routine, definitely let me know if they helped reduce your frizz!