Frizzy & Flyaway Biracial Hair

Girl with biracial hair
Photo: Lilya Espinosa/Shutterstock
Q: My eleven-year-old biracial daughter had straight hair until she was seven, but then it turned very curly. When it’s freshly washed, it looks beautiful, but once it dries, it gets frizzy and flyaway. We’ve tried so many products and techniques, and at this point, we’re completely out of ideas. The only way she can wear it without it looking messy is in a slicked-back bun. Do you have any advice?
 
A: The issue you’re describing is very common, and the most likely culprit is that her hair isn’t getting enough moisture. Different hair textures - especially those with African or mixed-ethnicity backgrounds - tend to be more porous and prone to dryness. This means they need extra conditioning to keep the cuticle smooth and frizz under control.
 
It’s not unusual for a child’s hair to change texture as they grow. Many kids experience this shift around puberty, as hormones can alter hair structure. Since her hair is now much curlier than before, it requires a different care routine to keep it looking its best.
 
Here’s what I recommend:
 
First, visit a beauty supply store that carries products specifically designed for textured or Afro hair. You’ll want to pick up:
 
• A moisturizing shampoo - Sulfate-free is ideal to avoid stripping natural oils.
 
• A rich rinse-out conditioner - Look for ingredients like shea butter or coconut oil.
 
• A daily leave-in conditioner - This will be key for ongoing hydration.
 
• A lightweight oil spray - Argan or jojoba oil work well for shine and frizz control.
 
• A styling product - Something like Motions Styling Lotion or a curl-defining cream can help hold the shape of her curls without stiffness.
 
Washing Routine: Shampoo her hair as needed. Some people wash weekly, others every few days. It depends on her activity level and how quickly her scalp gets oily. Always follow shampoo with a rinse-out conditioner, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends where hair is driest.
 
If her hair gets sweaty or needs refreshing between washes, you can skip shampoo and just use the rinse-out conditioner to cleanse lightly. This prevents over-drying while still removing buildup.
 
Drying & Styling: After washing, gently squeeze excess water from her hair with a microfiber towel or an old cotton T-shirt (rubbing can cause frizz). Apply a generous amount of leave-in conditioner, then detangle with a wide-tooth comb or a pick, starting from the ends and working upward.
 
Next, apply your chosen styling product, distributing it evenly. At this stage, you can either let her hair air-dry or use a diffuser on low heat to speed up the process. If using a blow-dryer, keep the nozzle moving to avoid overheating one section, and scrunch the curls lightly with your hands to encourage definition.
 
Once her hair is about 80% dry, mist the curls with the light oil spray and scrunch again to distribute the product. This will add shine and help control flyaways. If her hair starts to look dry later in the day, a little extra oil spray or a touch of leave-in conditioner can revive the curls without weighing them down.
 
With consistent moisture and the right products, her curls should stay defined and frizz-free much longer. It might take some trial and error to find the perfect combination for her hair, but don’t get discouraged. Once you figure out what works, maintenance will get much easier!
 
©Hairfinder.com
 
See also:
 
Racially mixed hair out of control
 
Consistency in racially mixed hair
 
Control racially mixed hair