
12 Best Keratin Shampoos & Conditioner, According to Hairstylists
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Keratin is one of those buzzwords thatâs been stamped on shampoo bottles for so long, itâs easy to forget it actually means something. But the best keratin shampoos can be a lifesaver if your hair has been feeling especially strawlike latelyâdry, brittle, frizzy, or all of the above.
Unlike an in-salon Brazilian keratin treatment (which can leave your hair super shiny but costs a small fortune and several hours of your life), a keratin shampoo is more of a day-to-day support system. Hairstylist Rogerio Cavalcante, founder of Second Floor Salon in New York City, says it helps to smooth rough cuticles, strengthen fragile strands, and generally make your hair look and feel like a shinier, sleeker version of itself. And if youâve already had a keratin treatment, the right shampoo can actually help maintain the results longer, without stripping away all that hard-earned silkiness.
Of the dozen-plus keratin shampoos we researched (with the help of hairstylists, ingredient experts, and testers), our favorite overall is Chiâs Keratin Silk Infusion Shampoo. It smells expensive, leaves hair feeling as if youâre actually hitting your daily water intake goals, and smooths frizz without weighing anything down. If you just want one bottle to smooth out your strands and mood, this is it. But different hair types (and budgets) need different things, so check out our favorite picks below.
The best keratin shampoos, at a glance:Best Overall: Chi Keratin Silk Infusion Shampoo, $42Best for Frizzy Hair: Keratin Complex Color Care Smoothing Shampoo, $30Best for Curly Hair: Itâs a 10 Miracle Shampoo Plus Keratin, $55Best for Color-Treated Hair: Joico K-Pak Color-Protecting Shampoo, $24Best for Fine Hair: Ouai Fine Hair Shampoo, $32Best for Textured Hair: Davines Naturaltech Nourishing Shampoo, $37Best Keratin Shampoo Overall: Chi Keratin Silk Infusion Shampoo
Chi Keratin Silk Infusion Shampoo (32 fl. oz.)
What we love: Leaves hair soft and silky without heaviness; noticeable frizz control after just one wash; a little goes a long wayWhatâs worth considering: Strong scent is not suitable for sensitive noses.This shampoo topped our list after rave reviews from hair stylist Julie Dickson, owner of Joon Drop Salon, and Cavalcante, as well as Glamour contributor Neha Tandon. âThis oneâs a classic for a reason,â says Cavalcante. âItâs packed with keratin and silk proteins, so it smooths and strengthens in one go. It also helps protect against future damage, especially great for regular heat styling users.â Heâs referring to the formulaâs inclusion of silk protein and jojoba oil, which coat the hair to lock in moisture and add flexibilityâkey for preventing the kind of breakage that comes from daily brushing, blow-drying, or flatironing.
âI used to swear by this back in the day when Iâd fry my hair with a straightener every single day,â says Tandon. âIt was the only thing that made my hair feel soft and look super healthy during that phase of my life.â Add hydrolyzed keratin to the mix, and youâve got a shampoo that not only fixes whatâs broken but also acts like a protective buffer against whatever damage might be coming next.
Best Drugstore Keratin Shampoo: OGX Keratin Oil ShampooOGX Keratin Oil Shampoo (13 fl. oz.)
What we love: Great frizz control at a budget price; subtly sweet scentWhatâs worth considering: Can build up with frequent use if your hair leans oilyThere are drugstore shampoos you use once and never again, and then there are the ones you end up recommending to everyone you know. This oneâs firmly in the latter category. Itâs infused with keratin and argan oilâtwo heavy hitters for smoothing and strengtheningâwhich makes it surprisingly good at taming flyaways and keeping frizz at bay even in muggy weather. It wonât totally overhaul severely damaged hair, but if your strands are mostly healthy and just need a little extra polish, it gets the job done for under $11.
Best Keratin Shampoo for Fine Hair: Ouai Fine Hair Shampoo
Ouai Fine Hair Shampoo (10 fl. oz.)
Original photo from Neha Tandon testing Ouai Fine Hair Shampoo
What we love: Gives noticeable lift without drying; doesnât weigh down rootsWhatâs worth considering: Not rich enough for very damaged hairPeople with fine hair need to be especially picky, because keratin shampoos can overly coat or flatten hair. This one hits that perfect middle ground, according to Tandon, Cavalcante, and Dickson. It uses keratin and biotin to strengthen and add just enough structure, without turning your roots into a helmet. âMy hair actually feels fuller after using it. Not just thicker, but lighter too,â says Tandon. âItâs as if I finally found a shampoo that knows I want volume and shine. Iâve been using it regularly for years, and while it isnât the heavy-duty option Iâll choose when my hair is feeling particularly damaged, itâs a solid go-to for regular use.â Chia seed oil and hemp extract add moisture and movement. Itâs a formula that treats fine hair like the delicate balance it is.
âThis is a fine-hair dream! It cleans the hair, but strengthens and hydrates it too,â says Dickson, who specializes in fine hair at her salon. âThatâs very hard to do without weighing the hair down. Itâs perfect, and it smells great.â
Best Keratin Shampoo for Curly Hair: Itâs a 10 Miracle Shampoo Plus Keratin
Itâs a 10 Miracle Shampoo Plus Keratin (33.8 fl. oz.)
Original photo from Neha Tandon testing Itâs a 10 Miracle Shampoo Plus Keratin
What we love: Leaves hair soft and silky without heaviness; noticeable frizz control after just one wash; a little goes a long wayWhatâs worth considering: Relatively steep price for the sizeThereâs a reason this has miracle in the name. âSince I was recommended this shampoo by my favorite YouTube vloggers back in the day, Iâve been reaching for this shampoo anytime my hair feels totally fried, especially in the summertime or after a vacation on which Iâve been blow-drying and heat-styling my hair more than usual,â says Tandon. âPaired with the accompanying serum, it leaves my ends smooth without making the roots on my fine hair limp, which feels like witchcraft.â The formula is loaded with keratin, panthenol, and sunflower seed extract, which work together to smooth, strengthen, and moisturize. Itâs especially clutch for anyone who heat-styles regularly or just came back from vacation with crispy ends.
Best Keratin Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair: Joico K-Pak Color-Protecting Shampoo
Joico K-Pak Color-Protecting Shampoo (10.1 fl. oz.)
Original photo from Neha Tandon testing Joico K-Pak Color-Protecting Shampoo
What we love: Helps preserve color vibrancy; leaves hair soft and bouncyWhatâs worth considering: Accompanying conditioner can be a little heavy, so use sparingly or choose anotherColor-treated or keratin-treated hair is already fragileâand throwing a protein-heavy shampoo on top can sometimes do more harm than good. Joico figured out the balance here. Its signature keratin blend strengthens just enough, while guajava fruit extract and antioxidants shield against UV damage and fading. âI admittedly do not have color-treated hair anymore, but I used to, and this was a product Iâd always use to leave my hair feeling really healthy afterwards,â says Tandon. âNow I reach for it every now and then when I just want my hair to have a little extra shine.â
Best Keratin Shampoo for Breakage-Prone Hair: Monday Haircare Repair Shampoo
Monday Haircare Repair Shampoo (12 fl. oz.)
What we love: Strengthening without leaving hair stiffWhatâs worth considering: Strong fruity scent isnât for everyoneIf youâre here, your hairbrush may look as though itâs been through a breakup every morning. In that case, this trending option is for you. Monday Haircareâs Repair Shampoo is specifically made for brittle, breakage-prone strands that snap with minimal effort. The keratin here works like a filler, plugging gaps in the hair cuticle, while vitamin E and coconut oil bring moisture and flexibility back into the picture. Itâs also in a cute pink bottle that’ll look nice in your shower.
Best Keratin Shampoo for Frizzy Hair: Keratin Complex Color Care Smoothing Shampoo
Keratin Complex Color Care Smoothing Shampoo (13.5 fl. oz.)
What we love: Helps prolong in-salon smoothing treatments; excellent humidity controlWhatâs worth considering: On the pricier sideKeratin Complexâs salon favorite is a good choice for people whoâve had keratin treatments and want to stretch the results as long as humanly possible. Itâs sulfate-free and loaded with keratin and wheat protein, so it doesnât just cleanâit smooths and seals the cuticle to prevent that halo of frizz from creeping back in. If your hair tends to puff up the second you step outside (hi, me), this shampoo gives you a fighting chanceâespecially if you pair it with the matching conditioner. Just beware if you have a wheat allergy or celiac, since this is made with protein derived from the plant.
Best Keratin Shampoo for Textured Hair: Davines Naturaltech Nourishing Shampoo
Davines Naturaltech Nourishing Shampoo (8.45 fl. oz.)
Original photo from Neha Tandon testing Davines Naturaltech Nourishing Shampoo
What we love: Deeply nourishing for curls without heaviness; great detanglingWhatâs worth considering: Bottle design is a little bulky for small showersTextured hair needs moisture and protection. Loved by Tandon, Dickson, Cavalcante, and Los Angeles hairstylist Elizabeth Rexroat, Davines offers a formula thatâs creamy and rich, yet somehow still lightweight enough to rinse clean without residue. âIt leaves my curls feeling moisturized and defined, not puffy or frizzy,â says Tandon. âAnd the smell is luxe without being too muchâit feels like Iâm borrowing the expensive stuff from a fancy friend.â Keratin and rice proteins strengthen, while grape phytoceuticals bring antioxidant protection, making this one of the most well-rounded options for curls, coils, and waves. âGentle yet rich, this oneâs ideal for dry or damaged hair,â says Cavalcante. âIt deeply hydrates and strengthens thanks to a blend of proteins and natural oils.â
Best Keratin Shampoo for Damaged Hair: Nexxus Keraphix Damage Healing Shampoo
Nexxus Keraphix Damage Healing Shampoo (33.8 fl. oz.)
What we love: Deeply reparative for chemically processed or fried hairWhatâs worth considering: May be too heavy for fine or low-porosity hair typesThereâs damaged hair, and then thereâs post-bleach, multiple hot tools, maybe even extension-damaged hair. Nexxus Keraphix is made for the latter. A special âProteinFusionâ blendâkeratin and black riceâthat targets the kind of internal structural damage you canât fix with a leave-in spray alone. If your hair feels gummy when wet or constantly tangles on itself, this helps restore strength and elasticity without making hair feel stiff or overloaded.
Best Keratin Shampoo for Scalp Care: Virtue Recovery Shampoo
Virtue Recovery Shampoo (8 fl. oz.)
What we love: Repairs hair and calms scalp in one step; noticeably strengthens over timeWhatâs worth considering: PriceyThis oneâs a bit of a unicorn in that it takes your scalp into account too. Virtueâs star ingredient is a bioidentical protein that mimics what your hair is actually made of. It binds to damaged areas to restore strength, but the formula also includes baobab seed oil and hydrolyzed quinoa for moisture and soothing benefits. If youâre dealing with dry hair, flaking, or general scalp irritation and you want smoother hair, this clarifying shampoo checks both boxes.
Best Vegan Keratin Shampoo: Vegamour Hydr-8 Hydrate and Repair Shampoo
Vegamour Hydr-8 Hydrate and Repair Shampoo (8 fl. oz.)
What we love: Vegan and cruelty-free without sacrificing performance; deeply hydratingWhatâs worth considering: Less smoothing than traditional keratin formulasTraditional keratin is animal-derived, which can be a deal-breaker if youâre vegan. Vegamourâs Hydr-8 line uses a plant-based protein alternative that mimics the strengthening effects of keratin, paired with marula oil and murumuru butter for serious softness. You wonât get the same ultrasleek finish as a salon-grade formula with hydrolyzed keratin, but if youâre looking for a cleaner, cruelty-free option that still smooths and strengthens, this is a standout.
Best Sulfate-Free Keratin Shampoo: Keratherapy Moisture Shampoo
Keratherapy Moisture Shampoo (10.1 fl. oz.)
What we love: Safe for post-treatment hair; gentle yet effective cleansingWhatâs worth considering: Ultrahydrating formula may be too heavy for fine or oily-prone hairIf youâve had a keratin treatment, or just want to baby your hair with as little harshness as possible, a sulfate-free shampoo is nonnegotiable. Keratherapyâs Moisture Shampoo is specifically designed to extend the life of in-salon smoothing treatments, using keratin and argan oil to reinforce damaged strands while locking in shine. It lathers more than youâd expect for a sulfate-free formula, and it leaves your hair feeling clean but not squeaky. Think of it as the shampoo equivalent of a cashmere sweater: soft, protective, and kind to sensitive types.
All your keratin shampoo questions, answeredKeratin is the stuff your hair is literally made ofâstructurally speaking. When your hair starts to feel weak, frizzy, or justâŠoff, a keratin-infused product can help fill in the gaps where that natural protein has worn down. âKeratin is a protein component in hair that is the structural basis for healthy hair,â says hairstylist Elizabeth Rexroat, owner of STRND Premium Hair Studio. âKeratins in our products provide strength, improve elasticity, and can reduce frizz and damage.â
Do keratin shampoos really work?
Short answer: Yesâbut like most things in hair care, it depends on the formula. âKeratin smooths and strengthens the hair. It also adds so much shine,â says hairstylist Lona Vigi. In other words, keratin can be transformativeâbut as with protein in your diet, more isnât always better. âYes, keratin shampoos really do work, but not all are created equal,â says Rexroat.
âSome are only going to give you a strengthening element, which isnât always the best for the hair,â she explains, saying that too much strength and not enough moisture will harden the hair to the point that it canât bend and move in its natural way. âThat will actually leave you with more breakage.â
This isnât an everyday shampoo for everyone. Unless your hair is particularly fragile or processed, youâre better off alternating a keratin shampoo with a moisturizing formula to keep everything balanced. âKeratin shampoos are best used in rotation with moisturizing shampoos, especially if your hair isnât severely damaged or chemically treated. Balance is key when it comes to protein care,â says Cavalcante.
Who is a good candidate for keratin shampoo?
If your hair feels as though itâs been through somethingâfrequent coloring, heat styling, weather-induced puffiness, thinningâyouâre probably in the target demographic. âKeratin shampoos are especially great for damaged, frizzy, or chemically treated hair,â says Rogerio Cavalcante, hairstylist and founder of Second Floor Salon.
âI 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,â says Rexroat. âI will also recommend it to the client whose hair breaks while brushing and has a âsnowingâ effect [dandruff] even when taken the best care of.â