Summer is all about embracing bigger, bolder curls. But when the heat and humidity roll in, it can be difficult to tell the difference between frizz vs volume.
The truth is, you don’t have to sacrifice definition to achieve full, voluminous curls. Understanding what causes frizz and how to style your hair properly can help you enjoy your biggest curls yet all season long.
Understanding Volume vs. Frizz
Although they can make your hair appear fuller, volume and frizz are not the same thing.
Volume is intentional lift and fullness. Your curls maintain their natural shape while creating body, bounce, and movement from the roots to the ends.
Frizz, on the other hand, happens when the hair cuticle becomes raised or disrupted, causing strands to separate from the curl pattern. Instead of looking defined, curls may appear puffy, dry, or uneven.
A little frizz is completely natural and part of embracing textured hair. The goal isn’t perfectly smooth curls, but healthy, defined curls with the volume you want.
What Actually Causes Frizz?
Humidity often gets the blame, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Frizz occurs when the hair cuticle is disrupted, and several factors can contribute to that.
Humidity
When the air is humid, dry hair absorbs moisture from the environment. This causes the hair shaft to swell unevenly, lifting the cuticle and disrupting your curl pattern. Well-moisturized hair is less likely to absorb excess moisture, making it more resistant to humidity.
Damage & High Porosity Hair
Hair that has been chemically treated, frequently heat-styled, or is naturally high porosity has a more open cuticle layer. This allows moisture to move in and out of the hair more easily, making curls more prone to dryness, frizz, and loss of definition.
Mechanical Friction
Everyday habits can also create frizz. Rough towel drying, sleeping on cotton pillowcases, and constantly touching your curls can all rough up the cuticle and separate curl clumps. Using a microfiber towel or soft cotton T-shirt and switching to a satin or silk pillowcase can help minimize unnecessary friction.
Improper Styling
Applying products to hair that’s too dry, skipping a moisturizing leave-in conditioner, or touching your curls before they’re completely dry can all contribute to frizz. Building your routine with products that hydrate, define, and lock in moisture helps curls stay smooth and defined.
How to Achieve Big, Voluminous Curls
Big curls start with healthy, hydrated hair. When your curls have the moisture they need, they’re able to expand naturally without becoming dry or puffy.
Start your routine with Good Hair Leave-In Conditioner to provide lightweight hydration and prepare your curls for styling. Follow with Curly Magic Curl Stimulator to define your curl pattern and help smooth the cuticle, then layer Soul Bounce Texture Defining Mousse to add flexible hold, shine, and airy volume.
To maximize fullness, focus on lifting your roots instead of separating your curl clumps while your hair is wet. Root clipping, diffusing upside down, or gently fluffing the roots once your hair is completely dry can all help create bigger curls without disrupting definition.
If your curls need a refresh between wash days, revive them with Thirsty Curls Leave-In Curl Revitalizer instead of applying more styling products. And when summer heat, chlorine, or sun exposure leaves your hair feeling dry, treat it with Heal & Renew Intensive Hair Masque to restore moisture and keep your curls healthy.
This summer, don’t choose between definition and volume. With the right routine, you can enjoy soft, defined curls that are full of movement, bounce, and personality.
Express yourself with curls that are as bold as you are.
