frizzle

Frizzle is a term used in several contexts, most commonly to describe a feather mutation in poultry that causes the feathers to curl or frizz outward from the body rather than lying flat. The trait is most frequently associated with chickens, though it can occur in other fowl and some pigeon varieties. In chickens, the frizzle phenotype is typically caused by a dominant allele; birds carrying one or two copies may display varying degrees of frizz. Heterozygous individuals usually show a noticeable frizz, while homozygous birds can have more extreme feather curling and may be more susceptible to weather-related stress or skin exposure. Frizzle plumage is often bred for ornamental purposes, and various frizzle varieties exist within different breeds.

Care considerations for frizzle birds reflect their unique feathering. Because the plumage curls outward, these birds may require extra shelter and protection from wind, rain, and cold. Their distinctive feathers can also influence heat retention and moisture management, so owners may need to adjust housing, feeding, and health monitoring accordingly. Frizzle has become a recognizable aesthetic feature in several popular ornamental chicken lines, but it is typically managed by breeders rather than used for commercial egg production.

In human contexts, frizzle or frizzy describes hair that is dry, coarse, or prone to frizzing, especially in humid conditions. The term is common in beauty and fashion discussions and refers to texture and styling challenges as well as products aimed at smoothing or controlling frizz.

Frizzle may also appear in informal references to curly or crimped appearances in other animals or objects, but its primary associations are poultry genetics and hair texture.