Wondering, “Why is my hair poofy after I straighten it”? I’ve got news for you!
Interestingly, a Pantene study found “humidity levels above 70%” as a main driver – and as a beauty expert, I’ve seen it in my salon… [1]
In this article, I will guide you in achieving a flawless, frizz-free look for your hair in a matter of seconds.
Keep reading to discover the ultimate 8 frizz-free secrets ASAP!
Key Takeaways
- Humidity levels above 70% can significantly cause hair to become poofy after straightening.
- Using the right hair products tailored to your hair type drastically reduces the risk of frizz and puffiness.
- The method of drying and the tools used for straightening play pivotal roles in the result of your hair texture.
Why Is My Hair Poofy After I Straighten It | 8 Reasons Unlocked
Often, this is due to environmental factors like high humidity levels, which make hair absorb moisture and swell.
However, using the right hair products, straightening tools, and drying techniques can counteract this, giving you silky, frizz-free locks.
Now, let’s explore the 8 reasons why…
1. Humidity levels
High humidity can cause your hair to soak up environmental moisture, leading to added volume and unwanted frizz.
This can weaken the hair strands, making them more prone to breakage.
In fact, experts at the American Dermatological Society warn, “Damaged hair is delicate and more likely to snap.”
To battle these effects, opt for a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner – OR, better yet, consider applying a lightweight leave-in conditioner or anti-frizz product to maintain smoothness.
Here’s how…
PRO TIP #1: Hair products
Using the wrong types of hair products can lead to poofy hair. Pick lightweight formulas that won’t weigh down your hair and clog your pores, such as alcohol-free and silicone-free formulas.
Choose products specifically made for straightening, such as thermal protectant sprays or serums.
For optimal results, try John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Hair Serum, Nourishing Hair Oil for Frizz Control not only protects your hair from heat damage but also makes your mane glow bright like the sun!
PRO TIP #2: Temperature settings
Using a too-hot straightener can damage the cuticle layer of your hair, leading to frizz and poof after straightening.
When using a straightener, start with the lowest temperature for your hair type and slowly increase as needed.
Fine hair can usually take a lower setting than thicker hair, so start low and work your way up until you find what’s best for you.
Having tackled the impact of humidity and temperature on your hair, let’s delve into the products you use…
2. Lack of Use of Conditioners
If you do not use a conditioner after washing your hair with shampoo, I recommend you reconsider and start using conditioners.
Namely, shampoos alone can make your hair poofy or rough, and they cannot keep your hair sleek and straight for long periods.
So, to have sleek, shiny, silky hair, you must use a good quality conditioner and shampoo.
Here’s a tip: use dry shampoo when you plan to straighten your hair with a flat iron. Do not use the conditioner that everyone uses. Buy a conditioner according to your hair type.
But there’s something to say about brushing your hair (correctly, that is!). Let’s learn more about it…
3. Wrong Way of Brushing
After taking a shower or before using a flat iron on your hair, do not brush your hair too harshly.
Namely, use a wide-toothed comb or fingers to detangle your hair.
Moreover, you need to divide your hair into smaller sections and comb your hair section by section. Do not comb all your hair at once.
Brushing aside, did you know how you wash can also affect your hair’s poofiness?
4. You’re Washing Your Hair Wrongly!
Most women think a regular wash is good for hair. But it’s not. Additionally, showering in hot water causes damage and puffiness to hair.
Moreover, if your hair becomes too greasy, use a dry shampoo or baby powder on your scalp while washing your hair.
You can also use natural fruit and nut oils, glycerin, and butter as your hair cleanser.
5. You Are Not Using the Right Hair Products
If your hair is puff-prone, use hair products that add moisture.
Try to use shampoos that are made for dry and curly hair. You can use the Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo or the DevaCurl Low-Poo Original Mild Lather Cleanser Shampoo.
These shampoos help your hair become hydrated, moisturized, and smoother, preventing puffiness.
After shampooing, use a protein-infused conditioner and let it stay on your hair for about 2 to 3 minutes to absorb the moisture and nutrients from the conditioner.
But remember, do not overuse any of the shampoos or conditioners.
Instead, try deep conditioning, as this kind of conditioning can repair your damaged hair and protect your hair from humidity. It can also prevent frizziness and puffiness.
You should also use them to protect your hair fully.
Brushing aside, did you consider skipping the towel? See next…
6. Skip the Towel Dry On Your Hair
Drying your hair with a towel can cause frizziness and make your hair poofy.
Even if this sounds a bit weird to you, it’s actually true.
Since towels are filled with static, static is transferred directly to your hair, causing frizziness and sometimes puffiness.
Use an old cotton T-shirt instead of a towel and squeeze your hair with it. Please do not rub it. Dry your hair section by section.
The best practice to reduce puffiness is to take a small section of your hair and let it air dry, and then the next section and repeat the process until you are done.
While drying is essential, it’s equally critical to be cautious about the styles you adopt!
7. Do Not Try All the Styles You See
If you suffer from poofy hair, do not try all the styles you see on your hair. Just try normal styling.
Blow dryers, hair straighteners, and curling irons can make your hair drier and increase the tendency of frizziness and puffiness(1).
Always comb your hair with your fingers and try loose hairstyles. When your hair gets too dry while on a ponytail style, remove the ponytail and apply a little leave-in conditioner with your fingers.
This will reduce the puffiness of your hair. My favorite leave-in conditioner for dry hair is Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner.
Speaking of styles, the tool you use for straightening could be the game-changer…
8. Are You Using the Right Hair Straightener?
To reduce puffiness and frizziness, you must use the right hair straightener.
Even though(generally speaking) all heating tools are bad for hair, with the right tool selection and proper use, you can reduce the risk of damaging your hair.
In short, if your hair is thick or coarse, use an ionic and titanium flat iron to prevent frizziness and puffiness.
Knowing this, you should use a tourmaline flat iron with a ceramic coating if your hair is thin and fine.
If you need some options, my two favorite flat irons are the following:
Check this quick video recap:
6 Additional Tips You Can Try (Top Secret)
If you didn’t already have enough, here are some extra tips to get you going!
- Use a heat protectant before you apply any heat to your hair.TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Protectant Spray for Hair is an excellent heat protectant you can use.
- Use hair mousse to add texture and keep your hair as normal as possible. Then Apply some Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Sculpting Foam. Hair mousses can hold the shapes or the curls for a long time. When the hair loses its shape or the curls, it gets puffy.
- Let your hair dry with natural air instead of using a blow dryer.
- Replace your pillowcase with a silk one.
- Sometimes, use homemade hair musk made with natural ingredients.
- Mix some extra-virgin olive oil, honey, and coconut oil, which helps to reduce frizz in your hair. Apply the mixture to your wet hair and leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing it with cold water.
These are just a few things you can do to help reduce frizz and poofiness in your hair after straightening it. Doing these small steps can make a big difference in the condition of your hair!
Now that you’re amped with the best haircare wisdom, let’s dive straight into those common questions…
FAQs
1. Why does humidity cause my straightened hair to become poofy?
2. Which hair straightener is best to avoid poofy hair?
3. How can I dry my hair to avoid puffiness after straightening?
4. What are the best products to reduce frizz when using a hair straightener?
Other ingredients like argan oil, jojoba oil, and shea butter can also help.
The Final Verdict
“Why is my hair poofy after I straighten it?” is a concern many of us share.
Nothing lasts forever; your hairstyles are no different. So, accept the fade-outs. This will decrease your anxiety about having poofy hair.
However, that does not mean that you should not take any precautions or take care of your hair if you are facing puffiness and frizziness.
If you leave these problems unsolved, it can become a serious issue for your hair health.
Last (but not least!), I hope you’ll have become aware of some practices you can rectify and take good care of your hair.
Resources
1. How to Fix Frizzy Hair When Humidity Rises [Internet]. Pantene EN-US. Available from: https://pantene.com/en-us/how-to-fix-frizzy-hair-when-humidity-rises
2. How to stop damaging your hair [Internet]. www.aad.org. Available from: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/insider/stop-damage
