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Frizzy hair is a lifelong struggle for many of us. Heat damage, using the wrong hair tools, or walking a few blocks in the humid summer air can exacerbate the frizz, and you might find yourself resigning to a life of wild locks and bad hair days. Don’t give up yet—along with hair oils, leave-in conditioners, and protein treatments, the best keratin shampoos can help you tame your tresses so you finally reign victorious in your fight against frizz.
While keratin treatments can be one of the best antidotes to frizz and an easy way to make your hair shine like a diamond, they also require trips to the salon and can cost a pretty penny; if performed incorrectly, they can even damage your hair. However, keratin shampoos are more affordable, less time-consuming, and easy to use at home. “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 Clayton Hawkins, Los Angeles-based celebrity hairstylist.
Top picks for the best keratin shampoos in 2024
With the help of Hawkins and a panel of other experienced stylists, we’ve compiled a list of the 13 best shampoos that add keratin to your hair and also preserve the keratin that’s already in it. We also read through countless customer reviews to ensure that these shampoos are beloved by the hundreds, or even thousands, of people who have tested them in their own showers.
1
Best for Breakage-Prone Hair
Oribe Hair Alchemy Strengthening Shampoo
Pros
Moisturizing
Cons
- May not be suitable for very sensitive scalps
Fragile strands need a boost, and this Oribe pick is here to give it to them with a specialized blend of superstar ingredients. While chia seeds, bamboo, and plant-based protein strengthen strands, lychee, watermelon, and edelweiss flower help protect against the degradation of the hair’s natural keratin. Hyaluronic acid also makes an appearance, bestowing some much-needed hydration.
Size: 8.5 fl. oz
Sulfate-free: Yes
Dermstore rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “In my eyes, Oribe can do no wrong. I’ve tried many shampoos, and this one easily ranks in the top three. The sumptuous lather, the luxurious scent, the wonderful way my hair feels nourished yet clean after every wash—need I say more?” —Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer
2
Best for Boosting Shine
Joico K-PAK Daily Reconstructing Shampoo
Pros
- Color-safe
Cons
- May take time to see results
This Joico shampoo gives your hair back its shine and strength using a concoction of fortifying keratin and nourishing fatty acids. The sun’s UV rays and the heat from styling your hair can cause a lot of damage, too, and the formula’s guajava fruit extract is there to defend against those aggressors.
Size: 10.1 fl. oz.
Sulfate-free: No
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I highly recommend this. I bought it after my hair stylist suggested it. My other shampoo was drying my hair and causing breakage. This makes my hair feel so smooth and moisturized. It smells great, and my hair quality is getting better!”
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3
Best Keratin Duo
TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner Set
Pros
- Tames flyaways
Cons
- May not be suitable for thin hair
The shampoo in this duo smooths frizz and flyaways with ease, thanks to an infusion of amino acids and ceramides. When you use it in conjunction with the conditioner, your hair will look and feel silkier to the touch.
Size: 22 fl. oz. x2
Sulfate-free: No
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I used this shampoo set years ago and remembered how well it worked on my thick curly hair. This new set did not disappoint.”
Pros
- Add volume
Cons
- Pricey for the size
The “morpo-keratine” technology in this product restores the flexibility of the hair to help create voluminous body with structure.
Size: 8.5 fl. oz.
Sulfate-free: Yes
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.”
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5
Best for Damaged Hair
It’s a 10 Haircare Miracle Shampoo Plus Keratin
Pros
- Repairs damage
Cons
- Pump can be faulty
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.
Size: 8 fl. oz. Sulfate-free
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “My hair regained luster; feels healthy and thicker!”
6
Best for Weak Hair
Nexxus Keraphix Damage Healing Shampoo
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Some dislike the smell
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.
Size: 33.8 fl. oz. Sulfate-free
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!”
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7
Best For Scalp Care
Keranique Scalp Stimulating Shampoo
Pros
- Stimulates the scalp
Cons
- May not be suited for very dry hair
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.
Size: 8 fl. oz. Sulfate-free
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Love this stuff! It’s great for my thin hair.”
8
Best Color-Safe Shampoo
Keratin Complex Keratin Care Smoothing Shampoo
Pros
- Good for color-treated hair
Cons
- Takes time to see results
This Keratin Complex shampoo gently cleanses color-treated hair, and is formulated to soothe and protect against damage if you’ve been experimenting with dye. To further hydrate and restore your hair's protein, double up and use the Keratin Complex conditioner from the same line.
Size: 13.5 fl. oz. Sulfate-free
Ulta rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I love the way it cleanses my hair! Has it feeling refreshed, and softer.”
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Pros
- Keeps hair healthy
Cons
- Pricey
Previously, if you’ve had a Brazilian keratin treatment, you didn’t need to use a keratin-based shampoo or conditioner. However, this product works with the treatment to maintain the health of your hair and leave it feeling full and healthier longer.
Size: 13.5 fl. oz.
Sulfate-free: Yes
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.”
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- May cause build-up
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 oil—you hear that, millennials?
Size: 13 fl. oz.
Sulfate-free: No
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This is my go-to rescue for my dry breaking hair. It really works.”
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Pros
- Effectively cleanses
Cons
- Strong scent
The keratin in Virtue’s shampoo is identical to the keratin produced by the human body. This cleanser also gently rids strands of excess oil, dirt, and build-up without damaging or stripping vibrancy from color-treated hair.
Size: 8 fl. oz
Sulfate-free: Yes
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.”
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Can cause build-up
This miracle worker in a bottle cleanses hair and restores shine while smoothing. Plus, it smells incredible.
Size: 12 fl. oz. Sulfate-free
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!”
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Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Can cause build-up
Like a fruit smoothie for your hair, Garnier’s cleanser uses citrus proteins that work with keratin to hydrate the scalp and restore moisture to dry hair.
Size: 12 fl. oz
Sulfate-free: No
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!”
Meet the experts
Clayton Hawkins is a celebrity hairstylist who's clients include Jenna Ortega and Olivia Rodrigo.
Nicole Perteet is hairstylist at the Juliann Lam salon.
Juliann Lam is a hairstylist at Bangin Hair BK.
Tracy Rasmussen is a hairstylist at Bangin Hair BK
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What is keratin?
“Keratin helps to rebuild the protein structure of your damaged hair,” says Hawkins. “Over time, it should leave your hair silky and smooth.” Plus, it's something our body creates naturally. “Our hair, skin, and nails are made up of keratin,” says Lam. “The more we do to our hair–such as coloring or heat styling it—the more weak and dull it becomes.”
Why Trust ELLE Beauty
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com writers spoke with numerous trusted hair experts to find the best keratin shampoo formulas to fight frizz.
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Shop More ELLE Beauty Essentials
- The Best Shampoos for Curly Hair
- The Best Dry Shampoos for Fine Hair
- The Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos
- The Best Hydrating Shampoos for Frizzy Hair
- The Best Leave-In Conditioners for Ultimate Repair and Moisture
- The Best Protein Treatments for Healthy Hair
