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Hair

The Best Frizz-Fighting Products for Every Hair Type

 

In the battle against frizz, these expert-recommended oils, pomades, and sprays are your smooth hair superheroes. 

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As the saying goes, the higher the hair, the closer to God. But when that includes unintentional or unwanted frizz, it doesn't seem so heavenly. So, what causes our hair to frizz up, and how do we get it to stop? "Frizz comes from the hair absorbing moisture in the air," hairstylist Jen Atkin tells Allure. "So making sure you're conditioning and masking will help your hair combat that and leave it moisturized without wanting to absorb the moisture outside."

Depending on your hair type, there are certain techniques you can use to ensure frizz-free days. For the straight and wavy textures, Atkin says applying styling creams before using a hot tool is a great practice. "If you're styling with a curling iron or flatiron, spraying the hair with hairspray beforehand and brushing through will help prolong the style and prevent frizz," she says.

Those with curly and kinky textures that aren't reaching for hot tools as much should consider applying products to damp hair, according to Atkin. If you're letting your curls air dry, she recommends using a microfiber towel or old cotton T-shirt to wring out the excess water first to speed along the process.

These days, there are many products including leave-in conditioners, oils, shampoos, even wipes to help you in your pursuit of frizz-free (or mostly frizz-free) hair. But not all products that claim to combat frizz are universal, and it can take a lot of practice, product, and patience to get your hair to behave in the way you want it to. 

With the help of several hairstylists, Atkin included, we've rounded up 21 of the best ones on the market.

All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Smooth Shampoo

Hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons loves the Allure Best of Beauty-winning NatureLab Tokyo's sulfate-free Perfect Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner. "I love this Smooth Shampoo because it contains argan oil stem cells, and argan oil is one of my favorite ingredients," says Fitzsimons. 

His tip for those with hair that leans on the drier side: Wash your hair less frequently, but rinse with conditioners, like the rich, oil-infused NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Smooth Conditioner to help keep the hair nourished and moisturized. Cosmetic Chemist Ron Robinson points out that oils can, in fact, do a good job of closing the hair cuticle, which is the key to avoiding frizz. He also notes that while a cold water rinse might help seal the cuticle to some extent, the real work is done by the conditioners. 

If you do choose a cooldown after you condition, make sure you're using water that's too cold, which could prevent hair from being hydrated. "Freezing water might temporarily constrict capillaries and thus may decrease the blood supply of nutrients getting to the hair," Robinson adds. 

Oribe Imperial Blowout Transformative Styling Crème

Chicago-based hairstylist at Maxine Salon Leigh Hardges calls Oribe's Imperial Blowout Transformative Styling Crème "magic," explaining that the word transform isn't just marketing lingo: This heat-protectant-meets-styling-créme goes from a cream to oil to nourish the hair, then from an oil to a powder to give any style memory and volume.

Tresemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Serum

We've said it before, and we'll say it again: Please don't use heat on your hair without some form of heat protectant. It's not just us making this plea — hairstylist Nai'vasha is too. "Whether wearing your hair curly or straight, Tresemmé's Keratin Smooth Shine Serum is a must because of its heat-protectant qualities and keratin, which seal the cuticles and fight against the probability of unruly hair," she says. So not only does this shield against damage, but it helps your hair feel healthier, too.

Tigi Custom Create Heat Protection Spray

Hot tools can compromise the quality of your hair if not used properly, so repeated use of them can dehydrate strands and lead to breakage, which is why using a heat protectant is so important. Fitzsimons loves using the Tigi Custom Create Heat Protection Spray because it detangles, smooths, and moisturizes thanks to coconut oil and glycerin. Plus, the formula protects your hair from damaging heat up to 446 degrees Fahrenheit, creating the perfect base surface for all hair types. 

T3 Fit Dryer

There are smart hair-dryers, and then there's this small but mighty powerhouse. The T3 Fit Dryer is compact, but the air intensity it pumps out can be attributed to T3's IonAir technology, which has three heat and two speed settings. It infuses negative ions into an expansive but gentle airstream to help smooth the hair cuticle and make drying faster. Nai’vasha calls this "a professional game-changer." 

TSD Hair Flower Extract Conditioner

The lightweight TSD Hair's Flower Extract Conditioner works as a daily leave-in to moisturize hair, regardless of type. The keratin in TSD Hair's Flower Extract Conditioner assists in closing the hair cuticle, leading to smoother and shinier hair. 

Reverie Milk Anti-Frizz Leave-In Nourishing Treatment

Those who have dry hair that leans on the frizzier side will benefit from daily use of Reverie's Milk Anti-Frizz Leave-In Nourishing Treatment, thanks to the shea butter, pracaxi oil, and 16 different essential oils in the formula. This protein-rich milk leaves a slight sheen for glossy strands all day long. 

Carol's Daughter Monoi Multi-Styling Milk

Spritz the lightweight Carol's Daughter Monoi Multi-Styling Milk onto frizzy hair, regardless of texture, or before using a hot tool. This milky conditioner adds moisture — thanks to the monoi and coconut oil — while also protecting hair from heat.

Slip Silk Pillowcase

It's no mystery that what you sleep on is just as important as how you prep your hair to go to sleep, and the quickest way to Frizz City is by taking the Cotton Pillowcase Railroad. Fitzsimons recommends a different textile for sleeping. 

"Cotton is fibrous and draws natural oils out of our hair, which leaves it dry and more prone to frizzing," says Fitzsimons. "Try swapping your cotton pillowcases for a silk pillowcase," like this one by Slip that helps prevent breakage and prevents hair from tangling while you sleep. 

Redken Extreme Anti-Snap Leave-In Treatment For Damaged Hair

Split ends are no match for Redken's Extreme Anti-Snap Leave-In Treatment For Damaged Hair. A combination of ceramides and proteins is what makes this moisturizer great for strengthening and protecting hair from heat. No wonder it was a favorite of hairstylist Vernon François.  

Ouai Matte Pomade

The Ouai Matte Pomade slicks down flyaways or frizz without adding any greasiness. Don't be afraid of the white formula because it melts right in, regardless of the color of your hair. 

Christophe Robin Anti-Frizz Rescue Milk With Shea Butter 

Formulated with shea butter, aloe juice, and moringa extract, the Christophe Robin Anti-Frizz Rescue Milk With Shea Butter deeply moisturizes the hair to help combat frizz. Smooth the treatment evenly throughout after shampooing and conditioning or dab on areas you need a little extra help. 

Garnier Fructis Style Curl Stretch Loosening Pudding

Garnier Fructis' Style Curl Stretch Loosening Pudding stretches (and loosens) curls all while delivering zero frizz or fuss. The coconut oil and shea butter in the formula makes this 2016 Best of Beauty Winner a great moisturizer.  

Mason Pearson Hair Brush

This hairstylist favorite has boar bristles, which are especially effective on overstressed hair. Lightly mist the Mason Pearson Hair Brush with hairspray before styling, stash it in your bag, and pass it over frizzy strands throughout the day when you need a touch-up.

Virtue Polish Un-Frizz Cream

Give your strands some TLC with this leave-in treatment, Polish Un-Frizz Cream, from 2017 Best of Beauty-winning brand Virtue. Suitable for all hair types, including those that have been color-treated, this paraben-free cream locks out humidity so you experience as little frizz throughout the day as possible.

Ouai Leave-In Conditioner

Ouai’s Leave-In Conditioner landed a 2020 Reader’s Choice Award for its ability to simultaneously smooth, detangle, and hydrate hair. Suitable for all textures, including kinky and coily, it deeply nourishes hair with panthenol (a form of vitamin B), vitamin E, and a blend of amino acids.

Living Proof No Frizz Instant De-Frizzer

Living Proof has got a new addition to its beloved No Frizz line: the Instant De-Frizzer. This dry conditioning spray will help tame those stubborn hairs that won't lay down or get into formation. If you've got straighter hair, just spray and smooth down your hair with your hands or a comb. Those with curls should squeeze the section you sprayed for an easy way to tame some of your errant hairs.

Creme of Nature With Argan Oil From Morocco Twirling Custard

We’re stanning for all the goodness in this creamy Creme of Nature With Argan Oil From Morocco Twirling Custard. Staving off the frizzies can sometimes drive you to become heavy-handed and pile it on thick, but with this product, you only need dabs here and there to contain your strands.

Bumble & Bumble Bb Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Shampoo

Fighting excessive frizz in humid weather starts with the type of cleansing products you're using. When your hair lacks proper moisture, it’s far more likely to balloon at the first sight of humidity. This moisturizing Bumble & Bumble Bb Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Shampoo is designed for dry and brittle hair and cleans and conditions your scalp with a powerful blend of six hydrating oils, including coconut oil, argan oil, and sweet almond oil.

L'Oréal Paris Everpure Moisture Shampoo

The moisturizing L'Oréal Paris Everpure Shampoo is great for thick hair because it helps weigh it down a bit (a good thing for those prone to frizz). The color-safe formula gently cleanses your colored hair, giving you all the moisturizing benefits without the excessive stripping.  After your shower, rub a tiny dab of the conditioner on your ends — it'll prevent any fuzz from forming as you blow-dry.

Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Oil-In-Cream

Frizz control reaches an all-time high with Shu Uemura's Essence Absolue Oil-In-Cream that softens the hair while balancing the moisture level in the driest strands. The cream works best on thicker hair types. 

Awapuhi Wild Ginger MirrorSmooth High Gloss Prime

While you should limit how often you heat style your hair if you really want to tame your frizz, sometimes the heart wants what it wants. Rake a couple of pumps of this John Paul Mitchell MirrorSmooth High Gloss Primer to protect your hair from thermal damage before blow-drying it for a shiny, salon-worthy blowout.

Fekkai Brillant Gloss Multi-Tasker Perfecting Creme

Finish off a fresh blowout, or smooth midday curls that may be threatening to poof up, with Fekkai's Brillant Gloss Multi-Tasker Perfecting Creme. The styler uses olive and coconut-derived silicone alternatives to flatten flyaways without adding weight. Curls and sleek strands are left smooth but not bouncy or heavy.