9 Best Shampoos For Thick Hair (2023) – With A Buying Guide
The right shampoo can nourish and strengthen your thick tresses with vital nutrients.
Lindsay LooCosmetologist
Expertise: Coloring
Experience: 10 years
Lindsay Loo is a cosmetologist who has spent 10 years behind the chair in a storied salon in Chelsea. She is a certified Wella Master Color Expert and also has experience backstage at New York Fashion Week. She has a private studio and love... more
Oyendrila Kanjilal Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 2 years
Oyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skincare coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience, ... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Thick hair is a blessing, but it can be a challenge to manage if you don’t have the best shampoo for thick hair as a part of your hair care kit. It is essential that you use a product specifically formulated for thick hair as this type of hair is more prone to split ends, frizz, and nutrient deficiencies than others. A good shampoo can do a world of difference by clearing out product build-up from the scalp and removing the stubborn dirt and grime from the hair strands. Check out our list of the 9 best shampoos for a knot-free, manageable mane.
In This Article
9 Best Shampoos For Thick Hair
Best Moisturizing:Garnier Fructis Sleek And Shine Shampoo
Garnier is a trusted brand that is serving customers for over 100 years with its plethora of natural hair care and skin care products. The Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Shampoo is entirely made of protein that gives strength to your thick hair and helps maintain it. It also offers a long-lasting frizz control that is an exclusive combination of citrus protein, vitamins B3 and B6, fruit, and plant-derived extracts. The most active ingredient of this shampoo is the Moroccan argan oil. It contains essential fatty acids that moisturize hair, increase elasticity, control frizz, and restore hair shine. The shampoo also contains powerful antioxidants that protect hair from free radical damage. If you are willing to find more about Garnier Fructis Sleek And Shine Shampoo, check out this YouTuber’s video.
Pros - Made of natural protein and botanical extracts
- Manages dry and frizzy thick hair
- Paraben-free
- Works best even in 97% humid weather
- Provides UV-protection
- Detangles hair
- Soothing smell
Cons
None
Best Sulfate-Free:Maple Holistics Argan Oil Shampoo
The Maple Holistics Argan Oil Shampoo restores the shine, hydration, and health of hair. This therapeutic-blend shampoo contains all the natural oils with botanical keratin to give maximum nourishment to dry, frizzy, damaged thick hair. This sulfate-free formula contains nourishing oils like argan, avocado, peach kernel, jojoba, and almond oils. They are rich in vitamins A, B, D, and E and proteins that strengthen and nourish hair. The camellia seed oil is rich in omega-9 fatty acids that help seal moisture, restore hair color, and nourish the hair follicles. The peach kernel oil nourishes curls, fortifies hair follicles, and makes thick hair easy to manage. This sulfate- and paraben-free formula promotes healthy scalp and makes hair soft from root to the tip. Check out the review of Maple Holistics Argan Oil Shampoo for more information.
Pros - Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- 100% natural botanical blends
- Suitable for dry or damaged hair
- Gives best results on curly hair
- Color-safe
Cons
- Expensive
Pro TipBest For Damage Prevention: Pureology Hydrate Moisturizing Shampoo
This sulfate-free shampoo moisturizes and protects thick hair from further damage. The Pureology Hydrate Moisturizing Shampoo gently cleanses hair from deep within. It nourishes each hair strand and provides superior replenishment to hair. It leaves hair softer and smoother. The advanced Hydrating Micro-Emulsion Technology deeply hydrates hair and revitalizes it. It also enhances the color radiance. The jojoba oil and aloe vera extract in the shampoo lock in the hydration from the root to the tip. The sunflower seed oil, vitamin E, and green tea extract act as antioxidants and protect hair from free radical damage. The soy protein, hydrolyzed wheat protein, and oat protein maintain the structural integrity of each hair strand. The shampoo also has a blend of ylang-ylang, bergamot, and patchouli oils that gives a refreshing fragrance. Check out this video on YouTube for a detailed review of the Pureology Hydrate Moisturizing Shampoo.
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- 100% vegan
- Contains natural botanical extracts
- Locks in hydration
- Made with 95% Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) packaging
- Color-safe
- Advanced hydrating micro-emulsion technology
Cons
- Contains gluten
- Expensive
Best For Silky Smooth Hair:Maui Moisture Curl Quench Shampoo
The Maui Moisture Curl Quench Shampoo is blended with rich coconut oil with creamy papaya butter and plumeria extract. This sulfate-free formula is ideal for thick curly hair. It locks in the moisture and gives you luscious, hydrated hair. The papaya butter is a great conditioner. It deeply cleanses hair from within and nourishes hair strands, and its papaya enzymes hydrate the hair from the roots. The coconut oil and papaya butter together detangle and defrizz hair, define curls, and lock in the moisture. The unique blend of aloe vera juice with coconut oil helps condition hair and reduces itchiness and hair damage.
Pros - Sulfate-free
- Non-GMO
- A blend of natural botanical ingredients
- Reduces frizz
- Long-lasting hydration
- Refreshing smell
Cons
- Poor quality cap
TriviaBest Toxin-Free:R+Co Bel Air Smoothing Shampoo
The R+Co Bel Air Smoothing Shampoo controls dry, frizzy hair and locks in the moisture. This smoothing shampoo is specifically formulated for thick, dry, and frizzy hair. This gluten-, paraben-, and sulfate-free formula is blended with artichoke extract, plum seed oil, broccoli seed oil, and okra seed extract. Artichoke extract is an effective antioxidant that protects hair and scalp from damage from free radicals and the UV rays. It acts as a protective shield to the hair shaft and protects color from fading. The plum seed oil is a non-greasy formula that balances the scalp environment for stronger and thick hair. The Broccoli seed oil is rich in vitamins C and B6. It makes the hair soft, glossy, and frizz-free. The okra seed extract prevents friction between hair strands and makes combing easy.
Pros - Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Petroleum- and mineral oil-free
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Blended with natural ingredients
- Special formula with antioxidant properties
- Subtle, sophisticated fragrance
Cons
- Expensive
- Not suitable for oily hair
Best For Unmanageable Hair:Kérastase Discipline Bain Fluidéaliste Shampoo
The Kérastase Discipline Bain Fluidéaliste Shampoo is specifically designed for unmanageable, undisciplined, unruly hair that is difficult to style. This rich, white, creamy gel combines active ingredients to gently cleanse the hair from the roots. It supplies the right amount of nutrients to restore the strength of hair fibers. It optimizes the fluidity and movement of hair. The key ingredient in the shampoo is Morpho-Kératine Complex, which consists of morpho-constituting agents and surface-morphing polymers. These restore the homogeneity of the hair fiber and nourish and coat the fiber for better manageability and strength. The shampoo also contains surface protectors that act as a protective barrier to lock in hair hydration. It also contains ceramides that strengthen the hair shaft. Ceramides also act as conditioning, nourishing, and restructuring agents that make thick hair easily manageable. To know more about the results after using the Kérastase Discipline Bain Fluidéaliste Shampoo, have a look at this YouTube video.
Pros - Best for dry and frizzy hair
- Detangles curls
- Pleasing fragrance
- Morpho-keratine complex strengthens hair fibers
- Surface protectors lock in the hydration
Cons
None
Pro TipBest For Frizz Control:Shea Moisture Raw Shea Retention Shampoo
The Shea Moisture Raw Shea Retention Shampoo helps manage dry, frizzy, and thick hair. It is a perfect solution for a transition from chemically treated hair to hair with a natural texture. Its natural botanical extracts consist of organic shea butter, sea kelp, and argan oil that make it a perfect choice for thick or color-treated, dry, and frizzy hair. Shea butter is a by-product of organic shea nuts and is an excellent moisturizer. It contains vitamins A and E, along with fatty acids, which nourish hair from the root to the tip. The oil from shea nuts penetrates deep into the hair follicles, moisturizes, reduces frizz and breakage, and protects hair from environmental damage. The shea butter’s anti-inflammatory properties protect the scalp from irritation and itching. It also unclogs the pores and deep cleanses them. The sea kelp is a natural source of B vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that provide moisturization and boost hair growth. The argan oil helps in nourishing each hair strand. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids that increase the elasticity of hair, strengthen hair strands, and give life to thick hair.
Pros - Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- No propylene glycol
- No mineral oil
- Cruelty-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Fortifies and restores damaged hair
- 100% natural formula
Cons
- Makes hair greasy
Best For Frizzy and Dry Hair:OUAI Thick Shampoo
The nourishing, hydrating OUAI Thick Shampoo is made with keratin, marshmallow root, shea butter, and avocado oil to smooth your hair and control frizz while calming and strengthening thick, dry strands. This shampoo has a rose fragrance with notes of jasmine, Italian lemon, and white musk. It strengthens hair follicles and protects them against breakage, damage, and split ends. The avocado oil moisturizes each hair strand. The shampoo is expertly created to reduce style time and improve the health of your hair.
Key Ingredients: Keratin, Marshmallow root, Shea butter, and Avocado oil
Pleasant fragrance
Pros - Best for dry and frizzy hair
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- No propylene glycol
- No mineral oil
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Expensive
Best Cruelty-Free:T’zikal Deep Hydrating Shampoo with Ojon Oil
The T’zikal Deep Hydrating Shampoo is an effective ojon oil shampoo for hydrating dry and damaged hair. Ojon oil is the key ingredient that helps restore hair health. It is rich in omega oils and other nutrients that replenish and rejuvenate hair, leaving it extraordinarily soft, supple, shiny, and manageable. This luxury oil repairs dry, frizzy, damaged thick hair and provides deep moisturization. Its hibiscus flower extract is rich in vitamin C that strengthens roots and nourishes hair from deep within. The soothing, relaxing aroma of the shampoo comes from a botanical blend of aroma oils like that of lavender, bergamot, Ho Wood, Lavandin Grosso herb, orange peel, Petitgrain leaf, and extracts of ylang ylang and hibiscus flower.
Pros - Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free formula
- No EDTA
- No artificial colors
- No artificial fragrances
- Color-safe
- Balanced pH
- A luxury blend of botanical extracts
- A perfectly thick consistency
Cons
None
If you have super thick hair, not every shampoo will be able to cleanse it effectively. Before making a purchase, it is very important that you choose the product that will be a perfect fit for your hair! Your tresses may have unique needs, so keep the following points in mind.
How To Choose The Best Shampoo If You Have Thick Hair
Go for a sulfate-free and paraben-free option when choosing the perfect shampoo. Formulas without sulfates and parabens go a long way in keeping your mane healthy. Opting for natural products is most often the best option – so look for shampoos containing organic plant oils like jojoba oil, argan oil, olive oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil. They nourish your hair, strengthen the roots, and repair any damage to the shafts. However, steer clear of ingredients that you are personally allergic to, even if they are natural.
Go for super hydrating options when it comes with thicker strands. As your hair has a lot of volume, you may need extra help to hydrate it better. A hydrating shampoo paired with a deep conditioner will work wonders for your hair. However, this is not true in all cases. If you have an oily scalp and hair that tends to get greasy a couple of days after getting washed, go for clarifying shampoos.
If you have curly hair, focus on shampoos that are specially formulated for your hair type. Those with curly hair often find that their hair turns dry over time if they keep on using shampoos meant for straight hair. Those with wavy hair can get away with it though!
If you have dandruff, do not go for a shampoo that would not take care of the issue. Similarly, color-treated hair or damaged hair will also need products that will give your hair some extra TLC.
Do not get dazzled by a product just because it is posh and pricey! It is entirely possible that a shampoo that will make you break the bank can leave you with frizzy, dry hair. It is important to make sure the product suits your hair type. However, it is true that some pricey products with premium-quality ingredients may go the extra mile in giving you the tresses of your dreams.
It is always a good idea to go for fragrance-free skincare or haircare products. However, if you like your hair smelling sweet and dreamy, go for shampoos that have added fragrance to them. But if you have extremely sensitive scalp skin, skip the perfumed products.
These are the shampoos especially meant for thick hair. These lock in the hydration, cleanse the hair, remove dirt and grime better, and make your hair more manageable. But before you make a purchase, you need to know the factors to look for in a shampoo that is meant for thick hair.
Cosmetologist, Lindsay Loo, says, “When it comes to thick hair, one of the steps that is overlooked is scalp health. Due the the volume of hair that you have, make sure you are shampooing at the root first, massaging the product in and thoroughly rinsing the product out. Rinse and repeat if needed.”
How To Pick The Best Shampoo For Thick Hair
You are constantly bombarded with several brands online. Hence, knowing what you want helps you make a better purchasing decision.
- Choose a shampoo that is free of sulfates and parabens and is 100% vegan. This is applicable for any shampoo that you buy for any use.
- Ultra-hydrating shampoos work best for thick hair. Since you have more volume, you need a shampoo that hydrates better. It also locks in the hydration and protects your hair from damage.
- The shampoo must also contain natural essential oils, vitamin E, and other antioxidants. Thick hair is usually prone to more damage. The presence of these ingredients reduces the risk.
- Thick hair is generally heavier. This means the roots need to be stronger to hold the hair. Ensure the shampoo contains organic plant oils like argan oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, and coconut oil that only strengthen hair but also works on the roots.
Infographic: Infographic: Hair Care Routine For Thick Hair
Thick hair is desirable, but it takes a lot of effort to achieve and maintain it. Go through the infographic below to learn more about tips that help easily maintain thick hair. Scroll down! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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Download Infographic 
Thick hair is attractive, but at the same time, it takes so much effort to manage the hair. There is no escape from the oil-residues, stubborn dirt, tangling, frizzy hair, and split ends unless they are properly maintained. But with a good shampoo, you can minimize the effects and keep your hair intact. Thus, it would be best to consider shampoos specially formulated for thick hair. Besides minimizing hair concerns, the products listed in our article moisturize your hair, shine, and restore elasticity. However, ensure that the shampoos are paraben-free, sulfate-free, and have no other harmful chemicals. Also, try to avoid formulas that make your hair greasy.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Oyendrila Kanjilal, is a hair care enthusiast and loves reviewing hair care and styling products for her readers. She conducted extensive research to shortlist the best shampoos for thick hair. She checked product details, user reviews, and feedback on various online forums to pick the best ones for the list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between thickening and volumizing shampoo?
A volumizing shampoo boosts the volume of scalp hair so that your hair appears to be fuller; it doesn’t necessarily enhance the quality of your hair strands. A thickening shampoo works on hair stands. It protects hair stands from damage and repairs them.
What ingredients can help my hair look thicker?
Ingredients like eggs, castor oil, and coconut oil are well-known to improve hair’s thickness.
Does thick hair need more shampoo?
Yes, you will need an extra amount of shampoo to cleanse thick hair thoroughly.
Does shampoo affect hair thickness?
Hair thickening shampoo formulas are ideal for people with thin hair who are looking forward to getting thick and healthy hair strands. However, wash your hair no more than 2-3 times a week only. Excessive use of any shampoo may cause dryness and lead to hair damage and loss.
How often should I use shampoo?
Wash your hair 2-3 times a week. Even if you have thin hair and are using a thickening shampoo, 3 times a week should suffice. Excessive or minimal washing can cause further hair damage because of hair dryness or product buildup.
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