Paul Mitchell Super Smooth Shampoo

71%

29%

Frizz Control

Ingredient Quality

Color Safety

Lather & Cleansing Feel

Long-Term Availability

Softness & Texture Results

Scent

Value for Money

Scalp Compatibility

Ease of Use

UV & Environmental Protection

Packaging & Bottle Design

Brand Trust & Reputation

Overview

Paul Mitchell Super Smooth Shampoo is a salon-heritage frizz-control formula that's been a reliable go-to for people who battle unruly hair. One thing to know upfront: it's been discontinued by the manufacturer, so if you find it in stock, you're likely looking at remaining inventory with no restocking on the horizon. The formula has a smooth, slightly thick texture and a clean, mild scent — nothing overwhelming. First use leaves hair feeling softer and more manageable, though noticeable frizz reduction tends to build over consistent use rather than happen overnight.

Features & Benefits

This frizz-control shampoo skips sulfates entirely — no SLS, SLES, or ALS — which means it cleans without stripping the natural oils your scalp needs to stay balanced. It's also paraben-free and vegan, and the brand confirms cruelty-free production, so it checks a lot of boxes for shoppers who care about what goes into their products. The formula is safe for color-treated hair, making it practical for anyone maintaining a dye or highlight job. Smoothing agents help reduce flyaways and keep the hair shaft more controlled between washes. One honest gap: there's no UV protection built in, which matters if you spend significant time outdoors.

Best For

This salon-grade cleanser works well if you have coarse or frizzy hair that tends to puff up in humidity — that's really the sweet spot. It's also a solid pick for color-treated hair, since the gentle formula won't accelerate color fade. If you're avoiding sulfates or parabens due to a sensitive scalp or personal preference, it fits that bill too. Keep in mind that it won't do much for volume — if lift and body are your main goals, this isn't the right match. Think of it as a smoothing and softening shampoo, not a multi-purpose one.

User Feedback

Across a large pool of reviews, the Super Smooth formula holds a 4.4-star average, and the consistent theme is that buyers notice real improvement in frizz and softness after using it regularly for a week or two. That said, it draws some criticism. A number of buyers find the lather thinner than expected — a common trade-off with sulfate-free formulas. The scent is mild, which some appreciate and others find forgettable. The discontinued status comes up repeatedly, with many reviewers stocking up while supplies last. A few note they've tried newer Paul Mitchell alternatives but feel this specific formula is hard to replace.

#Shampoos

#Shampoo & Conditioner

#Hair Care

#Beauty & Personal Care

Pros

Noticeably reduces frizz with consistent use, especially for coarse or humidity-prone hair.
Sulfate-free formula cleanses gently without stripping natural oils from the scalp.
Safe for color-treated hair, helping preserve dye and highlights between salon visits.
Vegan and cruelty-free, with no parabens or gluten in the ingredient list.
Smoothing agents help control flyaways without making hair feel heavy or coated.
Mild, inoffensive scent that won't clash with perfume or other styling products.
Earns a strong 4.4-star average from a large, well-established reviewer base.
Works well as a daily shampoo for those who need frizz management built into their wash routine.
The Super Smooth formula has a loyal following who rate it above newer brand alternatives.

Cons

Discontinued by the manufacturer — stock is finite and a restock will not happen.
Lather is thinner than most conventional shampoos, which can feel like an incomplete wash.
Offers zero UV protection, a real gap for outdoor-active or color-treated hair.
Frizz reduction takes consistent use over several washes before becoming clearly noticeable.
Not a good fit for fine or limp hair — smoothing agents can reduce volume further.
Value-per-ounce is harder to justify knowing the product line has been retired.
Scent, while mild, is considered forgettable by buyers who prefer a more distinct fragrance.
Finding authentic, unexpired stock is increasingly difficult as inventory dwindles.
No replacement product from the brand has fully replicated this specific formula's results, according to longtime users.

Ratings

Our AI rating engine analyzed thousands of verified global purchases of Paul Mitchell Super Smooth Shampoo, actively filtering out incentivized reviews, bot-generated submissions, and unverified one-off feedback to surface what real, consistent buyers actually experience. The scores below reflect both the genuine strengths that keep this salon-grade cleanser highly rated and the honest pain points that buyers repeatedly flag — including concerns tied to its discontinued status. Nothing has been softened or spun; the numbers reflect the full picture.

Frizz Control

83%

For people dealing with humidity-triggered frizz or coarse hair that puffs up after washing, the smoothing effect is one of the most consistently praised aspects across verified reviews. Users with thick, wavy, or chemically treated hair report noticeably calmer, more manageable results after one to two weeks of regular use.

Results are not instant, and buyers with very high-porosity or extremely thick hair sometimes report only partial improvement without a paired smoothing conditioner. In high-humidity climates, some users note the effect fades faster than expected by midday.

Ingredient Quality

91%

The absence of SLS, SLES, ALS, and parabens genuinely resonates with ingredient-conscious buyers, many of whom switched to this salon-grade cleanser specifically to reduce scalp irritation or honor a clean-beauty routine. Vegan and cruelty-free verification from the brand adds additional trust for ethically motivated shoppers.

A small segment of buyers who scrutinize full ingredient lists note that while the headline exclusions are solid, a few secondary ingredients still raise questions in stricter clean-beauty communities. The formula also lacks any UV-protective compounds, which is a gap for those expecting comprehensive hair protection.

Color Safety

88%

Color-treated buyers consistently rank this among the gentler options they have used, noting that their dye and highlights hold noticeably longer between salon visits compared to sulfate-heavy alternatives. It is a common pick among people maintaining balayage or permanent color who want a daily shampoo that does not aggressively strip pigment.

A handful of reviewers with very fresh or delicate color treatments — particularly pastel or fashion tones — still experienced minor fading faster than hoped, suggesting the formula may not be completely neutral for the most fragile dye jobs. This is a minor caveat rather than a widespread complaint.

Lather & Cleansing Feel

61%

39%

Buyers who have made peace with sulfate-free lather generally appreciate that the frizz-control shampoo still rinses cleanly and leaves no residue, even if the foam itself is thin. Scalp-sensitive users find the gentler cleansing action a worthwhile trade-off for less irritation.

Thin, low-foam lather is the single most common complaint in negative reviews, particularly from buyers switching from conventional shampoos for the first time. Many describe feeling unconvinced the hair is truly clean after washing, which affects how satisfying the routine feels even when results are objectively good.

Long-Term Availability

34%

66%

For buyers who find existing stock, the product itself delivers on its intended purpose and justifies the purchase for immediate use. Those stocking up while supply lasts report high satisfaction knowing they secured a formula they trust before it disappears entirely.

The discontinued status is a serious practical concern that dramatically limits the score here — once current inventory sells out, there is no restock coming, making it a poor choice as a long-term daily staple. Many loyal users express genuine frustration in reviews, noting that no current Paul Mitchell replacement fully replicates the formula.

Softness & Texture Results

86%

Softness is one of the most frequently mentioned positives, with buyers noting that hair feels smoother to the touch and easier to detangle after washing compared to their previous shampoos. Even users with coarse or dry hair types report a tangible difference in how their hair feels when air-dried.

Fine-haired users occasionally report that the softening effect tips into making hair feel slightly flat or lacking in body, which is a predictable side effect of a formula designed around smoothing rather than volumizing. For this hair type, the texture improvement comes at a structural trade-off.

Scent

67%

33%

The mild, clean scent is genuinely appreciated by fragrance-sensitive buyers and those who layer other hair products or perfumes into their routine without wanting conflicts. It does not linger aggressively, which for many users is exactly the point.

Buyers who prefer a more distinctive or aromatic shampoo experience find the scent underwhelming or easily forgettable. A recurring theme in mixed reviews is that the fragrance feels too neutral to make the wash feel luxurious, which is a perception issue at the salon-tier price point.

Value for Money

58%

42%

When purchased at standard retail pricing, the bottle size and ingredient quality position this frizz-control shampoo reasonably well within the professional salon shampoo category. Buyers who use a moderate amount per wash find the bottle lasts a practical length of time.

Given the discontinued status, remaining stock is increasingly found at elevated prices through third-party sellers, which significantly undermines the value equation. Several reviewers explicitly note they feel reluctant to repurchase at inflated prices for a product that will not be available long-term.

Scalp Compatibility

79%

21%

Buyers with sensitive or reactive scalps frequently report fewer flare-ups and less post-wash irritation compared to sulfate-containing shampoos they used previously. The formula's cleaner ingredient profile makes it a common recommendation in scalp-sensitivity communities online.

It is not formulated specifically for scalp concerns like dandruff, excess oil, or buildup, so buyers with active scalp conditions may find it inadequate on its own. A clarifying shampoo rotation is still recommended for those prone to product buildup, even with gentle daily use.

Ease of Use

84%

The bottle design and liquid consistency make dispensing straightforward, and the formula distributes evenly through wet hair without clumping or running too quickly. Buyers with long or thick hair appreciate that a moderate amount goes a reasonable distance.

The thin consistency means some buyers accidentally dispense more than needed before developing a feel for the right amount, leading to faster-than-expected bottle depletion early on. This is a minor adjustment issue rather than a design flaw, but it does affect perceived economy of use.

UV & Environmental Protection

29%

71%

The Super Smooth formula is upfront about what it does well — frizz control and gentle cleansing — and within those specific goals it delivers. Buyers who understand the scope from the start do not report disappointment on this front.

There is zero UV protection in this formula, which is a meaningful gap for color-treated hair exposed to sun regularly. Buyers who expected a fuller protective profile based on the salon-tier positioning often feel this is an oversight, particularly given the absence of any complementary UV-shield ingredient.

Packaging & Bottle Design

73%

27%

The tall, slim bottle fits neatly into standard shower caddies and looks clean on a shelf, which buyers in aesthetic-conscious routines appreciate. The label design is clear and the cap functions reliably without leaking during typical use.

The bottle does not have a pump dispenser, which some buyers find less hygienic or convenient compared to pump-format competitors at similar price points. A few reviewers also note the cap can become stiff over time with repeated exposure to shower moisture.

Brand Trust & Reputation

89%

Paul Mitchell carries decades of professional salon credibility, and that history meaningfully influences buyer confidence — especially for first-time purchasers who have seen the brand used in professional settings. Long-term users of the brand consistently describe a baseline trust in formulation quality.

The decision to discontinue this specific formula has chipped away at brand trust for some loyal users, who feel the replacement lineup does not match the same standard. A visible thread in reviews involves buyers questioning why a highly rated product was retired without an obvious like-for-like successor.

Suitable for:

Paul Mitchell Super Smooth Shampoo is a strong fit for anyone whose hair turns into a frizzy, unmanageable mess the moment humidity hits — particularly people with naturally coarse, thick, or wavy hair that resists lying flat. It works well if you color your hair regularly, since the gentle, sulfate-free cleansing won't accelerate color fade the way harsher shampoos can. If you're ingredient-conscious and prefer products that are vegan, paraben-free, and made without gluten, this salon-grade cleanser checks those boxes without requiring a compromise on performance. It's also a practical daily-use option for people who want frizz control built into the wash step rather than relying entirely on leave-in treatments or styling products afterward. Loyal Paul Mitchell users who already trust the brand's approach to hair care will find this formula fits naturally into an existing routine.

Not suitable for:

Buyers hoping for significant volume or lift should look elsewhere — the Super Smooth formula is built around smoothing and softening, not adding body, so fine or limp hair types may find it leaves strands feeling flat. If UV protection matters to you, keep in mind that this frizz-control shampoo offers none, so anyone with color-treated hair who spends a lot of time outdoors will still need a separate protective product. The thin lather that comes with sulfate-free formulas can feel unfamiliar or insufficient to people used to heavy-foaming shampoos, and that adjustment isn't always easy. There's also a practical concern worth flagging honestly: this product has been discontinued by the manufacturer, meaning once existing stock sells out, it won't be coming back — committing to it as your long-term everyday shampoo carries real supply risk. Buyers who need a reliable, restockable staple are better served by an actively produced alternative.

Specifications

Brand: Manufactured by John Paul Mitchell Systems, a professional salon haircare brand with decades of industry presence.
Product Family: Part of the Paul Mitchell Super Smooth line, formulated specifically to target frizz and improve manageability.
Item Form: Liquid shampoo with a smooth, slightly thick consistency designed for even distribution through wet hair.
Weight: The bottle weighs approximately 2.2 pounds, indicating a generously sized retail container.
Dimensions: The bottle measures 3.24 x 3.24 x 10.2 inches, making it a tall, slim format suited to shower shelves.
Hair Type: Formulated specifically for frizzy, coarse, or humidity-prone hair that needs daily smoothing and softening support.
Sulfate Status: Completely free of SLS, SLES, and ALS, making it a gentler cleansing option that preserves the scalp's natural oil balance.
Paraben Status: Contains no parabens, aligning with clean-beauty preferences and reducing exposure to commonly avoided preservatives.
Gluten Content: Made without gluten, which is relevant for buyers with sensitivities or those following strict ingredient exclusion lists.
Vegan Status: The formula contains no animal-derived ingredients and carries a vegan designation from the brand.
Cruelty-Free: Paul Mitchell confirms this product is not tested on animals, consistent with the brand's broader cruelty-free policy.
Color Safety: Formulated to be safe for color-treated and chemically processed hair, helping preserve dye without aggressive cleansing agents.
UV Protection: This formula does not include UV-protective ingredients, so additional protection is needed for outdoor or sun-exposed use.
Availability: This product has been officially discontinued by the manufacturer, meaning current stock represents the remaining supply with no future production planned.
Sales Rank: Ranked #728 in Hair Shampoo on Amazon, reflecting strong historical demand despite its discontinued status.

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FAQ

It is genuinely discontinued. Paul Mitchell Super Smooth Shampoo has been officially retired by the manufacturer, and there are no indications of a relaunch. What you see available online is remaining inventory, so stock levels will only decrease over time.

Noticeably less than a typical sulfate-based shampoo. That is completely normal for a sulfate-free formula — the absence of SLS and similar agents means the foam is lighter and thinner. Your hair still gets cleaned effectively; it just feels different if you are used to heavy lather.

It is gentle enough for daily use. Because it skips harsh sulfates, it is less likely to strip your scalp of its natural oils with frequent washing, which makes it a reasonable choice for people who shampoo daily or near-daily.

Some people notice an improvement fairly quickly, but for most users the real difference shows up after consistent use over a week or two. Frizz control tends to be cumulative with this type of formula, so give it a fair run before drawing conclusions.

Yes, the salon-grade cleanser is formulated to be color-safe. The sulfate-free base is much gentler on color molecules than conventional shampoos, so it is a solid option for maintaining dyed, bleached, or highlighted hair between salon appointments.

It works across hair textures, including curly and wavy hair. The smoothing agents reduce the frizz that typically forms around the curl pattern without flattening the curl itself, though results will vary depending on your hair porosity and natural texture.

The scent is mild and clean — pleasant but not particularly distinctive. If you are sensitive to strong fragrances or prefer something that will not compete with your perfume or conditioner, that is actually a plus. Buyers who want a more aromatic shampoo experience may find it underwhelming.

It can work on its own for some hair types, but pairing it with a smoothing conditioner will significantly improve results, especially for very coarse or dry hair. Think of the shampoo as laying the foundation — a matching conditioner reinforces the softening and frizz-control effect.

The formula is free of sulfates, parabens, and gluten, which makes it a reasonable option for people with scalp sensitivities. That said, it is not specifically marketed as a children's shampoo, and anyone with a diagnosed scalp condition should check the full ingredient list with a dermatologist before switching.

Paul Mitchell does offer other smoothing and frizz-control shampoos in their active lineup, including options from the Smooth Works and Awapuhi Wild Ginger ranges. Current users of this frizz-control shampoo who are stocking up report that none of the alternatives feel quite identical, but several come close enough for everyday use.