When I have frizzy curls that have been boil permed, running cold water over them helps to tame friz. This does result in a slightly looser curl though.
For straw curls I lightly condition the hair first, rinsing most of it out but not all. Then it's just careful curling and careful removal of curling supplies. If they don't come out right I wash them out, curse, and do it again. If the ends look bad I snip off the bad bits.