Voluminous hair is noticeable at the first hair flip, but some people need an extra product to give their 'do that desired lift. Whether you have fine hair or straight strands, there are volumizing shampoos that help with that extra density.
According to celebrity stylist Kylee Heath, a volumizing shampoo is "ideal for thin or flat hair." She continues, "It gives your hair a deep cleanse and a boost."
However, most volumizing shampoos only provide temporary results for flat hair — but they perform great as a hair-lifter whenever you want a fuller look. While there are other products to achieve that thicker-looking hair such as hair mousses, thickening sprays and dry shampoos, the cleansing phase is also as important to achieve volume.
We gathered tips from a set of experts about their favorite shampoos to give your hair more character and definition. Additionally, we asked them what type of hair can benefit from volumizing shampoos and what other health habits to include in their daily routine to maximize volume.
What are volumizing shampoos?
"Volumizing shampoos are designed to give your [thin] hair an instant boost, creating the illusion of fuller, thicker hair," says hair expert and founder of KYIR William Kirst.
"They’re perfect for adding lift and volume during your styling routine. Some even contain powerhouse ingredients like caffeine, biotin, and Redensyl, which can support longer-term volume — though to see lasting results, a topical serum is your best bet," Kirst continues.
These shampoos work by removing the buildup of heavy oils and allowing "lightweight moisture to stick to the hair shaft, and incorporating ingredients that enhance the hair’s structure, making it appear thicker and more voluminous," shares board-certified dermatologist Dr. Martin Neal Zaiac.
Best volumizing shampoos, approved by experts
Scents in a bottle: Raw Sugar The Volume Revive Shampoo
- Has hyaluronic acid
- Budget-friendly
- Strong scent
Size: 18 oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and antioxidants
Heath usually recommends this product for added volume: "It has a clean formula that works and it's only $10!"
The formula includes strawberry, white tea, hyaluronic acid and nettle (a flowering plant) to deliver the ultimate hydration while offering your hair that extra bounce. The shampoo comes in different scented options such as mango butter, aloe and passion fruit.
Thicken the hair shaft: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with 1% Ketoconazole
- Reduces flakiness
- Leaves a clean feel
- Can dry scalp if overused
Size: 7 oz. | Key ingredients: Ketoconazole 1%
Zaiac recommends this anti-dandruff shampoo to help control flaking, but it's also "formulated with key ingredients that 'thicken' and fortify the hair shaft, which can be beneficial for those seeking to achieve such results," says Zaiac. "Most of those products include DHT blockers that help foster growth and promote a thickening effect."
Zaiac adds, "Choose shampoos with ketoconazole [like this one], as well as caffeine, taurine and procyanidin that stimulate hair growth and strengthen the hair fiber."
For a thicker mane: Rahua Voluminous Shampoo
- Provides bounce
- Doesn't weigh your hair down
- Not ideal for sensitive scalps
Size: 16 oz. | Key ingredients: Omega 9 and antioxidants
Kirst recommends this shampoo for its clean formula and the amazing results it delivers. Many customers who use this product say the shampoo has balanced the oil on their scalp and that the formula helps give texture to their hair.
He recommends this tip when using volumizing shampoos in general: “For long-term thickening results, I recommend pairing your shampoo with a growth-boosting serum. Think of it as a one-two punch for a fuller look!” adds Kirst.
For a fuller mane: DS Labs Revita High-Performance Hair Density Shampoo
- Very concentrated
- Smells good
- Requires consistency of use
Size: 11.8 oz. | Key ingredients: Biotin, caffeine and procyanidin B2
Zaiac also recommends this shampoo for its biotin component which helps for a healthy-looking scalp. Consistent use of the product is required to notice hair growth. Also, many shoppers with hair loss said they had observed a thicker hairline after using the shampoo for six weeks or more.
Best volumizing shampoos, approved by editors
Absorb the oil: Dae Fairy Duster Volumizing Dry Shampoo Powder
- Non-aerosol dry shampoo
- Easy to blend
- Not ideal for oily hair
Size: 1.06 oz. | Key ingredients: Prickly pear seed oil and cactus flower extract
Editorial assistant Madison San Miguel appreciates the clean ingredients formulated into this shampoo spray by Dae.
If your main purpose is to absorb the excess oil and dirt, this product is for you. "I noticed a bit of volume and some oil absorption, but I think someone with less oily hair and thicker hair could benefit more from it," adds San Miguel.
Award winner: R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo
- Works on all hair types
- Provides volume
- Doesn't lather
- Strong scent
Size: 8.5 oz. | Key ingredients: Biotin, pro-vitamin B5 and coconut oil
This thickening shampoo won Shop TODAY's Beauty Award 2023 for its star ingredient, biotin. According to Shop TODAY writer Cailey Rizzo, this shampoo offers a smooth texture and helps hair look shinier, as long as you follow up with a good conditioner. "It’s given my roots a noticeable boost, and my locks have a bounce they’ve been sorely lacking," Rizzo says.
To help with hair growth: Suite Reyad The Shampoo Fine & Normal Hair
- Very hydrating
- Feel soft
- High price point
Size: 9.2 oz. | Key ingredients: Organic date seed oil
Associate editor Allie Wise says, "I tested this luxe shampoo from Suite Reyad and instantly fell in love. It completely changed the texture of my hair, making it extremely soft and voluminous! I highly recommend for anyone with fine or normal hair looking to switch shampoos. It does the job... and then some!"
The organic date seed oil is added to promote hair growth and restorative properties.
Other volumizing shampoos
A minty feel: Divi volumizing shampoo
- It's lightweight
- Scent is fresh
- Can feel a bit greasy
Size: 12 oz. | Key ingredients: Probiotics and glucosamine
The formula of this shampoo contains caffeine, tea tree oil and biotin which help to balance the scalp while offering a deep cleanse. While the formula contains microalgae to reduce sebum production, some customers mentioned they have experienced a greasy post-shampoo result.
However, most customers praise this formula for the minty feel and how they shed less hair after use.
Enjoy the fragrance: Aveda Volumizing Shampoo
- Provides lift
- Great smell
- Effects fade away quickly
Size: 8 oz. | Key ingredients: Acacia gum
This formula can help add lift, thanks to the added acacia gum (which helps volumize fine hair, according to the brand). Plus, the fragrance — which many customers rave about — adds an element of surprise after washing.
A cleaner feel: Ouai Fine Hair Shampoo
- Creates bounce
- Ideal for fine hair
- Not color safe
Size: 10 oz. | Key ingredients: Biotin, chia seed oil and hydrolyzed keratin
This concentrated, mildly scented shampoo will help you achieve volume after lathering. Bonus? The formula's consistency shouldn't weigh your hair down, and it's deal for those with dry hair and damaged ends.
How we chose
The volumizing shampoos listed in this piece were recommended by experts and editors, along with a few selected based on experts' key criteria. Editors who have fine hair were considered for the piece, as well as products that focus on delivering volume and lift.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Martin Neal Zaiac is a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami.
- Kylee Heath is a celebrity hairstylist who got her start at the Paul Mitchell School. Currently, she works with some of Hollywood's notable celebrities.
- William Kirst is a hair expert and founder of KYIR, a haircare brand that delivers thicker and fuller hair.
