As I'm sure it was with many of you, the John Frieda Frizz Ease serum was my gateway product into the world of smoothing and refining haircare, passed onto me by my mum. Launched over 30 years ago, it’s the original frizz tamer.
As we came off the back of perm culture in the 1980s and into the pin-straight hair of the 90s, Frizz Ease helped us achieve smoother locks. Now, three decades later, the brand has a whole host of new frizz-easing products as part of its ‘Infinite Smooth’ range. But does it still deserve icon status? I tried the new releases to find out.
The John Frieda Frizz Ease Infinite Smooth Haircare Range at a glance
The new Frizz Ease Infinite Smooth Haircare Range includes a shampoo and conditioner duo, a smoothing treatment, two new serums (in addition to the OG) and a blow-dry spray. In other words, it now features everything you need for a complete frizz-fighting haircare routine.
My hair is naturally wavy, and is extremely susceptible to frizz. Add in any humidity (rain plus my damp London flat) and I can say goodbye to any attempt at preserving a smooth blow dry. So, I was excited to try the new range and see if the serum was still as good as I thought it was back in the day.
Frizz Ease Infinite Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner
After a combination of stress and hair extensions led to hair thinning, I recently spoke to a trichologist about how to stimulate hair growth, and they told me I should be washing my hair every day. This shocked me; I always thought it was a big no-no and a one-way ticket to dry, stripped hair. Well, this is only true if you’re using a shampoo that contains drying sulphates (which is added to help the shampoo lather), or has no additional hydrating ingredients.
That's not the case for this shampoo and conditioner duo. The formula contains hydrating panthenol, which helps draw moisture into the hair shaft and keep it there. Added amino acids also help smooth cuticles and add that layer of sleekness. It’s what makes it effective at fighting off frizz for up to 72 hours (just in case you don’t get round to a daily hair wash – guilty).
I loved using this duo. The shampoo gives my hair a deep clean without leaving it feeling stripped, and the conditioner meant I could easily comb through my hair afterwards, with zero snagging. I did have to apply a rather generous amount of the shampoo to feel like I was really cleaning at the roots, but at the current reduced price, that's not too much of an issue.
Frizz Ease Infinite Smooth Boosting Treatment
I like to use a nourishing treatment on my hair at least once a week, so I replaced my usual K18 mask with this smoothing treatment (no pressure, but I’m very attached to that mask). John Frieda’s formula is infused with vegan keratin, which works to create a strengthening protective layer around each strand, making it less susceptible to breakage.
After applying it to freshly washed hair for five minutes or so before rinsing out and blow drying (with heat protection, always), I did notice that my hair felt softer and more manageable. It didn’t leave behind any greasy residue either – just glossy locks. Big tick from me.
Frizz Ease serums
John Frieda Frizz Ease The Hydro Sealer
At the heart of the range, I was excited to try the new Frizz Ease serums. There are now two additional formulas that sit alongside the ‘Hydro Sealer’ OG (which I was pleased to find still managed to smooth and hydrate my hair as well as before).
The newer additions are The Controller and The Rescuer. Why does one haircare range need three serums you may well ask. Well, they all contain that same humidity fighting protection, but each one caters to different hair types and needs. The Controller is an extra strength serum designed for medium-to-thick, frizzy hair, that's begging for a bit more control. It’s also infused with heat protectant and a deeply moisturising rice oil, which gave my hair a noticeable shine.
However, after trying all three, my favourite has to be The Rescuer. Any treatment that has added reparative qualities is always a winner for me, as my hair can be a little on the dry and brittle side thanks to the hard London water. As well as added heat protection, it also contains the brand’s ‘Bondforce Complex’, featuring lupine protein that helps fight off frizz by sealing the hair cuticle to prevent loss of moisture that causes dryness.
This one is also specially formulated for thin hair, with a lightweight finish that doesn’t weigh strands down or add greasiness – ideal for my damaged locks.
Frizz Ease Infinite Smooth Blow Out Spray
I find that some styling sprays can leave my hair feeling slightly tacky and prone to knotting, which is not what you want when you’ve only just washed it. This wasn’t the case with John Frieda’s Blow Out Spray, though. Instead, it adds a layer of flexible hold that can be brushed through without tearing hair from your scalp or reducing volume (always good).
As with the serum, this blow dry spray contains heat protection (there’s no such thing as too much), as well as a ‘Humidity Shield Complex’, which provides a protective barrier from frizz-inducing moisture. It can do this for up to three washes.
I loved the results I got with this styling spray – it definitely helped me achieve a smoother finish. I didn’t feel the need to apply any hairspray to hold the style either, which is always a plus, as I find even the most lightweight ones do tend to leave a hard residue.
My final verdict on the John Frieda Frizz Ease range
I haven’t used Frizz Ease for years but was pleasantly surprised that it's stood the test of time and evolved to fit today’s multifaceted haircare routines. It’s no wonder that it remains a firm favourite for many.
To answer the question of whether this cult classic is worthy of a comeback on a par with bucket hats and baby tees, I would have to say it’s a ‘yes’ from me.
After each wash, my hair looks glossy, feels soft, and most importantly, is protected from both heat styling and frizz. However, what I love most about this range is its affordability; it proves you don’t need to be splurging excessively on hard-working haircare – the entire range is less than £30 at Boots.
I think it’s time for me to reintroduce Frizz Ease to Mum.
Madeleine is our Lifestyle Writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and round-ups on the latest beauty Beauty and Health & Wellness products. From skincare to protein powders, Maddie is committed to providing honest and helpful reviews to help guide readers to the best product for them. Maddie has a BA in English Literature and Language, which stemmed from her lifelong interest in reading and writing. She started her post graduate life at Hearst UK within a marketing capacity, which quickly turned into a desire to fulfil a writing career.
When she is not writing about the latest expert reviewed products, you can find her rifling through vintage shops or car boots, reading a print magazine, or capturing portraits on her film camera.
