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Nobody has ever air-dried their hair—or put the finishing touches on a blowout—and thought, You know what this look needs? More frizz! That's why the best shampoos for frizzy hair start working long before you reach for a styling cream or hair oil. "Shampoo is the first item needed to combat the frizzies," says Las Vegas-based hairstylist Gina Rivera. The right formula cleanses without stripping the natural oils that keep the hair cuticle smooth, while ingredients like ceramides, humectants, and nourishing oils seal in moisture and prevent humidity from puffing up hair.

The trick is finding one that's tailored to your hair type: Fine hair needs lightweight hydration that won't flatten volume, curly hair craves extra moisture to compensate for oils that struggle to travel from roots to ends, and color-treated hair benefits from formulas that keep the cuticle sealed so color stays vibrant, and frizz stays at bay.

Our Top Shampoos for Frizzy Hair

• Best Overall: Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo, $36
• Best for Fine Hair: Kérastase Gloss Absolu Shampoo, $43
• Best for Thick Hair: Amika Forget Frizz Anti-Frizz Shampoo, $28
• Best for Damaged Hair: K18 Damage Shield PH Protective Shampoo, $39

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What causes frizzy hair?
• How to reduce frizz
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Ahead, the shampoos our editors, hairstylists, and testers rely on for smoother, shinier, more manageable hair.

Best Overall: Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo

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Living Proof

No Frizz Shampoo

$36

Amazon

$36

Nordstrom

$36

Ulta Beauty

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee after using the Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it's worth it: It may have been almost two decades since Living Proof’s No Frizz Shampoo launched (and immediately earned an Allure Best of Beauty Breakthrough Award), but it's never stopped being among the first shampoos stylists mention when someone wants to tackle frizz. "Its smoothing and humidity-resistant benefits make it an excellent choice for frizz-prone hair because it gently cleanses without stripping away essential moisture," says Nicolas Flores, a hairstylist based in Los Angeles.

The formula was updated last year with the brand's proprietary Sili-Clone HairTech, which mimics the sleekness, shine, and slip of silicones—without the buildup that can potentially weigh fine hair down in particular. (Despite their reputation, silicones are often a great choice for dry, coarse, and frizz-prone hair.) Instead, it relies on a blend of gentle, sulfate-free cleansers, while conditioning hydrolyzed jojoba esters and sunflower-derived conditioning agents soften strands and smooth the hair cuticle. "This shampoo sets the foundation for healthy-looking hair,” says Flores.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“Living Proof's No Frizz Shampoo is one of the few shampoos that leaves my dry hair and flaky scalp feeling clean without that stripped, squeaky sensation. Since I wash my hair every day (and my long hair falls halfway down my back), I appreciate that it has conditioning properties built right into the formula, so it helps smooth frizz before I even reach for conditioner.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: jojoba esters, amino acids, marine algae extract
• Who it's for: all hair types
• Sulfate-free: yes
• Silicone-free: yes
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Curly Hair: Curlsmith Frizz Control Shampoo

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Curlsmith

Frizz Control Shampoo

$26

Amazon

$26

Ulta Beauty

$26

Sephora

Social media manager Bianca Richards after washing with Curlsmith Frizz Control Shampoo

Bianca Richards

Why it's worth it: Because it's harder for the scalp's natural oils to travel from roots to ends, curly hair tends to be drier—and dry hair is much more prone to frizz. That's why Curlsmith's Frizz Control Shampoo uses gentle cleansers that won't strip away the moisture curls naturally struggle to hold onto. Coconut butter locks in hydration, while argan oil, blackcurrant seed oil, and squalane nourish strands, smooth the cuticle, and boost shine. Conditioning agents improve slip, too, so curls detangle more easily with less friction, leaving them more defined and less prone to puffing up. Our tester considers it a must-have in the summer months.

Tester feedback from social media manager Bianca Richards

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“As someone with 2B to 2C curls, in the summer, it's easy for my hair strands to appear frizzier and feel drier than usual due to the intense heat, and I need to give my curls an extra dose of TLC. The Curlsmith Frizz Control Cleanser has been my saving grace in the warmer months for its ability to retain moisture in my hair strands for softer, shinier curls. Unlike the other shampoos in my rotation that are geared towards detoxifying the scalp, the shampoo is enriched with coconut butter and argan oil, two nourishing ingredients that work well to maintain the health of my strands.” —Bianca Richards, social media manager

More to know

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• Key ingredients: coconut butter, argan oil, sunflower seed oil
• Who it's for: curly hair types, textured hair types
• Sulfate-free: yes
• Silicone-free: yes
• Fragrance-free: no

Best Clarifying: Ouai The Detox Shampoo

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Ouai

The Detox Shampoo

$34

Amazon

$34

Sephora

$34

Ulta Beauty

Allure commerce editorial assistant Hailey Roy after using the Ouai The Detox Shampoo

Hailey Roy

Why it’s worth it: A clarifying shampoo isn't inherently an anti-frizz shampoo, but it can be the missing piece if buildup leaves your hair looking dull, feeling rough, or harder to manage. Layers of styling products, dry shampoo, oils, and even hard water minerals can prevent conditioners and masks from penetrating the hair shaft, leaving strands dry and therefore frizz-prone. Ouai’s Detox Shampoo wipes the slate clean with a deep-cleansing blend of surfactants while apple cider vinegar “dissolves residue, excess oil, buildup,” says Flores. It doesn't stop there, though: Hydrolyzed keratin reinforces weakened strands, glycerin replenishes moisture, and conditioning polymers leave hair feeling soft instead of too squeaky-clean. Reserve it for a weekly reset, as overuse of a clarifying shampoo can strip natural oils, leaving hair more vulnerable to dryness and frizz.

Tester feedback from commerce editorial assistant Hailey Roy

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“I kid you not, my super dry curly hair was collecting compliments on its shine after using this shampoo. I was skeptical of a shampoo adding shine, and I was shocked. Because of how clean the shampoo claims to make your scalp, I thought it would strip my hair down to Sahara Desert status. But it did the exact opposite. Most shampoos tend to make my hair feel brittle before I even lather on conditioner. While I was massaging this shampoo in, it did feel dry (I have yet to find a shampoo that doesn't leave my hair feeling dry before conditioner), but it felt less dry than usual. Disclaimer: The end results were far from parched. Another plus: A small dollop was enough to lather up my entire scalp—a win for me because I know this pricey product will last. The cherry on top is the fresh fragrance, which makes your scalp feel extra squeaky clean.” —Hailey Roy, commerce editorial assistant

More to know

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• Key ingredients: apple cider vinegar, hydrolyzed keratin, glycerin, conditioning polymers
• Who it's for: flaky scalps, oily hair
• Sulfate-free: yes
• Silicone-free: yes
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Shine: Oribe Supershine Hydrating Shampoo

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Oribe

Supershine Hydrating Shampoo

$49

Amazon

$49

Nordstrom

$49

Dermstore

Allure social director Kassidy Silva after using the Oribe Supershine Hydrating Shampoo

Kassidy Silva

Why it's worth it: Frizzy hair has a tough time looking shiny because instead of reflecting light evenly, those raised cuticles scatter light in every direction, making strands appear dull no matter how healthy they are. Oribe’s Supershine Hydrating Shampoo smooths hair's surface from the very first wash with moisture-binding humectants like glycerin, conditioning silicones, and pro-vitamin B5, which soften hair while boosting shine. One of the more unique additions is the brand's Cranberry Complex, which pairs cranberry extract with upcycled cranberry seed oil to nourish dry hair and smooth the cuticle for a glossier finish, while Oribe's signature blend of watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss flower extracts protects against UV exposure and environmental stressors that can leave hair looking dry and lackluster.

Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva

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“If there is a drop of humidity in the air, my hair begins to frizz. One of the best combatants in my arsenal is the Oribe Supershine Hydrating Shampoo. I give my hair a good scrub in the morning, followed up with a good dollop of conditioner, and finish it off with a leave-in conditioner after I've dried my hair, usually the Oribe Supershine Light Moisturizing Leave-In Hair Cream or the RŌZ Milk Hair Serum.” —Kassidy Silva, social director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, silicones, pro-vitamin B5, Cranberry Compex (cranberry extract, upcycled cranberry seed oil), Oribe Signature Complex (watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss flower extracts)
• Who it's for: people with dull, coarse, or thick hair
• Sulfate-free: yes
• Silicone-free: yes
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Fine Hair: Kérastase Gloss Absolu Shampoo

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Kérastase

Gloss Absolu Shampoo

$43

Amazon

$43

Sephora

Allure senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino after using the Kérastase Gloss Absolu Shampoo

Elizabeth Gulino

Why it's worth it: People with fine hair often have lots of wisps around the hairline and part; because each strand is so lightweight, it's more easily lifted by humidity and static. So, if your flyaways have a mind of their own, Kérastase’s Gloss Absolu Shampoo is our stylists’ “go-to for achieving softer, shinier, more manageable hair,” says Flores. It contains hyaluronic acid that floods strands with moisture to keep the cuticle smooth and hydrated, while glycolic acid smooths the hair's surface to reduce frizz and amplify shine. Wild rose oil, rich in vitamins A, C, and E, adds softness and gloss, while the sulfate-based formula lathers extra nicely to clarify the scalp. “This shampoo will bring your hair back to life in just a few washes without adding extra weight to fine, fragile hair,” says Taylor Murphy, a hairstylist based in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Tester feedback from senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino

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“I would like to personally thank whoever formulated Kérastase's Gloss Absolu line because wow, did it actually help with my frizz and dryness. The first time I used both the shampoo and conditioner was on a Friday before heading out to dinner with friends—usually, when I air dry my wavy hair, I'll add in a few curls with a curling iron to try and tame any frizz with heat. But after using Kérastase's Gloss Absolu Shampoo and Conditioner I didn't even need to plug in any hot tools, my hair was good to go as-is. The citrus-y floral scent of the products is a major plus, too, and made my shower smell like a spa. I have a feeling I'll go through these products fairly quickly.” —Elizabeth Gulino, senior staff writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, wild rose oil, vitamins A, C, and E
• Who it's for: people with fine or medium hair
• Sulfate-free: no
• Silicone-free: yes
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Dry Hair: Nécessaire The Shampoo

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Nécessaire

The Shampoo

$32

Amazon

$32

Nordstrom

$32

Sephora

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai after using the Nécessaire The Shampoo and Conditioner

Deanna Pai

Why it's worth it: Because dry hair has a harder time keeping its cuticle smooth, it's also more likely to frizz at the first sign of humidity. Nécessaire’s The Shampoo starts at the source: a well-moisturized scalp creates a better environment for healthier-looking hair. The sulfate-free shampoo packs in niacinamide to support the scalp barrier, hyaluronic acid and glycerin to draw in moisture, plus aloe vera and panthenol to soothe and soften. One ingredient you don't often see in shampoo is ApiScalp, a celery seed-derived active designed to soothe dryness and support a healthier scalp environment. The 2022 Best of Beauty Award winner is also fragrance-free and accepted by the National Eczema Association, meaning it meets high standards for ingredients that are less likely to irritate sensitive skin—a big plus if your dry scalp gets itchy, tight, or reactive.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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“This shampoo and conditioner hit it out of the park for both my scalp and my hair. For one, they're among the few formulas that don't dry out my scalp and cause flakes. The same goes for my hair: Together, they leave it soft, shiny, and clean, but never straw-like—which is especially noteworthy since I'm a daily hair-washer.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, panthenol
• Who it's for: all hair types, sensitive scalps
• Sulfate-free: yes
• Silicone-free: yes
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Sulfate-Free: RŌZ Foundation Shampoo

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RÔZ

Foundation Shampoo

$39

Amazon

$39

Nordstrom

$39

Sephora

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin after using the RŌZ Foundation Shampoo and Conditioner

Shanna Shipin

Why it's worth it: Living up to its name, RŌZ’s Foundation Shampoo is designed to create the ideal starting point for healthier-looking hair. The sulfate- and silicone-free formula gently washes away buildup while a trio of ceramides reinforces the hair barrier, smooths the cuticle, and seals in moisture. The 2023 Allure Best of Beauty Award-winner in our Clean category also contains pea peptides that strengthen strands, while grape vine sap, grape fruit extract, and ginger root extract provide antioxidant support to keep hair looking healthy and vibrant. It leaves hair feeling clean, soft, and bouncy, making it especially well-suited for anyone trying to tame frizz without sacrificing natural movement.

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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“I first fell in love with Rōz's shampoo from the bottle alone, but next came the scent—when do you ever get ginger and frankincense in your hair care?! It's cleansing without stripping my already-dry curly hair, which ultimately helps ward off frizz. Plus, I find that it lathers really nicely compared to other 'clean' shampoo products." —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: coconut-based surfactants, peptides, ceramides
• Who it's for: fine hair types, color-treated hair
• Sulfate-free: yes
• Silicone-free: yes
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Thick Hair: Amika Forget Frizz Anti-Frizz Shampoo

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Amika

Forget Frizz Anti-Frizz Shampoo

$28

Amazon

$28

Ulta Beauty

$28

Sephora

Why it's worth it: Amika's Forget Frizz Anti-Frizz Shampoo uses heat-activated smoothing technology that works with your blow-dryer to create a lightweight, humidity-resistant veil over the hair cuticle. (In other words, try another option if you’re air-drying.) By helping keep excess moisture from penetrating the hair shaft—a major cause of frizz—it leaves thick hair looking sleeker and smoother long after styling. Water lily extract tames frizz and improves manageability, while aloe leaf juice boosts shine and retains moisture. The brand's signature sea buckthorn oil, naturally rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins, nourishes the cuticle, while lightweight silicones seal everything in for a glossy, polished finish. "Its texture is slightly on the richer side, so it's amazing for thicker hair because it locks moisture," says Murphy. "Plus, it smells incredible."

More to know

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• Key ingredients: water lily extract, silicone, sea buckthorn oil
• Who it's for: people with medium-to-thick, coarse, wavy, or coily hair types prone to frizz
• Sulfate-free: yes
• Silicone-free: no
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Damaged Hair: K18 Damage Shield PH Protective Shampoo

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K18

Damage Shield pH Protective Shampoo

$39

Amazon

$39

Sephora

Why it's worth it: If there's one brand that's become synonymous with repairing damaged hair, it's K18. The biotech-powered brand is best known for its patented K18Peptide, which repairs damaged hair from within rather than just masking surface damage. Its Damage Shield pH Protective Shampoo takes a similarly science-backed approach to frizz, using a pH that's close to hair's naturally slightly acidic state to keep the cuticle compact during washing. “That means less swelling, less humidity sneaking into the hair shaft, and ultimately smoother, shinier strands,” says Flores.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: K18Peptide, panthenol, glycerin
• Who it's for: people with frizzy hair caused by damaged hair
• Sulfate-free: no
• Silicone-free: no
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Color-Treated Hair: Redken Frizz Dismiss Shampoo

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Redken

Frizz Dismiss Sulfate-Free Shampoo

$29

Amazon

$29

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: Treating frizz isn't just a matter of smoothing hair—by keeping the cuticle smooth and compact, color-treated hair is better able to hold onto its pigment, so your shade stays vibrant for longer. Redken’s Frizz Dismiss Shampoo is free of both sulfates and sodium chloride (a common thickening agent), so it cleanses without stripping away the natural oils that keep colored hair vibrant, says Murphy. Meanwhile, smoothing silicones seal the cuticle to lock out humidity, tame frizz, and boost shine, while lightweight babassu oil replenishes moisture, leaving color-treated strands softer, silkier, and less prone to the dryness that often comes with chemical processing.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: babassu oil
• Who it's for: all hair types, color-treated hair
• Sulfate-free: yes
• Silicone-free: no
• Fragrance-free: no

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes frizzy hair?

Chances are, the roots of your frizziness stem from multiple factors, but one of the biggest culprits is a lack of moisture. In its simplest definition, frizz occurs when the outermost cuticle layer of the hair shaft is misaligned, creating a jagged appearance. What causes this misalignment, according to Seattle-based hairstylist Jen Atkin, is your hair trying to replenish moisture by absorbing it from the air. "So making sure you're conditioning and masking will help your hair combat that and leave it moisturized without wanting to absorb the moisture outside," she previously told Allure.

How to reduce frizz

Frizz isn't permanent, so there are quite a few ways to address frizzy strands. According to Shelly Aguirre, a hairstylist based in Chicago, frizzy hair is often dry, so moisturization is essential. The best shampoos for frizzy hair target dryness and contain "naturally hydrating ingredients that will smooth the hair shaft but not overly weigh the hair down," New York City-based hairstylist and colorist Paul Labrecque tells Allure.

More specifically, you'll want to look for hair products that contain natural oils (such as argan and coconut), shea butter, and aloe vera, all of which, per Labrecque, "help to smooth and tame frizz while gently hydrating and cleansing the hair." Conversely, every hair pro we spoke to advised steering clear of shampoos with sulfates, which can strip your strands of essential oils and dry them out (spoiler alert: It’s a big no-no when it comes to wrangling frizz).

Meet the experts

• Shelly Aguirre, a hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago
• Jen Atkin, a hairstylist and founder of Ouai and Mane based in Seattle
• Nicolas Flores, a hairstylist and co-founder of Flore Los Angeles based in Los Angeles
• Paul Labrecque, a hairstylist and colorist and founder of the Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa based in New York City
• Taylor Murphy, a hairstylist based in Raleigh, North Carolina
• Gina Rivera, hair artist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites based in Las Vegas

How we test and review products

We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While there are certainly products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are created in order to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn’t want to pick up a purple shampoo that’s only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that’s never been tested by anyone with curls—right?

For our review of the best shampoos for frizzy hair, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and hair stylists—who all deal with frizz and would like sleeker results. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture and experience, fragrance, and packaging. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editor and brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

The best conditioners for fine hair can make all the difference in giving you soft, hydrated, and voluminous hair without the weight. But finding the right one can be tricky. Some formulas overdo the moisture and leave hair limp, while skipping conditioner altogether leads to dryness, tangles, and breakage. Just like shampoos for fine hair, it pays to be selective.

“While fine hair has a smaller fiber and absorbs products differently, it still craves the same essential nourishment as any other hair type—which comes down to the right mix of ingredients and how they’re distributed throughout your hair,” says Julie Dickson, a hairstylist based in New York City. “You want to avoid oversaturating and weighing the hair down.” It's important to strike the perfect balance: moisturize dry hair without buildup, strengthen without stiffness, and add body without the grease factor.

Our Top Conditioners for Fine Hair

• Best Overall: Rōz Foundation Conditioner, $39
• Best for Curly Hair: Pattern Lightweight Conditioner, $29
• Best for Damaged Hair: K18 Damage Shield Protective Conditioner, $39
• Best Fragrance-Free: Seen Fragrance-Free Conditioner, $32

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What makes the best conditioner for fine hair?
• Should people with fine hair not use conditioner?
• How do you rehydrate fine hair?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

We’ve asked hairstylists to share their expert picks for the best conditioners for fine hair—so you can finally find the right one for your hair type.

Best Overall: Rōz Foundation Conditioner

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RŌZ

Foundation Conditioner

$39

Amazon

$42

Nordstrom

$42

Sephora

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai after using the Roz Foundation Conditioner

Deanna Pai

Why we love it: When celebrity stylist Mara Roszak—whose A-list clients like Emma Stone, Olivia Wilde, and Zoe Saldana keep her on speed dial—launched her first hair-care line, we knew it would be a game-changer. And sure enough, it didn’t just deliver; it also snagged a 2023 Best of Beauty Award. “The Rōz Foundation Conditioner is exactly what it sounds like: foundational." says Dickson. “It’s perfectly balanced—lightweight but hydrating, strengthening but never heavy.” The sulfate-free shampoo also has walnut oil, packed with omega-3 fatty acids that help strengthen strands and shield hair from damage, keeping it healthier and more resilient. “It works beautifully on both virgin and color-treated hair, providing instant nourishment while supporting long-term repair,” says Dickson.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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“My 2B to 2C hair is fine but dense, so I ask a lot of my conditioner: frizz control and smoothing, but not too heavy. (I’m like Goldilocks, the hair edition.) This conditioner walks the line beautifully, with enough moisture to keep frizz to a minimum while still leaving my curls voluminous and defined, even at the crown where it otherwise tends to fall flat. Plus, I love the pump bottle, which just looked really nice in my shower and made it feel luxurious to dispense.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: ceramides, pea peptide, walnut seed extract, ginger root extract
• Fragrance-free: no
• Silicone-free: yes

Best for Volumizing: Virtue Full Volumizing Conditioner

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Virtue

Full Volumizing Conditioner

$44

Amazon

$44

Nordstrom

$44

Dermstore

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee after using the Virtue Full Volumizing Conditioner

Christa Joanna Lee

Why we love it: At Allure HQ, Virtue is always top of mind for its cutting-edge approach to hair care—and the pros agree when it comes to this Best of Beauty Award winner. “Virtue’s Full Conditioner is designed to deliver volume, strength, and lightweight hydration to fine hair—all without sulfates, parabens, or silicones,” says Kristina Maccaro, a colorist based in Jersey City, New Jersey. The brand’s proprietary Alpha Keratin 60k is a protein that repairs and strengthens hair from the inside out. It’s also infused with hydrolyzed quinoa to lock in moisture and biotin to support overall hair health. “In my opinion, the formula works best for anyone with fine hair looking to prioritize volume over adding intense hydration,” says Maccaro. This is a great daily conditioner for fine hair, but “for people looking for extra moisture or to repair very dry or damaged hair, they may need to incorporate an additional deep-conditioning mask or treatment,” says Maccaro.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“Virtue has completely redefined my expectations on what my in-shower hair products should do. The Full Volumizing Conditioner gives me all the slip and softness I want for easy detangling, but it never leaves my hair feeling flat or lifeless. The texture is everything—it's not so rich that it weighs my fine hair down, but not so lightweight that it feels like it's not absorbing anything. The biggest difference shows up at my roots and ends: My roots keep their lift while my ends stay soft, smooth, and less frizzy." —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: phospholipids, pink pomelo, artichoke leaf
• Fragrance-free: no
• Silicone-free: no

Best for Frizzy Hair: Ouai Fine Hair Conditioner

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Ouai

Fine Hair Conditioner

$32

Amazon

$32

Ulta Beauty

$32

Sephora

Why we love it: Maccaro often reaches for Ouai’s Fine Hair Conditioner when people with fine hair sit in her chair. “It enhances softness, adds body, and boosts shine—without the heavy residue most conditioners leave behind,” she says, adding that her clients notice a difference after one or two washes. Its efficacy comes from a combo of biotin to strengthen, keratin to smooth, and chia seed oil to deeply hydrate, yet keeping strands airy. The pros also love it for its texture: “It’s so creamy but lightweight, and it moves easily through your hair and cleanly rinses,” she says. Plus, the addictive scent—which founder Jen Atkin named after Mercer Street in New York City—"is subtle and isn’t overpowering after your hair is styled," says Maccaro.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: biotin, hydrolyzed keratin, chia seed oil
• Fragrance-free: no
• Silicone-free: no

Best for Oily Hair: Kérastase Spécifique Fondant Densité

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Kérastase

Spécifique Fondant Densité

$50

Amazon

$50

Sephora

Why we love it: If you're worried that conditioner will make limp, oil-prone hair look greasy even faster, reach for a lightweight formula like Kérastase’s Spécifique Fondant Densité instead of a buttery one. Glycerin helps keep hair hydrated, while lightweight conditioning polymers and ceramides smooth the hair cuticle and reduce tangles without the rich, heavy feel of more emollient formulas. “It’s lightweight enough to hydrate exactly where fine hair needs it, yet maintains body,” says Kenna Kennor, a hairstylist based in Brooklyn, New York. It also has a familiar skin-care ingredient, salicylic acid, to dissolve excess sebum and product buildup on the hair. “If you have an oily scalp, make sure to focus your conditioner on your mid-lengths to ends only,” says Kennor.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“My long hair has been shedding more than usual lately, so these days I'm doing everything I can to hold on to whatever volume I have left. My scalp and hair are also a bit of a mystery these days—it swings between oily and dry—so I'm particular about conditioner. If it's too slippery and my hair’s going through an oily phase, it almost feels like it slides right off my hair instead of actually conditioning it. This one has just enough weight to smooth through my lengths without tugging, but it's still lightweight enough that my hair never feels limp or gets greasy faster. My ends feel soft, my hair looks refreshed, and my thinning hair looks a little fuller thanks to the way it plumps each strand without leaving behind any crunch.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: salicylic acid, ceramides, glycerin
• Fragrance-free: no
• Silicone-free: no

Best for Curly Hair: Pattern Lightweight Conditioner

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Pattern

Lightweight Conditioner

$29

Amazon

$29

Nordstrom

$29

Sephora

Why we love it: Fine, curly hair can feel like it's asking for the impossible: Curls naturally crave moisture, but fine strands are easily weighed down by rich conditioners. Pattern’s Lightweight Conditioner strikes that delicate balance (we'd expect nothing less from curly queen Tracee Ellis Ross' brand). Specifically formulated for fine curls, the silicone-free formula pairs glycerin, panthenol, lightweight conditioning agents, and coconut oil to hydrate and detangle, while preserving movement and bounce. Irish moss helps keep curls soft and moisturized, while biotin conditions the hair. “It never drags down the curl pattern or flattens the root,” says Kennor. If your curls don't need a full shampoo, this conditioner also doubles as a lightweight co-wash.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, coconut oil, Irish moss, biotin, panthenol, aloe vera
• Fragrance-free: no
• Silicone-free: yes

Best for Damaged Hair: K18 Damage Shield Protective Conditioner

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K18

Damage Shield Protective Conditioner

$39

Amazon

$39

Sephora

Why we love it: Fine hair is often more vulnerable to everyday damage—because each strand has a smaller diameter, routine brushing, heat styling, and even tight ponytails can lead to breakage more quickly than with thicker hair. K18’s Damage Shield Protective Conditioner, a 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner, utilizes the brand's signature K18Peptide to replenish proteins, while a fortifying ceramide blend smooths the cuticle and reinforces weak spots. A biotech-derived polysaccharide also shields strands from pollution and other environmental aggressors. "It's repairing at the strand level, not just coating things, so the hair feels genuinely stronger," says Kennor. You might assume a reparative formula like this would feel heavy, but lightweight sweet almond and jojoba oils soften and detangle without weighing fine hair down.

Editor tip

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Spend a lot of time outdoors? This conditioner also protects your hair from UV damage for up to three days.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: K18peptide, ceramides, biotech-derived polysaccharide jojoba esters, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil
• Fragrance-free: no
• Silicone-free: yes

Best Fragrance-Free: Seen Fragrance-Free Conditioner

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SEEN

Fragrance-Free Conditioner

$32

Amazon

$32

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: Even if you're careful to keep conditioner off your scalp, it still runs down your face, neck, and body in the shower, which can lead to irritation. If you're sensitive to fragrance, Seen's Fragrance-Free Conditioner, a go-to for Kennor, keeps things refreshingly simple. The minimalist ingredient list relies on glycerin to draw in moisture and bisabolol to soothe sensitive skin, while shea butter-derived emollients soften and detangle sans the rich, buttery feel that can leave fine hair looking limp. If you have highly reactive skin, you'll appreciate that it has earned the National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance. This means the formula has been reviewed for ingredients that are less likely to irritate sensitive or eczema-prone skin.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, bisabolol
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Silicone-free: yes

Best for Color-Treated Hair: Biolage Volume Boost Conditioner

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Biolage

Volume Boost Conditioner

$26

Amazon

$26

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: If your hair's been through the wringer thanks to bleach, highlights, or chemical treatments, Biolage’s Volume Bloom Conditioner fits the bill with a gentle, color-safe formula. “Its key ingredient, cotton extract, helps plump the hair for added fullness,” says Gina Rivera, a hairstylist based in Las Vegas. “I also love this conditioner because it’s silicone-free and rich in texture, yet it doesn’t weigh the hair down.” This silicone-free formula gives fine hair a plump, bouncy boost, delivering long-lasting volume and hydration. “I usually recommend silicone-free conditioners like this one to help maintain moisture and prevent hair from drying out in the long run,” says Rivera.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: cotton extract, hydrolyzed soy protein, starch acetate
• Fragrance-free: no
• Silicone-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the best conditioner for fine hair?

Fine hair isn’t just about volume—it can also be prone to brittleness, dryness, and breakage, so the right conditioner needs to do more than just add body. “It should strengthen, hydrate, and boost volume for long-term hair health,” says Dickson.

If you’re looking to strengthen hair, consider conditioners with “ginger root that can enhance the individual hair shaft diameter while soothing the scalp, pea peptides that are a weightless hair strengthener, and walnut oil, which lightly strengthens and protects while adding shine,” she says. For hydration, “aloe vera is your go-to for deep moisture and softness, while glycerin acts like a moisture magnet, keeping hair hydrated without making them feel heavy,” she says.

Be mindful of volumizing conditioners, as not all are created equal. “Many volumizing products actually focus on chelating the hair to create instant volume and lift—I call these ‘quick-fix’ products,” Dickson says. “They work great at first, but can physically weaken and compromise the hair over time.” Instead, if fullness and bounce are the goals, she recommends seeking humectants for lightweight hydration.

Should people with fine hair not use conditioner?

Fine, flat hair absolutely needs a moisturizing conditioner—but the right kind and how often you use it are key. Skipping conditioner can leave fine hair dry, tangled, and prone to breakage, but using the wrong one can weigh it down. “Fine hair can be more fragile, so it's essential to use conditioners with lightweight proteins to help maintain the hair's elasticity,” says Rivera.

However, she advises that “proteins have their place, but they are not to be overused; too much protein can have adverse effects. I recommend a protein treatment once or twice a month and using a more hydrating conditioner between treatments.” For everyday hydration, use lightweight humectants like glycerin and aloe vera—they’ll keep your hair soft and moisturized sans greasy buildup. When using conditioner, stick to the mid-lengths and ends—skip the roots to keep hair voluminous.

How do you rehydrate fine hair?

To rehydrate fine hair, focus on lightweight, moisture-boosting ingredients that won’t weigh it down. “Humectants are a great way to give fine hair body,” says Rivera, so look for ingredients like glycerin, panthenol, or sodium PCA to draw in hydration without heaviness. For added strength, “Wheat protein is a lightweight protein that creates body for thin, fine hair,” making it a great addition to your routine. Rivera suggests being mindful of some silicone conditioners, as “they can be too heavy and weigh the hair down,” she says. If hair still feels dry, a weekly hydrating hair mask or leave-in conditioner can boost hydration further.

Meet the experts

• Julie Dickson, a hairstylist and founder of Joon Drop Salon in New York City
• Kenna Kennor, a hairstylist and founder of Kennaland based in Brooklyn, New York
• Kristina Maccaro, owner and colorist at Love Lane Salon in Jersey City, New Jersey
• Gina Rivera, a hairstylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites based in Las Vegas

How we test and review products

We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While there are certainly products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are created in order to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn’t want to pick up a purple shampoo that’s only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that’s never been tested by anyone with curls—right?

For our review of the best conditioners for fine hair, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and hair experts—many of whom want thicker, more voluminous hair. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture and experience, fragrance, and packaging. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.