17 Best Shampoos for Coarse Hair to Keep It Soft And Bouncy

Written by Alvira Dsouza, Hair Expert
Updated on Feb 16, 2024
Shampoos for Coarse Hair to Keep it Soft And Bouncy
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Hair care regimes should be tailored to the needs and type of your hair. In coarse hair type, individual hair strands have a thicker diameter and as such buying the best shampoos for coarse hair is a must to give your locks proper nourishment. The thickness of coarse hair might seem to make it more resistant to breakages but that’s not always the case. It may be more on the dry and frizzy side with flyaways being a constant part of your hairstyles. Studies indicate that coarse hair possesses a thick layer in the hair shaft (1). So, to allow nourishment to penetrate deeply, you need a shampoo designed especially for coarse hair type texture which would absorb and cleanse your hair thoroughly.

Our research indicates that using a nourishing shampoo can ease coarse hair management by cleansing and moisturizing the hair thoroughly. Shampoos for coarse hair with hydrating formulas may also do the magic for your hair to ease dryness and damage. Finding the right shampoo for your coarse type can be challenging with so many promising ingredients and options available. To help make coarse hair manageable, we have curated a list of some of our favorite products. Scroll away to see our recommendations.

What Is Coarse Hair?

Coarse hair is a hair type in which the hair strands have more thickness than any other hair type. Coarse hair can be straight, curly, wavy, frizzy, etc. and as such it’s the strength and volume of each hair strand that is considered. Coarse hair has more medulla which makes deep cleansing and nourishment quite important (1). Hair straightening methods have also been used to ease the management of coarse and unruly hair. However, using mild conditioners and leave-in products on hair can also enhance the texture of coarse hair.

How Does Shampoo Help Manage Coarse Hair?

Our contributor Tiffany Young, a certified trichologist, says, “Coarse hair by nature is dry hair. If you look at a piece of hair under a microscope you will see little scales. This is the cuticle layer of your hair. Sometimes these scales do not lay smoothly and the end result is frizzy, dry hair. Coarse hair tends to have a cuticle layer that is more porous and can benefit from moisturizing shampoos that help to infuse the hair with ingredients that plump and smooth the hair shaft. This makes hydrated hair manageable.”

Owing to the thickness of coarse locks, it might be a little difficult to cleanse and condition the hair thoroughly. Shampoo formulated with hydrating ingredients and gentle formulas can help clean the hair properly, besides offering nourishment to the roots. The moisturizing compositions of shampoos can also strengthen the hair locks to prevent breakages and damage. Since coarse hair becomes dry and dull, shampoo can work the magic and infuse the proper nourishment needed to keep the locks healthy and lustrous.

17 Best Shampoos for Coarse Hair

Indulge your locks with VIRTUE’s Smooth Shampoo, a sublime solution tailored for coarse hair. This gentle yet powerful formula is designed to transform unruly tresses into a soft, bouncy mane. Infused with cutting-edge technology, this shampoo works wonders, smoothing away frizz and enhancing your hair’s natural texture. Say goodbye to roughness and hello to velvety softness. Embrace the beauty of smoother, more manageable hair every day. Elevate your hair care routine with this hair care product, your ticket to luxurious, touchable strands.

Pros
  • Makes the hair silky smooth
  • Offers frizz control
  • Enhances manageability
  • Natural texture enhancement
  • Long-lasting freshness
  • Deep nourishment
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Lavender Mint Moisturizing Shampoo

    Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Lavender Mint Moisturizing Shampoo
  • Indulge in a spa-like hair care experience with Paul Mitchell’s tea tree shampoo. Owing to the soothing infusion of lavender, tea tree, and mint, you will love how refreshing this moisturizing shampoo makes your scalp feel. Designed to tend to dry and coarse hair, this mint shampoo helps replenish hair, leaving it soft and smooth. Cleanse your hair thoroughly with this hair care beauty to flaunt the natural luster and strength of your hair locks.

    Pros
    • Soothes flaky and itchy scalp
    • Moisturizing formula
    • Paraben-free
    • Gluten-free
    • Vegan
    • Color-safe
    Cons
    • Not suitable for sensitive scalp
  • Best Overall

    OGX Extra Strength Damage Remedy + Coconut Miracle Oil Shampoo

    OGX Extra Strength Damage Remedy + Coconut Miracle Oil Shampoo
  • Taming frizzy hair and flyaways can be easier with this hydrating shampoo by OGX. The nourishing infusion of coconut oil, vanilla bean extracts, and tiare essence makes this shampoo a go-to for enhancing the natural luster and texture of your hair. Repair your hair strands and provide them ample nourishment with this shampoo leaving dry hair soft and shiny. Featuring a creamy coconut, shea butter, and white peach scent, this product makes your hair smell wonderful.

    Pros
    • Lathers nicely
    • Paraben-free
    • Sulfate-free
    • Non-greasy composition
    • Pleasant fragrance
    Cons
    • May not be suitable for dry hair
  • MOST MOISTURIZING FORMULA

    ORIBE Shampoo for Moisture & Control

    ORIBE Shampoo for Moisture & Control
  • Treat your hair to the luxurious care it deserves with Oribe’s Shampoo for Moisture & Control. Specially crafted for coarse hair, this shampoo is a game-changer in the world of hair care. Gently cleansing while deeply moisturizing, it tames unruly locks and transforms them into a soft and bouncy wonder. Packed with enriching ingredients, it nourishes every strand, leaving your hair irresistibly smooth and manageable. Say goodbye to frizz and hello to luscious, hydrated hair. Elevate your daily hair care routine with Oribe, the secret to effortlessly soft and bouncy tresses.

    Pros
    • Deep hydration
    • Frizz control
    • Softness & shine
    • Luxurious formula
    • Improved manageability
    • Long-lasting freshness
    Cons
    • May not lather as desired
  • Maui Moisture Hair Care Shampoo

    Maui Moisture Hair Care Shampoo
  • This anti-breakage shampoo for coarse hair by Maui Moisture strengthens and moisturizes your hair strands deeply. Composed of a rich blend of aloe, coconut water, agave, hibiscus oil, and pineapple extracts, this moisturizing shampoo nourishes your hair to make it strong and healthy. The gentle formula of this hydrating shampoo helps detangle hair to prevent hair fallouts and damage. Condition your hair and flaunt lustrous tresses with the application of this shampoo designed to strengthen textured hair.

    Pros
    • Detangles your hair
    • Softens your hair
    • Rich lather
    • Paraben-free
    • Sulfate-free
    • Silicone-free
    • Vegan
    Cons
    • May make hair dry
  • Best for Frizzy Hair

    Aveeno Almond Oil Blend Shampoo

    Aveeno Almond Oil Blend Shampoo
  • Aveeno’s Almond Oil Blend Shampoo is packed with oats, almond oil, and avocado oil which make your hair strands strong and smooth. This moisturizing shampoo helps condition your locks to make them lustrous and bouncy. An effective scalp and hair care essential, you can use it to maintain the pH of your scalp and eliminate dry patches. Designed to tend to the needs of thick and coarse hair, this sulfate-free shampoo will give your hair a beautiful appearance.

    Pros
    • Gentle on the scalp
    • Paraben-free
    • Sulfate-free
    • Dye-free
    • Makes curls frizz-free
    Cons
    • Unpleasant scent
  • Best Combo for Damaged Hair

    Matrix Mega Sleek Shampoo and Conditioner Set

    Matrix Mega Sleek Shampoo and Conditioner Set
  • With this shampoo and conditioner set by Matrix, you can upgrade your coarse and frizzy hair care regimen. Enriched with shea butter, this pack cleanses and moisturizes your hair deeply. Crafted to tame dry, damaged, and curly hair, this set is a perfect hair care essential to get silky smooth hair. Protect your hair from humidity and other environmental aggressors with this complete package of shampoo and conditioner delivering ample nourishment to lock in moisture in the hair follicles and scalp.

    Pros
    • Reduces frizziness
    • Smoothes your hair
    • Pleasant fragrance
    • Can be used on dyed hair
    Cons
    • May leave residue
  • Best Moisturizing Formula

    L'ANZA Healing Moisture Tamanu Cream Shampoo

    L'ANZA Healing Moisture Tamanu Cream Shampoo
  • Designed to offer optimal hydrating to coarse hair strands, L’ANZA cream shampoo leaves the hair super smooth and bouncy. Loaded with the goodness of meadowfoam flower, kukui nut, tahitian tamanu nut oil, and noni fruit, the rich lather of this shampoo gives your hair a clean and refreshed appearance. Strengthen your hair and get rid of tangling issues with this product adding extra moisture and luster to your locks.

    Pros
    • Moisturizing formula
    • Can be used on colored hair
    • Paraben-free
    • Sulfate-free
    • Gluten-free
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • May not be suitable for sensitive scalp
  • Best Non-greasy Formulation

    Davines Love Smoothing Shampoo

    Davines Love Smoothing Shampoo
  • Smoothen frizzy and rough hair with this super hydrating shampoo by Davines. The addition of olive extracts enhances the natural luster and texture of your hair. Featuring a gentle cleansing formula, this conditioning shampoo tames flyaways to make your tresses soft and smooth. With the rich foamy texture of this product, you can moisturize your strands thoroughly to make them bouncy and lustrous. Get a deep nourishment and tend to your coarse hair with this beauty which is meant to do the magic for your hair roots.

    Pros
    • Smoothens hair locks
    • Indulgent fragrance
    • Non-greasy formula
    • Helps detangle hair
    • Enhances natural luster
    Cons
    • Defective seal
  • Macadamia Professional Oil-infused Hair Repair

    Macadamia Professional Oil-infused Hair Repair
  • The hair repair shampoo by Macadamia Professional cleanses your hair and helps seal in the moisture. The nourishing infusion of Macadamia oil, argan oil, hazelnut oil, collagen, and vitamins A, C, and E, strengthens the hair to make it strong and shiny. With a hydrating lightweight formula, this shampoo helps eliminate the brittleness of the locks to make them smooth and frizz-free. Provide your hair with much-needed care and respite from damage with this professional shampoo, enhancing the volume and texture of your hair.

    Pros
    • Lathers nicely
    • Super hydrating formula
    • Eases frizziness
    • Non-greasy texture
    • Can be used on colored hair
    Cons
    • Inefficient packaging
  • Best for Coily Hair

    MONDAY Haircare Moisture Shampoo

    MONDAY Haircare Moisture Shampoo
  • Adding moisture and shine to hair locks is what this moisture shampoo by MONDAY Haircare does effectively. The richness of coconut oil, shea butter, rice protein, and vitamin E makes this hydrating shampoo perfect for coily, dry, coarse, and stressed hair. Offering salon-like hair care treatment, this product helps soften your hair to make it lustrous and smooth. Tend to your scalp health and nourish your hair locks with this luxurious blend of nutrition which takes care of hair concerns naturally.

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Free from parabens
    • SLS free
    • Maintains pH balance
    • Phthalates free
    • Keeps your hair moist
    Cons
    • Can make hair feel greasy
  • Best for Curly Hair

    Obliphica Professional Seaberry Shampoo

    Obliphica Professional Seaberry Shampoo
  • Cleanse your hair and scalp with the Obliphica Professional Shampoo which is specially crafted to nourish the scalp and promote healthy growth of the hair. The fusion of nutrient-rich seaberry oil helps rejuvenate the hair to prevent breakage and split ends. With the strengthening composition of this shampoo, you can tame hair damaged by styling or environmental aggressors. Smoothen the tresses and bid goodbye to flyaways as this seaberry shampoo works the magic on your weak and dull hair to make flaunting healthy hair easy for you.

    Pros
    • Cleanses scalp thoroughly
    • Indulgent fragrance
    • Softens the curls
    • Minimizes frizziness
    • Helps detangle hair
    • Pleasant scent
    Cons
    • Can make the hair dry
  • Best for Scalp Healthy

    Biotera Ultra Moisturizing Shampoo

    Biotera Ultra Moisturizing Shampoo
  • Featuring a gentle cleansing formula, Biotera shampoo cleanses the scalp to keep it healthy and free from infections. Owing to the moisturizing infusion of coconut yogurt, ginseng, yogurt, and marula oil, this floral-scented shampoo gets rid of dryness and soothes scalp damage. Restore the moisture of your hair roots to enhance the luster and strength of your hair to make it soft and manageable. So, if you’re looking to revive your hair strands, this product may surprise you with its effectiveness.

    Pros
    • Lightweight formula
    • Hydrates the scalp
    • Paraben-free
    • Sulfate-free
    • Free from mineral oil
    • Dye-free
    Cons
    • Not suitable for color-treated hair
  • Theorie Sage Monoi & Buriti Glossing Shampoo

    Theorie Sage Monoi & Buriti Glossing Shampoo
  • The shine-inducing formula of this glossing shampoo by Theorie adds a beautiful luster to your hair. Packed with the richness of monoi, buriti, sage, coconut, and grapeseed oils, this nourishing shampoo helps take care of dry and dull coarse hair. With a strawberry, tangerine, apple, and orange blossom mix, this shampoo makes your hair smell so wonderful that you can’t help but fall for this beauty. Indulge in a fruity hair care spa with this shampoo designed to enhance your hair wash experience.

    Pros
    • Doesn’t weigh down hair
    • Pleasant fragrance
    • Sulfate-free
    • Suitable for color-treated hair
    Cons
    • Packaging issues
  • Best for Color-Treated Hair

    Wella Professionals Invigo Brilliance Color Protection Shampoo

    Wella Professionals Invigo Brilliance Color Protection Shampoo
  • Give yourself a salon-like treatment with this shampoo specially formulated for making coarse hair strands shiny and bouncy. The addition of lime caviar, histidine, and vitamin E helps maintain the texture and quality of the hair to prevent frequent hair falls and breakages. Maintain the pH balance of your scalp and ease stressed hair with this color-protecting shampoo that tends to the root causes of hair issues. Flaunt your colored hair without worrying about it fading with this product offering superior color treatment protection.

    Pros
    • Gentle on bleached hair
    • Creamy consistency
    • Rich lather
    • Softens curls
    Cons
    • Inadequate packaging
  • Great Clips Solutions Moisturizing Shampoo

    Great Clips Solutions Moisturizing Shampoo
  • This Great Clips moisturizing shampoo provides superior moisturization to your hair and strengthens your hair locks. This luster-inducing shampoo adds incredible shine and youthfulness to your hair locks so that you can’t stop but compliment the texture of your hair. You can also take a much-needed break from frizz and flyaways as this shampoo helps strengthen your hair roots to make your hair soft and smooth. Keep your scalp and hair clean with this product offering deep cleansing without exposing your hair roots to a lot of chemicals.

    Pros
    • Moisturizing formula
    • Lathers nicely
    • Offers deep-cleansing
    • Delicate scent
    • Softens your hair locks
    Cons
    • Watery consistency
  • Philip Kingsley Re-Moisturizing Smoothing Shampoo

    Philip Kingsley Re-Moisturizing Smoothing Shampoo
  • Coarse hair craves moisture and Philip Kinglsely moisturizing shampoo delivers it to keep your hair smooth and silky. Formulated with hydrolyzed elastin, Cocamidopropyl, glycol distearate, and citric acid which offer thorough cleansing and reduce breakage, this shampoo is a great pick for coarse, wavy, and, and dull hair. Make your hair soft and beautiful with this product, allowing proper absorption of nutrients for healthy hair growth. With the gentle formula of this product, your hair doesn’t feel weighed down so you can flaunt the locks while tending to your hair health properly.

    Pros
    • Makes your hair soft and silky
    • Works well on grays
    • Paraben-free
    • Eases dry and frizzy hair management
    Cons
    • Unpleasant smell

    How to Choose the Best Shampoo for Coarse Hair?

    1. Read the Label

    With coarse hair type, you may need to be extra careful to not use shampoos that contain parabens and sulfates as they may aggravate the dryness and cause further damage. Read the label carefully to ensure the ingredients used have a moisturizing effect on your hair. For a start, you may go for shea butter, coconut oil, oats, almond oil, hibiscus oil, vitamins, etc., and other such ingredients that have been proven effective for nourishing the coarse hair.

    2. Check the Formulation

    The formulation of the shampoo used for coarse hair is another important factor to consider. Since coarse hair is prone to hair fall and damage, you should use shampoos with gentle and mild formulations that won’t strip away the natural oils of your hair. You can also go for a rich, moisturizing composition that helps hydrate the hair to strengthen the hair roots. Using shampoos with a lot of chemicals can cause damage to the scalp and make coarse hair more weak and dry.

    3. Assess Your Coarse Hair Type

    Coarse hair may be straight, frizzy, coily, curly, etc. If you’ve frizzy hair, try exploring the shampoos that have anti-frizz properties to tame your frizzy hair. Similarly, if you’ve coily hair, try going for shampoos with rich lather to detangle your hair and soften it.

    How to Use Shampoo for Coarse Hair?

    Step 1: Comb your hair gently to detangle it. Combing before using a shampoo can also help in shampooing the hair properly.

    Step 2: Wash your hair with cold or lukewarm water.

    Step 3: Put an adequate amount of shampoo on your palm and use a bit of water to form a nice lather.

    Step 4: Apply the lather on your roots and massage gently for 2-3 minutes. 

    Step 5: Next, shampoo your hair tips without rushing the process. 

    Step 6: Wash off with cold water by using your fingertips to ensure no residue is left.

    Step 7: Follow up with a conditioner. You should use the conditioner on your hair length and not on the scalp as that may strip away the natural oils and cause scalp dryness.

    Step 8: Dry your hair gently by pressing the towel on the hair strands. Don’t rub a towel on your hair as when hair is wet, it may be more prone to breakages.

    Contributor: Tiffany Young, Certified Trichologist, Founder - ThinHairThick

    Conclusion

    Proper hair care is the key to getting strong and beautiful hair. However, coarse hair tends to be more dry and prone to breakages. So, choosing the right shampoo is the key to making your hair healthy and lustrous. With the best shampoos for coarse hair, you're in for a lot of moisturizing and hydrating formulas that can help nourish your hair to prevent breakages and hair fallouts. Using these shampoos can also reduce frizziness to keep your tresses soft and smooth without making you feel worried about the flyaways. Ensure you go through the buying guide to get the best for your hair type. Happy haircare shopping!

    FAQ's

    Can you use a shampoo on color-treated coarse hair?
    Yes, there are many shampoos that are suitable for applying on coarse hair like L'anza Healing Moisture Tamanu Cream Shampoo, Matrix Mega Sleek Shampoo and Conditioner Set, etc.
    How can you make coarse hair healthy?
    You can make coarse hair healthy by choosing shampoos made with gentle formulas. Hair masks, hot oil massage, conditioners, etc. are also some good options to explore.
    What makes hair coarse?
    Hair may be coarse because of genetic reasons and environmental factors. However, insufficient nourishment of the hair shaft may also be a factor.
    Why do you need a specific shampoo for coarse hair management?
    The thickness of coarse hair can make it more prone to tangling, frizz, brittleness, breakage, etc., and as such you need shampoos that can offer proper nourishment without stripping away the natural oils of the hair.
    Can you use a regular shampoo on coarse hair?
    Using a shampoo specially made for the needs of coarse hair can ease hair management. Also, using sulfate and paraben-free shampoo can also make the coarse hair less dry and damaged.
    Is clarifying shampoo good for coarse hair?
    Clarifying shampoo may be effective in clearing scalp build-up. However, it might not be effective because coarse hair can make it dry.
    How often should you shampoo coarse hair?
    You may shampoo coarse hair once a week to ensure the natural oils and moisture in the hair is intact.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Alvira, our haircare coach, says that pampering hair is important to nourish and condition hair strands. Especially with coarse hair, you may need to be a little more picky as it’s prone to dryness, breakage, and frizz and interrupts your style game with hard-to-tame flyaways. After researching a lot of products, she has curated a list of the best shampoos for coarse hair. After using all the products, she found OGX Extra Strength Damage Remedy Shampoo quite effective for taming frizz and flyaways and thinks it could be a game changer for upgrading your coarse hair care regimen. It’s free from sulfates and features a gentle cleansing formula.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    1. Hair Cosmetics: An Overview

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387693/

     

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Alvira Dsouza
    Hair Expert

    With a keen eye for detail and a passion for hairstyling, Alvira is a certified Hair Expert who brings the latest tre More