15 Best Shampoos For Coarse Hair
Here's the extra TLC you need to tame coarse hair and keep it healthy, soft, and lush.
Yvey Valcin is a celebrated master stylist based in Seattle, WA, and was one of the highest rated stylists at the flagship Gene Juarez salon in Seattle. He is known for his superior cutting technique and has styled for top editorial and fashion events, such as New York and Paris Fashion Week.
Read full bio of Yvey Valcin
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Experience: 11 yearsRamona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.
Read full bio of Ramona Sinha
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If you are having trouble managing your thick tresses, try getting your hands on the best shampoo for coarse hair. While all hair types are different and need the regular oiling and cleansing, coarse hair, including wavy and curly hair, needs that extra bit of TLC to be manageable. This hair type usually tends to be dry and frizzy in texture with a dull appearance. Making sure that you moisturize it well is key in adding life and bounce back to your thick hair strands and prevent hair loss. We have listed down the 15 best shampoos for coarse hair to help you get started.
In This Article
15 Best Shampoos For Coarse Hair
1. Best For Dry Scalp:teatree Lavender Mint Moisturizing Shampoo
The teatree Lavender Mint Moisturizing Shampoo is an ideal product to soothe dry and coarse hair be it wavy, curly, or straight hair. This hydrating shampoo contains calming lavender, natural tea tree extracts, and cooling peppermint that rejuvenate the senses. All these nourishing ingredients thoroughly cleanse and restore the health of dry, unruly hair. This shampoo contains conditioners and amino acids to boost shine, strength, and manageability of the hair.
Pros
- Pleasant scent
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Vegan
- Color-safe
Cons
- May cause hair fall.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 9,895 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
2. Best For Frizzy Hair:Maui Moisture Smooth & Repair + Vanilla Bean Shampoo
The Maui Moisture Smooth & Repair + Vanilla Bean Shampoo is best suited for coarse and curly hair. This hydrating and repairing shampoo contains essential moisturizers that help prevent frizz and detangle your hair. The mild, nourishing, and frizz-fighting formula has no harmful additives like dyes, sulfates, silicones, or parabens.
This smoothing shampoo contains a natural blend of nourishing ingredients like aloe juice, kukui nut oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and vanilla beans that promote healthier hair. Kukui nut oil has humidity-resistant properties, while vanilla beans and cocoa butter help defrizz, soften, and smoothen stubborn hair strands. The 100% aloe juice soothes and moisturizes the scalp and strands.
Pros
- Silicone-free
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Dye-free
- Color-safe
Cons
- Greasy
- Leaves residue
Pro Tip3. Best Moisturizing Formula:REDKEN 5TH AVENUE NYC All Soft Mega Shampoo
REDKEN 5TH AVENUE NYC All Soft Mega Shampoo is a deep moisturizing shampoo that helps hydrate and soften extremely dry or coarse medium to thick hair. It restores moisture to the hair and makes the strands soft, shiny, and manageable. This ultra-hydrating shampoo is formulated with aloe vera, cactus extract, Sacha Inchi oil, and REDKEN’s exclusive RCT Protein Complex to lock in moisture and strengthen your hair strands from root to tip. The shampoo has proven efficacy in offering intense nourishment and softness to extremely dry coils and curls.
Pros
- Makes the hair soft
- Long-lasting
- Value for money
Cons
- Contains sulfates
- Not color-safe
"This shampoo makes my curly and coarse hair soft and super easy to manage. I love its fragrance that adds to the entire sensorial experience of using the product. The shampoo also helps improve the overall hair texture."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 2,195 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
| teatree Lavender Mint Moisturizing Shampoo Best For Dry Scalp | Maui Moisture Smooth & Repair + Vanilla Bean Shampoo Best For Frizzy Hair | REDKEN 5TH AVENUE NYC All Soft Mega Shampoo Best Moisturizing Formula | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Ideal for Coarse and Dry Hair | thick , coarse , curly and natural hair | Dry |
| Dimensions | 3.68 x 3.68 x 8.68 inches | 8 x 10 x 8 inches | - |
| Weight | 2.4 Pounds | 12.96 Ounces | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 9,895 | 1,750 | 2,195 |
| Price | $76.08 | $7.89 | $46 |
4. Best Fragrance:Aveeno Almond Oil Blend Shampoo
Cleanse your tresses with the Aveeno Almond Oil Blend Shampoo. This is a formula enriched with almond and avocado oil that provides intense hydration to the roots and shafts of the hair. The oils nourish the hair while locking in the natural moisture content of the hair and maintaining pH balance. Oats in the formula soothe the scalp while exfoliating dead skin cells. This deeply nourishing formula with moisturizing ingredients is excellent for dry scalp and thick, coarse, frizzy hair. The clinically-proven formula works from the roots of the hair and soothes an itchy scalp. After a hair wash with this shampoo, you will emit a fresh, rejuvenating fragrance.
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Dye-free
- Suitable for color-treated hair
Cons
- Does not lather
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 2,745 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
5. Best Vegan Shampoo:JustNutritive Shampoo African American Hair
The JustNutritive Shampoo for African American Hair is an intense moisturizing shampoo that restores hair vitality. It cleanses the scalp without stripping its natural oils while maintaining the natural pH. This gentle shampoo contains natural essential oils and herbs that thoroughly remove dirt and impurities to leave your hair feeling fresh. It also contains pro-vitamin B5 that repairs and strengthens the strands.
The luxurious blend of nourishing ingredients like marshmallow and hibiscus extracts moisturize and detangle your hair and make it shiny and soft. Castor oil and kokum butter seal in moisture and smooth coarse and rough hair. This gentle shampoo can be used as a regular shampoo for all coarse hair types, including straight, wavy, curly, or coily hair, as it is free of harsh detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate. Multiple reviewers have loved and recommended this product, and it is also formulated without any animal testing processes.
Pros
- Refreshing mint fragrance
- Vegan
- Sulfate-free
- Value for money
Cons
- May cause scalp irritation.
"The shampoo cleans and moisturizes my coarse and dry hair. It makes them soft to touch and easy to manage. It also makes detangling easy and effortless."
Pro Tip6. Best For Sleek Hairstyles:Matrix Total Results Mega Sleek Shampoo
If you are looking for a shampoo to smoothen your hair and control frizz, The Matrix Total Results Mega Sleek Shampoo is just for you! The liquid cream formula cleanses the hair of dirt, grime, and excess sebum. It contains shea butter which moisturizes clean hair and controls rebellious flyaways and unruly hair. It makes the locks soft and smooth while fighting off humidity. The clarifying cleanser gives the hair an overall nourished and lustrous appearance. Give yourself a neat and sleek look with this shampoo.
Pros
- All-day frizz control
- Lathers well
- Oil-control
- Creamy formula
Cons
- May make hair dry
Pro Tip7. Best For UVA-UVB Protection:ColorProof SuperRich Moisture Shampoo
The ColorProof SuperRich Moisture Shampoo is meant to deeply nourish dry and damaged hair. The powerful formula contains a botanical blend of nourishing ingredients that moisturize, repair, and strengthen coarse and rough hair to leave it smooth, shiny, and healthy.
This ultra-repairing regular shampoo is specifically designed for color-treated hair and offers UVA and UVB protection to make the color last longer. The gentle and lightweight formula revitalizes and moisturizes the hair. This sulfate-free shampoo has a gingered amber fragrance.
Pros
- Gentle
- Lightweight
- 450° heat protection
- Color-safe
- Sulfate-free
- Salt-free
- Paraben-free
- 100% vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Expensive
"This shampoo is gentle enough for regular use. It soothes my dry, itchy scalp and adds life back to my damaged hair. It maintains the vibrancy of my color-treated hair and adds a subtle silkiness. A little goes a long way with this one so it's going to last a while."
8. Best For Itchy Scalp:Arganmidas Moroccan Argan Oil Clean Anti Dandruff Shampoo
This Arganmidas Clean Anti Dandruff Shampoo uses Moroccan argan oil to re-establish health and goodness to a dry and itchy scalp. This anti-dandruff formula nourishes the hair with the oil and vitamin E and cleanses the scalp removing excess oil, dead skin cells, and buildup that block the skin’s pores. It helps to eradicate bacteria that grow in these unhealthy environments. It soothes the clean scalp, offers moisturization, and makes the hair glossy and soft. It forms a thick foam that rinses off easily.
Pros
- No harmful chemicals
- Sulfate-free
- Preservative-free
- Anti-dandruff
- Anti-itching
- Oil control
- Easy to rinse
Cons
- Makes scalp greasy
"This shampoo has a very pleasant scent and is gentle enough to be used daily. It cleanses the hair and moisturizes my coarse, dry strands. It produces a rich lather and rinses off easily."
9. Best Budget-Friendly:Davines LOVE Shampoo
The Davines LOVE Shampoo is a smoothing shampoo for frizzy or unmanageable hair. Its formula is distinguished by a gentle and creamy foam that is meant to gently wash frizzy hair and smooth it. It is enriched nourishing ingredients like olive extract which is high in fatty acids and vitamin E and is exceptionally nourishing, softening, and moisturizing to the hair. This shampoo prevents hair aging caused by dryness and leaves hair silky, smooth, nourished, and manageable and is affordable.
Pros
- Natural active ingredients
- Paraben-free
- Synthetic-color free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Contains SLS
"This shampoo has become a go-to choice for managing my coarse hair and taming frizz. It leaves the hair looking smooth. My curls also look more defined. It is gentle and good for daily use."
10. Best For Volumizing The Hair:Schwarzkopf Professional BC Bonacure Excellium Taming Shampoo
The Schwarzkopf Professional BC Bonacure Excellium Taming Shampoo is an excellent choice for coarse and colored hair exposed to damage. The nourishing formula of this volumizing shampoo is enriched with Q10+ and omega-3 fatty acids that rejuvenate and tame the hair to prevent frizz.
Q10+ is a powerful co-enzyme that stimulates the hair roots and promotes keratin production. Omega-3 smooths the hair surface and provides essential lipid nutrients to maintain hair health. This hair therapy soothes and calms dry scalp while preserving hair color from fading.
Pros
- Color-safe
- Volumizing
- No residue
Cons
- None
"This high-quality shampoo truly delivers on its promise. It makes my coarse hair soft and smooth to touch. It tames the frizz and makes my aging hair easy to manage."
11. Best Antifungal Formula:HELI’S GOLD Revitalize Shampoo
The HELI’S GOLD Revitalize Shampoo is formulated for colored hair prone to damage and roughness. It de-stresses the scalp and hair to reverse damage and restores moisture levels. This repairing and replenishing shampoo makes your hair shiny and imparts instant shine and suppleness to coarse hair to leave it healthy and manageable.
This purifying shampoo contains Helichrysum Italicum flower, a powerful antioxidant with antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and therapeutic properties. It strengthens the hair structure, provides hydration, regulates sebum production, and nurtures the hair follicles while preventing dandruff or flakes.
This shampoo does not contain any harmful additives and is made only with flaxseed oil, silk protein, creatine, and natural betaine. While silk protein locks in extra moisture by creating a protective barrier, flaxseed oil nourishes and repairs damaged strands and relieves scalp irritation. Betaine enhances shine, strength, and elasticity of the hair, and creatine improves cell metabolism.
Pros
- Silicone-free
- SLS-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Paraben-free
- Color-safe
Cons
- None
12. Best For Damaged Hair:Theorie Monoi and Buriti Glossing Shampoo
Give your hair a healthy shine with the Theorie Monoi And Buriti Glossing Shampoo. This hair cleanser is infused with buriti, monoi, coconut, sage, and grape-seed oils, which hydrate the hair and impart a nourishing gloss. Monoi oil is a blend of coconut oil and Tahitian gardenia petals. Coconut oil adds softness and luster to the strands. Buriti oil is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins E and C as well as carotenoids. It hydrates damaged, dry hair. Keratin protein in the shampoo provides nutrition and promotes growth. The emollients penetrate each hair shaft and flatten the cuticles. This gives the hair a smooth finish. It has a refreshing fruity fragrance of blended tangerine, strawberry, orange, and apple. Sage oil cleanses the hair and protects it from free radicals caused by UV rays. This product has not been tested on animals and is the perfect shampoo for ethically conscious consumers.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Phosphate-free
- Paraben-free
- Nitrate-free
- GMO-free
- Safe for keratin or color-treated hair
Cons
- Contains sulfates
"My long, curly hair is easy to manage now that I've started using the Monoi and Buriti Glossing Shampoo! It makes the hair so soft without being weighed down. It even protects my colored-hair from damage."
13. Best For Keratin Treatment:4ever SMOOTH PROFESSIONAL HAIRCARE X-Treme Smooth Shampoo
The 4ever SMOOTH PROFESSIONAL HAIRCARE X-Treme Smooth Shampoo is specially formulated for rough and dry hair. This sulfate-free shampoo contains moisture-rich ingredients like essential oils, organic keratin, and botanical extracts to provide extra moisture to your tresses. It cleanses the scalp while producing a luxurious foam to leave your strands rejuvenated with a fresh and pleasant aroma. This shampoo helps in preserving keratin treatment for a long time so that your hair is never coarse.
Pros
- Gentle
- Pleasant fragrance
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Sodium chloride-free
- Color-safe
Cons
- Expensive
14. Best Gentle Formula:MONDAY HAIRCARE Moisture Shampoo
Moisture Shampoo by MONDAY Haircare is great for dry stressed hair. With a gentle washing technique, it cleanses, nourishes, and adds moisture to the hair at the same time. It makes hair soft and silky. This popular drugstore shampoo is made with natural ingredients that prevent protein loss. The hydrolyzed rice protein gives strength and boosts moisture retention. The vitamin E in the formula makes your scalp healthy and promotes hair development. Shea butter adds softness and luster.
Pros
- Dermatologically tested
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Sustainable packaging
- Paraben-free
- SLS-free
- Sulphate-free
Cons
- None
15. Best For Lustrous Hair:Wella Professionals Invigo Brilliance Shampoo
Treat your colored hair with Wella Professional Invigo Brilliance Shampoo. An excellent cleanser for treating coarse hair, this shampoo washes off dirt but protects color vibrancy. This dermatologist-tested shampoo is pH optimized, which helps to close the cuticles, thereby helping the color last longer. It is formulated with lime caviar which is rich in vitamins and antioxidants. The ‘Color Brilliance-Blend’ also includes molecules of copper which further maintain color radiance and retention. This shampoo is not tested on animals and gives your hair a clean, soft, and lustrous feel.
Pros
- pH optimized formula
- Offers shine
- Lovely smell
- Does not dry out the hair
Cons
- None
"The Wella shampoo helps tackle my bleached and color-treated locks. The creamy formula produces a rich lather that cleanses well but doesn't strip away any moisture. Every time I use it, it leaves my hair soft and shiny."
Coarse hair (mostly curly and wavy hair) is thicker in diameter and can be difficult to manage. It tends to develop frizz and dry out quickly. Here are some factors to consider before buying the right shampoo to manage your coarse hair.
Things To Consider Before Buying The Best Shampoos For Coarse Hair
- Ingredients To Avoid
We must choose shampoos that are free from harmful chemicals that damage the hair strands. Check the ingredient list to avoid stuff like paraben, BPA, SLS, sulfate, and silicone. Such shampoos are mostly gentle and can be applied on every alternate day. Shampoos loaded with harmful chemicals can also cause hair thinning or even temporary hair loss.
Formulation
Look for non-greasy, pH-balanced, and lightweight formulas that do not leave any residue and get washed off easily to give frizz-free, soft hair. Greasy formulations make your hair look dull and lifeless. They strip off the shine and smoothness away from your follicles and cause irritation on the scalp. The shampoos that are washed off without leaving a greasy impact can make your hair appear voluminous.
Coarse hair often appears to be rough in texture. Hence, one must choose a fragrance-free shampoo that offers deep nourishment and hydration from root to tip. This will make your hair look shiny and lively. Additionally, look for professional-grade formulas with nourishing ingredients for optimal hair health in the long run.
- Ingredients To Look For
Shampoos that have a rich blend of natural ingredients are the best remedy for treating dullness in coarse hair. Ingredients such as aloe juice, cocoa butter, and coconut oil should be there in the ingredient list as they nourish and soften the strands. Vanilla beans present in many shampoos and help remove frizz. Opt for shampoos that consist of botanical ingredients like argan oil, neem, and jojoba oil which impart shine, softness, and moisturization to our hair follicles.
Infographic: How To Wash Coarse Hair And Tips For Maintenance
Managing coarse hair is straining as it tends to get easily tangled and loses its shine very quickly. In addition, it is a high-maintenance hair type that needs intensive moisturizing benefits. Therefore, using a nourishing and softening shampoo is important. Check out the infographic below to learn how to apply shampoo on coarse hair and know what practices are harmful to the health of thick hair. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Coarse or type 4 hair is thick and voluminous, hence difficult to maintain. Normal maintenance including a hydrating conditioner, hair mask, and regular oiling are not sufficient to get salon-quality hair. Type 4 hair needs extra care and protection. The coarse hair dries out quickly and appears dull and lifeless. The best shampoos for coarse hair mentioned in our list help rejuvenate your lifeless hair and make it bouncy and healthy, along with many other hair benefits. The teatree Lavender Mint Moisturizing Shampoo is suitable for dry and sensitive scalp, while the REDKEN 5TH AVENUE NYC All Soft Mega Shampoo is the perfect shampoo for damaged or fine hair. But if you want to protect your hair from frizz, try the Davines LOVE Shampoo. These shampoos are color-safe, paraben-free, clarifying, hydrating, strengthening, and vegan. These are a better alternative to some products that might leave residue and irritate the scalp. Hence, it is always wise to avoid such formulas or try dermatologist-tested products. Also, take inspiration from review videos and feedback from reviewers to make an informed pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does coarse hair mean?
Coarse hair may not necessarily mean rough hair. But a hairstylist would define coarse hair as the hair type that has thicker strands. Usually, this is the thickest hair type among all, drier in general, and tends to get frizzy more often.
How do I know if I have coarse hair?
Take a strand of hair and place it between two fingers. If you can feel the thickness of it, then you probably have coarse hair.
How often should you wash coarse hair?
You can wash coarse hair every 4-7 days as this hair type tends to be less oily and may feel dry if you wash it too often.
What softens coarse hair?
The best way to make coarse hair soft is by applying hot oil on a regular basis. It will provide the right kind of moisture and nutrition that your hair needs. You also apply a deep conditioner and a leave-in conditioner for extra softness and health of hair.
Does hair get coarser with age?
Usually, hair tends to get less dense or less thick as you age. So your hair shouldn’t get coarser with age. However, mature hair is drier and can feel rough to touch.
What causes coarse wiry hair?
Coarse wiry hair can be caused due to the intake of drugs or certain hair growth medications. Health issues such as thyroid or hormonal imbalances also cause the hair to become coarse and wiry.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Shiboli Chakraborti is a certified haircare and skincare coach whose passion lies in writing about various beauty products. She has conducted thorough research on shampoos and read hundreds of online customer reviews to put together a list of the best shampoos for coarse hair. Her recommended products add bounce and lock in moisture to your hair after giving it a thorough cleaning! It is a perfect buy for people who struggle with dry hair after each wash.
Read full bio of Yvey Valcin
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
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Read full bio of Ramona Sinha
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