8 Best Trichologist-Approved Products For Thin African American Hair – 2024

Stimulate hair growth and keep frizz at bay with products that soften your curls.

Reviewed by Sergio R. Cardona Perez, Certified Trichologist Sergio R. Cardona Perez Sergio R. Cardona PerezCertified Trichologist facebook_icontwitter_iconinsta_icon
Written by , MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Shiboli Chakraborti MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 4 years
Edited by , MA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness Aditi Naskar MA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness linkedin_icon Experience: 5 years
Fact-checked by , MA (English Literature) Ramona Sinha MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 11 years
Last Updated on
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African American hair needs special care to maintain the gorgeous look of the mane. You deserve nothing less than the best products for African thin hair and it’s time to say goodbye to regular dollar store shampoos and conditioners. From oils, shampoos to volumizing formulas, you will find everything in this one-stop-shop article to help you nail your hairstyles with perfection. Don’t worry about textured hair blunders, as our list of the eight best products for thin African American hair will do the job of picture-perfect weave moments.

Top PicksCheck Price
Best For Damaged Hair: iQ Natural Jamaican Black Castor OilPrice on Amazon
Best Frizz Control: African Pride Black Castor Miracle Hold & Cover EdgesPrice on Amazon
Best For Reducing Hair Loss:The Roots Naturelle Virgin Hair Fertilizer OilPrice on Amazon
Best For Fighting Dandruff: The Roots Naturelle Virgin Hair Fertilizer ShampooPrice on Amazon
Best For Hair Growth: Laurel Essentials Organic African Black Soap ShampooPrice on Amazon
Best Chemical-Free:PLANET AYURVEDA Hair Growth FormulaPrice on Amazon
Best Color-Safe:SarynaKEY Repair OilPrice on Amazon
Best Cruelty-Free: SarynaKEY Volume Lift Pure African Shea ButterPrice on Amazon

8 Best Products For Thin African American Hair

1. Best For Damaged Hair: iQ Natural Jamaican Black Castor Oil

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4.4
iQ Natural Jamaican Black Castor Oil Image: Iq Natural

The iQ Jamaican Black Castor Oil is one of the finest high-quality natural organic oils. It hydrates the hair and repairs damages, revealing naturally radiant hair. The lightweight oil is powered with multivitamins that leave the scalp and hair rejuvenated and soft. It is cold-pressed and pure and works well as a leave-in conditioner for black hair. The natural ingredients of this oil nourish, strengthen, and protect the hair and aid regrowth. This volume-enhancing product with thickening properties and strengthening formulas helps promote scalp health and get fuller hair. Click here to check out this YouTuber’s unbiased review.

Hair Type: Dry | Product Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 5.5 inches | Weight: 5 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Organic Jamaican black castor oil 

Pros

  • Hexane-free
  • Paraben-free
  • USDA certified
  • Organic
  • Catalyst-free
  • Unrefined

Cons

  • Thick consistency

protip_icon Pro Tip
Apply the oil and massage your hair and scalp in circular motion. For best results, cover your head with a towel and leave it overnight.

worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With over 13,749 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.

2. Best Frizz Control: African Pride Black Castor Miracle Hold & Cover Edges

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4
African Pride Black Castor Miracle Hold & Cover Edges Image: African Pride

This oil is specially formulated to temporarily cover edges and graying afro textured hair and fill balding scalp areas. It is non-greasy and does not cause flaking. Castor oil is known to nourish dry scalp and promote hair growth. The coconut water present in this formula restores hair moisture and strengthens the follicles. Black castor oil promotes overall hair health and gives it a natural shine, improves edge control, and tames frizzy hair. This product also helps in fighting frizz, smoothing, and detangling knots, making it ideal for curly and coily hair types. Here’s a review video detailing a tester’s experience of using the oil to help you get a better understanding of the product.

Hair Type: Curly, Coily | Product Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 1.25 inches | Weight: 3.41 Ounces.

Key Ingredients: Black castor oil and Coconut water 

Pros

  • Paraben-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Petrolatum-free

Cons

  • Not for long-time hold

protip_icon Pro Tip
Do not use this product on braids. Unravel your braids to avoid breakage. Then use the product with a detangling masque or a deep conditioner for added hydration and shine.

3. Best For Reducing Hair Loss: The Roots Naturelle Virgin Hair Fertilizer Oil

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4.3
The Roots Naturelle Virgin Hair Fertilizer Oil Image: The Roots Naturelle

The Roots Naturelle Virgin Hair Fertilizer Oil is an anti-aging hair oil powered with a vitamin-peptide complex to reduce hair loss and breakage. It increases blood flow to the scalp and follicles and strengthens the hair. This hair rejuvenator mildly conditions the hair, reducing static and frizz. According to multiple reviewers, it also minimizes hair tear during wet hair combing. All the major reasons why you should test out this product pronto!

Hair Type All | Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.84 x 4.45 x 1.57 inches; 8.15 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Castor oil, Jojoba oil, Peppermint oil, and Rosemary oil 

Pros

  • Alleviates dandruff
  • Smells great
  • Long-lasting moisturization

Cons

  • May stiffen the hair.
protip_icon Quick Tip
Make sure to spend a minute or two to thoroughly rinse your hair with cold water to avoid dandruff-like flakes and buildup.
iQ Natural Jamaican Black Castor Oil
Best For Damaged Hair
African Pride Black Castor Miracle Hold & Cover Edges
Best Frizz Control
The Roots Naturelle Virgin Hair Fertilizer Oil
Best For Reducing Hair Loss
Hair Type Dry Curly, Coily -
Dimensions 2 x 2 x 5.5 inches 3 x 3 x 1.25 inches -
Weight 5 Ounces 3.41 Ounces.-
Package Dimensions ‏-- ‎ 4.84 x 4.45 x 1.57 inches; 8.15 Ounces
Rating
Reviews13,7493,089952
Price$12.95$15.49$17.9

4. Best For Fighting Dandruff: The Roots Naturelle Virgin Hair Fertilizer Shampoo

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4.3
The Roots Naturelle Virgin Hair Fertilizer Shampoo Image: The Roots Naturelle
Now 15% Off

This cleansing and moisturizing shampoo is formulated with natural ingredients and suitable for African American women with thin and damaged hair. It cleanses the scalp and conditions brittle, dry hair. This cult-favorite shampoo strengthens over-processed locks, promotes healthy hair growth, and provides respite from dandruff, itchy scalp, and hair fall. It makes your hair manageable and silky soft.

Hair Type: Damaged,Dry | Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 2 x 2 inches | Weight: 14.39 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Jojoba seed oil, Honey extract, Aloe vera extract, and Tea tree oil 

Pros

  • Gentle
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free

Cons

  • Thin consistency

5. Best For Hair Growth: Laurel Essentials Organic African Black Soap Shampoo

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4.3
Laurel Essential Organic African Black Soap Hair Cleanser Image: Laurel Essential

This handcrafted, all-natural soap shampoo is formulated with essential oils and African black soap. It gently cleanses the hair and scalp, removes buildup, and moisturizes the afro textured hair. This product also stimulates the scalp and promotes hair growth. The essential oils help eliminate dandruff and soothe dry, flaky, and itchy scalp.

Hair Type: Dandruff,All | Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 6 x 6 inches |Weight: 8 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Raw black soap, Jojoba oil, Haitian black castor oil, Vitamin E, Neem oil, Rosemary oil, Lavender oil, Tea tree oil, and Peppermint oil

Pros

  • Contains all-natural ingredients
  • A little goes a long way
  • Sulfate-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Petrochemical-free
  • Vegan

Cons

  • None

6. Best Chemical-Free: PLANET AYURVEDA Hair Growth Formula

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3.7
PLANET AYURVEDA Hair Growth Formula Image: Planet Ayurveda

The Hair Growth Formula from PLANET AYURVEDA is a blend of Ayurvedic herbs that balance your Satva, Rajas, and Tamas – the psychic energies of your mind. The three doshas, namely, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, are also balanced by this formula. This oil stimulates proper blood circulation, facilitates healthy metabolism, and enhances hair health.

Used for Hair Growth | 60 Hair Pills Tablets | Weight: 500 Mg

Key Ingredients: Yashtimadhu, Ashwagandha, Bhumiamla, Bhringraj, Amalaki, and Brahmi

Pros

  • Preservative-free
  • 100% natural
  • Chemical-free
  • Yeast-free

Cons

  • Expensive

7. Best Color-Safe: SarynaKEY Repair Oil

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4.5
SarynaKEY Repair Oil Image: Sarynakey

The SarynaKEY Repair Oil is formulated with naturally sourced keratin that repairs damaged hair. It contains shea oil, which forms a protective coat on the hair, leaving it soft, smooth, and silky. This oil is rich in amino acids and vitamins that penetrate the cuticles to repair and rejuvenate each strand from root to tip. It moisturizes the hair follicles, imparts shine, and boosts volume to help you achieve luscious locks. Moreover, various online reviewers have raved about this excellent product that further supports its credibility.

Hair Type: Dry | Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.38 x 2.4 x 1.81 inches | Weight: 3.55 Ounces

Key ingredients: Shea oil 

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Easily absorbed
  • Color-safe
  • Sulfate-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Phosphate-free

Cons

  • None

8. Best Cruelty-Free: SarynaKEY Volume Lift Pure African Shea Butter

This volumizing formula has an innovative concoction of shea butter, wheat protein, natural keratin, and vitamins that nourish, strengthen, and thicken the hair. It creates a protective layer on each hair follicle to keep it safe and soft. This butter adds body and bounce to fine and fragile hair. It stimulates the hair’s natural keratin and restores lost vitamins, balancing the hair’s pH level. This volume lifter gives you shinier, moisturized, healthier hair, making it perfect for those bad hair days.

Hair Type: Thin | Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 5 x 3.7 inches | Weight: 1.06 Pounds

Key ingredients: Shea butter, Wheat protein, Natural keratin, and Vitamins 

Pros

  • Sulfate-free
  • Phosphate-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Color-safe

Cons

  • May dry the hair out.
*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

African American hair is not always easy to maintain, especially if it has a thin hair texture. This type of hair requires a lot of TLC and some serious looking after. There are innumerable products available for this hair type. So, how do you choose what’s best for you? Given below are some factors that will help you decide the best products for thin African American hair.

How To Choose The Best Products For Thin African American Hair

  • Ingredients

If you have thin natural hair, look for ingredients which not only volumize the hair but also promote growth in the long term. Incorporating nourishing ingredients and protein-rich products is essential. Keratin, amino acids, wheat proteins, and vitamins are must-have ingredients that strengthen and protect each hair follicle. Natural oils repair damaged hair and minimize split ends, while honey, neem, and aloe vera extracts have excellent antiseptics, antiviral properties that keep infections at bay and promote scalp care. Lavender and peppermint impart a mild natural fragrance while soothing the scalp. Look for gentle cleansing products that are silicone-free and pH-balanced, and provide restorative care. Choose a product that strengthens and nourishes brittle hair. Avoid sulfates, phthalates, mineral oils, SLS, SLES, and parabens in all hair care products.

  • Moisturization

Natural oils help to balance the hair’s natural pH levels. They eliminate dryness and tame frizzy hair. Moisturizing properties of natural oils like Jamaican black castor oil, castor oil, jojoba oil, peppermint oil, and rosemary oil and shea butter strengthen, nourish, and rejuvenate thin hair. They give the hair a soft, manageable texture and add shine. Look for products such as hydrating sprays that help to add moisture and curl-enhancing products that promote definition and bounce.

  • Formula

Choose products that are lightweight and absorbed easily by the scalp and hair roots. A heavy, deep-conditioning treatment or product will make the already thin, curly hair look limp and dull. Alos, opt for non-greasy, non-sticky products to prevent weighing down the strands.

  • Hair Concerns

To eliminate stickiness, infections, dandruff and build-up due to impurities and excess sebum. Choose a good clarifying formula. Pick a scientifically formulated shampoo which deep cleans the scalp, removes dead skin cells and leaves the hair light. A leave-in conditioner also keeps the hair protected from external aggressors. Good anti-breakage treatments and damage repair solutions help maintain hair integrity.

In case you are using a cover up product to hide the graying hair and bald spots temporarily, pick a cover up oil or cream. Choose a non-greasy product that blends well with the natural hair color and fights frizz.

Aside from these products that are ideal for hair thinning issues, consider wig options and hair toppers as protective styling alternatives. Scalp exfoliators help promote a healthy scalp environment, and using microfiber hair towels and satin pillowcases can reduce friction and minimize hair damage. Opt for professional advice and consultations for personalized hair care solutions.

That was our round-up of the 8 best products for thin African American hair. They nurture your scalp and hair, tackle hair problems, and help you achieve luscious locks.

Infographic: Tips For Using Products In African Thin Hair

African hair is difficult to maintain and needs special attention, especially thin hair. Given its unique texture and structure, proper product application technique is required to keep African thin hair healthy. Read the infographic below and follow the tips to achieve the best results with products for thin African American hair.

Tips For Using Products In African Thin Hair (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

The Bottom Line

Sergio Cardona, certified trichologist, says, “Not all curly or afro hair are the same. My clinic sits in the Caribbean, so we are used to servicing afro hair, but when we get African American hair, we understand that there are very important differences as to the particular needs for this type of hair.” The iQ Natural Jamaican Black Castor Oil is ideal for dry and dull hair that needs extra nourishment, while the African Pride Black Castor Miracle Hold & Cover Edges is perfect for covering balding spots and gray hair. The Roots Naturelle Virgin Hair Fertilizer Shampoo cleanses and conditions damaged hair while reducing dandruff and hair fall. So, go through our list and pick your fix today to add to your hair care routine!

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Shiboli Chakraborti, the author of this article, is a hair care enthusiast and takes it upon herself to help her readers purchase the right solutions for their hair-related issues. To this end, she embarked on a journey to find the best products for thin African hair by going through numerous reliable user reviews online and conducting in-depth research into their ingredients. This list consists of the most effective products to give your hair the desired volume and nourishment.


Sergio R. Cardona Perez
Sergio R. Cardona PerezCertified Trichologist
Sergio Cardona is a certified trichologist, a passionate professor, an international public speaker, and an advocate of the trichology profession, with 21 years of experience. Currently, he is an Advisory Board Member, Trichology Professor and Director of Communications for the World Trichology Society.

Read full bio of Sergio R. Cardona Perez
Shiboli Chakraborti
Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.

Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Aditi Naskar
Aditi NaskarAssociate Commerce Editor
Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.

Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Ramona Sinha
Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

Read full bio of Ramona Sinha