There’s something about having smooth, sleek hair that’s just so satisfying, so why leave it to a lone flyaway hair to throw off the vibe? Whether you’re creating a snatched, slicked-back bun or giving yourself a bouncy blowout, chances are you’ve encountered flyaway hairs at some point—a seemingly small but hardly trivial source of frustration when trying to perfect a look.
Flyaways, which cofounder of IGK Hair Care Aaron Grenia describes as “hairs that are shorter than the rest of the hair and don’t lay uniformly” are common across all hair types; they’re most often a result of damaged, overly-washed hair, as well as a lack of product pre-styling that causes damage when hot tools come into play, says Glenn Ellis, a celebrity hair stylist based in Los Angeles.
Difficult as pesky flyaways may be to keep in check, it’s not impossible. Whether it’s a frizz-fighting shampoo, a conditioning hair mask, or a combination of both, it is possible to smooth rogue hairs and get the look you desire. Below, experts reveal the essential tips and tricks for a soft and silky hair journey.
Vogue’s Must-Have Products for Taming Flyaway Hairs:
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Use a Frizz-Fighting Shampoo and Conditioner
Smoothing flyaways begins in the shower. Consider the products and techniques you currently have in your arsenal. Ellis, for one, recommends shampooing your hair in two rounds—otherwise known as a double shampoo—to thoroughly remove product build-up. Next, Ellis recommends following up with a heavy, hydrating mask, “to tame unruly frizz caused by over-processed, damaged hair, or humidity.”
New York-based celebrity hairstylist Valerie Vanessa agrees, and recommends Ouai’s Thick Hair Shampoo, which she says “has a lightweight formula that cleanses the hair gently without weighing it down, leaving it soft, silky, and easy to style.”
It’s also important to ensure that any shampoo you do use is sulfate-free to avoid stripping the hair of its natural oils, explains Vanessa. And to ensure a proper wash, she suggests to “focus on the roots and use a gentle, massaging motion [while shampooing]. Follow with a hydrating conditioner, concentrating on the mid-lengths to ends.”
Incorporate a Reparative Treatment
Because flyaway hair is typically the result of some form of breakage, using a restorative treatment or conditioning mask once or twice a week is a good way to strengthen the cuticle and revive dullness. “Hair masks can help treat flyaway hair by providing deep hydration and nourishment to the hair strands, reducing static and smoothing the cuticle,” Vanessa explains.
Always Apply a Heat Protectant
To prevent further breakage when styling either wet or dry hair, Grenia recommends using a heat protectant before blow-drying or going in with a hair tool. That can be a spray, cream, or leave-in serum.
Detangle With Care
“Using a wide-tooth comb or wet brush when detangling helps prevent breakage and makes it easier to detangle,” says Los Angeles–based hairstylist Brian Christopher. If you prefer a comb, Crown Affair’s wide-tooth options works on all hair types, and can help prevent damage, split ends, and breakage. If your hair needs a little extra help to remove stubborn knots, consider applying a dedicated product before styling, like Jennifer Aniston’s LolaVie detangler.
Perfect Your Drying Technique
Though hot tool usage can be tricky, with proper technique it can help you get your desired hairstyle—especially when used in tandem with a heat protectant. To start, use a microfiber towel to remove any excess water from your hair; Crown Affair’s towel is an editor-favorite. And if your routine involves blow drying, the Dyson Airwrap is beloved for its optimal drying capabilities, without overheating and burning the hair.
Select the Right Post-Styler
Once the hair is dry, stylers like hair oils, creams, and sprays are your best bet to lock strands into place. If you’re looking for a glossy look, an oil is preferable. Vanessa’s go-to is the Bumble and bumble Invisible oil, as it “helps to hydrate, smooth, and add shine to the hair without weighing it down.” Plus, it can be used on damp or dry hair.