Key ingredients: turnip extract, pro-vitamin b5, sodium PCA | Fragrance-free: no | Sulfate-free: yes | Who it’s for: people with fine, limp hair that’s dry
Best Nourishing: Amika Big Hit Volumizing Shampoo
Why we love it: Just like how caffeine wakes you up, it can give your hair the same jolt to our hair. Amika Big Hit Volumizing Shampoo energizes limp strands, boosts volume to over twice their usual thickness, and eliminates excess sebum that could drag your hair down. Next, there’s glycerin, which locks in moisture, keeping your hair bouncy, soft, and full of life. And of course, we can’t forget Amika’s signature ingredient—sea buckthorn. Loaded with vitamins A and C, fatty acids, and antioxidants, it nourishes your hair and scalp, promoting healthier, stronger locks. If you’re after that sky-high volume, this shampoo makes your hair feel thicker and look as full as possible.
Editor tip: If you have color-treated here, “volumizing shampoo can be used occasionally in styling, but generally you should avoid using it daily as the clarifying effects can gently strip the tone of the color over time,” says Gili.
Key ingredients: glycerin, caffeine, sea buckthorn | Fragrance-free: no | Sulfate-free: yes | Who it’s for: people with fine, oily hair
Best Clarifying: L’Oréal Professionnel Volumetry Volumizing Shampoo
Why we love it: Intra-cylane takes center stage once again in L’Oréal Professionnel Paris Volumetry Volumizing Shampoo (since L’Oréal owns Kérastase, it’s no surprise to see similar tech across the brands). This powerful ingredient adds instant fullness and body to fine, thin hair, giving it a much-needed lift. What really sets this shampoo apart, however, is its dual-action formula. Not only does it boost volume, but it also gently exfoliates the scalp with salicylic acid, effectively purifying without stripping your hair of moisture. The result? Clean, bouncy locks that feel fresh and full without any unwanted dryness.
Editor tip: If you’re experiencing dryness, “try using a volumizing shampoo focused at your roots and a moisturizing shampoo for the rest of your hair to maintain moisture and keep hydration,” says Gili.
Key ingredients: salicylic acid, intra-cylane, glycerin | Fragrance-free: no | Sulfate-free: no | Who it’s for: people with fine, thinning hair and scalp buildup
Frequently asked questions
Do volumizing shampoos really work?
Yes, volumizing shampoos can definitely help boost your hair’s volume, but it depends on the formula, your hair type, and your lifestyle. They’re designed to cleanse without weighing your hair down, using ingredients like polymers to make strands look thicker and proteins to add some strength. “Unfortunately, there are no long-term benefits for volumizing shampoo being that each scalp is different. However, results may vary as the product can create ‘memory’ that can help the body of the hair to last a certain amount of time,” says Gili. They might not be a total game-changer for super fine hair, but you’ll notice more lift, especially if you blow-dry afterward. Just don’t forget to follow up with a lightweight conditioner to keep your hair soft without losing that extra bounce.
What is the best product for volumizing hair?
When it comes to boosting volume, several hairstyling products can give your hair that extra lift after you’re done in the shower. Volumizing mousses are a great starting point “as lightweight polymers coat the hair, expanding each strand and providing lift from the roots,” says Nast. Root lifting sprays are another go-to, especially for the crown of your head. “They normally have lightweight polymers to give a strong hold at the roots,” she says. For a more textured, tousled vibe, try a texture spray. “They will add grit to your hair by adding friction between hair strands, which helps create the illusion of thicker hair,” says Nast.
How can I make fine thin hair look thicker?
If you want to give fine hair a thicker, fuller look, start with a good volumizing shampoo and conditioner to add body without making your hair feel heavy. “Volumizing shampoos work by removing oil and buildup that weigh hair down. They often contain proteins to plump the hair and polymers that coat each strand for extra thickness,” explains Nast. Blow-drying with a round brush is a game-changer for lifting roots, especially if you add a volumizing mousse or spray beforehand. Dry shampoo is also your secret weapon for adding a quick blast of texture and volume to your roots. But “avoid using too much product as this can actually have the opposite effect and weigh your hair down,” says Nast. A layered haircut can create the illusion of fuller hair, and using thickening or texturizing sprays will help give it that plumped-up look. For instant thickness, clip-in extensions are always an option, and don’t forget to keep your scalp healthy for better hair growth.
Meet the experts
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While there are certainly products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are created in order to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn’t want to pick up a purple shampoo that’s only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that’s never been tested by anyone with curls—right?
