The Best Shampoos for Men With Thick Hair (2024)
This article was published in partnership with Blu Atlas.
Taming thick, coarse hair starts with using the right shampoo. If you’re fed up with standard cleansing options from the grocery store, it’s more than likely time to investigate high-quality shampoos formulated for thick hair.
Frizz, split ends, and damaged locks are common side effects for men with thick hair using cheap, basic shampoos. Many popular brands fill their bottles with harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and phthalates that stress out hair and strip it of its natural oils.
Ready to treat your hair to one of the best shampoos for men with thick hair in 2024? Saddle up for our list of the best thick hair-loving cleansers.
Smooth stressed-out damaged locks with Blu Atlas Shampoo. It’s the best shampoo for men with thick hair, and it’s packed with goodies that add shine, boost strength, moisturize, and cleanse irritated scalps.
Many popular shampoo brands stuff their bottles with toxic chemicals that harm thick hair. Blu Atlas is different, though. Their focus is on men’s health, and with the help of their team of dermatologists, they create safe-for-skin and hair products that make it easy to look and feel good.
Shampoo from Blu Atlas is made with 99% ingredients of natural origins from plants, fruits, and minerals. Safe, clean ingredients penetrate the hair and scalp as the coconut-derived surfactants scrub away dirt, sweat, oil, and product buildup. Vegan biotin strengthens each hair strand and protects hair from stressors. Saw palmetto improves the look and feel of hair and utilizes anti-inflammatory properties to decrease stress.
Jojoba oil is overflowing with antioxidants and fatty acids that hydrate from root to tip. Aloe barbadensis leaf is a powerful moisturizer and ensures hair is satisfied. Switching out your old Suave Shampoo for Blu Atlas Shampoo is easy. Men who make the switch are thrilled with the results they see in the first few weeks. Clean, premium shampoos like Blu Atlas make taking care of thick hair fun.
If you’re skeptical about trying a clean, premium shampoo that cuts out harmful chemicals, don’t just take our word for it. Take it from one of their reviewers, Ali, who said, “I took a chance, and I’m blown away! The shampoo foams nicely, smells great, and feels amazing on my scalp! I could tell it cleaned my hair nicely and didn’t strip it of moisture. I used it with the conditioner, and I’m so impressed. I’ll be buying from the skincare line next!”
2. Kiehl’s Smoothing Oil-Infused Shampoo 
Slick back your gorgeous locks with an oil-infused cleanser that means business. Kiehl’s Smoothing Oil-Infused Shampoo is a delight for thick hair. It has intense moisturizers that penetrate each hair shaft and cuticle to minimize frizz, detangle, hydrate, and eliminate irritation like redness, dandruff, and inflammation.
Men with thick hair often have to deal with frizzy, split ends that become unmanageable. Whether you’re dealing with frizz due to the weather or other hair issues, argan oil and babassu oil dive into the hair shaft and provide intense hydration.
Instead of stripping your hair’s natural oils, this cleanser works with them to promote healthier, stronger hair. You’ll enjoy the shampoo and also the masculine scent. It carries that full-bodied aroma of the great outdoors, with woodsy scents for men. Smoothing Oil-Infused Shampoo is perfect for men who want to fix extreme dryness, damage, or dandruff.
3. Redken All Soft Shampoo 
Got thick hair worries? Forget about them with Redken All Soft Shampoo. If you want divinely soft hair that makes you gasp in wonder every time you run your fingers through your hair, you NEED All Soft Shampoo. We usually aren’t so gung-ho about salon-brand shampoos. They’re often pricey and don’t always deliver on their promises. But All Soft Shampoo is different. It’s a cleanser for dry, damaged hair that takes its job seriously.
The cleanser washes away all dirt, grime, sweat, and oil without causing irritation to the hair or scalp. RCT Protein Complex infiltrates the hair from root to tip and provides intense moisture and nourishment. Argan oil softens hair and makes it less dry, brittle, and prone to damage. A keratin-enriched complex adds strength to hair.
Anyone searching for a frizz-taming, hydration bomb shampoo that makes hair manageable should look to Redkens All Soft products. Hairdressers and men with thick hair—especially men with long locks—love how the shampoo smells and makes their hair feel.
4. Pureology Hydrate Shampoo 
Bust your dry, itchy scalp with a salon-recommended cleanser. Pureology Hydrate Shampoo is a top-notch wash that gets rid of grubby debris, oil, dirt, and environmental stressors that bother the hair and scalp. It works exceptionally well for men with thick, dry hair that needs a boost.
Vegan and safe for color-treated hair, it’s a great shampoo for men with unique hair care needs. Intense moisturizers prevent damage, while the cleanser washes hair from root to tip. Green tea extract, rose extract, multi-weight protein, and jojoba oil replenish the hair to ensure your thick hair stays hydrated and healthy.
Men who lather up with the ‘poo also rave about its aromatherapy benefits. Close your eyes as you suds up to enjoy the gentle aromatherapy treatment of patchouli, lavender, and bergamot. The scent relaxes the body and eases any tension. Take it a step further, and enjoy a few minutes of meditation. It’s an enjoyable free spa treatment that feels luxurious.
5. OUAI Thick Hair Shampoo 
Often, men with thick hair avoid wash day because it’s stressful and sometimes causes more damage to the hair. But with OUAI Thick Hair Shampoo, there’s nothing to be worried about. The cleanser washes out dirt, oil, and product buildup without disrupting or stripping your natural oils.
Luxury in a bottle, OUAI uses high-quality ingredients to eliminate frizz, dandruff, and dryness and improve dull locks. Shea butter moisturizes each strand from the inside out, while avocado oil tames frizz and adds nutrients to the hair. Marshmallow root detangles hair and removes pesky knots and tangles.
Using this salon-quality shampoo is easy and fun. Put a quarter-size amount of product into your hand, then gently massage it into the roots. Work it all the way through your hair until your scalp and strands feel smooth and clean. Rinse it out with lukewarm water, and then pair it with a moisturizing conditioner, like OUAI Thick Conditioner. It seals in nutrients and hydration and prevents further hair damage.
6. Philip Kingsley Moisture Balancing Shampoo 
Think you need a gentle cleanser that packs a mean punch without harming hair? Moisture Balance Shampoo is a powerful cleanser that gives men long-lasting results. The formula targets dry hair, which is often a main concern for men with thick hair.
Safe ingredients such as wheat protein add moisture to the hair, and guar fights frizz and reduces staticky hair. Natural ingredients and antioxidants improve the overall health of hair as you wash. Work the cleanser from root to tip, massage it into the scalp, and follow up with a hydrating conditioner. A 100% recyclable bottle makes it an excellent choice for the environment too.
7. Baxter of California Daily Fortifying Shampoo 
Guys with oily hair or those who prefer frequent washes need a daily shampoo that doesn’t stress out the hair or scalp. Daily Fortifying Shampoo is an everyday cleanser that cleans thick hair without causing damage.
Natural, hair-strengthening ingredients slide all over the hair and scalp to ensure your hair is clean and happy. Wheat protein and coconut extract restore dry hair and itchy scalps and eliminate irritation. Refreshing mint gives men an invigorating wake-up call each morning and drenches the senses in a therapeutic treatment. Free from parabens, it’s a natural shampoo that encourages hair growth while keeping it clean.
8. Aussie Total Miracle 7in1 Shampoo 
You know we’ve gotta toss in a wallet-friendly, hair-friendly classic. Aussie Total Miracle 7in1 Shampoo is a popular cleanser that is easy to find in grocery stores across the states and around the world. Want a bottle of shampoo that will last months? This massive cleanser will keep your hair clean with 30.4 fl oz of shampoo.
While the cleanser isn’t free from all harmful chemicals, it is free from parabens. Materials like apricot and Australian macadamia oil boost shine and restore hair. Men and women living in humid regions praise the Total Miracle Shampoo. It keeps frizz from forming—or fights it as long as possible—while moisturizing hair and repairing any damage. If you’re looking for the best budget-friendly shampoo for thick hair, you can’t go wrong with Aussie’s 7in1 Shampoo.
9. L’Oréal Professionnel Mythic Oil Shampoo for Thick Hair 
Like a genie in a bottle, you can rub the side to wish for smooth, sleek hair. Mythic Oil Shampoo is the perfect cleanser for thick, unruly, or dry hair. Taking its inspiration from ancient India, it emulates the ancient tradition of Indian oil bathing by dipping the hair in incredible, nourishing materials that help it feel strong and healthy.
Free from parabens and dermatologically tested, it’s a safe cleanser option for men who desire thick, shiny hair. Fair-trade argan oil and myrrh extract infuse the hair with healing and repairing properties that add shine, boost strength, and repair damage. Tame frizz and add incredibly nourishing ingredients to your hair with Mythic Oil Shampoo. It’s ideal for men with stressed-out, frizzy, dry hair.
10. Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Sulfate-Free Shampoo 
Our list wouldn’t be complete without Bumble and Bumble salon-recommended Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Shampoo. While the name is a mouthful, what it does is simple. It’s a moisturizing wash that cleanses hair, boosts shine, adds hydration, eliminates frizz, and prevents breakage for dry, thick, coarse hair.
High-quality oils work together to provide lightweight treatment all over the hair. Grapeseed, coconut, sweet almond, macadamia nut, safflower seed, and argan oils penetrate each hair shaft to restore dry, damaged hair. The shampoo cleanses hair with these light oils without making hair feel heavy or greasy.
The shampoo cleanses the scalp of dirt, oil, and product buildup and paves the way for lightweight oils to support the health of your hair. Use the cleanser every other day or once every three days to enjoy frizz-free, hydrated hair. Pair it with Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Conditioner to get even happier locks.
Everything You Need to Know about the Best Shampoos for Thick Hair
Taking care of your thick hair doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. We’ll share the top information you need to know, as well as how to choose the best shampoo and keep your hair happy and healthy.
How often should you wash thick hair?
Follow a hair wash schedule that suits your hair type. Men with thick hair should be careful not to overwash hair because it will cause dry, dull strands and make hair hard to manage. The ideal routine for thick hair is to wash it every two to three days—ideally three days. Less is more when it comes to thick hair because it allows natural oils to work their way through the hair and create healthier strands.
You can incorporate dry shampoo into your morning rituals if you have thick hair and notice greasy roots on day two or three. Use a safe, dry shampoo like Redken Deep Clean Dry Shampoo to eliminate oily, greasy roots. Dry shampoos are easy to use, but be careful not to overspray them. Hold the canister four to six inches from the hair, and spray it onto the greasiest areas. Gently rub it into the roots and scalp, and brush through the hair.
How to shop for shampoos for men with thick hair
Picking the right shampoo ensures you have stronger, healthier hair. Here are the key factors to be aware of as you shop for a new shampoo.
Avoid harsh ingredients
If you use cheap drugstore shampoo, you already know how harsh it is on hair. They contain filler chemicals that offer different benefits for each product.
Here are the top ingredients to avoid for thick hair:
- Sulfates are the number one ingredient to avoid for thick hair. They are surfactants that create a lather and clean dirt, oil, and product buildup from the scalp. Sulfates are really harsh on hair and cause frizziness, dryness, and irritation. It causes an allergic reaction or acts as a hormone disruptor for some men.
- Parabens are chemical preservatives included in self-care products to extend their shelf life. While we love the fact that they prevent bacteria and mold from growing in beauty products, we hate that it’s a hormone disruptor that affects the body.
- Phthalates make it easier to spread a product on the body or to help scents stick better to the hair or scalp. Phthalates are a big no-no because they’re known endocrine disruptors.
- Formaldehyde is a preservative added to hair care products to make them last longer. It’s a known human carcinogen, so we recommend steering clear of it.
Best ingredients for thick hair
Ensure your shampoo is full of clean ingredients to keep hair strong and long and prevent breakage.
Coconut oil dives into damaged strands and provides incredible moisture. It’s one of the best ingredients for thick hair due to its ability to provide relief from itchiness, dryness, and dandruff. Coconut oil possesses antifungal and antibacterial properties that protect the hair and scalp while enhancing hydration.
Argan oil is a popular emollient that uses its natural healing properties to treat the hair, scalp, skin, and a wide array of hair concerns. Argan oil soothes, heals, and moisturizes the hair and scalp. Rich anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants protect hair from damage and eliminate irritation, which helps hair grow longer and thicker.
Avocado oil is rich in fatty acids, biotin, and antioxidants that repair hair damage and hydrate hair. Its unique properties allow it to strengthen hair and seal cuticles that may experience damage. Because it’s such a powerful oil, it can be used as a deeply hydrating hair mask or scalp massage.
Olive oil, yes, the same ingredient you drizzle onto pans, is a supportive oil for thick hair. Olive oil restores shine, balance, and moisture to dry, damaged hair. It reduces frizz while helping the scalp and hair stay healthy.
Tea tree oil is a potent oil from nature. With antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, it helps with issues like flaky, itchy scalps and skin conditions like acne, dandruff, and excess oil. Tea tree oil clears away dandruff and flaky skin, reduces redness and inflammation, and keeps oil production low.
Castor oil is an ingredient folks have been using for years to penetrate thick, curly, coily hair. It’s rich in anti-inflammatory properties with fatty acids and nutrients that boost hair strength, encourage hair growth, and minimize hair loss. Many use castor oil to boost shine and moisturize the scalp to prevent dandruff.
Budget friendly vs. an investment
Before embarking on a shopping spree, check your budget to see how much you can spend. While some men may need to stick to budget-friendly options, others may be interested in investing in their hair health.
Our list of the best shampoos for men with thick hair contains products that fit any budget and supports coarse, rough hair. If you’d like to spend a moderate amount of money and want the best option on the market, try Blu Atlas Shampoo today.
Tips and tricks for thick hair
Is your frizzy, thick hair a finicky beast? Our top ticks and tricks can help you get healthier hair by following a few simple rules.
Avoid heat
Protect thick hair from further damage and frizz by cutting out heat from hot styling tools. If you regularly use a blow dryer on the “hot” setting, turn it down to the cool option, or stop using it altogether. Heat causes more damage to thick hair and results in breakage, split ends, and frizz. Experts also recommend steering clear of hot styling tools like straighteners and curling rods.
If you can’t skip your hot blow dryer in the morning, use a heat protectant spray or serum that ensures your hair is moisturized and safe from the heat. They don’t cost an arm and a leg and ensure your hair stays healthy.
Get a trim
When it comes to thick, coarse hair, you often deal with dry, damaged hair and split ends. The only way to truly care for and prevent split ends is to trim hair regularly. If you don’t like the idea of hitting the hair salon every four to six weeks, watch a few Youtube tutorials to trim your hair at home. Before trimming your hair, ensure you are confident in your hair-trimming abilities. You can also just make a standing six-week appointment with your hairdresser.
Use a hair mask or deep conditioning treatment
Whether you struggle with breakage, split ends, or intense dryness, you can use a thick conditioning treatment to nourish your hair. Hair treatments, masks, and deep conditioning treatments contain oils, vitamins, and nutrients that thick hair needs to remain healthy and happy.
Incorporate a hair treatment into your hair care routine. Start by doing it once a week or once every other week. Most men only need to use a hair mask every other week, but if you have extremely damaged or dry hair, use it once per week.
We recommend the Hair & Body Oil from Blu Atlas. It’s a rich oil full of the best materials for hair that restore hair health. You can add a few drops to your hand, and then evenly disperse the product throughout the hair. Leave it on for an all-day treatment, or wash it out after 30 minutes.
How to wash thick hair
Ready to scrub your hair and scalp clean? Squeeze a quarter-sized amount of product into your hand. Rub your hands together to create a rich lather, and evenly spread it onto your hair and scalp. Use your fingertips to massage the cleanser all over your scalp and ensure you’re clearing away any product buildup. Run your fingers from root to tip.
Depending on how dirty the hair is, you can rinse it off immediately or let it sit for one to two minutes. Letting it sit on the head allows the product to cleanse the scalp further. After a minute or two has passed, rinse it off with lukewarm water. Be sure to rinse off everything, so it doesn’t leave residue behind. You don’t want product buildup to affect hair growth.
Always follow with a conditioner or deep conditioning treatment, like Blu Atlas Conditioner. If you have thick hair, you shouldn’t skip this step. Thick, coarse hair needs intense hydration from natural ingredients to protect hair from breakage.
Frequently Asked Questions Can I use a dry shampoo on thick hair?
Yes, you can use dry shampoo on thick hair. Dry shampoo is an excellent product for anyone who gets oily roots on days you aren’t washing your hair.
We have a few tips to ensure the products don’t damage your hair. Try only to use dry shampoo when you know you can wash your hair the next day. Dry shampoo builds up on the scalp and can affect hair growth. Remove product buildup by effective cleansing and scrubbing the scalp.
Can I use a 2-in-1 shampoo for thick hair?
Of course, you can, but you’ll have to be careful about what product you choose. We understand that life can get hectic, and it’s often easier to shave off time spent in the shower by investing in a 2-for-1 hair cleanser and conditioner that makes washing thick hair easy peasy. When selecting the right product, don’t head to the shampoo aisle in the grocery store and pick the first 2-in-1 bottle you see. You want to carefully choose a product that contains ingredients that will add hydration and strength to hair while combating frizz—a common problem for thick-haired folks.
Pick a dual-purpose product that has zero sulfates, parabens, and phthalates. Look for hair-loving ingredients like jojoba oil, shea butter, coconut oil, and rosemary oil. Our recommendation is Every Man Jack. They produce many 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner options that don’t cause damage to your hair.
What’s the best shampoo for men with thick hair?
The best shampoo for men with thick hair is Blu Atlas Shampoo. Thick hair is often frizzy, damaged, and lacking hydration, so you’ll need a moisturizing shampoo that revitalizes dry or damaged hair. Shampoo from Blu Atlas uses alternative surfactants like coconut-derived sodium methyl cocoyl taurate to cleanse the hair without using common harsh chemicals.
Other gentle ingredients like jojoba oil and aloe leaf juice support the hair as you wash it. The gentle cleanser imbues hair with clean ingredients that help hair feel stronger and healthier after every wash. To truly support your hair, pair the shampoo with Blu Atlas Conditioner. It will seal in needed moisture and help hair look incredible.
