English Reference

Word

frizzy

UK/fɹˈɪzi/

Definition

adj. describing hair that forms lots of small, dry curls and sticks out. You use it when hair looks puffy or messy, often in wet weather.

adj. Describing hair or fibers that form small, tight, irregular curls and expand outward, often as a result of dryness or humidity. Typically applied to human hair and textiles.

Examples

“Her hair turns frizzy on rainy days.”

“After swimming in the pool, my hair dries frizzy unless I use conditioner.”

“The portrait captured her frizzy halo of hair, each strand catching the afternoon light and softening the severity of her expression.”

Examples

simple

“Her hair turns frizzy on rainy days.”

contextual

“After swimming in the pool, my hair dries frizzy unless I use conditioner.”

complex

“The portrait captured her frizzy halo of hair, each strand catching the afternoon light and softening the severity of her expression.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “frizzy” in context.

Verb

01. become frizzy

“My hair always becomes frizzy as soon as the air gets humid.”

verb + adj

02. frizzy after rain

“My fringe was all frizzy after rain this morning.”

adj + prep + noun

03. frizzy in humidity

“My hair is always frizzy in humidity.”

adj + prep + noun

04. get frizzy

“His curls get frizzy if he brushes them when dry.”

verb + adj

Adjective

05. frizzy curls

“She pulled her frizzy curls back into a loose ponytail.”

adj + noun

06. frizzy ends

“Regular trims help to tidy up dry, frizzy ends.”

adj + noun

07. frizzy hair

“My frizzy hair becomes impossible to brush on rainy days.”

adj + noun

08. frizzy texture

“This serum is made for thick hair with a frizzy texture.”

adj + noun

Noun

09. frizzy halo

“Damp air left a small frizzy halo around her head.”

adj + noun

10. frizzy mop

“He tried to flatten his frizzy mop with some water.”

adj + noun

11. a head of frizzy hair

“She came in with a head of frizzy hair after the storm.”

12. hair goes frizzy

“My hair goes frizzy every time it rains.”

Real-World Examples

“A small, “flat-chested weirdo”, with horn-rimmed glasses, a snaggle tooth, frizzy hair, astigmatism and anaemia, she put her energies into sewing and fancy dress.”
The Guardian 18 Sept 2026
“Nourishing and fast-absorbing, Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse smoothes dry skin, frizzy hair, and frazzled cuticles, all while imparting a lovely fragrance — a blend of orange blossom, magnolia, and vanilla notes.”
The New York Times 9 Oct 2025
“Just as ice cream pairs perfectly with barbecues, summer and frizzy hair are a natural combination.”
The New York Times 5 Jul 2019
“The salon focuses on hair that is curly, frizzy, and otherwise challenging in texture—areas where Mr. Dickey, who has styled notable clients such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Rihanna, has considerable expertise.”
The New York Times 19 Aug 2009

Etymology

From frizz + -y.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Synonyms

frizzly

Antonyms

Related words

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Occasional
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/frizzy

English Reference