Does your thick hair ever feel like it has a mind of its own? Maybe it’s heavy, a little unruly, or just seems to soak up every drop of product you use? You are not alone! Thick hair is beautiful, but it comes with its own set of challenges when it comes to washing and caring for it.
Finding the perfect shampoo for hair that boasts serious volume can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Many regular shampoos just don’t cut it; they might leave your hair feeling stripped, weighed down, or surprisingly dry. The wrong formula can lead to frizz or a lack of definition, no matter how much effort you put in.
But don’t worry, we have the answers you need! This guide will cut through the confusion. We will show you exactly what ingredients to look for and what to avoid so you can finally find a shampoo that cleanses effectively without stealing your hair’s moisture. Get ready to transform your wash day routine and discover shampoos that truly work with your amazing, thick locks.
Top Shampoos For Thick Hair Recommendations
- HAIR REBORN: Dove Intensive Repair hair shampoo renews with every wash-hair is reborn 10X stronger. when using SH/CD or SH/Mask vs. non-conditioning shampoo.
- SHAMPOO FOR DAMAGED HAIR: This Dove shampoo with Glutamic Amino Serum stops 98% of visible hair damage. due to breakage vs. non-conditioning shampoo.
- BIO-PROTEIN CARE: Our Intensive Repair range with Bio-Protein Care technology, designed to regenerate hair strength and refill it with 1 trillion protein strength builders with every wash. shampoo, conditioner/mask & serum
- HOW TO USE: Apply hair repair shampoo to wet hair, lather and rinse before using conditioner. For extra hair repair, use the Dove Intensive Repair Hair Mask once a week.
- BACKED BY SCIENCE: This damaged hair repair shampoo uses Dove technology that’s backed by 10 years of research. Protecting, repairing, and restoring hair to reduce signs of damage.
- VOLUME & TEXTURE: The 13-fluid ounce bottle of OGX Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Volumizing Shampoo with a nutrient-infused formula to give your hair 72+ hours of volume & body & healthy hair in just one wash
- HEALTHY HAIR IN JUST 1 WASH: Our new & improved formula protects hair from excessive loss of lipids & proteins which creates frizz & breakage. It gives you healthy hair in 1 wash & protects hair against damage by strengthening your strands
- POWERED BY SCIENCE: LipiPro Shield (TM) Technology gives 2x more protein & lipid protection** & supports hair’s protein & lipid barrier for your heathiest, most resilient hair. It’s formulated without sulfated surfactants, parabens, phthalates, microplastic & dye
- REPAIR DAMAGE: From the #1 Hair Repair Brand,* the nutrient-infused formula designed for volume & texture contains vitamin B7 biotin to help strengthen hair & maintain growth along with collagen, a building block of healthy hair
- VOLUMIZING HAIR CARE ROUTINE: Scents of bergamot, jasmine & vanilla leave your hair smelling irresistible & leaves hair healthy in one wash. For best results, use this full hair shampoo with the entire OGX Biotin & Collagen hair care collection
- Biotin shampoo and conditioner set: Volumizing formula with biotin and collagen boosts fullness and body for flat to medium hair; sulfate free shampoo and paraben free conditioner for gentle, daily use and healthy-looking shine
- Sulfate free shampoo for color safe care: Gentle surfactants cleanse without stripping, making this color safe shampoo and conditioner ideal for dyed or treated hair; preserves vibrancy with nutrient-rich ingredients
- Moisturizing shampoo and conditioner: Plump-it-up formula hydrates and detangles each strand, reducing breakage and boosting manageability; enriched with biotin, and collagen for stronger, thicker-feeling hair with improved softness
- Helps maintain healthy-looking hair: Biotin, collagen and wheat protein nourish roots and strengthen hair from within; volumizing blend helps maintain fuller, thicker-looking locks while protecting against dryness
- Simple routine and delightful scent: Apply shampoo generously to wet hair, lather and rinse; follow with conditioner for best results; bergamot, jasmine and vanilla fragrance leaves hair clean, fresh and irresistibly scented
- Restoring Shampoo and Conditioner Set: This creamy restoring shampoo and detangling conditioner visibly repairs damage without weighing down, adding shine and protecting length as it strengthens and seals split ends
- Gentle Restoring Formula: With fine castor oil and vitamins B3 and B5, this paraben free long hair formula features sweet, floral, fruity scent with notes of pomegranate, caramel orchid and milk sorbet
- Dream Lengths: Try our whole system of shampoo, conditioner, treatments and dry shampoo, an extra caring, hair transforming range designed to extend care and magnify looks for dream long hair everyday
- All Things Beauty: Keep your beauty stash stocked with the best; We have a variety of products to help you achieve any look, whether you need eye makeup for a killer cat eye or face makeup for a flawless complexion
- L'Oreal Paris Beauty: A leading total beauty care company based in Paris, we offer innovative products and unique expertise from beauty experts in makeup, skin care, hair care, styling and hair color
- [ GENTLE SHAMPOO FOR SENSITIVE SCALP ] Free from sulfates, MIT, dyes, parabens, and fragrances, this cleansing shampoo is allergy-tested and suitable for sensitive scalp.
- [ HYDRATING FORMULA ] Infused with ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, it cleanses without disrupting scalp's moisture barrier leaving scalp & hair feeling hydrated for up to 72 hours*.
- [ PH BALANCED SHAMPOO] Effectively removes buildup while leaving hair 10X smoother & 5X more hydrated with just one wash**.
- [ ALL HAIR TYPES ] Suitable for all hair types, curl patterns, and color-treated hair, it ensures effective cleansing and care. Shampoo for men and women.
- [ DEVELOPED WITH DERMATOLOGISTS ] CeraVe Gentle Hydrating Shampoo is designed to cleanse hair gently without disrupting the scalp's natural barrier. Fragrance Free Shampoo & Paraben Free Shampoo.
- Strengthening Biotin Formula - The Rosemary Mint Shampoo is enriched with biotin to support stronger, healthier hair over time by targeting weak, brittle strands at the root.
- Moisturizing Ingredients - This shampoo for damaged hair is infused with nutrient-rich coconut oil and babassu seed oil to replenish moisture and restore vitality to dry, brittle strands.
- Gentle Scalp-Cleansing Lather - Our rosemary shampoo provides a sulfate-free, non-stripping lather ideal for textured hair types in need of gentle cleansing and hydration.
- Stylists Recommend - Apply to wet hair, massage the moisture locking shampoo into the scalp to activate the rosemary mint lather, and rinse thoroughly. Follow with the Rosemary Mint Hair Masque for best results.
- Healthy Ingredients, Healthier Hair - At Mielle, we do more than care for hair. We champion it. Our curly hair products are scalp-loving, innovation-driven, and made to nourish, strengthen, and support your hair care journey with intention and performance in every drop.
- Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner Set - This set strengthens hair against damage, replenishing hair by restoring moisture and reducing breakage. Enjoy longer, more vibrant moisturizing hair with less damage, frizz and tangling.
- Naturally Derived Ingredients - Native shampoo and conditioner set contains naturally derived and simple ingredients. Made with just 10 thoughtful ingredients that give strength to your strands such as coconut oil derived cleansers, food grade cleansing salts, and citric acid for pH balance. Free of silicone, sulfated surfactants, paraben, and dyes.
- Vegan & Cruelty Free - Native shampoo and conditioner are formulated without the use of any animal derived ingredients or by products. Never tested on animals, except humans who volunteer to try Native shampoo and conditioner set.
- For All Hair Types - Gentle and compatible on all men and women hair type from fine to dry damaged, even colored and treated. Simply Lather, sing, rinse, and repeat for happy, full-bodied hair. Life’s complicated enough, your hair care doesn’t have to be.
- Almond & Shea Butter - A warm and rich scent that comes from the delicious combination of almond and shea butter. Includes a 16.5 fl oz shampoo and 16.5 fl oz conditioner in this set.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Shampoos for Thick Hair
Thick hair is a blessing, but it needs special care. Regular shampoos might not clean deep enough or might leave your hair feeling heavy. This guide helps you choose the best shampoo for your amazing, thick locks.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a shampoo for thick hair, look for specific features. These features help manage volume and ensure a thorough clean.
- **Deep Cleansing Action:** Thick hair can trap more oil and product buildup. You need a shampoo that cleans right down to the scalp.
- **Lightweight Hydration:** Thick hair needs moisture, but too much heavy conditioner in the shampoo can weigh it down, making it look flat. Look for formulas that hydrate without being greasy.
- **Volume Boosting Ingredients:** Some ingredients help lift the hair at the root, giving your thick mane more body and bounce.
- **Frizz Control:** Thick hair is often prone to frizz. Ingredients that smooth the cuticle will keep your hair looking sleek.
Important Materials Your Shampoo Should Have (or Avoid)
The ingredients list tells the real story. What’s inside matters a lot for thick hair.
Go For These Good Ingredients:
Look for natural oils like Argan or Jojoba. These add necessary softness. Proteins, such as Keratin, help strengthen the strands. Glycerin is great because it pulls moisture into the hair shaft, keeping it soft but not floppy.
Watch Out For These Ingredients:
Heavy silicones are often found in shampoos. While they make hair feel smooth instantly, they can build up over time on thick hair, leading to dullness. Sulfates (like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) can be too harsh. They strip too much natural oil, which thick hair often needs to stay healthy.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Shampoo Quality
The formulation of the shampoo greatly affects how well it works on your hair.
What Makes a Shampoo Better:
A high-quality shampoo uses gentle surfactants (the cleaning agents). These clean well without stripping the hair completely. Good quality formulas balance cleansing power with conditioning agents. This balance prevents your hair from feeling like straw after washing.
What Makes a Shampoo Worse:
If a shampoo has too many fillers or low-quality waxes, it weighs down thick hair quickly. Shampoos that are overly concentrated can also be hard to rinse out completely from dense strands, leaving residue behind. Residue reduces shine and volume.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the shampoo and what you expect from it defines a good purchase.
For thick hair, lathering takes more effort. You might need to concentrate the shampoo on the scalp first, then let the suds run down the lengths. If you exercise a lot or use many styling products, you need a reliable deep-cleansing formula.
If your thick hair is also curly, you need a moisturizing formula that defines the curl pattern. If your thick hair is straight, focus on volume-boosting and lightweight options. Always remember that thick hair takes longer to rinse thoroughly, so spend extra time under the water!
10 FAQs About Shampoos for Thick Hair
Q: Why is my regular shampoo not working on my thick hair?
A: Regular shampoos often do not penetrate thick strands well enough to clean the scalp fully. They might also lack the necessary ingredients to handle the sheer volume of hair you have.
Q: Should I use a shampoo labeled “volumizing” or “moisturizing”?
A: It depends on your hair’s current state. If it feels heavy and flat, choose volumizing. If it feels dry or brittle, choose moisturizing, but make sure it’s a lightweight formula.
Q: How often should I wash my thick hair?
A: Most people with thick hair wash every two to three days. Washing daily can sometimes dry out the scalp. Use a dry shampoo on off days if needed.
Q: Can thick hair benefit from sulfate-free shampoos?
A: Yes, many people with thick hair prefer sulfate-free options. Sulfates clean very aggressively, and thick hair often needs its natural oils to stay healthy and manageable.
Q: Will a shampoo for thick hair make my hair look flatter?
A: A poorly formulated shampoo can. Always check reviews to ensure the product promises lightweight feel or volume enhancement, not just heavy conditioning.
Q: What is the best way to apply shampoo to very thick hair?
A: Dilute a small amount of shampoo with water in your palm first. Focus the product on your scalp and massage thoroughly. Let the rinse water clean the ends.
Q: Are expensive shampoos worth it for thick hair?
A: Sometimes, yes. Higher prices often mean better quality ingredients that clean effectively without leaving heavy residue, which is crucial for thick hair management.
Q: Should I use a clarifying shampoo sometimes?
A: Absolutely. Thick hair holds onto product easily. Use a clarifying shampoo once every two to four weeks to remove buildup and restore bounce.
Q: Can I use the same shampoo if my thick hair is color-treated?
A: You should look for color-safe formulas. Color-safe shampoos are gentler and help lock in the dye, which is important since thick hair takes longer to rinse, potentially washing out color faster.
Q: Does the shampoo need to match my conditioner?
A: It is best if they complement each other. If your shampoo is deeply moisturizing, choose a conditioner that focuses on sealing that moisture in, perhaps with a lighter finish.