The Best Thickening Products for Hair That Has Started to Thin Over Time
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Whatever you do to your hair—whether you regularly dye it or embrace your natural color and texture—it is bound to change over the years, especially as you (and your strands) begin to mature. Hair thinning, in particular, can take place with time. If this does happen to you, don't fret—there are several treatments on the market that can help you achieve thickness and body.
There are many reasons why hair density changes over time. One of the most common causes is hereditary-based alopecia, says William Yates, MD, FACS, which is called androgenic alopecia in men and female pattern alopecia in women. "Other causes of hair thinning which are not hereditary are medical diseases, such as autoimmune disorders like lupus, polymyositis, and sarcoidosis," he adds. "Anemia, thyroid issues, and severe malnutrition can also cause thinning of the hair."
If you're experiencing any of the above, note that it is still possible to give strands a fuller feel and appearance with specially formulated thickening hair products. "The main component of thickening products are known as humectants," says Dr. Yates. "Humectants add volume by drawing moisture into the external hair shaft to give the hair shaft more thickness and more strengthening properties."
We've gathered thickening shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in treatments on the market that will not only plump up each strand, but also nourish them with added shine and softness.
Shop the Best Hair Thickening Products
The Best Hair Thickening Shampoos
Wella Volume Shampoo
To give your hair some volume and body, consider this shampoo filled with nourishing seed oil. It's lightweight, but effectively washes away product residue and oil—and will leave your scalp feeling ultra-clean.
Kevin Murphy Plumping Wash
Filled with ginger root and nettle extracts, this shampoo adds density to fine hair and strengthens strands with every wash. These ingredients also stimulate blood circulation in the scalp to promote growth.
Sebastian Volupt Volume-Boosting Shampoo
This volume-boosting shampoo strengthens strands by penetrating the hair shaft with bamboo extract, which also promotes volume and softness.
Bumble and Bumble Thickening Volume Shampoo
Vitamin B5 is the key to improving thin hair's volume, shine, and texture, says Jennifer Weiss, a dermatology PA at Marmur Medical—and this shampoo is full of it (pun intended!). "[It] will give your hair added moisture, plumping the follicle and thickening the hair," she adds.
Dr. Yates MD Thickening Shampoo
Dr. Yates' shampoo formula boasts pumpkin seed oil, zinc, and magnesium—and all three play a role in promoting thicker strands. They refresh the scalp with their anti-inflammatory properties and stimulate circulation around the hair follicles for growth and added strength.
The Best Hair Thickening Conditioners
Sebastian Volupt Volume-Boosting Conditioner
Your hair will be that much fuller if you pair the Sebastian Volupt Volume-Boosting Shampoo with its matching conditioner, which won't weigh strands down. Cactus and other botanical extracts ensure strands feel light and soft after your shower.
Kevin Murphy Plumping Rinse
If you follow up the Kevin Murphy Plumping Wash with this thickening conditioner, your strands will look and feel fuller thanks to the product's keratin content; this is one of the formula's main ingredients. "Keratin is a protein found naturally in our hair follicles and it will help to protect and strengthen the outer layer of your hair strands," says Weiss.
Living Proof Full Conditioner
This conditioner adds volume to thinning, limp hair of all types, from straight and wavy to curly. Weiss likes this option, as it "is all-natural and contains peptides that will not only hydrate your hair, but also plump the hair follicles."
Kérastase Densifique Thickening Conditioner for Thinning Hair
The hyaluronic acid in this thickening conditioner strengthens hair and prevents breakage. Ceramides boost strands' shine and elasticity, while gluco-peptides strengthen hair fibers and reduce breakage.
The Best Hair Thickening Leave-In Treatments
Moroccanoil Thickening Lotion
If you want fuller hair, this thickening leave-in lotion will deliver that and more. The formula's geranium extract strengthens strands and green tea leaf extract offers nourishing antioxidants.
Oribe "Maximista" Thickening Spray
Watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss flower extracts work together to protect delicate hair from hot tools and damaging UV rays in this thickening spray, which adds a durable lift to hair and provides medium hold, too. Weiss recommends this product for its amino acids, which strengthen hair follicles.
Pantene Blends Hair Multiplying Tonic
Aging hair—especially if it has been chemically treated—will benefit from this leave-in tonic. The bamboo-infused thickening serum adds fullness to hair and also helps prevent breakage.
TGIN Hydrating Mousse
Those with curly hair types require constant moisture to maintain elasticity. That's where this hydrating mousse comes in. The coconut and argan oils give aging textures a solid amount of hydration, while also providing enduring hold.
Wella Invigo Volume Boost Bodifying Foam
When used in tandem with its shampoo counterpart, this body-boosting foam is meant to add volume to even the finest of hair without weighing it down. It's especially helpful during the styling process, since it eliminates static.
Dove Style + Care Mousse Volume and Fullness
Gain more volume from roots to ends with this lightweight mousse, filled with amino acids. It also combats frizz, dehydration, and split ends and ensures all-day hold.
Original Mineral Atonic Thickening Spritz
This thickening spritz is the perfect product to use before styling your hair, especially if you use hot tools; it's also a heat protectant. It contains Lilly Pilly, an antioxidant known for thickening the hair shaft.
Hair Biology Thickening Treatment With Biotin
Infused with biotin and caffeine, this thickening treatment adheres to and fluffs each strand, resulting in a fuller, healthier look and feel.
Not Your Mother's "Plump For Joy" Thickening Hair Lifter
This vegan thickening lifter provides a boost of strength and body at the root. Best of all, the formulas that this ingredient-conscious company makes have everything you want and nothing you don't—which is why this product is sulfate surfactant-, silicone-, paraben-, phthalate-, gluten-, dye-, alcohol-, and cruelty-free.