Why does hair frizz? And how to stop fighting it

Whether it’s oil to slick the flyaways back, straightening to calm it down, or sleeping in a silk bonnet to stop your hair getting quite so crazy overnight, these things just combat the symptoms. They don’t get to the root cause.

Frizz is simply your hair asking for something it isn’t getting yet.

Once you understand why it happens, it becomes much easier to understand how to stop frizzy wavy hair.

If, like me, you grew up in the noughties, you were probably taught that sleek, smooth hair was the goal. Unruly and untamed hair was another thing we had to keep on top of.

But the reality is, frizz is a pretty normal part of having wavy hair.

Frizz is usually due to two things: dryness and disruption.

Wavy hair naturally struggles to hold onto moisture. Oils from the scalp don’t travel easily down bends and curves, so the ends dry out faster.

When hair is thirsty, it reaches for moisture in the air, especially in humid weather (if you’ve seen that Friends episode, you know), and that’s when frizz appears.

Frizz can also show up when your wave pattern is disturbed. Things like rough towel-drying, brushing when dry, or constantly touching your hair can break up clumps and encourage flyaways.

Most of us have probably woken up in the morning, looked in the mirror, and immediately reached for the straighteners to get things under control.

But fighting frizz often means stripping, smoothing, or forcing hair into submission. And that tends to leave waves weaker, drier, and more unpredictable over time.

Instead of asking, “How do I get rid of frizz?” we need to think about what our hair is trying to tell us.

You don’t need a complicated routine or perfect technique. Just a change of mindset, and a few new habits.

Step 1: Washing

Most shampoos are made to leave hair feeling squeaky clean. For wavy hair, that usually means too much has been stripped away. You should be looking for gentle, hydrating formulas that clean without getting rid of all the good stuff.

Look for ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, and plant oils. Avoid ingredients like sulphates and alcohol.

Step 2: Brushing

Wavy hair is most fragile when it’s wet, but that’s when it’s also most likely to play nice.

So, use a wide-tooth comb, not a hairbrush. Brushes pull waves apart, create friction, and turn definition into fluff. A wide-tooth comb works with your natural pattern, helping waves clump rather than fray.

Step 3: Drying(ish)

When it comes to drying, softer is better. Rubbing your hair with a regular towel roughs up the cuticle, which encourages frizz to do its thing. A microfibre wrap (or even a soft cotton t-shirt!) absorbs excess water without disturbing your waves.

Step 4: Treating

Moisture is the last big piece of the puzzle. Wavy hair doesn’t just need extra hydration; it needs extra help holding onto it.

A lightweight oil can make all the difference here, especially when applied while hair is still wet. The oil locks in moisture whilst it’s still there, to prevent hair drying out too quickly and reaching for the skies later.

Merwave Wavy Hair Oil is designed for this exact step in your haircare routine. It’s lightweight, fragrance-free, and made to seal in moisture without weighing waves down.

Healthy waves might never be perfect, but they will thrive when they’re hydrated, supported, and left alone to do their thing.

The real shift isn’t in your hair, it’s in your head. Frizz often disappears when we stop trying to erase our natural texture and start understanding it instead.