THE THICK OF IT

11 best shampoos for thick hair 2022 – including Pantene, Redken and Pureology

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THICK hair can be tricky to manage because there is so much to work with, but when you use the right products, there's nothing more show stopping.

The best place to start? Finding the best shampoo, naturally. The right product will moisturise, strengthen, soften and revitalise your hair and won't require you to use half a bottle every time you wash day.

Despite being a good place to start whatever your hair type, avoiding harsh ingredients like sulphates and silicones that strip your strands of natural oils and moisture is particularly important for thick hair as it often errs towards being dry.

Hydrating ingredients to look out for are argan oil and aloe vera as well as gentle chamomile for soothing. To help with those desirably shiny locks, something with a keratin related ingredient will keep frizz at bay and smooth hair cuticles.

Interest piqued? We’ve selected the best shampoos for thick hair that you need to know about.

Shampoos for thick hair at a glance:

  • Best shampoo for thick frizzy hair: Pantene Pro-V Miracles Frizz No More
  • Best shampoo for thick black hair:
  • Best shampoo for thick red hair:
  • Best shampoo for thick blonde hair:
  • Best anti-dandruff shampoo for thick hair:
  • Best smoothing shampoo for thick hair:
  • Best shampoo for long thick hair:
  • Best shampoo for thick straight hair:
  • Best shampoo for thick oily hair:
  • Best shampoo for thick dry hair:
  • Best shampoo for thick curly hair:

Best for thick frizzy hair: Pantene Pro-V Miracles Frizz No More

Frizzy hair is a pain. It can seem like no matter what you try, you can never get your strands smooth. We'd like to suggest it may be time to change your haircare, starting with your shampoo.

The Pro-V Frizz No More shampoo from Pantene is a great, affordable place to start.

With a formula that includes an exclusive to Pantene cactus extract which is rich in amino acids, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants - lots of slightly meaningless words but basically, all the good stuff that your hair wants and needs - as well as biotin for strength and argan oil for that softness and shininess we all crave.

You'll also find this shampoo has a Humidity Resistant Complex which will combat the natural external factors that lead to frizzy hair.

READ MORE:

Best for thick black hair: ARKIVE The All Day Everyday Shampoo

Created by renowned hair stylist, Adam Reed, ARKIVE is all about headcare which sees your hair routine as a time for resetting and taking a moment of calm. We're all for it.

The shampoo itself has been created for all hair types and you can expect shiny, soft and hydrated hair.

Baobab takes the lead in the formula, with baobab oil locking in moisture in the scalp which is key to healthy hair and baobab protein increasing the resilience and strength of your strands.

Despite its chic, luxe looking packaging, this shampoo is actually super affordable costing just £8 from Boots.

Best for thick red hair: Pureology Hydrate Colour Care Shampoo

When it comes to keeping coloured hair as healthy as possible, you only need to remember one thing - hydration, hydration, hydration. Oh, and heat protection but that's for after you've got out of the shower.

The Colour Care shampoo from Pureology is not only a bestseller but also an award winner because of how effectively it hydrates thick, colour treated hair.

Formulated with sage, green tea and jojoba oil for hydrating thirsty locks it also includes the brand's own patented Antifade Complex which cleans without stripping away colour.

And because the formula is so concentrated, you'll only need to use a small amount so you could be looking at up to 75 uses from one bottle. The dream.

Best for thick blonde hair: It's a 10 Blonde Shampoo

Whether you lucked out in the gene pool and you're a natural blonde or you've got coloured locks you need a blonde shampoo.

This one from It's a 10 protects against fading and refreshes shades from ashy blondes to golden hues.

Ever suffered with brassiness? Well, you're in luck, because this shampoo will combat that.

There's a whole blonde range from It's a 10 so you can make sure your colour is a bright as can be.

Best anti-dandruff shampoo for thick hair: Percy & Reed I'm No Flake Scalp Soothing Shampoo

Having dandruff can make you feel self-conscious but did you know sometimes it can actually be your hair products causing it?

Opt for a flake fighter like the I'm No Flake Scalp Soothing shampoo from Percy & Reed which soothes and relieves the scalp using Aloe Vera and Chamomile as well as including targeted ingredients that works to banish and prevent further flakey scalps.

Pro-Vitamin B5 then steps in to strengthen and condition the hair so you're left with shiny, flake free locks.

Plus you won't find any of the nasty stuff like parabens, sulphates or silicone and it's all good for vegans to use as well as people with sensitive skin. Basically everyone's covered.

Best smoothing shampoo for thick hair: Virtue Smooth Shampoo

Smooth is number one on many people's hair wish list - ours included. So is stands to reason that if you want smooth hair you're best off opting for a smooth shampoo.

This one from Virtue has been clinically proven to smooth cuticles (which is how your hair appears shinier and smoother) and reduce frizz using its patented Alpha Keratin 60ku technology.

Let's break that down a little bit. Alpha Keratin 60ku seals the hair shaft which, in the long term, means it fares better in humid conditions and other environmental situations that aren't particularly hair conducive.

It also smells delicious, with lavender, mint and pomelo all working together to create a beautifully fragrant product.

Seriously, this shampoo is the first step to mega smooth hair and we love it.

Best for long thick hair: Garnier Glowing Lengths Pineapple & Amla Hair Food Shampoo

We'd be surprised if you hadn't heard of Garnier but did you know its Pineapple and Amla Hair Food shampoo is vegan friendly and cruelty free?

It's also been specifically formulated for long hair, to protect against external aggressors and keep your strands as strong and healthy for as long as possible.

Gently cleansing without weighing down the hair - which would be a nightmare if your hair is super long - it helps to reduce split ends and give an overall shine.

It's best used with the rest of the range which includes a conditioner and a hair mask but the true beauty of this shampoo is that it only costs £6.

Best shampoo for thick straight hair: Hair By Sam McKnight Light Cleanse Shampoo

Sam McKnight has worked with the likes of Lady Gaga, Princess Diana and Kate Moss so it's no surprise that his haircare range is excellent.

The Light Cleanse shampoo from Hair By Sam McKnight, is a gentle cleanser that works particularly well for straight hair adding moisture without any heaviness.

It comes in luxe, millennial pink packaging that will add to any bathroom and leaves hair shiny, smooth and super light.

Plus it's vegan friendly and paraben free. Yes please.

Best shampoo for thick oily hair: Centred Daily Calma Shampoo

Set up by husband and wife duo, Kieran and Laura Tudor, Centred stemmed from Laura's struggle with stress-related hair loss a few years ago. When nothing doing the trick, she decided to do some research and create her own products.

Now, the brand goes far beyond Laura's initial hair loss journey, and the Daily Calma shampoo combines Aloe Vera, Chamomile and Orange Blossom Water with a coconut derived cleanser to gently remove build up on the scalp which leaves clean, soft and silky strands.

If you have oiler locks, a natural sulphate and silicone free shampoo like this one is better for more regular use and a focus on the scalp should cut down the amount that you'll need to shampoo which is much better for your hair in the long run.

Best for thick curly hair: Only Curls All Curl Cleanser

Curly girls listen up. We've found a brand that is completely dedicated to making sure your strands are non-thirsty, flirty and thriving (any 13 Going On 30 fans out there?).

Curly hair is often drier and more brittle than straight hair, especially if your curl pattern is a three or four. So, hydration is key, which is exactly what the All Curl Cleanser offers.

It gently foams while making sure not to strip away any natural oils. Avocado oil and kukui oil adds a hydration boost.

You'll also find your hair will feel clean - of course - softer and you'll see less frizz. Sign us up.

Best shampoo for thick dry hair: Redken All Soft Mega Shampoo

For the softest of soft hair, you need to pick up the Redken All Soft Mega shampoo - the name says it all.

Formulated for severely dry hair, it includes Aloe Vera to hydrate and strengthen thirsty strands and makes sure moisture is locked in for long lasting sleekness and shine.

You'll find your hair feels super lightweight and if you want and extra boost, pair with the conditioner.

We did a full Redken shampoo review if you want to know more about what we thought of this product - spoiler alert, we loved it.

What shampoo should I use for thick hair?

A good shampoo for thick hair is essential, particularly when it gets long and is styled frequently.

There are also specific shampoos for if hair becomes brittle, dry or frizzy.

, and all have a great range as well as some of the excellent options we've included in this edit.

How much shampoo to use for thick hair?

The great debate of how much shampoo should you actually use?

While it can vary slightly on length of hair and texture, the standard recommendation is a fifty pence sized amount.

It is also important to remember coarse hair may be more porous but this shouldn't affect how much shampoo you use however you may need a little extra conditioner or a hair mask to keep hair silky and soft.

What is the best shampoo for thick curly hair?

Thick curly hair often has more frizz and if heat is applied this can also affect the texture.

Using a shampoo with natural oils, protein or keratin can help infuse the hair back to health.

Brands like have been specifically designed with curly hair in mind so they're your best bet.

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