Frizzy hair can feel impossible to manage—but the right conditioner can completely change that. The best conditioners for frizzy hair are specially formulated to smooth rough cuticles, deeply moisturize dry strands, and protect hair from humidity and environmental damage.
Key ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, coconut oil, glycerin, and proteins help nourish hair, reduce breakage, and lock in moisture. Applying conditioner from mid-lengths to ends restores softness without weighing hair down, while weekly deep conditioning treatments provide intense repair for stubborn frizz.
When combined with gentle shampooing, minimal heat styling, and protective hairstyles, these conditioners leave hair manageable, shiny, and smooth. With consistent use, the right products can effectively control frizz and dryness for healthier-looking hair.
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep creating helpful hair and beauty content!
TOP PICKS
Why Does Hair Get Frizzy?
Hair becomes frizzy when its natural moisture balance is disrupted. The outer layer of hair—called the cuticle—is made of tiny overlapping scales. When these scales lift due to dryness, heat, or humidity, hair absorbs moisture from the air, causing strands to swell, tangle, and lose smoothness.
Other major causes of frizz include:
Chemical treatments and hair coloring
Excessive heat styling
Naturally curly or wavy hair textures
Environmental exposure such as wind, sun, and humidity
Smoothing and sealing the cuticle is key—and that’s where a high-quality conditioner makes all the difference.
Top 5 Conditioners to Smooth
I’ve always struggled with frizz and dryness, so last year I decided to test different conditioners to see which ones truly work. After using these five consistently, here’s my honest experience:
Nexxus Humectress Moisturizing Conditioner
This felt like a salon treatment at home. Within a few washes, my hair stayed soft all day and the frizz was more controlled. It gave my hair strength too, not just moisture.
Marc Anthony Grow Long Leave-In Conditioner
I used this mostly after showers. It detangled my knots instantly and reduced breakage when brushing. Over time, my ends looked healthier and I had fewer split ends.
John Frieda Frizz Ease Daily Nourishment Leave-In
This became my go-to before heat styling. It kept my hair smooth, shiny, and protected from my straightener. I noticed less dryness after regular use.
OGX Extra Strength Coconut Miracle Oil Conditioner
Honestly, the scent alone hooked me. It made my thick hair feel softer and tamed those stubborn flyaways. On humid days, it really helped calm my frizz.
MONDAY Haircare Smooth Conditioner
This was the budget-friendly surprise. Light but effective, it made my hair silky without feeling greasy. I loved that it’s sulfate- and paraben-free.
Nexxus Humectress Moisturizing Conditioner
Why We Love It
We love this conditioner because it goes beyond surface-level softness and actually strengthens hair from the inside out. From the first few uses, hair feels deeply hydrated, smoother, and noticeably more resilient. Unlike many moisturizing conditioners that leave hair limp, Nexxus Humectress restores softness without sacrificing volume or movement. The salon-inspired formula delivers long-lasting moisture, making hair easier to style and less prone to frizz throughout the day. It’s especially impressive for hair that’s been over-processed, heat-damaged, or chronically dry—bringing dull strands back to life with consistent use.
Why It Works:
Powered by ProteinFusion with Elastin Protein & Green Caviar
Repairs damage and restores smoothness
Locks in moisture for up to 24 hours
Perfect for dry, brittle, or frizz-prone hair that needs intensive nourishment.
Marc Anthony Leave-In Conditioner
Why We Love It
This leave-in conditioner is a favorite because it makes detangling effortless while actively reducing breakage. From the first use, knots loosen instantly, which means less pulling, less hair fall, and healthier ends over time. We love that it strengthens hair while keeping it soft and flexible—never stiff or crunchy. With continued use, hair looks smoother and feels stronger, giving the appearance of longer, healthier strands simply because less hair is breaking off. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and perfect for daily care.
Why It Works:
Infused with Biotin, Vitamin E, Caffeine & Ginseng
Helps reduce split ends and breakage
Lightweight leave-in spray—no rinsing required
Ideal for curly, dry, damaged, or breakage-prone hair.
John Frieda Frizz Ease Daily Nourishment Leave-In Conditioner
Why We Love It
We love this product for its reliable, everyday frizz control, especially if you regularly use heat tools. It smooths and softens hair instantly while adding healthy shine, without weighing strands down. Over time, hair becomes more manageable and less dry, making styling quicker and easier. It’s one of those dependable products you can reach for daily—whether you’re blow-drying, straightening, or simply air-drying and want polished results.
Why It Works:
Enriched with Vitamins A, C & E, Olive Oil & Green Tea
Reduces breakage and boosts shine
Creates a lightweight protective barrier against heat
Perfect for daily styling, heat protection, and frizz control.
OGX Extra Strength Damage
Why We Love It
This conditioner is a go-to for anyone with thick, coarse, or humidity-prone hair. We love how deeply nourishing it feels while still leaving hair soft, bouncy, and manageable. It instantly smooths rough texture, tames flyaways, and helps control frizz even in humid weather. The rich, creamy formula makes hair feel pampered, and the tropical coconut scent turns every wash into a mini spa experience. With regular use, hair looks shinier, healthier, and much easier to manage.
Why It Works:
Infused with Coconut Oil, Vanilla Bean & Tiare Essence
Deeply moisturizes and smooths rough cuticles
Sulfate-free and paraben-free formula
Best for thick, coarse, textured, or very dry hair.
MONDAY Haircare SMOOTH Conditioner
Why We Love It
We love this conditioner because it proves that effective frizz control doesn’t have to be expensive. The lightweight formula smooths hair beautifully without buildup, making it perfect for daily use. It leaves hair soft, shiny, and manageable while still feeling clean and airy. The gentle, pH-balanced formula is ideal for sensitive scalps and works well across different hair textures. It’s a reliable, no-fuss conditioner that delivers consistent results at an excellent price point.
Why It Works:
Contains Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil & Wheat Protein
Sulfate-free, paraben-free, and pH-balanced
Hydrates and smooths without weighing hair down
An excellent budget-friendly option for frizz-prone hair.
FAQ
1. What causes frizzy hair?
Frizzy hair happens when the hair’s outer cuticle layer becomes raised or damaged, allowing moisture to enter the strand and swell. This is often caused by humidity, dryness, heat styling, chemical treatments, and environmental stressors like wind and sun. Curly or wavy hair types are naturally more prone to frizz because the cuticle tends to lift more easily.
2. How do conditioners help control frizz?
Conditioners smooth the hair cuticle, seal in moisture, and add a protective layer around each strand. Ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, glycerin, and proteins help fill gaps in damaged hair, reduce roughness, and improve manageability. Regular use of the right conditioner makes hair smoother, shinier, and less reactive to humidity.
3. Should I use conditioner on every wash?
Yes! Applying conditioner after shampooing every wash helps replenish moisture that shampoo strips away. For best frizz control, focus on the mid-lengths to ends, avoiding the roots to prevent greasiness. If your hair is extremely dry or damaged, consider adding a weekly deep conditioning mask.
4. What type of conditioner is best for frizzy hair?
The best choice depends on your hair type:
Dry or damaged hair: Rich, deeply moisturizing conditioners (like Nexxus Humectress)
Curly or coarse hair: Hydrating formulas with oils (like OGX Coconut Miracle Oil)
Fine hair: Lightweight conditioners that smooth without weighing down (like MONDAY Smooth)
Heat-styled hair: Leave-in conditioners that protect and prevent breakage (like John Frieda Frizz Ease)
5. Can conditioner replace a serum or styling product?
Conditioner is essential for hydration and repair, but serums and leave-in products help with daily frizz control, heat protection, and instant smoothing. A good routine often includes both: use conditioner in the shower, then a serum or leave-in product while styling.