If you looked at a strand of frizzy hair under a microscope, it would resemble a pine cone—open, rough, and prickly, says celebrity hairstylist Cynthia Alvarez. Those characteristics are signs your hair is damaged or impacted by humidity, which causes hair to frizz. "When the hair's outer layer is open and roughed up, moisture from the air can enter, causing the strand to swell and change shape—in other words, it becomes frizzy," she says. All hair types are susceptible to frizz, but coarse and curly hair textures experience it most because they're driest. The scalp's natural oils don't slide down and coat strands as easily as they do on straight hair, explains Alvarez.
To tame frizz, reach for formulas that promise hydration and protect against damage, says celebrity stylist Lacy Redway, who adds that shampoo and conditioner formulated to repair damage are key. Alvarez suggests a sulfate-free shampoo, which can be less drying. Also, "If you frequently straighten your curly hair with hot tools, use oils after heat styling to help smooth hair and reduce frizz to preserve your style. All hair types can benefit from working a styling cream into damp hair so that it dries smoother. Similarly, applying waxes once your hair is dry can help tame flyaways." Ahead, we've gathered the best frizzy hair products, according to the pros.
File this formula under miracle worker. It transforms the look and feel of your hair in eight seconds thanks to lamellar technology, which fills damaged areas with repairing amino acids that strengthen hair. All hair types can benefit from this speedy treatment.
2
Best for Heat Styling
Color Wow Extra Strength Dream Coat Ultra-Moisturizing Anti-frizz Treatment
2
Best for Heat Styling
Color Wow Extra Strength Dream Coat Ultra-Moisturizing Anti-frizz Treatment
This conditioning glaze is a Beauty O-ward winner for its ability to smooth frizz, increase shine, and make your haircolor more vibrant. It's available in five shades, or clear, and works in just two minutes.
To prevent frizz when you let your hair air-dry, apply this delicious-smelling hair cream throughout damp hair. Nourishing squalane and hemi-squalane help to hydrate, soften, strengthen, and define natural hair textures.
"Leave-in conditioners are essential for creating a smooth, hydrating base to help prevent frizz," says Alvarez. All hair types can benefit from applying a leave-in conditioner after a wash day. She loves this multitasker, which hydrates while also protecting against heat damage, detangling, and making hair softer and silkier-looking.
Long days out in the sun can cause hair to become dry and brittle, exacerbating frizz. This leave-on milky formula is made with UV protective filters that keep strands soft, hydrated, and protected during sun exposure. It also helps protect color from fading and boosts shine.
Perfect for all curl types, this formula is infused with ceramides that help lock in moisture so strands don't pull more from the air. "It defines and offers a touchable flexible hold," Alvarez says.
9
Best Quick Fix
Andrew Fitzsimons Prism Shine Invisible Shine Hair Spray
9
Best Quick Fix
Andrew Fitzsimons Prism Shine Invisible Shine Hair Spray
"If you'd like to manage frizz, I recommend starting in the shower with products that can help prevent hair damage. This duo targets the surface of damaged hair, making it look and feel more nourished," says Redway.
Alvarez shares that the Living Proof No Frizz line is a staple in her kit. This silicone-free styling cream is ideal for medium-thick hair; it contains a unique ingredient that smooths the hair and repels humidity. It also offers heat protection.
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Best for Protective Styles
African Pride Black Castor Miracle Frizz Control Shine Enhancing Hair Gel
12
Best for Protective Styles
African Pride Black Castor Miracle Frizz Control Shine Enhancing Hair Gel
Keep braids, locs, and twists looking smooth and neat with this hair gel that gets rid of frizz and flyaways. Apply it as you style for long-lasting hold.
This deep-conditioning mask is perfect for thick, dry, frizzy hair textures. It contains ceramides to strengthen, silk proteins to boost shine, and oils to nourish.
The lightweight hairspray is perfect for setting your style without leaving a crunchy feel. It also adds shine and reduces frizz—spray it on dry hair anytime.
"As a final step in your hairstyling routine, use an oil to help reduce frizz and preserve your style," Redway says. This particular formula contains a bonding technology that helps to seal the hair's outer layer, promoting stronger, smoother, and shinier-looking strands.
Wavy hair textures will love the defining and smoothing benefits of this shampoo. It contains jojoba oleo essence to lock in moisture, and amino acids and ceramides to strengthen strands over time.
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Best Spray for Aging Hair
Better Not Younger No Remorse Heat Protection & Taming Spray
17
Best Spray for Aging Hair
Better Not Younger No Remorse Heat Protection & Taming Spray
Spray this argan oil, avocado oil, and vitamin E formula on dull, frizzy strands before heat styling to protect hair against thermal damage, or apply throughout the day to tame flyaways.
Both Alvarez and Redway agree that a silk pillowcase is worth the investment if you're in a fight against frizz. "It will prevent dryness, tangling, and potential hair damage that you would usually get by sleeping on a cotton pillowcase," says Alvarez.
Genesis Rivas is the Beauty Editor at Oprah Daily, where she covers hair, makeup, skin, nails, and more. Before joining the Oprah Daily team, she wrote for several publications, including InStyle, Real Simple, and Shape. When she’s not testing, researching, and writing fun and educational beauty content, you can find her dancing and eating her way through New York City. Follow her on Instagram or TikTok