10 Ways to Frizz-Proof Your Wavy Hair Layers

Having wavy hair layers is a blessing and a curse. Sure, you never have to worry about waking up to flat, limp locks, but you constantly have to deal with major texture and messy-looking hair. You may be tempted to have your strands straightened or rebonded, but before you do, try these frizz-fighting tricks to get them under control.

Let’s get things straight: there is no one “right shampoo” for all hair types. Your ideal formula will depend on your hair’s current condition and needs. If you’re dealing with frizzy hair layers, a moisturizing shampoo would be more suitable over a volumizing or clarifying variant. Try a product like Sunsilk Smooth & Manageable Shampoo, which is infused with five flower essences in a smoothing recipe to make your wavy hairstyle five times smoother.

You can skip shampoo but never skip conditioner. Wavy hair tends to be dryer because the oils from your scalp don’t travel down the hair shaft as easily as they would in straight hair. That makes your locks more prone to frizz. Conditioner helps address this by depositing a protective coating up to the ends of your hair. Try Cream Silk Ultimate Reborn Long and Luscious Conditioner, which uses argan, rosehip, and marula oils to keep moisture locked in the hair.

Rubbing your hair vigorously with a towel won’t make it dry faster, so you might as well use a gentler approach. After showering, grab a microfiber towel, which is more absorbent and reduces frizz. Next, pat and squeeze your strands instead of rubbing, focusing on the ends. You may wrap the towel around your head for a few minutes to absorb more water before using a hair dryer.

If you have wavy curls or a multi-layer haircut (or plain wavy hair, TBH), serums are your best friend. They tame frizz without weighing your locks down and boost shine. Apply a pea-sized amount on clean and dry hair, focusing on your ends. Make sure to coat the strands in the back, too!

Want to wear a sleek ponytail or bun? Frizz-proof your wavy hair layers with a brush and some hairspray or spray gel. You’ll need a smoothing brush or anything with soft, compact bristles, and a light to medium-hold hairspray or spray gel. Spritz the product onto the brush, making sure to coat it evenly, and then use it to style accordingly.

To smooth long, layered hair, put it up in a low bun or top knot, depending on how high you want your waves. Do this when your hair is 95% dry for a more defined style. If you want even smoother locks, wear the bun overnight. Use a silk scrunchie or soft socks to hold your hair in place while you get your beauty sleep.

Everyone knows blow-drying makes the hair more prone to damage, but what’s a girl to do? Wet hair is even more fragile and leaving it to air-dry means making it vulnerable to breakage. You can’t win... or can you? Enter the “cold air” setting on your hair dryer. Once your strands are dry, switch to cold air to help seal your hair cuticles and reduce frizz by locking in moisture.

An ionic brush is another nice-to-have if you have wavy hair layers. The ionizer in the brush produces negative ions to neutralize the positive charge of static electricity, leaving the hair smooth, neat, and shiny. It doesn’t straighten the hair like thermal brushes, but it does make layered hair look sleek.

What’s wrong with frizzy hair, anyway? If you’re one to go against the grain, why not lean into the frizz instead of trying to fight it? Rock a messy bedhead with sea salt spray, which will give you the kind of texture and volume that screams, “Woke up like this.” You’ll be the coolest woman in the room.

Resisting your hair’s natural texture, a.k.a. straightening wavy or curly hair, often leads to frizz. You can embrace your natural waves by drying your hair using a diffuser, instead of trying to smooth it with a brush. This only works if you prep your hair with a mousse or leave-in conditioner, so make sure to drench your strands in product. Try not to touch your hair too much while diffusing or you’ll disrupt your wave pattern anyway.

You don’t have to endure another day of unruly wavy hair layers. Try the tips above and make small adjustments to suit your needs (such as choosing the right products for your hair’s condition). Create a system that works for you and have fun with it!