Ever dreamt of having that salon-quality smoothness every day without breaking the bank or spending hours in front of the mirror? Well, I've got you covered! I recently embarked on a personal mission to see the absolute best hair-smoothing creams out there, and let me tell you, the results are nothing short of magical. 

Hair smoothing creams are like your hair's personal superhero – they go beyond regular and natural conditioners! While conditioners focus on moisture, smoothing creams tackle frizz, add shine, and offer styling benefits. Think of them as your secret weapon for sleek, manageable locks. 

Our contributor Kristle Jones, a licensed cosmetologist, says, “Dry, curly or wavy hair types benefit from smoothing creams. Smoothing creams may be too rich for fine or thinning hair. Creams are rich and hydrating and can help dry or curly hair types become more manageable.  If your hair is lacking moisture or feels brittle, smoothing creams can create a softer texture to your hair.”

Picture this: hours spent testing, trying, and, yes, even a few "bad hair" days (we've all been there). Honestly, I'm sharing this because everyone deserves to enjoy effortlessly smooth and touchable hair, don't you agree? I've narrowed down my top picks – the crème de la crème of hair-smoothing creams that actually deliver on their promises.

So, let's dive in together – discover the secrets to silky, frizz-free hair that'll have you turning heads. Ready to make every day a good hair day? Scroll down, my friends, and let the hair transformation begin!

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  Editor’s Choice

  Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother

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Amongst my picks, the No.6 Bond Smoother by Olaplex takes the cake for being the solution for rough hair woes. This gem tames frizz like a boss while keeping my locks crazy soft. It's like a shield against heat damage, and the way it strengthens my hair? Mind-blowing! This cream doesn't play — it repairs, hydrates, and turns my hair into silk. No kidding, it's one of my top picks, as it perfectly defines air-dries — all without hold or heaviness. Trust me, after one use, I was hooked! If you want hair that feels as smooth as velvet and looks salon-fresh, this is your golden ticket.

2

Best for Color-treated Hair

Color Wow One-minute Transformation Styling Cream

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From one of my favorite hair styling brands, Color Wow's styling cream is a gem! Packed with camellia oil and keratin, it's a smooth operator. I love how it banishes frizz in a snap and leaves my hair glossy without greasiness. My locks soak up the moisture, feeling soft as clouds. With just a dime-sized amount, it's a total game-changer for quick styling. Cherry on the top — it is devoid of any sulfates or parabens.

3

Best for Dry Hair

R+Co High Dive Moisture + Shine Crème

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When I tried R+Co's High Dive Moisture + Shine Crème, it was like plunging into hair paradise! Packed with vitamins, it's a pool of hydration for my mane. The mix of argan oil and antioxidants leaves my hair shimmering without feeling weighed down. As a straight-haired pal, this cream's well-emulsified formula is a dream — no greasy aftermath! It gives my locks that fresh-out-of-salon sheen. Besides, it’s a lifesaver for dryness and comes with a divine scent making you smell like a goddess wherever you go.

4

Best Sulfate-free Hair Cream

Briogeo Farewell Frizz Blow Dry Perfection & Heat Protectant Crème

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Briogeo's Farewell Frizz Crème works wonders across different hair types. Crafted with a blend of rosehip, argan oil, and coconut oil, it not only works wonders on the strands but also smells divine. For thicker or coarse hair, it's a superhero, taming frizz and adding that coveted smoothness without weighing it down. Plus, the nourishing oils cater to all hair types, infusing moisture without causing buildup. Whether you've got waves, curls, or straight locks, this cream delivers frizz-free, luscious results across the board.

5

Best for Fine Hair

Matrix Mega Sleek Blow Down Smoothing Leave-in Cream

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The Matrix Mega Sleek Leave-In Cream is a medium-hold hair product enriched with shea butter that excels in managing unruly locks and maintaining a polished look throughout the day. It's akin to a transformative hair treatment captured within a bottle, offering effortless application and delivering a refined appearance without weighing down your hair. Whether this cream is the ideal choice depends on your specific hair requirements. If you aim for sleek and controlled locks, it could become your go-to solution. However, if you prefer lighter holds or possess ultra-fine hair, exploring alternative options might better suit your needs.

6

Best Luxe Choice

Oribe Straight Away Smoothing Blowout Cream

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For those craving luxurious hair care, Oribe's Straight Away Smoothing Blowout Cream is the ticket to flawless locks! Rich in vitamins B1, B5, and B12 from great mullein flower, it's a treat for hair. The hydrolyzed quinoa adds strength and shields from breakage while yacón root juice brings nourishment and antioxidants. This gem suits most hair types, delivering sleekness without weighing down. The cream creates sleek strands with bounce, making blowouts quicker and oh-so-manageable. From fine to thick textures, it offers smoothness without sacrificing movement. What do I adore the most? It's the holy grail for achieving salon-worthy, enduring blowouts.

7

Best Budget-friendly Choice

Keratherapy Keratin Infused Daily Smoothing Cream

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Ideal for those seeking smooth, manageable locks, Keratherapy's Daily Smoothing Cream caters to diverse hair types. Packed with collagen, jojoba, wheat, and argan oils, it's a cocktail of goodness for your locks. Ideal for all hair types, it's a game-changer for taming frizz and adding a silky finish. This gem nourishes and protects hair, but steer clear if you're sensitive to heavier formulations. It's my go-to for smooth, manageable hair that lasts all day. Plus, the blend of oils leaves my locks feeling incredibly soft. If you're after frizz-free, shiny locks with a dose of nourishment, this cream is your secret weapon.

8

Best for All Hair Types

Amika Supernova Moisture And Shine Cream

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Weightless yet deeply nourishing, Amik’a hair cream is a trailblazer for better hair health. The blend of amino acids and sea buckthorn oil revitalizes hair, granting a luxurious softness and a dazzling sheen. It's a boon for all hair types, especially those craving that extra shine and silkiness. For straight locks, it's pure magic, enhancing shine and softness. Suitable for anyone craving that glossy finish, it's an A-plus for its ability to make hair feel healthy again. Whether your hair needs a hydration boost or a shine revival, this cream earns my highest rating for delivering supernatural softness and brilliant shine effortlessly.

9

Best Smoothing Cream for Frizzy Hair

milk_shake Lifestyling Smoothing Cream

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This smoothing cream from the milk_shake is a creamy dream, especially for my medium-to-coarse hair. This potion creates an enviable shine while safeguarding and pampering my locks. After trying it firsthand, I found the weightless conditioning it delivers, thanks to the milk protein, lychee extract, and antioxidants. Yet, it's not all sunshine; for finer hair types, it might feel too heavy. Nonetheless, for high-porosity hair types that are thirstier for nourishment, like mine, it's a superstar! I love how this product leaves the hair smooth, shiny, and beautifully protected. Overall, it's a creamy delight that's become my go-to for salon-worthy results at home.

10

Best for a Glossy Finish

Alfaparf Milano Semi Di Lino Smooth Smoothing Cream

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Ranked among my top ten favorites, the Semi Di Lino Smooth Cream is a revolutionary product featuring the Climate-proof Complex. It serves as a safeguard for your hair, ensuring optimal hydration and fortification against diverse weather conditions, including humidity and temperature fluctuations. It's a lifesaver for frizz control in unpredictable weather. This professional-grade product delivers long-lastingly smooth hair while also making brushing effortless. Moreover, the formula boasts ingredients that not only smooth but also shield hair, ensuring it remains sleek, manageable, and safeguarded.

11

TRESemmé Air Dry No Blow Dry Cream

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TRESemmé’s blowout hair cream finds its place in hair smoothing creams due to its formulation crafted for effortless styling sans heat. Infused with quality ingredients like glycerin and silicone, it aids in reducing flyaways, and promoting smoother hair textures upon air drying. Suitable for various hair types, particularly those prone to frizz or needing lightweight control, it benefits individuals seeking a low-maintenance styling routine. It caters well to normal to dry hair, offering a balanced blend that doesn't weigh down strands, making it a reliable choice for those looking to achieve natural-looking, manageable hair without the need for heat styling.

12

Living proof No Frizz Smooth Styling Cream

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This styling cream by Living Proof, and it blew me away! The reduction in frizz after consistently using this product was impressive, which left my hair remarkably smoother. Not to mention, the effects lasting up to 8 hours were a game-changer! This cream truly conditions every strand from root to tip, boosting shine, softness, and manageability. Plus, its ability to combat humidity and provide heat protection up to 450°F is remarkable. Specifically tailored for medium hair, it’s become my go-to for effortlessly sleek, frizz-free locks with long-lasting results.

13

Innersense Organic Beauty Serenity Smoothing Cream

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Last but not least, the Innersense Organic Beauty Serenity Smoothing Cream is a standout in my haircare routine. Its rich formula blends baobab and frangipani, a duo that locks in moisture and shields hair during heat styling. The infusion of avocado and coconut oils works like magic, smoothing the cuticle and keeping frizz at bay without the heaviness. I loved how it caters to all hair types, including color-treated ones. What impressed me most was the added nourishment it provided. If I had to nitpick, a more accessible price point would make this product more irresistible. Yet, it's my go-to for that flawless, nutrient-packed blowout — worth every penny!

Scroll down to find tips and tricks on how to choose and use the best hair-smoothing creams to spruce our haircare regimen.

When choosing a hair smoothing cream, several factors can influence your decision:

1. Hair Type: Consider your hair texture (curly, straight, wavy) and thickness. Some creams are tailored for specific hair types, offering better results. Our contributor Kristle Jones, a licensed cosmetologist, says, “Dry, curly or wavy hair types benefit from smoothing creams. Smoothing creams may be too rich for fine or thinning hair. Creams are rich and hydrating and can help dry or curly hair types become more manageable. If your hair is lacking moisture or feels brittle, smoothing creams can create a softer texture to your hair.”

2. Ingredients:Hair smoothing creams enriched with nourishing components such as natural oils (like argan, coconut, or jojoba), keratin, and vitamins (A and E) work wonders in hydrating and smoothing hair without relying on harsh chemicals. These ingredients deeply penetrate the hair shaft, providing essential moisture and strengthening properties that tame frizz and impart a silky, sleek texture. Ideal ingredients for effective hair smoothing creams often include silicone derivatives like dimethicone for a smooth finish, glycerin to retain moisture, shea butter for hydration, and protein derivatives like hydrolyzed wheat or soy to fortify strands. Additionally, botanical extracts such as aloe vera or chamomile offer soothing benefits for a healthier-looking mane.

3. Purpose: Determine your main goal. Are you aiming to control frizz, add shine, or protect against heat damage? Different creams serve different purposes. Hair smoothing creams are versatile styling products perfect for damp hair, effectively taming frizz and providing humidity protection, especially for those with wavy hair. These creams act as a solution to manage unruly locks and hair extensions, offering a smooth and sleek appearance. Their lightweight formula ensures a smooth lock without weighing down the hair, making them an ideal choice for individuals seeking a polished yet natural look.

4. Formulation: Check if the cream is lightweight or heavy. Lightweight formulas are suitable for fine hair as they won't weigh it down, while thicker formulas might be better for coarse or extremely dry hair.

5. Heat Protection: If heat styling is part of your routine, opt for a cream that offers heat protection to shield your hair from damage caused by styling tools.

6. Allergies Or Sensitivities: Be mindful of any allergies or sensitivities you might have to certain ingredients. Always check the product label for potential allergens.

7. Long-term Effects: Consider how the product affects your hair over time. Some creams may offer immediate results but could lead to build-up or long-term damage.

Remember, it might take some trial and error to find the perfect hair smoothing cream for your specific needs, so don't hesitate to experiment with different products until you find the one that works best for you.

Here are some application tips and tricks for using hair smoothing cream effectively:

1. Start with Clean, Towel-dried Hair: Apply the smoothing cream to damp, towel-dried hair. This allows the product to penetrate better and evenly distribute throughout your strands.

2. Use the Right Amount: Begin with a small amount of product, typically a dime-sized to start with, and adjust as needed based on your hair length and thickness. Too much product can weigh your hair down or make it look greasy.

3. Even Distribution: Rub the smoothing cream between your palms and fingers, then apply it evenly from mid-lengths to ends. Avoid the scalp area to prevent weighing down your roots.

4. Comb Through: Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to evenly distribute the product throughout your hair. This ensures every strand is coated for uniform results.

5. Focus on Trouble Areas: If you have particularly frizzy or unruly sections, concentrate a bit more product on those areas for extra control.

6. Blow Dry Technique: Use a blow dryer with a nozzle attachment and a round brush to smooth and straighten your hair while drying. Direct the airflow down the hair shaft to seal the cuticles for a sleeker look.

7. Section Your Hair: Work in sections, especially if you have thick or long hair. This allows for more precise application and ensures every part of your hair receives the smoothing benefits.

8. Avoid Roots: Keep the smoothing cream away from your roots to prevent them from looking oily or weighed down. Focus mainly on the lengths and ends.

9. Finish with a Serum (Optional): If desired, after blow-drying, apply a pea-sized amount of hair serum to the ends to add extra shine and smoothness.

10. Style as Desired: Proceed with your preferred styling routine. The smoothing cream should make styling easier and help maintain a sleek look throughout the day.

Remember, the key is to start with a small amount of product and gradually add more if needed. Experiment with techniques to find what works best for your hair type and desired style.

Contributor: Kristle Jones, Licensed cosmetologist and Owner - Kate Lane Salons