Keratin Shampoo for Smooth, Frizz-Free Hair

Keratin Shampoo for Smooth, Frizz-Free Hair

Keratin shampoo is a daily care step, nothing like a salon smoothing service. These are the shampoos, masks and smoothing serums I would reach for when frizz and damage are the problem, and how to use them together.

Keratin hair smoothing had a very public moment around 2010. That summer a stylist in the Portland area told researchers at Oregon Health and Science University that she had trouble breathing and irritated eyes while using a keratin-based smoothing product at work, and Oregon OSHA went on to test products from salons across the state. Those were salon smoothing treatments, and the concern was the chemical they could release when heated. Oregon OSHA's own report makes the distinction clearly: keratin is a naturally occurring protein, and its presence in a product does not represent a known risk. That is the difference I want to draw here. A keratin shampoo is ordinary wash day care, and I am not promising anything like a salon treatment.

My lead pick is L'Oréal Professionnel Keratin Alpha Sleek Anti-Frizz Shampoo, a sulfate-free, vegan formula that smooths and reinforces hair keratin for frizz control. OUAI Fine Hair Shampoo lists hydrolyzed keratin to soften and smooth frizz, and it is the one I would give to flat, fine hair because it also adds volume with biotin and chia seed oil. UNOVE Deep Damage Repair Hydrating Shampoo has a keratin complex and bond technology for damaged strands. FROMLABS Protein Capsule Hair Repair Shampoo is a sulfate-free Korean formula for damage and glass-like shine. Moroccanoil Moisture Repair, Virtue Hydrating Recovery and Virtue Smooth round out the smoothing side, and COLOR WOW Color Security is the pick if color fade is the bigger worry.

A quick test: wash once with the shampoo of your choice, skip heavy styling, and air dry. If the ends feel smoother and less puffy by the second wash, keep going.

Big numbers collage for Keratin Shampoo: six products from L'Oréal Professionnel, FROMLABS, Moroccanoil and Virtue, each set beside a large numeral
Keratin Shampoo

Keratin shampoos

Masks and sealers for the second step

Conditioner is where smoothing actually shows up for me, so I match the mask to the shampoo. L'Oréal Professionnel Keratin Alpha Sleek Hair Mask is made with keratin to nourish and control frizz and volume, and it pairs naturally with the shampoo in the same line. FROMLABS Protein Capsule Keratin Hair Repair Mask is a Korean mask that the brand says repairs damage from bleach and heat styling in three minutes. UNOVE Deep Damage Repair Hair Mask is keratin-infused and aimed at smoother, softer strands. OUAI Treatment Mask for Thick Hair includes hydrolyzed keratin alongside almond, macadamia and olive oils. Davines Nourishing Keratin Sealer is a leave-in fluid that seals the cuticle, which makes it the easiest add-on if you already have a conditioner you love.

Virtue Restorative Treatment Hair Mask with Keratin comes in a small 1.7 ounce size, so I keep it for travel or a quick reset. COLOR WOW Dreaming Advanced Repair Treatment Mask is for fluffy, frizzy, damaged hair and has heat protection up to 380 degrees. Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Conditioner is the simple daily option.

How to use them: squeeze water out of your hair first, apply from mid-lengths down, and comb through before you rinse.

What I would skip: masks on a scalp that is already oily. Keep everything below the ears and let the shampoo handle the roots.

Keratin conditioners, masks and treatments

Serums and oils for the last step

The last step is the one you see in the mirror. Moroccanoil Intense Smoothing Frizz Control Hair Serum is the heavy hitter for thick, frizzy hair, and the brand says it controls extreme frizz for up to 72 hours. Mizani Press Agent is a blow dry serum that shields against heat up to 450 degrees for a silk press or a blowout. Olaplex No. 7 Shine Serum is a superfine mist with the same 450 degree heat protection, and it is the easiest way to add shine without touching your style. OUAI Lightweight Heat-Protecting Hair Oil does frizz control at that same temperature, and Davines LOVE Smoothing Perfector is a leave-in serum with apple pulp extract.

The L'Oréal Professionnel Keratin Alpha Sleek Hair Serum is the one that matches the lead shampoo. It is heat activated and has 5 percent Keratin Sealer for up to 10 washes of smoothness, according to the brand. Kérastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops is a high-gloss oil for fine and medium hair, with up to four days of anti-frizz. COLOR WOW Pop + Lock is an oil and serum blend for shine and color that pops.

How to use them: start with one pump or a few drops through damp mid-lengths and ends, then blow dry.

What I would skip: serum on the roots of fine hair. It flattens fast, and the fix is another wash.

Smoothing serums and heat protectants

Building a smoothing routine

Start with the shampoo, because that is where smoothing begins. If your hair is damaged or frizzy, reach for a keratin shampoo first, then a mask once or twice a week, then a serum or oil on styling days. If your hair is fine, stay with the lighter options like OUAI and go easy on the oils.

Read the label for what the product actually says. Keratin shampoo helps with care and feel, and the salon smoothing services from earlier in this story are a separate thing. If you ever have a reaction to a product, stop using it.

My own order is shampoo, mask, leave-in, serum, and I rarely use all four on the same day. Pick the two that solve your biggest problem and build from there.