The 15 Best Hair-Thickening Shampoos For Blowout-Level Volume

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For those dealing with hair loss, there are plenty of solutions to pursue, including hair growth supplements, hair growth oils, and one of our favorites, thickening shampoos. These ingredient-rich shampoos are known to remarkably transform limp hair into voluminous strands. So, how exactly do these formulas work? Lucky for you, we’ve consulted a couple of professionals to demystify the process.

“There aren’t any shampoos that have been clinically proven to regrow hair,” says Gretchen Friese, certified trichologist and director of Foushee SalonSpa. “However, a hair-thickening shampoo can encourage hair growth by creating a healthy scalp environment and increasing circulation to the hair follicles.” Friese tells ELLE.com that the products that fight against DHT, a hormone in our bodies that causes androgenetic alopecia (AGA), can also help keep the hair in the growing phase longer, which encourages thicker locks.

In addition to promoting hair growth, some thickening shampoos “sit atop the hair shaft to create a temporary thickening effect,” Friese explains. Although these innovative products create a temporary fix, they’re especially great if you’re looking for quick results.

Overall, if you’re struggling with thinning hair, we recommend trying thickening shampoos. Ahead, we’ve curated a thorough list of 15 products— from brands like Vegamour, JVN, and more— that will help you achieve the hair of your dreams.

GRO Revitalizing Shampoo

“More and more brands like Vegamour are focusing on cleaner products that have gentler surfactants to cleanse the skin without the use of sulfates, parabens, and other damaging ingredients,” says Dr. Kobets. “This shampoo from the label includes nourishing phyto-actives, mung bean, curcumin, and red clover, which have been shown to stimulate dermal papilla (where the hair shaft grows) and block DHT that can lead to hair loss. The shampoo is also said to be vegan, cruelty-free, and devoid of synthetic fragrances, only using bergamot oil for a fresh scent.”

Vegamour star rating: 4.7/5 stars

A Vegamour reviewer said: “I wanted to start with the shampoo to see if I saw a difference before I got the conditioner- let me tell you, I definitely see a huge difference and will be buying the conditioner! Such a quality product.”

Key Ingredients: Mung bean, curcumin, red clover

Size: 8 fl. oz.

Hair type: All

Full Blown Volume Shampoo

Gomila recommends this formula from classic haircare brand Fekkai (FYI, the founder was behind the tresses of ’90s beauty icons like Claudia Schiffer and Kim Basinger). “It contains green coconut water, which helps achieve maximum volume and lift while fortifying the hair and packing each strand with micronutrients,” says Gomila. Additionally, it has rosemary to promote growth and hydrating panthenol for added thickening effects.

Amazon star rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “This shampoo promises volume and shine and it works. My hair is very pale blonde, and blonde hair can be dull and rather fine. Fekkai has provided a solution in this shampoo. Works for me!”

Key Ingredients: Green coconut water, rosemary, panthenol

Size: 8.5 fl. oz.

Hair type: Fine, flat

Volumizing Shampoo

Haircare guru Jonathan Van Ness has worked his magic! JVN’s Embody shampoo is a lightweight formula specifically made to revive limp hair with a host of invigorating ingredients like caffeine and aloe leaf juice. Also to note, JVN is a biotech brand, meaning all of its haircare products are crafted with lab-grown and ethically sourced ingredients.

JVN star rating: 4.4/5 stars

A JVN reviewer said: “I have always struggled with my hair. It’s always been very flat, extremely prone to grease, and I suffered with an itchy scalp often. Not anymore! With JVN Embody shampoo and conditioner, my hair has a wave to it, my scalp is no longer itchy, and it smells… expensive!! Thank you thank you thank you! I finally have hair confidence because of these products! ”

Key Ingredients: caffeine, hemisqualane, aloe leaf juice

Size: 8.5 fl. oz.

Hair type: Fine, thin

Thickening Volume Shampoo

When trying to achieve thick, voluminous hair, you’ll want to opt for a product that has a lightweight formula. Bumble and bumble’s thickening shampoo is an airy cleanser that doesn’t burden hair with product residue. After rinsing this product through your hair, you’ll have full-looking hair in no time.

Sephora star rating: 3.7/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer said: “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.”

Key Ingredients: Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5 and Acetamide MEA), aloe leaf juice

Size: 8 fl. oz.

Hair type: Fine and medium

Extra Volume Shampoo

Take a whiff of Moroccanoil’s extra volume shampoo and you’ll feel immediately relaxed. The warm, calming notes of argan oil and linen bud extract will provide a true spa-like treatment while you’re scrubbing this shampoo into your scalp. Get ready to experience thick hair, and a lovely scent that lasts for days.

bluemercury star rating: 5/5 stars

A bluemercury reviewer said: “I love the feel of my hair, and the smell lasts for days.”

Key Ingredients: Argan oil, linden bud extract

Size: 2.4. fl oz

Hair type: All

Shampoo for Magnificent Volume

For Oribe, science is the name of the game. The trusted haircare brand utilizes body-building polymers in their sulfate-free shampoo to create remarkable volume. Oribe’s shampoo formula is suitable for all hair types, but it’s especially great for those who struggle with thin hair.

Nordstrom star rating: 4.4/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer said: “This shampoo does exactly what it says. It plumps the strand of hair ~ so that my hair is no longer laying flat to my scalp! I’ve dealt with this for months ~ this Oribe Maximizing Shampoo is perfect for my problem. My hair is fluffy and holds curl. Smells nice.”

Key Ingredients: Body-building polymers, fruit extract

Size: 8.5 fl oz

Hair type: All

BosRevive Nourishing Shampoo

“BosleyMD has great shampoos for fighting DHT and helping create a healthy environment for hair to grow,” says Friese. This one contains saw palmetto and pumpkin seed extract, two natural ingredients believed to help limit DHT production, plus rosemary for strengthening strands and boosting scalp circulation. What’s more, the formula is made to lock in moisture and improve shine via sunflower seed extract and panthenol. “Vitamin B5 (or panthenol) is a humectant that draws moisture into the hair and scalp, helping to deter hair loss and shedding at the follicle,” adds hair stylist Ashley Gomila.

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “I saw all the good reviews and thought I’d give it a try for 25$. This stuff saved my hair. I had extensions for years and when I finally stopped wearing them for months I realized how bad my hair was. I saw new hair growth within a month. It really has helped my hair. I use it probably 2/3 times a week and still saw lots of new growth. My hair looks and feels thicker! Will keep buying this!”

Key Ingredients: Saw palmetto, pumpkin seed extract, rosemary, panthenol

Size: 10.1 fl. oz.

Hair type: Thinning

Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

If you struggle with dandruff and thinning hair, Dr. Kobets says this potent formula may be just what you need to tackle both concerns. “Often known as Nizoral, one percent ketoconazole shampoo that is used for dandruff has been shown to help androgenetic alopecia like topical minoxidil (which is most commonly found in Rogaine),” says Dr. Kobets. “Nizoral has antifungal properties, which are very useful in a scalp that has excess oil production. It’s also a hormonal blocker, known to inhibit the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT.”

Target rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Target reviewer said: “10/10!!! Tried every other dandruff shampoo and nothing worked, with this I noticed the dandruff significantly less after ONE wash. After 3 washes it was essentially gone and it hasn’t come back since I’ve used it!”

Key Ingredients: Ketoconazole

Size: 7 fl. oz.

Hair type: Dandruff

Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Volumizing Shampoo

There’s tons of hype around biotin and collagen hair growth supplements, but “when applied topically, biotin can stimulate the scalp and promote hair growth,” says Friese. “Topical collagen has also been proven to be effective in building hair proteins, resulting in longer, thicker hair and helping to prevent hair loss,” she adds.

This OGX shampoo has both ingredients, as well as hydrolyzed wheat protein to help repair damaged strands. Not to mention, it’s sulfate-free and can be found in your local drugstore aisle for just under $10.

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “Holy crap! Using this shampoo with no conditioner on my fine, thin hair helps to bring it so much life and volume! I don’t think I will ever be able to use another shampoo again. I was really worried about using shampoo but after researching it, I knew I had to try it. This shampoo still gives my hair that soft feel I love from conditioner without weighing it down like conditioner does. This is now MY shampoo I use and won’t happily use another!!”

Key Ingredients: Biotin, collagen, hydrolyzed wheat protein

Size: 13. fl. oz.

Hair type: Oily, damaged, color-treated, frizzy, straight

System 2 Scalp Cleansing Shampoo

This trichologist-backed brand offers a three-step system, featuring a cleansing shampoo, made to revive thin, limp hair. The lathering formula includes salicylic acid to detoxify the scalp, peppermint oil to reduce inflammation and stimulate the hair follicle, and biotin to further encourage hair growth. According to the brand, 85 percent of customers who have tried the System Kits noticed a “thickening effect” in their hair.

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “Like so many others with very fine, thinning hair, the Nioxin System 2 Cleanser is the only product I’ve found that makes my hair both look and feel thicker. I began to notice that my hair was falling out, especially every time I washed it or brushed it out. Since using this cleanser, I’ve noticed that the hair loss has really minimized to almost nothing. Highly recommended!”

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, peppermint oil, biotin

Size: 10.1 fl. oz.

Hair type: Thinning

Root Purifier Scalp Microbiome Shampoo

Using a blend of prebiotics, vegan proteins, and antioxidant-rich Australian wild berries, “Nutrafol’s Root Purifier shampoo (as well as the rest of its Scalp Microbiome line) is one of few on the market that has been tested to promote good microbiome diversity of the scalp, which we know helps maintain healthy skin and hair,” says Dr. Kobets. “The science-backed formula is also free of harsh chemicals, parabens, and sulfates. And, it’s fragrance-free, making it a safer option for those sensitive scalps.”

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “I love it’s scent and how clean my scalp feels after washing with Nutrafol shampoo! Highly recommend it for thin, delicate hair!”

Key Ingredients: Prebiotics, vegan proteins, Australian wild berries

Size: 8.1 fl. oz.

Hair type: All

Tea Tree Lemon Sage Thickening Shampoo

Oily scalps are no match for this thickening shampoo, which features lemon and tea tree oil to combat sebum and potentially encourage hair growth. Meanwhile, anti-inflammatory sage helps soothe the skin and panthenol moisturizes dry tresses to help prevent breakage. The inclusion of peppermint oil should leave you with a fresh, tingly feeling, too.

Ulta rating: 4.2/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer said: “My hair feels really clean, with no dryness. The extra body enhances styling. Love fresh smell of lemon.”

Key Ingredients: Bergamot, lemon, white sage

Size: 10.1

Hair type:

Full Density Thickening Shampoo

Hundreds of customers gave this shampoo a five-star rating, with many mentioning that it helped create a fuller look. Within the formula are biotin and a proprietary blend of gluco-omega designed to help promote hair growth. The formula also features Zinc PCA to limit redness and excess sebum in the skin—a bonus for keeping your scalp healthy.

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “My wife carried a human inside of her for nine months and her hair changed. After a birth of a human, her hair started to get thinner. She tried a lot of different shampoos and nothing really worked. She came across this gem, and now her hair is full and luscious! It feels great to run my fingers through her hair!”

Key Ingredients: Biotin, gluco-omega, zinc PCA

Size: 13.5 fl. oz.

Hair type: Thinning

Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo

For strength, volume, and mega shine, this R+Co shampoo has stimulating biotin, DHT-blocking saw palmetto, and nourishing panthenol and coconut oil. Because of the latter ingredient, keep in mind that the formula could feel heavier on some hair types.

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “Just switched to R+Co. The first day I saw a difference. My hair felt so light, had a ton of shine, and the volume was amazing. I literally could feel my hair bounce as I walked, as if I was in a movie. I’ve completely stopped conditioning my hair and just shampoo it with this stuff (I do use a hair conditioning mask like once every 2 weeks). Also, the smell is amazing.”

Key Ingredients: Biotin, saw palmetto, panthenol, coconut oil

Size: 8.5 fl. oz.

Hair type: Thin

Voluminous Shampoo

This all-natural shampoo is powered by a range of pure oils made to clarify the skin, quench strands, and encourage hair growth. At its heart is rahua oil produced in the Amazon rainforest, which the brand says been used for centuries by indigenous people to nourish and strengthen hair. The formula also contains rosemary oil, a studied DHT-blocker that could minimize hair loss, as well as green tea, lemongrass, and eucalyptus that aim to calm inflammation and remove excess sebum on the scalp.

Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars

A reviewer says: “My hair was being difficult and is thin and fine. I bought this shampoo, and my hair is squeaking clean and really does have volume!! The smell is good.”

Key Ingredients: Rahua oil, rosemary oil, green tea, lemongrass, eucalyptus

Size: 9.3 fl. oz.

Hair type: Fine, oily

What causes hair thinning?

“There are various reasons a person may be losing more hair than what they see during their normal shedding cycle,” says Friese. “Among those are hormonal changes, illness (especially Covid), stress, and thyroid imbalances.”

According to Dr. Kobets, the two most common types of hair loss are androgenetic alopecia (related to hormones and genetics) and telogen effluvium (related to stress). “Telogen effluvium usually unmasks the former and other types of alopecia,” she says.

“If you are seeing more hair in your brush or in your hands when you shampoo, you may be experiencing excessive hair loss,” notes Friese. “Another way to tell is if your scalp becomes more visible through your hair or your ponytail has become less dense.”

What ingredients should I avoid in hair thickening shampoos?

“If you are trying to optimize hair growth in all ways, I recommend products that are sulfate-free, preservative-free, fragrance-free, and paraben-free,” says Dr. Kobets. “The latter are known to be androgen disruptors and have other environmental concerns. Sulfate-free shampoos usually mean that they do not contain sodium laureth sulfate, ammonium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, and ammonium lauryl sulfate and are less harsh without stripping the hair of its natural oils,” she adds. “Avoiding strong fragrance, or in some cases even fragrance in general, can decrease scalp sensitivity and inflammation.”

When it comes to products with heavier oils—such as coconut oil, sunflower oil, and jojoba oils—proceed with caution, Friese says. “These can weigh the hair down, reducing volume and the appearance of thickness.” Dr. Kobets also notes some silicones can create buildup in the scalp and even worsen acne, “especially if your hair loss is related to hormonal causes like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that’s often associated with acne and hair thinning,” she says. So, make sure you know what you’re looking for when checking any product label.

Are there other ways to grow hair?

If you’re looking for another solution to hair loss, consider making a few minor changes to your diet. “Although there are limited studies in humans, a recent review found that additional ingredients such as caffeine, melatonin, rosemary oil, pumpkin seed oil, and saw palmetto were effective in treating male AGA and thus could possibly help with female AGA, too,” says Dermatologist Dr. Kseniya Kobets.

Meet the Expert

Dr. Kseniya Kobets is the Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care in Westchester, New York.

Ashley Gomila is a Los Angeles-based hair and makeup artist.

Gretchen Friese is a certified trichologist and salon director/hairstylist at Foushee Salon Spa in Littleton, Colorado.

Why Trust ELLE Beauty

Sam Peters is a seasoned commerce writer and editor with over five years of experience covering fashion, beauty, and lifestyle topics. For this roundup, she consulted three experts about their recommendations for the best hair thickening shampoos and what to look for when shopping for them. She also considered a range of top-rated thickening shampoos on the market, evaluating each on their ingredients offered and customer feedback.

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