Frizzy Hair? Why Women Have Frizzy Hair and How to Smooth It Out
As women age, changes in hair texture can be frustrating—especially when frizz seems to take over. You may have noticed your once-sleek strands turning dry, brittle, and harder to manage. Many women reach for quick fixes like serums and heat styling tools, only to find themselves in an endless cycle of damage and frustration.
But what if frizzy hair wasn’t just about external factors like humidity or styling? What if it was a sign of something deeper—like nutrient deficiencies, hormonal shifts, or oxidative stress?
If you’re a woman who wants to slow down the aging process, regain energy, and feel vibrant at any age, understanding the internal causes of frizzy hair is key. In this post, we’ll uncover why frizz happens, what it tells you about your health, and how to smooth your hair from the inside out.
Why Is Your Hair Frizzy? The Internal Connection
Frizz isn’t just a hair problem—it’s a reflection of what’s happening inside your body. While external factors like heat, weather, hair color, and hair products play a role, here are the deeper reasons why your hair may be rebelling:
1. Dehydration: Your Hair Needs More Than Just Water
As we age, our ability to retain moisture decreases. If you’re experiencing frizz, your hair may be crying out for hydration—not just on the outside, but on a cellular level.
Signs You’re Dehydrated:
Dry, brittle hair that tangles easily
Feeling thirsty often
Fatigue or brain fog
Dry skin and lips
How to Fix It:
Drink electrolyte-rich water (coconut water, mineral water, or add a pinch of sea salt and lemon to your water)
Increase healthy fats like avocados, salmon, and olive oil to retain moisture
Consume hyaluronic acid-rich foods (bone broth, cucumbers, and citrus fruits) for hydration at a deeper level
2. Protein Deficiency: The Building Blocks of Strong Hair
Your hair is made of keratin, a protein that depends on amino acids from your diet. If you’re not getting enough high-quality protein, or digesting it well, your hair may become weak, frizzy, and prone to breakage.
Signs You May Be Lacking Protein:
Hair feels thin, weak, or lacks shine
Slow hair growth or increased shedding
Sugar cravings and unstable blood sugar
Weak nails and muscle loss
How to Fix It:
Prioritize complete proteins like grass-fed beef, pastured eggs, and wild-caught fish
Include collagen and bone broth for extra hair-strengthening amino acids
Support digestion with digestive enzymes or apple cider vinegar if you struggle to break down proteins, as poor digestion can prevent your body from absorbing the nutrients needed for strong, healthy hair
3. Hormonal Changes: Estrogen, Cortisol & Testosterone Impact Your Hair
Women often notice increased frizz during perimenopause, menopause, and high-stress periods. That’s because estrogen, cortisol, and testosterone influence how your hair retains moisture and strength.
How Testosterone Affects Hair:
Testosterone plays a crucial role in hair growth and thickness, but imbalances—either too high or too low—can lead to frizz, thinning, hair loss, or unwanted texture changes.
High Testosterone (or DHT Sensitivity): Excess testosterone can convert into DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone that shrinks hair follicles, leading to coarser, more brittle hair and even thinning at the crown.
Low Testosterone: Since testosterone contributes to collagen and protein synthesis, low levels can result in weak, lifeless hair that lacks structure and hydration.
Signs of a Testosterone Imbalance:
Increased frizz or coarse hair texture
Thinning at the crown or temples
Acne, oily skin, or excessive facial hair (high testosterone)
Low libido, fatigue, or loss of muscle tone (low testosterone)
How to Fix It:
Balance blood sugar with protein-rich meals to regulate testosterone levels
Reduce DHT conversion with saw palmetto, spearmint tea, and zinc
Support healthy testosterone production with resistance training, healthy fats, and quality sleep
If your hormones feel out of balance, functional testing can help identify whether testosterone, estrogen, or other hormones are affecting your hair and overall health.
4. Oxidative Stress & Aging: How Free Radicals Damage Hair
As we age, oxidative stress increases, leading to weaker, more porous hair that frizzes easily. Pollution, poor diet, and stress contribute to free radical damage, which accelerates hair aging.
Signs of Oxidative Stress:
Dull, brittle, or thinning hair
Increased breakage and split ends
Premature graying
Skin aging and inflammation
How to Fix It:
Eat an antioxidant-rich diet (berries, dark leafy greens, green tea)
Increase vitamin C and E for collagen and hair health
Prioritize glutathione-supporting foods (sulfur-rich foods like garlic, onions, and cruciferous veggies)
5. Gut Health & Nutrient Absorption: You Are What You Absorb
Your gut plays a crucial role in hair health. Even if you eat all the right foods, poor digestion and microbiome imbalances can prevent you from absorbing key hair-loving nutrients.
Signs Your Gut Needs Support:
Frizzy, brittle, or thinning hair
Frequent bloating, constipation, or digestive discomfort
Food intolerances or sensitivities
Skin issues like acne, eczema, or rosacea
How to Fix It:
Support your gut microbiome with probiotics (fermented foods, high-quality probiotic supplements)
Improve digestion with digestive enzymes and bitters
Reduce inflammatory foods like gluten, dairy, and refined sugar
6. Low Iron: The Overlooked Cause of Dry, Frizzy Hair
Iron is essential for carrying oxygen and nutrients to your hair follicles. When your iron levels are low, your hair becomes weaker, drier, and more prone to frizz because it’s not receiving the nourishment it needs.
Signs You May Have Low Iron:
Dry, brittle, or thinning hair
Increased hair shedding
Feeling tired, weak, or lightheaded
Cold hands and feet
Pale skin or dark circles under the eyes
How to Fix It:
Eat iron-rich foods like grass-fed beef, liver, spinach, lentils, and pumpkin seeds
Pair iron with vitamin C (citrus, bell peppers, strawberries) to boost absorption
Avoid drinking coffee or tea with meals, as they can block iron absorption
Consider ferritin testing to assess your iron storage levels before supplementing
Since low iron is a common issue for women—especially those with heavy periods, gut issues, or plant-based diets—getting tested and optimizing your iron intake can make a dramatic difference in hair texture, energy, and overall vitality.
External Fixes: How to Smooth Your Hair Naturally
While internal health is key, these external strategies can help tame frizz without damaging your hair:
Use sulfate-free, pH balanced, hydrating shampoos with aloe vera, shea butter, or argan oil
Deep condition weekly with coconut oil, avocado masks, or protein treatments
Sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and moisture loss
Air-dry when possible, to minimize heat damage
Avoid harsh chemicals like silicones and alcohol-based styling products.
The Functional Approach to Hair & Longevity
Your hair is a reflection of your overall health. If you’re struggling with frizz, thinning, or texture changes, your body may be signaling deeper imbalances. Instead of masking symptoms with temporary fixes, a functional approach helps you address the root cause—so you not only get smoother hair, but also better energy, glowing skin, and vibrant health.
If you’re ready to slow down the aging process, regain energy, and take control of your hair health from the inside out, working with a functional health coach can help.
What’s Next?
• Book a Consultation – Let’s uncover what’s really causing your hair concerns and create a personalized plan.
• Follow Me on social media – Get daily wellness tips, recipes, and functional health insights.
Your hair—and your body—deserve deeper care. Let’s start the journey together.
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