Best Products for Thick Hair

Thick Hair

Thick describes the diameter of individual strands, similar to fine but at the opposite end of the scale — someone can have thick strands with relatively few of them, or fine strands in very high density. Thick strands tend to hold styles well but take longer to dry and absorb product more slowly than fine hair, so this hair type often needs more product overall before it feels adequately conditioned. Because thick hair has more surface area to hydrate, richer conditioners and occasional deep-conditioning treatments generally suit it without the flatness risk that heavier products pose on finer hair. Thick hair can also be prone to frizz, partly because its greater volume makes flyaways more visible and partly because natural oils do not always distribute easily through the density.

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What to look for

Richer conditioners and occasional deep-conditioning or hair-mask treatments, since thick strands have more surface area to hydrate
Higher-airflow hair dryers and sectioning while drying, to reduce the longer drying time thick hair typically needs
Richer creams, butters and serums, which distribute more evenly through thick hair without disappearing the way they might in fine hair
Strong-hold styling products where needed, since thick hair can generally tolerate more product before looking weighed down

What to avoid

Lightweight, fine-hair-formulated conditioners, which often under-condition thick strands
Skipping a smoothing serum or leave-in conditioner, since thick hair's volume can make frizz and flyaways more visible
Assuming a single quick pass with a dryer is enough, given how much longer thick hair generally takes to dry through

Frequently asked questions

Does thick hair need more conditioner than other hair types?: Often yes, since thick strands have more surface area to hydrate and can feel under-conditioned with the amount that works for finer hair. Richer conditioners and occasional deep conditioning are common for thick hair, without the flatness risk heavier products pose for fine hair.
Why does thick hair take so long to dry?: More hair volume and thicker individual strands both mean more water is held throughout the hair, which simply takes longer to evaporate or be absorbed by a towel. Sectioning hair while blow-drying and using a higher-airflow dryer are common ways to reduce overall drying time.

This is general information, not medical advice. It does not describe any specific product, and does not diagnose, treat or cure any condition. If you have a persistent skin or scalp concern, speak to a pharmacist, GP or dermatologist.

Thick Hair

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