Best shampoo for thick coarse wavy hair

The Best Shampoos For Thick Hair That needs Hydration

The Philip Kingsley Moisture Balancing Shampoo is specially formulated for hair that needs more moisture. Infused with wheat Protein and Guar (an anti-static conditioning agent), this hydrating formula cleanses and balances hair.

Horses typically have thick and shiny lustrous hair, which is exactly what inspired the Mane 'n Tail Original Shampoo. This lightweight shampoo forms a rich lather upon contact with water, helping to eliminate impurities without stripping the hair's natural oils. It also works to restore body and shine to leave hair smooth, calm and healthy-looking.

L'Oréal Professionnel Mythic Oil Shampoo for Thick Hair is concentrated with fairly traded argan oil and enriched with Vitamin E. The treatment is also infused with myrrh extract, popular for its repairing properties. This gentle shampoo produces a generous foam that gently cleanses and tames unruly thick hair.

The Best Shampoos For Frizzy, Dry Hair

Wave goodbye to frizz for up to 72 hours with the Kérastase Discipline Bain Fluidealiste. Enriched with keratin, amino acids, a powerful wheat protein derivative and ceramide R, this shampoo smooths and strengthens your hair. After a few uses your locks will be left with natural movement, a soft texture and a frizz-free finish.

The Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Sulfate Free Shampoo is specially formulated for dry, coarse or brittle hair. Infused with nourishing oils to help soften and increase your hair manageability this gentle shampoo also protects against breakage and damage caused by heat and environmental aggressors.

The OUAI Thick Hair Shampoo cleanses away product buildup and dirt without stripping your scalp and the natural oils in your hair. Avocado Oil and Shea Butter coat hair to stop water loss for longer, while strengthening Hydrolysed Keratin means locks will be less prone to breakage during brushing and styling.

The Best Shampoo For Coloured Thick Hair

Do you have thick hair that is also coloured? Wella Professionals INVIGO Color Brilliance Shampoo for Coarse Hair is a pH-optimised shampoo helps to seal the hair cuticle to lock in colour, whilst using a Copper Encapsulating Molecules to improve vibrancy and shine. This hydrating shampoo will not only keep your colour fresh, but will help you maintain maintain soft hair.

Byrdie / Chloe Jeong

Frizzy hair is cute in small doses—but when it gets unmanageable, you might need to employ a few styling tricks to smooth things out. Seven out of 10 people will have challenges with frizz at some point in their hair journey, no matter their hair type, says Jamie Wiley, Global Artistic Director of Pureology.

To combat frizz, you want a formula that’s nourishing, smoothing, and softening but still cleansing enough to remove build-up and give you that fresh hair feeling—all things that are achievable given you have the right product on hand.

We went to work, conducting research on the best shampoos for frizzy hair, evaluating each on active ingredients, texture, and value. Our product testers tried out some of the top-rated products, using them for weeks at a time and taking note of results. Our team then combined these results with our own research and stylist-recommended products to compile this list.

Ahead, find the best shampoos for frizzy hair.

What We Like

• Sulfate-free and color-safe

• Suitable for all hair types

• Lathers well

What We Don't Like

• Expensive

Who else recommends it? Allure, Cosmopolitan, and Elle all picked the Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo.

What do buyers say? 83% of 1,600+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.

Living Proof has amassed a cult following of fans since it launched, and it’s because their formulas consistently deliver. The No Frizz Shampoo contains a patented molecule that protects against humidity and reduces hair friction for sleeker, shinier hair.

Hair Type: All hair types and textures | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Fruity citrus | Size: 8 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

What Our Editors Say

"This formula is highly effective at tamping frizz and making blow dries quicker and smoother. My usually puffy hair has a glossy sheen without feeling weighed down." —Jill Di Donato, Senior Commerce Editor

What We Like

• Rich in nourishing oils

• Lathers well

• Gentle scent

What We Don't Like

• Contains sulfates

This budget-friendly formula is packed with nourishing oils to soften and smooth the hair, resulting in shiny, frizz-free hair. It lathers well, so it works great for thick, coarse hair types where lighter shampoos might not cut the mustard. Plus, we love the classic shampoo scent—it definitely lingers well after wash day.

Hair Type: Thick, coarse, dry | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Clean | Size: 12 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

What We Like

• Polymer blend smooths the hair

• Sulfate-free

• Adds shine

What We Don't Like

• Expensive

This shampoo has a sulfate-free formula that works to smooth the hair, seal the cuticle, and reduce frizz without weighing it down. It also contains a special polymer blend that coats each strand, keeping them shiny, sleek, and tangle-free. The price may be steep, but we think the polymer blend is worth it—especially if you have damaged hair that tends to knot up.

Hair Type: Fine to thick, straight, wavy, or curly | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Powdery floral | Size: 8.5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

What We Like

• Contains rosehip, argan, and coconut oils

• Suitable for all hair types

• Deeply cleanses

What We Don't Like

• Expensive

Briogeo does clean but efficacious hair care really well, and Farewell Frizz is a standout formula for fluffy, flyaway hair that's hard to style. What’s unique about this product is that it deeply cleanses the hair, and the inclusion of argan, rosehip, and coconut oils will leave hair shiny and hydrated.

Hair Type: All hair types and textures | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Fruity | Size: 8 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

What We Like

• Sulfate-free and color-safe

• Contains nourishing shea butter

• Adds shine

What We Don't Like

• Expensive

This shampoo is rich in shea butter, an ingredient Wiley tells us is useful for trapping moisture in the hair shaft (thus preventing frizz and flyaways). It’s also gentle, sulfate-free, and is safe for color-treated hair, so you can get that sleek, shiny feeling without losing out on vibrance.

Hair Type: Medium to thick, color-treated | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Woody and sweet | Size: 9 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

What We Like

• Affordable

• Easy-to-use pump bottle

• Made from recycled plastic

What We Don't Like

• Contains sulfates

Monday Haircare's Smooth formula is really nourishing thanks to the inclusion of shea butter, panthenol (AKA provitamin B5), vitamin E, and coconut oil. It will weigh fluffy, unruly hair down with this formula, so say goodbye to that frizz halo.

Hair Type: Medium to thick | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Soft, clean | Size: 12 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

What We Like

• Designed to smooth curls and waves

• Rich in amino acids

What We Don't Like

• Some reviewers note the fragrance is perfume-like

Oribe is the embodiment of luxury. From the signature fragrance to silky foam to the way it makes your hair swishy and wonderful, this shampoo is seriously good stuff. This formula is rich in amino acids and a microemulsion smoothing system to soften, define, and smooth out curly, coily, and wavy hair. 

Hair Type: Wavy, curly, coarse, thick | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Bergamot, jasmine, and sandalwood | Size: 8.5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

What Our Testers Say

“It really nourishes and softens the hair, leaving it silky and glossy." — Product Tester and Stylist, Anthony Nader  

What We Like

• Contains juniper berry and glycerin to hydrate

• Sulfate-free

• Nourishes the scalp

What We Don't Like

• Scent may be overpowering for some 

Television Perfect Hair delivers soft, glossy, and voluminous hair. Enriched with juniper berry, glycerin, and babassu seed oil, it nourishes the scalp and hair shaft, leading to healthier hair. 

Hair Type: Medium to thick, wavy and curly | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Musky and sweet | Size: 8 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

What We Like

• Protects against humidity

• Suitable for all hair types

• Combats

What We Don't Like

• Strong scent

​​Whether you have straight, wavy, curly, or coily hair, you’ll find Amika’s top-rated shampoo will keep frizz and flyaways at bay—even in the face of heat and humidity. The secret is an ingredient called phenyl trimethicone, a type of silicone that works overtime to protect the cuticle from swelling (and thus, frizz). It’s also really nourishing overall, making it a top pick for dry or damaged hair.

Hair Type: All hair types and textures | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Sweet, fruity | Size: 8 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

What We Like

• Smells beautiful

• Contains humectants to hydrate

• Softens thirsty hair

What We Don't Like

• Expensive

Fun fact: Your hair shaft can become dehydrated, leaving it dull, frizzy, and flat. Amp up water content with Pureology’s Hydrate Shampoo, a quenching blend of sage, jojoba, amino acids, and glycerin to soften and care for thirsty hair. Wiley tells us that by replenishing the hair’s water content, you’ll notice reduced flyaways frizz.

Hair Type: Medium to thick | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Lavender, patchouli, bergamot | Size: 9 fluid ounces| Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

What We Like

• Contains shea butter, neem oil, and coconut oil

• Sulfate-free

• Light and cleansing

What We Don't Like

• Shea butter may overpower fine hair

Kinky, coiled, curly hair is dry by nature, meaning frizz and flyaways are hard to avoid. SheaMoisure gets this, which is why the Coconut & Hibiscus shampoo is light and cleansing but contains all the nourishing ingredients needed to smooth things over. Pair it with the matching conditioner for good hair days only. 

Hair Type: Thick, coarse, wavy, curly, coiled | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Coconut and hibiscus flower | Size: 16 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

What We Like

• Lightweight

• Color-safe

• Builds volume

What We Don't Like

• Expensive

Drunk Elephant’s launch into hair and body was one that went off with a bang. The Cocomino Glossing Shampoo generates a really light, silky foam that deeply cleanses, builds volume, but also smooths and nourishes the hair thanks to ingredients like sacha inchi oil and coconut aminos.

Hair Type: Fine to medium hair types | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Coconut | Size: 8 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Final Verdict

Our best overall pick is Living Proof’s No Frizz Shampoo which is so hydrating and softening it leaves hair shiny and smooth. For a more affordable pick, consider, Dove Nutritive Solutions Anti-Frizz Oil Therapy Shampoo, which is packed with nourishing oils and works great on thick hair.

Meet the Expert

• Jamie Wiley is the Global Artistic Director at Pureology, the founder of Hairboss, and an acclaimed stylist with numerous Fashion Weeks under her belt. 

What to Look For

Ingredients

Wiley tells us some of the best anti-frizz ingredients to look out for when buying a shampoo include shea butter, vegetable protein, coconut oil, camellia oil, and soy protein. She also suggests steering clear of sulfates, drying alcohols (including isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, and propyl alcohol), and silicones, as they can cause build-up and damage the hair over time.

FAQ

• How do shampoos for frizzy hair work?

  Interestingly, Wiley explains that some anti-frizz shampoo formulas contain anti-humectants that work by preventing the hair from absorbing too much moisture, thus preserving its natural texture. This is usually useful for smoothing out thick, coarse, curly, and coiled hair or for those who experience excess frizz when humidity levels are high. 
  On the flip side, you might also be experiencing frizz and flyaways because your hair lacks moisture, in which case a humectant will be your best friend. Wiley tells us this is more common in dry hair that’s prone to frizz and flyaways all the time. 
  When in doubt, look for a formula that has both.

• Do shampoos for frizzy hair expire?

  Like most beauty products, shampoo formulas do generally have an expiration date. See your individual product for details. But if you notice a weird change in scent, color, or texture, we suggest you get rid of it.

• Are shampoos for frizzy hair safe for all hair types and textures?

  Wiley tells us they are definitely safe, but for best results, it is useful to look for one specifically geared towards your hair type and texture. Lighter, clarifying options will smooth finer hair without weighing it down, while rich formulas with ingredients such as shea butter are great for coarse, porous hair.

How We Researched

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.

Why Trust Byrdie

Emily Algar is a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in MyDomaine, Who What Wear, and POPSUGAR. She considered dozens of shampoos for frizzy hair for this roundup, evaluating each formula on active ingredients, results, texture, and value. Our product testers tried out some top-rated products, using them for weeks at a time. These insights as well as stylist recommendations, helped inform this roundup.

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

1. The 15 best shampoos for frizzy hair to boost moisture and shine. Allure. https://www.allure.com/gallery/best-shampoo-for-frizzy-hair

2. 24 best shampoos for frizzy hair and flyaways according to the experts. Cosmopolitan. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g28900219/shampoo-frizzy-hair

3. The 14 best hydrating shampoos to stop frizzy, dry hair in its tracks. Elle. https://www.elle.com/beauty/g38159175/best-shampoo-for-frizzy-hair

4. Gavazzoni Dias MF. Hair cosmetics: An overview. Int J Trichol. 2015;7(1):2. Gavazzoni Dias MF. Hair cosmetics: An overview. Int J Trichol. 2015;7(1):2.

5. Israel MO. Effects of topical and dietary use of shea butter on animals. AJLS. 2014;2(5):303. doi: 10.11648/j.ajls.20140205.18

6. Linnell JC. Vitamins | water-soluble: thin-layer (Planar) chromatography. In: Encyclopedia of Separation Science. Elsevier; 2000:4454-4460. doi: 10.1016/B0-12-226770-2/03021-0

7. Oshimura E, Abe H, Oota R. Hair and amino acids: the interactions and the effects. J Cosmet Sci. 2007;58(4):347-357.

8. Soimee W, Nakyai W, Charoensit P, et al. Evaluation of moisturizing and irritation potential of sacha inchi oil. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2020;19(4):915-924. doi: 10.1111/jocd.13099

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