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If your hair has been feeling dry, brittle, frizzy, or all of the above, the best keratin shampoos can be lifesavers. Inspired by the in-salon Brazilian keratin treatment (a semi-permanent treatment that injects protein into hair to reduce frizz but costs a small fortune and several hours of your life), a keratin shampoo is a day-to-day support system that helps smooth hair and prevent breakage. They help even out rough cuticles, strengthen fragile strands, and generally make your hair look and feel like a shinier, sleeker version of itself, according to hairstylist Rogerio Cavalcante founder of Second Floor Salon in New York City. And if you’ve already had a keratin treatment, the right shampoo can actually help maintain the results longer.
After researching more than a dozen keratin-based shampoos over the course of a year with the help of hairstylists, ingredient experts, and testers with various hair types, our top overall pick is Ouai Fine Hair Shampoo. It cleanses and smooths frizz without weighing strands down. Since different hair types (and budgets) have different needs, we also found options that suit textured hair, frizz, color-treated hair, and more.
Our top keratin shampoos
- Best Overall: Ouai Fine Hair Shampoo, $32
- Best Drugstore: OGX Keratin Oil Shampoo, $11
- Best for Frizzy Hair: Kérastase Discipline Bain Fluidealiste Shampoo, $46
- Best for Curly Hair: It’s a 10 Miracle Shampoo Plus Keratin, $31
- Best for Fine Hair: Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo, $32
- Best for Color-Treated Hair: Joico K-Pak Color-Protecting Shampoo, $24
- Best for Textured Hair: Davines Naturaltech Nourishing Shampoo, $37
- Best for Breakage-Prone Hair: Monday Haircare Repair Shampoo, $7
Best Overall: Ouai Fine Hair Shampoo
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- What we love: Gives a noticeable lift without drying; moisturizes dry split ends
- What’s worth considering: Not rich enough for very damaged hair
This lightweight keratin shampoo earns our top spot because it strengthens and smooths hair without flattening volume—a rare balance, especially for fine hair. Cavalcante recommends it for its weightless feel, noting that it reinforces strands without overly coating them. The formula combines keratin and biotin to support structure and resilience while chia seed oil and hemp extract add softness, movement, and moisture. After consistent use our testers say hair looks silkier, shinier, and is more resistant to breakage. “My hair actually feels fuller after using it. Not just thicker, but lighter too,” says Glamour contributor Neha Tandon.“It’s as if I finally found a shampoo that knows I want volume and shine. I’ve been using it regularly for years.”
Key ingredients: Keratin, biotin, chia seed oil | Safe for color-treated hair: Yes | Size: 10 fl. oz.
Best Drugstore: OGX Keratin Oil Shampoo
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- What we love: Great frizz control at a affordable price; subtly sweet scent
- What’s worth considering: Can build up with frequent use if your hair leans oily
This $11 drugstore staple is infused with luxury ingredients including keratin and argan oil—two heavy hitters for smoothing and strengthening—which makes it surprisingly good at taming flyaways. While it won’t reverse severe damage, it works well for generally healthy hair that needs extra polish and softness. Testers liked its subtle sweetness and noticeable frizz control that holds up even in damp weather. “Frizzy hair is something I struggle with because I tend to use a lot of heat on my hair, and this shampoo helped so much with my texture post-styling. It lathers nicely, feels like a luxe shampoo, and leaves my hair feeling extremely clean and smooth, and I didn’t feel the need to use additional smoothing products like usual,” says Glamour contributor Sarah Cassuto.
Key ingredients: Keratin, argan oil | Safe for color-treated hair: Yes | Size: 13 fl. oz.
Best for Frizzy Hair: Kérastase Discipline Bain Fluidealiste Shampoo
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- What we love: Makes hair soft and shiny; smells nice
- What's worth considering: Pricey
This anti-frizz shampoo is highly recommended by Miguel Luis, a hairstylist at Rita Hazan Salon, for all hair types (particularly thick and coarse) that are prone to flyaways. “It has keratin to restore hair fibers and surface perfectors to soften uneven texture,” he says. Combine all that with the velvety silk texture of the liquid that lathers into a soapy cleanse and you’re left with strong, smooth strands that are noticeably flyaway-free and frizz-free. This pick is also sulfate-free and safe for color-treated hair types that have damage from bleaching or dye. “I noticed less frizz overall and my hair was shiny and tangle-free post-wash. I was also impressed by the smell; it lingered on and went well with the typical conditioner I use.” says Glamour contributor Paton Hardy.
Key ingredients: Keratin | Safe for color-treated hair: Yes | Size: 8.5 fl. oz.
Best for Curly Hair: It’s a 10 Miracle Shampoo Plus Keratin
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- What we love: Leaves hair soft and silky without heaviness; noticeable frizz control after just one wash; a little goes a long way
- What’s worth considering: Relatively steep price
This rich, creamy formula is ideal for curls that need both strength and slip. This heavy-duty keratin formula forms a thick, creamy lather that coats hair during your wash. You can instantly feel a difference in the texture of your curls once you wash it out—hair is a lot bouncier and smooth. Castor seed oil and wheat proteins give hair a velvety finish, making it easy to style post-wash without breakage or clumps. Despite its richness, it doesn’t collapse curls or weigh down roots, making it a strong choice for heat-styled or chemically processed curls. We also like that this shampoo comes in a whopping 33.8 fl. oz. bottle, which makes it last super long in your shower caddy. It’s also color-safe, sulfate and paraben-free, and especially useful for someone who heat-styles regularly and wants to reverse damage. “I’ve been reaching for this shampoo any time my curly hair feels totally fried, especially in the summertime or after a vacation on which I’ve been blow-drying and heat-styling my hair more than usual,” says Tandon. “Paired with the accompanying serum, it leaves my ends smooth without making the roots on my fine hair limp, which feels like witchcraft,” says Tandon.
Key ingredients: Keratin, panthenol, sunflower seed extract | Safe for color-treated hair: Yes | Size: 33.8 fl. oz.
Best for Fine Hair: Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
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- What we love: Thick formula gives a nice creamy lather; great for detangling
- What could improve: Takes a minute to fully wash out
If you have fine, thin hair that gets tangled easily, Calvacante recommends this highly moisturizing shampoo. It won’t leave hair feeling stripped due to the addition of coconut oil and glycerin in the formula. It’s highly concentrated—so a little goes a long way during your wash. It’s specifically formulated to also address damage from color-treatment and can help restore moisture in strands that are dried out from consistent heat styling. We like it for fine hair because it boosts volume and leaves it feeling stronger. “Whenever I’m dealing with major frizz and breakage on my fine hair type, I always look to this keratin-packed shampoo. It instantly coats your hair in the shower, and I like to let it sit for a minute or two to really let it sink in. When you wash it out, you’ll immediately notice a difference in your hair’s texture; it’ll be much smoother and easier to run your fingers through. After my blow-dry, my hair is pretty much instantly flyaway-free and frizz-free, and the best part is that it stays that way all day long. I keep coming back to this frizz-killing shampoo over and over again, and once you try it, you’ll be hooked too,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary.
Key ingredients: Keratin, coconut oil, glycerin | Safe for color-treated hair: Yes | Size: 8.5 fl. oz.
Best Keratin Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair: Joico K-Pak Color-Protecting Shampoo
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- What we love: Helps preserve color; leaves hair soft and bouncy
- What’s worth considering: The accompanying conditioner can be a little heavy, so use it sparingly
Color-treated or keratin-treated hair is already fragile, and adding a protein-heavy shampoo can sometimes cause extra breakage, which is why choosing a formula that’s also hydrating is key. Joico strikes a careful balance between protein and moisture, making this a reliable option for color-treated or chemically processed hair. Its keratin blend strengthens weakened strands, while guava fruit extract and antioxidants help protect color from fading. Argan oil and African manketti oil add flexibility and shine without stiffness. Antioxidants shield against UV damage and fading to protect hair post-wash. “This was a product I’d always use to leave my hair feeling really healthy after it’s been processed,” says Tandon. “Now I reach for it every now and then when I just want my hair to have a little extra shine.”
Key ingredients: Keratin, guava fruit extract, evening primrose oil | Safe for color-treated hair: Yes | Size: 10.1 fl. oz.
Best Keratin Shampoo for Textured Hair: Davines Naturaltech Nourishing Shampoo
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- What we love: Deeply nourishing for curls without heaviness; great detangling
- What’s worth considering: Bottle design is a little bulky for small showers
Textured hair benefits from moisture-first formulas, and this one really delivers, according to Cavalcante. “Gentle yet rich, it’s ideal for dry or damaged hair that has natural texture,” he says. “It deeply hydrates and strengthens thanks to a blend of proteins and natural oils.” Keratin and rice proteins strengthen, while grape phytoceuticals bring antioxidant protection, making it one of the most well-rounded options for curls, coils, and waves. Bonus: because the formula is ultra-moisturizing, it can also help restore hydration to a dry and flaky scalp. “It leaves my curls feeling moisturized and defined, not puffy or frizzy,” says Tandon. “And the smell is luxe without being too much—it feels like I’m borrowing the expensive stuff from a fancy friend. My hair feels strong and thick post-wash every time," says Tandon.
Key ingredients: Keratin, rice protein, grape phytoceuticals | Safe for color-treated hair: Yes | Size: 8.45 fl. oz.
Best for Breakage-Prone Hair: Monday Haircare Repair Shampoo
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- What we love: Strengthening without leaving hair stiff
- What’s worth considering: Strong fruity scent isn’t for everyone
Made for brittle, breakage-prone strands, this keratin shampoo helps reinforce weak areas of the hair cuticle while restoring flexibility. The keratin here acts as a filler—plugging gaps in the hair cuticle—while vitamin E and coconut oil restore moisture and flexibility. This keratin shampoo helps reinforce weak areas of the hair cuticle while restoring flexibility. Vitamin E and coconut oil restore moisture to fragile hair, making it feel softer and less prone to breakage over time. “After incorporating this into my routine for about two weeks, I dealt with less breakage post-wash. Overall, a pretty solid formula for my fine, thin hair type. Bonus? It didn’t weigh my hair down, which often happens with keratin shampoos,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Key ingredients: Keratin, coconut oil, vitamin E | Safe for color-treated hair: Yes | Size: 12 fl. oz.
Frequently asked questions
What is keratin?
Keratin is a structural protein that makes up the outer layer of your hair, says hairstylist Elizabeth Rexroat, owner of STRND Premium Hair Studio. Over time, factors like heat styling, chemical treatments, coloring, and environmental stress can deplete keratin, leaving hair weak, frizzy, or brittle. Keratin-infused products help temporarily fill in gaps along the hair shaft, smoothing the cuticle and improving the look and feel of damage. Keratins in products provide strength, improve elasticity, and can reduce frizz and damage,” Rexroat says.
Do keratin shampoos really work?
Yes—but it depends on the formula and how it’s used. “Keratin smooths and strengthens the hair. It also adds so much shine,” says hairstylist Lona Vigi. Some formulas focus heavily on strengthening without enough hydration which can actually increase breakage over time. That’s why most pros recommend alternating between keratin and moisturizing shampoos, especially if your hair isn’t severely damaged.
“Some are only going to give you a strengthening element, which isn’t always the best for the hair,” she explains, saying that too much strength and not enough moisture will harden the hair to the point that it can’t bend and move. “That will actually leave you with more breakage,” she says.
This isn’t an everyday shampoo. Unless your hair is particularly fragile or processed, you’re better off alternating a keratin shampoo with a moisturizing formula to keep everything balanced. “Keratin shampoos are best used in rotation with moisturizing shampoos, especially if your hair isn’t severely damaged or chemically treated. Balance is key,” says Cavalcante.
Who is a good candidate for keratin shampoo?
Some formulas focus heavily on strengthening without enough hydration, which can actually increase breakage over time. That’s why most pros recommend alternating between keratin shampoos with moisturizing ones, especially if your hair isn’t severely damaged.
“I will recommend a keratin shampoo to a client who just had a blonding service and needs to replenish the moisture and strength that the color service altered,” says Rexroat. “I will also recommend it to the client whose hair breaks while brushing and has a ‘snowing’ effect [dandruff] even when taking the best care of it.”
Do keratin shampoos address damaged hair?
“Keratin shampoos are a great support for damaged hair, but they don’t necessarily have the ability to repair it,” says Cavalcante. It can make your hair’s surface smoother and appear healthier, but he recommends a proper in-salon keratin treatment if you’re looking for a more permanent fix.
Is biotin or keratin shampoo better?
Biotin and keratin shampoos have different purposes, says Cavalcante. “Keratin targets strength and will give a smoothing effect, while biotin is great for scalp health and growth. To get all these benefits, you can find a shampoo that contains both ingredients or rotate the two ingredients every other shampoo,” he explains.
How often should you use a keratin shampoo?
It’s important to use a keratin shampoo no more than 2 times per week to avoid stripping your hair of its natural oils. Cavalcante recommends alternating between a hydrating shampoo and a keratin-based shampoo to keep a good balance. “Too much protein can result in dry strands,” he shares.
How we tested
We tested keratin shampoos by evaluating their ingredients, the experience of using them, and their efficacy at keeping our strands silky smooth and frizz-free. Testers aged between 30–35 tested over a dozen formulas to narrow it down to eight picks with potent keratin formulas. These shampoos also included hydrating ingredients such as coconut oil and glycerin to ensure strands did not get overly stripped or dried out. The best keratin shampoos also lathered well and washed out easily, and we noticed a near-immediate difference in the texture of our hair post-wash. Finally, the best ones actually gave us smooth strands and kept flyaways at bay.
Meet the experts
- Rogerio Cavalcante, founder of Second Floor Salon in New York City
- Elizabeth Rexroat, owner of STRND Premium Hair Studio
- Lona Vigi, celebrity hairstylist