My hair journey is paved with many broken hairbrushes. Having thick hair is both a gift and a curse. Yes, you’ve got plenty of volume and body to play with, but it takes a meticulous combo of strong tools and actually effective products to keep it looking more fab than a hot mess. And as someone whose job requires playing with products–I know, I know, toughest job ever–I can vouch for this carefully-curated list of products for thick hair.

Of course, I didn’t just blindly pull these together. According to Garnier Consulting Celebrity Hairstylist Ashley Streicher, these types of formulas are best for taming or simpling styling broader strands to look their best. Yes, what will ultimately work for you depends on some trial-and-error. But generally speaking, creams, leave-ins and oil-based products are your best bet. And if you want options that don’t cost an arm and a leg, Streicher’s Garnier-specific picks work just as well.

“For this hair type, I would recommend a moisturizing leave-in, such as Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Butter Cream ($4.94). For thick hair with natural waves, I would also recommend Garnier Fructis Curl Treats ($6.99).  And for thick hair that is more straight, a nourishing oil like Garnier Moroccan Sleek Oil ($4.94) works great,” she says. Ahead, check out an assortment of more products to keep in your bathroom storage lineup and if you’ve got textured hair, find even more options under $20 here.

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Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Butter Cream

This luxurious drugstore cream will smooth out thick curls without sacrificing definition.

Buy: Garnier Fructis Nourish Butter $14.99

Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer

An award-winning, heavy-duty pre-styler that protects and conditions the hair before it touches a heat tool.

AG Hair Care Fast Food

Ever get really sad when you have to rinse out a conditioner because it gives your hair the level of moisture it actually needs? Turn that frown upside down because this leave-in will feed and smooth-out your thick hair on the daily.

Bumble and bumble Don’t Blow It Thick (H)air Styler

When you’re rocking an air-dried style and want to ensure that flyaways don’t pop up, slather on this styler before you run out the door.

Phyto Curl Legend

This unique cream-gel formula is enriched with an exclusive botanical blend so your hair is getting a health boost in addition to hold.

Buy: Phyto Curl Legend $28

Qhemet Biologics Amla & Olive Heavy Cream

Also made with castor oil for promoting growth, this super rich daily moisturizer is a lifesaver for those with textured, 4C hair.

Buy: Olive Heavy Cream $37

Briogeo Farewell Frizz Rosehip, Argan & Coconut Oil Blend

Sometimes all you need is a good, old-fashioned blend of all-natural oils to keep your thick mane from turning into a frizzy mess.

Redken Heavy Cream

Three different natural oils–argan, avocado and oil–are included in this deep conditioning treatment for strengthening and managing thicker strands.

A version of this article was published in June 2019.

from StyleCaster