If you’ve been on the hunt for highly effective anti-frizz hair products this summer, you’re not alone. With humidity steadily rising, we’re all experiencing more frizz than usual, so having the right products on hand is key to help tame it. Which anti-frizz formulas are actually worth your money, though? We tapped several pro hairstylists to find out. Discover their top strand-smoothing picks and what to look for when shopping for products for frizzy hair.
What causes frizzy hair?
First things first, what actually causes hair to be frizzy? It’s simple: Frizz occurs when the hair is dry and craving moisture. “Moisture in the air causes the hair shaft to swell, leading to increased frizz,” explains hairstylist Sunnie Brook. When the outer layer of the hair — also known as the cuticle — becomes raised, it allows moisture from the air to penetrate the hair shaft, which subsequently causes strands to swell and take on a puffy, frizzy appearance. A few different factors that contribute to frizz include:
- Humidity: High humidity levels increase the amount of moisture in the air, which can exacerbate frizz.
- Dryness: Hair that lacks moisture tends to absorb moisture from the air more readily, leading to frizz.
- Damage: Anything that causes damage — including chemical treatments, heat styling and using harsh hair products — can harm the hair cuticle, in turn making it more prone to frizz.
Best anti-frizz products
Brook says this is her ultimate product for achieving frizz-free, glossy hair, even when it’s humid out. “This humidity-blocking treatment coats each strand with an invisible waterproofing layer, ensuring sleek, smooth hair that lasts through three to four shampoos,” she explains. “It’s ideal for all hair types, but especially frizzy, wavy or curly hair, and is perfect for clients seeking long-lasting, high-shine results without the frizz, even in really humid conditions.”
“I’ve seen this product maintain smooth, shiny hair in the heat and humidity like no other,” says Los Angeles-based hairstylist Clariss Rubenstein. “For best results, spray a generous amount on damp hair, then blow dry and finish with a hot tool as the heat seals it in and gives you the most unbelievable shine.”
Plus, beauty and fashion editor Sophie Shaw says this under-$20 product works particularly well for her straight, medium-thick hair. She and Rubenstein call out that the formula is totally weightless, so you can wear your style for days without feeling like there’s any product in it.
Celebrity hairstylist Bryce Scarlett recommends this hair serum for touching up flyaways and frizz throughout. "Its lightweight formula helps to seal the cuticle and reduce frizz, leaving you with a smooth style and a high-gloss finish," he says.
In fact, the entire Liquid Glass collection will help keep locks looking smooth and sleek from the get-go. Scarlett recommends starting out with the shampoo and conditioner and then following with Liquid Glass Miracle Smoothing Sealant, which "provides long-lasting frizz resistance and leaves a super glossy, silky finish," according to the stylist. To get a taste of all three, try this travel kit.
“This product is a game-changer for achieving frizz-free, silky hair,” says Brook of Biolage’s Smooth Proof Shine Milk. “It provides lightweight moisture and shine while taming flyaways and frizz, and is perfect for clients who want a sleek polished look without the heaviness of traditional serums.” She also notes that it makes an excellent finishing product, as it adds a final touch of smoothness and shine.
This smoothing spray is a longtime favorite of Shaw's. It doubles as a heat protectant as you apply it to damp hair before blow-drying and then it helps achieve a smooth finish that stands up to humidity.
Brook highly recommends this castor oil-infused formula from Aveda for textured and curly hair types. “This unique pomade repels moisture from the hair, helping to prevent frizz and maintain your style in humid conditions,” she says. “Apply a small amount to palms and rub together, then distribute it evenly through dry hair to finish and hold your style.”
“This weightless spray creates a veil of protection to block humidity and frizz for up to 72 hours,” says New York City-based hairstylist Reece Walker. “It’s a lightweight, heat-activated mist that won’t create buildup or dry out the hair, and it provides heat protection up to 450 degrees.” Apply a liberal amount before blow-drying for silky-soft, frizz-free strands that stay smooth for days.
Another must-have for Walker, this nourishing oil contains a restorative blend of baobab and immortelle oils, along with lotus flower, orchid extract and 20 different amino acids to help soften dry, frizzy hair. “I love to use this before styling to add moisture to the hair,” says Walker. “It’s wonderful for adding body and bounce back to damaged hair.”
This is one of my favorite products to combat frizz. While it’s not marketed as an anti-frizz product, it combats frizz at the cellular level by repairing the hair bonds with two patented ingredients. The pre-shampoo spray is an amazing treatment, and when paired with the Healthy Hair shampoo and conditioner, the results are truly remarkable.
New York City-based hairstylist Nunzio Saviano swears by this frizz-fighting shampoo and conditioner duo from Living Proof because it's very gentle and doesn't strip the hair. “The formulas use a patented molecule to block humidity and smooth the hair,” he explains. “They cleanse and moisturize without weighing hair down.”
This fan-favorite formula from John Frieda is a must-have in Saviano’s kit because it expertly tames stubborn frizz, even in super humid conditions. “It coats the hair with silicones and proteins to seal in moisture and block out humidity,” he explains. In addition to silicones and proteins, this award-winning serum is also enriched with argan, coconut and moringa oils to further nourish and protect the hair from frizz.
This ultra lightweight leave-in cream features Olaplex’s patented bond repairing technology to help strengthen and smooth the hair while fighting frizz. “The formula helps repair broken bonds and conditions the hair, and also provides heat protection to further combat frizz,” says Saviano. According to the brand, it offers up to 72 hours of frizz control, and whether you’re heat styling or air-drying, it’ll help keep your strands smooth, shiny, and protected.
Another favorite from Saviano, this weightless hydrating spray from Kérastase works wonders on frizz and flyaways. “I love this for smoothing the hair and protecting against humidity,” says Saviano. “It works by using amino acids and wheat protein derivatives to make the hair stronger and more manageable.”
Infused with coconut water, coconut milk and shea butter, this lightweight cream deeply hydrates the hair for long-lasting frizz control. “It works by using a KeraSome delivery system for continuous moisture and smoothness throughout the day,” explains Saviano of his bestselling product. It’s also a fail-safe option for all hair types as it won’t leave strands greasy or weighed down.