With summer in full swing, the combination of sweat and humidity can wreak havoc on hair, leading to frizz and unmanageable locks. Celebrity hairstylist Michael Douglas, who styles the hair of TV personality Davina McCall, shares his expert advice on achieving salon-smooth hair all summer long.
Understanding the Causes of Frizz
According to Douglas, the primary culprit behind frizz isn’t just environmental factors but often the result of incorrect styling. “You have about 120,000 strands of hair on your head,” Douglas explains. “If they’re all doing the same thing at the same time, your hair is frizz-free. But if 10-20% of those hairs are doing other things, it will look frizzy.”
While environmental moisture is a significant factor, Douglas emphasizes that proper styling techniques and products are crucial in combating frizz. “Moisture is the enemy of all hairstyles,” he says. “Using a styling product that prevents moisture from penetrating the hair is integral.”
Key Steps in Your Haircare Routine
Contrary to popular belief, the battle against frizz isn’t won with shampoo alone. Douglas insists that the styling stage is where the magic happens. “Making all the strands of hair do the same thing at the same time is what reduces frizz,” he explains. This involves using a bristle brush and a blow dryer or heated tools once the hair is dry.
Proper Use of Styling Tools
Douglas advises that applying tension with a bristle brush while drying your hair with heat and air can manipulate all strands to move in unison, resulting in a smooth finish. “Putting the hair under tension with a bristle brush, then applying heat and air until it’s dry, will manipulate all the strands of hair into doing the same thing,” he says.
For dry hair, using direct heat from a straightening or curling iron under tension can also effectively reduce frizz.
Recommended Products for Different Hair Types
Douglas shares his top product recommendations for various hair types to help combat frizz and maintain smooth, healthy hair.
Anti-Frizz Products
Choosing the right anti-frizz products involves paying attention to ingredients. While some may avoid silicones, Douglas suggests that ingredients like dimethicone and copolymer can help seal gaps in hair cuticles, making hair smooth and shiny.
Damaged Hair
For damaged hair, investing in a good hair mask or treatment is essential. “Damaged hair is essentially decomposed hair. It’s actually lighter in weight, and using a hair mask or treatment puts that weight back into the hair and will temporarily strengthen it,” Douglas advises.
OGX Rescue Fusions Intense Repair & Recovery Hair Mask, 285ml, £12, Boots
Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil, £28, John Lewis & Partners
Fine Hair
Douglas recommends avoiding oily or greasy products for fine hair. Lightweight volumizing blow dry sprays are ideal for taming fine hair, along with using minimal conditioner only on the ends.
OGX Thick & Full+ Biotin & Collagen pH Balanced Shampoo, 385ml, £7.49, Boots
Olaplex Volumizing Blow Dry Mist, 150ml, £28, Cult Beauty
Coarse and Thick Hair
For coarse and thick hair, Douglas suggests using styling creams in combination with blow dry sprays. A boar bristle brush can also make a significant difference in taming thick hair and reducing frizz.
ARKIVE The Body Hybrid Mousse, 200ml, £13, Boots
Denman D81M Medium Nylon Bristle Cushion Grooming Brush, £15, Superdrug
With these tips and product recommendations from Michael Douglas, you can keep your hair looking smooth and frizz-free throughout the summer, just like Davina McCall.