Frizzy describes hair that sticks out in a mass of tight, irregular curls or waves instead of lying smooth or flowing in an orderly way. When humidity hits, straight hair might turn frizzy, with individual strands puffing out in different directions like they have minds of their own. Naturally curly hair can become frizzy when it's dry or damaged, creating a wild, untamed look.

It captures that slightly chaotic quality when hair refuses to cooperate. Picture a dandelion gone to seed: that fuzzy, expanded sphere is a lot like frizzy hair. Some people love their frizzy hair and wear it proudly, while others spend time trying to smooth it down with special products or treatments.

You might wake up with frizzy hair after sleeping, or step outside on a humid summer day and feel your carefully brushed hair spring into frizziness. The word can describe other things too: a frizzy sweater might have loose fibers sticking out, or a worn stuffed animal might develop a frizzy, fuzzy texture. But you'll hear it most often describing hair that has decided to do its own thing.