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Hair

The Best Products for Thinning Hair to Create Fullness and Lift

 

Regrowth can take time, but these products use keratin, biotin, and other ingredients to lend the appearance of thicker hair.

Ever feel like your hair seemingly thinned overnight? One day, it’s full and bouncy; the next, it looks a little sparse around your hairline. The best products for thinning hair can help create immediate volume, even if genetics, hormones, or stress aren’t doing you any favors. “Stress and diet play a big role, and deficiencies in iron or copper can contribute to hair thinning,” says Sandra Petrut, stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. “Chemical treatments, excessive heat, and even scalp conditions like contact dermatitis can also lead to hair loss.”

Actual hair regrowth takes time, a lot of patience, and a handful of science-proven ingredients, but volumizing hair products can work right away—giving you the illusion of fuller, thicker hair. “There’s no magic bullet for instantly thicker hair in a permanent sense, but styling products with ingredients like keratin and panthenol can create the illusion of temporary volume,” says Jerome Lordet, founder and owner of Jerome Lordet Salon in NYC. And these days, new products “not only target thinning hair but also support overall hair health, helping hair grow stronger and healthier,” he says.

Best Overall: Living Proof Full Volume & Root-Lifting Spray

Why we love it: When Allure’s content director Kara McGrath says this spray “completely changed her at-home blowouts,” you know it’s worth paying attention to. Designed for thinning or baby-fine hair, Living Proof Full Volume & Root-Lifting Spray brings the drama in the best way. It’s boosted by the brand’s thickening molecule, plus water-soluble resins that give your roots major lift without any crunch. Amaranth peptides help plump each follicle so your hair looks fuller, bouncier, and way more blowout-y. Add in a blend of volume-locking polymers, and you’re looking at bumped-up hair density that actually sticks around, too.

Best Root Cover: Madison Reed The Great Cover Up Root Touch Up + Brow Filler

Why we love it: Even though Madison Reed The Great Cover Up Root Touch Up + Brow Filler is technically designed to conceal gray roots and fill in brows, this 2024 Best of Beauty Award winner can also double as makeup, concealing areas where you have sparse hair growth (like around the temples and along the hairline). Once you apply it with the included brush (or spoolie, if you want to be extra-precise), it won't budge—and can even withstand rain and sweat. It also comes in six shades, so most people can find a passable match—and no one will be the wiser.

Best Scalp Serum: Nécessaire The Scalp Serum

Why we love it: If your part’s looking wider or your ponytail feels a little wimpy, Nécessaire’s The Scalp Serum might be your new, low-maintenance fix. This lightweight, fragrance-free formula features 5% capixyl—a blend of red clover extract and a peptide that helps reduce shedding and promote thicker-looking strands. “Some studies have shown it can be just as effective as 3% minoxidil,” dermatologist Michelle Henry, MD, previously told Allure. But unlike minoxidil, it carries a lower risk of irritation or unwanted facial hair, making it a smart choice for sensitive scalps. It’s also approved by the National Eczema Association, which speaks to how gentle it is. To top it off, the serum includes hyaluronic acid, biotin, and niacinamide to keep your scalp calm, hydrated, and thriving, so your hair can live its best, fullest life.

Best Scalp Massager: La Bonne Brosse N.03 The Essential Soft Hair Brush

Why we love it: Whereas some brushes are made to detangle using sheer force, the La Bonne Brosse N.03 The Essential Soft Hair Brush is meant to baby the scalp, gently working out knots without risking breakage or shedding. It pairs boar bristles, which help distribute moisture through the lengths of hair, with firmer nylon pins that help take care of tangles. (The nylon bristles are also capped with ball-shaped tips, which massage the scalp and boost circulation to encourage healthy hair growth). Together, they maximize shine and softness without stressing out hair.

Best for Regrowth: Curology Hair Formula Rx

Why we love it: If you want to tackle permanent regrowth and slow hair fall, Curology Hair Formula Rx is a personalized, prescription-strength treatment that helps with hair loss with three proven active ingredients (which could include minoxidil, finasteride, or ketoconazole—an antifungal medication) tailored to your scalp’s needs. It often consists of a higher dose of minoxidil than you’ll find over the counter. Hair serums work “only if they have an active ingredient like minoxidil, which helps prevent the hair from going into sleep mode,” Morgan Rabach, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, previously told Allure. To get your custom hair growth formula, snap some selfies, answer a few questions about your hair and scalp, and send it all in. A dermatologist will review everything and prescribe a customized topical solution of up to three active ingredients. FYI: Your hair-loss treatment arrives in a two-month supply, but expect to see actual results in about three to six months.

Best Shampoo for Thinning Hair: Ouai Fine Shampoo

Why we love it: Ouai Fine Shampoo is more than just a favorite among Allure editors—it’s also a go-to shampoo for thinning hair among pros. “This shampoo strengthens hair, reduces frizz, and adds body,” says Jae Manuel Cardenas, a hairstylist at Sally Hershberger NoMad in NYC. Moisturizing chia seed oil, hydrolyzed keratin, and biotin—found in this shampoo and its wash-day mate, OUAI Fine Hair Conditioner—strengthen the hair cuticle, bring dull strands back to life, and encourage healthy hair growth. “Plus, it has the most beautiful citrusy scent—think Italian lemon, orange, and jasmine,” says Cardenas. “But what I love most is that it’s sulfate-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free, and safe for color-treated hair—so really any hair type can enjoy it.”

Best Conditioner for Thinning Hair: Bumble and Bumble Thickening Volume Conditioner

Why we love it: The Bumble and Bumble Thickening Volume Conditioner is a go-to for Petrut, and it’s easy to see why. Packed with panthenol (aka pro-vitamin B5) and lightweight hydrators like coconut and safflower seed oils, it delivers just the right amount of moisture for thinning hair without adding unnecessary. “This conditioner plumps each strand without leaving any residue,” says Petrut. This conditioner’s ingredients do precisely what it promises, coating each strand for a thicker, fuller look.

Best for Hold: Davines Volu Hair Mist

Why we love it: For weightless, touchable volume that lasts, Davines Volu Hair Mist delivers in an instant, and you don’t have to worry about the crunch or stickiness that often comes with other volumizing products. “The mist is lightweight and breathable, so it never feels heavy, even on fine hair,” says Lordet. “I love that it enhances body while maintaining movement and softness—it’s about volume that looks real, not overdone.” Plus, thanks to antioxidant-rich caprauna turnip extract, it does more than just volumize—the hydrating formula actually nourishes and strengthens hair as it lifts, leaving it healthy, shiny, and fuller-looking all day.

Best for Volume: Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray

Why we love it: We’ve long relied on Oribe to repeatedly deliver good hair days. If you're after maximum volume and thickness, look no further than Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray. It’s packed with thickening copolymers to pump up the volume and lock it in, plus amino acids to keep hair strong and moisturized. And because Oribe always goes the extra mile, its signature complex protects against environmental stressors, while built-in heat protection keeps your hair safe from hot tools. If your thinning hair is also prone to frizz, the cetrimonium chloride in this spray provides conditioning and anti-static powers—making it especially helpful for curly hair.

Best Mousse: R+Co Rodeo Star Thickening Mousse

Why we love it: Creating voluminous hair starts in the shower, but to keep that full, bouncy look going, the right styling products are key, like R+Co Rodeo Star Thickening Foam. “This styling foam delivers quick, non-sticky fullness with a soft, touchable feel,” says Petrut. It incorporates skin care-inspired ingredients, like vitamin E to deeply condition hair, kiwi fruit extract to help maintain moisture balance, and aloe vera leaf extract to minimize breakage and add shine, to give hair a fuller, bouncier look. If bold volume is what you’re after, this is your go-to.

Best Powder: RPZL Hair Volume Powder

Why we love it: For weightless body and surfer-girl texture, the RPZL Hair Volume Powder “is a texturizing powder that helps give the illusion of more hair," says Petrut. “The feeling is a little gritty to help give the hair grip, and that’s what creates extreme, long-lasting volume with minimal effort.” The tech is pretty noteworthy: This formula encapsulates a volumizing lotion inside a powder sphere made of silylated silica, mica, and pumice. It activates the moment it hits your hair, delivering an all-over lift and serious root boost in seconds. (FYI: A little goes a long way.)

Best Custom-Blended: Musely The Hair Topical Solution - Classic

Why we love it: Unlike over-the-counter formulas, Musely’s The Hair Topical Solution – Classic is customized just for you after an online consultation with a licensed dermatologist without the need for an in-office visit. The freshly compounded prescription can include a powerful blend: 8% minoxidil to kickstart growth, 0.3% dutasteride to block DHT (a.k.a. the hormone behind follicle shrinkage), and 0.075% spironolactone to further reduce androgen activity. Tretinoin, ketoconazole, and hydrocortisone round out the hair-growth treatment to boost absorption, soothe irritation, and support a healthy scalp. “Minoxidil has been one of the gold-standard ingredients for hair loss for years,” says Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology based in Birmingham, AL. “It widens blood vessels to improve circulation, delivering nutrients and oxygen to revive shrinking or dormant hair follicles. It also extends the anagen phase of hair growth, so strands can grow longer, thicker, and stronger.” Consistency is key with minoxidil-based formulas like this one. “Products with minoxidil should be used continuously—some people may find that once they stop using minoxidil, the hair regrowth they found stalls,” says Dr. Hartman.

Best Scalp Treatment: Augustinus Bader The Scalp Treatment

Why we love it: Originally known for its beloved face cream, Augustinus Bader took that same science-first approach and applied it to—yep—your scalp. Augustinus Bader The Scalp Treatment is a lightweight serum designed to reduce shedding and create the perfect environment for stronger, healthier hair. “It’s a product I recommend to patients who have damaged, weak hair or thinning hair and are looking to keep as much of their hair as possible,” says Dr. Hartman. It features the brand’s trigger factor complex (TFC8), a clinically backed blend of vitamins, lipids, and peptides. “The product is formulated to reduce shedding and hair loss, while rejuvenating the scalp for stronger hair and a better environment for new hair to grow,” he says. Patience has a payoff: “Take a small amount on your fingertips and gently massage it into your scalp two to three times a week. Some people notice a difference in how their hair and scalp feel in the first six to eight weeks, and most see visible results by the three-month mark,” says Dr. Hartman.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best-proven product for thinning hair?

If you’re experiencing hair thinning, the right products can make a big difference. The best approach focuses on hair growth, scalp health, and follicle strength. “Minoxidil is the most tried-and-true ingredient for hair loss and thinning,” says Dr. Mislankar. (You might recognize it as the main ingredient in Rogaine, which is a minoxidil foam.)

Other ingredients like “biotin, caffeine, rosemary oil, and niacinamide have also been shown to promote the temporary appearance of hair thickness,” says Cardenas, who recommends root lifters, volumizing products, and other hairstyle formulas to temporarily deliver fuller hair.

Hair-growth supplements are a dime a dozen, but dermatologists don’t agree on how much they can really help. And since they can come with side effects, it’s important to talk to your doctor first.

Can hair grow back after thinning?

Hair can grow back after thinning, but it depends on the cause. “In some cases, like telogen effluvium—temporary hair shedding caused by stress, illness, or hormonal changes—hair often grows back on its own with time and patience,” says Dr. Mislankar. (For instance, minoxidil won’t do a whole lot for postpartum hair loss, which is caused by hormone changes during and after pregnancy.)

However, if thinning is due to androgenetic alopecia (hereditary hair loss, or female-pattern hair loss), long-term treatments like medications or procedures are usually needed to maintain new growth. “While waiting for hair to regrow, avoiding excessive heat styling or harsh chemicals helps prevent further damage. Volumizing shampoos, leave-in treatments, and proper styling techniques can also make hair appear fuller in the meantime,” she says.

What are the “Big 3” for thinning hair?

The big three for thinning hair are minoxidil, finasteride, and ketoconazole. “They each play a special part in encouraging hair growth. Minoxidil works by widening blood vessels in your scalp, boosting circulation so more nutrients reach your hair follicles—helping to spark new growth and keep shedding in check. Finasteride blocks an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase—the one that turns testosterone into DHT (a.k.a. the hormone that makes hair follicles shrink and leads to thinning). Less DHT means your follicles stay active longer, helping to keep your hair where it belongs. Ketoconazole isn’t just for fighting fungus—it also helps mitigate scalp inflammation, one of the culprits behind hair loss. Research suggests it has mild anti-androgenic properties, meaning it may help minimize DHT’s impact on hair follicles,” says Dr. Mislankar. Together, they can create the ideal foundation for new hair growth.

Meet the experts

• Jerome Lordet, founder and owner of Jerome Lordet Salon in New York, NY
• Jae Manuel Cardenas, a senior stylist at Sally Hershberger NoMad in New York, NY
• Mona Mislankar, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of the Cincinnati SkKin Center
• Sanda Petrut, stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago
• Morgan Rabach, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at LM Medical in New York, NY
• Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL
• Michelle Henry, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City

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 products for thinning hair, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and hair experts—many of whom want shinier, healthier-looking hair. 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.