Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editor and brands Save Story Save this story Save Story Save this story Nobody has ever air-dried their hair—or put the finishing touches on a blowout —and thought, You know what this look needs? More frizz! That's why the best shampoos for frizzy hair start working long before you reach for a styling cream or hair oil . "Shampoo is the first item needed to combat the frizzies," says Las Vegas-based hairstylist Gina Rivera . The right formula cleanses without stripping the natural oils that keep the hair cuticle smooth, while ingredients like ceramides, humectants, and nourishing oils seal in moisture and prevent humidity from puffing up hair.
The trick is finding one that's tailored to your hair type: Fine hair needs lightweight hydration that won't flatten volume, curly hair craves extra moisture to compensate for oils that struggle to travel from roots to ends, and color-treated hair benefits from formulas that keep the cuticle sealed so color stays vibrant, and frizz stays at bay.
What causes frizzy hair? How to reduce frizz Meet the experts How we test and review products Our staff and testers Ahead, the shampoos our editors, hairstylists, and testers rely on for smoother, shinier, more manageable hair.
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Living Proof
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee after using the Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo
Why it's worth it: It may have been almost two decades since Living Proof’s No Frizz Shampoo launched (and immediately earned an Allure Best of Beauty Breakthrough Award), but it's never stopped being among the first shampoos stylists mention when someone wants to tackle frizz. "Its smoothing and humidity-resistant benefits make it an excellent choice for frizz-prone hair because it gently cleanses without stripping away essential moisture," says Nicolas Flores , a hairstylist based in Los Angeles.
The formula was updated last year with the brand's proprietary Sili-Clone HairTech, which mimics the sleekness, shine, and slip of silicones—without the buildup that can potentially weigh fine hair down in particular. (Despite their reputation, silicones are often a great choice for dry, coarse, and frizz-prone hair.) Instead, it relies on a blend of gentle, sulfate-free cleansers, while conditioning hydrolyzed jojoba esters and sunflower-derived conditioning agents soften strands and smooth the hair cuticle. "This shampoo sets the foundation for healthy-looking hair,” says Flores.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
“Living Proof's No Frizz Shampoo is one of the few shampoos that leaves my dry hair and flaky scalp feeling clean without that stripped, squeaky sensation. Since I wash my hair every day (and my long hair falls halfway down my back), I appreciate that it has conditioning properties built right into the formula, so it helps smooth frizz before I even reach for conditioner.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
Key ingredients: jojoba esters, amino acids, marine algae extract Who it's for: all hair types Sulfate-free: yes Silicone-free: yes Fragrance-free: no Best for Curly Hair: Curlsmith Frizz Control Shampoo Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Curlsmith
Social media manager Bianca Richards after washing with Curlsmith Frizz Control Shampoo
Why it's worth it: Because it's harder for the scalp's natural oils to trave…