Mistakes Causing Frizzy Curls this Summer + NEW Curlsmith Travel Diffuser

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Frizz is inevitable in the summer and something that we all deal with. With all the humidity, outside activities, swimming, and traveling, frizz is very common. I’ve noticed some things that have led to more frizz than usual for me that I’m sharing with you here today, as well as some alternative methods to try.

I also include tips for traveling with curly hair, including using the brand new Curlsmith Defrizzion Dryer & XL Diffuser – Travel Edition, which has features like a foldable handle, dual voltage, and reduced diffuser attachment size compared to the original.

Mistake: Not protecting hair from water damage and breakage

If you’re about to jump in the pool, ocean, or even just the shower, I recommend applying some type of hair oil such as the Shine Oil to help protect the hair from damage that occurs when the cuticle swells. Oil will fill in gaps in our cuticle and prevent protein loss and excess swelling.

1. Pre-poo oil

• Purpose: Provide a protective barrier on the hair and prevent damage from water
• Who its best for: Any hair type, especially high-porosity and damaged hair
• Frequency: Before every wash or swim
• Product: Any oil, especially those that penetrate like coconut

Mistake: Leaving chlorine, salt water, or buildup on the hair

Chlorine and salt water can be very drying and damaging to the hair if left in. After swimming, rinse your hair with plain water as soon as possible. Shampoo with a moisturizing yet effective shampoo, such as the Fragrance-Free Shine Shampoo. Product buildup can also lead to a lot of frizz, limp curls, and dullness. Clarify regularly to prevent buildup.

2. Shampoo

• Purpose: Cleanse the hair scalp of any buildup, or damaging chlorine salt water
• Who its best for: Any hair type
• Frequency: Varies, depending on natural oil production and activities
• Product: Mild shampoo for frequent washing, clarifying shampoo for weekly or monthly buildup removal

Mistake: Not thoroughly conditioning the hair

You may notice that your hair becomes dry often in the summer from being in the sun and washing more frequently. When curls are dry they are frizzy and will struggle to clump. I like to deep condition about once per week to maintain moisturized curls. Those with hair that is not very dry can deep condition about once a month. I went with the Multi-Tasking Conditioner which contains a bit of protein to help strengthen the hair.

3. Deep conditioner / condition

• Purpose: Restore moisture, condition the hair, and protect the hair
• Who its best for: Any hair type
• Frequency: Weekly or at least monthly

Mistake: Skipping heat and UV protectant

Did you know you should still be using a heat protectant even when you don’t straighten your hair? While diffusing is way less damaging than straightening, it’s still ideal to use a heat protectant. Damaged hair will be drier and thus frizzier. Curlsmith’s Miracle Shield also helps protect the hair from UV rays, chlorine, and seawater. It also comes in a travel size making it perfect for taking on trips.

4. Prep

• Purpose: Protect hair from heat, UV rays, seawater
• Who its best for: Any hair type
• Frequency: Before each styling routine, when refreshing, and prior to swimming & sun exposure
• Product: Heat & UV protectant spray

Mistake: Using drying hair products

Skipping cream or leave-in and going straight to a drying gel or mousse can leave your curls frizzy, especially for those who deal with dry heat. If you have coarse and/or high porosity hair, you may need a rich curl cream or leave-in versus something more lightweight. For my curls, whenever I use just a very lightweight leave-in under my gel I get a lot of dry frizz. I went with the Hold Me Softly Style Balm in this routine for moisture.

5. Moisturize

• Purpose: Condition, soften, and encourage curl clumps
• Who its best for: Any hair type, especially those with dry hair
• Frequency: Each stying routine
• Product: Curl cream or leave-in conditioner

Mistake: Not using enough hold and/or skipping styling

This is probably the #1 cause of frizz, especially in the summer, and that is not using a strong hold gel. If your curls frizz up immediately once dried and when your scrunch out your gel cast, then your gel is not strong hold. I used the Shape Up Aqua Gel first, which is hold gel, so that I could achieve more fullness and I prefer its slippery, thin formula. To add hold and humidity protection, I topped it off with a bit of the Shine gel. I also brush styled which smooths frizz and helps the curls clump, increasing longevity.

6. Define

• Purpose: Style the curls, add hold, increase longevity
• Who its best for: Any hair type
• Frequency: Each styling routine
• Product: Gel + brush (optional)

Mistake: Air drying in humid climates or using a hair dryer without a diffuser

Air drying can lead to frizzy, limp curls that don’t last, especially when you air dry when it’s humid or windy. Our hair is most susceptible to frizz when it’s drying. Diffusing sets your gel cast immediately which protects from frizz. It also gives you more control over your results and how your curls dry, such as providing more shrinkage if you use scrunching techniques.

I always pack my diffuser when going on trips so that I can prevent frizz when refreshing and on wash days. Fortunately with the new Defrizzion Dryer & XL Diffuser Travel Edition, packing a diffuser in a suitcase is easy.

7. Diffuse

• Purpose: Set the curl shape, lock in the gel cast, & dry the hair quickly to prevent frizz
• Who its best for: Any hair type
• Frequency: Each styling routine
• Product: Hair dryer + diffuser

Travel Tips for Curly Hair

• Leave your gel cast in for longer-lasting hold.
• Style the night before leaving for a trip and leave the cast in until you get to where you’re going.
• Protect curls with a bonnet with traveling. Don’t forget to pack it!
• Protect your curls from the sun, wind, and humidity with a scarf while out in the sun.

For all my product recommendations for humidity, check out this post on Best Anti-Humidity Curly Hair Products.