Whether you're aiming for a hair-growth journey or simply seeking to revitalize perpetually flat strands, the best hair-thickening shampoos are indispensable for achieving voluminous looks. These specialized formulas work by cleansing the scalp of buildup, a significant contributor to flat hair, while simultaneously plumping individual strands with nourishing ingredients. Hydrating components such as vitamin E and hyaluronic acid act as catalysts, promoting fuller hair reminiscent of the iconic styles of the 90s. For optimal results, pair these shampoos with lightweight conditioners tailored for fine hair, ensuring smoothness and shine without added weight.
To unlock the full potential of your hair, we consulted with leading hairstylists, including those who create red-carpet-ready looks for celebrities, to uncover their preferred volumizing shampoos for hair in need of a boost. They also shared invaluable tips for maximizing product effectiveness for fine and thinning hair.
Why it's worth it: According to New York City-based hairstylists Natalie Rotger and Jennifer Korab, Kérastase’s Densifique Bodifying Shampoo offers the volumizing boost necessary for limp hair to appear thicker. Korab emphasizes that this shampoo is designed to enhance density and fullness, strengthening fine hair with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides. These ultra-moisturizing components plump thin hair strands by drawing in water (hyaluronic acid) and sealing in moisture for lasting results (ceramides). The shampoo also contains peptides to reinforce damaged areas of the hair cuticle, improving the hair's overall texture and manageability.
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, ceramides, peptidesScent: bergamot, pink mint, peony, freesia, musk, cedar
Why it's worth it: Jennifer Korab recommends Pureology Pure Volume Shampoo, noting its lightweight texture that effectively cleanses while adding lift and body to fine, color-treated hair. This shampoo features a blend of sunflower seed extract and vitamin E to moisturize strands, reducing frizz and enhancing plumpness. Eucalyptus extract provides a soothing sensation to the scalp and offers anti-inflammatory benefits, making it suitable for sensitive scalps.
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Key ingredients: vitamin E, sunflower seed extract, eucalyptus extractScent: grapefruit, wild rose, cedarwood
Why it's worth it: Redken’s Volume Injection Shampoo delivers a deep cleanse and contains Filloxane, a complex of polymers that lifts roots for a fuller look. Korab highlights that this shampoo instantly boosts volume and thickness while maintaining hair's softness and manageability, making it ideal for fine hair needing weightless body and lift. Filoxane, along with sulfate-based cleansers, minimizes oil buildup, addressing mid-day greasiness.
Key ingredients: Filoxane (silicones, polymers), sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl suflateScent: floral
Why it's worth it: For those with limp and brittle hair, Dimitris Giannetos suggests Moroccanoil Extra Volume Shampoo, powered by argan oil. He considers it one of the best shampoos for thinning hair due to its moisturizing properties and deep-cleansing action (derived from coconut-based surfactants), which removes buildup without causing a dry scalp or strands. This sulfate-free shampoo infuses argan oil and linden bud extract to add body to fine hair while keeping it light and bouncy, ideal for creating lift without drying out the hair.
Key ingredients: argan oil, linden bud extract, glycerin, cocomide MEAScent: amber, musk, florals
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Why it's worth it: When hair loss results from damage caused by bleaching, heat styling, or environmental factors, Giannetos recommends Garnier Fullness Repair Shampoo. This formulation targets multiple concerns for hair on the mend, thickening hair with polypeptides, citric acid, and a Repair Care Complex. Citric acid seals the hair cuticle, reducing porosity and breakage. The Repair Care Complex provides moisture and malleability through a blend of glycerin, sunflower seed oil, and sodium lactate.
Key ingredients: citric acid, polypeptides, Repair Care Complex (glycerin, sunflower seed oil, sodium lactate)Scent: fruity
Why it's worth it: Natalie Rotger relies on R+Co Biotin Thickening Shampoo to revitalize limp and lackluster hair, bringing strands to their fullest, shiniest state. This shampoo combines biotin, pro-vitamin B5, coconut oil, and extracts from saw palmetto berries and loquat fruit, plumping strands with moisture for a thicker appearance and promoting shine and glossiness. Rotger notes that it provides texture and hold without weighing the hair down.
Key ingredients: biotin, pro-vitamin B5, coconut oil, saw palmetto berry extract, loquat fruit extractScent: cardamom, pineapple, tangerine, lavender, bamboo, blonde woods
Why it's worth it: Even naturally thick hair can become flat due to buildup, oil, and hair texture. Rotger recommends Bumble and Bumble Thickening Volume Shampoo, calling it a reliable "O.G. thickening shampoo." This shampoo removes product buildup that weighs down roots, allowing them to lift and create more voluminous hair. It also includes moisturizing antioxidant panthenol to help strands reach their bounciest potential.
Read also: Color-Treated Hair Shampoo Guide
Key ingredients: panthenolScent: lemon, bergamot, apple, water lily, white musk, cedarwood
When selecting a shampoo for thickening fine hair, it’s crucial to consider what to avoid. Natalie Rotger advises against heavily-moisturizing formulations that can weigh down the hair. Dimitris Giannetos recommends avoiding heavy silicones or oils, as they also contribute to flatness. A suitable shampoo should add lift while being gentle enough for daily use.
Jennifer Korab suggests looking for ingredients that provide lightweight moisture and promote fullness, such as rice protein, biotin, or panthenol. For color-treated hair, opt for a sulfate-free shampoo to preserve color without sacrificing volume.
Post-shower styling is essential for achieving fuller, more voluminous hair. Dimitris Giannetos recommends starting with a volumizing mousse or root lifter to add lift at the scalp. Blow-dry with a round brush to build body, and finish with a lightweight texturizing spray for fullness without weight. Jennifer Korab suggests a deep side or zig-zag part to add dimension, while velcro rollers or a hot air brush can enhance volume. For the fullest look, consider clip-in or halo extensions, but use them sparingly to avoid exacerbating fallout.
Our reviews involve a diverse range of testers to ensure comprehensive insights across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors, and needs. We focus on products designed to address specific concerns or work effectively for particular hair types, providing reliable recommendations.
For our review of the best hair-thickening shampoos, we consulted editors, writers, contributors, and hairstylists to identify top options. Testers evaluated performance based on efficacy, texture and experience, fragrance, and packaging. Our reviews process and methodology page offers further details on our reporting.
Allure is committed to providing reliable beauty recommendations through a diverse team of writers and editors, alongside external testers and industry experts. Our team's wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds ensures fair assessment of beauty products.
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