There are days when hair looks exactly how we want it to: smooth, shiny, manageable. And then there are those days when tiny hairs stand up, the ends become dry, and the whole hairstyle feels “nervous.” It’s not a matter of personality. It’s usually a matter of humidity , friction, heat, washing, sleeping, and the way the hair cuticle behaves that day.
This article is a gentle, practical guide to frizzy hair and pressure-free straightening . We talk about why frizz occurs, how to calm your hair when you live a fast-paced life (especially if you work in a restaurant , cafe, or local business where steam, heat, and tied hair are a daily occurrence), and how to choose a shampoo that supports smoothness. In one section, we even mention a specific example: OGX Brazilian Keratin Smooth shampoo from the Apotekarica webshop.
Content
- What is frizz and why does it appear?
- Cuticle, porosity and “calm” hair
- Habits that really reduce frizz
- Hair in the restaurant and on shifts: steam, heat and tying
- The role of shampoo: cleaning without “scraping”
- OGX Brazilian Keratin Smooth: what it contains and how to blend it
- Example of a calm routine (10 minutes)
- FAQ: frequently asked questions
What is frizz and why does it appear?
Frizz , simply put, is a sign that hair is seeking balance: either it lacks moisture, or its structure is more open and "catches" moisture from the air. In both cases, the result is similar: hair looks puffy, doesn't hold its shape, and the surface is not smooth.
The most common triggers are:
- humidity in the air (rain, steam, kitchen, summer)
- heat and frequent blow-drying without protection
- friction (towel, pillowcase, tight rubber bands)
- too strong shampoos or too frequent "squeaky" washing
- damaged tips and high porosity
The good news: Frizz isn't a judgment. It's a message. And messages can be calmed down — with consistency, gentleness, and the right order of steps.
Cuticle, porosity and “calm” hair
The surface of the hair is like a roof of tiny tiles — it's the cuticle . When the "tiles" are laid flat, the hair looks smooth and reflects light (shine). When they are raised, the hair tangles more easily, loses moisture, and looks drier.
Hair porosity describes how easily hair absorbs and loses water. High porosity often means that hair absorbs moisture quickly, but also loses it quickly — and frizz results. A combination of gentle washing + good conditioner/nourishment + heat protection + less friction helps here.
One idea that changes the approach
Do not try to "beat" the hair. Try to calm her down. When you reduce her stress (friction, aggressive washing, heat), she returns to a better balance by herself.
Habits that really reduce frizz
1) A towel that doesn't "bite"
Most frizz occurs right after washing — when we rub our hair roughly with a towel. Instead, gently squeeze out the water and pat. If you have a microfiber or cotton t-shirt, this is often even more gentle.
2) Conditioner as a mandatory step (not a luxury)
Conditioner helps smooth the surface and makes combing easier. Hair that breaks less and tangles less — less frizz. Apply primarily to the lengths and ends, not necessarily to the scalp.
3) Warmth along the borders
Blow dryers and flat irons are not “forbidden,” but they demand respect. If you use heat, introduce a heat protectant and try to lower the temperature. And yes — a final short, cooler blow of the blow dryer often calms the surface.
4) Sleeping without friction
Pillowcases and sleeping patterns have more of an impact than we think. If you wake up with knots, it's a sign of friction. A silk pillowcase or a soft bun with a soft elastic band can sometimes make a difference after just a few nights.
Hair in the restaurant and on shifts: steam, heat and tying
If you work in a restaurant , kitchen or any business where you are "in operation" all day long, hair lives in special conditions: steam from cooking, heat, temperature changes (input/output), smells, and often constant tying. In such an environment, frizz is not a surprise — it is a response to moisture and friction.
Two little tricks that often help with shifts:
- A soft rubber band or clip instead of a rubber band that "cuts" the hair (less breakage and bouncing).
- Short smoothing of the length before leaving the house (e.g. a light leave-in or a few drops of oil on the ends, as needed).
Most importantly: in shifts, the reality is that the routine has to be short. That's why the key is basically — a shampoo that's pleasant and doesn't leave a "scratching" feeling, plus conditioner and minimal friction.
The role of shampoo: cleaning without “scraping”
Shampoo isn't there to "fix" everything. Its role is to cleanse the scalp and remove excess oil, sweat, products, and dirt. But the way it cleanses determines whether your hair will be smooth after washing or will immediately start to frizz.
If you feel a tightening sensation on your scalp and “squeaky” lengths after washing, it often means that the cleansing was too aggressive for your hair. In such cases, many people look for formulas that are more pleasant, with an emphasis on care and smoothness.
Also, the rhythm of washing plays a role: some wash every 2 days, some once a week. Instead of “rules”, it’s better to listen to your scalp: when it’s oily and heavy — it’s time; when it’s calm — postpone.
OGX Brazilian Keratin Smooth: what it contains and how to blend it
If you're looking for a shampoo that focuses on smoothing and "discipline" your hair, one notable example is OGX Brazilian Keratin Smooth Shampoo (385 ml). The product page states that the formula is enriched with Brazilian keratin protein , and care through coconut oil , avocado oil , and cocoa butter . The idea behind such combinations is to provide a feeling of smoothness, nourishment, and shine, especially when hair tends to be frizzy.
It also states that the formula is paraben-free and sulfate-free (sulfate surfactants), which sounds reassuring to many when they want a gentler feel on their hair and scalp. The scent is described as tropical (coconut and notes related to Brazil nuts and cocoa butter) — a detail that some people are happy about because it becomes a little moment of pleasure, not a chore.
How to use it to support smoothness
- Massage the shampoo into the scalp for 30-60 seconds; let the length be "washed" with foam when rinsing.
- Rinse thoroughly, then be sure to apply conditioner to the lengths and ends.
- If you have frizz on the surface, add minimal product after drying (less is often more).
Example of a calm routine (10 minutes) that calms frizz
If you want a routine that's realistic even in a busy life, try this framework. It's not the "only one," but it's simple:
Washing (3–4 minutes)
Wash the scalp, do not "scrub" the length. Two short washes are sometimes better than one aggressive wash, especially if you use a lot of products or work in an environment with smells and steam.
Care (2–3 minutes)
Conditioner on lengths. If ends are dry, leave in for a minute longer. Use a wide-toothed comb to comb through while conditioner is on hair — less breakage, less frizz later.
Drying (3–4 minutes)
Pat dry, don't rub. If you blow-dry, start with most of the moisture out (naturally for 5–10 minutes or gently pat), then blow-dry on medium heat. Finish with a short, cooler shot to smooth .
If you only have one minute
Reduce friction: gentle drying and a softer elastic. These are the two things that most often quickly change the look of a hairstyle.
FAQ: frequently asked questions
Is frizz a sign that hair is "damaged"?
Not always. It's often a sign that the cuticle is more open due to humidity, friction, or dryness. A routine can go a long way in calming frizz.
How often should I wash my hair if I work in a restaurant?
It depends on your scalp . If it's oily and heavy, wash more often; if it's calm, postpone. It's more important to listen to your gut feeling than to follow a strict rule.
Should shampoo be applied to the entire length?
As a rule, no. Shampoo is primarily for the scalp . The length is usually cleaned while rinsing the foam.
What is keratin in hair care?
Keratin is a term related to the structure of hair. Products with keratin protein are often chosen when the impression of stronger, smoother hair is desired.
Does conditioner help with frizz?
Yes. Conditioner often helps smooth the surface and make it easier to comb, which reduces breakage and “bounce”.
Can I get smoothness without an iron?
Often yes. Gentle drying, less friction, a good conditioner and moderate heat from the blow dryer can give a very smooth result.
What does it mean that the formula is paraben-free and sulfate-free?
Paraben-free and sulfate-free means that no parabens or sulfate surfactants are used in the formula. Many people choose this for the gentler wash feeling.
What's the quickest trick for frizz after a shift?
Change the elastic to a softer one and smooth the ends with a minimal amount of product, with the emphasis on smoothing , not overloading.
How do I know if I'm using too much product?
If hair feels heavy, gets greasy quickly, or looks “glued together,” reduce the amount. Less is often more.