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The 15 Best Thickening Shampoos That Add Instant Fullness and Volume
Try these picks on your next wash day.
If you’ve ever lusted for fuller hair, you’re not alone. Stylists and experts are inundated with questions about how to get thicker hair, especially with the increase in hair loss since the pandemic (22 percent of women reported hair loss after having COVID). While hair growth can be a lengthy process, it really starts in the shower with the best hair products.
“Thickening shampoos give instant gratification by making the hair appear feel thicker and fuller,” says Bumble and Bumble stylist Blake Novick. “To give instantaneous results, these formulas use ingredients that swell the hair shaft for a short-term, voluminous look.”
Best Thickening Shampoos
Best for Sensitive Scalps
Briogeo Destined for Density Caffeine and Biotin Peptide Density Shampoo for Fine and Thinning Hair
Read more
Bringing limp, flat hair back to life is all in the ingredients of the shampoos. “Keratin, which is the protein in hair, is something fine hair lacks and desperately needs to look fuller,” says hairstylist and Nexxus ambassador Clariss Rubenstein. “It also prevents breakage which is much more common in fine and thin hair.” Similarly, treating the hair with biotin will help with shine and fullness–plus, it contributes to hair growth. And just like you use collagen to help with elasticity of the skin, the ingredient works the same in haircare to help with the strengthen and minimize breakage.
While one shampoo won’t give you fuller hair in the long run, these 15 thickening shampoos will give the illusion of thick, voluptuous hair right away.
Bumble and bumble BB. Thickening Volume Shampoo
Bumble and bumble BB. Thickening Volume Shampoo
Pros
- Good for color-treated hair
Cons
Oil tends to weigh down hair, so Novick suggests staying away from shampoos with oil listed high on the ingredient list in order to to achieve volume and thickness. Bumble and Bumble's Thickening Volume Shampoo is lightweight enough to use daily but adds mega shine and hydration courtesy of vitamin B.
Customer Review:
"My must have. I save this shampoo and conditioner for special occasions because it does amazing things for my hair. It always feels so incredibly clean and has tons of volume. And I actually enjoy the scent." —SilkyFluff
| Hair Type | Straight and Wavy |
|---|---|
| Hair Texture | Fine and Medium |
Rene Furterer Volumea Volumizing Shampoo
Rene Furterer Volumea Volumizing Shampoo
Pros
- Helps detangle
Cons
For clean and bouncy hair, try this volumizing shampoo, which features carob extract to cleanse, detangle, and thicken hair.
Customer Review:
"I use this one regularly. Does add volume. Hair stays nice for longer period." —Norma
| Size | 6.7 fl oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Carob extract |
Nexxus Unbreakable Care for Fine & Thin Hair Thickening Shampoo
Nexxus Unbreakable Care for Fine & Thin Hair Thickening Shampoo
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
Biotin, keratin, and collagen go to work in this lightweight formula to reduce hair fall by up to 97 percent.
Customer Review:
"After using the shampoo by Nexxus hair care, I found that it didn't leave my hair feeling dried out which is important to me seeing as I have fine hair. I also, really enjoyed the smell of the product as well." —Snaponqueen
R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo
Pros
- Nice scent
Cons
A combination of biotin, vitamin B5, saw palmetto berry extract, and loquat fruit extract add body and a light sheen to hair. Not only does the fullness last all day, but the warm scent, featuring cardamom, lavender, and tangerine, perfumes the hair for hours.
Customer Review:
"It works wonderfully on my curly-wavy, medium- fine hair. My hair feels soft to the touch and looks full and very happy. Thank you for creating this gem!" —Katayoon Z.
| Size | 8.5 fl oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Biotin, Pro Vitamin B5, Coconut Oil, Saw Palmetto Berry Extract, Loquat Fruit Extract |
Briogeo Destined for Density Caffeine and Biotin Peptide Density Shampoo for Fine and Thinning Hair
Briogeo Destined for Density Caffeine and Biotin Peptide Density Shampoo for Fine and Thinning Hair
Pros
- Helps with hair growth
Cons
Caffeine does wonders for boosting circulation in the scalp and at the root to encourage thicker, fuller hair. Briogeo's Destined for Density Shampoo doubles down on voluptuous hair by mixing caffeine with biotin and peptides to get three times more volume, according to users.
| Size | 8 fl oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Caffeine, Biotin, Peptides |
OGX Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Shampoo
OGX Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Shampoo
Pros
- Affordable price
- Nice scent
Cons
To really plump fine strands, this OGX shampoo infuses hair with biotin, collagen, and vitamin B7. Plus, you can't beat the price.
| Size | 13 fl oz. |
|---|---|
| Scent | Bergamot, Jasmine, Vanilla |
| Key Ingredients | Biotin, Elastin, Vitamin B7, Hydrolyzed wheat protein |
Kérastase Bain Densité Shampoo
Pros
- Removes product buildup
Cons
Just like hyaluronic acid plumps the skin, the powerhouse ingredient works overtime to add density and thickness to hair in this Kérastase shampoo. Plus, ceramides help to retain moisture and add shine.
Customer Review:
"Love this shampoo! A little goes a long way when mixed with a little water. Does a great job thickening my fine, thin hair. Can’t live without!" —Kathleenhelen
| Size | 8.5 fl oz |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Gluco Peptide |
JVN Embody Daily Volumizing Shampoo
JVN Embody Daily Volumizing Shampoo
Pros
- Adds shine
Cons
Even flat hair can be dehydrated. JVN's Embody Daily Volumizing Shampoo contains squalane and hemi-squalane to moisturize hair from the inside-out, while aloe leaf juice soothes the scalp.
Customer Review:
"This product is gorgeous! Really nice if you have fine hair and/or hair loss because it removes dirt and residue without stripping and gives beautiful body. Definitely gives beautiful shine and manageability and has a lovely scent." —Prairiee
| Fragrance Description | Lush jasmine, sparkling cassis, and radiant bergamot accent rich notes of sandalwood and amber. |
|---|---|
| Size | 10 oz |
| Key Ingredients | Squalane, Hemi-squalane, Caffeine, Aloe Leaf Juice |
Virtue Full Shampoo
Virtue Full Shampoo
Pros
- Lightweight
- Refreshing citrus smell
Cons
Virtue's proprietary Alpha Keratin 60ku is a key ingredient in a majority of its products, but it's especially beneficial in this volumizing shampoo to rebuild the natural proteins of the hair for added body.
Customer Review:
"I can't believe the change in my hair when i use this shampoo! i have very fine, thin, straight hair, and this shampoo makes my hair look and feel so much thicker! it really does seem to "fluff up" the strands of hair so that my hair looks more filled in, without thin-looking spots." —Kathleen
| Size | 8 fl oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Pink pomelo, Hydrolyzed Quinoa |
amika 3D Volume and Thickening Shampoo
amika 3D Volume and Thickening Shampoo
Pros
- Shine-enhancing
- Floral scent
Cons
For volume straight out of the shower, try Amika's 3D Volume and Thickening Shampoo, which plumps strands with vegetable and rice proteins (the latter protein helps with shine too).
Customer Review:
"Love this shampoo. Makes my hair shine. Do not use with the matching conditioner though. Have to use with a moisturizing one." —Tinyauthor
| Size | 9.2 fl oz. |
|---|---|
| Features | Vegan, refillable |
Pureology Pure Volume Shampoo
Pureology Pure Volume Shampoo
Pros
- Safe for color-treated Hair
- A little goes a long way
Cons
This shampoo utilizes multi-weight wheat protein to add volume without weighing down hair, plus eucalyptus leaf extract to help with hair growth (and to add a sensorial experience in the shower).
Customer Review:
"I have a sensitivity to shampoos but Pureology never causes problems. The shampoo and conditioner are very rich and a little goes a long way. My hair is noticeably more manageable and the natural soft curls have been restored." —Anonymous
| Key Ingredients | Wheat proteins, Eucalyptus leaf extract |
|---|---|
| Size | 9 fl oz. |
Ouai Fine Hair Shampoo
Pros
- Nice smell
Cons
- Not suitable for all hair types
Come for the volume, stay for the addicting scent of this Ouai shampoo. Not only does this formula plump up limp hair with keratin and biotin (two of Rubenstein's favorite ingredients for fine strands), but it boasts the brand's iconic Mercer Street scent, a blend of Italian lemon, Turkish rose, and white musk.
| Size | 10 fl oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Hemp seed extract, Chia seed oil, Keratin, Biotin |
Moroccanoil Extra Volume Shampoo
Pros
- Adds shine
Cons
While volume starts at the root, it's important to nourish strands from top to bottom. This Moroccanoil shampoo has a trifecta of argan oil, glycerin, and a coconut oil derivative to moisturize, plump, and smooth hair for a sleek, yet thick result.
Customer Review:
"Ok I was hesitant to buy this seeing the mixed reviews. This shampoo has surprised me! It cleans my scalp very well and gives my hair good volume. My hair usually starts to feel a bit itchy and greasy the second day but with this one, none of that!! I love it!!!" —GracieYuan
| Size | 8.5 fl oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Argan Oil, Glycerin, Cocamide Mea, Tilia Tomentosa Bud Extract |
Pros
- Balances oil production
- Helps with hair growth
Cons
Nutrafol is a gold-standard for hair growth solutions and for good reason: The derm-beloved products, like this shampoo, focus on scalp health and balancing the scalp microbiome for voluminous, stronger, and more hydrated hair.
| Size | 8.1 fl oz |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Vegan proteins, Australian wild berries |
Living Proof Full Shampoo
Pros
- Reduces damage from heat hools
- Works on curly hair
Cons
If you notice a lack of bounce throughout your whole head, this Living Proof shampoo is an add-to-cart. It contains a proprietary amino cleansing complex that removes buildup and peptides to plump hair fibers.
| Hair Type | Straight, Wavy, Curly, and Coily |
|---|---|
| Size | 8 fl oz |
Better Not Younger Wake Up Call Volumizing Shampoo
Better Not Younger Wake Up Call Volumizing Shampoo
Pros
- Helps detangle hair
Cons
Not only does this shampoo add fullness from root to tip courtesy of bamboo and hops, but sage and caffeine energize and nourish the scalp for thicker-looking hair
Customer Review:
"Nice lather with small amount of product - 3 small pumps. Along with conditioner my hair is significantly fuller, softer, less frizz." —‚Barbara M.
| Size | 8.4 fl oz |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Bamboo, Sage, Hops, Burdock Root |
How does a thickening shampoo work?
Hair loses nutrients from a number of factors, from excessive washing to sun exposure, so thickening shampoos work to make up the lack of nutrients, says Rubenstein. "Protein, specifically keratin, is something fine hair desperately needs to look fuller," she adds. "It also prevents breakage, which is much more common in fine and thin hair."
Do you need conditioner for flat, limp hair?
"Thickening shampoos are wonderful, but they don't work best on their own," Rubenstein explains. "Many people with fine or thin hair think they don’t need conditioner, but this is an absolute myth. Without conditioner hair is left vulnerable to more damage and will cause hair to become more broken, weaker, and finer." The trick to finding a great conditioner to work alongside a thickening shampoo is to look for a formula with limited oils. Overtime, shampoo can be drying to hair, so supplement conditioner with a hair mask if your strands feel extra dry, says Novick.
Meet The Experts
- Clariss Rubenstein is a celebrity hairstylist and Nexxus ambassador based in LA
- Blake Novick is a Bumble & Bumble stylist based in New York
Why trust Harper's BAZAAR?
For more than 150 years, Harper’s BAZAAR has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
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