Nothing can get in the way of a good hair day quite like frizz. Even a style that looked perfect before you left the house can be tainted by humidity or hat hair the minute you step outside. The good news? You can be proactive about frizz and prevent it from ruining any more of your best looks.
Shop TODAY chatted with some industry experts to get the scoop on the products that actually work for frizzy hair and collect some tips on how to make the most of them. Plus, we got the scoop from stylists on what causes frizz and some long-term solutions to keeping hair smoother and softer, for longer.
To get your hair in the best condition possible, we also rounded up an array of products that have earned praise from experts and our editors alike (including a few Shop TODAY 2024 Beauty Award winners). From nourishing shampoos and leave-in conditioners to styling creams and brushes, these 27 picks will help in every step of your routine.
Beauty Award 2024 winners | Anti-frizz shampoos | Serums | Styling creams | Sprays | Tools | Editor favorites | How we chose | Meet the experts
Best anti-frizz serum$undefined$48.00
How do you tackle frizzy hair?
“The way I like to think of it is that if your hair starts to frizz and grow in humidity, it’s almost as if your hair is reaching out into the environment to try to absorb some of that moisture," says New York City-based hairstylist Davey Matthew. He goes on to say that there are two ways to tackle that.
- Treat the symptom: Matthew suggests using frizz-fighting sprays to seal hair down for a quick moisture fix. "I think a lot of times people reach for oils when they think of moisture. I think that’s been kind of a trend over the last few years, but it’s not always necessarily an oil that’s going to treat the cause, because a lot of times [with] those oils, the molecules are too big to actually be absorbed into the hair and they’re just sitting on top of the hair," he says.
- Treat the cause: For something that can actually be absorbed into the hair, Matthew recommends reaching for something that’s really creamy, "like a humectant or a plant-based moisture... It might take a little longer, but overall, you’re going to get the most benefit from that," he promises.
Shop TODAY Beauty Award 2024 winners
Color Wow Money Mist Leave In Conditioner
- Conditions and strengthens
- Cap lock to prevent spills
- Use on damp hair
Size: 5 oz. | Hair Type: Fine, medium and thick | Key ingredients: Baolized amino complex, amaranthus extract, baobab extract
Production associate Audrey Ekman says she's been using this mist on damp hair for a couple months now, and it "really works to de-frizz, strengthen and moisturize." She adds, "My dye-damaged hair feels so soft and silky after I use this, whether I air dry or heat style it, and I love that it lives up to the name — the spray comes out in a fine, continuous mist and leaves my hair looking expensive."
Maree Hair Styling Serum
- Boosts shine and softness
- Capsules need to be cut
Size: 30 capsules | Hair Type: Dry, damaged hair | Key ingredients: Vitamins E, A & B5, keratin, hydrolyzed silk, argan oil
Recently given a Shop TODAY 2024 Beauty Award for best budget hair serum, these keratin hair capsules have been tested and approved by our editors. They work to transform frizzy hair into smooth, silky strands — without leaving it feeling greasy!
Redken Frizz Dismiss Shampoo
- Smells great
- Don't need much product
- A bit pricey
Size: 10.1 oz. | Key ingredients: Redken’s Smoothing Complex with babassu oil
"As someone with frizzy hair, this shampoo definitely makes a difference," says SEO editor Amanda Fama. "After washing with it, my strands are noticeably smoother. It also smells incredible."
Rizos Curls Curl Defining Cream
- Adds volume and texture
- Use in A.M. with damp hair
Size: 10 fl. oz. | Hair Type: All textured hair types, waves, curls and coils | Key ingredients: Aloe vera, shea butter, coconut oil
Editorial assistant Annie Shigo says she hasn’t had a bad hair day since discovering this curl defining cream. “All in all, this curl cream defied my expectations and earned a spot in my [hair] routine,” she says. “The added shine from the coconut oil helps keep my frizz at bay even on days when it is a little warmer.”
Best anti-frizz shampoo
Nexxus Amino Bond Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Size: 13.5 fl. oz. | Hair Types: All hair types | Key ingredients: Exclusive ProteinFusion blend with 5 amino acids and keratin protein
Celebrity hairstylist Kathleen Riley says a good foundation "starts with your shampoo and conditioner." And while she's a big fan of Nexxus's entire Amino Bonds line, this shampoo is especially good supporting hair health and keeping its moisture and strength intact.
Dove Anti-Frizz Oil Therapy Shampoo
- Also acts as oil treatment for dry hair
- Is non-greasy!
Size: 12 fl. oz. | Hair Type: Good for dry hair (and safe to use on color-treated hair) | Key ingredients: Blend of argan, coconut, and almond oils
While frizzy hair may be a pain, you don’t necessarily have to splurge on your shampoo and conditioner to get sleek locks. This Dove Anti-Frizz shampoo and its corresponding conditioner are usually less than $6 and get the job done.
“This pairing works to eliminate frizz while nourishing hair with a blend of coconut, Argan oil and almond oils,” says Kylee Heath, a Los Angeles-based stylist. “I recommend both the shampoo and conditioner to my clients because they’re affordable and non-greasy. They won’t weigh hair down despite being super moisturizing.”
Best anti-frizz serums
Kerastase Discipline Keratine Thermique Blow Dry Primer Serum
- Locks out humidity
- No need to rinse
Size: 5.1 oz. | Hair Type: Fine, medium and thick | Key ingredients: Morpho-Kératine™ Complex and ceramides
New Jersey-based stylist and colorist Jennifer Korab is a big fan of Kerastase's Discipline line, but specifically recommends this serum to combat frizz. It's a leave-in treatment that's packed with ceramides and a hair-restoring complex that works to smooth away flyaways while allowing hair to keep its volume.
Nexxus Repair & Nourish Lightweight Hair Oil
- 72-hour humidity shield
- 450-degree heat protection
- Has fragrance
Size: 3.3 fl. oz. | Key ingredients: Rose of Jericho and damascus rose oils
If you're thinking it's too late for your extra-dry hair, this expert-approved restorative oil will bring them back to life. "It's absolutely amazing. I'm obsessed with it," says Riley. Its Style Protect Technology is designed to "encapsulate every strand to shield your style from daily aggressors for healthy-looking hair," says the brand.
Davines This Is An Invisible Serum
- Provides all-day hold
- Also adds shine
Size: 1.69 fl. oz. | Hair Type: Curly
For those looking for a serum that’s lightweight and helps define your natural curls, consider this former Shop TODAY Beauty Award-winning product from Davines that can be used on dry or damp hair.
“A makeup artist introduced me to this product when we were working together on set. It’s extremely lightweight and I love that you only need a small amount to get the job done,” says David Cruz, a New York City-based celebrity stylist. “I prefer to use it on dry hair, once the style is set, which keeps the frizz to a minimum and maintains the look throughout the course of the day.”
Best hairstyling creams for frizzy hair
Redken All Soft Heavy Cream Mask
- 93 out of 101 users recommend
- See results in 5 minutes
- Sustainable formula
Size: 8.5 fl. oz. | Hair Type: All hair types and textures | Key ingredients: Argan oil, gold camelin, avocado oil, olive oil, silk amino acids
A tip from Korab: Use a hair mask one or two times a week, and one specifically designed to impart hydration and prevent frizz. She recommends this deep conditioning option from Redken, which is designed to strengthen, soften and smooth your strands.
Oribe Hair Alchemy Heatless Hair Styling Balm
- Increases shine
- Reduces frizz and flyaways
- Vegan
Size: 5 oz. | Hair Type: Straight, wavy and curly | Key ingredients: Style retention complex, fermented yerba mate extract, golden oak mushroom extract
If you prefer to skip the heat from a blow-dryer, Matthew suggests using this new air-dry balm from Oribe. According to the brand, it's supposed to leave hair feeling "touchable soft" while keeping frizz at bay, reducing breakage and polishing your finished style.
Alterna Haircare Caviar CC Cream
- Reduces breakage by 92%
- Offers UV protection
Size: 3.4 fl. oz. | Hair Type: Fine, medium and thick | Key ingredients: Caviar extract, vitamin C, Color Hold® (proprietary technology), Seasilk® (marine botanical blend)
This Alterna cream is a 10-in-1 product that delivers tons of great benefits — for starters, it’s said to provide moisture, shine, smoothness, softness, anti-breakage, heat protection, light hold, UV protection, manageability and strength. While it’s not necessarily listed by the brand, New York City-based hairstylist Juan Carlos Maciques also loves this product for taming frizz.
“Fixing frizz requires hydration, and this product delivers just that. It works to replenish moisture and contains restorative ingredients like vitamin C to fight environmental aggressors,” Maciques says. “As an added bonus, this cream offers heat protection so you can blow-dry to your heart’s content.”
Kusco-Murphy Lavender Creme
- Adds moisture and balance
- Can be used on wet or dry hair
Size: 100 ml. | Hair Type: All hair types (particularly good for curly hair)
If you love the smell of lavender, you won’t be able to resist this hair creme from Kusco-Murphy.
“I discovered this lavender-infused pomade when it was gifted to me on set,” says Crystal Cook, a Los Angeles-based hairstylist. “It’s now my No. 1 product for frizz and flyaways because it works on every hair type and the scent is subtle, not overpowering. I add a little to my clients’ hair right before we shoot to create extra shine.”
Best anti-frizz sprays
Pureology Color Fanatic Heat Protectant Leave-In Conditioner
- Very soft
- No sticky residue
- Nice smell
- May be heavy on hair
Size: 6.7 fl. oz. | Hair Type: Fine, medium and thick | Key ingredients: Camelina, coconut and olive oils
Boasting 21 essential benefits, according to the brand, this hydrating spray is also a favorite of Korab's. "It has heat protectant, UV protectant and anti-frizz properties as well," she says.
It's marketed as a leave-in conditioner, but it can also help to detangle strands, increase shine and even preserve color vibrancy.
Ouai Wave Spray
- Lightweight
- Has a nice scent
- None to note at this time
Size: 4.9 fl. oz. | Hair Type: All hair types | Key ingredients: Specialty rice protein
Riley says that in the summertime, you'll always see her rocking her natural hair style. "It’s almost worse to try and fight it!" So she likes using this wave spray from Ouai, which she says "keeps the frizz out but enhances the natural style."
Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Anti-Frizz Treatment
- Leaves hair with a silky and glossy finish
- Lasts up to 3-4 shampoos
Size: 6.7 fl. oz. | Hair Type: Fine and medium | Key ingredients: Proprietary anti-humidity complex, chamomilla extract, glycerin
For an immediate frizz fix, New York City-based hair stylist Davey Matthew recommends reaching for something that’s a little bit heavier of a product that will seal your hair down and prevent it from growing — something like this Shop TODAY editor-favorite product, the Color Wow Dream Coat.
The brand says the formula works like a "water-repellent raincoat" to smooth and silken each strand.
Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Leave-In Conditioner Hair Primer
- Eliminates frizz
- Doesn't make hair feel greasy
- Some don't love the smell
Size: 8.5 fl. oz. | Hair Type: All hair types | Key ingredients: Signature 6-oil blend, UV filters
Matthew also recommends this hair primer from Bumble and bumble. "[It's] a really nice one. It's going to detangle. It's going to give you a lot of moisture. It gives you heat protection up to 450 degrees."
According to the brand, you should apply it to damp hair, rake the formula through and then style. But on day two, just spritz it onto your dry hair and restyle!
Oribe Impermeable Anti-Humidity Spray
- Adds weightless textureOffers UV protection
- Offers a light hold
Size: 2.2 oz. | Hair Type: Fine, medium and thick | Key ingredients: Unique copolymer, vitamin E, Oribe Signature Complex
Oribe’s Anti-Humidity Spray protects sleek blowouts and curls alike by shielding your hair from humidity on the hottest of days.
“This spray is definitely my go-to anti-frizz product because it controls the hair while maintaining softness and movement. I prefer to brush the product through while the hair is still wet, which helps give it perfect definition,” says Claudio Belizario, a New York City-based stylist.
This product is so popular it was also recommended by a few other stylists who described it as a “must-have.”
R+Co Foil Frizz + Static Control Spray
- Features anti-static agents
- Has a fragrance
Size: 5 oz. | Hair Type: Coarse, color-treated, curly, dry, damaged, fine, normal and oily | Key ingredients: Vitamin E, argan oil, thermal polymer, styling polymer
Polish your damp hair by misting it with the R+Co Foil Frizz Plus Static Control Spray to control flyaways.
“Frizz and shine products can be greasy and have a tendency to weigh hair down, but that doesn’t apply to this lightweight spray,” says Salvatore Malafronte, a Boston-based stylist at Salon Mario Russo. “It prevents static, flyaways and frizz while creating soft texture and adding shine to all hair types and styles. Just be sure to hold the can a good 12 inches away from dry or damp hair so it distributes evenly.”
Kerastase Discipline Fluidissime Complete Anti-Frizz Care Spray
- Up to 450-degree heat protection
- Allows for quicker blow-dry experience
Size: 5.1 fl. oz. | Hair Type: Fine, medium and thick | Key ingredients: Morpho-Kératine™ Complex, shine amplifier, xylose
This Kerastase product offers extra shine, smooth locks and anti-frizz protection for up to 72 hours, according to the brand.
“I discovered this while looking for something lightweight to prevent frizz around the hairline and crown. I love it because it’s strong enough to last through a humid Florida night out and allows me to create volume without oily aftereffects,” says Jahzel Montana, a Miami-based hairstylist at the Sean Donaldson Salon.
Best anti-frizz tools
The Wet Brush
- Ultra-soft bristlesDetangles all hair types
- Works on wet or dry hair
Hair Types: All hair types
"You definitely want to use a more gentle brush," says Korab, when asked about good tools for keeping hair smooth. "The Wet Brush is a great one to use when you're coming out of the shower to avoid creating more frizz."
Mason Pearson Pocket Mixture Hair Brush
Materials: Plastic, nylon, boar bristle
"One of my favorite brushes in the entire world is a Mason Pearson," raves Matthew. "I think if you talk to any hair dresser, we're all going to have a partial favoritism towards Mason Pearson. It's something where the price tag, I think, deters people from making that investment, but you really can tell a difference."
He goes on to explain that the reason is because of the tool's natural boar bristle fibers. "Our scalp is producing oils, '[but] its not necessarily being distributed down the hair shaft because of the nature of the construction of the hair. [This brush] is going to pull the oil down to the mid-shaft and ends which is where the hair really needs that oil. Brushing your hair with a natural boar bristle brush at night, you might look a little wild before you go to bed, but when you wake up, your hair has had a chance to kind of settle back into itself and those oils have been distributed through the mid-shaft and to the ends as well. And I think, over time, people see a huge improvement in their hair texture when using a Mason Pearson pretty regularly," he says.
Editor-loved anti-frizz products
Aquage Straightening Ultragel
- A little goes a long way
- Lasts, even in humidity
- None to note at this time
Size: 6 oz. | Hair Type: Curly, unruly, frizzy hair | Key ingredients: Algaeplex marine botanicals
Associate editor Shannon Garlin says she's been using this straightening and smoothing gel for over a decade. "My hairstylist turned me on to it and uses it on me when she blows out my hair during appointments," she says. "Not only does it smell divine, but it also makes my wavy and frizzy hair ultra smooth; it allows me (along with my Dyson) to recreate a salon-worthy blowout.”
Ouai Matte Pomade
- A little goes a long way
- Difficult to blend with too much product
Size: 1.7 oz. | Hair Type: Straight, wavy, curly, coiled, tightly coiled | Key ingredients: Smart Technology Complex, beeswax, kaolin clay
"No matter if I am doing a sleek bun or straightening my hair, this hair pomade from Ouai has never let me down," raves editorial assistant Madison San Miguel. She says she only needs a tiny amount to control and flatten flyaways on her hair type, but the brand says just a dime size is enough to work through your locks. "The texture is smooth, matte and controllable, so you can even use this to shape and add texture to your baby hairs and/or strands," she adds.
Aveda Smooth Infusion™ Perfect Blow Dry
- Blow-dry activated
- Offers sleek finish
- Works best on damp hair
- Don't use with other products
Size: 6.7 fl. oz. | Key ingredients: Botanical smoothing oil blend (with kalahari melon seed oil and tamanu oil) and plant polymer shield
Writer Danielle Murphy has been using this heat-activated treatment before her blow-drying routine for about a year. "This makes my hair feel smooth for days and will likely be a huge help in the coming summer days that are likely to have frizz-causing humidity."
She notes that although the container looks like a spray bottle, you should dispense the formula into your hand first before applying to the hair.
Dae Cactus Fruit 3-In-1 Styling Cream
- 3-in-1 product
- Has conditioning ingredients
- Fragrance may not be for all
Size: 5 oz. | Hair Type: Fine, medium, thick | Key ingredients: Dragon fruit, Prickly pear seed oil, meadowfoam seed oil
"This styling cream from Dae went viral on TikTok, and I get the hype," says production associate Audrey Ekman. "I love a beauty multitasker, and this does the trick for me as both a sleek, shine-adding blow dry cream and as a styling cream to slick back my hair or tame flyaways and frizz. Plus, it smells great — sweet and fruity!" She also adds that the brand says it can also add definition to curls or waves if that’s your hair type.
Riley also recommends a cream-based product like this one, especially on humid days when a blow-dry is out of the question.
Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Shampoo
- Keeps hair smooth up to 72 hrs
- Sulfate and silicone free
Size: 13.5 fl. oz | Hair Type: Normal | Key ingredients: Protein Fusion blend (almonf protein and white jasmine flower)
This shampoo from Nexxus won a Shop TODAY 2023 Beauty Award for Best Shampoo: Frizz-Prone Hair. According to the brand, the sulfate- and silicone-free formula can block out frizz in up to 98% humidity.
Liz Calvario, reporter and editor for TODAY.com, loved that she “instantly saw the difference in how [her hair] felt after the first use.”
How we chose the best anti-frizz products
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best anti-frizz products by enlisting the recommendations of stylists and hair specialists. We included affordable, editor-tested favorites as well.
Meet the experts
- Claudio Belizario is a Paris-based hairstylist.
- Adel Chabbi is a French hair and extension specialist, and the owner of Adel Atelier salon in New York City.
- Crystal Cook is a Los Angeles-based hairstylist.
- David Cruz is a New York City-based celebrity stylist.
- Kylee Heath is a Los Angeles-based stylist.
- Jennifer Korab is a stylist with over 25 years of experience, with certifications in coloring, hair cutting, hand tied extensions and hair design. She is also the owner of Renaissance Salon & Spa in Hillsborough, NJ.
- Juan Carlos Maciques is a New York City-based celebrity, runwau and editorial hairstylist.
- Salvatore Malafronte is a stylist and artistic director at Salon Mario Russo.
- Davey Matthew is a New York City-based hairstylist.
- Jahzel Montana is a Miami-based hairstylist.
- Kathleen Riley is a celebrity hairstylist and founder of SHAE
- Mara Roszak is a Los Angeles-based stylist and founder/CEO of Rōz Haircare.
