Puffy hair can be caused by many factors, from the environment to the way it’s brushed. Here are some effective ways to get rid of puffy hair once and for all.
What makes hair puffy?
Unruly frizz, flyaway strands …so, how can you stop hair from getting puffy? Before getting to the solutions, let’s take a step back to understand what causes the problem in the first place.
Humidity, the number 1 enemy
Puffiness occurs when the cuticle of the hair shaft opens, usually in response to external climate factors. In most cases, humidity is the main culprit. This not only adds volume but can also cause frizz and visibly unruly hair.
Watch what you put in your hair!
The repeated use of certain conditioning products like clarifying shampoos can damage the hair fibre. The chemicals in these products can dry out the hair and cause the scales of its outer layer to swell and open when they should be sealed. As a result, your hair can take on a rough, fluffy appearance, and may end up with split ends.
Curly hair: tread with caution
Some of us are luckier than others when it comes to dealing with puffy hair, because those with curly hair are naturally more likely to face this issue. This is because curly hair is more porous and therefore more prone to dryness.
Pro tip: if your hair is curly, avoid brushing it when it is dry as this can disrupt or break up your curls. Instead, detangle your hair when wet, using the gentle detangling brush from the Altesse Studio Beauty Collection.
How to avoid puffy hair?
The key to preventing puffy hair is taking special care to preserve the integrity of the hair shaft and keep it hydrated. Here are three of our most effective techniques to do this.
Brushing
As the old saying goes, it’s best to pick the right tools for the right job. Opting for a good boar bristle brush like the brushes from the Altesse Studio Prestige Collection can help evenly distribute the natural sebum secreted by the scalp from the root to the tip, ensuring that the hair fibre is properly hydrated. This stops the hair from absorbing too much moisture and prevents frizz. Remember to brush gently, because a too vigorous action can cause the outer cuticle of the hair to swell up and cause the puffy look you are trying to avoid!
Temperature
As we have already mentioned, humidity is a major factor in causing fluffy hair. The solution? Start by washing your hair with lukewarm water and rinsing it with cold water to seal the cuticles. Then, use a microfibre cloth to gently press your hair and remove any excess water. Lastly, try to reduce the use of heat activated styling products on your hair, or use the lowest setting on your hair dryer if necessary.
Hair care
Take a careful look at the contents of your daily hair wash products and avoid those that include sodium laureth sulfate or sodium lauryl sulfate — two ingredients that are known to cause dehydration. Investing in a leave-in serum for wet hair is also a good idea to seal in the moisture and prevent frizz. Otherwise, opt for the all-natural method and try a sebum cure known for its hydrating effects, which you can enhance by using a high-quality brush made of boar hair.