Let me start by saying that frizz and flyaways are 100 percent normal and there’s absolutely zero need to “fix," "tame," "control," or "manage" them. What you decide to do with your hair is totally up to you, whether that means embracing and enhancing your natural texture or softening and smoothing it with products. But on days when do you want to try a sleeker style, you gotta start your routine with a shampoo specifically formulated for reducing frizz and flyaways.
That’s a lot easier said than done, ofc, especially since not all shampoos for frizz are created equal (think: what works for your friend’s fine hair probs won’t do the trick for your 4b curls). So to help you find the right formula for your hair type, we consulted three master hairstylists—Nunzio Saviano, April Kayganich, and Clariss Rubenstein—for their expertise and insights.
Our top picks for the best shampoos for frizzy hair and flyways of 2022:
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Best Anti-Frizz Shampoo for Styling Prep
Redken Frizz Dismiss Sulfate-Free Shampoo
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Best Color-Safe Shampoo for Frizz
Biolage Color Last Shampoo
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Best Shampoo for Frizzy, Chemically Processed Hair
Kérastase Discipline Sulfate-Free Smoothing Shampoo
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Best Shampoo for Blonde, Frizzy Hair
Verb Purple Shampoo
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Best Anti-Humidity Shampoo for Frizz
Aveda Smooth Infusion Anti-Frizz Shampoo Aveda
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Keep reading for the full list of the 21 best shampoos for frizzy hair. There are options for every hair type, including a sulfate-free cleanser that’s great for curls, a strengthening shampoo for dry, damaged hair, even a color balancing blue shampoo, and so much more.
Best Anti-Frizz Shampoo for Styling Prep
Redken Frizz Dismiss Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Best Color-Safe Shampoo for Frizz
Biolage Color Last Shampoo
Best Shampoo for Frizzy, Chemically Processed Hair
Kérastase Discipline Sulfate-Free Smoothing Shampoo
Best Shampoo for Blonde, Frizzy Hair
Verb Purple Shampoo
Best Anti-Humidity Shampoo for Frizz
Aveda
Aveda Smooth Infusion Anti-Frizz Shampoo
Best Elasticity-Boosting Shampoo for Frizzy Hair
Davines Love Smoothing Shampoo
Best Shampoo for Frizzy Hair and Split Ends
Oribe Hair Alchemy Strengthening Shampoo
Best Bond-Building Shampoo for Frizzy Hair
Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
Best Shampoo for Fine, Frizzy Hair
Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo
Best Blue Shampoo for Frizzy Hair
Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo
Best Shampoo for Thick, Frizzy Hair
Ceremonia Champu de Yucca & Witch Hazel Shampoo
Best Drugstore Shampoo for Frizzy Curls
OGX Quenching Coconut Curls Shampoo
Best Drugstore Shampoo for Frizzy Hair
Pantene Pro-V Smooth & Sleek Shampoo (6-Pack)
Best Shampoo for Frizzy Curls
Curls Blueberry Bliss Reparative Hair Wash
Best Frizz Shampoo for Sensitive Scalps
Seen Skin-Caring Shampoo Fragrance-Free
Best Co-Wash for Frizzy Hair
Aunt Jackie's Flaxseed Recipes Purify Me Co-Wash
Best Shampoo Bar for Frizzy Hair
Ethique Frizz Wrangler Shampoo Bar
Best Shine-Enhancing Shampoo for Frizzy Hair
Drybar Liquid Glass Smoothing Shampoo
Best Shampoo for Brittle, Frizzy Hair
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair Super Moisture Shampoo
Best Moisturizing Shampoo for Frizzy Hair
Adwoa Beauty Baomint Moisturizing Shampoo
Best Scented Shampoo for Frizzy Hair
Monday Haircare Smooth Shampoo
What causes frizz and flyaways?
If you're finding that your naturally smooth hair has been extra frizzy lately, Kayganich might have an explanation: "Frizzy hair happens from lack of hydration or moisture, which can be caused by chemical treatments, mechanical damage, and humid environments." People with high porosity hair—aka hair that absorbs water easily but has a hard time retaining it—are also prone to frizz, Kayganich explains. "Frequent heat styling and using products with drying ingredients (i.e., alcohols) can also worsen frizz, says Saviano.
What's the best shampoo for frizzy hair?
The best shampoos for frizzy hair contain super hydrating and nourishing ingredients that promote hair health and smooth its outer cuticle, says Saviano. Rubenstein suggests looking for a shampoo that's infused with vitamin E and fatty acids, plus
moisturizing hair oils like argan, jojoba, coconut, and olive. Basically, shampoos that moisturize hair will be your BFF when it comes to smoothing frizz.
How to choose a shampoo for frizzy hair:
Avoid sulfates when possible.
Even though sulfates help remove dirt, excess oil, and buildup and create that satisfying foamy lather when you’re shampooing, these harsh surfactants are notorious for stripping away your hair's natural oils. This is not ideal if you want to decrease frizz. So go ahead, try a sulfate-free shampoo if you haven't already—they're totally worth the hype!
Consider your own hair.
Not all shampoos for frizzy hair are created equal, so be sure to choose a formula designed specifically for your hair type and texture. If you have coils or curls, a rich moisturizing formula will be your best bet. If you have finer hair that's straight or slightly wavy, a formula with lightweight hydrators like hyaluronic acid and glycerin is the way to go.
Realize your shampoo's limitations.
Anything that sits on your hair 60 seconds before being washed out isn’t going to leave you with long-term smoothing powers. Though a gentle, hydrating shampoo is a great start, you’ll also need a combo of moisturizing and smoothing styling products to help with your post-shower hair. Rubenstein says that deep conditioners, hair masks, and smoothing hair serums are a musts for minimizing frizz too.
Meet the experts:
- Nunzio Savianois a seasoned stylist, hair trend expert, and the owner of Nunzio Saviano Salon in New York, NY.
- April Kayganich is a hairstylist, educator, and texture expert who's made a name for herself in Austin, Texas (and on Instagram!) by teaching people how to embrace and style their natural curls.
- Clariss Rubensteinis a Los Angeles-based celebrity hairstylist at Gloss in Beverly Hills. Her clients include Jennifer Garner, Dakota Fanning, and Mindy Kaling.
Why trust Cosmopolitan:
Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan with nine years of experience researching, writing, and editing hair stories that range from the best best detanglers to the best blue shampoos for brunettes. She’s an authority in all hair categories but is an expert when it comes to shampoos for damaged hair. She regularly tests and analyzes shampoos for damaged hair for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top stylists and trichologists to assess new formulas and brands.
Lauren Balsamo Deputy Beauty Director Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports.
Hanna Flanagan Hanna Flanagan is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, sharing her recommendations for everything from denim and eye creams to coffee mugs and silk sheets.