The 7 Best Hair-Thickening Shampoos For Blowout-Level Volume
If you’re experiencing hair loss, there are various solutions to consider, including hair growth supplements, hair growth oils, and thickening shampoos. These shampoos, packed with beneficial ingredients, can transform flat hair into voluminous strands. While they may not have clinical evidence to support hair regrowth, they can promote hair growth by creating a healthy scalp environment and improving blood circulation to the hair follicles. Some thickening shampoos also provide a temporary thickening effect by coating the hair shaft. If you’re looking for quick results, these products can be a great option. To help you achieve the hair of your dreams, we have compiled a list of 15 recommended thickening shampoos from brands like Vegamour and JVN.
BEST VEGAN SHAMPOO
Vegamour GRO Revitalizing Shampoo
PROS
- Sulfate-free
- Dermatologist-recommended
- May help with hair loss
CONS
- May take some time to see results
“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
BEST FOR EXTRA VOLUME
Fekkai Full Blown Volume Shampoo
$45 at Amazon$47 at Walmart$24 at Anthropologie
PROS
- Hair stylist-recommended
- Hydrates and strengthens strands
- Sulfate-free
CONS
- Pricey
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
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BEST SUSTAINABLE SHAMPOO
JVN Volumizing Shampoo
PROS
- Boosts thickness
- Clarifies without drying
- Doesn’t weigh hair down
CONS
- Not enough product for the high price
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, 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
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT SHAMPOO
Bumble and bumble Thickening Volume Shampoo
$103 at Sephora$28 at Walmart$34 at Nordstrom
PROS
- Helps with dryness
- Adds shine
- Good for color-treated hair
CONS
- Not dense enough for thick textures
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
BEST SCENTED SHAMPOO
Moroccanoil Extra Volume Shampoo
PROS
- Adds texture
- Color safe
- Creates gloss and shine
CONS
- Not scent-free
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
BEST FOR MAJOR VOLUME
Oribe Shampoo for Magnificent Volume
$49 at Nordstrom$40 at Walmart$49 at Dermstore
PROS
- Uplifts roots
- Creates Extra Volume
- Weightless
CONS
- Pricey
For Oribe, science is the name of the game. The trusted haircare brand utilizes body-building polymers in their sulfate-free shampoo to create remarkable volume. Oribe’s shampoo formula is suitable for all hair types, but it’s especially great for those who struggle with thin hair.
Nordstrom star rating: 4.4/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer said: “This shampoo does exactly what it says. It plumps the strand of hair ~ so that my hair is no longer laying flat to my scalp! I’ve dealt with this for months ~ this Oribe Maximizing Shampoo is perfect for my problem. My hair is fluffy and holds curl. Smells nice.”
Key Ingredients: Body-building polymers, fruit extract
Size: 8.5 fl oz
Hair type: All
BEST OVERALL
BosleyMD BosRevive Nourishing Shampoo
PROS
- Sulfate-free
- Should help strengthen and hydrate hair
- Trichologist-recommended
CONS
- May take some time to see results
“BosleyMD has great shampoos for fighting DHT and helping create a healthy environment for hair to grow,” says Friese. This one contains saw palmetto and pumpkin seed extract, two natural ingredients believed to help limit DHT production, plus rosemary for strengthening strands and boosting scalp circulation. Moreover, the formula locks moisture and improves shine via sunflower seed extract and panthenol. “Vitamin B5 (or panthenol) is a humectant that draws moisture into the hair and scalp, helping to deter hair loss and shedding at the follicle,” adds hair stylist Ashley Gomila.
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “I saw all the good reviews and thought I’d give it a try for 25$. 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