15 Best Hair Smoothing Creams Of 2023
With these nourishing formulas, dry, damaged, and frizzy hair will be a thing of the past.
Shiboli Chakraborti Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 3 years
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with three years of experience. As an editor, she ... more
Wondering how to choose the best hair smoothing cream for yourself? We can help you select the one made for your hair needs. Hair creams hydrate your tresses while repairing the cuticles and making your hair shine. If you have been struggling with frizz and damaged hair as an outcome of regular wear and tear and styling tools, a good smoothening cream will work on making your hair stronger and healthier from the roots. Here is a list of 15 top hair creams crafted for your everyday hair needs.
In This Article
What Is A Smoothing Cream?
A smoothing cream’s main purpose is to straighten the hair. It is like a moisturizing lotion for your hair that hydrates and nourishes each strand. It also protects your hair from heat damage, tames frizz, and adds shine. This product needs to be applied after a shampoo to towel-dried hair. It may also be used on dry hair to add some bounce and shine.
Let’s now take a look at the 15 best hair smoothing creams available online.
15 Best Hair Smoothing Creams
1. Best Non-Greasy:All-Nutrient Straight+ Smoothing Cream
The All-Nutrient Straight+ Smoothing Cream is enriched with nutrients like amino acids, soy proteins, and wheat to condition your hair and make it smooth. A few pumps of this product are sufficient to add volume to your hair and protect it from heat and UV-ray damage. This leave-in cream creates a barrier on your hair that locks in nourishment and protects your hair color. Use it before a blowout for a salon-ready look.
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Absorbed quickly
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Sulfate-free
- Amine-free
- DEA-free
- MEA-free
- Betaine-free
- EDTA-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
None
2. Best Heat Protection:CHI Straight Guard Smoothing Styling Cream
The CHI Straight Guard Smoothing Styling Cream is infused with the Ionic and Catatonic Hydration Interlink Technology that protects the hair from heat damage. It also strengthens, moisturizes, and improves the elasticity of your hair. The easy brush glide formula helps in gently detangling your hair without causing any breakage. The smoothing cream also promises straight hair in just one application and can be used on dry hair to add an instant bounce.
Pros
- Pleasant scent
- Heat protection
- A little goes a long way
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- Might be slightly sticky.
3. Best For All Hair Types:Fave4 Smooth For Sure Blowout Cream For Shine & Heat Protection
This concentrated gel is formulated with patented polymers to offer superior protection to your hair from heat styling. It is made with hydrolyzed protein that improves hair elasticity by forming a barrier on the hair shaft and increasing its moisture retaining ability. The cream also tackles hair breakage and aids in easy detangling. This product can be used with different styling tools on all hair types to achieve your desired look. The hair smoothing cream is enriched with fragrant notes of agave pear for all-day freshness.
Pros
- Smells good
- Non-greasy
- Color-safe
- Sulfate-free
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Artificial color-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May weigh the hair down.
4. Best Lightweight:GK Hair Cashmere Hair Cream
The GK Hair Cashmere Hair Cream is enriched with Juvexin, a keratin protein blend. It has anti-aging properties that restores the youthfulness of the hair and protects it from free radicals, UV rays, and pollution damage. The argan and other natural plant oils in the formula add shine, tame frizz, repair spilt ends, and make your hair manageable. This hair smoothing cream can be used daily as a styling or finishing product for the perfect salon-styled look.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Long-lasting
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Petroleum-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
None
5. Best Color-Safe:GK Hair Leave-In Cream
The GK Hair Leave-In Cream contains the goodness of Juvexin, which creates a protective shield on each hair shaft and hydrates the cuticles, making your mane healthy and shiny. IT is enriched with natural ingredients that improve hair health, repair split ends, and prevent future damage. The formula also offers deep nourishment while doubling up as a styling aid for frizz and tangle-free hair.
Pros
- Color-safe
- Lightweight
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Phthalate-free
- DEA/TEA-free
Cons
- May be slightly sticky.
6. Best Hydrating:Keracolor Keep It Tame Blowout Cream
This hair smoothing cream from Keracolor is fortified with keratin to enhance the elasticity of your hair strands and seal the cuticles to lock in moisture. The castor and coconut oils in the formula hydrate and strengthen the hair, control frizz, and minimize hair breakage. This cream also protects hair from heat damage while considerably reducing the styling time.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Thermal protectant
- Color-safe
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- May leave a film on your hair.
7. Best For Hair Strengthening:Keratherapy Daily Smoothing Cream
This heat activated smoothing cream from Keratherapy is enriched with keratin to provide the perfect balance of protein and moisture to your hair. It protects the hair from damage by environmental factors and harsh chemicals present in styling products. This smoothing cream is packed with vitamin E-rich argan oil that coats the hair shafts to prevent dryness and tame frizz. The combination of collagen and amino acids in the formula strengthens the hair and protects it against the harmful free radicals.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Mild, pleasant scent
- Lightweight
Cons
- Greasy for fine hair
8. Best Lightweight Formula:GK Hair Leave-In Bombshell Cream
The GK Hair Leave-In Bombshell Cream is specially formulated for blonde hair to eliminate undesirable yellow and orange tones. It is enriched with a unique blend of natural ingredients that moisturize the hair and tame flyaways and frizz. The formula contains hydrolyzed keratin that heals damaged hair, reduces breakage, and increases elasticity and shine. It also contains coconut oil, acai, and natural fruit extracts that shield the hair follicles from free radical damage and prevent hair fall. This smoothing cream makes your blonde hair look shiny and lustrous.
Pros
● Lightweight
● Smells good
● Sulfate-free
● Paraben-free
● Chemical-free
Cons
- Expensive
- May be slightly sticky.
9. Best Long-Lasting Effects:Marc Anthony 3 Day Smooth Perfect Blow Dry Smoothing Cream
This smoothing cream from Marc Anthony is a luxurious formula that keeps the hair frizz-free and smooth for up to three days. The antioxidants and essential fatty acids in argan oil protect your hair from heat and free radical damage while reducing split ends, hair fall, and breakage. The keratin protein in the formula gives your hair a glossy finish, while olive oil and shea butter make your hair manageable and easier to style. The product assures visibly shiny and straight hair with just one use.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Smells good
- Non-greasy
- A little goes a long way
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Suitable for chemical and color-treated hair
Cons
None
10. Best For Shine:Matrix Style Link Smooth Setter Smoothing Cream
This smoothing cream from Matrix has a lightweight formula that offers long-lasting freedom from frizz and flyaways. It adds a reflective shine to your hair and gives it a satiny smooth finish. It improves the overall health of your hair by protecting it from heat damage. This formula strengthens the hair shafts, seals split ends, and reduces the styling time. This smoothing cream is ideal for curly, wavy, and straight hair types and allows natural movement and bounce.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- Strong fragrance
11. Best Dye-Free:No Inhibition Smoothing Cream
The No Inhibition Smoothing Cream has a silicone blend formula that creates a layer on the hair shafts to protect and condition your locks. It is formulated with guarana and organic extracts that enhance blood circulation to improve hair and follicle health. The cream is fortified with emollient agents that condition, gently detangle, and make the hair frizz-free. It also deeply conditions the hair and protects it from heat damage by controlling the humidity levels to give you shiny and sleek strands.
Pros
- Smells good
- Paraben-free
- Soy-free
- Gluten-free
- Dye-free
- Lanolin-free
Cons
None
12. Best For Curly Hair:OGX Moroccan Curling Perfection Defining Cream
This smoothing cream by OGX is enriched with a special blend of cold-pressed Moroccan argan oil that penetrates deep into hair shafts to tame frizz and flyaways. This product is specially designed for curly hair and helps to define and sculpt it. It also safeguards your hair against harmful heat styling and UV ray damage while improving its strength and elasticity. The argan kernel oil in the formula moisturizes the hair follicles and reduces hair fall and breakage. This cream has a citrus-fresh woody fragrance that lasts all day.
Pros
- Pleasant scent
- Lightweight
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- May feel sticky.
13. Best Keratin-Treatment Safe:Oribe Straight Away Smoothing Blowout Cream
The Oribe Straight Away Smoothing Blowout Cream is formulated with fruit and plant extracts to protect your hair from sun damage, depletion of natural keratin resources, and environmental damage. The heat-activated protein formula offers 450°C heat protection to defend the hair against the drying and damaging effects of heat styling tools.
The mullein flower extracts in the formula make your hair manageable, mend split ends, and enhance shine. This cream is fortified with a straightening copolymer blend that makes your hair smooth and enhances its ability to fight frizz and humidity. It also contains hydrolyzed quinoa and yacon root juice that strengthen, nourish, and protect the hair.
Pros
- Smells good
- Heat protection
- Color-safe
- Keratin treatment-safe
- Dermatologically tested
- No residue
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Sodium chloride-free
Cons
- Expensive
- May be slightly greasy.
14. Best Sulfate-Free:OUAI Haircare Finishing Crème
The OUAI Haircare Smoothing Cream is a lightweight formula packed with the goodness of artichoke leaf extract and keratin. The artichoke fights free radicals by forming a protective layer on the hair surface and makes the hair smooth and frizz-free. The keratin in the formula nourishes the hair cuticles to improve the overall health of your hair. The cream also has high levels of antioxidants that protect your hair against heat and UV ray damage. It is ideal for soft waves and adds a subtle reflective shine to your hair. The hair smoothing cream has a refreshing fragrance of gardenia, violet, ylang-ylang, and white musk.
Pros
- Refreshing scent
- A little goes a long way
- Lightweight
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Formaldehyde-free
Cons
None
15. Best Fragrance:Pureology Smooth Perfection Intense Smoothing Cream
This smoothing cream from Pureology has a Thermal Antifade Complex that is fortified with vitamin E and xylose sugar. This combination reduces oxidative stress to protect colored hair from the damaging effects of heat. It makes coarse hair manageable and easy to style and ensures long-lasting, frizz-free smoothness. The smoothing cream is enriched with camellia oil that enhances the hair’s ability to retain moisture and improves its elasticity. The clove, violet, and musk in the formula keep the hair nourished and healthy.
Pros
- Invigorating scent
- Color-safe
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Eco-friendly
Cons
- Expensive
Now that you know what the best hair smoothing creams are, keep scrolling for answers to other questions you might have.
What Does Smoothing Cream Do For Your Hair?
Smoothing creams are formulated with nourishing oils that help repair damaged hair and offer deep hydration to each hair shaft. They are your one-stop solution to combat frizz, control flyaways, and add volume to your hair. Prime your hair with a smoothing cream before a blowout to protect it from heat make your hairstyle last longer. For a quick on-the-go fix, you can also use the cream on dry hair to add instant shine.
How Do I Use Smoothing Cream?
Step 1: Read the instructions on the label since some products are meant for damp hair while others work just fine on dry hair.
Step 2: Shampoo your hair so that it is clean and ready for the smoothing cream. Towel dry your hair to remove excess water. Proceed to gently detangle your mane.
Step 3: Pump a small amount of the cream on your palm. Rub your hands together to activate the cream.
Step 4: Starting from mid-length, distribute the cream evenly until the ends. Work your way from the back of your hair to the front.
Step 5: Part your hair into sections and blow dry it. Since the cream is heat-activated, it will straighten your hair as you work your way through the sections. It will also tame frizz and allow you to style your hair as you please.
Is Smoothing Cream Good For All Hair Types?
Yes, smoothing cream is good for all hair types. Since almost all hair textures are prone to damage and frizz, these creams can prove beneficial in all hair care regimens. Smoothing creams not only smooth and soften the hair but also hydrate the cuticles to protect and repair each shaft.
Can I Use Smoothing Cream Before Or After Blow Drying?
It is usually recommended to apply smoothing creams before a blow dry on towel-dried hair. The cream prepares the hair for the blowout by coating each shaft to protect it from heat damage. If blow drying makes your hair frizzy and curly, apply the cream as the first step of your hair care routine to get a sleek and shiny blowout.
Some creams are lightweight and can be used on dry hair as well to smooth down overnight flyaways. They don’t weigh your hair down and add a fresh bounce to your hair on the second day after a blowout.
How Do I Stop My Hair From Frizzing?
The basic cause of frizz is lack of moisture in your exposed hair cuticles. The cuticles try to absorb water from the atmosphere, which makes the hair swell up and frizz. The more the moisture in the air, the frizzier your hair is. The right hair care products can effectively eliminate frizz from your hair. Here’s what you need to do:
- Skip The Sulfates: Shampoos that contain sulfates are a big no. They strip your hair of natural oils and make it dry. Replace your shampoo with a sulfate-free option with hydrating ingredients like glycerin.
- Hydrate: Frizz is a sign of parched hair. Make sure to hydrate your hair with a moisturizing conditioner after every wash. You can also hydrate your hair with coconut oil massages and deep-conditioning masques.
- Blow Dry Carefully: Blowouts are the easiest way to tame frizzy hair – but they can also damage your hair and lead to more dryness and frizz. Air dry your hair until it is almost dry before you pick up the dryer. Use the lowest heat setting that works for your hair and apply a heat protectant cream to reduce damage.
- Hairspray: Hairspray can help tame the few stray hairs that frizz up even after your blowout. Touch up your hair with a lightweight hairspray for a subtle shine.
- Smoothing Cream: Most importantly, for ultra-smooth and frizz-free hair, apply a smoothing cream before a blowout. A smoothing cream can also work on dry hair when you have no time for a blowout. It also tames flyaways and gives your hair renewed bounce and shine.
Is Smoothing Cream Bad For Hair?
Smoothing cream is not bad for your hair. It is enriched with ingredients that nourish and hydrate damaged hair and give it a lustrous and smooth finish. Creams with plant-based oils offer natural conditioning without leaving behind any greasy residue. However, some products may cause buildups in your hair. Remember to use a clarifying shampoo once a week to cleanse your hair thoroughly.
Hair smoothing creams tame your frizzes while moisturizing your tresses to their very core. Many creams help maintain the bounce and shine of your hair while maintaining the strength and quality of your mane. What’s more? Many suitable smoothing creams are also available for people with colored hair. However, pleasantly scented hair smoothing creams that comprise heat protection formula and are devoid of paraben, gluten, and sulfate are your best bet. Finally, avoid using creams that might be greasy or weigh your hair down.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach. She browsed online to check the user feedback and reviews to provide you with the best hair smoothing cream. The products listed above are non-greasy and free of harsh chemicals. These creams can straighten, hydrate, nourish the hair and improve its elasticity. Also, the cream can keep your hair tangle-free.
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