How to Tame Frizzy Hair

Summer, while great for the beach and going outdoors, can wreak some serious havoc on your hair - especially when there's moisture in the air. You may end up leaving the house for a day out in the sun with perfectly smooth hair, but by the end of the day, your tresses have gone limp and fuzzy.

Before you go out and buy anything to put in your hair, starting with the right tools maximizes the effect. So, make sure you have a diffuser for your hair dryer (a flat nozzle to attach to your dryer that allows you to effectively narrow in on sections of your hair without adding more fuzz). Many hair dryers - even really cheap ones - oftentimes come with a diffuser attachment, so read the labels for it.

Invest in a comb with wide teeth to comb your hair after washing it. This allows you to detangle without pulling out hair or breaking your hair. It also makes blow drying a lot easier.

Wait until your hair is semi-dry before blow drying. This lessens the amount of time you have your hair under the heat. Also, when blow drying your hair, it may be useful for you to bend over and blow dry your hair from under. It gives you a lot more control over how the ends will be dried.

Now, if you have to blow dry your hair straight and smooth regularly, here are some products that will help make the job a lot easier.

John Frieda Frizz-Ease Hair Serum (Original or Extra Strength): Generally speaking, serums are excellent for those with extremely course or dry hair that will suck up the oily residue these products leave behind. John Frieda's Frizz-Ease Hair Serums are often referred to as the miracle product for people with curly hair wanting to tame their tresses. The reason why these products are so effective is because they have a high concentration of oils that obviously leaves unruly or overly dry hair shiny and more tame looking. But for those with fine or maybe more manageable hair, less is definitely more. If you don't have the same frizz problems as those with curly hair (that are trying to blow dry their hair straight), a couple drops of this serum on the ends (avoid the roots) is good for keeping hair smooth. But like most serums, it always tends to feel as though you're "wearing" product in your hair after an hour or so.
Price: $7
Where: Drugstores

Bumble and Bumble Prep Spray: This spray is great if you're looking for a light product to put in your hair prior to blow drying your hair straight and then styling it. After washing hair, towel dry it, comb it and then spray this product in for easier styling. You will still need to blow dry your hair, but after you are done you will definitely notice a difference. Your hair will be smoother and it will be easier to style after you're done. You will also notice as you are drying your hair, that it is easier to blow dry your hair in whatever direction or style you are attempting to do.
Price: $17
Where: BumbleandBumble.com

Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion: This product is meant to leave your hair with that "piecey" sort of texture, but I've also found it works double duty to tame your hair. Just run about a quarter-size dollop of this product into damp hair and blow dry straight. You will notice that your hair is a lot smoother. If you have fine hair that is frizzy, this may weigh your hair down, so use sparingly. I would suggest this as a good tool for those with course or medium weight hair. I also think this great for a quick-fix on split ends for any hair type.
Price: $4
Where: Drugstores

Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Weightless Anti Frizz Serum: Use this if you have curly hair or very course and unruly hair that you are trying to blow dry straight. I think this is a very potent product that isn't really preferred on those with fine or medium hair, because it tends to leave an oily film behind. That is why I think it is best for those with very dry hair. If you do decide to use this product, use it sparingly. It's easy to put gobs of gel or product in your hair, while it is damp, because it doesn't seem like there is any effect, but once it's dry your hair ends up being very oily. The scent is nice, but this isn't the product for those who like to use products liberally.
Price: $6
Where: Drugstores

Biosilk: Love this product. This is good for people with already straight hair just looking for something to tame the frizzies but something that still leaves their hair smooth and soft. It can also work for those with curly hair, but if you have especially unruly hair this may not be powerful enough to tame frizzy hair. This is the only serum that I've come across that does not leave an annoying oil slick on your head - even if you accidentally put way too much on. I've bought a 2.26-ounce bottle for $12 that has lasted me for what seems like forever. All you need is just a couple of drops before blow drying your hair. And it has a really great scent to - nothing too over powering, fruity or floral. It just makes your hair smell like you just came out of the salon.
Price: $12
Where: Salons or beauty supply stores

Dove Therapy Frizz Control Taming Cream: The label says it's for rebellious or unmanageable hair. I don't find this very powerful on extremely thick, curly and course hair that needs to be straightened. However, I think this is excellent for those with fine hair, because it doesn't leave a horrible residue on your hair after drying. I also think it's a great leave-in tool for those wanting smoother ends. I also like the fact that it has a very clean smell - much like the rest of Dove's product line.
Price: $5
Where: Drugstores

Frederik Fekkai Glossing Cream: This is one part cream, one part serum in texture meaning it doesn't have the weight of a heavy cream but is not oily like a serum. Fekkai's glossing cream is great for either before or after styling. Use in wet hair if you want extra help with styling. Use after blow drying and styling to create a shiny, silky hair (if you have fine hair). It doesn't weigh your hair down and quickly absorbs into hair. Plus, it has the best scent - almost like a citrus-like smell. It's fantastic.
Price: $20
Where: Sephora.com

Samy Smooth Reaction: This smoothing cream is wonderful. It takes care of frizzy hair from the extremely course and curly, to very fine hair. Plus, it also seems to moisturize my hair. Put in prior to blow drying. It smells great and also seems to aid in the styling process if you flat iron or curl your hair after blow drying. It doesn't leave flakes or any sort of residue in your hair either as some creams tend to do (that are overly heavy or have too much alcohol).
Price: $10
Where: Beauty Supply Stores such as Sally Hansen