13 Best Keratin Shampoos of 2024 for Stronger, Healthier Hair
Found: the key to super-sleek hair.
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A lil secret for you all: One of my favorite ways to minimize frizz and flyaways is with a keratin shampoo. Once I added one to my hair care routine, the difference in my hair's smoothness and softness was honestly dramatic. Of course, keratin shampoos aren't as powerful as keratin hair treatments, but according to hairstylist Danielle Keasling, they can "absolutely help strengthen strands, reduce frizz, and add shine to hair." And as a bonus, these keratin-infused shampoos are considered much gentler than in-salon treatments, as they're free from formaldehyde (which many smoothing and straightening treatments contain).
So...what exactly does keratin shampoo do for your hair? Keratin shampoos work by supplementing your hair's natural keratin proteins and repairing bonds along the hair shaft, which can be damaged or broken due to things like heat styling and chemical treatments. The result: noticeably smoother hair, stronger strands, less frizz, and an overall healthier appearance. But as you can probably guess, not all keratin products are created equal, which is why I personally tested and reviewed a ton of options and consulted hair experts to create this list of the best keratin shampoos.
Our top picks for the best keratin shampoos of 2024:
Best Sulfate-Free Keratin Shampoo
OGX Ever Straightening + Brazilian Keratin Therapy Shampoo
Read more
Keep reading for the full list of keratin shampoos that'll help strengthen and smooth your hair, plus tips on how to use them and what to look for in a formula.
Pros
- Can be used with or without a smoothing treatment
- Testers love how well this one smoothes down unwanted flyaways
Cons
- Not as clarifying as some would like
The OG keratin shampoo, Keratin Complex's Smoothing Shampoo, is perf for anyone who is looking to maintain the results of their in-salon keratin treatment or just trying to smooth and strengthen their natural hair at home. The proprietary blend of keratin, wheat, and soy proteins in the formula work to strengthen and condition hair while smoothing down any unwanted frizz—plus, it leaves hair soooo soft and shiny.
- Size: 13.5 fl oz
- Key ingredients: Hydrolyzed keratin, hydrolyzed soy protein, hydrolyzed wheat protein
- Sulfate-free? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: “Fave shampoo and conditioner by far. I’ve done keratin treatments for a few years now and tried different products and this is just it for me. When I go to the salon to redo the keratin, they’re always surprised at how well I’ve managed to upkeep the treatment and how much my hair has grown! I can get away with just touching up instead of paying for the whole head."
Pros
- Amazing value for the size and quality of formula
- Leaves hair smoother, softer, and more manageable, according to testers
Cons
- May be a bit drying if used too frequently
There is a time and place for sulfate shampoos, but if you're someone who gets keratin hair treatments, you might wanna stick with a sulfate-free formula. This one is specially formulated to extend the life of your treatment with keratin proteins, while coconut and avocado oils work to smooth the cuticle and leave hair silky-smooth. Did I mention it also smells like a tropical vacation?
- Size: 13 fl oz
- Key ingredients: Hydrolyzed keratin, coconut oil, avocado oil
- Sulfate-free? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: "I do regular Brazilian blowouts. My hair is naturally dry, frizzy, and out of control. I needed something sulfate-free that wouldn't reverse the keratin chemicals that I've added to straighten and tame my hair. This shampoo is perfect for me. It doesn't make it oily but it keeps it from being too dry. It also made it easier to detangle and comb."
Pros
- So inexpensive (but so effective!)
- Intensely nourishing without leaving strands weighed down
Cons
- Not everyone loves the gardenia scent
I <3 Monday hair products for the accessible prices and v aesthetic bottles, and this shampoo for damaged hair is no exception. Filled with hydrating coconut oil and moisturizing shea butter, this keratin-infused formula helps to noticeably improve the appearance of dry, damaged hair, leaving it shinier and softer than ever.
- Size: 12 fl oz
- Key ingredients: Coconut oil, shea butter, hydrolyzed keratin
- Sulfate-free? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: "I have very thick, coarse hair, and it's regularly lightened. This shampoo has tremendously helped to soften and strengthen my hair. It adds a beautiful shine and doesn't feel heavy or leave any nasty film on my hair. Overall, an amazing bargain for high-quality hair care!"
Pros
- Helps to visibly heal signs of severe hair damage
- Amazing price considering the size of the bottle
Cons
- Includes sulfates, so shouldn't be used too frequently
Dealing with seriously damaged hair? You gotta give this budget-friendly keratin shampoo from Nexxus a try. It uses a blend of keratin proteins and black rice extract to penetrate hair fibers and repair damage from within for dramatic smoothing and strengthening results, and all for an affordable price. I also love the pump on the jumbo bottle—there's no messy squeezing or leaking in the shower.
- Size: 33.8 fl oz
- Key ingredients: Collagen amino acids, hydrolyzed keratin, rice extract
- Sulfate-free? No
Glowing Customer Review: “Highly recommend this if you have damaged hair from either bleaching or just over processing your hair. This helps keep my blonde hair from breaking, made it more manageable, and smooths it out so it doesn't look so damaged."
Pros
- Suitable for the majority of hair types and textures
- Great for over-processed, bleached, or super damaged hair
Cons
- Reviewers wish you got more product for the price
The first time I heard about this shampoo from Virtue, I totally geeked out on the science behind the formula. It's made using Virtue's proprietary Alpha Keratin 60ku, which works to weave together broken keratin strands for healthier, fuller-looking hair. It's also got baobab oil, hydrolyzed quinoa, and grapefruit extract to boost each strand's moisture level and shine. It’s on the pricier side, but if your hair is in need of some serious TLC, you won't be disappointed with this one.
- Size: 8 fl oz
- Key ingredients: Hydrolyzed quinoa, baobab seed oil, Alpha Keratin 60ku
- Sulfate-free? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: “My wavy 2B hair is recovering from a year of bleaching. I lost a lot of my wave pattern and my hair has been dry for months now. After just two uses I can already see and feel the difference in my waves. This product is fantastic. I really wanted to hate it because of the price but it is 100 percent worth it."
Pros
- Great for those who are experiencing fallout
- Really works to break down buildup and purify the scalp
Cons
- Doesn't lather as well as some expected
As someone who's dealt with postpartum hair loss, I can personally attest that it sucks. My savior during that time: this Hair La Vie Shampoo. A gentle cleanser and liquid hair vitamin all in one, this shampoo for thinning hair includes antioxidant-rich marula oil and anti-androgenic saw palmetto, as well as peppermint oil to leave your scalp with a cool, refreshing tingle.
- Size: 9 fl oz
- Key ingredients: Saw palmetto extract, manula oil, hydrolyzed keratin
- Sulfate-free? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: "My hair was falling out by the handful, and my scalp was itchy, and I was just a mess. Now my hair feels so much better, stopped falling out, and looks amazing. It's so soft and fully and very happy, not to mention my scalp is 100 percent better."
Pros
- Contains vegan keratin to help smooth and fortify hair without weight
- Safe for color-treated and highlighted hair
Cons
- Some testers say the thick texture doesn't come out of the bottle easily
As much as I'd love to get a Drybar blowout every damn day, this smoothing shampoo is basically the next best thing. Potent yet lightweight, this one uses frizz-fighting neroli oil and nourishing murumuru butter to deliver fresh-from-the-salon results—and even though it uses a vegan alternative to hydrolyzed keratin protein, it's still very effective at reducing frizz and dullness.
- Size: 8.5 fl oz
- Key ingredients: Vegan keratin, neroli oil, murumuru butter
- Sulfate-free? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: "Super lightweight lathering shampoo! I have frizzy, wavy hair and this was great for it! It cleanses, manages the frizz, and smooths out my hair, leaving a nice shine. I like the scent, too, and it keeps my scalp feeling fresh."
Pros
- Notes of spicy amber and sweet florals give this shampoo an addictive aroma
- Deeply moisturizes dry, damaged hair
Cons
- May be too heavy/moisturizing for fine hair
NGL, I'm so obsessed with the smell of this Moroccanoil shampoo that I'd prob still use it even if it did nothing for my hair. Luckily, the moisture-boosting formula not only smells incredible—it also has hair-repairing properties (thanks to argan oil, keratin proteins, and fatty acids) that my color-treated strands love, too. Since it’s on the pricier side, I like to save this shampoo and use it as a little treat when I really want my hair to smell amazing.
- Size: 8.5 fl oz
- Key ingredients: Argan oil, hydrolyzed keratin, fatty acids
- Sulfate-free? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: "Several years ago, my hair was like straw from highlighting it. It would just crumble. I started using the Moroccanoil shampoo and conditioner and within six months my hair was completely repaired and grown out. I have been using it ever since—at least a decade.”
Pros
- Safe to use on color-treated hair (and great for protecting against future damage!)
- Many found that it restores moisture and shine
Cons
- Some reviewers found it a bit too drying
Looking for intense conditioning plus the protection of keratin protein in one simple formula? Here she is! Ideal for color-treated hair, this one protects color and shields against both heat styling and environmental damage with a proprietary blend of hydrolyzed keratin and wheat protein—and according to testers, it really, really delivers.
- Size: 10 fl oz
- Key ingredients: Panthenol, hydrolyzed keratin, hydrolyzed wheat protein
- Sulfate-free? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: "I've been using this shampoo for years now, combined with the deep conditioner. My hair is very soft throughout the day and it smells really great. For someone who's damaged her hair through years of processing and color treating, this shampoo works wonderfully, and my hair looks heather and shiny."
Pros
- Works to strengthen hair and prevent future breakage
- Really helps to add bounce and volume
Cons
- Scent is too strong for some
Tbh, those with fine hair may find that a keratin coating can make hair look limp and heavy—but that shouldn't be a problem with this lightweight formula. Made with fine hair in mind, this holy grail shampoo includes biotin to strengthen follicles, while chia seed oil allows your hair shaft to hold onto more moisture (thereby preventing future hair breakage). Oh, and if you haven't experienced Ouai's Mercer Street fragrance yet, it is TIME.
- Size: 10 fl oz
- Key ingredients: Biotin, chia seed oil, hydrolyzed keratin
- Sulfate-free? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: "I am here to tell you that my hair on Ouai is virtually equivalent to salon hair. It's silky, moisturized, and has body, baby! After prolonged use, it has literally never felt thicker in my life. For the record, I have fairly fine hair (especially for a person of South Asian descent) and an oily scalp."
Pros
- Made with proteins to help mend breakage
- Testers found that it reduced frizz and defined curls
Cons
- Some reviewers don't love the thin texture of the shampoo
If you're someone with chemically-treated waves, curls, or coils, you're going to want to incorporate a strengthening shampoo like this one from Briogeo into your wash day routine. Keratin amino acids help strengthen your hair and enhance your curl definition, while avocado oil and shea butter hit it with some moisture, resulting in smooth, healthier-looking hair.
- Size: 8 fl oz
- Key ingredients: Rice amino acids, avocado oil, keratin amino acids
- Sulfate-free? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: "Love this stuff. I have type 2C hair, and this shampoo and the Curl Charisma conditioner worked really well to help with definition and frizz control. I'm sold for life."
Pros
- Witch hazel works to reduce oiliness on scalp
- Plant-based proteins help strengthen and improve volume of hair
Cons
- Doesn't lather as well as some would like
Where are all my folks with flat AF hair? If you're in need of a lil oomph, you should try reaching for this volumizing formula. Why I love it: It uses witch hazel to minimize excess oil on the scalp so you can go longer in between wash days, plus plant-based keratin (made with pea- and potato-derived proteins) to boost hair volume.
- Size: 8.45 fl oz
- Key ingredients: Witch hazel, yucca extract, plant-based keratin
- Sulfate-free? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: "This shampoo is perfect for my hair. I have fine hair that tends to get oily at the roots, but my ends dry out. This adds moisture and hydration back into my hair without weighing it down or making my roots oily."
Pros
- Helps to hydrate strands without weighting them down
- A great pick for dry and damaged hair types
Cons
- Strong floral scent isn't for everyone
If your hair is seriously damaged—we're talking dry, brittle, straw-like, and full of split ends—this is the keratin shampoo for you. It uses Karmatin (aka a vegan silk bonder that repairs damage and fights frizz without rinsing away) to quench and strengthen dry, damaged strands, as well as soothing aloe vera and magnolia bark extract for a happier, healthier scalp.
- Size: 8 fl oz
- Key ingredients: Karmatin, aloe vera, magnolia bark extract
- Sulfate-free? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: "I am loving the results I'm seeing from the Vegamore Hydr-8 Hydrate and Repair Shampoo! My hair was so soft and smooth after the first time I used it. It's helped repair the damage to my hair from years of bleaching. My hair is more manageable and less frizzy. My hair felt and looked thicker, too."
Do keratin shampoos really work?
Yes, keratin shampoos really do work and have amazing benefits, especially if your hair is color-treated, damaged, or frizz-prone. "Beyond cleansing your hair, a shampoo with keratin (or proteins that repair keratin bonds) can help leave hair looking and feeling healthier, stronger, smoother, and shinier,” says celebrity stylist Marilisa Sears.
Can you use a keratin shampoo everyday?
While keratin shampoos offer plenty of benefits, the saying “too much of a good thing” rings true here. Hair stylist Danielle Keasling notes the importance of not overdoing it with keratin shampoos. “It's generally recommended to use them two or three times a week, depending on your hair type and needs,” she explains.
So if you’re washing daily, it would be wise to rotate between a keratin shampoo and a different shampoo to prevent keratin buildup or protein overload. As a rule, if your keratin shampoo is making your hair feel dry, brittle, or waxy, it's a sign you may be over-washing with the formula.
How to choose the best keratin shampoo
Look for hydrolyzed keratin
Sears say hydrolyzed keratin is the ideal type of keratin to look for in your keratin shampoo. "Hydrolyzed keratin means that the molecule is small enough to fill the cracks on the bits of my hair that could be weak, while also getting into the hair shaft to give some love to the cortex as well," she explains.
Consider skipping the sulfates
Listen, sulfates have a time and a place, and while some people can actually benefit from using sulfated detergents, it's probs best to skip 'em if you're someone damaged or chemically-treated hair. ICYDK, sulfates are harsh surfactants that can strip away your hair and scalp's natural oils, so those with hair in need of some TLC should typically steer clear.
Think about your hair type
Keratin shampoos come in varieties for all hair types and texture, so it's important to keep yours in mind when choosing a formula. If your hair is on the finer side, something that boasts hydrating and moisturizing properties may be too heavy for you (especially since a keratin coating already adds some weight). “This can add unwanted product to your hair and weigh it down,” explains hair stylist Stephanie Angelone. On the other hand, if your hair is super thick or coarse, you’re going to want to look for those emollient-packed and moisturizing formulations to keep hair hydrated.
Meet the experts
- Danielle Keasling is the artistic director for Biolage and Matrix and an Ulta Beauty Pro Team Member.
- Stephanie Angelone is a master stylist at RPZL Hair Extension & Blowout Bar in New York, NY.
- Marilisa Sears is a celebrity stylist and the artistic director for Marc Anthony and MAV Beauty Brands.
Why trust 'Cosmo'?
Corinne Sullivan is an editor at Cosmopolitan and has six years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news, including the best shampoos for fine hair and the best-smelling shampoos. She regularly tests and analyzes shampoos on her own color-treated hair for efficacy, and she works with the industry’s top dermatologists, hairstylists, and trichologists to assess new formulas and brands.
Lisa DeSantis is a freelance writer who has been in the beauty industry for nearly ten years. She began her career in beauty and fashion at QVC and has since written for and contributed to top women's magazines and digital brands such as Health, Real Simple, Cosmopolitan, Motherly, Byrdie, and more. She has tested thousands of products and considers herself a professional guinea pig who's always on the search for the next big trends in beauty, wellness, and beyond.
Corinne Sullivan is an Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your $$$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecent. Follow her on Instagram for cute pics of her pup and bébé.
Lisa DeSantis is a freelance writer who has been in the beauty industry for nearly ten years. She began her career in beauty and fashion at QVC and has since written for and contributed to top women’s magazines and digital brands such as Health, Real Simple, Cosmopolitan, Motherly, Byrdie and more. She has tested thousands of products and considers herself a professional guinea pig who’s always on the search for the next big trends in beauty, wellness and beyond.
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