Courtesy of SephoraHannah Morrill, Allure magazine
There are sanguine people who suggest that, when facing the dog days of summer, you merely stop worrying about things you cannot control and embrace your frizz. No doubt, there people were born with Gisele-like hair, live in Scottsdale, or have standing blowout appointments. We are not those people.
Here's the deal: "When hair is dry or damaged-which can occur from chemical processing or excessive heat styling-it becomes porous, allowing humidity to swell the shaft open," explains cosmetic chemist Jim Hammer. There are solutions that can keep your fine hair from doubling in size, which we're going to share-because we keep it real (and frizz free).
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WASH INFREQUENTLY-every other day for dine or oily hair, twice a week for dry hair-with a smoothing, sulfate-free shampoo, which won't strip away the oils your scalp naturally produces to curb frizz, advises Hammer. (You can still condition on days when you don't shampoo, says hairstylist Nunzio Saviano.) To limit frizz-causing friction, massage shampoo into your scalp with your fingertips rather than scrubbing with your palms.
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USE TWO CONDITIONERS. A lightweight hydrator reduces flyaways along the hairline, while a thicker, oil-based conditioner applied from the midshaft down can prevent ends from swelling up like a cotton ball. Leave it on for between three and five minutes to allow the emollients to plug the frizz-prone divots in your hair shaft.
RINSE AND REPEAT. Many conditioners are water-based, so any residue left behind can evaporate later and cause puffing. "Even if you think all the conditioner is out, you should rinse for another minute just to make sure," says hairstylist Nathaniel Hawkins.
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BLOT HAIR WITH A TOWEL, but not just any towel. Buy a supersoft microfiber one-the material is gentle and quickly wicks away moisture without roughing up the cuticle. If you have tight ringlets, detangle in the shower and pat them dry with paper towels. (Bunching the hair can cause if to break.) "It sounds finicky, but it's effective," says hairstylist Matt Fugate.
See more from Allure:
The Top 14 New Summer Hair Ideas
The 12 Best Eye Creams
2012 Readers' Choice Awards
10 Hairstyles That Make You Look 10 Years Younger
