If you have super soft, straight hair that doesn’t have much volume, you probably have fine hair. And if you have fine hair, you know how important it is to find the right products that don’t weigh it down, starting with shampoo.
I’m about to introduce you to the best formulas for fine hair. But first I need to make something clear: Fine hair is not the same as thin hair. Although the two terms are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. Fine hair refers to the thickness of each individual strand, while thin hair is related to the density or number of strands on the head. Knowing this difference will help you narrow down your choices when purchasing products. OK, now that I’ve cleared that up, allow me to introduce you to the hair experts who will walk us through the rest.
Meet the experts:
What should I look for in a shampoo for fine hair?
Mandy recommends using “clear or lightweight shampoos that are specifically labeled as ‘volumizing.’ These products often contain ingredients like hydrolyzed proteins (e.g. silk, keratin) and panthenol, which can strengthen fine hair and make it appear thicker,” she explains. “They are designed to add volume and fullness to your hair without weighing it down.” On the other hand, you should avoid shampoos that are too rich or creamy, as these can leave behind residue that weighs down finer strands.
Since it’s difficult to judge whether a shampoo is light or too rich when buying online, we’ve compiled a list of the best shampoos for fine hair for every budget. May your hair have lush volume in the future.
Sephora
This vegan shampoo contains both wheat proteins and amaranth peptides, which plump up hair fibers and add noticeable body and bounce to fine hair. “This is one of my favorite shampoos! I love the scent and I love how light my hair feels. I have fine, very straight hair. After having my two children, my hair got even thinner. This shampoo gives my hair more body and life,” shares one fan on Sephora. It’s also a great option for people with colored or bleached hair, as the sulfate-free formula won’t wash out your color.
$34 at Sephora
Ulta Beauty
Since “full” is in the name, it stands to reason that you can expect volumizing results from this shampoo, and that’s exactly what you’ll get, according to reviewers. The formula contains biotin, zinc, and gluco-omega to strengthen finer strands while rebalancing the scalp to make hair feel healthier from root to tip. According to the brand, the shampoo also helps remove buildup on your scalp that can weigh down strands and make them look finer than they already are. Instead, “your hair will feel lighter and fuller (after using this and it) requires very little shampoo to wash (your) hair,” says one reviewer on Ulta.
$24 at Ulta
Amazon
Don’t let stringy hair discourage you. This thickening shampoo removes oil or product buildup from your scalp and strengthens each strand with biotin, quinoa and flaxseed proteins. The herbal scent (with rosemary mint) is as invigorating to the senses as the shampoo itself is to your roots.
$13;$16 at Amazon
Ulta Beauty
We love this shampoo from Odele because it’s sulfate-free, elegantly packaged, and affordable. It contains amino acids, rice protein, and citric acid, and it adds shine and body to stringy hair with every wash. One Ulta reviewer sums it up succinctly: “The product itself is lightweight and clear. My hair felt so clean after using it, and it definitely adds body to my hair. I have long, fine hair. This gives it a nice texture and volume. I love it!”
$12 at Ulta
Ulta Beauty
Speaking of budget-friendly options, here’s another shampoo that won’t break the bank. This sulfate-free shampoo, which costs just under $11, has more than 4,000 5-star reviews from Amazon shoppers, including one who shares, “After just the first wash, I noticed a noticeable difference in the volume and texture of my hair. It feels like it has more fullness and bounce, something I haven’t experienced in years. The transformation is remarkable and has given me a much-needed boost of confidence.” The formula contains both biotin and collagen to add body to fine hair, and it has a delicious bergamot, jasmine, and vanilla scent that’s a joy to smell throughout the day.
$11 at Ulta
Amazon
Sometimes less is more. For example, with Jason’s Thin to Thick Shampoo, the fewer chemicals in the shampoo, the better the results. It uses a simple blend of biotin and panthenol (which comes from vitamin B5) to plump up hair. According to the brand, it contains no drying sulfates, and numerous reviewers have vouched for this gentle, lightweight formula, which they say strengthens weak strands without weighing hair down.
$10 on Amazon
Sephora
With thinning hair often comes a lack of shape. Instead of saying goodbye to your bounce, start by trying this shampoo that uses keratin and vitamin B5 to breathe life back into your thin, falling hair. It even contains sunflower seed extract to protect the color from fading. Plus, the grapefruit note gives stale hair a fresh, but not too sweet, scent.
$20 at Sephora
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