Shampoo for thick hair: how to choose the right one for fuller strands

Shampoo for thick hair should cleanse thoroughly and reach the scalp without leaving buildup that weighs down full strands. Choose a sulfate-free shampoo that cleanses with a gentle coconut-derived surfactant and respects the hair’s natural structure.

Thick hair is dense, full and has a larger diameter per strand. It is often more resistant to damage than fine hair, but has its own challenges: it takes longer to wash and dry, can feel heavy and needs a shampoo that actually reaches the scalp through all the strands.

What is thick hair?

Thick hair really means one of two things: either hair with a large diameter per individual strand, or hair with high density, meaning many strands per square centimetre. Often, it is both. Thick hair retains moisture better than fine hair but can still become dry through the lengths if shampoo strips the scalp of its natural oils.

Read more about how to build a routine for your hair in our hair care routine guide.

What should shampoo for thick hair contain?

The right shampoo for thick hair cleanses thoroughly with a sulfate-free, gentle coconut-derived surfactant that reaches the scalp without leaving buildup. Moisturising botanical oils nourish the lengths. No silicones that cause buildup and make already full hair feel even heavier.

FOAM’s Ocean Waves shampoo bar is a good choice for thick hair, especially if it is curly or wavy. It cleanses thoroughly, is free from sulfates and silicones and adds moisture without weighing the hair down. Read more about how to choose the right product for your hair type in our complete shampoo guide.

The right technique for washing thick hair

Divide the hair into sections to ensure that the shampoo reaches the scalp everywhere. Gently massage it in with your fingertips for 60–90 seconds. Two washes may be needed if the hair is particularly thick or if you wash it infrequently. Rinse thoroughly in cool water and finish with cold water.

 

The Editor's Note: Thick hair needs more conditioner than fine hair, but always apply it only to the lengths and ends. Conditioner on the roots weighs down even the thickest hair and makes it difficult to manage.

 

Read more about how to care for hair that needs more volume in our guide to shampoo for thicker hair.

 

DREAMY hair conditioner bar

DREAMY hair conditioner bar

219 SEK
Ocean Waves shampoo bar for wavy and curly hair

Ocean Waves shampoo bar for wavy and curly hair

179 SEK

Things to consider when choosing shampoo for thick hair

Choose Avoid
Sulfate-free shampoo with a gentle coconut-derived surfactant SLS and SLES, which strip the scalp
Divide the hair into sections when washing Silicones that weigh down full strands
Conditioner on the lengths and ends Conditioner on the roots
Rinse thoroughly and finish with cold water Insufficient rinsing that leaves residue
Deep conditioning treatment once a week on the lengths Heavy styling products near the roots

 

Read more about how to find the right shampoo bar for your hair type in our guide to choosing a shampoo bar.

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Vanliga frågor

Which shampoo bar should I choose? +
We recommend choosing a shampoo bar based on your hair type. Take our hair quiz to see which products are right for you. You’ll find the link to the hair quiz at the top of the page.
Which shampoo bar is best for my hair type? +
It depends on your scalp and your hair’s needs. Choose Forest Treat if you have dry or damaged hair that needs moisture, Ocean Waves for curly or wavy hair that needs volume and definition, White Flower if you have normal to oily hair or an oily scalp, and Rice Serenity if you have a sensitive scalp or prefer a completely fragrance-free shampoo bar.
How do I know what hair type I have? +
Look at the hair after it has dried naturally without products. Straight hair falls straight down. Wavy hair forms soft S-shapes. Curly hair forms defined spirals or ringlets. Fine hair feels light and thin between the fingers regardless of its curl pattern.
Is a transition period needed when switching to solid shampoo? +
If you have previously used traditional shampoo containing silicones, your hair may need 1–2 weeks to adjust. During this time, silicone residue is washed out and the scalp’s natural oil production is balanced, resulting in healthier, more natural-looking hair.