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The worst feeling when styling your hair (and trying to replicate the ‘dos you find on Pinterest, TikTok or even a salon magazine, is when — after using a team of products in your bathroom — it’s still difficult to tame your frizzy hair.
Trust me, I know the struggle. Though my hair is a mutt of hair types at times (naturally curly, typically frizzy and sometimes dry), frizz is the one characteristic that’s (1) the most noticeable and (2) the most difficult to keep at bay. (Related: Best hair conditioners we reviewed).
“Frizzy hair reacts differently than the majority of the hair in total,” Danielle Keasling, Ulta Beauty Pro Team member, celebrity hairstylist and global hair educator, told the New York Post. “It can be exaggerated when you feel a lot of moisture in the air and your hair is dry, or when you disrupt the cuticle of the hair and it is manipulated in a way that aggravates the curl pattern or cuticle. “
To help make your in-shower experience more effective (and, your hair looking great), read on for the 15 best shampoos for frizzy hair we reviewed — along with an in-depth FAQ section highlighting Keasling’s pro tips. Whether your hair leans more fine or super thick, we have you covered from the scalp-up.
How we tested:
After testing different shampoos apt for frizzy hair for at least six months, my hair has never felt or looked better. Here are some criteria I kept in mind while scrubbing and rinsing:
- That “clean” feeling: Both when you’re washing your hair and styling, your hair should feel fresh and clean, having some volume while taming your flyaways. I kept this in mind throughout the testing process.
- How long it lasts: Typically, my hair styles will last up to two days before a wash (sometimes three, if a dry shampoo is used). However, while this may look different for your particular hair type — based on if your hair is thin, thick or somewhere in between — I kept the longevity of my hairstyle in mind.
- Efficacy: Overall, you’ll want a shampoo that’s good at taming frizz but non-greasy. This is probably the most important characteristic that allowed me to differentiate a good frizzy hair shampoo from the rest.
Best Shampoos for Frizzy Hair We Reviewed
1. Best overall: Fekkai Brilliant Gloss Shampoo, $25
The most impressive shampoo to help keep my frizzy hair away is (without a doubt) the Fekkai Brilliant Gloss Shampoo. Not only does it help give the crown of my hair volume and lift but it adds hydration and shine to my locks as well.
As far as frizz goes, its thoughtful inclusion of fatty acids and squalane in its ingredients list helps eliminate those hard-to-manage strands, while its prickly pear extract and vitamins B6, C, E and K help add to its luscious, salon-esque look. This is a bottle you’ll want to have on hand.
2. Virtue Smooth Shampoo for Coarse & Textured Hair, $40
Virtue has been one of my favorite hair brands as of late, namely because of its quality and smoothing power that each product helps give my hair (read: best hair mousses we reviewed). The brand’s Smooth Shampoo for Coarse & Textured Hair features a lovely blend of citrus, fresh lavender and mint — helping to maintain the freshness of your hair, as well as help give it that deep clean it craves.
Because of its formulation that was designed for thicker hair textures, it always helps tame down my hair without leaving it frizzy. This is due in part to its restorative ingredients — including the brand’s proprietary Alpha Keratin protein — that help repave the hair cuticles and reduce friction between each strand. In short, it’s ‘scientific magic’ for your hair.
3. R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo, $34
As soon as I tried the R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo, it was love at first sight. This salon-used brand has a lovely floral scent that’ll have you using it for each hair wash, as well as a volumizing and nourishing effect that always gives my hair that frizz-free, healthy look.
The best way to describe this shampoo is this: if you want a versatile option that’s well-formulated to fight frizz, offers UV protection and gives your hair a good amount of shine and body, this one should be at the top of your must-buy list.
4. IGK Legendary Shampoo, $27
What impressed me most about the IGK Legendary Shampoo is how silky smooth it made my hair. It doesn’t offer much body than others though its ability to nearly erase frizz from each side of my head is pretty revolutionary.
Aside from feeling soft as you stroke your hair from root to tip, your hair will also feel light and virtually weightless. However, because it’s one of the best for soft, smooth hair, a little goes a long way.
5. Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo with Avocado & Jojoba (1- or 4-Pack), $7 to $32
Looking for a quality drugstore shampoo that’ll help give your hair moisture (and, in turn, help mitigate frizz)? Try Aussie’s Miracle Moist Shampoo. Its nurturing ingredient-blend of avocado and jojoba add to its lotion-soft consistency, allowing your hair to soak in its moisture and blow-dry (or air-dry) to an impressive look and feel.
Plus, its citrus scent is the cherry on top of the sundae.
6. Gisou Honey-Infused Hair Wash, $37
Disclaimer: the Gisou Honey-Infused Hair Wash isn’t like your typical shampoo. It comes out sheer, at first having me wonder, ‘is this too lightweight to help tame my frizz?’ But, it lathers surprisingly well, having my hair feel lightweight, shiny and smooth once I begin styling my hair.
This is the closest shampoo to my favorite on this list Fekkai, and I like having them on deck. The subtle difference? This blend is a bit more suited for dry hair because it’s a tad more moisturizing. So, if you have a lot of frizz, this luxe option is worth a try.
7. amika Mirrorball High Shine + Protect Antioxidant Shampoo, $26
Let’s not just talk about frizz — let’s talk about shine. The new amika Mirrorball High Shine + Protect Antioxidant Shampoo is fairly priced, smells incredible (much like all of its products) and is effective at fighting frizz, particularly at the ends of your hair.
Its amber vanilla scent is the perfect cozy aroma that you’ll want to lather on your hair on repeat, too. If you have ultra-frizzy hair, this pairs perfectly with the brand’s top-rated Supernova Moisture and Shine Cream ($27) after using its paired conditioner.
8. NatureLab. Tokyo Shine Shampoo, $15 to $19
You know that fresh feeling when you use a shampoo? That’s the best word to describe the NatureLab. Tokyo Shine Shampoo. As its name suggests, it does a lovely job of adding a glimmer to your hair once styled and is great at keeping frizzy hair at bay, especially toward the root of your hair.
While taming my frizzy hair, it helps give it a new life (you know, replenishing it to a state that’s not ‘blah’ and dull). This is due in part to its rich antioxidant blend, including grape stem cells, pearl platinum and hyaluronic acid.
9. L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture Shampoo, $8 to $14
- Conditioner included with Amazon purchase
For a drugstore shampoo, the L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture Shampoo is one to keep in your hair-wash routine for frizz control. This is another one where a little goes a long way.
Impressively, it both cleanses and nourishes your hair, helping to replenish dry hair and tame frizz alike. Because it’s gentle, it won’t strip your hair either; simply put, it’ll help tame your flyaways, keep your hair less brittle and leave it feeling well-quenched (and well-scented, thanks to its hint of rosemary).
10. Pureology Smooth Perfection Shampoo, $36 to $85
Pureology is a leader in the haircare game (side note: my hairdresser used to use this brand, so its fresh-feeling is something I always tie this brand to). Namely, its Smooth Perfection Shampoo is a rockstar at helping your hair feel thick, nourished and satin-y. This particular shampoo always leaves my hair with a bouncy swoop at the end after using my blow dryer.
Its heavenly marshmallow accord scent will have not only your hair but your bathroom smelling like a dream. Alongside keeping frizzy hair at bay it offers a sleek, natural-looking glossy shine.
11. Andrew Fitzsimons Prism Shine Glossy Shampoo, $16
The Andrew Fitzsimons Prism Shine Glossy Shampoo has a swanky pink bottle, a less-than-$20 price tag and an exceptional formulation that’s both thickening and frizz-fighting. Thanks to its hydrating coconut-derived ingredients and aloe vera, its glossy glow and ability to easily style frizz (1) impressed me and (2) allowed my hairstyle to last for more than two days on end.
It also is ideal for the trifecta — frizz-fighting, shine-boosting and highly moisturizing — making it a wonderful add-to-cart purchase.
12. Kerasilk Smoothing Shampoo, $32
The Kerasilk Smoothing Shampoo not only comes in a luxurious, smooth bottle (so yes, its attention to smoothness is within every aspect of this formulation) but it applies like your best-absorbing, silky moisturizer. With a subtle fresh scent and its inclusion of biomimetic silk and shea oil, consider it a soothing blanket for your hair (which, in turn, makes frizz go bye-bye).
13. Odele Volumizing Shampoo, $12
For a shampoo that has a bubbly lather, a botanical scent and a luxurious feel for less, the Odele Volumizing Shampoo is a great less-than-$15 option. Specifically, it’s one of those shampoos where you note only see results but you feel them too — making your hair feel stronger, thanks to its fortified amino acid blend helping with the health and vitality of your hair from root to tip.
When I use the Odele Volumizing Shampoo, my hair feels light and airy but also glossy and structured, just as it would coming out of the salon. If you’re a budget-conscious shopper, start with this one (and thank me later).
14. Maui Moisture Lightweight Hydration + Hibiscus Water Shampoo, $9 to $17
- Conditioner included with Amazon purchase
Hello, tropical island scent. The Maui Moisture Lightweight Hydration + Hibiscus Water Shampoo is an affordable option that’s perfect if you love smelling like all things fruity, fresh and fun. Namely, this shampoo is infused with hibiscus water, passionfruit and juicy watermelon (so you can say its moisturizing impact is pretty great) and is packed with antioxidants and vitamins.
Because of its organic-leaning ingredients — taking water directly from the coconut — your hair has a fresh, light feeling that won’t dry out your hair. Specifically, it’s best at taming my frizzy hair at the crown.
15. OUAI Medium Hair Shampoo, $32
OUAI was one of the first shampoos I used where I thought, “wow, this makes my hair feel like silk.” Whenever I want to douse my hair in nourishment, I always turn to the brand’s Medium Hair Shampoo, though there’s also one for Fine Hair and Thick Hair, depending on your hair type.
Not to mention, this shampoo will instantly transport you to a five-star resort spa (you know, the ones with the bamboo-lined saunas and eucalyptus everywhere, given its natural-smelling scent and luscious feel. It always offers my hair a much needed shine, like I just had a fresh blowout and glaze.
| Shampoo: | Price: | Who it’s good for: |
| Fekkai Brilliant Gloss Shampoo | $$ | Those looking to mitigate frizz and add a good amount of volume and body |
| Virtue Smooth Shampoo for Coarse & Textured Hair | $$$ | Those looking for a heavier consistency to fight frizz on their thicker hair |
| R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo | $$$ | Those looking for extra moisture to keep frizz at bay, along with UV protection |
| IGK Legendary Shampoo | $$ | Those looking for a silky, smooth shine that will simultaneously tame flyaways |
| Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo with Avocado & Jojoba | $ | Those who are looking for an affordable, moisturizing shampoo that’ll help eliminate the look of frizz for up to two days, roughly |
| Gisou Honey-Infused Hair Wash | $$$ | Those who are looking for a lightweight, buildable shampoo with a sweet scent that’ll help tame frizz and smooth out medium hair |
| amika Mirrorball High Shine + Protect Antioxidant Shampoo | $$ | Those who value a salon-like scent and two-in-one products: mitigate frizz and add shine through antioxidant-infused ingredients |
| NatureLab. Tokyo Shine Shampoo | $ | Those who are looking for a quality shampoo for less that’ll offer plenty of smoothing and nourishing benefits after blow-dried |
| L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture Shampoo | $ | Those who are looking for an affordable shampoo that helps tame flyaways, add a glossy shine and is especially suited for color-treated or gray hair, thanks to its sulfate-free formulation |
| Pureology Smooth Perfection Shampoo | $$$ | Those who are looking for a luxury-grade formulation that not only tames frizz and adds a natural shine but also enhances the body of your hair |
| Andrew Fitzsimons Prism Shine Glossy Shampoo | $ | Those who are looking to fight frizz, thicken hair and smooth out the crown-area of your hair |
| Kerasilk Smoothing Shampoo | $$$ | Those who are looking for a shampoo that’ll add extra nourishment to their thick hair, while also being lightweight, buildable and long-lasting |
| Odele Volumizing Shampoo | $ | Those who are looking for that salon-fresh feeling for less, love botanical-scented hair products and want to enhance the health and strength of their strands |
| Maui Moisture Lightweight Hydration + Hibiscus Water Shampoo | $ | Those who are obsessed with sweet, tropical scents without an influx of harsh chemicals that’ll dry out your hair |
| OUAI Medium Hair Shampoo | $$$ | Those who are seeking softness and a natural-looking gloss while keeping frizz at bay |
An FAQ on Shampoos for Frizzy Hair
Ahead, Keasling provides her top tips for shopping for shampoos apt for frizzy hair, including what ingredients to hunt for and other characteristics to keep in mind.
What causes frizzy hair?
First things first — let’s answer the question everyone and their mother is probably pondering.
“Causes of frizzy hair may include humidity in the environment, high pH levels (hard water), high alkaline pH levels in shampoo, lack of moisture, dry or damaged hair and friction in the hair (dry brushing/combing, sleeping on it),” Keasling tells The Post.
However, depending on your hair thickness, you may be prone to frizzier hair than others. Generally, thicker hair can become drier and frizzier if not handled with care.
What to look for in a shampoo for frizzy hair, according to an expert
“For fine hair with frizz, you really want to look for a lower alkaline shampoo with loads of moisture!” Keasling notes. This boils down to its nurturing ingredients — including hyaluronic acid and manuka honey, per Keasling’s recommendations.
“Humidity control claims on shampoo also are flags that the product helps to lock out environmental moisture, thus providing a more sealed cuticle that fights against the frizz,” she explains. If you have curly hair, you’ll also want a pH-balanced shampoo or a good co-wash.
What ingredients to avoid in a shampoo for frizzy hair, according to an expert
With any hair product, there are some ingredient no-nos. According to Keasling, steer clear of high alkaline shampoos , parabens, mineral oils and petrolatum products.
How often should I wash my hair if it’s frizzy?
“I always recommend as long as you can!” Keasling says. “It is, however, very important to keep your scalp, free of sebum and build-up.”
This act helps support a healthy, scalp and environment, in which hair can continue to grow strong. “If you feel itchy or are seeing flakes, it’s time to shampoo,” Keasling advises.
Should I use a conditioner if my hair is frizzy?
“I believe you should always use a conditioner after shampooing your hair, no matter what your hair type is,” Keasling adds. “It’s all about finding the perfect balance, and the correct formulation.”
Importantly, conditioners help to restore vital nutrients, and moisture, thus providing strength and protection in various forms.
“If you don’t wash often (less than once a week), replace your regular conditioner with a nourishing luxury masque,” she recommends.
Your expert guide on styling frizzy hair
Below, Keasling outlines an in-depth step-by-step process for styling your frizzy hair — product recommendations included.
Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.
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