Allure

Hair

12 Best Shampoos for Fine Hair That Deliver All the Volume

 

With these protein-rich formulas, the sky is the limit..

Fine hair has its quirks: It tends to get oily fast, refuses to hold a curl, and loves to fall flat, but the best shampoo for fine hair can help turn things around. First, let’s break down its nuances: “Fine hair is hair that is smaller in diameter,” says Eli Thomas, a hairstylist in Los Angeles, CA. “There may be lots of it, or there may be less, but when it’s less, we usually consider it ‘thin’ rather than just fine.”

Fine hair could be genetic. But if your hair feels weighed down, product buildup or heavy conditioners might be the culprit. “The hair may have considerable buildup of unwanted styling product or conditioner residue, which can cause the hair to have too much weight,” says Thomas. A volumizing shampoo that thoroughly cleanses without stripping moisture is essential to restoring volume and bounce. Another challenge for fine hair is creating airy, long-lasting volume. “When the hair's cuticle is too smooth, volume becomes more difficult to create," he says. "We want space between each individual hair to create more volume, and a less smooth cuticle helps the hairs support each other."

With the best shampoo for fine hair—whether it’s lightweight, clarifying, or formulated to boost texture—you can achieve the lift and fullness your fine hair deserves.

Best Overall: Oribe Shampoo for Magnificent Volume

Why it's worth it: Yes, Oribe Shampoo for Magnificent Volume is a splurge, but if you’re chasing serious volume, this shampoo is one of the best Oribe products for just that—and worth every penny. “It uses a polymer blend to plump up the hair shaft for tons of body," says Cody Renegar, a hairstylist in Los Angeles, CA. "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." And the scent: Think designer perfume, but for your hair.

Editor's tip: It’s infused with hydrolyzed vegetable protein to strengthen hair and provide heat-activated protection against damage from styling tools.

Key ingredients: lupine protein, polymer blender, coconut | Fragrance-free: no

Best for Thinning Hair: Redken Volume Injection Shampoo

Why it's worth it: The secret (or should we say science?) behind Redken Volume Injection Shampoo is a hair-thickening ingredient called filloxane that penetrates deep into the hair fiber to boost volume from within. The results are as instant as they get, with a noticeable difference in the appearance of stronger, thicker hair and enhanced body. And the experience of using the shampoo in the shower doesn’t disappoint—soft floral notes with a fresh grassiness make every wash day a treat, while the shampoo’s silk, pearlescent formula glides effortlessly as you lather up. If you’re also experiencing dullness, we love how it creates a shiny, glass-like finish after blow-drying.

Editor's tip: “When working with fine hair, I always opt for warm water to gently swell the hair and open the cuticle. While cold water is often praised for closing the cuticle and enhancing shine, the opposite effect is what we’re after for volume. By keeping the cuticle slightly open, the hair gains some texture and grip, which helps create the lift and fullness,” says Thomas.

Key ingredients: filloxane, sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate | Fragrance-free: no

Best for Dry Hair: Kérastase Densifiqiue Density Shampoo

Why it's worth it: It’s no surprise that the Densifique Bain Densité Shampoo is another standout in Kérastase's excellent lineup. If you’ve struggled to maintain volume and your style seems to go flat within hours, this shampoo is the ultimate foundation for fuller, more resilient hair. Formulated with hydrating hyaluronic acid, strengthening gluco peptides, and moisture-locking ceramides, it effectively cleanses the scalp while plumping up fine hair. Not only does hair look denser immediately, but it also manages to help keep the voluminous shape longer. "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," says Raven Hurtado, Chicago-based hairstylist at Maxine Salon, previously told Allure. "You can repeat a second time for maximum results."

Editor's tip: Flip your hair upside down while blow-drying to add more volume to your roots.

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, ceramides, gluco peptide | Fragrance-free: no

Best for Color-Treated Hair: Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo

Why it's worth it: If your empty bottle of dry shampoo has left your hair feeling weighed down by product buildup or excess oil, it’s time for a reset with Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo. This sulfate-free formula is gentle enough for anyone who colors their hair, so you can cleanse without worrying about stripping your shade. But it doesn’t stop there—Olaplex’s patented bond-building technology works to repair broken bonds from the inside out, making it great for fragile or thinning hair. This shampoo is all about restoring balance and protecting the integrity of your hair while leaving your scalp refreshed. “I like to use this weekly,” says Thomas.

Editor's tip: “Lather and let it sit in your hair for five minutes before you rinse to see more volume for days,” says Thomas.

Key ingredients: a patented bond builder (bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate), hydrolyzed vegetable protein, citric acid | Fragrance-free: no

Best for Damaged Hair: Virtue Full Shampoo

Why it's worth it: If your hair tends to fall flat, lacks density, and looks a little lackluster, reach for this Allure Best of Beauty Award winner. Packed with the brand’s groundbreaking alpha keratin 60ku protein—the same keratin found naturally in your hair—Virtue Full Shampoo works to strengthen and repair hair from the inside out. Phospholipids join the party to support healthy hair growth and defend against frizz and humidity. Then there’s also pink pomelo, which isn’t just there to add a citrusy scent (that we love), it’s also loaded with vitamins A, C, B1, and zinc to give your hair a much-needed boost of life.

Editor's tip: Your hairstyle could make a difference in creating the illusion of more volume. Opt for a layered cut to add movement and dimension, giving fine hair a fuller appearance.

Key ingredients: pink pomelo, phospholipids, alpha keratin 60ku | Fragrance-free: no

Best for Hair Growth: Briogeo Destined for Density Peptide Density Shampoo

Why it's worth it: Caffeine isn’t just for kickstarting your morning routine—it’s also the secret weapon for the Briogeo Destined For Density Peptide Shampoo. It packs a powerful blend of caffeine and biotin peptides to energize and strengthen strands, leaving hair visibly fuller and thicker. Plus, it’s loaded with hair-loving vitamins like zinc and copper to boost scalp circulation and support healthy hair growth. This shampoo is gentle enough for daily use, so you can enjoy that satisfying lather (and dreamy sandalwood and vanilla scent) without worrying about stripping your hair’s natural oils.

Editor's tip: When looking for a conditioner, “avoid heavy oils like coconut oil,” says Adam Campbell, a hairstylist in Los Angeles, CA. “Instead, go for lightweight options like jojoba or rosemary oil, and apply only to the mid-shaft and ends to keep hair light and bouncy.”

Key ingredients: caffeine, biotin, copper peptides, zinc | Fragrance-free: no

Best for Breakage: R+Co Bleu Ingenious Thickening Shampoo

Why it's worth it: Part of R+Co’s luxury Bleu collection, R+Co Bleu Ingenious Thickening Shampoo is powered by advanced formulations, including the innovative bleu molecule complex, designed to strengthen strands and boost overall hair health. Packed with nourishing ingredients like biotin, vegetable protein, and kelp extract, this shampoo doesn’t just cleanse but transforms lifeless hair to instant bounce, volume, and shine. A little bit of the gel-like formula goes a long way, making the splurge completely worth it.

Editor's tip: After you wash, “style fine hair with the R+Co Bleu Magnifier Thickening Spray—a perfect choice for fine or volume-lacking hair,” says Campbell. “It delivers thickness and body with stiffness, but it’s so lightweight and super effective at creating volume without any stickiness.”

Key ingredients: bleu molecule complex, vegetable protein, kelp extract | Fragrance-free: no

Best for Dry Scalps: NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Volume Shampoo

Why it's worth it: Designed to deliver bounce to hair, NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Volume Shampoo harnesses plant-based ingredients—think cherry blossom extract, apple extract, and rice and soy protein—to build volume and keep breakage to a minimum, even in damaged hair. The formula is color-safe and free of sulfates, making it a good choice for people with dry or sensitive scalps (since sulfates can be a little drying).

Editor's tip: The cherry blossom extract actually locks in hair color, keeping it vibrant, rich, and not at all brassy.

Key ingredients: sakura extract, apple extract, rice protein, soy protein | Fragrance-free: no

Best for Oily Scalps: IGK Extra Love Volume & Thickening Shampoo

Why it's worth it: People from around the globe flock to South Korea’s idyllic Jeju Island for its rejuvenating, mineral-rich waters and serene vibes—and now, IGK has bottled that magic with the Extra Love Volume & Thickening Shampoo. Infused with Jeju’s volcanic water, brimming with zinc and iron, this shampoo strengthens your hair while giving it a weightless volume and bouncy lift. With the help of microbiome prebiotics, “I also found this shampoo does a great job with excessively oily scalps, which is one of the main culprits of flat hair,” says Thomas.

Editor's tip: Always use a heat protectant when heat-styling fine hair to avoid breakage.

Key ingredients: Jeju water, prebiotics | Fragrance-free: no

Best Scent: Ouai Fine Shampoo

Why it's worth it: Jen Atkin, the founder of Ouai and the genius behind countless celebrity styles boasting enviable volume, has bottled her secret to bouncy hair with OUAI Fine Hair Shampoo. Infused with biotin and keratin to fortify strands and chia seed oil for incredible softness, this shampoo is a hairstylist favorite. “The whole Ouai Fine Hair line is always a go-to for me," says Renegar. “It smells amazing and uses all-natural, lightweight ingredients, leaving your hair super shiny and full of bounce.” The scent is so addictive that it’s one of those shampoos where you’ll find yourself adding water to the bottle at the end just to stretch out every last drop.

Editor's tip: A medium-sized round brush (1-in. to 2-in. barrel) is ideal for creating lift during a blowout.

Key ingredients: biotin, chia seed oil, hydrolyzed keratin | Fragrance-free: no

Best Lightweight: Davines Volu Shampoo

Why it's worth it: Gentle yet effective, Davines VOLU Shampoo strikes the perfect balance—it clarifies without stripping, purging the scalp of impurities while keeping your hair’s natural moisture intact. “It’s a go-to for many industry experts,” says Thomas. Ideal for fine hair in need of lift or even thick hair that tends to lay heavy and flat, this formula “delivers a weightless volumizing boost with a touch of shine,” he says. The key to its formulation is turnip root extract sourced from a farm in Caprauna, Cuneo, Italy. It helps nourish the scalp to create a healthy foundation for hair growth, reinforces the hair shaft, and adds lightweight body and lift.

Editor's tip: The product comes out fast from the bottle, but a little goes a long way, so make sure to give it a gentle squeeze.

Key ingredients: turnip root extract, pro-vitamin B5, glycerin | Fragrance-free: no

Best for Infrequent Washers: Living Proof Full Shampoo

Why it's worth it: Living Proof has earned a permanent spot on our haircare shelf, and if you have fine hair, the Living Proof Full Shampoo is one of those must-haves you’ll always want backups of. It strikes the perfect balance, giving your scalp a deep clean without stripping your strands. The formula is packed with science-y goodness like a patented healthy hair molecule (yes, it’s as straightforward as it sounds) to remove buildup and repel dirt that weighs down hair. As an added bonus, amaranth plumps up hair for noticeable thickness, while phytantriol protects fine, brittle hair from heat damage. “And can we talk about the scent? It’s just so good. This gentle shampoo leaves your hair soft, shiny, full of body—and smelling amazing,” says Mia Santiago, a hairstylist based in NYC and Columbus, Ohio.

Editor's tip: “When styling, using less tension allows the hair’s natural elasticity to shine, helping to maintain that coveted ‘bounce,’” says Thomas.

Key ingredients: peptides, phytantriol, amino acids | Fragrance-free: no

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of shampoo is best for fine hair?

The best shampoo for fine hair is lightweight and cleanses thoroughly without weighing your strands down. “For people with fine hair, you want to look for shampoos that contain ingredients like biotin, which helps strengthen the hair follicles while promoting healthy growth and increased thickness within the individual strands,” says Santiago. Keratin is another standout ingredient to watch for, as “it’s a protein found in our hair that can help strengthen and fortify it,” she says.

Peptides are also key players since they are “small protein fragments that, because of their size, can penetrate the hair shaft to improve the structure of the strand,” she says. These powerful ingredients, combined with lightweight hydration and gentle cleansing, will help fine hair feel stronger, thicker, and full of life. Regarding what to avoid, “Pass on things like sulfates, parabens, and silicones because they strip your natural oils and leave behind a residue that will weigh your hair down,” adds Renegar.

Should you use conditioner on fine, thin hair?

Yes, you should use conditioner on fine, thin hair—but how and where you apply it makes all the difference. “People with fine hair should absolutely use conditioners. I recommend using a lightweight formula that works with your hair. Applying a small amount from the mid-shaft to the ends while avoiding the roots will help prevent greasiness at the scalp and keep your hair looking airy and full,” says Santiago. Rinse thoroughly to avoid residue, and you can skip it occasionally if your hair feels too soft or flat.

How often should you wash fine hair?

Fine hair tends to get oily faster than thicker hair, so your washing routine depends on your scalp’s needs. “Washing every one to two days is ideal for oily scalps, and I often recommend doing two shampoos to remove the oil from the scalp that can weigh hair down,” says Campbell. “If your hair leans dry, you might get away with washing every two to three days.”

In between, a great dry shampoo will refresh your roots and add volume. Just be careful not to overwash—stripping natural oils can lead to overproduction and leave hair even flatter.

Meet the Experts

Cody Renegar, a hairstylist in Los Angeles, CA
Eli Thomas, a hairstylist and founder of Vuja De Beauty in Los Angeles, CA
Adam Campbell, a hairstylist in Los Angeles, CA
Mia Santiago, a hairstylist based in NYC and Columbus, Ohio

How we test and review products

We always enlist a range of testers for any review, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While some can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind. When reviewing tools, we also take into account testers’ experience levels. For instance, an innovative new blow-dryer may feature industry-leading technology, but if the only people who find it intuitive to use are professional hairstylists, we have to consider this when determining whether it is worthy of a recommendation.

For our list of the best shampoos for fine hair, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors — along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists and seasoned estheticians. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read 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.