1 B2 informal
For hair to become frizzy, curly, or unruly, often due to humidity or moisture.
"My hair always frizzes up the moment I step outside in rainy weather."
inseparable
frizz up
B2 informal inseparable transitive/intransitive
For hair to become frizzy, curly, or unmanageably wavy, especially in humid conditions.
In plain English
When your hair goes curly, puffy, and hard to control — usually because of humidity or moisture.
What does "frizz up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 informal
To deliberately make hair look frizzy or curly using heat or styling tools.
"She frizzed up her hair to get a bigger, retro look for the party."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To frizz upward or all over — mostly transparent.
Actually means
When your hair goes curly, puffy, and hard to control — usually because of humidity or moisture.
Usage tip
Mostly used in informal conversations about hair care. Often used reflexively or as an intransitive verb. Common in everyday speech, especially among people discussing hair and beauty. Used in both British and American English.
Words that pair with "frizz up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
hair humidity rain curls weather straight hair
How to conjugate "frizz up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
frizz up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
frizzes up
he/she/it
Past simple
frizzed up
yesterday
Past participle
frizzed up
have + pp
-ing form
frizzing up
continuous
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