Frizzy hair is a common problem that many people struggle with. Frizz occurs when the hair cuticle lifts up, allowing moisture in the air to penetrate the hair shaft. This causes the strands to swell, creating a frizzy appearance. While frizz can’t be cured completely, there are ways for salons to help clients manage and reduce frizz long-term. Here’s an overview of how salons tackle frizzy hair for more permanent results.
Assess the Client’s Hair Type and Needs
The first step is for stylists to analyze each client’s hair to understand what is causing the frizz. This includes assessing:
- Hair type – Is it naturally curly, coily, thick, fine, etc?
- Hair condition – Is the hair dry, damaged, color-treated, etc?
- frizz triggers – Humidity? Heat styling? Product buildup?
- Frizz prone areas – Most often the crown, sides, and nape of neck
This analysis helps determine the best customized treatment plan for that individual. A curly frizz solution will be different than one for fine, straight hair for example.
Deep Cleanse and Condition the Hair
A key step is to deeply cleanse away any dirt, oil, and product residue that may be coating the hair and trapping in frizz-inducing moisture. Salons use clarifying shampoos to thoroughly clean each strand from root to tip. These shampoos contain surfactants that cut through buildup without stripping natural oils.
Next, the hair is treated with a moisturizing and strengthening conditioner. Look for formulas with hydrating ingredients like fatty alcohols and oils. Using a conditioning treatment masque can also help reinforce the hair cuticle against humidity. The result is hydrated, smooth strands.
Customize In-Salon Smoothing Treatments
Salon smoothing treatments are excellent for prolonging frizz control between visits. Different types can be tailored to each client’s hair needs:
Keratin Treatments
Keratin is a protein naturally found in hair that gives it strength and structure. Keratin treatments work by filling gaps in the cuticle with extra keratin to smooth the surface. Results can make frizzy hair up to 75% smoother and last 2-5 months.
Brazilian Blowouts
This popular salon service combines a keratin solution with special heat tools to temporarily seal the cuticle. Frizz can be reduced 70-90% for up to 12 weeks. Formaldehyde-free formulas are now the standard for safety.
Hair Relaxers
Chemical straightening with relaxers is a more permanent option for very curly or coily hair. The products reform the internal bonds in the hair to straighten from within. Results can last up to 6 months with repeated touch-ups.
Cut Hair in Frizz-Reducing Styles
How the hair is cut and shaped plays a big role in managing frizz. Stylists will recommend cuts like:
- Layers: Removing some bulk reduces the weight that can pull curls out of shape and lead to frizz.
- Face-framing: Strategic layering around the face minimizes frizz where it’s most visible.
- Blunt ends: Hemming the ends bluntly seals the cuticle closed for less frizz and more swing.
Incorporating these techniques makes styling smoother for less frizz over time.
Recommend Take-Home Products
Using the right styling products is key for frizz management between salon visits. Stylists may prescribe products like:
- Leave-in conditioners: Hydrates hair and prevents frizz on damp hair before styling.
- Heat protectants: Sheilds hair from damage during heat styling that causes frizz.
- Anti-humectants: Seal out moisture that leads to swelling and frizz.
- Oils or serums: Sleek down the cuticle and provide control for frizz-prone areas.
- Hairsprays: Lock in the look and prevent puffing or frizzing up.
Using these regularly along with the prescribed in-salon treatments keeps hair smooth and frizz-free longer.
Educate on Healthy Styling Techniques
How clients care for and style their hair daily impacts frizz levels. Stylists can provide tips like:
- Shampoo less often and use dry shampoo to refresh.
- Avoid rubbing hair vigorously with towels.
- Always apply products to damp, not dripping wet hair.
- Let air dry when possible instead of blow drying.
- Use lower heat settings if using heated tools.
- Don’t brush curls once dry, finger style instead.
Adopting better home styling habits supports the salon’s frizz-fighting efforts.
Consider Humidity-Blocking Services
For clients with out of control frizz, humidity-blocking salon services can help. These include:
- Permanent straightening: Uses chemicals to permanently rearrange the hair bonds for straight, frizz-free hair.
- Japanese straightening: A specific permanent method that can straighten even very curly hair for months.
- Cysteine conditioning: Treatment that deposits moisture-blocking cysteine to hair, preventing humidity for up to 4 weeks.
These intensive, long-lasting options are best for very humid climates or when other fixes fail.
Repeat Treatments Regularly
The key for salons is not treating frizzy hair as a one-time fix. Repeating tailored treatments and services consistently over time leads to better, longer-lasting results. Many clients benefit from scheduled services like:
- Clarifying shampoos every 2-4 weeks
- Deep conditioning treatments monthly
- In-salon smoothing every 8-12 weeks
- Haircuts every 8-12 weeks to maintain optimal shaping
Working closely with clients to stick to these regimens helps salons effectively control frizz and keep hair sleeker long-term.
Conclusion
Completely eliminating frizz permanently is difficult, especially in hot, humid environments. However, salons can dramatically reduce frizz and maintain smoother, frizz-free hair with consistent care. Assessing each client’s hair needs, repairing damage, protective in-salon treatments, take-home products, and styling education combine to fight frizz over the long-term. With customized, repeated treatments salons can achieve longer periods of frizz-free hair for clients seeking smoother styles.