The Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Thick Hair in Australia

What sets these apart? The ingredients, the formulas, and the results. They outperform everything else I’ve tried - hands down. No contest.

This is part of an ongoing series where I highlight my all-time favorite hair care products across every category. Just like I did in my previous post, I won’t be narrowing things down too aggressively here. Everyone’s preferences are different—we all like different textures, scents, price points, and have unique hair types that respond differently to products.

The goal of this post is to give you a well-rounded list of options that I genuinely love and trust, so you can build a routine that not only works wonders for your hair but also feels like a treat every time you use it.

Dry shampoo is a hair product that absorbs excess oil and dirt without the need for water. Unlike conventional shampoo that strips hair of oil and dirt, dry shampoo works by soaking up the oil at the hair roots, leaving hair looking refreshed.

I hadn’t used Redken All Soft in over 10 years, so I was curious to see if it still held up—and honestly, I’m impressed. From the moment I applied the shampoo, my bleached hair felt soft and manageable (which is rare). The creamy formula, enriched with argan oil and moisture complex, left my hair nourished, shiny, and smooth. The conditioner? Like butter. Rich, creamy, and intensely hydrating—but definitely best suited for thick, dry, or brittle hair. If your hair is fine or only slightly dry, it might feel too heavy. I needed to rinse it out really well, but once I did and dried my hair, the softness and shine were undeniable. This isn’t just hype—Redken All Soft delivers.

Available in 3 sizes, to complete the routine add oil in your routine as well.

This was my first time trying anything from Matrix, and I’m genuinely so impressed. I used the Food For Soft Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner, and right away I noticed the difference. The shampoo lathered up beautifully—like, way more than I expected—so you only need the tiniest amount. It felt velvety and lush, and definitely gave me that bougie hair care moment I was craving.

The conditioner? Super light but effective. I used just a touch since I was also doing the mask, and even then, it felt like it made a difference. My hair rinsed clean but still felt hydrated, soft, and really smooth.

After blow drying and styling, the results were even better—my hair looked shiny, clean, and soft without feeling weighed down. It has this weightlessness to it that I loved, and even the scent was subtle and fresh. Honestly, for a first impression? This one’s a win. Matrix nailed it.

Available in 2 sizes, to complete the routine add oil and mask in your routine as well.

I’d heard the hype around Redken’s Acidic Bonding Concentrate line, and after trying the conditioner and intensive treatment, I can say—it delivers. The second I applied the conditioner, my high-porosity hair felt noticeably heavier in the best way. That “weight” is such a good sign for dry, puffy hair like mine. I layered the mask on top (yes, conditioner over conditioner—it works), left it in for about 15 minutes, and rinsed with cool water. My hair came out soft, shiny, and so much more manageable.

The scent? So good. Subtle, fresh, and salon-level luxe. While it doesn’t replace a hardcore bond builder like Olaplex in my routine, it absolutely earns a permanent spot in my weekly lineup. My hair looks healthier, feels more hydrated, and somehow stays cleaner longer. For high-porosity or bleached hair, this one’s a win.

Available in 2 sizes, to complete the routine add oil and mask in your routine as well.

I finally tried Serie Expert Absolut Repair Molecular by L’Oréal Professionnel, and wow—this one surprised me. It’s designed for seriously damaged hair, the kind that’s lost its elasticity after too much coloring, perming, or, let’s be real, a little neglect. The formula goes deeper than your average repair shampoo—it actually works on the molecular structure of the hair, and you can feel the difference almost instantly.

The shampoo is thick and creamy with a soft, subtle scent (nothing overpowering), and even though it’s super restorative, it doesn’t weigh the hair down or leave it oily. I paired it with the rinse-off serum and leave-in mask, and the results were impressive—my hair felt softer, while stronger, bouncier, and noticeably more elastic. And the best part? No greasiness at the roots.

If your hair is truly damaged and needs more than just surface-level repair, this is one to keep in the rotation. Definitely one of the better targeted treatments I’ve used lately.

In conclusion, the best shampoo and conditioner for thick hair in Australia offer more than just cleansing—they deliver targeted hydration, manageability, and repair for hair types that need a little extra care. With options tested on real, thick hair and curated for different textures and needs, these products are designed to make your routine easier and more effective. Choose the formula that suits your hair type and styling preferences to get the best results and keep your hair healthy, soft, and strong—day after day.

What are your thoughts after reading this post? Drop your insights in the comments below.