beauty
Shampoos, conditioners, mousses and more
By Lesley Chen
•
Published Feb 10, 2024
Additional reporting by
Chelsea Candelario
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If you have curly, frizzy hair, there’s a whole laundry list of things—from a change in weather to an ill-timed nap without a silk pillowcase—that can throw your locks into disarray. While there are plenty of oils and shampoos to help you regain control of flyaways, the key is to find the *right* products that work for your curls. We tapped an expert to share the best ways to minimize frizz, including some recommendations for the best products for curly, frizzy hair.
Best Products for Curly, Frizzy Hair at a Glance
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Meet the Expert
Anthony Cristiano is a celebrity hairstylist and salon owner with over thirty years of experience in the fashion and beauty industry. He was previously a creative director for a variety of brands including Victoria’s Secret, Phyto Haircare and Avon and his work has been featured in fashion editorials, campaigns and red carpet events. His celebrity clients include Demi Moore, Kelly Ripa, Mariah Carey and Sophia Bush.
How We Chose the Best Products for Curly, Frizzy Hair
We tapped our curly-haired editors, who know a thing or two about the best products for tackling static and flyaways. In addition to our editors’ input, we scoured the internet for reviews on the top shampoos, conditioners, gels and more. From there, we measured each product against strict criteria that includes looking at key ingredients that tame frizz, moisturize and define curls to bring you this comprehensive list of the 24 best products for curly, frizzy hair.
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Shampoos
Expert's Pick
1. PHYTO Phytodéfrisant Anti-Frizz Shampoo
What We Like
- great for senstivie scalps
- mild scent
What We Don't Like
- might feel drying for some hair types
PHYTO
This oil-based shampoo promises to hydrate your hair without weighing it down. According to Cristiano, the lightweight aloe and quinoa-based formula helps tame and control frizz, while leaving smooth curls in its wake for up to 72 hours.
Great for All Hair Types
2. Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo
What We Like
- safe for color-treated hair
- gentle formula
What We Don't Like
- can be drying for some hair types
- not great for sensitive scalps
Living Proof
This shampoo is great for all curl types and textures. The sulfate-free formula has jojoba esters, a blended wax derived from jojoba oil to smooth down frizz. You'll also find amino acids and other ingredients (like phytantriol) that cleanse and protect hair from damage. As one shopper shares, "This line is my go-to during hot, humid summer months. It helps tame my hair and it will actually hold a curl a bit more when I use [it].”
Best Co-Wash
3. Kristin Ess Frizz Management Cleansing Co-Wash
What We Like
- safe for color-treated hair
- cleanses without drying out hair
What We Don't Like
- small bottle
- strong scent
Kristin Ess Hair
If you have curly, coily or super dry locks, co-washing can offer a deeper cleanse, while adding hydration. This one makes removes impurities without stripping your natural oils, making frizz more manageable. It uses the brand’s very own ‘Zip-Up technology,’ which is a strengthening blend that’s designed to smooth split ends and protect strands against environmental stressors. Shoppers say the co-wash leaves their hair feeling soft and offers the slip they need to detangle swiftly in the shower. “I have coarse, frizzy hair and was hesitant to use this product because nothing seems to tame my hair. But after a couple of uses my hair feels soft and frizz-free,” says one reviewer.
Best Shampoo
4. Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
What We Like
- safe for color-treated hair
- great for all curl types
What We Don't Like
- may feel drying for some hair types
Olaplex
With over 3,000 5-star reviews, Olaplex is loved and praised by people of all different hair types. The shampoo uses a bond-building technology that repairs and protects strands against damage, as well as fights frizz, improves shine and reduces split ends. Once you massage the product throughout the hair, shoppers note a noticeable difference in softness and manageability. “I have curly hair and I suffer from frizz and tangles all the time regardless of how much leave-in conditioner I use. [I’ve been] using Olaplex [for] about two weeks now, and even after the first wash I noticed my curls were more defined and frizz-free,” says one customer.
Best for Damaged Hair
What We Like
- rich lather
- gentle formula
What We Don't Like
- pricey
Virtue
Frizzy hair can sometimes be mistaken for dry, damaged locks. Luckily, this shampoo has everything you need to both restore moisture and tame frizz. Namely, it has Alpha Keratin, a protein that aims to repair, hydrate and smooth down hair. Use a quarter-size amount to create a rich lather that will cleanse your scalp and reveal softer, more defined swirls. One customer said it best: “[The shampoo] makes my hair so soft and smooth. No frizzing [up] in damp humid weather!”
Best Clean
6. MONDAY Haircare Smooth Shampoo
What We Like
- contains clean ingredients
- great for thin and fine hair
What We Don't Like
- may feel drying for some hair types
MONDAY Haircare
This gentle shampoo cleanses the scalp, while combating frizz—all in one wash. It has nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter and glycerin to soften curls. The formula also includes vitamin E, which has been proven to improve scalp circulation and support a healthy scalp. Need more convincing? Here’s a raving review: “I have very frizzy hair that only worsen[s] with humidity. This shampoo smells amazing and helps control the frizz without breaking the bank. It doesn’t dry out my hair and you only need a little bit at a time.”
Conditioners
Best Budget
7. Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Bond Building Mask
What We Like
- helps detangle hair easily
- nice citrus and jasmine scent
What We Don't Like
- might be drying for some hair types
Not Your Mother's
This hair mask is ready to fight frizz for just under $10. The silicone-free formula works to maintain moisture, strengthen strands and prevent breakage. Plus, it has rice amino acids and a natural bond multiplier to help improve softness, shine and frizz for healthier curls. It's a favorite pick from our curly-haired editor Chelsea Candelario, who loves how it seals in moisture and adds a luster to her color-treated curls.
Best Hair Mask
8. Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask
What We Like
- safe for color-treated hair
- great for dry, damaged or fine hair
What We Don't Like
- pricey
Briogeo
Like the name says, this mask is ready to repair your curls. The formula features algae extract and biotin to revitalize and rehydrate hair, along with rosehip oil and B vitamins to tame frizz and restore shine. Our curly-haired editors enjoy how quickly it brings back moisture to their thirsty strands. The hair mask also offers a nice slip that makes detangling easier for styling and defining curls.
Best Hybrid Conditioner
9. Curlsmith Frizz Control Duo Conditioner
What We Like
- great for gray hair\
- pleasant scent
- helps detangle hair easily
What We Don't Like
- small bottle
Curlsmith
This Curlsmith duo acts as both a regular and a leave-in conditioner for silky, smooth curls. Formulated with coconut butter, the product offers intense hydration, helps control frizz and provides a great slip to show off your natural pattern. “This conditioner makes my hair feel so soft and controls my frizzy hair. [It also] makes my curls pop a little bit more,” says one shopper.
Best Deep Conditioner
10. Mielle Organics Babassu & Mint Deep Conditioner
What We Like
- creamy formula
- great for 3A to 4C hair
- Black-owned
What We Don't Like
- strong scent
Mielle Organics
No matter your hair type, a deep conditioner is a great product to incorporate into your wash routine. This one by Mielle Organics features a rich blend of fatty acids (including babassu oil) to strengthen strands, reduce breakage and minimize frizz. Despite the small jar, a little goes a long way to hydrate and define curls without weighing them down. Plus, it’s safe for color-treated hair, making it a go-to conditioner for us.
Best Leave-In Hair Mask
11. K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-In Hair Mask
What We Like
- pleasant scent
- lightweight formula
What We Don't Like
- not great for fine or low porosity hair
- small bottle
K18
This celebrity-approved hair mask claims to reverse damage in as little as four minutes—and it has 4,000 5-star reviews on Sephora that stand behind it. The mask is composed of a signature peptide technology that aims to strengthen and repair strands, while adding softness, shine and bounce. While we don’t believe it’s great for fine or low porosity hair, other editors with thicker strands appreciate this leave-in for restoring their tresses.
Best Collection
12. Aussie Miracle Curls Collection
What We Like
- pleasant scent
- budget-friendly
What We Don't Like
- bottle design
- not great for coarse hair
Aussie
Can’t decide which product to get to nourish your curls? Aussie has a whole line including a shampoo, conditioner, deep conditioner, gel, detangler and oil for under $30. Formulated with coconut and jojoba oil, these products keep your curls hydrated, shiny and frizz-free. “The Aussie Miracle Curls Collection is a fantastic find for anyone with curly hair looking for an affordable, comprehensive haircare solution. It ticks all the boxes for what you would want in a curly hair product line—moisture, frizz control, curl definition and a great scent. While there are a couple of minor drawbacks, the overall effectiveness and value of this collection make it easy to overlook them,” shares one reviewer.
Styling Products
Best Gel
13. Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat and Humidity Gel
What We Like
- lightweight formula
- controls frizz well
What We Don't Like
- not a strong hold
- greasy formula
Ouidad
Ouidad’s products are specifically made for curly hair, so you know you’re in good hands. This protein-based gel seals the hair cuticle to lock in moisture and block out unwanted humidity. It also has a UV filter to protect hair against environmental damage. As Candelario shares, “It works best on wet hair, as it adds back moisture and completely defines my curls—minus the crunch I get from traditional gels. It also doesn’t weigh down my hair and it really keeps frizz at bay.”
Best for Blowouts
14. PHYTO Phytodéfrisant Botanical Smoothing Balm
What We Like
- great for blowouts
- lightweight formula
What We Don't Like
- pricey
PHYTO
This smoothing balm acts as a heat protectant and a styling product in one. It has a taming botanical complex to moisturize and smooth down frizz, so you won’t have to worry about the hair dryer or humidity wreaking havoc on your tresses. As one reviewer shares, “My curly hair runs to frizz on its own impulse, but with this [balm] in my hair I put it on wet hair and let it air dry [and], my curls remain defined.”
Best Styling Cream
15. Christophe Robin Luscious Curl Cream
What We Like
- contains natural ingredients
- lightweight formula
What We Don't Like
- strong scent
Christophe Robin
This curl cream has 99 percent natural ingredients, including flaxseed oil for nutrition, aloe vera extract for hydration and moringa seed extract to protect tresses from environmental damage. Cristiano says the formula “tames frizz, making hair appear healthier and assists in forming the structure of the curl.
Best Serum
16. John Frieda Frizz Ease Hair Serum
What We Like
- safe for chemically- and color-treated hair
- mild scent
What We Don't Like
- greasy formula
John Frieda
A hair serum is a great way to define your curls. Formulated with argan, coconut and moringa extracts, this one protects against heat damage and prevents humidity for up to 72 hours. Shoppers say a little goes a long way, so use about a dime-sized amount on damp hair to get started. “My hair is very coarse, thick and curly. I have found this oil to control [the] frizz, [add] a level of style [and] control, as well as shine,” shares one reviewer.
Best for Definition
17. Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream
What We Like
- pleasant scent
- lightweight formula
What We Don't Like
- may feel heavy on some curl types
Moroccanoil
This cream has argan oil and vegetable proteins to help your curls hold their shape, while keeping their shine and softness. The formula is also praised for rendering frizz-free curls. Don’t believe us? One reviewer said, “I love this stuff! It can be used alone and it will keep my curls soft and nice. If it's humid out, I still use a small amount of gel to finish it off to keep it from frizzing out, but I think this is my favorite curl cream by far.” Bonus: It’ll make your hair smell amazing.
Best for Thick Hair
18. Eden Bodyworks Curl Defining Creme
What We Like
- great for 4A to 4C hair
- pleasant scent
- Black-owned
What We Don't like
- might feel heavy for some hair types
EDEN BodyWorks
Made with coconut oil, avocado oil, shea butter and aloe, this curl defining creme absorbs into your strands to hydrate, soften and strengthen them upon contact. It also works to hold and elongate curls, while blocking out humidity. “I’ve only used this curl cream a couple times so far, but it’s been like magic. It tames my frizz and helps my curls look great. It smells super good too!” says one shopper.
Best Hair Oil
19. Flawless By Gabrielle Union Restoring Exotic Oil
What We Like
- pleasant scent
- lightweight formula
- Black-owned
What We Don't Like
- may feel heavy for some hair types
Gabrielle Union
If your hair is dry, damaged or in desperate need of a little TLC, this hydrating treatment will come to the rescue. It has a blend of jojoba, castor, meadow foam and avocado oils to repair damaged hair. Customers appreciate how it reduces frizz, protects hair against heat damage and improves shine. Use one to two drops to smooth out your hair—or add it into your other products for an extra boost of moisture. “This oil is not too heavy and gives my coils a nice shine and it feels silky for a reasonable price. It also lasts a while,” shares one fan.
Best Mousse
20. SheaMoisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Mousse
What We Like
- pleasant scent
- lightweight formula
What We Don't Like
- not great for thick hair
- doesn't hold curls well
SheaMoisture
Formulated with shea butter, coconut oil and silk proteins, this mousse aims to moisturize and protect curly hair. Just add a few pumps to damp locks and watch it leave your curls shiny sand any heavy residue or frizz. With over 12,000 5-star reviews, shoppers say its non-greasy formula is easy to use and offers a light hold that shows off your bountiful ringlets. “This magic foam is epic! I never thought a hair product would change my life, but this one did. It's so incredibly lightweight, you feel like there is nothing in your hair. I get volume and definition without any of the drawbacks of normal products,” says one shopper.
Best Leave-In Conditioner
21. Pattern Leave-In Conditioner
What We Like
- safe for color-treated hair
- pleasant scent
- Black-owned
What We Don't Like
- might feel drying for some hair types
Pattern
Tracee Ellis Ross’ beloved haircare brand Pattern is designed to support ‘the curliest, coiliest & tightest of hair textures.’ Our favorite product in the collection to combat frizz? The leave-in conditioner, which offers definition and an extra boost of hydration. Its blend of oils (like jojoba, castor, avocado and olive) and honey, detangles hair in the shower and softens our curls. Plus, the warm fragrance has notes of neroli, rose and patchouli that add a nice touch to wash day.
Best Leave-In Spray
What We Like
- safe for color-treated hair
- pleasant scent
- helps detangle hair easily
What We Don't Like
- small bottle
Ouai
A creamy leave-in conditioner can feel heavy for some curl types, which is why Ouai’s spray is a great alternative. The lightweight mist detangles, moisturizes, and protects strands from heat damage. Made of amino acids, tamarind seed extract and vitamin E, the leave-in smooths down flyaways, improves shine and makes hair more manageable. It also has notes of bergamot, violet and white musk that smells delicious on curls. “It makes my hair so soft without weighing it down. I love that it comes out in a fine mist, so it distributes evenly throughout. My hair [maintains its] soft curls and this keeps the definition and reduces the frizz,” shares one shopper.
Best for Flyaways
23. R+Co Foil Frizz and Static Control Spray
What We Like
- lightweight formula
- great for fine or thin hair
What We Don't Like
- strong scent
R+Co
Even just a few flyaways can ruin an otherwise good hair day. This spray has vitamin E, argan oil and an anti-static agent to soften, nourish and protect your hair. Spray it on dry hair to keep it looking freshly styled or apply it on damp hair to tame frizz. “My daughter and I both have extra frizz and static on account of [our] curly hair and [this spray] helps more than anything I have ever used. We use the spray on our dry hair and just brush through it or run our fingers through it. It calms the frizz and it makes your hair smell like you just left the salon,” shares a customer.
Best Curl Refresher Spray
24. Sunday II Sunday Revive Me Daily Moisturizing Spray
What We Like
- nozzle applicator
- lightweight formula
- Black-owned
What We Don't Like
- might be drying for some hair types
Sunday II Sunday
Whether you just finished an intense workout or ran into unexpected weather, sometimes your curls need a bit of a pick-me-up. This spray adds just the right amount of moisture and definition without weighing things down. It has argan oil, green tea and a botanical complex to soften hair, calm the scalp and control frizz. Our editors appreciate the spray bottle applicator, which evenly dispenses the product onto our roots and strands for a nice refresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Does Curly, Frizzy Hair Require Different Products?
On the surface, straight and curly hair aren’t the same, but the differences go even deeper than that. As Cristiano explains, straight hair is usually softer and flat. It may not hold a curl very well on its own and may need some assistance. Whereas curly hair is more textured in nature and tends to be more prone to frizz and dryness than straighter locks.
See, the cuticle—aka the outer layer of your hair—plays an important role in how texture naturally responds. Because curly hair has raised cuticles, it can react more to moisture levels in the air or changes in weather. As a result, these hair types can be more susceptible to tangles, frizz and breakage.
What Should You Look for in Products for Curly, Frizzy Hair?
There’s nothing wrong with a little frizz. But trying to tame frizz during the most humid days is an uphill battle for pretty much everyone. If you have curly, frizzy hair, it’s important to choose the right products for your texture and curl type. Cristiano recommends finding curl creams, leave-in conditioners and shampoos with anti-frizz formulas. “Since frizz is a sign that your hair needs moisture, reach for products that highlight the words ‘hydrating’ and ‘moisture locking,’” he says. Another helpful note is to look for ingredients like jojoba oil, avocado oil, shea butter and honey; they’re all known to smooth down frizz and add moisture back to your curls.
Cristiano also recommends keeping up with your overall hair care. Stay on top of how often you trim, color or cut your hair at the salon. And incorporate moisturizing products (like clarifying shampoos and conditioning treatments) into your wash routine regularly to maintain optimal hair and scalp health. Just keep your porosity and density in mind. If you have low porosity hair, consider using lighter hair serums and leave-in conditioners. However, if you have high porosity hair, richer butters and hair oils might suit your curls better.
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Lesley Chen
Freelance Writer
Lesley Chen is a San Francisco-based freelance writer. In between walking up and down the city’s hills, she writes for a variety of outlets covering health, fitness and general lifestyle. She has been writing commerce pieces covering the topics above (as well as fashion and beauty) for PureWow since 2021.
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Chelsea Candelario
Beauty and Cultures Editor
- Writes trend stories, product reviews and how-tos across beauty, cultures, fashion and entertainment
- Over 5 years of experience as a Beauty Editor
- Studied journalism with a minor in creative writing at SUNY New Paltz
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