The 19 Best Conditioners for Thin Hair That Won’t Weigh It Down
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Looking for a little lift in the hair department? It all starts in the shower. Since we already got you covered with the best volumizing shampoos, we’re here to help you with part two: the best conditioners for thin hair. We know how challenging it can be to find a conditioner that doesn’t weigh down your locks, so we consulted 12 professional hairstylists, dermatologists and editors to share their top picks for all hair textures—from stick straight stands to thick, curly hair.
On this list, you’ll also find top-rated products catered to specific needs. For example, if you’re looking for some extra hydration, a popular pick is Vegamour’s GRO Revitalizing Conditioner, which is loved by editors and derms alike. And if you’re willing to splurge a little, many enjoy Christophe Robin’s Delicate Volumizing Conditioner. We also included plenty of budget-friendly options like L'Oréal and Biolage. Ahead, you’ll find the 19 best conditioners for fine hair that won’t weigh down your strands in the slightest.
The Best Conditioners for Thin Hair at a Glance
Meet the Experts:
How We Chose the Best Conditioners for Thin Hair
We went straight to our panel of experts for their product recommendations. This group consists of board-certified dermatologists, trichologists and professional hairstylists. We also thoroughly researched top retailers, including Amazon, Sephora, Ulta Beauty and Target, to further round out our list. Once we had our top selections, we organized each of the conditioners into categories: drugstore brands like L’Oréal Paris, luxury brands like Christophe Robin and fan favorites like Ouai. From there, we analyzed each conditioner’s key ingredients to see how they could benefit thin hair. Last but not least, we factored in customer reviews to bring you the 19 best conditioners for thin hair, so you can find the right one to suit your needs and specific preferences.
The 26 Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair for Your Fullest-Looking Locks Yet
1. Vegamour GRO Revitalizing Conditioner
Vegamour is both a derm and editor favorite. It contains karamatin (also known as B-silk protein), which, according to Dr. Garshick, “works to bond the hairs to fortify strands and seal in shine without feeling heavy or leave build up behind.” The rich formula also includes phytoactives (like red clover and mung bean) to improve the overall volume in your hair, as well as a nourishing blend of marula, baobab and murumuru butters that add hydration back to dry locks.
2. Nioxin Scalp Therapy Conditioner
This lightweight conditioner aims to balance moisture and strengthen thin strands, while adding fullness over time. As McKernan explains, “It’s formulated to address your unique hair type and level of thinning. It’s full of vitamins like niacinamide and biotin, so that with continued use, your hair can appear thicker and fuller.” The brand recommends applying the conditioner onto your scalp and strands and leaving it on for three minutes before rinsing it out.
3. Philip B Lightweight Deep Conditioner
“This conditioner was made to nourish and hydrate your hair without the weight, wax or grease [that often comes with many conditioners]. It was created with fine and thin hair in mind,” says Philip B. The lightweight formula features shea butter, soy proteins and essential oils (like lemon, orange, lavender and gardenia) to nourish hair without ever feeling too heavy on thin strands. “The blend of plant-derived extracts also helps make hair feel smooth, lush and manageable without dragging it down,” he adds.
4. SexyHair Big Volumizing Conditioner
If you’re searching for more volume and moisture, look no further than this conditioner. The gentle formula includes botanical extracts (like sweet almond oil and jojoba oil) to offer hydration to thirsty strands. Meanwhile, lemongrass provides a nice scent that’s pleasant in the shower. “It adds moisture and body to all hair types without looking greasy. I also love the addition of botanical extracts and vitamin B3 for hair health,” adds Priano.
5. PHYTO Volumizing Jelly Mask
Silky smooth hair coming right up! This hair mask is formulated with plant-based extracts (i.e., yarrow, tormentil and bamboo) to improve elasticity and soothe scalp concerns. All you need is a quarter-sized amount, which you’ll leave in for three minutes before rinsing to help with detangling once you’re out of the shower. “This mask has a unique consistency that’s more of a gel than a cream. This helps envelope the hair and act as a lightweight moisturizer without sacrificing fullness,” adds Schruise.
6. KMS MoistRepair Conditioner
This nourishing conditioner is one of Harry Josh’s go-to picks for thin hair. As he explains, “If your hair is thin or thinning, it’s important to find conditioners that will help nourish your hair without weighing it down. You’ll also want to look for ingredients that will support the internal strand of the hair to help it grow.” This one features lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates the scalp and hydrates your hair, as well as cetrimonium chloride to minimize frizz and condition hair. The conditioner is alcohol- and paraben-free, so it can repair and moisturize your hair without drying it out.
7. The Rodan + Fields Volume+ Conditioner
“If you have fine or thin hair, another ingredient to keep an eye out for is acetyl glutamine, which plumps the hair shaft [for fuller hair],” shares Brager. This conditioner from Rodan+Fields features the ingredient, plus bio ceramide molecules that add volume and fullness while leaving hair feeling smoother, and silk peptides for stronger strands. Plus, the formula has a delicious citrusy scent with notes of mandarin, lemon, peony, white tea, amber and musk.
8. Ouai Fine Hair Conditioner
The last thing you want is a product that weighs your hair down and causes even more build-up on your scalp. Thankfully, the lightweight formula of this Ouai conditioner nourishes and thickens even the thinnest strands using biotin, keratin and chia seed oil. Plus, the scent—a blend of lemon, jasmine and white musk—will make your strands (and shower) smell like a dream. “I've been using this conditioner for a few months and I love that it has a buttery, moisturizing texture, but doesn't leave my hair feeling greasy. It's not necessarily lightweight in my hand but it still doesn't weigh down my hair. Plus, the scent is absolutely gorgeous,” says Olivia Dubyak, PureWow Commerce Editor.
9. Nutri-OX Gentle Conditioner
Whether you bleach, dye or highlight your hair, this gentle conditioner promises to refresh and repair your locks with biotin and vitamin B6. As Mandy B explains, it can “provide essential nutrients back into hair strands to keep them strong and hydrated.” The ingredients also include plant-based extracts such as the gingko biloba to improve circulation, sunflower seed to fight dandruff and nettle to stimulate hair growth. “Optimum scalp health is the number one benefit of using a great hair product like this one. Nutri-ox promises fuller-looking hair, which can reduce the risk of breakage and damage [in the long run],” she adds.
10. Ouidad Curl Quencher Conditioner
This pick by Ouidad keeps our strands hydrated, while preventing them from being weighed down and feeling greasy after the shower. In it you’ll find plant-based extracts (like lemon fruit, chamomile and echinacea), which helps hydrate, improve shine and prevent split ends, as well as, pro-vitamin B5, amino acids and aloe to protect and strengthen strands for maximum bounce. The protein and vitamin combo assures that those with tighter curl patterns will get the moisture they’re looking for. “My curls can feel super dry, but adding this conditioner to my hair routine helps define and moisturize them without making them feel too greasy. Once rinsed, my curl pattern looks soft, shiny and bouncy, even after the third day,” says Chelsea Candelario, PureWow Associate Editor.
11. Acure Vivacious Volume Conditioner
This conditioner doesn’t joke around when it comes to volume. The vegan formula features peppermint, echinacea and quinoa protein to strengthen strands, prevent breakage and rejuvenate thin or fine locks. It’s also sulfate-, paraben- and formaldehyde-free, in case that’s important to you. “This vegan conditioner uses a lot of ingredients that we know are great for conditioning hair and improving moisture. It also includes some of my favorite extracts like chamomile and calendula,” adds Dr. Nazarian.
12. Biolage Full Density Conditioner
This salon-favorite conditioner is ready to tackle thinning and breakage. Formulated with biotin, which has been proven to increase hair density, while minimizing split ends and damage, the creamy formula also contains zinc PCA, which Dr. Han explains, helps “rebalance the scalp, so it can be safely used all the way up to the roots and reduce hair fall out.” Shoppers say they've noticed a difference in their hair, as it leaves it softer and fuller than before. “I have been using this conditioner in combination with [its] shampoo and spray counterparts for over a month. The trio of products makes my thin/oily hair so clean, soft, silky and full. I love the scent, how well it lathers and how my scalp isn't full of residue,” shares one customer.
13. Aveda Invati Advanced Thickening Conditioner
This nutrient-rich conditioner has been lauded for strengthening thin strands and improving volume over time. If used consistently, you may see full results in 12 weeks, according to the brand. How? It includes organic amla, plant oils and naturally derived amino acids, which have been shown to thicken and strengthen hair. “I like Aveda’s Invati Thickening Conditioner because it makes your hair softer, smoother and more hydrated from the outside in, while also protecting it from breakage, making hair appear healthier and better to withstand daily aggressors,” says Dr. LoGerfo.
14. Living Proof Full Conditioner
This lightweight conditioner adds softness and shine, while making flat hair look and feel fuller, thanks to amaranth peptides in the formula. It’s also safe to use on color-treated or chemically processed hair, and in fact, it has phytantriol, an ingredient that reportedly preserves hair color and reduces the damaging effects caused by heat styling, UV exposure and pollution. As one reviewer shares, “This conditioner smells amazing and leaves my hair super soft and shiny without that heavy, oily feeling. I won't use anything else.”
15. Fekkai Full Blown Volume Conditioner
Infused with plant-derived ingredients, Fekkai’s volumizing conditioner brings life back to thin or fine locks. It’s packed with amino acids and French oak extract to help rejuvenate hair. You’ll also find rosemary leaf extract, an antioxidant that protects and strengthens the scalp—plus, green coconut water, which provides hydration and lifts limp hair. According to one loyal fan, the conditioner delivers on its promises, “No matter how many conditioners I try, I eventually come back to this one. [It] leaves my hair looking glossy and fuller without being weighed down.”
16. Rahua Voluminous Conditioner
If voluminous is in the name, we expect body and bounce after every wash. Luckily, this conditioner lives up to its claims. The vegan formula includes rahua oil, which strengthens weak and damaged strands. It also features eucalyptus, lemongrass and lavender to refresh and clarify the scalp, making room for bouncier, more voluminous locks. “I love this natural conditioner. I have tried quite a few and Rahua makes my hair so soft and adds a nice sheen to it. I use about a quarter-size on my long hair and leave it in for 2-3 min. Happy with the results,” shares one reviewer.
17. L'Oréal Paris EverStrong Conditioner
We love a good drugstore deal, and this one is exceptional. The key ingredient is rosemary leaf extract, which can encourage hair growth and prevents breakage. As you apply it on your hair, this sulfate-free conditioner wraps every strand in creamy nourishment and delivers noticeable softness. It also provides the type of lift you normally only see in hair commercials and lends a refreshing herbal scent of cedar, rose and bergamot. With over 2,300 5-star reviewers, shoppers suggest this conditioner for their thin hair. “You can’t go wrong with this process. [It’s] excellent for thinning hair. [It] makes [my] hair fuller [and it’s] better than [other] salon products that are triple the price,” says one reviewer.
18. Alterna Caviar Clinical Densifying Scalp Treatment
After a good wash, careful styling is just as important to the health of your hair. Enter this daily leave-in, which boasts Alterna’s signature caviar extract in the formula. The main ingredient can restore moisture, while improving elasticity and shine throughout your hair. You’ll also find red clover and amia Indian gooseberry, to encourage hair growth and thicken locks. Just spray the leave-in conditioner over damp strands to restore and boost fullness. “My hair is thin with no volume. [I’m] always looking for a product to help me with this, but I never found [one] that I really love until now. This leaves my hair with an amazing look, thicker and healthier, but not oily or heavy,” shares one shopper.
19. Christophe Robin Delicate Volumizing Conditioner
OK, we know this one’s a bit of a splurge, but we have it on good authority that it’s the real deal. Christophe Robin’s formula is enriched with rose water and fortifying baobab extract to cleanse, preserve color and restore volume without drying out your hair. It has a strong rose fragrance and will leave your bathroom smelling heavenly (but consider this a friendly warning if strong fragrances aren’t your thing). “I absolutely adore this conditioner! I’ve been using it for over a year now and the smell is divine! It smells like you’re in a real rose garden. It gives my fine, curly hair volume without making it look frizzy and it also makes my hair feel super soft,” says one shopper.
Before You Go
What’s the Difference Between Thin vs. Fine Hair?
Simply put, it’s the difference between texture vs. density. As one expert explained in a previous PureWow story, “Fine hair comes down to the thickness of each hair strand, while thin hair is related to the density [or how much hair you have per section].”
While people with fine hair can experience thinning, not all people with thinning hair have fine hair. “It’s possible to have fine hair at a super high density or have coarse hair that is thinning. Just remember that it’s natural to have a combination of the two,” adds McKernan.
What Should I Look for in a Conditioner for Thin Hair?
Hair Type
“Anyone with thin hair typically desires volume and the appearance of fullness. [When it comes to] heavy conditioners, they will flatten the hair to the head, making it impossible to achieve this,” says Schruise. To narrow down your search, find conditioners that target your hair type to start. The pro then suggests looking for bottles with keywords like ‘volumizing,’ ‘plumping’ or ‘densifying.’ He says, “These conditioners are going to be lighter in weight and thinner in texture, like the consistency of a face moisturizer, which is very light and sheer.”
Ingredients to Look for in a Conditioner for Thin Hair
“When shopping for a conditioner, look for ingredients such as amino acids, silk peptides or skin care ingredients like bio ceramides, hyaluronic acid and omegas, which will help improve hydration, without sacrificing on volume,” advises Brager. Other ingredients include plant-based extracts that won’t weigh down hair. “I recommend chamomile extract, calendula, rosemary leaf oil and peppermint leaf extract. They can decrease inflammation, and some (like rosemary oil) can enhance blood flow to the scalp and hair, and have potential to increase hair growth,” adds Dr. Nazarian. And, let’s not forget nourishing ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil and argan oil.
Red Flag Ingredients to Avoid When Looking for a Conditioner for Thin Hair
There are a few ingredients Daniels says to avoid: sulfates, formaldehyde, polyethylene glycol (PEG) and dimethicone. “These ingredients can leave your hair feeling dehydrated and can even increase frizz and cause breakage,” he warns. “And in the case of dimethicone, which is a type [of] silicone that makes your hair feel smoother initially, it can dry out your hair in the long run and cause build-up at your roots, which will weigh things down,” he explains.
Brager agrees, adding that you should also steer clear of conditioners that are “high in alcohol content,” which can be super drying. “These conditioners zap the moisture from your hair, making it feel more voluminous for the day, but long-term use will cause breakage and damage to thin hair, which is usually more fragile to begin with,” she cautions.
Additional Experts
The Most Common Mistake People with Thin Hair Make
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