Your Biggest Hair Problems—Solved!

I'm Frazzled By Frizz !

The best offense is a good defense. Your game plan:

8 A.M. In the shower, use shampoo and conditioner that contain rich moisturizers, like silicones, panthenol, and shea butter, to help seal the hair's cuticle (outer layer) so it won't absorb moisture in the air (the genesis of frizz). Avoid products that contain volumizing ingredients like wheat, rice, and silk proteins.

8:15 A.M. After showering, wrap your hair in a towel and lightly press it with your palms to help it absorb water—rubbing your hair dry can disturb the cuticle, leading to frizz. Then use a wide-toothed comb to detangle, says Ted Gibson, a hairstylist in New York City.

8:20 A.M. While hair is still damp, apply a generous amount (enough to cover your hair from roots to ends) of a creamy leave-in conditioner; the heavy emollients in the formula prevent frizz. (Try Garnier Fructis Style Sleek & Shine Intensely Smooth Leave-In Conditioning Cream, $6; drugstores.)

8:30 A.M. Once your hair has air-dried about 50 percent, use a large round brush to blow it out, aiming the nozzle of the hair dryer downward.

8:45 A.M. If things are still looking a little fuzzy, rub a small dollop of the same leave-in conditioner you applied to your damp hair between your palms; run it over your dry hair from roots to ends. For coarse and curly hair, spring for a serum instead, and smooth a dime-sized dollop from midlength to ends. The moisturizers in the leave-in conditioner could weigh down your curls if applied to dry hair; the silicones in most serums tend to be more lightweight.

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