Fight Flyaways and Frizz With Our Favorite Hair Products

What Are Flyaways?

Staying true to their name, flyaways are pieces of hair that appear as though they’re floating and lifting up from the rest of the hair. “Consider a flyaway a rogue strand of hair that does its own thing despite effort,” says Janelle Sands, brand educator of CURLS. These strands sometimes refuse to lay with the rest of the hair and stick out regardless of how you manipulate them.

Flyaways are caused by many different factors that will ultimately depend on your hair type and your hair’s level of damage. George Papanikolas, a Matrix brand ambassador, confirms that damaged or broken hair is a main cause of flyaways. Damaged hair can lead to brittle strands that break off and stick out. “Silky straight hair is more likely to have flyways, [whereas] curly and wavy hair tends to have more flyaway frizz.” 

Is Frizzy Hair the Same as Flyaways?

While they’re often confused for one another, flyaways and frizz are two different things, says Sands. Frizzy hair occurs when the cuticle layer of an individual strand becomes raised; meanwhile, flyaways describe strands that point in a direction different from the rest of the hair.  “These inconsistencies along the hair shaft appear as frizz or fuzz,” Sands shares. “An easy way to discern frizz from flyaways is by observing how much of the hair is affected. Frizz tends to affect a full segment of the hair, whereas flyaways typically affect just a few strands.”

What Product is Best for Flyaways?

Always reach for hair gels, hair pomades or hairsprays to target flyaways that are currently ruining your trendy hairstyle of choice. Sands recommends gels for all hair types, pomades for thick, dense and coily hair types and hairsprays for fine hair to provide control. If you’re looking to target flyaways before they become a problem, Papanikolas recommends adding and keeping moisture in your hair. “Moisture is key to [keeping] the hair hydrated and manageable.” 

10 Hair Products to Minimize Flyaways and Frizz

Target those pesky flyaways with the right hair care products that will add moisture and provide hold without leaving behind a greasy texture. Below, discover 10 editor- and expert-approved products that’ll work for curly, coily, straight and wavy hair types. 

Matrix A Curl Can Dream Light Hold Gel

Whether you’re slicking hair down for a sleek bun or want to define your curls without flyaways, use this light-hold gel recommended by Papanikolas. “[This gel] keeps the hair hydrated, helps find the curl pattern and reduces the frizz,” he shares. 

Carol's Daughter Hair Milk 4-in-1 Combing Creme

Not only is this hair milk perfect for detangling curly and coily hair types, it’s also useful for tackling frizz and flyaways. The formulation of agave and keratin provide added moisture and nourishment to define curls and control frizz for more manageable hair.

Garnier Whole Blends Miracle Frizz Tamer 10-in-1 Coconut Leave-In Treatment

Flyaways and frizz may be two different things, but for curly hair, they usually go hand in hand. Combat those unruly pieces with this leave-in treatment that softens hair and minimizes frizz in the process. This frizz tamer nourishes, smooths and improves manageability, which helps soften strands and reduce flyaways. As a bonus, this treatment also helps protect against heat up to 450 degrees.

L’Oréal Paris Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Leave-in Serum

Carol’s Daughter Monoi Multi Styling Milk

For those with curly hair, this multitasking styling milk is a must-have. It reduces the appearance of breakage, moisturizes hair, protects against heat and revives the look of curls.

Kérastase Discipline Oleo Relax Anti-Frizz Oil Serum

This oil serum is made with softening and breakage-preventing shorea butter and ultra-hydrating coconut oil to reduce the appearance of staticky hair. Say hello to smoother, shinier strands.

Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Glass Hair Water

Give your hair a mirror-like shine and touchable smoothness with this innovative product. Simply apply to wet hair, leave on for just 10 seconds, then rinse and style as usual. The liquid formulation turns into a foam and saturates strands with nutrients to promote shine and target dryness that may be resulting in flyaways. 

CURLS Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Jelly

“[This hair jelly] is an excellent botanical styler with blueberry extract that helps shape the hair and provide control,” says Sands. “To take the hold up a notch, use CURLS Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Paste, which is formulated to level up the hold and conquer flyaways.”

Dae Prickly Pear Hair Oil

Sometimes flyaway-fighting creams or pomades have the tendency to weigh your hair down and make it appear flat. If you’re looking for something that will keep flyaways at bay without sacrificing movement, this styling oil is for you. It contains sweet prickly pear seed oil to tame stray hairs while also keeping strands silky, soft and healthy.

Evo Easy Tiger Smoothing Balm

For thick hair and frizz at the hairline, opt for a conditioning styling balm like this one. The creamy texture enhances shine and will help you perfect slicked-back styles.