What Are the Treatments for Dry, Frizzy, Kinky Hair?

Dry and frizzy hair can be the result of bad chemical treatments, over blow-drying the hair or exposure to

extreme sun or humidity, according to Vidal Sassoon's book "Cutting Hair the Vidal Sassoon Way." Naturally curly or kinky hair is also often privy to frizzing, as a result of the curls' wave pattern. Although this can be minimized with hair washing techniques, there are some at-home and salon treatments that can make untamed tresses silkier and more lustrous.






Washing Techniques
Curly, kinky or damaged hair might benefit from different washing techniques. Using a moisture-enriched shampoo as opposed to a clarifying shampoo can help keep the tresses conditioned through the washing phase, as stated in Vidal Sassoon's book. The book further suggests scrubbing only the scalp before massaging the shampoo gently through the hair to avoid tangling. A hair-smoothing conditioner can be applied before rinsing the hair with lukewarm water, and then the hair should be allowed to air dry --- as blow-dryers can further dehydrate the hair.

Anti-frizzing Serums
Anti-frizz serums are at-home treatments that can be used after washing the hair to help tame the frizz. One of the more popular serums available is "Frizz-Ease," a formula that was developed by the John Frieda Company in the early 1990s. The serum contains silicone, which can help to weigh the hair down and reduce its ability to absorb moisture from atmospheric conditions, giving it a smoother, but not greasy, appearance.


Protein-Based "Re-Conditioners"
Other popular home treatments are protein-based "re-conditioners," which are recommended by the Toronto Sun article "Frizz No More" as a temporary solution to battle frizz and tame very curly hair. The base of these formulas is commonly a liquid hydrolyzed protein, which has a pH balance of 6.0. This chemical actually bonds to the cuticle, becoming part of the hair, and as a result it helps to restore shine and sheen. Application of the treatment depends on the various brands' instructions --- some are used in lieu of conditioner, while others are applied after the hair is washed, conditioned and towel dried.

Keratin Treatment
Those with frizzy or kinky hair that are seeking a longer lasting treatment can opt to go to a hair salon for keratin treatments. This hair-smoothing treatment restores and restructures the hair's natural wave pattern by reintroducing the keratin that can fade with time or damage. Although it is not a hair relaxer, the process can reduce frizz and smoothen the hair cuticle. This topical treatment is one of the longer hair-smoothening procedures, with the application lasting approximately 3 hours. But, the result of the process can last for up to 5 months.

Brazilian Blowout
The Brazilian blowout is another salon treatment than can add luster to dry, frizzy hair. The process starts with a formaldehyde-based chemical treatment that is added to the hair after the shampooing stage. The hair is then blown dry and flat-ironed to lock in the chemicals before rewashing the hair. Once the hair is finally dried, the newly treated tresses should lay smooth and flat, free of frizz and cowlicks. The Brazilian blowout is quicker than the keratin treatment, but can damage the hair according to the Los Angeles Times article "Brazilian Blowout Blow-Up: U.S. OSHA Issues Warning about Formaldehyde in Hair-Smoothing Treatment."