The 11 Best Shampoos For Thick Hair Of 2023, All Tried & Tested

After testing Vegamour’s HYDR-8 Collection for eight weeks, I definitely noticed my hair retaining more moisture in shine. And I’m not alone: According to clinical results from the brand, the shampoo leaves hair 8 times more hydrated and 2.5 times stronger after just one use, with frizz reduction up to 72 hours. 

Of course, the blend features Karmatin, Vegamour’s signature vegan alternative to keratin and silicone. The biotechnology-derived ingredient (made from fermented silk protein) creates a mirror image of the amino acids that naturally occur in hair, and it remains attached to strands even after rinsing. It also never leaves your hair stripped dry, thanks to aloe vera, while magnolia bark extract delivers a dose of antioxidants and healthy shine. 

If there’s one shampoo I’ll purchase again and again, it’s Ranavat’s Regenerative Veda-Bond Complex. I notice way more shine and much silkier strands when I air-dry, thanks to antioxidant-rich amla and ashwagandha. The brand considers the formula a “champagne lather” which, yes, is as chic as it sounds: It refers to how the blend spreads throughout the hair and produces delicate bubbles to gently cleanse without stripping the scalp. 

That said, If you really want a deep clean, you do need to rinse and repeat to truly lift all the gunk. I usually oil my hair on wash days (with Ranavat’s Fortifying Hair Serum), so I do need two rounds of shampoo to make sure my scalp gets a proper scrub. But even with the extra wash, my scalp feels supple and hydrated. I’m also obsessed with the jasmine scent—subtle yet so luxurious. 

I’m not the only one to sing its praises. mbg assistant beauty editor, Hannah Frye, also considers it one of her favorites. “When I tested the lab samples of this shampoo and conditioner duo, I immediately started counting down the days until I could get the full-sized bottles,” she says. “Before using this shampoo, I looked at my scalp in the mirror: I saw flakes, dryness, and a bit of irritation—thanks to the seasonal transition. Yet after just one use (I repeat, one single use), my scalp immediately looked and felt better.” 

This shampoo has such a luxurious lather, you won’t even believe it’s sulfate-free. It’s deeply hydrating, with marshmallow root, shea butter, and avocado oil to fight frizz, so it will lift excess oil and grime from your scalp without leaving your lengths parched dry. And like pretty much every Ouai product, the scent is unmatched—the citrus-floral notes linger on my lengths for days. 

Scalp itching like no other? You should make sure you aren’t dealing with dandruff or buildup, but irritation from hair care products is also a common culprit. If you think your wash might be too irritating, create a clean slate with this fragrance-free formula from Nécessaire. The gel includes hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, panthenol, and 10% aloe vera juice, all of which are known for their hydrating and soothing properties. 

For the record, I don’t have a very sensitive scalp, but I still like to use this wash whenever I fold a scalp scrub or detox into the mix. That way, I know I won’t overwhelm the skin up top with too many fragrances and potent actives. The minimalist design looks so chic in my shower—I cannot resist a good shower aesthetic. 

The first time I used this shampoo, I audibly gasped at how smooth my locks looked. When Living Proof says “no-frizz,” they really do mean absolutely no frizz—I had zero flyaways in sight. 

Granted, I also received a blowout, but the wash does do a lot of the heavy lifting. (Soft, frizz-free hair starts in the shower, after all.) My hair stayed soft and shiny all day long, which is certainly a testament to the formula’s humidity-blocking abilities. The scent, as always, is just divine: I receive so many Your hair smells so good! compliments whenever I use Living Proof.

Those with thick locks likely struggle with greasy roots occasionally, especially if you extend time between wash days. Every once in a while, it’s important to give your scalp a good scrub. 

I’ve tried countless clarifying shampoos, yet I always come back to this $12 pick from Odele. It doesn’t provide as much foam as other purifying numbers, but don’t let the lack of bubbles fool you: This sulfate-free shampoo is hard at work ridding your scalp of buildup and gunk. It features a chelation technology to draw out pollutants and minerals (yes, your hair can accrue mineral buildup from hard water!), and the fresh scent will leave you feeling invigorated.  

With high-quality, fermented vegan collagen and copper peptides, panthenol, and a protein-rich complex of quinoa, lentil, and apricot, this formula is the antidote to breakage and split ends—it’s hard to believe this number only costs $10. It also comes in a base of aloe vera juice (it’s the No. 1 ingredient listed) and plant-based surfactants to gently clean your scalp without stripping it dry. Your hair will feel stronger after a single wash (I’m speaking from experience here). 

If you have thick hair that easily gets weighed down, try adding apple cider vinegar into your hair care arsenal. It effectively purifies the scalp—thanks to those acidic properties—which removes the weight from excess grime to give you more lift at the root. Hello, volume! Not to mention, the ingredient brings your hair's pH levels back down and seals the cuticle shut, which helps reduce frizz and enhance shine. 

Plus, it has panthenol, which hairstylist and Authentic Beauty Concept advocate Justin Toves-Vincilione, says is A+ for volume: “Almost every volumizing shampoo will contain one specific ingredient, and that is panthenol," he notes. "Panthenol is a humectant that ultimately attracts moisture into the hair strand making it look more plump and voluminous while also allowing the hair to respond much better to blow-dry styling.” 

When I use AG Care’s ACV-infused formula, I can really tell how lightweight my strands feel post-wash. I’d also be remiss not to call out its 98% plant-based and naturally derived ingredient list and refill pouches.

Not only does this shampoo encourage healthier hair growth, with silk protein and Japanese-sourced senburi extract, but it also includes flexible polymers to create bond structures between your strands, which noticeably thickens hair with every wash. It also generates a very good lather, which is a feat for most sulfate-free formulas. 

After using it, I definitely noticed my scalp feeling lighter and more refreshed—yet still hydrated and comfortable. And at $15 for such high-quality ingredients, it’s definitely a steal. 

Use the wrong shampoo, and your gorgeous color will fade faster than you can say balayage. Ingredients like sulfates, alcohols, and even purifying agents like salicylic acid or charcoal, can strip the dye right off your strands. That said, if you’re looking for a deep clean, you can find effective options that actually enhance your hue. 

Date fruit extract and cinnamon ensure bright, condition strands, sealing the cuticle and reducing frizz. It also features cationic Guar extract as a silicone replacement, so you achieve soft, silky shine without the buildup. 

This customizable shampoo starts with a base of fermented rice water, then offers multiple “booster shots” you can pour in the bottle to achieve various hair goals, like shine, strengthening, anti-frizz, and curl definition. 

I have 2C waves—with a few proper curls tousled here and there—so I snagged the wavy hair base, but the brand also has a curly concoction with chia extract for true spirals. FYI, it does contain dimethicone, which is something to call out: We’re not against silicones entirely (aside from cyclic silicones) since they can offer tons of silky shine, but they also have the potential to cause buildup. Some people love ‘em for the aesthetics! Just make sure to sub in a clarifying shampoo every once in a while to ensure you don’t accumulate too much gunk.