Taming the beast that is frizzy hair is no mean feat, as anyone who suffers from it knows every time they walk outside. Sure, you might spend the best part of an hour making your do look its best, but within a couple of hours you’re left with stray-away hairs. So what’s causing that frizz? It occurs when the cuticle layers of your scalp are raised, allowing moisture to enter them. As a result, hair becomes the opposite of smooth and instead strands are rigid and crinkled. That’s why when it rains or you’re in a humid country, the hairs on your head won’t stay down, even with the help of pomade.
With that in mind, we spoke to Alex Johnston, general manager at John Bell & Croyden, the pharmacist to Her Majesty The Queen, to find out what can be done. Herewith, Johnston’s top tips.
Maintenance
“When it comes to fighting frizz, it all starts in the shower. A best men's shampoo and conditioner (conditioner is essential) are the starting points for smooth hair. Good scalp maintenance is very important to the overall health of your hair. Healthy follicles mean stronger and thicker hair, so choose a shampoo and conditioner that has scalp-caring properties.“For frizzy hair, especially if it is fine, frizzy hair, I would recommend either a thickening or moisturising shampoo and conditioner, such as Sachajuan’s.”
- Thickening Conditioner by Sachajuan, £25. At John Bell & Croyden.
- Thickening Shampoo by Sachajuan, £25. At John Bell & Croyden.
Post-shower care
“Getting moisture into your hair is key when it comes to banishing frizz and there is nothing better than argan oil to help with this. I use Balmain’s Argan Moisturizing Elixir, but as my hair is fine, I use it overnight, as it would weigh down dry hair. On the other hand, if your hair is thick and frizzy, this is the perfect product to tame and define your hair once it’s dry.”
Styling
“Smooth hair starts with a hairdryer - this is a fact - but you should protect you hair from the heat to stop it drying out. Phyto’s Phytodéfrisant is incredible for smoothness and control. You simply rub it through your hair when it is damp and then blow-dry. For fine hair, the addition of Phyto’s Phytodensia Plumping Serum will also thicken your hair as you dry.”
- Phytodefrisant Botanical Straightening Serum, £18.50. At John Bell & Croyden.
“For those really humid days when you know your hair is never going to stay flat and smooth, I reach for Sachajuan’s Ocean Mist spray. You can apply it to wet or dry hair, but, either way, it gives your hair texture and volume that holds - and no frizz.”
Finishing advice
A good wax will define your style and lock your hair into place. To avoid frizz you want to put in a barrier between your hair and outside moisture to keep the former smooth. For fine hair, a fibre paste or texturising wax will give more volume and thickness. Or for thicker hair, a smoother wax or pomade will work.
“Finally, hairspray is the friend to the frizzy - a good coating is a literal barrier to frizz. I'M A GUY with curly hair. That means I’ve never rolled out of bed without doing some light styling before heading out. The unfortunate truth is that these types of locks require a lot more attention than straight hair to look presentable. Because of that, most of us end up using way too many products.”
Haircare can already be overwhelming for men, especially for those with curls. No two patterns are alike, either, and so it's important to identify exactly what you have going on up there. There’s an entire scale for that, which I suggest you check out (for what it’s worth, I have type 3C curls). Either way, I’ve lived with curly hair for 27 years and counting, which means I've had to master the art of fighting the summer humidity, winter winds, and everything else that causes frizz and dry hair. Below, I’ve ironed out the core parts of my routine by product type. I’ve laid it all out based on the order of when I use each, and from there I’ve included my favorite brands and products that have worked for me, plus other great options for curly-haired fellas with different patterns than me. They're all filled with healthy ingredients made to treat your hair right while enhancing its appearance. With these, you'll be sure to have the best, most defined, hydrated, buoyant, and healthy curls possible. Every day will be a good hair day.
Best Curly Hair Shampoos
On wash days (which should not be every day, especially for those with curly hair), you want to make sure you're using a hydrating shampoo to start. Most shampoos strip your hair of its natural oils, but opting for ones that prioritize moisturizing ingredients is a good step. Look for products that contain biotin, coconut oil, argan oil, and protein bases (amongst others), as these cleanse and hydrate hair.
- Huron Wash and Strengthen Shampoo
- Aveda Be Curly Advanced Shampoo
- Dr. Groot Scalp Revitalizing Solution Hair Thickening Shampoo
- Cécred Hydrating Shampoo
Best Curly Hair Conditioners
Your conditioner is equally important. Regardless of how hydrating your shampoo is, you’ll still want to replenish your follicles with some extra moisture. I use conditioner even on the days I don't shampoo, just to ensure I'm keeping it all tamed up there.
- Native Curl Care Conditioner
- Aveda Be Curly Advanced Conditioner
- Dr. Groot Hair Thickening Conditioner
- Curlsmith Multi-Tasking Conditioner
Best Curly Hair Deep Conditioners and Masks
Here's where some guys might not realize they're missing out. A deep conditioner (also known as a hair mask) is a complete game-changer. Briogeo Deep Conditioning Mask is a standout, with Matrix Food For Soft Rich Hydrating Treatment Mask and Dove Intensive Repair Mask also mentioned. Ouai provides a solid option for more wavy and loose curls.
- Briogeo Deep Conditioning Mask
- Matrix Food For Soft Rich Hydrating Treatment Mask
- Ouai Thick Hair Treatment Masque
- Dove Intensive Repair Mask
Best Curl Creams
After cleansing and treating my hair, it’s time to style it. I almost always go in for a curl cream while my hair is still soaking wet from my shower. A cream helps extend the work your conditioner and hair masks have done by coating each strand with nourishing ingredients. This further prevents frizz and volume loss throughout the day.
- Harry's Taming Hair Cream
- Aveda Be Curly Advanced Curl Enhancer Cream
- Curlsmith Awestruck Definition Cream
- Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream
Best Styling Gels
Gel is all about keeping everything in place, which is vital for all curly hair. The hard part is finding one that doesn’t leave hair crunchy. For looser curls, lightweight formulas help prevent weighing down; thicker gels suit tighter curls but can leave crunch unless scrunched out later.
- Aveda Be Curly Advanced Hair Gel
- Dove Men Styling Gel
- Harry's Sculpting Hair Gel
How To Fix Frizzy Wavy Hair
These selections reflect a practical approach: hydrate, protect from heat, and use the right balance of products to maintain smoothness and control in varying humidity and weather conditions. By identifying your curl type and following a routine that layers moisture, protection, and hold, you can drastically reduce frizz and achieve reliable, well-defined hair day after day.