These shampoos, serums and treatments will keep frizz at bay, even on the most humid days.
It’s not just you: Almost everyone battles frizzy hair in some form. In fact, a whopping 95% of women in Good Housekeeping’s tester panel reported that it was an issue for them. But unwanted pouf doesn’t have to be your destiny. There are countless anti-frizz hair products on the market — from shampoos and conditioners to hair serums, treatments and oils — that claim to make hair less frizzy by conditioning and smoothing the surface of strands.
Frizz can be caused by many factors, even dryness or split ends, explains celebrity hairstylist Dimitri Giannetos. It can also come as a result of “an open cuticle due to chemical services, over-cleansing your hair, color or heat damage and, of course, the infamous humidity,” adds Tiffanie Richards, Master Colorist and Stylist at Louise O’Conner Salon.
To find the anti-frizz products that really work, Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab scientists test them both in the Lab using scientific instruments to gauge their frizz-fighting abilities and on consumer testers, who report their feedback on ease of use, product attributes and effects on hair after application. They then collate both sets of data to identify the winning formulas. Ahead, read all about the GH Beauty Lab’s top-tested best anti-frizz hair products, including drugstore bargains and the best options for curly, wavy and fine hair and beyond.
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BEST OVERALL ANTI-FRIZZ PRODUCT
Orlando Pita Play Well Behaved Anti-Frizz Cream Serum
The first place winner in our GH Beauty Lab’s anti-frizz product test, Orlando Pita’s unique cream-serum hybrid is proven to keep frizz at bay. Of all the products tested, it came out on top for keeping hair swatches smooth for nearly 24 hours in a chamber with up to 85% humidity. On top of that, testers rated it best for leaving hair soft without being tacky, sticky or crunchy. “This prevented the Miami humidity from flattening my hair,” one tester raved. If you don’t like sweet-scented products, this one may not be for you: Some testers found the fragrance to be overly saccharine.
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BEST VALUE ANTI-FRIZZ HAIR PRODUCT
Garnier Fructis Smooth Blow Dry Anti-Frizz Cream
Garnier’s argan oil-laced styling cream was a GH Beauty Lab anti-frizz test winner for keeping users’ strands polished with no greasiness or stickiness. Developed to smoothly blow dry hair, this price-friendly buy scored high with testers — they found it smoothed hair and fended off frizz immediately after application. Despite its strong silkening effects, one tester noted that it’s so lightweight that “you wouldn’t even know I had product on.” Because this product is designed specifically for blow drying hair, it won’t work very well if you’re air drying.
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BEST ANTI-FRIZZ PRODUCT FOR CURLY HAIR
Pattern Beauty Curl Mousse
Created for textured hair, infuse strands with bounce, fullness and shape all while managing frizz using this airy foam from Pattern Beauty. A 2023 GH Beauty Award winner, our professional hairstylist panel rated it best for defining and holding curls in place. Testers also loved this product, with one sharing that it didn’t make hair feel crunchy,” and another one raving that it “really accentuates your natural curl pattern while keeping it volumized and less frizzy.” Some of the stylists didn’t love this product’s scent, stating that it was overly floral and too strong.
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BEST ANTI-FRIZZ PRODUCT TO BOOST SHINE
Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum
Add shine, diminish frizz and get a great deal all at the same time — what more could you ask for? This well-priced hair serum is great for frizzy, dry hair; it was a consumer favorite in Beauty Lab testing especially for providing shine and smoothing benefits. Testers also loved that it comes with a built-in pump for easy dispersing and that a little goes a long way (though don’t use too much, or it can make strands look oily). “It controlled the curl and frizz and felt light on my hair,” one tester raved. “It almost made my hair sparkle.”
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BEST DRUGSTORE ANTI-FRIZZ PRODUCT
Pantene Miracle Rescue Deep Conditioning Treatment
Pantene’s deep conditioning hair mask can do it all, from boosting shine to restoring smoothness. With added lipids and antioxidants, it claims to help make hair stronger and healthier, too. One of our GH beauty editors swears by this product, using it after every shampoo. “I cannot tell you how many compliments I’ve gotten on my hair since I started using this deep conditioner,” she says. “I have thick, wavy, frizzy hair and this makes it more manageable, shiny and smooth. Plus, it fights off static in the winter months.” Some online reviewers find it weighs their hair down, but our editor didn’t experience this.
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BEST ANTI-FRIZZ PRODUCT FOR GRAY HAIR
Hair Biology Silver Shine Serum
Try this serum from GH Seal holder Hair Biology to tame frizz. Specifically created for gray hair, third party testing confirmed that this product measurably improves smoothness and softness and adds manageability to hair. Online reviewers echo these results, sharing that they had “no flyaway hairs and my highlights look like they were freshly done. I love the softness of my hair and the way my natural waves look with no frizz to be found.” Some find that you need to use a lot of product on longer or thicker hair.
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BEST ANTI-FRIZZ PRODUCT FOR DAMAGED HAIR
Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother Leave-In Styling Treatment
Easy to use both on dry and damp hair, Olaplex’s famed bond-building technology is infused into this leave-in product to help strengthen strands and dampen frizz. “It’s a conditioning product, so it fixes frizz without ever being hard or crispy,” says GH Beauty Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler. “It can also be used on damp hair to prevent frizz while hair dries.” She also likes its bright, fresh scent. Make sure not to use too much of this, otherwise it may cause hair to look greasy.
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BEST ANTI-FRIZZ PRODUCT FOR STRAIGHT HAIR
Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray
Looking for a super smooth, sleek and straight hairstyle? Recommended by two of our experts, Color Wow’s anti-frizz spray is a favorite amongst experts and consumers alike. Though it’s an at-home treatment, results will “last up to three washes and leaves the hair looking glossy and ultra-smooth,” says Laurabeth Cabott, stylist and owner of Kansas City-based hair salon Artistry by LB. Nozomi, Master Hair Stylist & Extensions Specialist at Warren Tricomi NYC, recommends spraying it onto strands prior to blowdrying. “It helps block humidity,” Nozomi adds. Some online reviewers with curly hair don’t feel that it works well for them, so this is likely best for straight and wavy hair types.
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BEST NATURAL ANTI-FRIZZ PRODUCT
Rahua Leave-In Treatment
Achieve tamed, healthy hair using natural ingredients thanks to this leave-in from Rahua. Designed to be use on both wet and dry hair, the creamy product will deliver immediate results, explains Richards. It’s filled with natural ingredients “such as quinoa and raspberry leaf which are going to promote moisture retention and repair frizz,” she says. It’s a little pricey, but it also provides heat protection on top of its anti-frizz properties.
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BEST ANTI-FRIZZ PRODUCT FOR BABY HAIRS
John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum
When you think anti-frizz, there’s a good chance you think of John Frieda’s products. An upgraded version of the original serum, this GH Beauty Award winner is packed with advanced ingredients and comes in packaging that doesn’t sacrifice its proven performance, GH Beauty Lab evaluations found. “It defines and smooths my frizzy waves and baby hairs,” GH Beauty Lab Executive Director Birnur Aral reported. Less is more with this product, otherwise you risk it leaving your hair feeling oily.
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BEST ANTI-FRIZZ PRODUCT FOR FINE HAIR
Kérastase Discipline Fluidissime Anti Frizz Spray
Great for those with thin or fine hair — or anyone averse to heavier styling products — GH Beauty Lab anti-frizz stylers test winner Kérastase provides potent anti-frizz power in a lightweight liquid spray. Though pricey, the mist stopped frizz on testers’ hair for a full day as well as on hair swatches in the Lab’s humidity chamber, and it didn’t feel tacky. “My usually frizzy and broken ends were much smoother and shinier,” a tester revealed. “There is no residue and my fine hair is weighed down just enough on the ends but not greasy on top.”
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BEST ANTI-FRIZZ PRODUCT FOR WAVY HAIR
Fekkai Brilliant Gloss Multi-Tasker Perfecting Crème
An all-time favorite of GH’s beauty director for silkening her wavy, damaged hair, this cult classic smoothing cream was also a top performer in the GH Beauty Lab’s anti-frizz product testing. It scored well in Lab evaluations for both minimizing frizz and softening hair. “Not only was my hair frizz-free, it was soft, manageable and looked healthier!” a tester marveled. Some online reviewers wish this product provided stronger frizz-fighting abilities, as they felt their hair wasn’t completely tamed after use.
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BEST ANTI-FRIZZ PRODUCT FOR AIR-DRYING HAIR
Garnier Whole Blends Coconut Oil and Cocoa Butter Leave-In Conditioner
A GH Beauty Lab favorite, Garnier’s well-priced cream with argan oil, aloe and coconut oil functions both as a leave-in conditioner and smoothing styler, perfect for when you’re air-drying your hair. Beauty Lab data evaluation found that among women with frizzy hair, 84% reported their hair felt smoother and 80% felt that it did not look frizzy after use. Apply all over damp hair post-shower; on dry hair, glide a small dab over strands to smooth and shape as needed. Some find that it didn’t do much for their hair, so if you’re dealing with a lot of frizz, this may not be the right pick for you.
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BEST ANTI FRIZZ PRODUCT FOR EXTREMELY DRY HAIR
It’s a 10 Haircare Miracle Deep Conditioner Plus Keratin
Made with botanical oils, this It’s A 10 treatment mask won the GH Beauty Lab’s test of deep conditioners, receiving a perfect score for conditioning ability and high marks for making hair look smoother. It’s a great go-to if you only want to use one product: It “made my hair soft and shiny, and it controlled frizz as well,” a tester noted. “I let my hair air dry and didn’t need [to apply] any other product.” Be sure to rinse this product out of your hair really well, as the consistency may cause buildup.
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BEST ANTI-FRIZZ HAIRSPRAY
John Frieda Frizz Ease Moisture Barrier Firm Hold Hairspray
Shield your style against frizz no matter how balmy the weather with John Frieda’s bargain spray, a winner in GH Beauty Lab hairspray testing for keeping hair’s shape intact and smooth. It scored at the top for holding curls in place in the Lab’s humidity-chamber test and for not flaking or feeling heavy on hair. “I’ve had no flyaway hairs at all,” a tester reported. Online reviewers are split on the scent of this product, with some liking it and others feeling it smells too synthetic.
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BEST ANTI-FRIZZ SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER
Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Shampoo
Tame unruly hair and fend off frizz from the get-go, starting in the shower. The protein-infused Nexxus shampoo and matching conditioner, both GH Beauty Award winners, are proven frizz-fighters. In a study on hair samples in 98% humidity, strands had significantly less frizz up to 72 hours after application of the system. “The amount of smoothness and shine was noticeable from the first use,” a tester marveled. Take note that these products produce best results when used together, rather than separately.
How we test the best anti-frizz hair products
The GH Beauty Lab tests anti-frizz products both in the Lab using technical instruments and on consumer testers of all hair types to find the ones that perform best. Scientists assess a product’s ability to prevent frizz on human hair samples in the Lab’s humidity chamber over a period of up to 20 hours. At home, consumer testers also use the products (with labels masked to eliminate brand bias) as part of their regular hair routine, then report feedback on attributes such as ease of application, scent and look and feel of hair after use, as well as smoothness of hair throughout the day. In the Lab’s most recent anti-frizz styling products test, scientists tallied a total of 5,666 laboratory data points and consumer tester responses to zero in on the top formulas on the market.
What to look for when shopping for the best anti-frizz hair products
“Both styling products and cleansing and conditioning products should align with your hair type and needs,” says GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Sabina Wizemann. Hair texture (fine, medium or coarse), shape (straight, wavy, curly or coily), density (how much hair you have on your head) and porosity (hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture) are all important factors to consider when seeking out the best anti-frizz products. Wizemann explains what to look for, according to your hair type:
✔️ For fine hair (whether straight, curly or coily), lightweight styling creams are a good option to help style and smooth, especially when applied to wet strands. Both light sprays and serums can work for fine-textured hair when used sparingly to tame flyaways and combat frizz. For fine curly and coily hair, you want ingredients that maintain curl elasticity and prevent breakage, like hydrolyzed protein, to enhance curls without feeling heavy.
✔️ For medium and coarse hair types, nourishing creams and oils can tame unruly strands, make hair shinier and keep frizz at bay. But the usage is key: medium textured hair will need less product than thicker, coarse hair. Shea butter and coconut and castor oils are all excellent emollients that will create more shine and less frizz. Look for products that say “nourishing” and “moisturizing” on the packaging, as they are packed with conditioning ingredients — like silicones and emollients — that keep hair soft and frizz-free.
What causes frizz?
“Hair damage and the environment are the external factors to blame, though some hair textures, including curly hair types, are inherently more frizz-prone,” says Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab Executive Director Birnur Aral, Ph.D. “Hairstyling tools, regular brushing and chemical treatments, like hair color, can lift the outer layer of strands, making the cuticles more porous.” In high humidity, this allows moisture to enter, causing hair strands to swell and frizz; in dry weather, it means moisture escapes, producing flyaways. “To help ward off both frizz and flyaways, you need to make sure hair stays conditioned, which helps seal the cuticle,” Aral explains.
While humidity and frizz are often thought to go hand-in-hand, a “lack of moisture in the hair” can actually also cause frizz, explains Nozomi. To help boost moisture, “incorporate a moisturizing hair mask into your hair routine at least once every other week,” advises Cabott.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
GH Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab Director Birnur Aral, Ph.D., has 15 years of experience leading clinical and consumer testing in the Beauty Lab, including the testing of anti-frizz hairstyling and haircare products. She has contributed to content in countless beauty categories ranging from haircare and styling to anti-aging products and sunscreen safety. She also has written explainers that tease out the science behind beauty products and debunk misconceptions.
GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Sabina Wizemann executed the Lab and consumer test on anti-frizz hairstyling products, including serums, creams, sprays and more. Over her years in the Health, Beauty and Sustainability Lab, she has conducted lab and consumer studies on all types of haircare and styling products, such as at-home hair dyes, shampoos and conditioners, hair serums, hair volumizers and dry shampoos. She also leads the testing of hairstyling tools like hairdryers and curling irons while continuously evaluating the latest innovations in hairstyling.
GH Beauty Director April Franzino has over 15 years of experience researching, writing and editing haircare and hairstyling-related content utilizing the expertise of the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab scientists and top industry professionals such as hairstylists, hair colorists and trichologists. She is an expert in all hair product categories, from stylers like anti-frizz products to shampoos, conditioners, treatments and tools to hair color, professional services and more. April works closely with the GH Beauty Lab to coordinate hair product testing and translate test results into best-in-class compelling, factually accurate science-backed content for Good Housekeeping. April contributed to both the research for and writing of this piece.
GH Freelance Beauty Editor Dori Price has over 15 years of experience researching and writing haircare and hairstyling stories, combining her knowledge with the expertise of top industry professionals such as hairstylists, hair colorists and trichologists. She is an expert in all hair product categories, from stylers like anti-frizz products to shampoos, conditioners, treatments and tools to hair color, professional services and more. Dori contributed to the research for and writing of this piece.
GH Beauty Assistant Catharine Malzahn last updated this piece. She works closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab to help deliver fact-based, science-backed beauty coverage. Over the years, she has interviewed experts, written product reviews and tested hundreds of hair products, including several anti-frizz products for her seemingly always frizzy, wavy hair.
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BEST ANTI-FRIZZ PRODUCT FOR DRY HAIR
John Frieda Frizz Ease Daily Nourishment Moisturizing Shampoo
Created specifically for frizzy hair, John Frieda’s nourishing shampoo (and its matching conditioner) earned high marks in the Beauty Lab’s test of hydrating shampoos and conditioners for making hair feel moisturized, which is key for keeping frizz at a bay. Many testers reported that their strands were smooth and “much less frizzy” than before. If you have thinner hair, it may leave you feeling a little greasy, as some reviewers feel it can be heavy or overly moisturizing.
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BEST ANTI-FRIZZ HAIR PRODUCT FOR FLYAWAYS
Nexxus Frizz Defy Anti-Frizz Sheets
Hold down stray flyaways, well, on the fly with these GH Beauty Award-winning smoothing hair sheets from Nexxus. Made with argan oil, the portable, pocket-sized sachets are “perfect for taming out-of-place or fuzzy strands throughout the day,” one tester said. Use them anywhere on your hair to dampen static as well. Warning: They leave a bit of oily residue on your fingers after use.
