24 Best Products to Keep Flyaway Hair in Check

There’s something about having smooth, sleek hair that’s just so satisfying, so why leave it to a lone flyaway hair to throw off the vibe? Whether you’re creating a snatched, slicked-back bun or giving yourself a bouncy blowout, chances are you’ve encountered flyaway hairs at some point—a seemingly small but hardly trivial source of frustration when trying to perfect a look.

Flyaways, which cofounder of IGK Hair Care Aaron Grenia describes as “hairs that are shorter than the rest of the hair and don’t lay uniformly” are common across all hair types; they’re most often a result of damaged, overly-washed hair, as well as a lack of product pre-styling that causes damage when hot tools come into play, says Glenn Ellis, a celebrity hair stylist based in Los Angeles.

Difficult as pesky flyaways may be to keep in check, it’s not impossible. Whether it’s a frizz-fighting shampoo, a conditioning hair mask, or a combination of both, it is possible to smooth rogue hairs and get the look you desire. Below, experts reveal the essential tips and tricks for a soft and silky hair journey.

Vogue’s Must-Have Products for Taming Flyaway Hairs:The Frizz-Fighting Shampoo: Briogeo Farewell Frizz Smoothing Shampoo, $28The Softening Conditioner: Kérastase Première Repairing Conditioner, $48The Nourishing Hair Mask: Fekkai Shea Butter Intense Mask, $36The Essential Heat Protectant: Morrocanoil Perfect Defense Heat Protectant, $30The Hard-Working Detangler: Crown Affair The Comb No. 002, $46The Ultimate Styling Tool: Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler, $600The Finish Touch: Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Hair Oil, $30In This ArticleWhat causes flyaway hair?What causes frizzy hair?How to wash damaged hair?Use a Frizz-Fighting Shampoo and ConditionerSmoothing flyaways begins in the shower. Consider the products and techniques you currently have in your arsenal. Ellis, for one, recommends shampooing your hair in two rounds—otherwise known as a double shampoo—to thoroughly remove product build-up. Next, Ellis recommends following up with a heavy, hydrating mask, “to tame unruly frizz caused by over-processed, damaged hair, or humidity.”

New York-based celebrity hairstylist Valerie Vanessa agrees, and recommends Ouai’s Thick Hair Shampoo, which she says “has a lightweight formula that cleanses the hair gently without weighing it down, leaving it soft, silky, and easy to style.”

It’s also important to ensure that any shampoo you do use is sulfate-free to avoid stripping the hair of its natural oils, explains Vanessa. And to ensure a proper wash, she suggests to “focus on the roots and use a gentle, massaging motion [while shampooing]. Follow with a hydrating conditioner, concentrating on the mid-lengths to ends.” 

Briogeo

Farewell Frizz Smoothing Shampoo

Vogue editors are fond of Briogeo’s frizz-fighting shampoo, which works wonders on all hair types and textures.

Ouai

Thick Hair Shampoo

Ouai’s Thick Hair shampoo is safe for color-treated hair, and combats frizz, dryness, and breakage. 

Joico

Defy Damage Protective Conditioner

Recommended by celebrity stylist Tai Simon, Joico’s conditioner can help reduce breakage and strengthen hair. 

Kérastase

Première Repairing Conditioner

Another editor favorite, Kérastase’s conditioner is made to restore hydration to all hair types. 

Incorporate a Reparative TreatmentBecause flyaway hair is typically the result of some form of breakage, using a restorative treatment or conditioning mask once or twice a week is a good way to strengthen the cuticle and revive dullness. “Hair masks can help treat flyaway hair by providing deep hydration and nourishment to the hair strands, reducing static and smoothing the cuticle,” Vanessa explains.

Function of Beauty

Bond Repair Custom Conditioner Mask

For a true-to-you formula, opt for Function of Beauty’s custom hair mask to target your own concerns.

Fekkai

Shea Butter Intense Mask

Ellis is a fan of the Fekkai Shea Butter Miracle Mask as it’s packed with shea butter and monoi oil to keep hair feeling silky and hydrated.

K18 Biomimetic Hairscience

Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask

Skip the conditioner and incorporate this leave-in mask post-shampooing to restore strength and softness in your hair. 

Always Apply a Heat ProtectantTo prevent further breakage when styling either wet or dry hair, Grenia recommends using a heat protectant before blow-drying or going in with a hair tool.  That can be a spray, cream, or leave-in serum.

Balmain Hair

Standard Thermal Protection Spray

This lightweight spray can protect hair up to 428°F, meaning no straightener or curling iron is off limits. 

IGK

Good Behavior Spirulina Protein Smoothing Spray

Grenia loves IGK’s Good Behavior multitasking spray as a good foundation for any type of style. “It gently detangles, controls frizz for up to 24 hours, protects against heat, and adds shine.”

Living Proof

Restore Perfecting Spray

Living Proof’s detangling spray helps smooth and strengthen hair prior to any heat usage. 

Moroccanoil

Perfect Defense Heat Protectant

Moroccanoil’s heat protectant is packed with argan oil and vitamin B5 to hydrate hair. 

Detangle With Care“Using a wide-tooth comb or wet brush when detangling helps prevent breakage and makes it easier to detangle,” says Los Angeles–based hairstylist Brian Christopher. If you prefer a comb, Crown Affair’s wide-tooth options works on all hair types, and can help prevent damage, split ends, and breakage. If your hair needs a little extra help to remove stubborn knots, consider applying a dedicated product before styling, like Jennifer Aniston’s LolaVie detangler.

Crown Affair

The Comb No. 002

Crown Affair’s comb can be used on wet or dry hair, and works on all types and textures. 

Tangle Teezer

The Ultimate Detangling Brush

Celebrity stylist Tai Simon notes that “Tangle Teezer’s brush works best as a hassle-free detangler.”

LolaVie

Glossing Detangler

Jennifer Aniston’s LolaVie detangler is an editor-approved pick that can help smooth out stubborn knots before styling.

Unite Hair

7Seconds Detangler

A budget-friendly leave-in spray for hair that needs assistance to get rid of chunky knots.

Perfect Your Drying TechniqueThough hot tool usage can be tricky, with proper technique it can help you get your desired hairstyle—especially when used in tandem with a heat protectant. To start, use a microfiber towel to remove any excess water from your hair; Crown Affair’s towel is an editor-favorite. And if your routine involves blow drying, the Dyson Airwrap is beloved for its optimal drying capabilities, without overheating and burning the hair.

Crown Affair

The Hair Towel

A microfiber towel will absorb water from your hair fast—preventing additional frizz and breakage before using hot tools.