No matter what type of hair you have, you're likely to experience frizzy hair at some point. That's because, in addition to the well-known causes of frizz, such as humidity and harsh weather, things like excessive heat styling and hair coloring can also cause frizz. More moisture is the key to achieving a smoother, sleeker look, and the best drugstore products for frizzy hair, from leave-in conditioners to shampoo treatments, combine hydrating oils, butters, and proteins at affordable prices. .
There are also some adjustments you can make to your routine if you're experiencing unwanted frizz. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase, using a microfiber towel after shampooing, and limiting heat styling (and always using a heat protectant when styling) can all help achieve smoother hair.
Because dry and dehydrated hair can absorb excess moisture from the environment, causing a frizzy appearance, you want to be careful not to include any ingredients in your hair care products that may deplete your hair of the moisture it needs. Ingredients in hair care products that you need to avoid include sulfates, parabens, and drying alcohols like propanol and denatured alcohol (often called denatured alcohol). You may also want to be careful not to use silicone-containing hair care products too often. While they're great for detangling and giving your hair an immediate smoothing effect, over time, silicones can build up and prevent your hair from absorbing moisturizing ingredients (they can also weigh down fine hair). Additionally, if you choose a keratin-rich product, you'll want to pay special attention to following the product's instructions on when and how often to use it. While keratin is popular for repairing damaged hair, too much can actually have the opposite effect, ultimately leading to frizz (the same goes for any other type of protein-rich hair care product).
Shop the best drugstore products to treat frizzy hair
hurry? Here are the best drugstore products for frizzy hair:
- Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Curly Hair: Maui Moisture Nourish & Moisture + Coconut Milk Shampoo and Conditioner
- Best Leave-In Conditioner for Curly Hair: Cantu Argan Oil Leave-In Treatment Repair Cream
- Best Mask for Curly Hair: Pantene Miracle Rescue Intense Rescue Shots (8-Pack)
- Best Serum for Curly Hair: Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum
- Best Curl Mousse for Curly Hair: SheaMoisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Mousse
- Best Styling Cream for Curly Hair: John Frieda Secret Weapon Touch-Up Crème
1. Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Curly Hair
The way you wash your hair can affect the health of your hair, so it can easily become dry and more prone to frizz, especially if your hair has been dyed or you're trying to repair some existing damage. This Maui Moisture duo is formulated specifically for dry hair types, whether due to natural dryness tendencies or too frequent use of hot tools. This sulfate- and silicone-free shampoo is based on aloe vera and infuses your hair with lightweight moisture as it cleanses, and the conditioner is also silicone-free. Instead, it uses fatty acid-rich ingredients like mango seed oil, guava seed oil, and coconut oil to restore moisture, seal split ends, and add shine.
Key Ingredients: Aloe Vera, Coconut Water, Coconut Fruit Extract, Mango Seed Oil, Coconut Oil, Panthenol, Glycerin Size: 13 oz. Sulfate-free: Yes Silicon-free: Yes No cruelty testing: Yes
Related Reviews: "This Maui Moisture set smells delicious. It's a coconut scent, rich, but not fake like some. My hair is dry from the color and the cold winter weather. The shampoo lathers up nicely, It cleanses well without overly drying my hair or scalp and the conditioner is thick and detangles nicely. It feels moisturizing and smoothes some of my frizzy hair […]”
2. Best Leave-In Conditioner for Curly Hair
For thicker, curly hair types who need a little more moisture, this Cantu Argan Oil Leave-In Treatment Repair Cream gives you a variety of ways to add moisture to your hair. As a leave-in treatment, you can apply it to the ends of your hair while it's still damp and comb through to instantly smooth unwanted flyaways and frizz. Alternatively, you can use it as a more intense treatment, either wearing a shower cap and leaving it on your hair overnight, or rinsing it off after 20 minutes. Either way, this rich conditioner uses ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, and olive fruit oil to improve hair health and reduce frizz.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Olive Oil, Shea Butter, Argan Oil Size: 16 oz. Sulfate-free: Yes Silicon-free: Yes No cruelty testing: Yes
Related Reviews: “I bought this for my heat damaged 3c hair; it completely eliminated my frizz and my hair no longer looked like dry straw after two days. My hair is bouncy now. Make sure to apply it evenly , but […] crumble it!”
3. Best Masks for Curly Hair
Of course, finer hair can also develop frizz, and applying too much butter and oil will just weigh it down and make it look greasy. Instead of heavy-duty leave-in masks, try a lightweight mask like Pantene Miracle Rescue Intense Rescue Shots. Moisturizing treatments use ingredients like glycerin and panthenol to help eliminate frizz caused by dryness and split ends while promoting overall healthier, shinier hair. You'll find the treatment packaged in disposable ampoules (great for travel), but each tube can be used multiple times depending on your hair length and thickness.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Panthenol Specifications: 0.5 oz. (Pack of 8) Sulfate-Free: Yes Silicone-Free: No Cruelty-Free: No
Related Reviews: “After using this product, I must say it is an absolutely amazing product. […] After one use, this is one of my favorites. This cream is tan, But it doesn't add any color to my hair. It's very thick and only a small amount fully covers my mid-length hair, and of course it's scented and adds shine and hydration to my hair! Use and moisturize to reduce frizz, enhance shine, and reduce split ends. I am a believer in this miracle!”
4. Best serum for curly hair
Garnier's Sleek & Shine line has been a drugstore favorite for decades. Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum is also an Amazon-approved product, with over 20,000 five-star ratings. Suitable for all hair types (if you have fine hair, be sure to use it sparingly), the serum combines argan and apricot oils with the brand's Kera-System+ formula to smooth and smooth hair. Adds shine and prevents hair damage. Curling effects last up to 72 hours. You can apply the serum to damp or dry hair, depending on your styling preference, but it only takes one pump to feel its benefits.
Key Ingredients: Argan Oil, Apricot Oil Size: 5.1 oz. Sulfate-free: Yes Silicon-free: No No animal testing: Yes
Related Reviews: "I've been looking for a product to help my hair get rid of frizz, but I'm starting to lose hope. Most products get rid of frizz in about 10 minutes and then you're back to how it was before. I'm pretty Love this hair product. It lasts all day and not only makes my hair look radiant, but also makes my hair look more wavy/curly! ”
5. Best Curling Mousse for Curly Hair
If you typically choose mousse to style your hair, ditch the usual alcohol-based formulas and try a moisture-rich product like SheaMoisture's Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Mousse. Drugstore mousse is designed to help enhance your natural curls without leaving your hair feeling crunchy or sticky. In addition to coconut oil, the formula contains nourishing ingredients like shea butter and hydrolyzed silk to leave hair smooth and soft, and neem seed oil to reduce frizz and give curls a shiny finish.
Key Ingredients: Shea Butter, Panthenol, Coconut Oil, Hydrolyzed Silk, Neem Seed Oil, Glycerin Size: 7.5 oz. Sulfate-free: Yes Silicon-free: Yes No cruelty testing: Yes
Related Reviews: "Wow, I didn't think I'd love this product so much! It gives my curls so much definition without any crunch and is so helpful with summer frizz."
6. Best Styling Cream for Curly Hair
John Frieda's Secret Weapon Grooming Cream is another drugstore hero brand that makes hair smoother, perfect for anyone who wants to prevent frizz after styling (or throughout the day). No matter your hair type, with the help of ingredients like avocado oil and hydrolyzed wheat protein, just a tiny amount of conditioner can tame frizzy and flyaway hair. Although it's less than $10, this styling product will save you even more money because you only use a small amount of the cream each time.
Key Ingredients: Avocado Oil, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein Size: 4 oz. Sulfate-free: Yes Silicon-free: No Cruelty-free: No
Related Reviews: “Have never used this on my curly hair before and am I missing something wonderful! Tamed my curls without any greasy feel or look and didn’t weigh my style down. Smells great , it feels like good value for money.”
7. Best Hairspray for Curly Hair
Another curl-enhancing product is Ouidad's Advanced Climate Control Thermal Moisture Gel, which contains moisturizing ingredients like panthenol, ceramides, and hydrolyzed wheat protein to give curls definition without frizz. This multi-benefit formula is designed to protect hair from the damage caused by daily exposure to the environment, including the sun and pollution. To combat unwanted frizz by locking in moisture and preventing humidity, the gel features the brand's anti-frizz nanotechnology, which is infused with a silk protein.
Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Vitamin E, Panthenol, Glycerin, Ceramides, Castor Oil Size: 8.5 oz. Sulfate-free: Yes Silicon-free: Yes No cruelty testing: Yes
Related Reviews: "This gel is the best thing that has ever happened to my hair. I used to always get frizzy soon after or sometimes when I diffused it, but not anymore. My hair is frizzy than before, But still soft and bouncy. Not to mention my hair hasn’t felt refreshed for four days, which is a first for me. […]”
8. The Best Oils for Curly Hair
If a serum isn't suitable for your thicker hair, try a more concentrated oil. Among thousands of rave reviews on Amazon, multiple reviewers call this OGX Renewing + Moroccan Argan Oil a great alternative to the pricier (and most popular) Moroccan oil treatments. Nutrient-rich argan oil is the star ingredient here, but the formula also contains silk protein to moisturize frizzy hair and add shine. As a bonus, you can also apply this oil to dry skin on your body.
Key Ingredients: Argan Oil Size: 3.3 oz. Sulfate-free: Yes Silicon-free: No Cruelty-free: No
Related Reviews: “This is my absolute favorite hair care product and I can’t live without it. I have long, thick, curly hair and live in a high humidity area. I can’t keep my hair frizz-free all day long without this stuff . I tried everything! Who knew a small bottle of cheap product could do so much for my curls? ”
9. Best Curl Refreshers for Curly Hair
If your hair needs a boost of moisture between washes, Pacifica Beauty's Pineapple Curl Refreshing Spray is designed to hydrate and define your curls. The silicone-free, vegan and cruelty-free formula uses flaxseed oil, hyaluronic acid and panthenol to deliver lightweight moisture to curls, helping to seal curls without being heavy or greasy. Vitamin C-rich pineapple not only inspires the spray's tropical scent, but also helps protect hair from damage and adds shine.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Flaxseed Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol, Avocado Oil, Coconut Oil Size: 4 oz. Sulfate-free: Yes Silicon-free: Yes No cruelty testing: Yes
Related Reviews: "Absolutely [love] this, it has a great fragrance and is great for conditioning both wet and dry hair, goodbye frizz and dryness, hello moisturizing! I just wish they made it in a larger size "
10. Best heat protectant for curly hair
Using heat styling tools too often or incorrectly is a major cause of frizz. If you can't give up your hair straightener or curling wand completely, try turning down the heat and always using a heat protectant to prep your hair. Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Warming Spray can be sprayed on hair while it's still damp to protect against the effects of heat. Ideal for thicker hair, this heat protectant is also packed with moisturizing ingredients like Argan, Almond, and Mongolian oils to improve hair health and reduce unwanted frizz.
Key Ingredients: Sweet Almond Oil, Argan Oil, Mongongo Kernel Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Vitamin E, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein Size: 4 oz. Sulfate-free: Yes Silicon-free: No No animal testing: Yes
Related Reviews: "Works wonders. Keeps hair soft and moisturized. Reduces frizz."
11. Best Keratin Treatment for Curly Hair
If damaged hair is the cause of frizz, you may want to consider keratin treatments to help improve hydration and prevent further breakage. CHI's Keratin Silk Infusion is a leave-in treatment that combines keratin and hydrolyzed silk to rebuild your hair's cuticle, instantly leaving hair feeling smoother and softer. The infusion is safe for all hair types and also helps protect hair when used before heat styling hair.
Key Ingredients: Keratin Amino Acids, Hydrolyzed Silk, Argan Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Glycerin Size: 6 oz. Sulfate-free: Yes Silicon-free: No No animal testing: Yes
Related Comments: “In the humid South, curly hair is a battle in itself. Straight hair is not an option! But even South Carolina curly hair is frizzy… so extra help is needed. Gas oil is my secret weapon! When it comes to frizz I apply it to smooth out curls when they start to appear. It doesn't make your hair crunchy...just a small amount."
About the author
Marissa DeSantis has been a beauty writer and editor for nearly 10 years. Her work can be found in print and digital publications including Bustle, Evening Standard, Teen Vogue, and InStyle.
