Let’s Talk About Man Frizz! Why It Happens and How to Fix It
Written by Jay Budden
Updated on
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In male grooming, man frizz often flies under the radar.
Let’s face it: frizz doesn’t discriminate; it affects men just as much as it frustrates women. But in the guy’s corner, it’s less talked about, probably because many of us shrug it off as a few hairs out of place, not realizing it could be a red flag for the health of our hair.
Here’s the deal: frizz isn’t just about your hair throwing a fit. It’s about your hair crying out for moisture. That wild, untamed look can get worse with the wrong kind of weather and some of those grooming moves you’re making without a second thought. And let’s not ignore how, for us gents, there might be more going on beneath the surface. Shorter haircuts, thicker hair, excess sebum, testosterone, and the rough outdoors can all contibute to frizz.
This piece is about putting you in the spotlight and tackling the frizz head-on. I’ll discuss what causes man frizz and how you can tame and prevent it without breaking a sweat daily.
I’ll break down your styling routine, look into some pro treatments, and consider natural options. It isn’t just about looking good. This guide will give you the inside track on frizz management and help you keep your cool, leaving you looking sharp and in control.
Understanding Frizzy Hair in Men
You’ve got to understand that frizz isn’t just a random hair here and there; it’s about our biology, the way us men we treat our hair, and even the air around us.
Men’s hair is thicker than women’s, and it produces more oil, which means frizz shows up differently for you. Frizzy hair can appear wiry, puffy, with random hair strands sticking out, especially with the shorter cuts we guys usually rock.
And the stuff you’re putting in your hair? Waxes, pomades? They’re playing a part too. Depending on what you use and how you use it, you might end up with slicked-together patches or hair that puffs out because the cuticles are all ruffled up.
So What Causes Your Hair to Frizz Up?
The deal with hair turning into a frizzy mess is pretty much the same for you as it is for the ladies – it boils down to the shape your hair’s in, how much moisture it’s holding onto, and what it’s up against out in the wild.
But let’s be real, us guys might have our own set of challenges. Maybe it’s the way we tackle hair care, hormones (too much testosterone), or just how we roll with our daily grooming routine.
Read more: What’s causing your hair to frizz?
Check out these points that lay out why your hair might be freaking out on you:
- Haircut Frequency: Chopping your hair often can mess with its natural state. If you’re not careful, too much cutting can lead to frizz, especially if you’re styling it a lot.
- Heavy Styling Products: Heavy styling products like waxes and pomades can lead to the accumulation of residue on the hair and scalp. This buildup can block moisture from penetrating the hair shaft, causing the hair to become dry, brittle, and frizzy.
- Shampooing Habits: Men who use any kind of shampoo without considering their specific hair type and needs may experience frizz due to the shampoo’s harsh ingredients like sulfates.
- Thicker Hair Texture: Masculine hormones can make your hair thicker and coarser, which might make it seem more resilient but also more prone to frizz if not properly managed.
- Exposure to the Elements: If you’re constantly out in the sun, getting blasted by the wind, or just living it up outdoors, you probably see some wear and tear on your hair. The wear and tear can lead to uneven hair and manifest as frizz.
- Hormonal Differences: Testosterone causes increased sebum production which, if not properly washed out, may contribute to hair issues like frizz.
- Grooming Tools: You might not be all about finding the perfect wide-tooth comb or a gentle brush on your hair, and that’s cool. You probably just grab whatever’s handy, right? But here’s the deal: that move can rough up your hair and lead to some serious breakage and frizz. Worth thinking about if you want to keep your mane smooth and strong.
A Dude’s Ultimate Guide to Taming Frizzy Hair
Tackling frizzy hair is a bit different for us, mostly because our hair is often shorter. Us men style our hair differently and let’s face it, our grooming routine isn’t the same. But don’t sweat it; the core methods to beat the frizz are pretty much the same for everyone.
Now, let me give you the lowdown on some guy-specific ways to get that frizz under control:
1. Choose Appropriate Haircutting Techniques
When picking out a haircut, always go with something that’s gonna play nice with your hair. If your hair has some waves or curls and feels too heavy, ask your barber to throw in some layers to remove the weight. This trick also helps in taming the frizz. Ensure you’re clear with your barber about any frizz troubles so they can cut your hair in a way that keeps it sharp and under control.
2. Change Your Hair Washing Routine
If you’re hitting the shower and shampooing your hair often, you should pick up a shampoo that’s moisturizing and sulfate-free. Consider dialing back the frequency of your washes to let your hair’s natural oils do their thing. And when you do wash, go for lukewarm water instead of cranking up the heat to avoid drying out your locks.
3. Use a Good Hair Conditioner
Don’t skip out on the conditioner, even if you’re rocking short hair. This stuff is key for putting moisture back into your scalp and hair, and it keeps things from getting frizzy. If you’re not into the rinse-out routine, go for a leave-in conditioner. It’s a solid move for keeping things simple without missing out on the benefits.
4. Use Lightweight Hair Styling Products
Consider grabbing some light pomades, creams, or serums that give you control and sleekness but keep things looking natural. Light haistyling products do not cause buildup that forces you to overwash your hair, which leads to dryness.
5. Adopt Gentle Hair Drying Techniques
When drying your hair, gently pat it instead of rubbing it with a towel. This way, you won’t mess up your hair’s cuticle. And if you’re using a hairdryer, pop on a diffuser attachment. It’ll spread the heat out nice and even, helping you dodge any unwanted frizz.
6. Keep Hairstyling Tools to Minimal
Cut down on the heat tools for your hair. If you’ve got to use them, slap on some heat protectant first. It’ll keep your hair from getting fried and reduce frizz.
7. Protect Your Hair
When you’re braving the rough outdoors, throw on a cap. It’ll shield your locks from that pesky humidity and wind that try to frizz things up.
8. Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Fuel your body right if you want your hair to look its best. Eating a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water isn’t just good for your muscles; it’s key for maintaining strong, healthy hair. Many guys skip this step in their grooming routine but trust me, it makes a difference.
9. Avoid Products With Sulfates and Alcohols
You’ve got to know what’s in the stuff you’re putting in your hair. Make sure you’re picking out products that ditch the sulfates and alcohol. Why? Because they can seriously dry out your mane. Stick to the good stuff that keeps your hair looking healthy.
10. Deep Condition Your Hair Once a Week
Don’t let the marketing fool you. Hair masks and deep conditioning treatments work just as well for us guys. Use them once a week to feed your hair and keep that frizz under control.
What Type of Hair Products Should Men Use to Tame Frizz?
When you’re on the hunt for anti-frizz products, you’ve got to realize that men’s hair is often thicker and more coarse than women’s, plus you might be dealing with shorter cuts that require different styling needs. You want to look for lightweight products that don’t weigh your hair down or give it that greasy look.
Here are the types of anti-frizz hair products to consider for men:
- Lightweight: Choose serums or sprays that won’t weigh down your hair. You want something that’ll keep your hair in place without the slick, greased-up look.
- Natural Oils: Look for products with natural oils like argan, jojoba, or coconut oil but in formulations designed for men’s hair. These oils can control frizz while keeping your hair healthy and not overly shiny.
- Protein-Infused: Products with keratin or other proteins can help strengthen your hair. Stronger hair equals less breakage and frizz.
- Matte Finish: Opt for products that advertise a matte finish to avoid the shiny look. They’ll help control the frizz while keeping your style looking natural.
- Anti-Humidity: These products are specifically designed to combat the effects of humidity, which is a major cause of frizz.
- Alcohol-Free: Alcohol can dry out your hair, leading to more frizz. Look for alcohol-free products to keep your hair hydrated.
- Pomades and Waxes: A good pomade or wax can control frizz while also providing hold for short hair. Just make sure it’s light enough and greasy.
- Conditioning Treatments: Deep conditioning treatments can occasionally provide extra moisture and frizz protection.
- Volumizing Products: If you have thinning hair, look for volumizing products to help your hair appear fuller while controlling frizz.
- Heat Protectant: If you use heat styling tools, always use a protectant to prevent damage and frizz.
Anti-frizz Hair Products Made for Guys
1. American Crew Men's Hair Styling Cream
The American Crew Men’s Hair Styling Cream is enriched with ingredients like Panthenol (a long-lasting moisturizer), Copolymer (hair smoothing agent), and castor oil to provide strong holding power for your hair. It prevents your hair from straying and becoming frizzy no matter how humid or windy it gets.
2. Kiehl's Creme with Silk Groom
The Kiehl’s Silk Groom creme is beneficial for men’s frizzy hair because it moisturizes, conditions, protects hair, tames frizz, and provides a non-greasy grooming aid.
3. Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Shaping Cream
The Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Shaping Cream adds texture and manageability to your hair, preventing it from unraveling into frizz. You’ll love this product if you are vegan and strictly against paraben.
4. Baxter of California Clay Pomade Firm Hold
This paraben-free hair styling clay pomade is designed to texturize and mold your hair into shape. It makes your hair resilient to humidity, which prevents frizz.
5. KALIVE Curl Gel for Men
The KALIVE Curl Gel for Men defines curls, reduces frizz, and enhances natural waves, providing a soft, silky feel and bouncy curls.
More: Anti-frizz hair products for all types of hair.
Master Men’s Frizz: Summary of the Grooming Blueprint
If you’re consistently battling frizz, it’s time to switch up your game plan.
That man frizz comes down from getting your hair clipped too often, which can jack up your strands, slapping on too much product, or going to town with your towel when drying off. Besides our manly testosterone ramping up oil production, that can leave your hair flipping between greasy and dry, kicking up that frizz.
Now, to knock that frizz down, you gotta get haircuts that work with, not against, your natural hair type. Pick up a shampoo that’s kind to your hair, and don’t you dare skip the conditioner. Grab some light styling products for guys like us to keep your hair in line without greasing or weighing it down. When drying off, pat your hair, don’t rub it, and maybe use a diffuser to keep things smooth. And don’t forget your beard, man. Oils and balms can keep the wildness at bay.
To shield your locks, think about rocking a hat, ease up on the heat styling, and always use a heat protectant before applying any heat. Get smart about what’s in your hair products, too. Go for hair products without sulfates and alcohol. And, no shame in using a hair mask or deep conditioner. It’s not just for the ladies; it’s for any dude who wants his hair to feel damn good.
About the Author
Jay Budden