How to Care for Dry, Frizzy Hair

TL;DR:

• Dry and frizzy usually go together — when hair is dry, the cuticle lifts and absorbs moisture unevenly from the air
• A moisturising sulphate-free shampoo and weekly mask are the foundation of any dry frizzy hair routine
• Leave-in conditioner is the most underused product for frizzy hair — it controls frizz throughout the day, not just after washing
• Heat protection is non-negotiable — heat styling without protection makes frizz worse over time
• Not all frizz is damage — but if your hair feels weak or snapping, add a repair treatment alongside moisture care

Frizzy hair has a bad reputation. People spend years fighting it with the wrong products, getting temporary results, and wondering why nothing sticks. The truth is that frizz is almost always a symptom of dry hair — and once you fix the dryness, the frizz follows.

Here's what our team recommends for dry, frizzy hair at every texture and level of concern.

Meet the experts:
Royston and Warren at Cavendish Square — Judy, head trainer — Lewis, owner — Jackie at Gardens Centre — Debbie and Nikí at V&A Waterfront — Danny and Charlene at Canal Walk — Lynette, Samantha and Dominique at Constantia Village

01 — Why Dry Hair Goes Frizzy — and What That Means for Your Routine

Frizz happens when the hair cuticle is raised or rough. A raised cuticle absorbs moisture unevenly from the air — which causes the shaft to swell unpredictably, creating that puffy, undefined look. The fix isn't anti-frizz products. It's moisture.

"Anti-frizz sprays and serums are finishing products — they manage frizz on the surface," says Lewis. "But if the hair is dry underneath, the frizz keeps coming back. You need to address the dryness first. That starts with your shampoo and mask routine."

02 — Choose a Shampoo That Moisturises Without Stripping

The worst thing you can do for dry frizzy hair is use a shampoo that strips moisture from the hair while cleansing. Sulphates are the main culprit — they're effective but aggressive, and they leave the hair feeling rough and porous after every wash.

"Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo is brilliant for dry frizzy hair," says Charlene at Canal Walk. "Moisture-led, argan-oil-based, gives shine without weight. For clients who need stronger frizz control — especially in Cape Town's humidity — we go to Redken Frizz Dismiss or Kérastase Discipline."

Fine frizzy hair: lightweight hydrating shampoo. Thick, coarse, curly frizzy hair: richer nourishing formula. Colour-treated frizzy hair: sulphate-free and colour-safe.

03 — Mask Once a Week — It's the Biggest Change You Can Make

A weekly mask does what conditioner can't — it penetrates deeper into the hair shaft and stays on long enough to actually nourish the fibre. For dry frizzy hair, this step is the single biggest upgrade you can make to your routine.

"Five minutes is the minimum," says Judy, head trainer. "Ten is better. The difference between rinsing a mask immediately and leaving it properly is significant. Clients who do this consistently see softer, smoother hair within two to three weeks."

For dry frizz: Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask. For coarse smoothing: Kérastase Discipline Maskeratine. For dry colour-treated frizz: Pureology Smooth Perfection Treatment. For damaged frizzy hair: Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Mask.

04 — Apply Leave-In Conditioner After Every Wash

A leave-in conditioner stays on the hair after washing — which means it keeps working throughout the day. For frizzy hair, this is critical. It maintains the moisture from your mask, protects the cuticle from humidity, and gives you much better control between washes.

"Most frizz-prone clients skip this step," says Debbie at the Waterfront. "They condition in the shower, rinse it out, and wonder why the frizz comes back by lunchtime. A leave-in is what holds everything together. Fine hair: lightweight spray. Thick or curly hair: cream or milk."

05 — Use Heat Protection and Turn Your Tools Down

Heat styling without protection makes dry frizzy hair progressively worse. Hot tools force the cuticle open, releasing moisture and roughing up the surface — which means more frizz, more dryness, and more reliance on products to manage what the heat created.

"Turn your tools down," says Nikí at the Waterfront. "150 to 180 degrees is enough for fine frizzy hair. No more than 200 for thicker hair. The lower the heat, the smoother the result — and the less damage you're accumulating with every styling session."

Apply heat protectant to damp hair before blow-drying. For a smoothing blow-dry, use a round brush and direct the airflow down the hair shaft — this flattens the cuticle rather than roughing it up.

06 — Finish With Oil or Serum on the Ends

Oil and serum don't fix frizz from the inside — they smooth the surface and add the shine and polish that makes frizzy hair look controlled and healthy. Use them as the final step, not a substitute for conditioning.

"A tiny amount of Moroccanoil Treatment worked through damp ends before blow-drying transforms the result," says Danny at Canal Walk. "Same with Kérastase Elixir Ultime on dry hair for shine and polish. Less is more — one or two drops is enough. More than that and it looks greasy."

Frequently Asked Questions

What helps dry frizzy hair most?

A consistent routine: sulphate-free moisturising shampoo, conditioner every wash, weekly mask, leave-in conditioner, and heat protection before styling. These five steps together address the dryness that causes frizz.

Which shampoo is best for dry frizzy hair?

Moroccanoil Hydrating for moisture and shine, Redken Frizz Dismiss for stronger frizz control, Kérastase Discipline for premium smoothing. Fine frizzy hair needs lightweight hydration. Thick or coarse frizzy hair can handle richer formulas.

Is oil good for dry frizzy hair?

As a finishing step, yes. Oil smooths the cuticle surface and adds shine. But it won't fix dryness from the inside — that's what your mask and conditioner routine is for.

Why does my hair go frizzy after washing?

Usually because the hair isn't conditioned enough, the cuticle is rough or porous, or the hair is dried too roughly. Squeeze — don't rub — with a towel. Apply leave-in while still damp. Use heat protection before blow-drying.

Can dry frizzy hair be repaired?

If frizz is caused by dryness, consistent moisture care makes a significant difference. If it's caused by damage from bleach, colour or heat, repair-focused treatments are also needed. Split ends won't improve without trimming.

How often should I use a mask for frizzy hair?

Once a week for most hair types. Very thick, coarse or curly frizzy hair may benefit from twice a week. Fine hair should use a lighter mask to avoid flatness.

Shop professional products for dry frizzy hair at Partners Hair, or find your nearest salon for expert advice. Free delivery on orders over R390.