Frizz is often treated as an inevitability for curly hair, but after years of battling the issue, I’ve learnt it’s usually a sign something in your routine isn’t quite working. In essence, frizz occurs when hair is damaged or not properly moisturised - a common affliction for curly and wavy hair. This can cause hair cuticles (the outer layer of strands) to lift up, so that more moisture can pass through, giving us that frazzled, fluffy look.
In particular, our hair can fall victim to our environment, with humidity often the root cause. Here in the UK, the combination of a relatively humid climate with near-constant drizzle can result in year-round frizz, so it's safe to say I've trialled my fare share of anti-frizz products.
Aside from environmental factors, there are some habits that any frizz-sufferer might have to give up in order to achieve silky-soft curls. Hot showers are a no-go, as they strip your hair of its natural oils. Overbrushing is another culprit, with habitual frizz-fighting tips including using a blast of cold water at the end of your shower to seal the cuticles, only brushing your hair when soaking wet, and using sulphate-free shampoos.
Thankfully, there are plenty of products out there that aim to fight frizz. I put them rigorously to the test, with many formulas not making the cut, to find the very best products for frizz-prone curls.
Read more: I tested Garnier’s £10 diamond sleek against Color Wow’s dream coat
The best anti-frizz hair products for 2026 are:
- Best overall – Umberto Giannini curl jelly: £9.25, Boots.com
- Best hair oil – Ouai hair oil: £28, Amazon.co.uk
- Best curl cream – Cantu shea butter for natural hair coconut curling cream: £8.50, Amazon.co.uk
- Best serum – Davines curl building serum: £12, Davines.com
- Best budget buy – OGX quenching+ coconut curls conditioner: £8, Amazon.co.uk
Read more: Best leave-in conditioners 2026, tried and tested
Umberto Giannini curl jelly
Best: anti-frizz product overall
Size: 200ml
Wet or dry hair: Wet
Cruelty-free/vegan: Yes
Why we love it
- Creates frizz-free curls without crunch
- Can be used on damp hair for day-two styling
- Non-sticky finish
Take note
- The packaging makes scraping the last of the product out tricky
A cult favourite in the curly community, this silicone-free styling jelly promises 'long-lasting, frizz-free definition' via a medium-hold cast that you scrunch out once dry. My repurchase rate for this gel must be pushing 50, making it the most consistently used item in my haircare routine.
It works best on wet or damp hair, scrunched and left to set for a few minutes. The formula isn't sticky yet provides decent hold and creates shiny, silky, frizz-free curls and waves once scrunched. The gel is also brilliant for touch-ups and non-wash-day hair, taming flyaways and forming defined curls. My one wish is that the packaging was in tub rather than tube form as it's tricky to scoop out the last of the gel when you're reaching the end of your bottle.
Buy now £9.25, Boots.com
Ouai hair oil
Best: anti-frizz hair oil
Size: 45ml
Wet or dry hair: Dry
Cruelty-free/vegan: Yes
Why we love it
- Long-lasting scent
- Easy fix for flyaways and frizz
- Shiny finish
Take note
- It’s a splurge
- Easy to over apply
A glossy all-rounder, Ouai’s hair oil is a silicone-led, lightweight styling oil promising to smooth frizz, seal split ends and deliver heat protection in one pump. In practice, a single pump (two for thicker hair) is enough to tame flyaways and add definition without tipping into greasiness, leaving lengths soft, swishy and convincingly 'done'.
The brand’s high-gloss claims largely hold, though the shine owes more to coating than care, making this more of a finishing oil than something for overnight hydration treatment. Results last a full day on styled hair and its floral, slightly heady scent (violet, gardenia) lingers. The drawback? Easy to overapply, which considering the price point, means you can run out of this dinky bottle faster than you'd like.
Buy now £28, Amazon.co.uk
OGX quenching+ coconut curls conditioner
Best: budget anti-frizz product
Size: 385ml
Wet or dry hair: Wet
Cruelty-free/vegan: No
Why we love it
- Delicious smell
- Moisturising yet lightweight
- Super affordable
Take note
- Not silicone-free
Another long-time staple in my hair routine, this OGX formula does rely on silicones and coconut oil, which some certified 'curly girls' might have issues with. However, this conditioner delivers instant smoothness and slip, doing a decent job of reducing surface frizz and adding shine, particularly on wavy or loosely curly hair, and leaves strands feeling soft and more manageable.
OGX claims this conditioner is 'pH balanced,' restoring your hair to its natural acidity, resulting in less frizz. I can't confirm that it's the work of this newly upgraded formula, but I can say that my curls are buttery soft. Compared with other leading conditioners from curl specialists at a much higher price point, this bargain choice continues to impress.
Buy now £8, Amazon.co.uk
Cantu shea butter for natural hair coconut curling cream
Best: anti-frizz curl cream
Size: 340ml
Wet or dry hair: Wet
Cruelty-free/vegan: Yes
Why we love it
- Very moisturising
- A little goes a long way
Take note
- Could be too heavy for fine hair
This dense cream sits somewhere between a leave-in conditioner and a styling product, using shea butter and coconut oil to smooth the cuticle and reduce frizz. When smoothed and scrunched into wet curls, it delivers on softness and shine, particularly on dry hair, and can noticeably tame fluffiness without adding extra weight.
That said, if your hair is finer in texture, the heavy, oil-rich formula can seal rather than hydrate, leading to build-up. You’ll also need to be careful not to overapply, as this can leave finer curls greasy, limp and weighed down. However, the definition and frizz-fighting qualities made this cream a winner over other brands I tested.
Buy now £8.5, Amazon.co.uk
Davines curl building serum
Best: anti-frizz hair serum
Size: 100ml
Wet or dry hair: Wet
Cruelty-free/vegan: Yes
Why we love it
- Creates definition without crunch
- Hair salon-esque scent
- Smooths frizz without adding weight
Take note
- More subtle results for thicker textures
Davines’s curl building serum is a leave-in styler built around conditioning agents and 'elastic' film-formers that promise definition, bounce and humidity resistance. On wet or damp hair, a 5p-sized amount distributes easily, smoothing frizz and taming flyaways while encouraging soft, touchable definition rather than a rigid cast. The brand’s claims largely hold: curls look glossier, more uniform and remain manageable through the day, though longevity dips in high humidity.
Crucially, it avoids crunch, but that also means lighter hold on looser waves. Used in combination with a gel, this serum is even more effective. The fresh, slightly spicy-woody scent lingers pleasantly, but the product’s subtle results mean the anti-frizz properties may be underwhelming for thicker textures without layering, making it relatively pricey for the results.
Buy now £12, Davines.com
Garnier ultimate blends hair food banana 3-in-1 hair mask treatment
Best: anti-frizz hair mask
Size: 400ml
Wet or dry hair: Wet
Cruelty-free/vegan: Yes
Why we love it
- Super affordable
- Sulphate-free
- Multi-purpose as a heavier everyday conditioner or a mask
Take note
- The banana scent isn’t to everyone’s taste
This purse-friendly, multi-tasking mask doubles as a conditioner and leave-in, using banana extract and shea butter to coat strands and smooth the cuticle for a softer, less frizzy finish. It does deliver instant slip and shine, particularly on dry or textured hair, and the silicone-free formula avoids that overly coated feel. The formula is thick and easy to apply in the shower and feels more luxe than the affordable price tag suggests it would.
The banana scent is reminiscent of tuck-shop foam bananas, which, while I enjoy, is not to everyone's taste. Plus, if used as a leave-in, this can sit heavily, leaving my hair a little waxy, so I prefer to stick to using it as a mask once a week.
Buy now £8.99, Amazon.co.uk
Tangle Teezer the ultimate detangler naturally curly hair brush
Best: anti-frizz hair brush
Size: N/A
Wet or dry hair: Wet
Cruelty-free/vegan: Yes
Why we love it
- Easy to clean
- Smooth detangling
- No tugging
Take note
- The bristles are a little stiff
Designed specifically for curls, this wet-use brush uses flexible, two-tiered teeth to glide through knots while smoothing the cuticle - an approach that does help minimise frizz during detangling rather than aggravating it.
During testing (I also did a test on dry hair for completeness – a cardinal sin for anyone with curly hair), I did notice a reduction in post-wash fluffiness. The plastic design also makes this brush easy to keep clean – something to keep in mind if you regularly use leave-ins that can build up on brushes. Sensitive scalps watch out – the firm teeth can feel harsh.
Buy now £15, Amazon.co.uk
Only Curls satin pillowcase
Best: silk pillowcase for anti-frizz
Size: N/A
Wet or dry hair: Dry
Cruelty-free/vegan: Yes
Why we love it
- More affordable than other pillowcases on the market
- Cooling and comfortable
- Machine washable
Take note
- Intense creasing after washing
- Not a catch-all for curly hair woe
Less a styling product and more a preventative step, this satin pillowcase is designed to tackle frizz at its source: overnight friction. Unlike cotton, which can rough up the cuticle and absorb moisture, the smooth satin surface allows curls to glide, helping reduce tangles, breakage and that tell-tale morning halo of frizz . In practice, it does make a noticeable difference to next-day smoothness, particularly for looser curl types or anyone prone to dryness.
However, the 'wake up to perfect curls' promise is optimistic. While it minimises additional frizz, it won’t preserve definition entirely - especially if you move around in your sleep. You'll still need some styling product application in the morning.
Buy now £19, Onlycurls.com
Curlsmith flawless finish hairspray
Best: anti-frizz hair spray
Size: 283ml
Wet or dry hair: Dry or damp
Cruelty-free/vegan: Yes
Why we love it
- Alcohol-free, preventing dryness
- Salon-worthy scent
- Soft yet effective hold on curls
Take note
- The strong hold might be too much for finer hair
Hairspray can be a menace for frizz-prone hair, especially when dealing with the sticky, wonky-curled fallout the next day. Curlsmith’s flawless finish is a fine mist, alcohol-free styler promising strong hold without crunch - a claim that, largely, stands up. Powered by flexible polymers, it sets curls and smooths frizz while keeping definition intact and surprisingly touchable. A light, even mist (held at arm’s length) is enough – overapply and you risk stiffness.
Tested on dry, styled or even very-so-slightly-damp hair, curls stay soft, not shellacked, with a clean, slightly sweet scent that lingers. The trade-off? On finer hair, the touted strong hold can feel heavy, dulling natural movement.
Buy now £23, Amazon.co.uk
Cantu weightless smoothing shampoo
Best: anti-frizz shampoo
Size: 400ml
Wet or dry hair: Wet
Cruelty-free/vegan: Yes
Why we love it
- Easy lather
- Smooths frizz without weight
- Affordable price point
Take note
- Not super hydrating
A budget-friendly cleanser aimed at waves and looser curls, Cantu’s weightless smoothing shampoo leans on humectant-rich blue agave and lightweight oils to promise frizz control without heaviness. It lathers easily (thanks to stronger surfactants than some 'gentle' rivals), lifting build-up while smoothing the cuticle - flyaways are softened, but true definition relies on follow-up styling.
A 50p-sized amount was enough for my below-shoulder-length hair during testing, though thicker hair may need more. Results feel clean and lightly conditioned and the sweet, fresh scent is pleasant but fleeting. It's not as nourishing as some other leading brands tested, but when followed up with hydration-focused styling products the weightless finish is worth it.
Buy now £8.5, Amazon.co.uk
Bumble & Bumble curl reactivator moisturizing hair mist
Best: curl revive spray
Size: 250ml
Wet or dry hair: Dry or damp
Cruelty-free/vegan: Yes
Why we love it
- Great scent that lasts like hair perfume
- Creates defined, frizz-free waves and curls
Take note
- It’s a splurge
- Can cause knottiness if used too often
Positioned as a day-two curl refresher, this fine mist uses a blend of oils, butters and light conditioning agents to rehydrate hair and smooth the cuticle, helping to soften frizz without fully restyling. Post-wash day, my curls flatten and become thick and unmanageable, so I'm always on the lookout for day-two products to help redefine and fight frizz.
This spray is easy to apply and doesn't spritz out too much product at once, meaning it can be applied directly to your hair. However, restraint is key here as a heavy application can result in tacky curls and build-up, leaving hair coated and knotty rather than genuinely refreshed. It’s also at a pretty high price point for a nice-to-have.
Buy now £19, Lookfantastic.com
Bellissima Italia diffon supreme hair dryer with diffuser
Best: anti-frizz diffuser
Size: H15cm x W15cm X D19cm
Wet or dry hair: Wet
Cruelty-free/vegan: Yes
Why we love it
- Gentle heat settings for frizz-free curls
- Ergonomic handle
- A long lead for far-away plug sockets
Take note
- Large size makes this awkward to store and travel with
If I’m going to spend time diffusing my curls, it’s got to be worth it. The Bellisima Italia diffon supreme has been my hair dryer of choice for the past couple of years, with a comfortable and lightweight design and a choice of three temperature levels. They all felt gentle and comfortable while drying a full head of curls in around 10 to 15 minutes.
The extra-large size can be unwieldy to store and travel with, but it makes light work of my medium-length hair. The lack of curl crunchiness impressed me, too – likely down to the argan oil technology. The cool air shot also provides a much-needed curl lock-in that results in the bounciest curls I’ve had outside of the salon.
Buy now £99.99, Amazon.co.uk
Only Curls volumising curl mousse
Best: anti-frizz mousse
Size: 200ml
Wet or dry hair: Wet
Cruelty-free/vegan: Yes
Why we love it
- Lightweight hold
- Smooths frizz
- Boosts bounciness
Take note
- The ‘weightlessness’ might not provide enough hold for thicker textures
There’s something quietly reassuring about a mousse that doesn’t promise miracle curls but instead leans into the basics – and this one is exactly that. Designed as a lightweight styler, it aims to boost volume, define curls and tame frizz using a protein-rich blend of rice water and pro-vitamin B5 . On paper, it’s a dream for fine or easily weighed-down hair. In practice, it delivers impressively soft, bouncy curls with minimal crunch.
Frizz is smoothed rather than eliminated, which feels honest: expect polish, not perfection. Longevity is decent for a mousse – a full day of hold, but second-day curls need reviving. The 'weightless hold' claim mostly checks out, though that lightness is also its downfall. Thicker hair types may find the hold too gentle, especially in humidity. Still, for airy volume and touchable definition, it’s an easy, everyday win.
Buy now £18, Amazon.co.uk
What is the best anti-frizz product?
There are a whole host of anti-frizz hair products out there, but only a select few items actually get the job done. For those on a budget, the OGX quenching+ coconut curls conditioner stands out for its excellent smoothing and softening effects at a purse-friendly price, making it a reliable everyday staple. If you’re willing to spend more, the Bellissima Italia diffon supreme hair dryer with diffuser is a worthwhile investment, cutting down drying time while enhancing bounce and minimising frizz for salon-worthy results at home. However, the Umberto Giannini curl jelly is our clear best buy, delivering consistently defined, frizz-free curls without any crunch, alongside impressive versatility for both wash days and quick touch-ups.
How I tested
After a teenage-hood defined by shoddy at-home blow dries, I made the switch to embracing my natural curls four years ago and have tried my fair share of products since. Some of these products are my ride-or-die everyday heroes, while others are newer additions to my hair care line up, used over a period of a couple of months. I tested each item as part of my usual hair routine, mostly using them on wet hair prior to heat styling or air drying, unless specifically designed for use on styled, dry hair. The featured items have also all seen me through a haircut cycle, from fresh and springy to slightly more lacklustre and in need of a good refresh.
During testing, I assessed each product against the following criteria.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Louella Berryman is a lifestyle writer and reviewer who’s covered everything from the best anti-frizz hair products to the best tinted moisturisers for dry skin as well as expert guides to haircare and wellness products. In her seven years as a journalist, she has written for brands such as Women’s Health, Red and Cosmopolitan. Having reviewed a diverse range of products, she knows how to find the real gems that offer great performance and value for money.
For more haircare heroes, check out our article on the best hair masks to rescue your tired locks
