Battling frizz can feel like a full-time job, especially when you have factors like humidity working against you. There are so many quick fixes you can take to momentarily smooth down flyaways, like hair oils or leave-in conditioners. But odds are, if you’ve been in a battle with frizz for your whole life like I have, you’ve heard a little something about keratin.
Keratin treatments are an in-salon service you can get that reduces frizz and adds shine to your hair. But they can be pricey, and when done incorrectly, potentially damaging. But whether you opt for a salon treatment or not, you can still get the smoothing, healing, and repairing benefits of keratin right in your shower. “If you’ve got frizzy locks and are afraid to take the leap and get a full-on keratin treatment at the salon, then a keratin shampoo is a great way to start,” says Hawkins. Here, find the 13 best keratin shampoos that can actually alleviate frizz, for good.
The “morpo-keratine” technology in this product restores the flexibility of the hair to help create voluminous body with structure.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I started using this shampoo several months ago. My hair look healthier, shinier, and more alive. A bit pricey though but I'm happy with the outcome. It does work.”
Size: 8.5 fl. oz.
Sulfate-free: Yes
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Best For Hair Loss
PureBiology RevivaHair Growth Stimulating & Anti Hair Loss Shampoo
2
Best For Hair Loss
PureBiology RevivaHair Growth Stimulating & Anti Hair Loss Shampoo
One of Amazon’s top-reviewed shampoos, Purebiology’s RevivaHair Growth Stimulating & Anti Hair Loss formula, is packed with active ingredients to treat thinning or damaged hair. The natural extracts in the cleanser include biotin and keratin which work in tandem to stimulate hair growth.
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I purchased this at the recommendation of my hairstylist, who swears by it! The shampoo doesn't foam up as much as others, but I did notice a difference in my hair thickness and strength. Will continue to use, as hair turnover takes time to really see the full impact.”
This keratin-infused product prevents breakage and works to repair all the signs of heat damage. If you’re constantly using a flat iron or blow dryer, grab this to restore lost moisture and nutrients while in the shower.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “My hair regained luster; feels healthy and thicker!”
Hair damaged by heat or chemicals can reap the benefits of this shampoo which works overtime to repair and strengthen the hair. The result is silky, rehydrated hair that's stronger and softer.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Keeps your hair soft and smells very nice. I notice my hair feels more manageable after using this shampoo. I feel less breakage with this shampoo. I would definitely recommend this!”
Weak, damaged hair is often limp and lifeless. Thanks to strand-thickening polymers in the formula, this volumizing shampoo not only makes the hair stronger but also increases its bounce factor.
Sephora rating: 3.9/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “As someone with oily/greasy fine hair, this is the only shampoo that has kept it light and voluminous. I used to have to wash my hair every day, now I can go two or three days in between washes.”
Keranique’s keratin amino complex reaches the cortex of the hair while strengthening the hair’s surface. After continued use, your hair should appear and feel fuller, thicker, and stronger.
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Love this stuff! It's great for my thin hair.”
This Keratin Complex shampoo provides a gentle cleanse to color-treated hair. The product is formulated to soothe and protect against damage if you’ve been experimenting with dye. Double up and use the Keratin Complex conditioner from the same line to further hydrate and restore your hair’s protein.
Ulta rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I love the way it cleanses my hair! Has it feeling refreshed, and softer.”
Size: 13.5 fl. oz.
Sulfate-free: No
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Best For Frizzy Hair
Pure Brazilian Anti Frizz Daily Shampoo & Conditioner
8
Best For Frizzy Hair
Pure Brazilian Anti Frizz Daily Shampoo & Conditioner
Previously, if you’ve had a Brazilian keratin treatment, there wasn’t a need to use a keratin-based shampoo or conditioner, but this product works with the treatment to maintain the health of your hair and leave it feeling full and healthy longer.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I wash my hair once a week and these products keep the frizz at bay the entire time. Even when it's raining or humid out…..NO FRIZZ! I highly recommend Pure Brazilian.”
Not only do you get a keratin infusion with this shampoo, but you’ll also reap the benefits of the fatty acid-filled and moisturizing organic Moroccan oil. The combination of the two ingredients doubles up the product’s ability to provide nutrients and strengthen the hair follicles.
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Best shampoo I've ever used. My hair is very oily and thin too, so if I miss a day of washing I look not-so good. I wash my hair daily normally and this product makes my hair very soft and voluminous without ever getting oily throughout the day.”
If keratin alone isn’t enough to get your hair back on the road to good health, the extra oomph of super-moisturizing coconut oils will take you the distance. The other notable ingredient is avocado oils—you hear that, millennials?
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This is my go-to rescue for my dry breaking hair. It really works.”
The keratin used in Virtue’s shampoo is identical to keratin produced by the human body. This cleanser also works to rid strands of excess oil, dirt, and build-up in a gentle way that won’t damage or strip vibrancy from color-treated hair.
Ulta rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I have been using this for almost 2 years now and I have more hair than I have ever had in my life.”
This miracle worker in a bottle cleanses hair and restores shine while smoothing. Plus, it smells incredible.
Target rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Target reviewer says: “If I could rate this higher than 5 I would!! I have very wavy, thick, and frizzy hair. The shampoo and conditioner are so amazing!”
A fruit smoothie for your hair, Garnier’s cleanser uses citrus proteins that work with keratin to hydrate the scalp and return moisture back into dry hair.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I have to say the Fructis line of hair products are really really awesome! Smells great, makes my hair super soft and tangle-free!”
Size: 12 fl. oz.
Sulfate-free: No
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Meet The Experts
Clayton Hawkins is a celebrity hairstylist who's clients include Jenna Ortega and Olivia Rodrigo.
“Keratin helps to rebuild the protein structure of your damaged hair,” says Hawkins. “Over time, it should leave your hair silky and smooth.” It's something our body creates naturally. “Our hair, skin, and nails are made up of keratin,” says Lam. “The more do to our hair–such as coloring or heat styling it—the more it can weaken and appear dull.”
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What do keratin shampoos do?
“If you’ve got frizzy locks and are afraid to take the leap and get a full-on keratin treatment at the salon, then a keratin shampoo is a great way to start,” says Hawkins. If you already have a keratin treatment, “Keratin shampoos help protect your investment by prolonging the smoothness of the cuticle,” says Perteet.
Even if you have un-treated hair, keratin shampoos can still help keep frizz at bay. “If you have frizzy/coarse hair texture, keratin shampoo is a great option to help smooth your hair,” says Rasmussen. “Over time it creates a coating on the hair that will help fill in the pores in your hair to make it smooth and shiny.”
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Why trust ELLE Beauty?
Tatjana Freund is ELLE's Beauty Commerce Writer. She has interviewed countless haircare professionals, and is always testing out new and trending hair treatments.
Chloe Hall oversees all beauty coverage at ELLE.com. She knew she wanted to get into beauty the moment Donna Summer came on her screen and she's been chasing the perfect disco shadows ever since. Her sweet spot is the intersections of beauty with current culture, whether it's music, movies, or social media. You can find her in Brooklyn with her pug or in Rihanna's comment section.
Tatjana Freund is Hearst's Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor, covering beauty, fashion and more across multiple brands. Previously, she worked at ELLE.com and Marie Claire. She's a fan of whiskey neat, podcasts that give her nightmares, and one time Zoë Kravitz laughed at a joke she made.