Allure

Hair

We Found the Key to Bouncy, Full Hair: Volumizing Shampoos

 

Lifted roots with a single rinse? It's that easy.

Finding the best volumizing shampoo can feel like a Goldilocks mission: too heavy, and you end up with flat, weighed-down hair. Too clarifying? You’ve got a dry scalp to deal with (cue the scalp treatment). Volumizing shampoos, however, can hit that sweet spot, delivering bounce, body, and nourishment without adding time to wash day.

At first glance, volumizing shampoos sounds straightforward: “Volumizing shampoos offer the temporary effect of boosting lift and creating more volume,” says Jennifer Nast, a senior stylist at Sharon Dorram at Sally Hershberger Salon in NYC. But there’s actually a whole science behind giving your roots that perfect lift.

The Melanin Edit

Explore every facet of a melanin-rich life and all the contributions melanated people have bestowed on the beauty world.
Sign up
By signing up, you agree to our user agreement (including class action waiver and arbitration provisions), and acknowledge our privacy policy.

It’s not just about making hair look fuller—it’s about striking the right balance in the formula: They need to be lightweight enough to add volume, but also moisturizing enough to keep hair shiny; they should clarify your scalp of buildup, but also leave enough natural oils to maintain a healthy balance. On top of that, they have to avoid a whole host of ingredients like “sulfates and alcohol that can cause dryness and buildup, which make fine hair feel greasy,” according to Fabrice Gili, stylist and founder of Maison 77 in NYC. That makes it hard, but fortunately not impossible.

Ready for some volumizing shampoo recos? We’ve got the best of the best lined up to give your hair the perfect lift while keeping everything soft and hydrated.

Best Volumizing Shampoo Overall: Kérastase Densifique Bain Densité Shampoo

Why we love it: Whether your hair’s thinning from stress, aging, or it’s just how your hair naturally is (sigh), the right shampoo can help boost volume and strengthen strands. Kérastase Densifique Densité Shampoo contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid (yep, just like in your skin care) to plump and hydrate hair, giving it a fuller look. Another hero ingredient is intra-cylane, a molecule that fills in surface gaps to thicken each hair follicle from the inside out. “To use, wet your hair, squeeze a quarter-size amount into your palms, massage it into your scalp, and then rinse once you've massaged through your whole head,” Raven Hurtado, Chicago-based hairstylist at Maxine Salon, previously told Allure. "You can repeat a second time for maximum results."The experience of the lather is pure luxury—it quickly foams up, coating every strand with a rich, silky feel.

Editor's tip: When blow-drying your hair, “dry your hair upside down to give maximum root life. You can also try a little backcombing at the roots for volume,” says Nast.

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, intra-cylane, ceramides | Fragrance-free: | no | Sulfate-free: no | Who it’s for: people with fine, thinning hair and scalp buildup

Best for Damaged Hair: Epres Healthy Hair Shampoo

Why we love it: The Epres Healthy Hair Shampoo is infused with the brand’s patented Biodiffusion™ bond repair technology to protect and strengthen hair while you wash. This innovative formula (founded by a renowned scientist) gently lifts away oil, debris, and buildup without stripping essential moisture. Notably, it’s quat-free, meaning it skips the traditional conditioning agents that can cause buildup over time—so hair feels light, fresh, and full of bounce. “I recommend this shampoo for anyone looking for volume,” says Matt Rez, a colorist based in LA. “Even on the finest hair, there’s absolutely no buildup or weighing down, helping those with fine or low-density hair achieve optimum volume.” Besides boosting fullness, it supports healthy hair bonds and reduces breakage.

Editor's tip: Its light, liquid-y texture doesn’t produce a heavy lather, so be sure to massage it into your scalp with your fingertips for a thorough cleanse.

Key ingredients: Biodiffusion™ bond repair technology | Fragrance-free: yes | Sulfate-free: yes | Who it’s for: people with fine, damaged hair

Best for Thinning Hair: R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo

Why we love it: When it comes to Texas-sized volume, pros reach for R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo. "The texture is lightweight, packed with biotin to strengthen strands and boost hair vitality," says Guillaume Boucher, a stylist at Jenna Perry Hair Studio in New York City. “I mostly use this shampoo at the salon when I’m styling or doing blowouts—it ensures the look lasts.” And other pros swear by it, too: Jae Manuel Cardenas, a senior stylist at Sally Hershberger NoMad in New York, NY, calls it "the holy grail for thinning hair." “It delivers incredible volume and bounce after washing while adding a natural sheen for silky, shiny hair,” he says. “I love that it contains biotin for strength and saw palmetto berry extract for the body.”

Editor's tip: Follow up with R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Conditioner packed with the same nourishing biotin.

Key ingredients: biotin, pro-vitamin B5, coconut oil | Fragrance-free: no | Sulfate-free: yes | Who it’s for: people with thin or limp hair

Best for Dull Hair: Leonor Greyl Shampooing au Miel Gentle Volumizing Shampoo

Why we love it: As the first-ever honey-based shampoo in the haircare market, Leonor Greyl Shampooing au Miel Gentle Volumizing Shampoo has become a beloved staple for those seeking a gentle yet effective cleanse. This formula enhances shine, flexibility, and weightless volume by using a blend of lavender honey, French rose extracts, and body-building proteins. “The creamy texture is so luxurious, and the added protein gives my hair an incredible shine—something you rarely find in volumizing formulas," attests Boucher. "I’m using this shampoo myself right now, and I love how my hair feels after every wash.”

Editor's tip: Honey and rose extract not only help retain moisture, but they also help smooth the hair’s surface to enhance its glossiness.

Key ingredients: French rose extract, lavender honey, wheat protein extract | Fragrance-free: no | Sulfate-free: no | Who it’s for: people with fine, dull hair

Best for Dry Hair: Shu Uemura Muroto Volume Lightweight Care Shampoo

Why we love it: Shu Uemura Muroto Volume Lightweight Care Shampoo is infused with depsea water, a pure, mineral-rich ingredient from the deep waters off the Japanese coast. Known for its lightweight hydration and revitalizing properties, it helps boost volume without weighing hair down—so fine hair gets the lift it needs while staying bouncy and airy. “This shampoo has a unique texture—like a clear cream that feels lightweight yet nourishing,” says Boucher, who uses it himself. "I often recommend this shampoo to our clients because it enhances color vibrancy and shine while keeping hair weightless and full of volume.”

Editor's tip: It also contains salicylic acid to gently exfoliate your scalp while cleansing, making it great if you're prone to flakes.

Key ingredients: depsea water, glycerin, salicylic acid | Fragrance-free: yes | Sulfate-free: no | Who it’s for: people with fine, dull hair

Best for Oily Hair: OGX Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Shampoo

Why we love it: Dealing with next-day oily, limp hair? For less than a third of the price of some competitive shampoos, OGX Thick & Full Biotin & Collagen Shampoo has you covered. It keeps that fresh, just-washed feeling going strong for days, and also helps protect hair from the protein and lipid loss that leads to frizz and breakage. Biotin gives strands a huge strength boost, improving texture and reducing breakage for a fuller look, while hydrolyzed collagen is the secret sauce for adding volume and bounce by enhancing your hair's elasticity.

Editor's tip: Put sulfates on notice. “Volumizing shampoos can sometimes leave hair dry due to their clarifying properties, so it's crucial to restore moisture” says Nast. “A sulfate-free shampoo will give you the lift and hydration that you want.”

Key ingredients: biotin, collagen, wheat protein | Fragrance-free: | Sulfate-free: yes | Who it’s for: people with fine, oily hair

Best Splurge: Oribe Shampoo for Magnificent Volume

Why we love it: If you're dreaming of hair that looks like one of those before-and-after photo moments, you must get your hands on the Oribe Magnificent Volume Shampoo. This Allure editor-favorite brand is all about giving your hair that million-bucks feeling, and this specific formula is next-level. “It uses a polymer blend to plump up the hair shaft for tons of body," Cody Renegar, a hairstylist in Los Angeles, CA, previously shared with Allure. “I also like that it uses coconut and sugar as cleansers and natural exfoliants for the scalp to easily remove buildup without weighing down your hair.” It’s packed with a high-tech polymer blend that gives every strand some serious lift, plus lupine protein and saw palmetto extract to keep your scalp happy and balanced. And we can’t forget about the signature Oribe scent—a woody and floral fragrance inspired by Côte d’Azur—that makes people think you get a salon blowout on the regular.

Editor's tip: Don't rush to rinse. “The best tip to maximize volume when shampooing is to allow the shampoo to sit for a minute to help penetrate the scalp to achieve a deeper cleaning,” says Gili.

Key ingredients: polymer blend, lupine protein, saw palmetto extract | Fragrance-free: no | Sulfate-free: yes | Who it’s for: fine, flat hair that’s dry

Best for Frizz: Virtue Full Shampoo

Why we love it: Is your hair feeling flat, lifeless, and prone to breakage? The Virtue Full Shampoo is here to rescue it all. This Allure Best of Beauty Award winner doesn’t just boost volume at the roots—it works from within to thicken fine, limp hair and make it feel stronger. “It’s one of my favorites in terms of being lightweight and will also improve the state of your hair over time,” says Nast. It’s packed with artichoke leaf (rich in lipids and proteins) to seal and strengthen your strands, while soybean-derived phospholipids block humidity and keep frizz in check.

Editor's tip: Make sure to rinse your shampoo thoroughly. “A common mistake people make is not fully rinsing out the shampoo from your scalp, which could weigh hair down,” says Gili.

Key ingredients: phospholipids, pink pomelo, artichoke leaf | Fragrance-free: no | Sulfate-free: yes | Who it’s for: fine, flat hair that breaks easily

Best for Color-Treated Hair: Living Proof Full Shampoo

Why we love it: We’re pretty obsessed with all things Living Proof, so we’re not shocked that the Full Shampoo has become a permanent part of our shower shelf. "The formula is so gentle,” says Nast. But it still gives your scalp a deep clean with a satisfying lather and effortlessly removes all that styling product buildup we’ve all been guilty of overdoing (oops). The amino acid formula leaves your hair feeling super fresh, doesn’t strip moisture, and gives it major volume, which is the trifecta for fine hair. Part of the secret sauce is amaranth, which plumps up each strand and thickens the fibers, plus phytantriol to preserve color-treated hair and protect it from heat damage.

Editor's tip: “Restore moisture to your hair by incorporating a lightweight conditioner, heat protectant, or leave-in conditioner into your routine,” says Nast. Just be sure to keep these hydrating products away from your roots to maintain that volume and avoid any unwanted flatness.

Key ingredients: peptides, phytantriol, amino acids | Fragrance-free: no | Sulfate-free: yes | Who it’s for: fine, flat hair that’s color-treated

Best for Curls: Davines Volu Shampoo

Why we love it: One of Gili’s top picks for fine-haired clients is the Davines VOLU Shampoo. “Sulfate-free shampoos like this one are perfect for those dealing with breakage, and it’s super moisturizing without weighing down fine hair,” Gili explains. The star ingredient is Italian turnip extract, which helps lift hair from the roots for that enviable volume. “Caprauna turnip extract adds even more body and volume with many added vitamins such as A, B, and C, maintaining the health of the hair,” he says. It also contains humectants that help retain moisture, which is especially important for fine hair that tends to get brittle. “My clients love this shampoo, especially after a blowout. They can feel a real difference in the density of their strands,” he says.

Editor's tip: To give your roots maximum lift, "volumizing shampoo works best when hair is gently towel-dried and then blow-dried for full effect," says Gili. Blowing your hair dry helps activate the volumizing ingredients, giving you that extra height and bounce you're after.

Key ingredients: turnip extract, pro-vitamin b5, sodium PCA | Fragrance-free: no | Sulfate-free: yes | Who it’s for: people with fine waves or curls

Best for Sensitive Scalps: Seaweed Bath Co. Volumize Shampoo

Why we love it: Seaweed Bath Co. started with a discovery—seaweed kind of gives hair superpowers. After experiencing its incredible benefits firsthand at seaweed spas in Ireland, the founders created the Seaweed Bath Co. Volumize Shampoo among its haircare lineup. It features all the good stuff: seaweed to nourish and detoxify the scalp, green algae to fortify hair, barley protein to make it appear fuller, and argan oil to lock in shine. “This line was introduced to me by another stylist, whose dermatologist recommended it for contact dermatitis," says Sanda Petrut, a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. I now suggest it to clients dealing with scalp irritation or allergic reactions, which can sometimes contribute to thinning hair."

Editor's tip: “This thickening shampoo is packed with gluten-free barley protein to create the look of fuller, more voluminous hair, plus essential vitamin E and pro-vitamin B5 to support healthy growth,” says Petrut.

Key ingredients: seaweed, algae, parley protein, argan oil | Fragrance-free: yes | Sulfate-free: yes | Who it’s for: people with thinning hair and delicate scalps

Best Scent: Ouai Fine Hair Shampoo

Why we love it: Ouai Fine Hair Shampoo transforms your hair from flat and limp to full-on bouncy. No surprise there—after all, founder Jen Atkin has styled practically every A-lister with to-die-for volume. Packed with biotin and keratin to strengthen and chia seed oil to keep hair ridiculously soft, this shampoo is the real deal and is safe for color-treated hair. “This shampoo strengthens hair, reduces frizz, and adds body,” Cardenas previously shared with Allure. “Plus, it has the most beautiful citrusy scent—think Italian lemon, orange, and jasmine."

Editor's tip: When following with volumizing conditioner, “avoid applying it to your roots as this will weigh down your hair and make it flat,” says Nast.

Key ingredients: biotin, chia seed oil, hydrolyzed keratin | Fragrance-free: no | Sulfate-free: yes | Who it’s for: people with fine, thinning hair

Best Sulfate-Free: Amika Big Hit Volumizing Shampoo

Why we love it: Just like how caffeine wakes you up, it can give your hair the same jolt to our hair. Amika Big Hit Volumizing Shampoo energizes limp strands, boosts volume to over twice their usual thickness, and eliminates excess sebum that could drag your hair down. Next, there’s glycerin, which locks in moisture, keeping your hair bouncy, soft, and full of life. And of course, we can’t forget Amika’s signature ingredient—sea buckthorn. Loaded with vitamins A and C, fatty acids, and antioxidants, it nourishes your hair and scalp, promoting healthier, stronger strands. If you're after that sky-high volume, this shampoo makes your hair feel thicker and look as full as possible.

Editor's tip: If you have color-treated hair, “volumizing shampoo can be used occasionally in styling, but generally you should avoid using it daily as the clarifying effects can gently strip the tone of the color over time,” says Gili.

Key ingredients: glycerin, caffeine, sea buckthorn | Fragrance-free: no | Sulfate-free: yes | Who it’s for: people with fine, oily hair

Frequently Asked Questions

Do volumizing shampoos really work?

Yes, volumizing shampoos can definitely help boost your hair’s volume, but it depends on the formula, your hair type, and your lifestyle. They’re designed to cleanse without weighing your hair down, using ingredients like polymers to make strands look thicker and proteins to add some strength. “Unfortunately, there are no long-term benefits for volumizing shampoo, being that each scalp is different," says Gili. “However, the product can create ‘memory’ that can help the body of the hair to last a certain amount of time.”

They might not be a total game-changer for super-fine hair, but you’ll notice more lift, especially if you blow-dry afterward. Just don’t forget to follow up with a lightweight conditioner to keep your hair soft without losing that extra bounce.

What is the best product for volumizing hair?

When it comes to boosting volume, several hairstyling products can give your hair that extra lift after you’re done in the shower. Volumizing mousses are a great starting point “as lightweight polymers coat the hair, expanding each strand and providing lift from the roots,” says Nast.

Root lifting sprays are another go-to, especially for the crown of your head. “They normally have lightweight polymers to give a strong hold at the roots,” she says. For a more textured, tousled vibe, try a texture spray. “They will add grit to your hair by adding friction between hair strands, which helps create the illusion of thicker hair,” says Nast.

How can I make fine thin hair look thicker?

If you want to give fine hair a thicker, fuller look, start with a good volumizing shampoo and conditioner to add body without making your hair feel heavy. “Volumizing shampoos work by removing oil and buildup that weigh hair down,” explains Nast. "They often contain proteins to plump the hair and polymers that coat each strand for extra thickness." Blow-drying with a round brush is a game-changer for lifting roots, especially if you add a volumizing mousse or spray beforehand.

Dry shampoo is also your secret weapon for adding a quick blast of texture and volume to your roots. But “avoid using too much product as this can actually have the opposite effect and weigh your hair down,” says Nast. A layered haircut can create the illusion of fuller hair, and using thickening or texturizing sprays will help give it that plumped-up look. For instant thickness, clip-in extensions are always an option, and don’t forget to keep your scalp healthy for better hair growth.

Is volumizing shampoo bad for hair?

Volumizing shampoo isn’t necessarily “bad” for your hair, but how you use it matters. These formulas can be great for adding body and texture, especially for fine or flat hair, but they can also lead to buildup and dryness. “Most volumizing shampoos build up in the hair over time,” says Rez. “Although the goal is to thicken each strand at the root, hair may initially feel thicker to the touch, but with repeated use, buildup can weigh it down—leading to less volume in the long run.” This happens because those thickening ingredients aren’t just staying at your roots—they trickle down the length of your hair as you rinse. Instead of keeping your hair light and voluminous, they can weigh it down, making it feel flat and heavy instead of full and bouncy.

Volumizing shampoos might also be drying, especially if they contain sulfates, which strip natural oils from the hair and scalp. “To mitigate these effects, opt for sulfate-free shampoos with added moisturizing ingredients like argan oil, jojoba oil, or green tea extract,” says Boucher. Additionally, while volumizing shampoos work well for fine or limp hair, they may not be the best choice for curly, coarse, or dry hair, which typically requires more moisture.

The key to using volumizing shampoo effectively is moderation. “Used occasionally, volumizing shampoos may help with volume—but overuse will cause a problem,” says Rez. To prevent buildup, incorporate a clarifying shampoo every one or two weeks (or more, depending on how often you use styling products) to remove residue. Ultimately, volumizing shampoos can be helpful, but balancing them with clarifying washes and lightweight, sulfate-free options will keep your hair full, fresh, and healthy in the long run.

Meet the experts

• Fabrice Gili, a hairstylist and founder of Maison 77 in New York, NY
• Raven Hurtado, a hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, IL
• Jennifer Nast, a senior stylist at Sharon Dorram at Sally Hershberger Salon in New York, NY
• Matt Rez, a hair colorist based in Los Angeles, CA
• Guillaume Boucher, a hairstylist at Jenna Perry Hair Studio in New York, NY
• Jae Manuel Cardenas, a senior stylist at Sally Hershberger NoMad in New York, NY
• Sanda Petrut, a hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, IL

How we test and review products

We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While there are certainly products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are created in order to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn't want to pick up a purple shampoo that's only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that's never been tested by anyone with curls—right?

For our review of the best volumizing shampoos, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and hair stylists—many of who want thicker, fuller-looking har. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture and experience, fragrance, and packaging. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.