Aging Backwards Tuesday Tips #3: Tame Your Frizzies

Summers can be hot and sticky, with humidity making every day a bad hair day. Frizzy hair can be frustrating and make us feel unattractive, but there are ways to combat the fuzzy frizz.

Let's start with what actually causes hair to look "frizzy." When hair is in good condition, the cuticle layers of the hair lay flatter, resulting in shiny, smooth hair. When hair is lacking moisture, the cuticle layers are not as tightly packed together, which causes the hair to look dull and frizzy. Getting a good haircut helps tame frizz because split ends, which are minimized with a haircut, are among the leading causes of frizz. Damage that occurs from everyday "wear and tear" like brushing and combing, using rubber bands or clips in the hair and getting your hair caught under purse straps can all lead to split ends.

Here are my Top Five Aging Backwards Tips To Tame Frizz:

1) Gently brush or comb your hair before you wash it. Hair is at its weakest when wet, so removing tangles before washing will prevent you from having to "yank" them out right after shampooing when the hair is still wet and delicate.

2) Use a shampoo and conditioner formulated to add shine and reduce frizz. My favorite is Pantene Pro-V Ice Shine. It promises to "Transform even dull hair to gorgeous, brilliant hair." According to the product description, Ice Shine Shampoo removes dirt, oil and styling products. The Conditioner helps to create the appearance of uniform strands so hair fibers lie next to each other to create a smooth, glossy surface. When used together as a system, you'll see hair that is naturally reflective with smooth and shining strands that beam with a healthy look. This duo delivers what it promises! I recently tried Ice Shine and as soon as I put the conditioner in my hair I knew it was different than any other product I'd tried before. My hair became so smooth immediately that I could run my fingers through it - something I could never do before without encountering tangles. Once dried, my hair was shiny, straight, soft, frizz-free and gorgeous even through a sultry, sticky Florida weekend. Here's a link to find out more about Pro-V Ice Shine.

3) Rinse hair very well after shampooing and conditioning. Try to rinse for at least two minutes or even longer if your hair is especially thick and long. It's best to rinse in the direction of the hair's cuticle with your head back and the water flowing from forehead to ends. Just before you get out of the shower, blast your hair with cold water - as cold as you can stand it - to close the hair's cuticle making it smoother and shinier.

4) Here's a quick-fix for frizzies: run a dryer sheet, like Bounce, over the hair. It leaves no residue and tames those flyaways. You can also use a little bit of coconut oil, one of my favorite treasures from Mother Nature. Rub a tiny bit of coconut oil into your palms and smooth lightly over the top layer of dry hair. It has a sweet, delicate scent, too. Remember, a little goes a long way.

5) When blow-drying your hair, use a metal barrel or boar-bristle brush and dry in the direction of the hair cuticle - from roots to ends. Keep the blow dryer above the head at all times. Avoid drying from underneath. I like to dry my hair on medium instead of hot. It takes a little longer, but it's worth it to minimize the damage that excessive heat can cause. When the hair is completely dry, use the cool-shot button on your blow-dryer to cool and smooth the hair.

So, if you've been battling the frizzies, you now have an arsenal at your disposal to help you win the fight.