Dealing with unruly hair? We've got you. While it might feel impossible to manage, you can tame frizz fast with the right blend of smoothing products and hairstylist tricks. But before we get into the 'all details covered' routine that will leave hair silky and sleek, here are the quick tips our pros recommend for getting unruly hair under control:
- Get hair trimmed every 6–8 weeks.
- Use a smoothing shampoo for every wash.
- Apply a scoopful of a nourishing hair mask once per week.
- Blot (don't rub) hair dry with a microfiber towel for 60 seconds.
- Smooth 2–3 pumps of an oil or leave-in conditioner through lengths and ends.
- Blow-dry straight hair or diffuse waves and curls on a low heat (below 185°C/365°F).
- Target flyaways with a spoolie and a misting of hairspray.
Now let’s explore your full frizz-taming regimen...
But, First – What Causes Frizz?
There are so many reasons your hair might be frizzy. For some of us, it just comes naturally; our hair follicles determine the shape, texture and moisture levels of each strand, which are all factors that affect frizz. But there are other culprits that may be at play, including:
- Dryness and damage: When hair lacks moisture, the cuticle lifts to absorb hydration from the air, leading to frizz. Heat styling, coloring and environmental stressors can all contribute to dryness.
- Split ends and breakage: An extension of damage, split, broken ends can make your hair look frizzy, even if it's not. Regular trims are essential for keeping on top of damage and maintaining smooth, healthy-looking lengths.
- New growth: If you're on a hair growth journey, you may have to deal with temporary unruliness as new strands sprout. A clean spoolie misted with hairspray can help you tame those short flyaways.
- Humidity: Moisture in the air can penetrate the hair shaft, causing strands to swell and disrupt your style – especially if your hair is naturally porous or dry.
What Ingredients Help Control and Smooth Frizz?
To control frizz, you want high-quality oils and milks that improve the smoothness of your hair without weighing it down. For this, we recommend ingredients such as Squalane and Omega-9, which can be found in our ULTIMATE SMOOTH Miracle Oil Serum and ULTIMATE SMOOTH 24/7 Silky Milk. Designed for instant frizz control, the blend of ingredients recreates a protective barrier on the outer layer of the hair shaft, while deeply nourishing from the inside.
The more nourished your hair is, the smoother the hair cuticle will be, making unruly strands easier to style and manage from one wash day to the next.
"MIRACLE OIL SERUM CREATES THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GLASS HAIR FINISH YOU'VE EVER SEEN!"
James Earnshaw (@jhair_stylist), Wella Professionals Ambassador
How to Tame Frizzy, Unruly Hair
Your Wash Day Regimen
Smoother hair starts in the shower, so you need a hard-working wash day regimen. It doesn't have to be complicated; it's all about effective formulas that do most of the work for you. Follow these steps:
1. Reach for a Deeply Nourishing Shampoo
Hair that's frizzy and unruly needs inside-out care to look its smoothest, which is why we've powered ULTIMATE SMOOTH Shampoo with a blend of Squalane and Omega-9. Together, they deeply nourish the inner hair fiber, while recreating a protective outer layer that leaves strands smooth and silky. Massage it into the roots of wet hair, and then rinse the luxurious lather with lukewarm water – never hot water, as it can strip your strands.
How to use:
- Apply a coin-sized amount to wet roots.
- Massage gently using fingertips (not nails).
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- Repeat if needed to remove product build-up.
Best for: All hair types, especially dry, frizzy or unruly strands.
Why it works: Nourishing cleansers help smooth the hair cuticle, so strands are less likely to absorb excess, frizz-boosting humidity from the air.
2. Use a Conditioner That Cares From the Inside Out
It's not just your shampoo that needs to care for hair from the inside out. Take the same approach with your conditioner to create a comprehensive smoothing regimen for all hair types. ULTIMATE SMOOTH Conditioner is a rich, creamy formula that pumps dry, frizzy strands with the nourishment they crave. Let it absorb for up to three minutes to get the full benefit.
How to use:
- Apply a walnut-sized amount through mid-lengths and ends.
- Comb through with fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
- Leave on for 2–3 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Best for: Dry, frizz-prone hair that needs softness, slip and manageability.
Why it works: Conditioners smooth and seal the hair cuticle, reducing roughness and helping strands reflect light better, so even unruly hair appears shinier and less frizzy.
3. Follow a Strict Hair Masking Ritual
At least once per week, treat unruly hair to a smoothing, deep conditioning treatment. ULTIMATE SMOOTH Intense Mask is the dream for frizzy hair, pampering strands back to their silkiest.
How to use:
- Apply a generous scoop (coin- to golf ball-sized) through mid-lengths and ends.
- Want extra nourishment? In the palm of your hand, mix 1-2 drops of ULTIMATE SMOOTH Miracle Oil Serum with a coin-sized amount of ULTIMATE SMOOTH Intense Mask.
- Leave it on for 5–10 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly.
Best for: All hair types, especially dry, frizzy or unruly strands.
Why it works: Hair masks deliver higher concentrations of conditioning ingredients to smooth the hair fiber, giving you longer-lasting frizz control.
4. Pick Your Perfect Leave-In
For richer nourishment, try ULTIMATE SMOOTH Miracle Oil Serum. Work 1-3 drops through damp or dry mid-lengths and ends to instantly smooth frizz, boost shine and help protect against humidity. Best for medium to thick hair or very dry strands.
Why it works: Oils like Squalane create a barrier over the hair cuticle, helping to lock in moisture and prevent excess humidity from entering. The result: smoothness that lasts up to 3 days².
For lightweight smoothing and on-the-go frizz control, try ULTIMATE SMOOTH 24/7 Silky Milk. Smooth a pump through lengths to detangle and tame flyaways without weighing hair down – ideal for fine to medium hair.
Why it works: The lightweight milk delivers nourishment without heaviness, keeping the cuticle smooth while maintaining natural movement.
5. Diffuse Curls for Frizz-Proof Definition
If you have curly hair that's prone to frizz, a diffuser is your best friend.
Here's how to diffuse for reduced frizz:
- Start with damp, not soaking-wet, hair.
- Apply a coin-sized amount of a curl-defining mousse or balm, like NutriCurls Curlixir Balm.
- Flip your head upside down or to the side to boost volume.
- Gently place sections of hair into the diffuser bowl – don’t push or scrunch too harshly.
- Use low heat and low airflow to avoid disrupting the curl pattern.
- Keep the dryer still for a few seconds before moving to the next section.
- Finish with a cool shot to set curls and enhance shine.
Why it works: A diffuser disperses heat more evenly, so you can dry a wider area with more control over your curl pattern. It also stops you from blowing curls out of shape or blasting them with too much hot air, so you get a more defined finish. Think springy, bouncy and beautiful.
1. Reduce Friction Day and Night
Too much friction can cause already-frizzy hair to become even more unruly, so switch to a softly-softly approach when styling.
- Instead of towel-drying hair after washing, blot it dry with a soft t-shirt or microfiber towel. Gently squeeze sections of hair between fabric, avoiding twisting or scrubbing motions.
- Detangle hair only when it's conditioned or damp. Use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush and start from the ends before gradually working upwards.
- Switch from rough cotton to a silk or satin pillowcase, and trade hair elastics for silk scrunchies.
- For extra overnight protection, smooth ULTIMATE REPAIR Night Serum through mid-lengths and ends before you go to bed, then try braiding hair to keep it in place while you sleep. This is the secret to reducing morning frizz.
2. Micro-Oil the Ends of Unruly Hair
If your lengths are prone to frizzing up in between wash days, a lightweight milk is the perfect way to keep hair smooth without overloading your style. ULTIMATE SMOOTH 24/7 Silky Milk delivers a veil of nourishment that tames unruly ends and offers protection against heat damage, all while maintaining natural movement.
How to use:
- Apply 1 pump to dry hair through mid-lengths and ends.
- Focus on areas that feel dry or look fluffy.
- Reapply sparingly throughout the day if needed. It's ideal for on the go.
Why it works: Hydrating milks smooth the hair cuticle without adding weight, helping strands stay soft, flexible and less prone to frizz as the day goes on.
3. Smooth Flyaways with These Quick Fixes
Flyaways still cropping up? Try this targeted approach to tame them fast:
Through the hairline:
- Use a clean, dry spoolie + firm-hold hairspray.
- Lightly brush into place.
Through the crown and parting:
- Mist hairspray onto hands, then smooth over the surface of your hair.
On the lengths and ends:
- Apply 1 drop of a lightweight oil to seal, like ULTIMATE SMOOTH Miracle Oil Serum.
Through curly hair:
- Use a small amount of gel or foam, like EIMI Curl Shaper, to re-form curl clumps.
At the nape of the neck:
- Smooth with a touch of a leave-in, like ULTIMATE REPAIR 5-in-1 Protective Leave-In.
Why it works: Targeted application smooths only the areas that need control, avoiding product overload while keeping your hairstyle polished.
Your Unruly Hair Questions – Answered
Why Does Humidity Make My Hair So Unruly?
Moisture in the air enters the hair shaft, causing it to swell and lose shape. This is more noticeable if your hair is very dry or porous.
How Can I Tame Unruly Hair Quickly Without Washing It?
To tame unruly hair quickly without washing it, use a lightweight milk to smooth the texture. ULTIMATE SMOOTH Silky Milk sinks in fast, helps to smooth straight strands and refreshment curls with instant frizz control.
What Heat Setting Should I Use to Style Unruly Hair?
Use your hot tools on a low heat (below 185°C/365°F), apply a heat protectant and avoid over-handling your hair. Gentle styling helps keep the cuticle smooth and prevents extra disruption.
Is a T-Shirt or Microfiber Towel Better for Drying Unruly Hair?
Both are better than regular towels, as they reduce friction while drying hair. This helps keep the hair cuticle smooth, making unruly strands easier to manage.
How Often Should I Trim Unruly Hair?
Trim unruly hair every 6-8 weeks helps remove split ends and maintain shape. This keeps hair looking more polished and easier to style.
Looking for more advice on your hair care regimen? Discover our virtual hair consultation tool, powered by AI to build a hair care regimen completely bespoke to you.
¹ When using Miracle Oil Serum vs. non-conditioning shampoo.
² If unwashed for 3 days vs. untreated.