Looking for the best hair thickening shampoo to boost your hair's volume and strength?
In this guide, we'll explore top-rated shampoos that not only thicken your hair but also promote overall hair health.
Say goodbye to thin, lifeless strands and hello to a fuller, more vibrant mane with these expert-recommended hair thickening shampoos.
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Does hair thickening shampoo really work?
Yes, hair thickening shampoo can work to make hair appear fuller and thicker. These shampoos often have fewer conditioning agents, reducing the likelihood of weighing hair down. They function by either moisturizing and plumping up the strands for a temporary volume boost or by breaking down scalp oils and product buildup that flatten hair.
Ingredients like proteins and polymers can coat the hair, giving each strand more body and making it appear thicker.
Additionally, these shampoos can also include ingredients like biotin, which is known to strengthen hair, and other nutrients that promote overall hair health.
However, it's important to note that the effects are usually temporary and work best when used consistently as part of a hair care routine.
For those with significantly thinning hair, these shampoos might not provide a dramatic change but can still contribute to a healthier, fuller appearance of the hair.
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Our top picks for the best hair thickening shampoos for instant volume
1. Best overall hair thickening shampoo: Scandinavian Biolabs Hair Strength Shampoo
Scandinavian Biolabs Hair Strength Shampoo emerges as the best overall hair-thickening shampoo, offering a perfect blend of nature-inspired ingredients and scientific innovation.
This shampoo is specially crafted to reduce excessive sebum and promote a balanced scalp, key factors in achieving healthier and thicker hair.
It’s enriched with effective active ingredients like Capilia Longa, which has shown remarkable results in reducing hair loss and increasing hair density.
The inclusion of amino acids enhances the strength and durability of hair, while niacinamide stimulates keratin production, further bolstering hair strength.
The shampoo's pleasant eucalyptus aroma adds a refreshing touch, making hair feel vibrant and fresh after each wash.
Pros:
- Significantly reduces hair loss and improves hair density
- Strengthens hair and rebalances the scalp
- Made with 100% vegan, natural ingredients
- Dermatologically tested for safety and quality
Cons:
- May not be suitable for all hair types
- Eucalyptus scent may not appeal to everyone
2. Best value hair thickening shampoo: Garnier Fructis Full & Plush Fortifying Shampoo
Garnier Fructis Full & Plush Fortifying Shampoo stands out for its ability to volumize hair while leaving it soft and conditioned, all at an affordable price.
Praised in GH Beauty Lab tests, its formula is not only effective in giving hair a fuller feel but also makes it easy to manage post-wash.
Users have reported an immediate difference in hair volume, highlighting its impressive results from the very first use.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Leaves hair soft and easy to comb
- Noticeable volume boost from the first use
Cons:
- May not suit all hair types equally
3. Best thickening shampoo for dry hair: Pantene Pro-V Sheer Volume Shampoo
Pantene Pro-V Sheer Volume Shampoo is an ideal choice for transforming fine or flat hair that is also dry. It effectively adds volume while reducing frizz, making it a favorite among users.
Its pleasant fruity scent and conditioning properties ensure that hair remains manageable and easy to comb after towel drying.
Pros:
- Enhances volume while conditioning
- Reduces frizz in dry hair
- Affordable and has a pleasant scent
Cons:
- May not be as effective for extremely oily hair types
4. Best clarifying hair-thickening shampoo: K18 Peptide Prep Color-Safe Detox Clarifying Shampoo
K18 Peptide Prep Color-Safe Detox Clarifying Shampoo is a top choice for its dual-action formula that combines exfoliation and chemical treatments to remove scalp build up, thereby lifting roots and thickening hair.
Its inclusion of strengthening peptides also aids in hair bond restoration, promoting healthier and potentially longer hair over time. However, it might be drying for those with coarse or dry hair if used frequently.
Pros:
- Effective in removing scalp build up
- Strengthens hair bonds with peptides
- Suitable for all hair types, but caution needed for dry hair
Cons:
- Potential dryness for certain hair types
5. Best hair-thickening shampoo for oily hair: Bumble and Bumble Thickening Volume Shampoo
Bumble and Bumble Thickening Volume Shampoo is particularly effective for oily hair, employing sulfates to deeply cleanse and remove buildup.
It avoids heavy oils that can weigh hair down, opting instead for aloe vera for soothing and panthenol for light hydration.
While it's effective, those with dry ends should follow up with a moisturizing conditioner.
Pros:
- Deeply cleanses oily hair
- Light hydration without weighing hair down
- Aloe vera soothes the scalp
Cons:
- Not sulfate-free, may not be suitable for all preferences
- Requires follow-up conditioning for dry ends
6. Best moisturizing hair-thickening shampoo: Fable & Mane HoliRoots Hydrating Shampoo
Fable & Mane's HoliRoots Hydrating Shampoo stands out for its intensely moisturizing formula, ideal for those who want thicker hair without sacrificing hydration.
Enriched with coconut oil, sunflower-seed oil, murumuru-seed butter, and aloe vera, it not only cleanses gently but also plumps up the hair, making it appear fuller.
The shampoo also features centella asiatica, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which helps in soothing scalp irritation that could hinder hair growth.
Pros:
- Deeply moisturizing with natural oils and butters
- Soothes scalp with anti-inflammatory ingredients
- Free from sulfates, suitable for coarse, dry, or damaged hair
Cons:
- May be too rich for very fine or oily hair types
7. Best sulfate-free hair thickening shampoo: OGX Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Extra Strength Volumizing Shampoo
OGX's sulfate-free formula is a favorite for those seeking a luxurious lather without harsh chemicals.
It excelled in GH Beauty Lab tests for its ease of application and rinsing, providing a satisfying cleanse without stripping hair. Its volumizing effects are noticeable, with users reporting a significant boost in hair body and thickness.
Pros:
- Luxurious lather without sulfates
- Easy to apply and rinse, leaving hair easy to comb
- Noticeable volume and thickness enhancement
Cons:
- May not provide as deep a clean as some traditional shampoos
8. Best natural hair-thickening shampoo: Aveda Pure Abundance Volumizing Shampoo
Aveda Pure Abundance Volumizing Shampoo is acclaimed for its use of natural ingredients like wheat protein and aloe, delivering a thickening effect without synthetic additives.
GH Beauty Lab testers praised it for making hair feel thicker and fuller, even creating the appearance of more hair. This shampoo is an excellent choice for those prioritizing natural haircare solutions.
Pros:
- Made with natural ingredients
- Enhances hair volume and thickness
- Gives the appearance of more hair
Cons:
- May not suit those looking for more intensive volumizing effects
9. Best hair thickening shampoo for hair growth: Biolage Volumebloom Shampoo
Biolage Volumebloom Shampoo is specially designed to unclog the scalp, removing impurities and buildup, thereby encouraging hair growth.
It's formulated with a potent thickness formula that includes biotin, zinc PCA, and gluco-omega, all known for their hair strengthening and volumizing properties.
Pros:
- Clears scalp impurities to promote hair growth
- Contains biotin, zinc PCA, and gluco-omega for hair health
- Enhances hair fullness
Cons:
- May not suit extremely sensitive scalps
10. Best lightweight hair thickening shampoo: Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Shampoo
Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Shampoo is ideal for those with fine hair, offering volume without the heaviness.
Rated highly for its ability to not weigh hair down, this shampoo leaves fine, limp hair with a noticeable boost in volume, eliminating the need for additional volumizing products.
Pros:
- Lightweight, doesn’t weigh hair down
- Adds significant volume to fine hair
- Requires no additional volumizing products
Cons:
- May not provide enough hydration for very dry hair
11. Best hair thickening shampoo for dandruff: Head & Shoulders Dandruff Shampoo, Volume Boost
This shampoo from Head & Shoulders tackles dandruff while providing volumizing benefits.
It contains pyrithione zinc to effectively treat dandruff and is known for adding lift and volume that lasts up to 24 hours. The shampoo is also appreciated for its pleasant scent.
Pros:
- Treats dandruff while adding volume
- Provides lift and volume for up to 24 hours
- Pleasant scent
Cons:
- May not be suitable for non-dandruff users
12. Best thickening shampoo for oily hair: Kenra Professional Volumizing Shampoo
Kenra Professional Volumizing Shampoo excels in giving a clean feel to hair, especially beneficial for those with oily hair types. It scored high in tests for easy washing out and leaving hair feeling clean post-rinse.
Additionally, it makes hair easy to comb after towel-drying and provides lasting volume throughout the day.
Pros:
- Effectively cleans and reduces oiliness
- Easy to rinse out, leaving hair manageable
- Provides long-lasting volume
Cons:
- Might be too clarifying for dry or damaged hair
13. Best hair thickening shampoo for scalp care: KeepItAnchored Starter Kit For Women
The KeepItAnchored Starter Kit For Women, a GH Beauty Award winner, excels in scalp care, crucial for hair fullness. The shampoo, along with its accompanying conditioner and scalp serum, is infused with niacinamide, zinc, and caffeine, nurturing the scalp.
This improved scalp condition is linked to better hair fullness, with a lab analysis revealing approximately 2,400 more hairs on users' scalps after six months compared to a placebo group.
Pros:
- Nourishes and nurtures the scalp
- Proven to increase hair count significantly
- Works as part of a comprehensive hair care kit
Cons:
- Requires consistent use for best results
14. Best scented hair thickening shampoo: Dove Nutritive Solutions Oxygen Moisture Shampoo
Dove Nutritive Solutions Oxygen Moisture Shampoo is a top choice for those who value a great scent in their hair care products.
It's highly rated for its "fresh and clean" aroma and is effective in leaving hair feeling clean, soft, and voluminous. Users have reported enhanced volume and body, with hair gaining more bounce after use.
Pros:
- Refreshing and pleasant scent
- Leaves hair feeling clean and soft
- Adds volume and bounce to hair
Cons:
- Scent preference is subjective
15. Best strengthening hair thickening shampoo: NatureLab Perfect Volume Shampoo
NatureLab Perfect Volume Shampoo is known for its strength-enhancing properties, thanks to a blend of apple stem cells and rice and soy protein.
It not only adds lift and bounce but also makes hair feel fuller once dried. Its effectiveness is maintained over time, with hair retaining visible lift and volume even the next day.
Pros:
- Strengthens hair with natural proteins
- Provides long-lasting lift and volume
- Hair feels fuller immediately after use
Cons:
- May not suit those looking for a more moisturizing formula
How to choose the best hair-thickening shampoo
Choosing the best hair-thickening shampoo involves understanding your specific hair needs and goals. Here are key criteria to consider when selecting a shampoo that will give your hair the desired volume and health.
Hair goals
Understanding your primary aim is crucial. Are you looking for a temporary boost in volume or aiming to enhance hair growth? If it's the former, shampoos containing polymers are great as they coat each hair strand, giving an instant thicker appearance.
For those focusing on hair growth or reducing hair shedding, it's beneficial to look for ingredients like zinc and niacinamide, known for their scalp-soothing properties.
Hair type
Your hair type plays a significant role in determining the right shampoo. For fine or oily hair, clarifying shampoos can effectively remove build up and oil, making your hair feel lighter and fuller.
Conversely, if you have dry or damaged hair, it's better to choose moisturizing shampoos enriched with nourishing oils. These products can provide the necessary hydration without compromising on volume.
Scalp health
A healthy scalp is a foundation for healthy hair. Shampoos that address specific scalp conditions, such as dandruff or sensitivity, can indirectly contribute to improving hair thickness.
Look for products designed to balance and maintain scalp health, as this can positively affect hair growth and thickness.
Ingredient focus
Finally, consider the types of ingredients you prefer in your hair care products. If you lean towards natural and organic options, there are many shampoos available with plant-based or organic ingredients.
However, if you're seeking more dramatic thickening effects, chemical-based formulas might be more effective. These can offer stronger and more immediate results in terms of volumizing and thickening the hair.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the right hair thickening shampoo can make a significant difference in achieving fuller, healthier hair.
Whether you prefer natural ingredients or potent chemical formulations, there's a shampoo tailored to your needs.
Incorporate one of these top-rated hair thickening shampoos into your routine and enjoy the benefits of volumized, strengthened hair.
FAQs
Can hair thickening shampoos effectively make hair look fuller?
Yes, hair thickening shampoos can make hair appear fuller and healthier over time. While they don't treat hair loss directly, they work by giving hair a more voluminous and thicker appearance.
What are some natural ways to thicken thin hair?
To naturally thicken and add volume to your hair, consider these tips:
- Use dry shampoo for added texture and volume.
- Apply hair mousse to boost volume.
- Utilize volumizing sprays for instant lift.
- Choose shampoos and conditioners formulated to thicken hair.
- Blow-dry your hair with a round brush to create more body.
- Tease hair at the roots for additional volume.
- Opt for a haircut or style that adds volume and fullness.
