Smooth, humidity wise cleansers that keep flyaways down
Frizz is usually a moisture balance problem. When the cuticle is rough or the core is parched, hair grabs water from the air and lifts, which makes fuzz. The right shampoo cleans without stripping, adds slip so the cuticle lays flat, and leaves a light, smooth base for conditioner and heat protectant. Below are our favourites for different needs, from budget to luxe, colour safe to curly, plus a wash routine that actually lasts past lunch.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Redken Frizz Dismiss Sulfate Free Shampoo
Humidity shield with a light clean feel. Rating: 4.7/5. - Best Budget: Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Shampoo
Affordable, silicone friendly smoothness that resists pouf. Rating: 4.6/5. - Best for Colour Treated Hair: Pureology Smooth Perfection Shampoo
Sulfate free with thermal anti frizz polymers. Rating: 4.6/5. - Best for Curly or Wavy Hair: Briogeo Farewell Frizz Smoothing Shampoo
Gentle, silicone free clean that helps curl clump and shine. Rating: 4.5/5. - Best Weekly Reset: Kérastase Discipline Bain Fluidealiste
Salon smooth finish for days you need the most polish. Rating: 4.6/5.
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How to choose
- Keep surfactants gentle. Frizz spikes when shampoo is too strong. Look for sulfate free or blended systems that rinse clean.
- Add light conditioners. Amino acids, glycerin, polymers and lightweight silicones help the cuticle lie flat.
- Match porosity. High porosity loves richer cleansers and leave ins. Low porosity prefers lighter products and the occasional clarify.
- Protect colour. Choose colour safe formulas if you dye your hair.
- Control build up. Heavy oils and sprays can cause dull, sticky frizz. Use a gentle clarify every week or two.
The Winners
1) Redken Frizz Dismiss Sulfate Free Shampoo
Why it wins: Balances cleanse and slip so hair feels clean without that squeaky rough start that invites frizz. Humidity protection starts at the wash.
Best for: Fine to medium hair that needs smoothness without weight.
How to use: Emulsify with water, massage the scalp for 60 to 90 seconds, pull suds through lengths for the last 10 seconds only.
Pros: Noticeably sleeker blow dry, colour safe, pleasant scent.
Cons: Not a clarifier. Add a reset if you use lots of stylers.
Rating: 4.7/5.
2) Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Shampoo
Why it wins: Wallet friendly and consistent. Cleans lightly and leaves a soft silicone finish that tames halo frizz.
Best for: Budget smoothing and everyday washing.
How to use: Quarter size amount. Rinse cool and follow with matching conditioner.
Pros: Cheap, easy to find, reliable slip.
Cons: Silicone finish is not for everyone. Clarify periodically.
Rating: 4.6/5.
3) Pureology Smooth Perfection Shampoo
Why it wins: Colour safe formula with thermal anti frizz polymers that prime hair for heat tools so the style lasts longer in humidity.
Best for: Colour treated or heat styled hair.
How to use: Small amount goes far. Pair with a heat protectant before blow drying.
Pros: Soft feel, helps brush glide, preserves tone.
Cons: Premium price.
Rating: 4.6/5.
4) Briogeo Farewell Frizz Smoothing Shampoo
Why it wins: Gentle surfactants and silicone free slip help curls and waves form smooth clumps that resist fuzz.
Best for: Curly or wavy hair that frizzes when shampoo is too harsh.
How to use: Emulsify well, scalp massage, then rinse thoroughly.
Pros: Lightweight, curl friendly, clean INCI.
Cons: If you love heavy serums, you still need a weekly reset.
Rating: 4.5/5.
5) Kérastase Discipline Bain Fluidealiste
Why it wins: Polished salon finish with soft movement rather than stiffness. Great once weekly or before events.
Best for: Medium to coarse hair that wants maximum smooth.
How to use: Small amount, add lots of water to build slip, rinse well.
Pros: High shine, reduced static, refined feel.
Cons: Expensive for daily use.
Rating: 4.6/5.
Frizz fighting wash routine
Wash frequency: 2 to 4 times per week based on oil and build up.
- Cleanse: Work shampoo at the scalp for 60 to 90 seconds. Do not scrub the lengths.
- Condition: Apply mid lengths to ends. Detangle with fingers or a wide tooth comb while hair is wet.
- Rinse cool: Helps the cuticle lay flatter.
- Towel right: Use a microfiber towel or T shirt. Press and squeeze rather than rub.
- Protect and style: Use a heat protectant that lists frizz control or humidity shield. Blow dry in sections with nozzle down, or diffuse on low.
- Reset: Clarify weekly if you use oils, dry shampoo or sprays. Follow with a rinse clean mask.
Wrap Up
Frizz starts at the wash. Choose a shampoo that cleans without roughing up the cuticle and gives light slip so the finish stays smooth. For most hair, Redken Frizz Dismiss is the easy daily win. On a budget, Garnier Sleek & Shine keeps halo frizz in check. If you colour or heat style, Pureology Smooth Perfection helps styles last. Curly types get gentle smoothing with Briogeo Farewell Frizz, and for big polish days reach for Kérastase Discipline. Keep rinses cool, protect from heat, and reset build up regularly so humidity has less to grab.
FAQ
Do sulfates cause frizz
Strong cleansers can rough up the cuticle which invites frizz. Many people do better with gentler systems and a periodic clarify.
How often should I shampoo frizzy hair
Enough to keep oil and residue low. Most will do well at two to four times per week.
Why does my hair frizz after drying
Usually heat without protection, rough towel drying, or product build up. Use heat protectant, press with a microfiber towel, and clarify weekly.
Are silicones bad for frizz
Silicones can smooth and seal. If you use them, clarify regularly so residue does not dull or feel sticky.
Can I co wash if I am frizzy
Yes, as a between wash option. Still use a true shampoo a few times per week to keep the scalp clear and styles predictable.
See also
If humidity ruins your blowout, read Best Heat Protectant for Fine Hair for lightweight shields that do not collapse volume, then layer a gel cream for hold. For a weekly moisture top up that does not leave residue, see Best Hair Mask for Damaged Hair and choose a mask that rinses clean so smoothness lasts.
If products seem to sit on the surface, try our Best Shampoos for Low Porosity Hair routine to reset build up and help hydration absorb. For colour safety and gentler daily wash ideas, check Best Shampoos Free of Sulfates and Parabens. If ends feel rough or tangled, Best Shampoo for Damaged Hair lists cleansers that reset without stripping so frizz control is easier.
