Best Hair Product for Thick Hair: A Complete Guide
- Jun 10
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 22
Thick hair has its advantages. It often looks fuller, can hold a style well and provides plenty of versatility. However, it also comes with its own challenges. Thick hair can feel heavy, become difficult to control and sometimes appear bulky or unruly without the right styling product.
The good news is that choosing the right product can make thick hair easier to manage while helping you achieve the finish you're looking for.
In this guide, we'll explore the best hair products for thick hair, what to look for and how to choose the right product based on your styling goals.
If you're still comparing different styling products, start with our guide on How to Choose the Right Hair Product.
What Is Thick Hair?
Unlike fine hair, thick hair doesn't always need more volume. In many cases, the goal is to improve control, texture or manageability.
Thick hair generally refers to either:
A high density of hair
Thick individual hair strands
Or a combination of both
People with thick hair often experience:
Strong natural volume
Hair that feels heavy
Difficulty controlling certain styles
Increased bulk
Frizz or flyaway
People often confuse thick hair with coarse hair, but they aren't the same. Thick hair describes either the number of hairs growing on the scalp (hair density), the diameter of each individual strand, or a combination of both. Coarse hair refers specifically to the thickness of each individual strand.
What Should You Look For In A Hair Product?
The best hair product for thick hair depends on what you're trying to achieve.
Some people want:
More texture
More movement
A natural finish
Others want:
More control
A neater appearance
Better manageability
Understanding your desired outcome is often more important than the product category itself.
Formulator's Insight
"Thick hair doesn't always need stronger products... it often needs smarter ones. Extremely heavy styling products can make thick hair feel stiff and difficult to restyle. Formulations that create lightweight grip, separation and flexible control usually produce a more natural-looking finish while making thick hair easier to manage throughout the day."
Why Hair Clay Works Well For Thick Hair
Hair clay can be an excellent option for thick hair when the goal is to create texture, separation and movement. Products such as our 100% natural Organic Hair Clay create grip between individual hair fibres rather than allowing them to clump together. This increases texture, movement and separation, helping thick hair feel lighter and easier to style.
Hair clay is particularly effective for thick hair that feels heavy, flat or lacks natural movement. Benefits of hair clay for thick hair include:
Increased texture
Improved movement
Natural matte finish
Separation and definition
Reworkable hold
To learn more about how hair clay works, read Hair Clay: Benefits, Uses & How to Apply It.
Why Pomade Works Well For Thick Hair
Pomade is often a strong choice for people with thick hair seeking greater control.
Unlike hair clay, which focuses on texture and separation, pomade helps bring strands together to create a smoother, more structured appearance.
Benefits of pomade for thick hair include:
Greater control
Improved definition
Flexible styling
More polished finishes
Recommended Product
Our Organic Hair Balm acts as a natural pomade alternative, providing medium hold and a soft, natural finish.
For many people with thick hair, pomade can make styling easier while helping maintain control throughout the day.
Read next:
What About Hair Oil?
Hair oil can be particularly beneficial for medium to long thick hair. While it won't provide hold or styling control, it can help:
Improve manageability
Reduce frizz
Increase softness
Add healthy-looking shine
For those with longer, thicker hair, hair oils can help improve the overall appearance and feel of the hair without weighing it down when used correctly. Our Organic Hair Oil isn't designed to provide hold, but it can complement your styling routine by improving softness, reducing frizz and helping protect the hair from dryness. Thick hair can generally tolerate slightly more oil than fine hair, making it particularly useful for medium to long hairstyles. Apply a small amount through the mid-lengths and ends, avoiding the roots unless additional conditioning is needed.
Read next: Hair Oil Benefits
Common Mistakes People With Thick Hair Make
Choosing Products Based Solely On Hold
Many people assume thick hair requires the strongest possible hold.
In reality, texture and control are often more important than maximum hold.
Using Too Much Product
Thick hair can handle more product than fine hair, but overuse can still leave the hair feeling heavy and difficult to style.
Ignoring Finish
The finish of a product can dramatically affect how thick hair appears.
If you're unsure which finish is right for you, read Matte vs Shine Hair Products
Fighting Your Natural Hair Type
The best results often come from working with your hair's natural characteristics rather than against them.
Best Hair Product For Thick Hair: Quick Summary
Choose Hair Clay If:
You want texture
You want separation
You prefer a matte finish
You want more movement
Your hair feels heavy or bulky
You have short - medium length hair
Recommended Product:
Choose Pomade If:
You want greater control
You prefer a neater finish
You want definition
You like some shine
You have short - medium length hair
You want a more structured style
Recommended Product:
Choose Hair Oil If:
You have medium to long hair
You want to reduce frizz
You want softer hair
You want greater manageability
You want healthy-looking shine
Focused on hair care vs hold
Recommended Product:
Final Thoughts
Thick hair gives you plenty of styling options, but the best product depends on the look you're trying to achieve. If your goal is texture, movement and a natural matte finish, hair clay is often the better choice.
If you prefer control, definition and a more polished appearance, pomade may be more suitable.
Many people with thick hair benefit from using a combination of styling and hair care products to achieve the best results.
If you're still unsure which styling product is right for you, explore our complete guide on How to Choose the Right Hair Product.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hair product for thick hair?
The best product depends on your styling goals. Hair clay is ideal for creating texture, movement and a natural matte finish, while pomade is better suited to greater control and a more polished appearance. Hair oil supports hair health by improving softness and reducing frizz.
Is hair clay good for thick hair?
Yes. Hair clay works particularly well on thick hair because it creates separation and texture, helping reduce the appearance of bulk while maintaining a natural-looking finish.
Is pomade better than hair clay for thick hair?
Neither product is inherently better. Pomade is better for smooth, controlled hairstyles, while hair clay is often preferred for textured styles with more movement and volume.
Can I use hair oil on thick hair?
Yes. Hair oil can be an excellent addition to a thick hair routine, especially for medium to long hairstyles. Applying a small amount to the mid-lengths and ends helps reduce frizz, improve softness and enhance shine.
Why is my thick hair difficult to style?
Thick hair can be heavier than other hair types, making it harder to control. Choosing products that match your styling goals and applying the right amount of product can make thick hair easier to manage.
Should thick hair use matte or shiny products?
Both can work well. Matte products such as hair clay create a more natural, textured finish, while pomades with some shine are better suited to smooth, structured hairstyles.
