Nu Skin Smoothing Shampoo (Australia)

Nu Skin ReNu Smoothing Shampoo is formulated for hair that is thick, coarse, frizzy, or damaged by heat and chemical treatments. Unlike volumising products that aim to lift and separate, this shampoo works in the opposite direction — smoothing the hair cuticle to reduce frizz, increase shine, and restore manageability to hair that has become rough or unruly. The formula uses shea butter and meadowfoam seed oil as its core conditioning agents, with a low-pH formulation that encourages the cuticle layer to lie flat against the hair shaft.

What Makes ReNu Smoothing Shampoo Different

Frizz is fundamentally a cuticle problem. When the outermost layer of the hair shaft (the cuticle) is raised or damaged, moisture enters and exits unpredictably, causing individual strands to swell unevenly — which we see as frizz. The ReNu Smoothing Shampoo uses a deliberately low pH (in the 4.5–5.5 range) to encourage cuticle closure during the wash process, combined with lipid-rich ingredients that seal and smooth.

Shea butter provides fatty acids (oleic, stearic, linoleic) that mimic the hair's natural lipid layer, filling in gaps where damage has stripped away the protective coating. Meadowfoam seed oil is particularly effective because its molecular structure allows it to form a long-lasting film on the hair shaft — studies show it resists washing out better than many other botanical oils, which means the smoothing benefit persists between washes.

Cotton bloom extract strengthens the internal cortex by delivering amino acids that bond to damaged protein structures. In Nu Skin's testing, hair strength improved measurably within 7 days of daily use — reducing breakage during brushing and blow-drying, which is one of the primary causes of the "flyaway" frizz that thick hair is prone to.

Key Ingredients

Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii) — rich in oleic and stearic acids, penetrates the hair shaft to restore lipid content lost through heat styling, colouring, and environmental exposure.

Meadowfoam Seed Oil (Limnanthes Alba) — forms a durable moisture-retaining film on the hair surface. Resists being washed away, extending smoothing benefits between shampoos.

Cotton Bloom Extract — amino acid complex that reinforces the hair cortex. Targets structural weakness that contributes to breakage and split ends.

Natural Sterols — plant-derived compounds that condition and strengthen the cuticle layer without creating the heavy build-up associated with synthetic silicones.

How Australians Are Using Smoothing Shampoo

Australia's climate is a frizz factory for thick and coarse hair types. The humid subtropical coast from Sydney to Cairns creates year-round frizz conditions, while even Melbourne and Adelaide produce seasonal humidity spikes that can turn controlled curls into unmanageable volume. The Smoothing Shampoo's cuticle-sealing action is specifically relevant in these conditions — by closing the cuticle before you even leave the shower, there is less surface area for humidity to penetrate.

For heat-damaged hair (straightening irons, blow dryers), the shea butter and meadowfoam combination repairs the cuticle damage that heat causes. A 2019 study in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science found that temperatures above 180°C cause irreversible cuticle lifting — the Smoothing Shampoo cannot undo this damage, but it fills in the gaps with lipids that mimic the original cuticle function.

Apply to wet hair, lather at the scalp, and let the suds run through the lengths. For very thick or long hair, a second application focusing on the mid-lengths and ends provides better product distribution. Follow with ReNu Smoothing Conditioner for the strongest frizz control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this shampoo too heavy for fine hair?
The Smoothing range is designed for thick, coarse, or damaged hair. Fine-haired users should consider the Volumizing range or Nutriol system instead.

Can I use it with colour-treated hair?
Yes. The low-pH formula and absence of harsh sulphates make it colour-safe. The cuticle-sealing action may actually help preserve colour between salon appointments.

How is it different from the Volumizing Shampoo?
They target opposite hair concerns. Smoothing closes and seals the cuticle for frizz control and shine; Volumizing lifts and separates for body and fullness. Choose based on your hair's primary need.

Important Information

Individual results may vary. This product is intended for cosmetic use only and is not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or skin condition. Discontinue use if irritation occurs and consult a dermatologist. Patch test recommended before first use.

Clinical results referenced are from studies conducted or commissioned by Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. and may not reflect typical consumer experience.

NuBest Skin is an Independent Nu Skin Brand Affiliate. This website is independently operated and is not produced, endorsed, or approved by Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc.

Sources & References

1. Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. — Official Product Information, nuskin.com/au
2. International Journal of Cosmetic Science — Heat Damage and Cuticle Structure, 2019
3. Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society — Meadowfoam Seed Oil Properties

Product information reviewed by the NuBest Skin Editorial Team. Last updated April 2026.