Frizz is hair that does not align with the surrounding hair, but stands up or curls independently, creating a fuzzy or irregular texture. The three main causes of frizz are genetics, hair damage, and humidity. Frizzy hair can be seen as a positive or a negative trait depending on the current fashion and one's personal preference. Many hair products, such as gels , pomades , and hair waxes , are designed to reduce frizz.
45-581: There is more than one definition of frizz . Researchers who studied the perception of hair health found that while women around the world perceived the absence of frizz as a sign of healthy hair, how they described "frizz" varied widely according to hair type and desired style. As described by women in the study, the two main types of frizz are: By this definition, frizz is not exclusively a characteristic of curly hair; straight hair can be frizzy, and tightly curled or afro-textured hair can be frizz-free . "Frizz" sometimes refers to curly hair in general, but that
90-465: A defined curl pattern, combing or brushing it when it is dry can break up the clumps, causing the hair to expand into a frizzy mass. This is often done intentionally to add volume. Blow-drying hair from the ends toward the roots can raise the hair's cuticle , resulting in frizz. Although all hair is technically "dead", hair that has been damaged is perceived as less "healthy" than undamaged hair. Some styling techniques can cause breakage, chipping of
135-461: A defined curl pattern, combing or brushing it when it is dry can break up the clumps, causing the hair to expand into a frizzy mass. This is often done intentionally to add volume. Blow-drying hair from the ends toward the roots can raise the hair's cuticle , resulting in frizz. Although all hair is technically "dead", hair that has been damaged is perceived as less "healthy" than undamaged hair. Some styling techniques can cause breakage, chipping of
180-399: A many-lobed berry), in which multiple glands branch off a central duct. The glands deposit sebum on the hairs and bring it to the skin surface along the hair shaft . The structure, consisting of hair, hair follicles, arrector pili muscles, and sebaceous glands, is an epidermal invagination known as a pilosebaceous unit . Sebaceous glands are also found in hairless areas ( glabrous skin ) of
225-583: A new hair grows in its place; the average lifespan is about six years. In a humid environment, moisture penetrates the hair shaft and is absorbed into the cortex , causing the proteins there to swell. Different kinds of proteins absorb moisture and swell differently, causing the hair shaft to twist and bend in an irregular pattern. To prevent this, Schueller recommends using conditioners and styling products that contain dimethicone , which repels humidity. Although moisture causes frizz, which many women perceive as "unhealthy", many women also believe that moisture
270-581: A new hair grows in its place; the average lifespan is about six years. In a humid environment, moisture penetrates the hair shaft and is absorbed into the cortex , causing the proteins there to swell. Different kinds of proteins absorb moisture and swell differently, causing the hair shaft to twist and bend in an irregular pattern. To prevent this, Schueller recommends using conditioners and styling products that contain dimethicone , which repels humidity. Although moisture causes frizz, which many women perceive as "unhealthy", many women also believe that moisture
315-423: A sheet of sweat that is not readily lost in drops of sweat. This is of importance in delaying dehydration. In colder conditions, the nature of sebum becomes more lipid, and in coating the hair and skin, rain is effectively repelled. Sebum is produced in a holocrine process , in which cells within the sebaceous gland rupture and disintegrate as they release the sebum and the cell remnants are secreted together with
360-474: A similar composition to human sebaceous glands, are androgen responsive, and have been used as a basis for study. Some species of bat, including the Mexican free-tailed , have a specialized sebaceous gland occurring on the throat called a "gular gland". This gland is present more frequently in males than females, and it is hypothesized that the secretions of the gland are used for scent-marking. Sebaceous adenitis
405-409: A type of sebaceous gland that secrete a special type of sebum into tears . Surrounding the female nipples , areolar glands are specialized sebaceous glands for lubricating the nipples. Fordyce spots are benign, visible, sebaceous glands found usually on the lips , gums and inner cheeks , and genitals . In humans, sebaceous glands are found throughout all areas of the skin, except the palms of
450-432: Is hair that does not align with the surrounding hair, but stands up or curls independently, creating a fuzzy or irregular texture. The three main causes of frizz are genetics, hair damage, and humidity. Frizzy hair can be seen as a positive or a negative trait depending on the current fashion and one's personal preference. Many hair products, such as gels , pomades , and hair waxes , are designed to reduce frizz. There
495-430: Is a microscopic exocrine gland in the skin that opens into a hair follicle to secrete an oily or waxy matter, called sebum , which lubricates the hair and skin of mammals . In humans, sebaceous glands occur in the greatest number on the face and scalp , but also on all parts of the skin except the palms of the hands and soles of the feet . In the eyelids , meibomian glands , also called tarsal glands, are
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#1732873568657540-437: Is good for their hair, and buy moisturizing hair products. In reality, these products are designed to smooth the surface of the hair rather than increase the hair's water content. Frizzy hair has been perceived differently in different eras and cultures. Publicity photos of the silent film star Mary Pickford were often backlit , highlighting her halo of frizz, and the frizzy perm was a mainstay of 1980s Western fashion . In
585-436: Is good for their hair, and buy moisturizing hair products. In reality, these products are designed to smooth the surface of the hair rather than increase the hair's water content. Frizzy hair has been perceived differently in different eras and cultures. Publicity photos of the silent film star Mary Pickford were often backlit , highlighting her halo of frizz, and the frizzy perm was a mainstay of 1980s Western fashion . In
630-576: Is more than one definition of frizz . Researchers who studied the perception of hair health found that while women around the world perceived the absence of frizz as a sign of healthy hair, how they described "frizz" varied widely according to hair type and desired style. As described by women in the study, the two main types of frizz are: By this definition, frizz is not exclusively a characteristic of curly hair; straight hair can be frizzy, and tightly curled or afro-textured hair can be frizz-free . "Frizz" sometimes refers to curly hair in general, but that
675-432: Is not what most people understand the term to mean. According to cosmetic chemist Randy Schueller, the three main causes of frizz are genetics, damage, and humidity. Some wavy or curly hair naturally aligns or "clumps" in a clearly defined, consistent pattern, and some does not. Curly hair that does not have natural curl definition appears frizzy and is sometimes mistakenly characterized as damaged. Even when hair has
720-428: Is not what most people understand the term to mean. According to cosmetic chemist Randy Schueller, the three main causes of frizz are genetics, damage, and humidity. Some wavy or curly hair naturally aligns or "clumps" in a clearly defined, consistent pattern, and some does not. Curly hair that does not have natural curl definition appears frizzy and is sometimes mistakenly characterized as damaged. Even when hair has
765-427: Is partly composed of sebum produced by glands in the ear canal. These secretions are viscous and have a high lipid content, which provides good lubrication. Sebaceous glands are involved in skin problems such as acne and keratosis pilaris . In the skin pores, sebum and keratin can create a hyperkeratotic plug called a comedo . Acne is a common occurrence, particularly during puberty in teenagers , and
810-445: Is thought to relate to an increased production of sebum due to hormonal factors. The increased production of sebum can lead to a blockage of the sebaceous gland duct. This can cause a comedo (commonly called a blackhead or a whitehead ), which can lead to infection, particularly by the bacteria Cutibacterium acnes . This can inflame the comedones, which then change into the characteristic acne lesions. Comedones generally occur on
855-413: Is very mild, balsamic, and intended to wet and lubricate the mouth". In The Principles of Physiology 1834, Andrew Combe noted that the glands were not present in the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. The preputial glands of mice and rats are large modified sebaceous glands that produce pheromones used for territorial marking. These and the scent glands in the flanks of hamsters have
900-412: The alkaline nature of contaminants. Sebaceous lipids help maintain the integrity of the skin barrier and supply vitamin E to the skin. During the last three months of fetal development , the sebaceous glands of the fetus produce vernix caseosa , a waxy white substance that coats the skin to protect it from amniotic fluid . The areolar glands are in the areola that surrounds the nipple in
945-428: The eyelids , nose , penis , labia minora , the inner mucosal membrane of the cheek , and nipples . Some sebaceous glands have unique names. Sebaceous glands on the lip and mucosa of the cheek, and on the genitalia, are known as Fordyce spots , and glands on the eyelids are known as meibomian glands . Sebaceous glands of the breast are also known as Montgomery's glands . Sebaceous glands are first visible from
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#1732873568657990-446: The hands and soles of the feet . There are two types of sebaceous glands: those connected to hair follicles and those that exist independently. Sebaceous glands are found in hair-covered areas, where they are connected to hair follicles . One or more glands may surround each hair follicle, and the glands themselves are surrounded by arrector pili muscles , forming a pilosebaceous unit. The glands have an acinar structure (like
1035-429: The 13th to the 16th week of fetal development , as bulgings off hair follicles. Sebaceous glands develop from the same tissue that gives rise to the epidermis of the skin. Overexpression of the signalling factors Wnt , Myc and SHH all increase the likelihood of sebaceous gland presence. The sebaceous glands of a human fetus secrete a substance called vernix caseosa , a waxy, translucent white substance coating
1080-451: The 1979 film My Brilliant Career , when the frizzy-haired Sybylla threatens to cut off all her hair, her aunt Gussie replies, "It'd be a pity to lose your finest asset." Today, some people embrace their natural frizz, while others see it as a problem in need of a solution, and advertisements for hair products often present it as such. Those looking for ways to reduce frizz encounter a great deal of conflicting information online and in
1125-447: The 1979 film My Brilliant Career , when the frizzy-haired Sybylla threatens to cut off all her hair, her aunt Gussie replies, "It'd be a pity to lose your finest asset." Today, some people embrace their natural frizz, while others see it as a problem in need of a solution, and advertisements for hair products often present it as such. Those looking for ways to reduce frizz encounter a great deal of conflicting information online and in
1170-572: The amount of sebum produced by the sebaceous glands. Should the usual treatments fail, the presence of the Demodex mite could be looked for as the possible cause. Other conditions that involve the sebaceous glands include: The word sebaceous , meaning 'consisting of sebum', was first termed in 1728 and comes from the Latin for 'tallow'. Sebaceous glands have been documented since at least 1746 by Jean Astruc , who defined them as "...the glands which separate
1215-504: The areas with more sebaceous glands, particularly the face, shoulders, upper chest and back. Comedones may be "black" or "white" depending on whether the entire pilosebaceous unit, or just the sebaceous duct, is blocked. Sebaceous filaments —innocuous build-ups of sebum—are often mistaken for whiteheads . There are many treatments available for acne from reducing sugars in the diet, to medications that include antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, and hormonal treatments. Retinoids reduce
1260-423: The body. Sapienic acid is a sebum fatty acid that is unique to humans, and is implicated in the development of acne. Sebum is odorless, but its breakdown by bacteria can produce strong odors. Sex hormones are known to affect the rate of sebum secretion; androgens such as testosterone have been shown to stimulate secretion, and estrogens have been shown to inhibit secretion. Dihydrotestosterone acts as
1305-407: The eyes are closed, and their lipid quality also prevents the eyelids from sticking together. They attach directly to the follicles of the eyelashes, which are arranged vertically within the tarsal plates of the eyelids. Fordyce spots , or Fordyce granules, are ectopic sebaceous glands found on the genitals and oral mucosa . They show themselves as yellowish-white milia (milk spots). Earwax
1350-432: The fat." He describes them in the oral cavity and on the head , eyelids , and ears , as "universally" acknowledged. Astruc describes them being blocked by "small animals" that are "implanted" in the excretory ducts and attributes their presence in the oral cavity to apthous ulcers , noting that "these glands naturally [secrete] a viscous humour, which puts on various colours and consistencies... in its natural state
1395-465: The female breast. These glands secrete an oily fluid that lubricates the nipple, and also secrete volatile compounds that are thought to serve as an olfactory stimulus for the newborn. During pregnancy and lactation these glands, also called Montgomery's glands, become enlarged. Meibomian glands , in the eyelids , secrete a form of sebum called meibum onto the eye , that slows the evaporation of tears . They also serve to create an airtight seal when
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1440-460: The hair cuticle, and other forms of damage which contribute to frizz. Excessive or rough brushing can cause breakage. This results in frizz because the hair is stretched out of shape before it breaks, so that the shorter hair that remains tends to spring outward, away from the main body of hair. Backcombing can be damaging, as can combing curly hair when it is dry. Excessive use of heat styling tools such as blow dryers and flatirons can weaken
1485-457: The hair cuticle, and other forms of damage which contribute to frizz. Excessive or rough brushing can cause breakage. This results in frizz because the hair is stretched out of shape before it breaks, so that the shorter hair that remains tends to spring outward, away from the main body of hair. Backcombing can be damaging, as can combing curly hair when it is dry. Excessive use of heat styling tools such as blow dryers and flatirons can weaken
1530-419: The hair to air-dry. Other common causes of hair damage include the use of relaxers and other harsh chemicals; use of a razor to cut curly hair, which weakens the hair cuticle and promotes frizz; and harsh shampoos that strip the hair of its natural oils. Having some hairs that are shorter than others is not necessarily a sign of breakage. Hair naturally sheds as it reaches the end of its growth cycle, and
1575-415: The hair to air-dry. Other common causes of hair damage include the use of relaxers and other harsh chemicals; use of a razor to cut curly hair, which weakens the hair cuticle and promotes frizz; and harsh shampoos that strip the hair of its natural oils. Having some hairs that are shorter than others is not necessarily a sign of breakage. Hair naturally sheds as it reaches the end of its growth cycle, and
1620-419: The hair, making it susceptible to breakage and split ends . Recommendations for minimizing heat damage include using heat styling tools set on low, using a diffuser when blow drying, and never using a curling iron or flat iron on wet hair. Direct heat can boil the water in the hair, causing bubbles to form inside the hair fiber, weakening the hair. Some authors recommend avoiding heat altogether, and allowing
1665-414: The hair, making it susceptible to breakage and split ends . Recommendations for minimizing heat damage include using heat styling tools set on low, using a diffuser when blow drying, and never using a curling iron or flat iron on wet hair. Direct heat can boil the water in the hair, causing bubbles to form inside the hair fiber, weakening the hair. Some authors recommend avoiding heat altogether, and allowing
1710-413: The media. Products and treatments that work well for one person may not work for another due to factors such as curl pattern, hair density, hair porosity, the amount of sebum produced, whether the individual strands are coarse or fine, protein levels (which are affected by one's diet), allergies to certain ingredients, regional humidity levels, and finally, subjective ideals of beauty . Moreover, some of
1755-413: The media. Products and treatments that work well for one person may not work for another due to factors such as curl pattern, hair density, hair porosity, the amount of sebum produced, whether the individual strands are coarse or fine, protein levels (which are affected by one's diet), allergies to certain ingredients, regional humidity levels, and finally, subjective ideals of beauty . Moreover, some of
1800-743: The methods used to smooth frizz can cause damage, making hair even more frizz-prone than before; for example, flatirons can burn the hair (see Damage, above), and some hair gels contain drying ingredients. Some experts recommend the use of products containing silicones, while others warn that silicones can cause buildup. Myriad products such as serums, pomades, and hair waxes are designed to reduce frizz, and each has its advocates and detractors. Some relatively non-controversial recommendations for reducing frizz include regular use of instant, deep, and leave-in conditioners ; occasional hot oil treatments; and regular trims to remove any split ends or damaged tips. Sebum A sebaceous gland or oil gland
1845-706: The methods used to smooth frizz can cause damage, making hair even more frizz-prone than before; for example, flatirons can burn the hair (see Damage, above), and some hair gels contain drying ingredients. Some experts recommend the use of products containing silicones, while others warn that silicones can cause buildup. Myriad products such as serums, pomades, and hair waxes are designed to reduce frizz, and each has its advocates and detractors. Some relatively non-controversial recommendations for reducing frizz include regular use of instant, deep, and leave-in conditioners ; occasional hot oil treatments; and regular trims to remove any split ends or damaged tips. frizz Frizz
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1890-435: The oily, waxy substance called sebum ( Latin : fat, tallow ) that is made of triglycerides , wax esters , squalene , and metabolites of fat-producing cells. Sebum lubricates the skin and hair of mammals. Sebaceous secretions in conjunction with apocrine glands also play an important thermoregulatory role. In hot conditions, the secretions emulsify the sweat produced by the eccrine sweat glands and this produces
1935-459: The primary androgen in the prostate and in hair follicles. Sebaceous glands are part of the body's integumentary system and serve to protect the body against microorganisms. Sebaceous glands secrete acids that form the acid mantle . This is a thin, slightly acidic film on the surface of the skin that acts as a barrier to microbes that might penetrate the skin. The pH of the skin is between 4.5 and 6.2, an acidity that helps to neutralize
1980-410: The sebum. The cells are constantly replaced by mitosis at the base of the duct. Sebum is secreted by the sebaceous gland in humans. It is primarily composed of triglycerides (≈41%), wax esters (≈26%), squalene (≈12%), and free fatty acids (≈16%). The composition of sebum varies across species. Wax esters and squalene are unique to sebum and not produced as final products anywhere else in
2025-516: The skin of newborns . After birth, activity of the glands decreases until there is almost no activity during ages two–six years, and then increases to a peak of activity during puberty , due to heightened levels of androgens . Relative to keratinocytes that make up the hair follicle, sebaceous glands are composed of huge cells with many large vesicles that contain the sebum. These cells express Na and Cl ion channels, ENaC and CFTR (see Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 in reference ). Sebaceous glands secrete
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