It's no secret that hair is one of our most defining physical features and comes in a variety of types, textures and densities. When it comes to choosing products for your specific hair type, it's imperative to fully understand the concrete differences in order to properly manage and maintain your hair.
"Thin hair is weighed down easily and can look greasy if too much product is used," notes Lia Hakim, a hairstylist and CEO/founder of Hott Salons and Hott Franchising from Westchester County, New York. "I would recommend products that are lightweight and volumizing. Opt out of formulations that have heavy oils."
If you have thicker hair, Hakim recommends the opposite: products that are deeply hydrating. "Products formulated with ingredients such as argan, coconut, or avocado oil, hyaluronic acid and glycerin are great for thick hair to keep it hydrated and manage frizz," she suggests.
Along with Hakim, we also spoke with Vanessa Coppola, a licensed nurse practitioner, board-certified menopause practitioner and founder of Bare Aesthetic Medspa and Bare Soul Wellness, to help us dig deeper into the topic of thick and thin hair and recommend the best products on the market for both hair types.
Keep scrolling to find the very best expert-recommended and editor-tested products for thick and thin hair from top brands like Dyson, Color Wow, Olaplex and more. We also rounded out the list with a popular Shop TODAY Hair Award-winning pick as well.
Budget-friendly, award winner$4.99$10.69
Editor pick for thin hair$undefined$24.00
How can you tell if you have thick hair or thin hair?
If you're unsure whether your hair would be considered thick or thin, we're here to help.
Certified trichologist Sarah Hallajian previously told Shop TODAY that thickness is determined by the texture and cuticle layers of each hair strand, which she explained is all based on genetics. “Finer hairs will have fewer cuticle layers, one to three layers, and so they will look and feel flatter and skinnier,” she stated. “While coarse hair has up to six to eight layers of cuticle and will generally be rougher in texture and much thicker in diameter.”
What causes thick hair vs. thin hair?
When it comes to better understanding the difference between the hair types as well as the causes, it is important to consider genetic and hormonal factors as they play a pivotal role.
"Genetics is typically what determines if someone has thick or thin hair, but hair density can fluctuate due to hormones, age or underlying medical conditions," explains Hakim.
Coppola adds that "hair thickness is determined by several factors: genetics, follicle density, hair shaft diameter and how long hair stays in the growth (anagen) phase." In other words, "genetics set the baseline, but hormones and health decide how that baseline evolves," she continues.
Hormonal shifts are a "major driver" when it comes to determining hair density as well, says Coppola. "During pregnancy, estrogen remains consistently high, which keeps hair in the growth phase longer. That’s why hair often looks thicker and fuller while pregnant," she shares. "After delivery, estrogen drops rapidly and many follicles enter the shedding phase at once, causing postpartum telogen effluvium, typically two to four months after childbirth."
Additionally, your hair experiences changes during perimenopause and menopause as well. "As estrogen and progesterone decline, hair spends less time growing and becomes more sensitive to androgens," notes Coppola. "Over time, follicles shrink, strands grow finer and density decreases, especially at the crown, temples and part line."
What should you look for in products for thick hair?
If you have thicker, more voluminous hair, treating your luscious locks requires a specific hair care routine independent of those with thinner hair. "Volume is usually not the issue [with thick hair]. Hydration, manageability and strength are," states Coppola. "As estrogen declines with age, thick hair often becomes drier, frizzier and more prone to breakage."
Paying careful attention to the complete list of ingredients in hair care products is extremely important regardless of your hair type. However, there are key ingredients to look for in products that are unique to those with thick hair. According to Coppola, thick hair benefits from these noteworthy ingredients:
- "Lipid-rich conditioners with ceramides or fatty alcohols," she says.
- "Balanced oils like shea butter or argan oil," adds Coppola.
- "Bond-repair technologies that strengthen the hair internally," she continues.
- "Sulfate-free cleansers to prevent dryness," Coppola suggests.
When it comes to caring for thick hair, "the goal is control and resilience, not stripping or over-volumizing," notes Coppola.
What should you look for in products for thin hair?
If you have thin hair, Coppola advises users to avoid heavy products. "The goal is to support the scalp and follicles without weighing hair down," she states. "I advise looking for lightweight, scalp-focused formulas that improve circulation and follicle signaling."
When it comes to the specific list of ingredients to prioritize for thin hair, Coppola recommends the following:
- "Caffeine, which improves microcirculation at the follicle," she says.
- "Niacinamide, which supports scalp barrier health and reduces inflammation," adds Coppola.
- "Peptides or growth-factor–mimicking complexes, which support follicle function," she shares.
- "Volumizing polymers that expand strand diameter without residue," Coppola mentions.
Again, avoiding "heavy oils, waxes and thick silicones" is key, according to Coppola. “These can flatten hair, clog follicles and make thinning more noticeable, especially during postpartum shedding or menopause,” she explains.
The best expert-recommended and editor-tested products for thick hair
This Shop TODAY Hair Awards winner for best smoothing serum also happens to be a favorite of associate editor Shannon Garlin. “I’ve used it for years and it helps tame my frizz,” she shares. “Also, I’ve had the same bottle for probably six years or more!”
This anti-frizz hair oil is ideal for coarse hair and is also free of parabens.
"I've been using this straightening, smoothing gel for probably over a decade," shares Garlin. "My hairstylist turned me on to it and uses it on me when she blows out my hair during appointments. Not only does it smell divine, but it makes my wavy and frizzy hair ultra smooth; it allows me (along with my Dyson) to recreate a salon-worthy blowout."
Coppola praises the Olaplex No. 4 and No. 5 hair care products, like this Bond Maintenance Shampoo, which is infused with biotin. [Olaplex No. 4 and No. 5 are] “excellent for thick hair that’s color-treated, aging or prone to breakage,” she explains. “Olaplex repairs internal hair bonds, improving strength and elasticity over time.”
Hakim recommends this popular Moroccanoil formula that provides heat protection and helps detangle hair. "I love this argan oil-infused treatment for thick hair!" she raves. "It can be used on either dry or wet hair; it helps manage frizz and leaves the hair with a nice shiny finish."
Another top pick from Coppola, this deep-conditioning treatment "smooths the cuticle, reduces frizz and restores softness, especially helpful for thick, unruly hair during menopause," she says. This hydrating formula should be used as a conditioner or as a weekly treatment, according to the brand.
Coppola also loves this shampoo and conditioner bundle that, she says, is "ideal for thick, coarse hair that becomes drier or frizzier with hormonal changes." She adds that these formulas restore moisture without the heaviness.
Garlin is also an avid fan of the Dyson AirWrap Complete Diffuse for Curly Hair and shared that it works wonders on her long, thick hair.
"I’ve been using my beloved Airwrap for two years and was lucky enough to receive the Airwrap with the upgraded attachments from Dyson," she explained. "They have been game-changing. I’ve longed for a diffusing attachment, and I feel like many wavy-curly hair girls did, too. This launch has really cut my hair gadgets down to one machine now — and in my opinion, makes it worth the price tag — it’s a 5-plus-in-1 hair styler."
The best expert-recommended and editor-tested products for thin hair
Commerce writer Danielle Murphy tested this buzzy Color Wow hair spray that adds volume to thinning hair. “I wish I had grabbed a ruler to measure just how high my hair ended up being, because I had never seen such fast-acting results,” Murphy previously told Shop TODAY. “I also now fully understand the meaning of hair ‘fullness’ because, along with my roots, all of my hair felt like it got a boost.”
"I recommend this hair mask for fine hair because it is nourishing but won’t weigh down the hair," explains Hakim. "Fine hair is more prone to breakage, so this is great for strengthening the hair while helping with smoothness and volume."
Hakim also recommends this Living Proof spray that is suitable for thin hair. "A texture spray is essential for fine hair since it tends to be flatter," she says. "This will help add volume for a bouncy look. It also elevates any blowout and gives hair that lived in the feel/not overdone look that we love."
"This is a personal favorite of mine," shares Hakim. "Most hair oils feel heavy, but this one is super lightweight. It helps restore and repair damaged hair while taming any frizz for a sleek finish. Another added bonus is it helps detangle hair to prevent breakage or ripping of the hair when brushing."
“This system is designed to optimize scalp health and reduce follicle inflammation," notes Coppola. "I often recommend it for women experiencing postpartum shedding, menopausal thinning, or stress-related hair loss because it supports the scalp without weighing hair down."
Editor Julie Ricevuto is also a fan of the brand opting for the Hair Fall Defense Shampoo to help manage stress-induced hair loss.
Coppola also suggests the Vegamour GRO Hair Growth Serum for those with thinning hair. "A hormone-free option that’s especially helpful for women experiencing weight-loss–related or GLP-1–associated shedding," she explains. "It supports density and reduces shedding without harsh ingredients."
Editor Vivien Moon also recommends this product having tried it in the past. She notes that it didn't weigh down her thin hair or make her scalp feel grimy.
How do you add Shop TODAY as a Preferred Source on Google?
Google’s new Preferred Sources feature allows users to manually select their favorite publishers and news outlets for a more customizable experience tailored directly to the reader. Once you’ve opted to receive our content, you’ll begin seeing more of our recent and trending articles displayed within your Top Stories news feed.
The easiest way to add us as a preferred source is to click here and type in “TODAY.com.” Once the box is checked and you’ve refreshed the page, Shop TODAY content will start appearing in your feed.
How we chose
Allie Wise is an associate editor for Shop TODAY who has been reviewing and testing products since 2022. She specializes in mature skin care and has covered a variety of topics from retinol products to foundations for mature skin.
Wise also spoke with a hairstylist, licensed nurse practitioner and trichologist who provided multiple product recommendations for both thick and thin hair. To round out the list, she also asked her fellow editors to share their tried-and-true hair care products as well.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on thick hair vs. thin hair care products. We also make sure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Lia Hakim is a hairstylist and CEO & founder of Hott Salons & Hott Franchising.
- Vanessa Coppola, DNP, FNP-BC, MSCP, is a licensed nurse practitioner, board-certified menopause practitioner and founder of Bare Aesthetic Medspa and Bare Soul Wellness.
- Sara Hallajian is a certified trichologist, as well as a stylist and founder of Âme Salon in Los Angeles.
- Our top picks
- How can you tell if you have thick hair or thin hair?
- What causes thick hair vs. thin hair?
- What should you look for in products for thick hair?
- What should you look for in products for thin hair?
- The best expert-recommended and editor-tested products for thick hair
- The best expert-recommended and editor-tested products for thin hair
- Frequently asked questions
- How do you add Shop TODAY as a Preferred Source on Google?
- How we chose
- Meet the experts