As a hairstylist with naturally curly hair, I understand the struggle with frizz all too well. It is quite literally been my life work to manage my own curly head of hair. Living and working in foggy San Francisco, where the air is loaded with humidity, can make it even more of a challenge to maintain smooth, defined curls. But over the years, I’ve learned a few tried-and-true methods to keep frizz at bay. From professional treatments to daily hair care tips, I’m here to share what really works—both in the salon and at home.

Why Does Hair Get Frizzy?

Frizz happens when the outer layer of your hair (the cuticle) lifts, allowing moisture from the environment to enter the hair shaft. This is especially common in humid or foggy climates like San Francisco, where our hair is constantly battling moisture in the air. Hair that is dry or damaged is more likely to frizz, but don’t worry—there are ways to prevent it!

My Top Tips for Taming Frizzy Hair

1. Use a Sulfate-Free Shampoo
   As a stylist, I always recommend starting with a sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfates can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and prone to frizz. Instead, opt for shampoos that contain hydrating ingredients like glycerin, which also acts as a humectant, helping your hair retain moisture even in foggy conditions. This bundle I found online from OUAI is Smoothing Treatment safe!
2. Condition, Condition, Condition!
   Hydration is key to preventing frizz. Use a rich conditioner loaded with emollients like shea butter or coconut oil. For those of us battling San Francisco’s humid fog, humectants like glycerin are especially important. They attract moisture to the hair but, more importantly, help lock it in to keep your hair hydrated and smooth. I am into this one by Redkin right now that hits all my marks!
3. DO NOT TOUCH YOUR HAIR WHEN ITS DRYING!!!
   Right?! Who isn’t doing this yet. For those of us with curly, frizz-prone hair, a hands-off approach can make all the difference! After applying your styling products and setting your curls, resist the urge to touch your hair while it dries. Touching curls too soon disrupts the curl pattern and can lead to frizz. Instead, trust the process and let your hair dry completely. Once it’s fully dry, feel free to gently fluff, shape, and add volume to your liking.
4. Upgrade Your Towel
   Forget traditional terry cloth towels—they’re too rough on delicate hair. Personally, I love using an AQUIS Hair Towels in my salon and at home. They’re designed to absorb moisture quickly while being gentle on the hair, helping reduce frizz and breakage. If you’re looking for a more economical alternative, a microfiber towel works well too, but I can’t recommend AQUIS enough for their superior frizz-fighting capabilities.
5. Cezanne Hair Smoothing Treatment: The Best Option for Frizz Control
   If you’re looking for a long-lasting solution to frizz, especially for curly or wavy hair, the Cezanne Hair Smoothing Treatment is hands down the best option. Unlike harsher treatments that flatten the hair, Cezanne works by smoothing the cuticle without stripping away your natural texture. It leaves your curls or waves intact, but with significantly less frizz. What’s great about it is that you only need to do it 2-3 times a year, making it a low-maintenance, high-impact solution for anyone battling frizz in humid environments like San Francisco. I wrote a blog post about it a while back, you can read it HERE, to learn more!
6. Deep Condition Regularly
   Keep your hair nourished and hydrated with weekly deep conditioning treatments. These treatments penetrate the hair shaft more deeply than regular conditioners, repairing damage and locking in moisture. I recommend using a mask that contains hydrolyzed proteins and humectants like panthenol, especially if you live in a humid climate.
7. Limit Heat Styling
   While it’s tempting to reach for the flat iron on those especially frizzy days, overusing heat tools can make frizz worse. When you do heat style, always apply a heat protectant spray to shield your hair from damage.
8. Use Anti-Frizz Serums and Oils
   Frizz-fighting serums and oils can be a curly girl’s best friend. Look for products containing silicones like dimethicone, which coat the hair and block out humidity(like this one by MoroccanOil). I also recommend lightweight oils like argan or jojoba, which add moisture without weighing your hair down.
9. Sleep on a Silk Pillowcase
   If you’re serious about fighting frizz, swap your cotton pillowcase for a silk one. Silk reduces friction, so you’ll wake up with smoother, tangle-free hair. It’s a small change, but it makes a big difference!

Why Humectants Matter in Foggy San Francisco

Living in a city like San Francisco, where the air is often thick with moisture, you need products that balance moisture levels in your hair. Humectants, like glycerin and panthenol, help pull moisture from the environment into your hair, keeping it hydrated without letting it puff up into a frizzy mess. They’re essential for maintaining smooth, defined curls in a fog-heavy climate like ours.

Final Thoughts

Whether you have curly, wavy, or straight hair, frizz is a common challenge, especially in a humid or foggy climate like San Francisco. But with the right products, techniques, and treatments—such as the Cezanne Hair Smoothing Treatment—it’s absolutely possible to achieve smooth, frizz-free hair. Unlike harsher options, Cezanne is a formaldehyde-free treatment that preserves your hair’s natural texture while taming frizz and enhancing manageability.

As a curly-haired stylist, I understand the ups and downs of frizz control firsthand and am committed to helping you find a personalized approach that respects your hair’s natural beauty.