Although we can’t change our natural hair texture, many hair thickening products can help revive flat and lifeless locks. These products can give your hair a fuller appearance, whether it’s naturally fine or thinning due to aging or stress.
Hair-thickening solutions come in various forms, such as serums, styling sprays, mousses, fibers and even dietary supplements. Each product has its unique method of action; some work by coating each hair strand to create the appearance of thickness or by nourishing the scalp to encourage healthier hair growth. Others even contain ingredients that temporarily plump up the hair shaft, giving you instant volume that lasts until your next wash.
With numerous product options available, however, choosing the right product can be challenging. To help, we’ve consulted a range of hair care experts, from stylists to dermatologists, to uncover the best hair thickening products and their optimal use for maximum impact. Plus, we included a few of our tried-and-true Shop TODAY Hair Award-winning products to help round out the list.
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What is a hair-thickening product?
You might already know about volumizing products like creams, sprays and shampoos, but celebrity hairstylist Mia Santiago points out that thickening products have a different role.
“Volumizing products are all about lifting your hair and adding body, while thickening products are designed to make your hair appear fuller and thicker,” she explains. "These thickening products work by coating each strand of hair, which increases its diameter and creates a plumper look.”
A quick online search reveals a variety of thickening options available. However, Santiago stresses the importance of choosing the right product based on your unique hair type and the look you want to achieve.
The best hair thickening products, according to experts
Looking for another spray option to help pump up your hair’s thickness? You’re in luck. Angela Calisti, a renowned hair expert and celebrity stylist, suggests trying this hair spray by Color Wow. She notes that it is “fantastic for creating lift and volume; it’s light and doesn’t make your hair feel sticky.”
This spray serves another purpose, too: It protects against heat damage while offering excellent hold to keep your hairstyle looking great throughout the day. It’s safe for all hair types — be it straight, wavy, curly, or coily — and contains a special formula designed to boost volume, strengthen strands, and reduce breakage.
One important thing to remember is that using too much of this spray can lead to heavy-feeling hair. Therefore, it’s best to apply it in moderation.
Topical fibers are another hair thickening product you can use to make your hair look thicker. One notable product you can easily find on Amazon is Toppik Hair Building Fibers, which are highly recommended by Dr. Angela Brimhall, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Sage Dermatology and Mohs Surgery. She appreciates this product not only because it’s free of fragrances but also due to its adaptability; it suits all hair types and textures while effectively concealing bald spots and thinning areas.
Brimhall notes, “Toppik fibers cling to your existing hair strands, giving the illusion of fuller hair and helping with issues like bald patches and visible scalp.” The product contains natural keratin fibers that seamlessly blend with your hair and comes in various shades to ensure a perfect match. Additionally, it offers a realistic look that lasts up to 24 hours without any added fragrance that could irritate sensitive scalps.”
However, it’s important to mention that the bottle does not come with an applicator. Some users have found the application process to be somewhat messy.
If you want to experiment with a thickening mousse, Calisti suggests adding this Amika product to your cart.
“This mousse is perfect for creating full-bodied, voluminous styles while keeping hair soft and manageable,” she explains. “It contains ingredients that not only offer flexible hold but also nourish, hydrate and shield the hair from heat damage. It’s also vegan, cruelty-free and free from harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens and artificial colors.”
For those new to mousse, remember that a small amount goes a long way—start with a small dollop and adjust as necessary. “Using too much product can lead to buildup, making your hair feel heavy or greasy,” warns Calisti.
If you’re in search of a hairspray that adds thickness with each spritz, look no further than Kate Johnson's, an award-winning hair stylist, makeup artist, and founder of Glossed Finishing Studio, top pick from Oribe. This user-friendly spray works well for fine, medium, and thick hair types, and can be applied before blow drying to enhance fullness.
“It creates a bit of volume and density while also acting as a heat protectant,” she explains. “I like to spray it on the crown of my head where I want the most lift before using a round brush to dry my shorter layers.”
What sets this hairspray apart is its beneficial ingredients. The thickening copolymers enhance volume and provide a strong hold, while amino acids help strengthen the hair and reduce breakage. Additionally, it provides protection from UV rays. Just keep in mind that this product is scented; some may find the fragrance too intense if they prefer unscented options.
For those interested in giving a hair thickening serum a try, Santiago highly recommends this product from The Rootist. With continued use, she claims this serum effectively boosts hair thickness and encourages new growth.
“I’ve seen that applying this serum on my clients’ thinning spots makes their part lines and hairlines look much fuller,” she shares. “Selecting a long-term solution is vital for developing thicker, denser hair from the outset.”
However, it’s important for users to remember that consistent application is key to seeing the best results. Many user reviews suggest using it for a period of 90 to 120 days before expecting noticeable improvements.
The best hair-thickening products, tested by editors
Associate editor Shannon Garlin loves this mask because of its volumizing abilities, helping her hair achieve the perfect at-home blowout look.
It’s hassle-free to use, she says, further noting that it soothes both her hair and scalp.
Additionally, Garlin enjoys this viral serum for a more hydrated, less flaky scalp.
"I still feel like the consistent use of this serum has started to repair my many years of hair abuse," she says. "My hairline looks fuller and there’s new growth starting to appear. I even have family and friends commenting on how long my locks have gotten. Overall, I feel like my entire head of hair looks and, most importantly, feels healthier."
Most hair serums come in a dropper, but this one from Dr. Groot comes in a roll-on applicator for easier and targeted application. The serum was also a recent Shop TODAY Hair Awards winner!
Deputy editorial director Ali Deabler says this award-winner "adds volume and makes hair appear thicker and fuller, even into the next day."
Commerce editor and producer Julie Ricevuto contributed her recent hair growth journey to a three-step system she created, which included Nioxin's award-winning Hair Fall Defense Shampoo. In her review, she cited that the shampoo created "the optimal environment for hair to grow" by deeply cleansing and removing build-up on the scalp.
Another pick from the brand and loved by Garlin, “This thickening shampoo provides so much nourishment and volume; I’m in love with the whole system," the associate editor says. "It has all the key ingredients for thicker hair, too, including rosemary and caffeine. My hair feels so soft and lush after each use.”
Amanda Fama, a former editor at Shop TODAY, recommends this hair-thickening shampoo from Aveda. She says, "I'm a big fan of Aveda products, including the brand's hair-thickening line. As I get older, I noticed my hair isn't as thick as it's always been, and this shampoo definitely makes a difference. It also leaves my hair feeling seriously smooth."
It's no secret that Minoxidil is a key ingredient for promoting thicker, healthier strands. Whether for you or for him, using this award-winning topical treatment frequently can welcome new hair growth in just a few months.
Cécred is a hair care line from singer-songwriter Beyoncé. One of their best-selling products that's been all the rage is the Restoring Hair & Edge Drops. "[It] made my hair feel more full without weighing down my curls," mentioned Nicole Collazo Santana, social media video producer for TODAY, without leaving her hair with an oily or greasy residue.
Deputy managing editor Jess Bender says she tried this texturizing spray at a recent press event, exclaiming that her "hair has never looked that good in years."
Along with the shampoo, Ricevuto says this serum, in tandem, had a big part in her hair growth journey, too. It contains plant exosomes, biotin and peptides to promote a healthier scalp environment.
Different types of hair-thickening products
There are numerous types of hair-thickening products, each uniquely crafted to improve different features of hair volume and thickness. Here’s a simple guide to the most common options on the market and how they work to benefit your hair.
Shampoos and conditioners
Just as different shampoos and conditioners are designed to address specific issues like dryness or dandruff, there are also special products that focus on enhancing your hair’s thickness. When you use thickening shampoos and conditioners regularly, they strengthen and plump your hair strands. Most formulas also contain moisturizing ingredients along with a blend of proteins, vitamins, and minerals that support overall healthy hair growth.
Serums and treatments
Hair thickening products aren’t just limited to shampoos and conditioners; they also come in the form of serums and treatments. Typically used post-wash, these products are applied on the scalp and are designed for long-term use to help your locks grow thicker and fuller. Many of the serums contain beneficial ingredients such as peptides and biotin. Additionally, there are some treatments that incorporate FDA-approved components, such as Minoxidil.
Styling products
Certain styling products can also help create the appearance of thicker hair. Some popular options you’ll encounter include thickening sprays, mousses and foams, which add volume and fullness to the hair. There are also fiber-building products which are applied directly to the scalp and stick to existing hair fibers, giving a natural-looking fullness that can quickly enhance areas where hair may be thinning.
CeraVe Gentle Scalp Care Conditioner
Winner: Best conditioner for scalp care
$8.97
$10.99
Amazon
$10.99
Target
$8.97
Walmart
Red by Kiss Growth MD Silicone-Free Conditioner
Winner: Best conditioner for aging hair
$10.99
$11.99
Amazon
$11.99
Ivy Beauty
The Mane Choice The Alpha Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner
Winner: Best leave-in conditioner for instant results
$13.97
$14.99
Amazon
$14.99
The Mane Choice
$13.97
Walmart
Dae Hair Cactus Fruit 3-In-1 Styling Cream
Winner: Best overall styling cream
$30.00
Amazon
$21.00
$30.00
DAE Hair
Color Wow Texas Hold 'Em Big Hold Hairspray
Winner: Best overall hairspray
$30.00
Amazon
$30.00
Sephora
$30.00
Color Wow
FHI Heat UNbrush Detangling Brush
Winner: Best overall hair brush
$18.00
Amazon
$18.00
Target
$18.00
FHI Heat
Lottabody Wrap Me Foaming Curl Mousse with Coconut and Shea Oil
Winner: Best value curl cream
$3.98
$5.74
Amazon
$3.98
Walmart
$4.99
Sally Beauty
Who needs hair-thickening products?
Jae Manuel Cardenas, a senior stylist at the Sally Hershberger NoMad salon in New York City, recommends that individuals with fine hair or those experiencing hair loss should definitely try thickening products. However, he also cautions that these products may not be suitable for everyone.
“Interestingly, some people might not benefit from hair-thickening products,” he explains. “This group includes those with oily hair or anyone dealing with scalp conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Furthermore, people who already have thick or damaged hair should steer clear of these products and instead look for nourishing alternatives.”
If you’re unsure about whether to use hair thickening products, Cardenas advises consulting a professional. He suggests, “If you have sensitive skin or any scalp concerns, it’s wise to discuss it with your stylist or dermatologist before trying a hair thickening product.”
How to use hair-thickening products
To use hair thickener products effectively, Brimhall suggests keeping these application tips in mind before you start.
- Start with clean hair: Before reaching for thickening mousse or topical fibers, Brimhall highlights the necessity of starting with clean hair when using any thickening products. “Washing your hair first helps eliminate dirt, excess oils and product buildup, which allows the thickening agents to adhere better to each hair strand,” she notes. “For optimal results, apply thickening products to freshly washed hair or think about using a thickening shampoo.”
- Apply sparingly: When applying any hair thickening product, it’s best to start with a small amount and then increase it gradually as needed. Brimhall suggests, “Start with a little; you can always add more later. Using too much at once can lead to buildup and make your hair appear unnatural.”
- Target the roots: While every product comes with unique application guidelines, Brimhall advises applying hair thickening products primarily to the roots for the best effect. She explains that when you use fibers, sprays or mousses, targeting the roots can greatly enhance your hair’s look by providing additional lift and volume.
Do hair-thickening products really work?
Hair thickening products work in different ways to create the appearance of fuller hair. Some coat each strand with proteins and polymers, while others use tiny fibers that cling to your existing hair.
However, when it comes to treatments and serums, patience is key. Dr. Viktoryia Kazlosukalya, a board-certified dermatologist and hair loss expert in New York City, emphasizes, “Patience is essential. Hair grows very slowly, so you might only notice changes after using the product consistently for four to six months.”
For the best results, it’s crucial to focus on scalp health when choosing hair thickening products. As Brimhall advises, “Always prioritize scalp health.” This means avoiding harsh ingredients like ethyl alcohol that can irritate sensitive skin and opting for gentler formulations that support both hair and scalp wellness.
Other ways to increase hair thickness
Besides using hair thickening products, Johnson says that there are other ways to boost the thickness of your hair.
It’s important to be mindful of the styling products you choose. Johnson cautions against using flat irons, as they can compress the hair shaft and lead to thinning over time. Instead, she suggests opting for high-quality products that keep your hair hydrated and strong to help prevent breakage.
Additionally, specific styling techniques and haircut choices can create the illusion of thicker hair. Johnson adds, “Shorter cuts or layered styles are particularly beneficial for those with thin hair, as they can enhance volume and fullness.”
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How we chose
When selecting hair thickening products, there were several important factors we kept in mind. These included the ingredients used, the type of product available and the method of application, among other considerations. We included both expert- and editor-recommended products.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on thickening hair products. We also make sure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Mia Santiago is a celebrity hairstylist.
- Jae Manuel Cardenas is a senior stylist at the Sally Hershberger NoMad salon in New York City.
- Kate Johnson is an award-winning hair stylist, makeup artist, and founder of Glossed Finishing Studio.
- Angela Calisti is a hair expert and celebrity stylist based in New York City.
- Dr. Viktoryia Kazlosukalya is a board-certified dermatologist and hair loss expert based in New York City,
- Dr. Angela Brimhall is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Sage Dermatology and Mohs Surgery.
- Our top picks
- What is a hair-thickening product?
- The best hair thickening products, according to experts
- The best hair-thickening products, tested by editors
- Different types of hair-thickening products
- Who needs hair-thickening products?
- How to use hair-thickening products
- Do hair-thickening products really work?
- Other ways to increase hair thickness
- Frequently asked questions
- How do you add Shop TODAY as a Preferred Source on Google?
- How we chose
- Meet the experts