We tested frizzy hair products for smoother strands — these 17 actually work

Regardless if you’re using everything from hair masks and oils to personalized haircare (or, the best shampoos we reviewed), frizzy hair may still ensue.

For some, it’s inevitable — the torment of fervent flyaways too brutal to bear. For others, it’s just a matter of using the wrong formulation.

Like most people with wavy hair, frizz parts its way onto my locks quite often. It’s (1) unwanted and (2) a concern so front-and-center that I put dozens upon dozens of products to the test — until I landed at the 17 very best below.

RELATED: Best shampoos for fine hair, per experts

“Frizz is a common complaint in the salon, however the source of the frizz isn’t the same for everyone,” Amy Abramite, hairstylist, salon educator and creative director at Maxine Ltd. in Chicago, told the New York Post. “It’s important to identify the root of the problem and treat it with the right products for the best results.”

When choosing the right products to target frizzy hair, we recommend considering smoothing ingredients, like argan oil, texture of your hair, hold against the elements and desired application.

Ahead, find the best products to add to your online shopping cart ASAP, along with an in-depth FAQ section on treating and managing frizzy hair — the expert-backed advice you need.

Click to jump to the best products for frizzy hair:

• Best Product for Frizz Overall: AG Care Set It Straight Argan Straightening Lotion ($22)
• Best Shampoos for Frizz: Pureology ($37); Dove ($9); NatureLab. TOKYO ($15)
• Best Conditioner for Frizz: Virtue Smooth Conditioner ($44)
• Best Serum for Frizz: IGK Crybaby Smoothing and Finishing Serum ($32)
• Best Oil for Frizz: Kérastase Elixir Ultime Hydrating Hair Oil Serum ($58)
• Best Leave-In Products for Frizz: Act+Acre ($43); amika ($28); AG Care ($28); JVN ($29)
• Best Hair Mask for Frizz: It’s A 10 Miracle Hair Mask ($23)
• Best Treatments for Frizz: dae ($44); Virtue ($46)
• Best Frizz Products for Damaged Hair: Bumble and bumble ($36); amika ($29)
• Best Frizz Product for Shine: Moroccanoil Smoothing Lotion ($36)

best product for frizz tested overall

AG Care Set It Straight Argan Straightening Lotion

Pros:

• Makes the hair super smooth, thanks to including argan oil
• Humidity-resistant, so wonderful for when going outside
• Fair price point

Cons:

• May not be the best for extremely fine hair as a spray may be more workable

The award-winner for best frizzy hair product goes to the AG Care Set It Straight Argan Straightening Lotion, no questions asked. It’s offered at a fair price point, never fails to leave my hair super smooth and frizz-free and has 100+ Amazon shoppers flocking to it monthly.

Its body lotion-style packaging makes it simple to travel with and I find I never want to be without it. Infused with argan oil, its humidity-resistant formulation helps hydrate, tame and allow my locks to be completely smooth by the end of my blowout. In two words, it’s simply amazing.

AMAZON $22.00

AG CARE $22.00 $16.50

ULTA BEAUTY $22.00

Best Shampoos for Frizz

Pureology Smooth Perfection Shampoo

When I want to fully eradicate my frizzy hair, the Pureology Smooth Perfection Shampoo does the job — and does the job with flying colors. Speaking of colors, it’s effective on color-treated hair as it’s void of sulfates, so it’ll help preserve your hair dye. While my hair isn’t color-treated, this is still a checkmark in Pureology’s favor as it appeals to more beauty consumers.

Additionally, I love its salon-worthy wash that comes locked and loaded with a lovely scent. While it’s excellent at smoothing it never leaves my hair flat, which I appreciate. Plus, it performs even better when you add the brand’s Smooth Perfection Lightweight Smoothing Lotion ($32) ahead of styling.

Dove Scalp+ Hair Therapy Density Boost Clarifying Shampoo

The amount of times I’ve raved about the Dove Scalp+ Hair Therapy Density Boost Clarifying Shampoo is innumerable at this point. Among the litter of clarifying shampoos, this was one of the only options to leave me with a noticeable result instantaneously. It helps remove product buildup and cleanses well while doing so.

Suitable for oily scalps, it helps purify the hair. It simultaneously infuses my hair with vitamins and zinc for added nourishment and all of this “hair goodness” leads my frizz to be virtually gone at the end of my stylish sesh. Too, too good.

NatureLab. TOKYO Perfect Smooth Shampoo

I can’t believe this effective formula with reusable packaging is just $15, either. “It’s a frizz-fighting shampoo that smoothes the hair with yuzu ceramide and exotic oils,” Andrew Fitzsimmons, celebrity hairstylist for Kim Kardashian, Megan Fox, Jennifer Lopez and more, told The Post, also recommending the shampoo.

The best part? When I’m in the shower, I feel the suds making my scalp and hair buttery smooth. It smells fresh and clean and contains an exotic blend of antioxidant-rich oils, Japanese superfoods and plant extracts that smell incredible. Uniquely, it’s designed to fight frizz and bring a dose of hair health to my locks.

Best Conditioner for Frizz

Virtue Smooth Conditioner

Out of the market of hair conditioners, the Virtue Smooth Conditioner is one that never lets me down. The reason? It’s exceptional at smoothing, as its name suggests, but it never flattens my hair as to make them look oily. Instead, it eradicates frizz while leaving my hair in a bouncy, healthy state.

What’s truly interesting about this creamy formulation isn’t only how hydrating it is but how it was formulated. Because it paves through rough cuticles on the scalp and reduces friction between each strand, Virtue’s conditioner helps to tackle frizz at its source. My hair notices a stark difference when I’m using it, that’s for sure.

Best Serum for Frizz

IGK Crybaby Smoothing and Finishing Serum

With an incredibly fun design, IGK knows how to put on a performance in the packaging department. But, the real beauty of this product lies on the inside, as the Crybaby Smoothing and Finishing Serum is versatile enough to use on damp or dry hair to tackle frizz.

Because it’s so versatile, I’d vouch that it’s worth the cost. It’s excellent for travel and a little goes a long way. I love using this product on the ends of my hair when dry for a bit of a frizz-taming session but I also enjoy using it directly following my already washed hair to graze it along the middle and ends.

Its ability to tame flyaways is second to none and most of that acclaim is due to its serum consistency. It never leaves my hair greasy, smells like a dream and is an all-around good product.

Best Oil for Frizz

Kérastase Elixir Ultime Hydrating Hair Oil Serum

Luxury is exactly what the doctor ordered, and the Kérastase Elixir Ultime Hydrating Hair Oil Serum is your glossy prescription to fill next. With an extremely royal feel and glossy finish, it comes at no surprise that this product made the list. In fact, I always joke that I would sell my future firstborn child for Kérastase (again, a joke, nobody come after me — or this hair oil).

I love how this helps tame my hair, especially for any flyaways I may have. I don’t do slicked-back hairstyles all too often but this product would be absolutely amazing if you love the look of a polished, neat bun.

While it’s price point is up there, it’s an excellent value despite the high price point. This is because you only need a dime-sized amount whenever you whip this out to avoid a greasy feel. When this coin-shaped amount is dispersed, your hair will thank you.

Best Leave-In Products for Frizz

Act+Acre Cold Processed Leave-In Conditioner

The Act+Acre Cold Processed Leave-In Conditioner is a well-formulated option. The brand was trichologist-developed, meaning that someone who specializes in scalp health is behind the name, and it shows.

Not only am I obsessed with the Act+Acre Showerhead I reviewed but its leave-in conditioner is a solid pick to keep frizz at bay. The product is formulated with a 2% squalane blend that deeply hydrates and strengthens the hair. In turn, I find that my frizz is virtually eliminated. And, at the same time, it helps reduce breakage.

If you have somewhat dry hair at times like I do, you’ll especially love this leave-in product. After blow-drying, my hair is never dull or hay-like.

amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Leave-In Conditioner

I’ve been obsessed with the amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Leave-In Conditioner for years. At this point, it’s a tried-and-true staple of mine that comes in a groovy bottle with a glossy finish.

With any hair product marketed as giving intense moisture, I’m a bit wary. However, amika assuaged my fears because it offers just the right balance of hydration and shine, frizz-blocking and nourishment.

I don’t have to tell you that amika is one of the best haircare brands as far as scent goes. It’s fairly priced and I’m still very much in love with the brand’s Blow Dry Brush I reviewed. Though you may need a bit more spritzes, this factor is largely dependent on your hair type and thickness.

AG Care Coco Nut Milk Conditioning Spray

I find myself reaching for the AG Care Coco Nut Milk Conditioning Spray quite often. It’s the ideal size for travel, makes my hair smell like one big coconut and hydrates incredibly well. Those reasons alone make it worth the less-than-$30 price tag.

Namely, its macadamia extract and mango seed butter seal the deal — coconut aside. It’s ideal for medium to thick hair types or those prone to knots and it’s seriously one to add to your cart right this minute. With a summertime nostalgic scent, it’s the ideal product to use in the warmer months, though I find myself reaching for it all year round.

JVN Complete Blowout Styling Milk

Of course, if JVN from “Queer Eye” makes anything, I’m all about it. He’s truly the definition of “the man, the myth, the legend” and it’s incredibly evident with the Complete Blowout Styling Milk.

When I say it hydrates, it hydrates.Its formula is one of the best hair products I tested for smoothness and it’s especially nurturing for hair that tends to be a bit drier than most. I apply it after nearly every shower (yes, it pairs well with the AG Care Set It Straight Argan Straightening Lotion, the “best overall” pick on this list).

Best Hair Mask for Frizz

It’s A 10 Miracle Hair Mask

Hair masks are one of the greatest inventions, I say, and the It’s A 10 Miracle Hair Mask is one of the very best. It’s also one of the most affordable at less than $25 and a product I use about once a week.

I’m not shocked that it has garnered more than 4,000 rave reviews on Amazon, either. The brand’s Miracle Leave-In Product ($26) is also one of my favorites, but the hair mask is one I turn to a bit more frequently. It helps detangle, restore moisture to the ends of my hair and, as a result, works well for frizzy hair.

Because of its multipurpose charm, it’s unbeatable for blowouts. I love whipping out the tub whenever I want to give my hair some extra TLC.

Best Treatments for Frizz

dae Stargloss Shine Hair Gloss Treatment

It just has to be said: the dae Stargloss Shine Hair Gloss Treatment is simply like no other. If you’re seeking a treatment-style product that offers your hair a noticeable shine and taming of frizz, this has the it-factor.

Namely, it’s ultra-hydrating and doesn’t leave my hair flat or greasy. Sometimes, when I cocktail my hair products, it doesn’t work out in my favor. This is the only product you need as a pre-wash treatment.

How to use? Use on unwashed dry hair and part your hair into two-inch sections. Using the applicator tip, apply generous amount from mid-lengths to ends. I like to then work the product into each section with my fingertips. After leaving it on for 20 minutes, I hop in the shower, shampoo and condition as usual and voilà. Dreamy, frizz-free and shiny strands.

Virtue Smooth Frizz Block Smoothing Spray

The Virtue Smooth Frizz Block Smoothing Spray has everything going on: it’s incredible for mitigating frizz, lightweight as air to prevent product buildup and was specially designed for frizz. Thank you, Virtue.

I love its salon-worthy scent and was pretty much blown away when I realized how lightweight yet effective it is. It’s also heat-protective up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, another brownie point for the frizz-fighting treatment.

Uniquely, the spray-on treatment was initially created for harsh humid conditions and is a heat-activated spray, which is said to be “the prescription-strength equivalent of traditional anti-frizz sprays.” I find myself layering the product atop other styling products, perhaps the JVN Complete Blowout Styling Milk or the AG Care Coco Nut Milk Conditioning Spray on this list. Of course, its stands well on its own, too.

Best Frizz Products for Damaged Hair

Bumble and bumble Bb. Heat Shield Thermal Protection Mist

The Bumble and bumble Bb. Heat Shield Thermal Protection Mist is the best heat protectant I tested, a tall order as a beauty lover who has tried dozens of them. Its ability to tame frizz, smooth out my strands and essentially hit the reset button on my hair is astounding. Plus, its smell is lovely.

It’s more of a mist than a spray, making it incredible for finer hair types, though any hair thickness would benefit from this strategically made spray. Its Honey Protective Complex is as sweet as it sounds, helping to reverse damage and tone down my frizz whenever I use it.

amika The Shield Anti-Humidity Spray and Heat Protectant

If we’re being honest, amika is one of the most beloved brands I’ve ever had the pleasure of trying. Specifically, The Shield Anti-Humidity Spray and Heat Protectant is a cross between a hair mist and dry shampoo, “protecting hair from heat styling and locking out humidity for 24 hours,” Abramite noted, also recommending this particular product.

While it’s not an official “hair spray,” it never leaves my hair crunchy and smells like your best salon treatment ever. I love spraying this on after styling with a curling iron, especially when I know I’ll be outside for a long stretch of time.

Best Frizz Product for Shine

Moroccanoil Smoothing Lotion

The Moroccanoil Smoothing Lotion is the poster product for Smoothness and Shine. I swear, this product makes a noticeable difference on my hair when I graze it from my ears to the tips. While the bottle says “frizz control,” you could have placed this bottle in a clear tub and I would have said the same thing: it’s excellent at taming frizz.

My favorite way to use the product is in tandem with the brand’s All-in-One Leave-In Conditioner ($30). When finished, use the brand’s Dry Texture Spray ($29), especially if you have wavy hair.

An FAQ on Frizzy Hair Products

Ahead, comb through (ha!) our FAQ section on how to manage — and eliminate — frizzy hair for good.

How to get rid of frizzy hair, per experts

The golden question, right? Luckily, Abramite shares her go-to guide.

“Begin by shampooing with a sulfate-free shampoo for gentle cleansing to keep more moisture in the hair for added hydration,” Abramite explains. “A deep conditioning hair mask will nourish and soften lengths for easy detangling.”

Be sure to use a cooler water temperature when rinsing to close and smooth the cuticle down further for glossier locks, avoiding harsh towel-rubbing action. Detangle hair if applicable, and apply your favored styling cream, leave-in conditioner, serum or spray depending on the texture and density of the hair to mitigate frizz.

Additionally, when blow-drying with a nozzle for straight hair, aim the airflow parallel to the strands to smooth them down with a paddle or round brush, she recommends. For drying hair with a diffuser for curly hair, circulate the blowdryer around the hair without disturbing the texture to keep the curls intact.

What ingredients to look for when treating frizzy hair, per experts

It all boils down to the ingredients in the hundreds of hair products available to you.

“While shea butter is often recommended for nourishing the body, it can be used in many hair care products to nourish and condition the actual strands of your hair,” Fitzsimmons said. “It’s rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins A, D, E and F.”

Both Abramite and Fitzsimmons recommend coconut oil, too, as it helps strengthen and hydrate your locks.

How to manage frizz for your hair type, per experts

Much like treating acne, everyone’s condition differs based on multiple factors. For hair, thickness and texture are defining ones.

• For fine hair: Try water-based smoothing products as they’re lighter than creams and tame frizz well.
• For thick hair: Give your hair a cold water rinse and use a conditioning shampoo and microfiber towel to dry hair. Using a wide-tooth comb and a leave-in conditioner is a good idea, too.
• For dry hair: Oils and serums will seal and coat dehydrated hair for a silky, smooth touch.
• For oily hair: Use a lightweight heat-protecting spray and avoid styling products directly to the scalp.

Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.