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 simply 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 or thick hair.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Function of Beauty and CVS are STYLECASTER sponsors, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Mane ‘n Tail Shampoo

This cult-classic shampoo (it also doubles as a hydrating body wash too!) gently cleanses hair and scalp without stripping away the natural oils that keep your strands healthy and manageable. Loyal fans of this affordable shampoo tout the formula for its ability to repair chemical-induced damage and detangle thick and textured hair without the need for additional products. Even though this best-selling shampoo is already reasonably priced, as a part of CVS’s Epic Beauty event (which runs from August 29-September 25 in stores and online), you can score extra deals on this product as well as a slew of other beauty and wellness products site-wide, $15 ExtraBucks Rewards when you spend $40 and $10 ExtraBucks Rewards when you spend $30.

Function of Beauty Customizable Shampoo & Conditioner

Function of Beauty’s custom-tailored shampoo and conditioners are perfect for any hair type — especially thick. Simply take their quiz and the brand will formulate a personalized shampoo and conditioner based on your hair needs and goals. Enter the code STYLECASTER10 at checkout for 10 percent off haircare products for new customers until 12/31/22.

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.

Buy: AG Hair Care Fast Food $24

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.

Buy: Briogeo Farewell Frizz Rosehip, Argan & Coconut Oil Blend $28

Redken Heavy Cream

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

Buy: Redken Heavy Cream $25

A version of this article was published in June 2019.

from StyleCaster