Choosing the best shampoo for thick hair involves finding a product that provides effective cleansing while addressing the specific needs of thicker, often more voluminous hair. Here’s a comprehensive guide to some of the best shampoos for thick hair, detailing their features, benefits, and why they are recommended.
Top Picks
- Special ingredients and tea tree help wash away impurities, leaving hair full of vitality and luster
- Refreshing tingle invigorates the scalp
- Tea tree, peppermint and lavender leave hair smelling great
- Color Safe, ideal for all hair types
- Moisturizing Shampoo: Hydrate vegan shampoo deeply moisturizes all hair types and textures. Ideal for medium to thick, dry, color-treated, or natural hair.
- Nourishing Formula: This creamy, moisturizing formula transforms into a luxurious lather. Emollient Jojoba leaves hair feeling hydrated, while Green Tea supports scalp health and Sage stimulates follicles.
- Key Benefits: Moisturizes dry, damaged hair. Actively preserves color treated hair and hydrates all hair textures. Cleanses hair and scalp, leaving hair soft and touchable
- Suggested Use: Apply a dime-sized amount to wet hair at the scalp, emulsify into a rich lather and work through ends. Repeat for extra cleansing. Follow with Hydrate Conditioner.
- Trusted by salons and professionals, Pureology's shampoo formulas are sulfate-free, paraben-free, vegan, and safe for color treated hair. Use the full Hydrate range for maximum moisturizing benefits
- REPAIR SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER: MONDAY Haircare REPAIR Shampoo & Conditioner is an intensely nourishing and restorative shampoo for dry, damaged and depleted hair. It contains hydrating natural ingredients such as Keratin, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter and Vitamin E to leave hair feeling healthy and replenished.
- PREMIUM FORMULAS: MONDAY Haircare’s range of Shampoo and Conditioners is dermatologically tested, pH-balanced, and SLS-free and paraben-free. With MONDAY, every day can be a good hair day.
- CERTIFIED CRUELTY-FREE: MONDAY Haircare’s products are approved as cruelty-free under the Leaping Bunny programme by Cruelty Free International. MONDAY is also recognised by PETA as a brand that does not test on animals.
- RECYCLABLE BOTTLES: Not only do MONDAY’s little pink bottles look great in your shower, they’re made from recyclable plastic to help minimise carbon footprint and reduce landfill.
- INCLUDES: 1x Repair Shampoo 12oz & 1x Repair Conditioner 12oz
Factors to Consider
Before diving into specific products, it’s important to understand what makes a shampoo suitable for thick hair:
- Moisture Balance: Thick hair tends to be more prone to dryness, so a shampoo that maintains moisture balance is essential.
- Volume Control: Thick hair can also be unruly, so a shampoo that helps control volume and frizz is beneficial.
- Strength and Repair: Many with thick hair also deal with breakage and damage, so a shampoo that strengthens and repairs is ideal.
- Gentle Cleansing: It should cleanse effectively without stripping the hair of its natural oils.
What are the characteristics of thick hair that require specific shampoos?
Thick hair tends to be more prone to dryness, frizz, and heaviness due to its density and volume, requiring shampoos that provide moisture, manageability, and volume.
How do shampoos for thick hair differ from regular shampoos?
Shampoos for thick hair are typically formulated with ingredients that add moisture, strengthen hair fibers, and enhance volume without weighing the hair down, unlike regular shampoos which may be too lightweight.
What key ingredients should one look for in shampoos designed for thick hair?
Ingredients like proteins (keratin, wheat protein), vitamins (Biotin, Panthenol), oils (argan oil, coconut oil), and humectants (glycerin, hyaluronic acid) are beneficial for thick hair to strengthen, moisturize, and add volume.
How do protein-rich shampoos benefit thick hair?
Protein-rich shampoos help strengthen hair strands, repair damage, and prevent breakage, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity and thickness of thick hair.
What role do moisturizing agents play in shampoos for thick hair?
Moisturizing agents like oils and humectants hydrate thick hair, reducing dryness, frizz, and brittleness, while maintaining softness and improving manageability.
Are there specific shampoos for thick hair prone to frizz?
Yes, anti-frizz shampoos for thick hair often contain smoothing agents like silicones, argan oil, and shea butter to tame frizz, enhance shine, and maintain smoothness.
How do volumizing shampoos enhance thick hair?
Volumizing shampoos for thick hair typically contain lightweight ingredients that lift the roots, add body, and create volume without weighing down the hair strands.
Can thick hair benefit from sulfate-free shampoos?
Yes, sulfate-free shampoos are gentler on the scalp and hair, preventing excessive drying and stripping of natural oils, which is beneficial for maintaining healthy and thick hair.
How do clarifying shampoos help thick hair?
Clarifying shampoos remove buildup of product residue, oils, and impurities from thick hair, preventing scalp issues and enhancing overall hair health and volume.
Are there specific considerations for colored thick hair when choosing shampoos?
Yes, color-safe shampoos for thick hair are formulated to preserve hair color, prevent fading, and maintain vibrancy, often containing UV protectants and gentle cleansing agents.
How does pH balance affect shampoos for thick hair?
pH-balanced shampoos for thick hair help maintain the scalp’s natural pH level, preventing dryness, irritation, and scalp issues, while promoting healthier and more manageable hair.
Can thick hair benefit from scalp-stimulating shampoos?
Yes, scalp-stimulating shampoos for thick hair contain ingredients like menthol, caffeine, and peppermint oil that promote blood circulation, stimulate hair follicles, and support hair growth.
What are the benefits of natural and organic shampoos for thick hair?
Natural and organic shampoos for thick hair avoid harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances, offering gentle cleansing, hydration, and nourishment while being environmentally friendly.
How do sulfate-free shampoos benefit thick hair?
Sulfate-free shampoos are milder and less drying than traditional shampoos, making them suitable for thick hair prone to dryness and scalp irritation.
Can shampoos for thick hair help with hair loss or thinning?
Some shampoos for thick hair may contain ingredients that promote hair growth and strengthen hair follicles, potentially reducing hair loss and improving hair density over time.
What role do botanical extracts play in shampoos for thick hair?
Botanical extracts like aloe vera, green tea, and chamomile in shampoos for thick hair provide antioxidant benefits, soothe the scalp, and promote overall hair health and shine.
Are there specific shampoos for thick hair that also provide heat protection?
Yes, heat protection shampoos for thick hair contain ingredients that shield hair from heat damage caused by styling tools, maintaining hair strength and minimizing breakage.
How do moisturizing shampoos benefit thick hair in dry climates?
Moisturizing shampoos for thick hair in dry climates replenish moisture loss, prevent dryness and frizz, and maintain hair elasticity and softness despite environmental conditions.
Can thick hair benefit from sulfate-free shampoos?
Sulfate-free shampoos are gentler on the scalp and hair, preventing excessive drying and stripping of natural oils, which is beneficial for maintaining healthy and thick hair.
How do clarifying shampoos help thick hair?
Clarifying shampoos remove buildup of product residue, oils, and impurities from thick hair, preventing scalp issues and enhancing overall hair health and volume.
Are there specific considerations for colored thick hair when choosing shampoos?
Yes, color-safe shampoos for thick hair are formulated to preserve hair color, prevent fading, and maintain vibrancy, often containing UV protectants and gentle cleansing agents.
These questions and answers provide comprehensive insights into selecting the best shampoos for thick hair, addressing various concerns from volume enhancement to scalp health and ingredient considerations.
Best Shampoos for Thick Hair
1. Moroccanoil Extra Volume Shampoo
- Key Features: Contains antioxidant-rich argan oil and revitalizing nutrients to boost volume and shine.
- Benefits: Adds volume without weighing hair down, hydrates and detangles, and leaves hair manageable.
- Ideal For: Thick hair that lacks volume and needs a boost of hydration.
2. Aveda Invati Advanced Exfoliating Shampoo
- Key Features: Contains salicylic acid derived from wintergreen to exfoliate the scalp and remove build-up.
- Benefits: Cleanses the scalp and hair, reduces hair loss due to breakage, and nourishes the scalp.
- Ideal For: Thick hair prone to breakage and hair loss.
3. KĂ©rastase Resistance Bain Volumifique Shampoo
- Key Features: Contains Amplifex System to thicken the hair fiber, providing volume and strength.
- Benefits: Adds volume and density to fine and thick hair, strengthens and fortifies hair fiber.
- Ideal For: Thick hair that lacks volume and needs strengthening.
4. Redken High Rise Volume Lifting Shampoo
- Key Features: Contains filloxane and silicone polymers to add lift and body.
- Benefits: Cleanses and adds volume to fine and thick hair, leaves hair polished and manageable.
- Ideal For: Thick hair that needs extra lift and volume.
5. Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Ginseng + Biotin Volumizing Shampoo
- Key Features: Contains biotin and ginseng to strengthen the hair follicles and promote growth.
- Benefits: Cleanses and adds volume to fine and thick hair, promotes healthy scalp and hair growth.
- Ideal For: Thick hair that needs volume and growth stimulation.
6. Oribe Shampoo for Magnificent Volume
- Key Features: Contains Oribe Signature Complex (watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss flower extracts) to defend hair from oxidative stress, photoaging, and the deterioration of natural keratin.
- Benefits: Builds in thickness and volume, protects against environmental damage, and provides heat and UV protection.
- Ideal For: Thick hair that needs volume and protection.
7. Living Proof Full Shampoo
- Key Features: Contains patented Healthy Hair Molecule (OFPMA) to repel dirt and oil, so hair stays cleaner longer.
- Benefits: Cleanses without stripping, makes hair feel cleaner longer, and adds body and volume.
- Ideal For: Thick hair that needs volume and wants to stay cleaner for longer.
8. SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo
- Key Features: Contains organic shea butter, peppermint, and apple cider vinegar to nourish and cleanse hair.
- Benefits: Removes buildup while nourishing the scalp, strengthens and promotes healthy growth.
- Ideal For: Thick hair that needs deep cleansing, hydration, and strengthening.
9. Nexxus Diametress Volumizing Shampoo
- Key Features: Contains green tea extract and concentrated elastin protein to strengthen and volumize hair.
- Benefits: Adds volume and strength to fine and thick hair, improves manageability and shine.
- Ideal For: Thick hair that needs volume and wants to strengthen hair fibers.
10. Pantene Pro-V Sheer Volume Shampoo
- Key Features: Contains a blend of Pro-V nutrients, including antioxidants and lipids, to nourish and strengthen hair.
- Benefits: Lifts fine and thick hair, provides fullness and thickness, and leaves hair smooth and shiny.
- Ideal For: Thick hair that needs a lightweight lift and volume boost.
How to Choose the Best Shampoo for Your Thick Hair
When selecting a shampoo for your thick hair, consider the following factors:
- Hair Type: Consider whether your thick hair is also fine, coarse, dry, or damaged.
- Hair Concerns: Address specific concerns such as volume, frizz, dryness, or breakage.
- Ingredients: Look for shampoos with beneficial ingredients like oils, proteins, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Brand Reputation: Choose reputable brands known for quality hair care products.
- Reviews: Read reviews to see what other users with thick hair have to say about the product’s effectiveness.
By selecting the right shampoo, you can ensure that your thick hair is properly cleansed, nourished, and styled to your liking. Each of these shampoos offers unique benefits designed to address the needs of thick hair, so consider your specific hair concerns and preferences when making your choice.
Tips for Washing Thick Hair
To get the most out of your shampoo and ensure your thick hair remains healthy and manageable, follow these tips:
- Pre-wash Treatment: Consider applying a pre-wash treatment or oil to the ends of your hair before shampooing to protect against drying out.
- Water Temperature: Use lukewarm water to rinse your hair. Hot water can strip your hair of its natural oils, making it dry and frizzy.
- Shampoo Application: Concentrate the shampoo on your scalp, where most of the oil and dirt accumulate. Gently massage the shampoo into your scalp using your fingertips, avoiding harsh scrubbing.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your hair thoroughly to ensure all shampoo residue is removed. Leftover product can weigh down your hair and make it look dull.
- Conditioning: Use a conditioner that is suitable for your hair type and apply it from mid-lengths to ends. Avoid applying conditioner directly to your scalp, as this can lead to greasiness.
- Avoid Over-Washing: Washing your hair too frequently can strip it of its natural oils. Aim to wash your hair 2-3 times a week, or as needed based on your lifestyle and hair type.
- Gentle Towel Drying: After washing, gently squeeze excess water from your hair using a soft towel. Avoid rubbing your hair vigorously, as this can cause breakage and frizz.
- Avoid Heat Styling: If possible, allow your hair to air dry instead of using heat styling tools. If you do use heat, apply a heat protectant spray to minimize damage.
- Regular Trims: Regular trims help to keep your hair healthy and prevent split ends, which can make thick hair more difficult to manage.
- Protect Your Hair: Protect your hair from environmental stressors such as sun exposure and pollution by wearing a hat or using protective hair products.
Additional Considerations
- Hair Masks: Incorporating a weekly or bi-weekly hair mask can provide extra hydration and nourishment, which is beneficial for thick hair.
- Scalp Health: Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Consider using a scalp scrub or massaging your scalp regularly to promote circulation and stimulate hair growth.
- Hair Supplements: If your hair is particularly thick and prone to breakage, consider adding a hair supplement to your daily routine to support hair health from within.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best shampoo for your thick hair involves understanding your hair type, concerns, and preferences. Experiment with different shampoos and hair care routines to find what works best for you. Remember, maintaining healthy hair goes beyond just shampooing—incorporate a holistic approach to hair care that includes proper conditioning, styling, and protection.
By following these tips and recommendations, you can ensure that your thick hair remains healthy, voluminous, and manageable. Invest in quality hair care products and establish a routine that works for you to achieve the best results.
