Trust Me, These Anti-Frizz Treatments Will Add Plenty of Moisture and Shine Back to Your Hair

Frizzy hair hates to see these products coming.

frizzy hair
(Image credit: Getty Images)

As a person with tightly coiled hair, frizz is the bane of my existence. True heartbreak is getting a stellar blowout or silk press, only for said silky style to lose its luster shortly after and fall victim to humidity. The good news is that there's a whole world of anti-frizz treatments out there, and the best ones can practically humidity-proof your hair all while moisturizing and ensuring that your strands stay shiny.

Anti-frizz treatments can come in a variety of formulas. From hair oils and serums to heat-protecting hairsprays, there's really a product out there for every person, hair type, and texture. To kick frizz to the curb and get the silkiest hair of your dreams, read ahead to find 11 of the best frizz-fighting hair products out there, plus insights from experts on what causes frizz and what to look for in an anti-frizz product.

The Best Anti-Frizz Treatments

before and after photos for an anti-frizz product

Audrey Noble testing the John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Hair Serum.

(Image credit: Audrey Noble)

a before and after pic while testing the olaplex no. 6 hair cream

Danielle Jackson testing the Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

before and after hair photos

Danielle Jackson tests the Ouai Hair Oil.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

What Causes Frizz?

Every strand of hair has an outer layer of cuticles that can lift and lay flat depending on how moisturized your hair is. Frizz is what occurs when said cuticle is lifted. “Frizz happens when the cuticle doesn’t lie flat, letting outside moisture in and making the hair swell unevenly,” says hairstylist Jennifer Korab. Per hairstylist Lia Hakim, whenever moisture from the air enters the hair shaft, it can cause the hair to lose its smoothness. Humidity is the most common culprit behind frizziness, though it can also be caused by your hair already being dry and improperly moisturized, heat styling, excessive use of chemicals, and even rough towel drying.

Both stylists agree that your natural hair texture can also play a role in how frizzy your hair gets. “Curly and coily textures are especially prone because their cuticles are naturally more open, and damage from the environment can make it worse,” Korab says. “Frizz is the hair’s way of showing it’s either too dry inside or soaking up too much moisture from the air.”

What Should I Look For In an Anti-Frizz Product?

Hakim says you should think of an anti-frizz product as both a shield and a moisturizer: you want something that can smooth and seal the cuticle while also addressing dryness within the hair shaft. “Look for lightweight oils like argan or jojoba, smoothing agents like silicones (for those who are comfortable with them), or newer silicone alternatives such as dimethicone-free serums,” she says. “Humectants like glycerin can help, but in very humid climates you’ll want them balanced with sealing agents to prevent the hair from puffing up.”

You should also be prepared to consider your hair type before just picking up any product that claims to combat frizz. Korab says that people with fine or straight hair should use serums and lightweight products that won’t sit on top of the hair, while people with curlier textures should reach for “curl creams, gels, or anti-humidity products that not only fight frizz but also define their natural shape.” She adds, “the key is finding a formula that seals the cuticle, keeps moisture balanced, and suits your hair’s unique needs.”

How Can I Prevent Frizz In the First Place?

Sometimes frizz seems inevitable, but there are actually ways to prevent it from occurring. To prevent frizz when blow drying or heat styling your hair, always make sure you’re using a heat protectant before allowing any heat to touch your hair. Hakim also recommends blow drying the hair with a nozzle attachment and directing airflow downward along the hair shaft to keep the cuticle flat.

As previously stated, rough towel drying can also be a culprit of frizz, so when your hair’s wet, try drying it with a microfiber towel that’s easier on your strands and doesn’t cause as much friction as a traditional bath towel. Lastly, frizz is often a result of hair that’s already dry—if your hair is dry, it’s more likely to try and suck moisture from the air, so a great way to prevent hair from poofing or becoming frizzy is to ensure that it’s properly moisturized in the first place via conditioners, leave-in moisturizers, serums, or masks.

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For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Meet the Experts

a woman posing with crossed arms
Jennifer Korab

Jennifer Korab is a New Jersey-based hairstylist and founder of Renaissance Salon & Spa.

a woman posing with her hand on her hip
Lia Hakim

Lia Hakim is a hairstylist and founder of totally hott salon and hott blowdry and beauty lounge in Westchester, New York.

Danielle Jackson
Senior Beauty Writer

Danielle Jackson is the senior beauty writer at Marie Claire. She has nearly a decade of experience covering beauty, lifestyle, and entertainment and was previously the senior beauty editor at Women's Health, where she thoughtfully covered topics related to skincare, haircare, aesthetics, and wellness. Before that, she spent three years as an assistant beauty editor at PS, and in the years since, her work has appeared in titles like Vogue, InStyle, Glamour, and more. Danielle graduated from the University of Georgia with a BA in English, and has lived in Brooklyn for almost ten years. When she's not writing, you can find her reading romance novels and talking about sunscreen. You can find her on Instagram @danielleknecole.

With contributions from