Top 5 Shampoos for Thicker Hair: Expert Review

Do you ever look in the mirror and wish your hair had more body? Many people feel their hair lacks volume and looks thin. It’s frustrating when you see ads promising thicker hair, but the products don’t deliver. Choosing the best shampoo for thicker hair can feel like navigating a confusing maze of ingredients and promises.

It is tough to know which formulas actually work to boost your hair’s appearance. You want a shampoo that cleans well without weighing your hair down. You deserve a product that helps you achieve that fuller, more vibrant look you desire. This guide cuts through the noise.

Inside, we will break down what makes a shampoo great for adding thickness. You will learn what ingredients to look for and which ones to avoid. Get ready to finally find the perfect shampoo that transforms your hair from flat to fantastic. Let’s dive into the secrets of building body, starting right in the shower!

Top Shampoo For Thicker Hair Recommendations

SaleBestseller No. 1

OGX Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Volumizing Shampoo, Nutrient-Infused Hair Shampoo with Vitamin B7 Biotin Gives Hair Volume & Body for 72+ Hours, Sulfate-Free Surfactants, 13 fl. oz

VOLUME & TEXTURE: The 13-fluid ounce bottle of OGX Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Volumizing Shampoo with a nutrient-infused formula to give your hair 72+ hours of volume & body & healthy hair in just one wash
HEALTHY HAIR IN JUST 1 WASH: Our new & improved formula protects hair from excessive loss of lipids & proteins which creates frizz & breakage. It gives you healthy hair in 1 wash & protects hair against damage by strengthening your strands
POWERED BY SCIENCE: LipiPro Shield (TM) Technology gives 2x more protein & lipid protection** & supports hair’s protein & lipid barrier for your heathiest, most resilient hair. It’s formulated without sulfated surfactants, parabens, phthalates, microplastic & dye
REPAIR DAMAGE: From the #1 Hair Repair Brand,* the nutrient-infused formula designed for volume & texture contains vitamin B7 biotin to help strengthen hair & maintain growth along with collagen, a building block of healthy hair
VOLUMIZING HAIR CARE ROUTINE: Scents of bergamot, jasmine & vanilla leave your hair smelling irresistible & leaves hair healthy in one wash. For best results, use this full hair shampoo with the entire OGX Biotin & Collagen hair care collection

Bestseller No. 2

Tripeptide-Infused Biotin Hair Growth Shampoo and Conditioner Set, Onion Anti-Loss Volumizing Moisturizing Treatment for Soft Shine Hair, Dandruff Routine Shampoo for Men and Women, 2x16.9oz

FULLER HAIR, STRONGER ROOTS! Troubled by the hair left on your brush or pillow? Our hair growth shampoo is the game-changer. COOLKESI combines follicle restoration with hair root nourishment to enhance strands from root to tip. Biotin and Tripeptide strengthen hair and stimulate regrowth, while onion extract and Vitamin E protect scalp and help prevent hair fall. If you want your hair to have that "blowout feeling", grab our biotin shampoo. It's a dynamite option that’s truly worth every penny.
Frizz-Free Glow, Salon-Soft Finish! Tired of dry, lackluster hair? Reclaim your glow with our nourishing shampoo and conditioner set, which is crafted with squalane, Moroccan argan oil, and glycerin. This powerful set repairs, hydrates and smooths hair, leaving hair soft, shiny, and rejuvenated. From frizz and dryness to damage, styling stress, or any hair type—curly or straight hair, Coolkesi volumizing shampoo makes it easy to begin your journey to hydrated, healthy, salon-quality hair.
Deep Clean, Oil-Free Freshness All Day!Is your scalp crying out for a deep cleanse? Our dandruff shampoo features citric acid and rosemary extract to clarify your scalp, clear clogged roots, and restore balance. Its creamy foam spreads effortlessly, washing away residue. This luxurious formula doesn’t just clean—it extends the time between washes and keeps your hair oil-free and vibrant. Experience the joy of hair that looks and feels fresh all day, no matter how busy your schedule gets!
ORGANIC INGREDIENT, HEAVENLY SCENT! This shampoo duo for men and women will earn its spot in your shower thanks to its natural ingredients and fresh scent. Our hair growth shampoo is free from parabens, never tested on animals. Made with plant-based extract, the set is gentle enough and less likely to cause allergies. The delicate, uplifting fragrance lingers softly, it's a treat for senses. Shop our shampoos and you will experience the difference that quality hair care can make.
TWO IN ONE, DOUBLE THE CARE! From routine shampoo and conditioner for hair loss to deep nourishing treatments, the right shampoo can make a noticeable difference in the look and feel of locks. Apply the shampoo to wet hair, massage gently, and rinse thoroughly-repeat if needed. Follow with the conditioner along the length of hair, leave it on for 3-5 minutes to deeply nourish and hydrate, then rinse. Transform your hair—begin hair growth and care now!

SaleBestseller No. 3

L'Oreal Paris Thickening Sulfate Free Shampoo, Thickens + Strengthens Thin, Fragile Hair, Hair Care with Rosemary Leaf, EverPure, 8.5 Fl Oz (Packaging May Vary)

Fortify Hair: Promote thicker-looking hair with this strengthening anti-breakage shampoo for thin fragile hair. The system injects strength, reinforcing hair to be 15X stronger. *System of shampoo, conditioner, and treatment vs. non-conditioning shampoo
Gentle Formula: Especially gentle on fine hair, this sulfate free shampoo contains no harsh ingredients that can strip, dull and damaged hair, with a lush, luxurious lather and a fresh aromatic fragrance
The EverPure Thickening System: For best results, use EverPure Thickening shampoo and conditioner in tandem, for a nourishing hair care system that fortifies thin, fragile hair
Vegan Shampoo: EverPure hair products have the purest respect for your hair and have been formulated without sulfates, parabens, DMDM hydantoin, added phthalates, dyes and gluten ingredients. Always color caring and powered by science
L'Oreal Paris Innovation: We are a total beauty care company that combines the latest in technology with the highest in quality for the ultimate in hair color, hair care, hair style, skin care and cosmetics

Bestseller No. 4

OGX Thick & Full + Biotin and Collagen for Hair Volume & Body, Sulfate Free Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner Set for Fine & Thinning Hair, Nutrient-Infused, Vitamin B7, 13 fl oz, 2 Pack

Biotin shampoo and conditioner set: Volumizing formula with biotin and collagen boosts fullness and body for flat to medium hair; sulfate free shampoo and paraben free conditioner for gentle, daily use and healthy-looking shine
Sulfate free shampoo for color safe care: Gentle surfactants cleanse without stripping, making this color safe shampoo and conditioner ideal for dyed or treated hair; preserves vibrancy with nutrient-rich ingredients
Moisturizing shampoo and conditioner: Plump-it-up formula hydrates and detangles each strand, reducing breakage and boosting manageability; enriched with biotin, and collagen for stronger, thicker-feeling hair with improved softness
Helps maintain healthy-looking hair: Biotin, collagen and wheat protein nourish roots and strengthen hair from within; volumizing blend helps maintain fuller, thicker-looking locks while protecting against dryness
Simple routine and delightful scent: Apply shampoo generously to wet hair, lather and rinse; follow with conditioner for best results; bergamot, jasmine and vanilla fragrance leaves hair clean, fresh and irresistibly scented

Bestseller No. 5

Marc Anthony Hair Thickening Shampoo - Biotin & Aloe Lightweight Formula for Volumizing, Thicker & Fuller Hair

Instantly Thick Biotin Shampoo: Big body begins with your wash. This lightweight formula transforms thin, flat, fine strands into stronger, thicker looking hair. A blend of Biotin, Thickening Polymers and Phytokeratin support strength and moisture as you wash. Aloe, Sunflower Oil and Vitamin E offer conditioning and shine. Together, you get the benefit of extra fullness without a waxy, tacky feel. Your fingers will glide through that thicker, fuller mane with the ultimate ease. 8.45 fl. oz.
Strength and Volume: Marc Anthony's Instantly Thick + Biotin collection not only delivers fuller body and shine but helps boost strength to invigorate thickness one strand at a time. The inclusion of Biotin in this targeted formula increases the volume impact even with fine and dry hair. See the difference, instantly.
How To Use: Apply to wet hair, lather, and rinse. For the best results, follow with Instantly Thick + Biotin Conditioner and nourish your hair with the entire Instantly Thick + Biotin collection. Perfect for all hair types.
Endless Haircare Innovation: Marc Anthony’s team of style-makers and beauty lovers never sit still, traveling the world to bring you the best ingredients to create professional quality products. Paraben-free, sulfate-free, and phthalate-free.
True Experts in Hair: Hair doesn’t need to be complicated. Marc Anthony’s mission is to make your hair play easy with premium, fool-proof products at an affordable price. All the styles. All the fun. We do what it takes to make hair play possible.

Bestseller No. 6

Dove Shampoo Volume & Fullness for Fine, Thin Hair with Bio-Protein Care Technology and Biotin 28 Fl Oz

ALL DAY VOLUME AND FULLNESS: Dove Volume & Fullness Shampoo and Conditioner system is designed for flat hair. Infused with Biotin , the Dove Volume & Fullness System leaves hair with all-day body.
SHAMPOO FOR FINE, THIN HAIR: Try this Dove hair shampoo for 99% more healthy fullness with system vs. flat hair
BIO-PROTEIN CARE: Our Volume & Fullness range with Bio-Protein Care technology, designed to regenerate hair strength and refill it with 1 trillion protein strength builders with every wash. shampoo, conditioner/mask & serum
HOW TO USE: Apply Dove Volume & Fullness shampoo to wet hair, lather and rinse before using Dove Volume & Fullness conditioner.
BACKED BY SCIENCE: This hair repair shampoo uses Dove technology that’s backed by 10 years of research. Protecting, repairing, and restoring hair to reduce signs of damage.

Bestseller No. 7

PURA D'OR Original Gold Label Anti-Thinning Shampoo – CLINICALLY TESTED Botanical Formula – Biotin & Argan Oil – Sulfate-Free Strengthening & Volumizing for Fuller-Looking Hair, Men & Women, 16 fl oz

CLINICALLY TESTED BOTANICAL CARE FOR THINNING HAIR: Our meticulously crafted blend of biotin, argan oil, pumpkin seed, and black cumin seed delivers a refined, lightweight cleanse that elevates the appearance of thinning, fragile strands and supports a fuller-looking head of hair for men and women.
HELPS MINIMIZES VISIBLE SHEDDING & BREAKAGE: Your delicate strands desirve thoughtful care. Our sophisticated botanical complex coats and comforts brittle hair in restorative-feeling nourishment, helping diminish the appearance of shedding and breakage. With continued use, hair appears stronger, more resilient, and noticeably more composed from root to tip.
SCALP-NOURISHING CARE FOR HEALTHY LOOKING HAIR: Rare botanical extracts, including red seaweed, nettle, and He Shou Wu, help soothe and harmonize the scalp while improving its overall appearance. The results are hair that looks healthier, more luminous, and better reinforced at the roots.
LUXURIOUS VOLUME FOR FINE, WEAKENED HAIR: This rich yet gentle sulfate-free formula forms a lightweight lather that boosts natural lift from roots to ends. Hair develops increased body, smoother texture, and a fuller, more voluminous look—perfect for fine or thinning strands.
CLEAN FORMULATION, PREMIUM PERFORMANCE: Vegan, cruelty-free, and made without sulfates or parabens, this formula delivers clean-beauty integrity with exceptional performance. Produced in the USA in a renewable-energy facility, it brings a naturally luxurious touch to your everyday routine.

Bestseller No. 8

Routine Wellness Anti-Thinning Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Thinning Hair - Biotin DHT Blocker Women & Men - Color Safe Shampoo for Hair Loss & Healthier Hair - Coconut & Vanilla (Pack of 2)

VOLUMIZING SHAMPOO FOR THINNING HAIR - Looking for a solution for thinning hair or hair loss? Our Routine Wellness Shampoo & Conditioner for women are clinically shown to strengthen hair and reduce hair thinning caused by breakage. Powered by biotin, saw palmetto, nettle, niacinamide, caffeine, pea peptides, black seed oil, and more, they help support healthier, fuller-looking hair from root to tip.
CONFIDENCE GROWTH IN EVERY WASH – More body, shine, and movement—so your hair looks vibrant and you feel empowered every day. Our clean, mindful formula is free from sulfates, SLS, parabens, silicones, and gluten, safe for color-treated hair, and vegan, cruelty-free, and pH-balanced for gentle care.
HELPS REDUCE BREAKAGE & BOOST VOLUME - Want stronger, more voluminous hair? This shampoo and conditioner set is formulated to reduce hair breakage, improve hair strength, and give visibly more volume. Show off radiant, manageable hair with less frizz and more body.
FOR ALL HAIR TYPES & COLOR-TREATED HAIR - Is it safe for your hair? Yes! Our nourishing shampoo and conditioner work on all hair types—thin, fine, dry, oily, curly, damaged, and color-treated. It nourishes your scalp, creating the perfect foundation for stronger, more resilient hair.
LUXURIOUS EXPERIENCE & FRESH SCENT – Transform your routine with an anti-thinning shampoo and conditioner set designed for women concerned about hair loss. This volumizing duo gently cleanses while leaving hair soft, healthy-looking, and full of body. Infused with a fresh, uplifting scent, it keeps your hair looking and smelling amazing all day.

Your Guide to Choosing the Best Shampoo for Thicker Hair

Thinning hair can be frustrating. Many people want hair that looks fuller and stronger. Choosing the right shampoo makes a big difference. This guide helps you pick the perfect product to boost your hair’s thickness.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping, look closely at the bottle. Certain ingredients and claims signal a good thickening shampoo.

Volume and Lift

Volumizing Agents: These ingredients coat the hair shaft, making each strand feel temporarily larger. Look for words like “volumizing” or “body-building.”
Lightweight Formulas: Heavy conditioners can weigh fine hair down. The best thickening shampoos rinse clean, leaving hair light and bouncy.

Hair Strengthening and Growth Support

Biotin and Keratin: These proteins are building blocks for hair. They help strengthen existing strands, reducing breakage.
Scalp Health Ingredients: A healthy scalp grows healthy hair. Look for ingredients like peppermint oil or caffeine, which can stimulate blood flow to the scalp.

Important Ingredients: What to Seek Out

The ingredients list tells the real story. You want ingredients that nourish without adding weight.

Beneficial Ingredients

Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5): This ingredient deeply penetrates the hair shaft, adding moisture and shine, which makes hair appear thicker.
Hydrolyzed Proteins (Wheat, Soy, or Rice): These small protein fragments easily enter the hair and temporarily plump it up.
Natural Oils (in small amounts): Oils like argan or jojoba can nourish the scalp, but ensure the formula is not overly oily.

Ingredients to Use with Caution

Heavy Silicones: While silicones provide immediate slip and shine, they can build up over time. This buildup weighs fine hair down, defeating the purpose of a thickening shampoo.
Harsh Sulfates (like SLS/SLES): These strong detergents can strip natural oils. This stripping can cause dryness and breakage, making hair look thinner.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Shampoo Quality

Quality depends on how the product interacts with your specific hair type.

Quality Boosters

Sulfate-Free Formulas: These are gentler on the hair and scalp, which supports long-term hair health.
pH Balanced: Shampoos with a balanced pH help close the hair cuticle. A closed cuticle reflects more light, making hair look smoother and fuller.

Quality Reducers

Residue Left Behind: If the shampoo doesn’t rinse out completely, it leaves a film. This film makes hair look flat and dull.
Over-Drying Ingredients: If the shampoo dries your scalp excessively, it can lead to flakes and irritation, harming the environment where new hair grows.

User Experience and Use Cases

How you use the shampoo and what results you expect matter greatly.

Best Use Cases

Daily Washers: If you wash your hair daily, choose a very mild, sulfate-free formula so you do not strip essential moisture.
Fine or Oily Hair: These hair types benefit most from lightweight volumizers that remove excess oil without heavy conditioning.
Post-Treatment Care: If you use thickening treatments (like minoxidil), use a gentle shampoo that does not interfere with the treatment absorption.

Remember that results take time. You might need to use a thickening shampoo consistently for several weeks before you notice significant changes in body and strength.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Thickening Shampoos

Q: How quickly will I see thicker hair?

A: True hair growth takes time. You should notice your hair feels fuller and has more body after just a few washes. Visible density changes usually take about four to six weeks of regular use.

Q: Can shampoo actually make my hair grow back?

A: No shampoo can grow hair where follicles are completely dormant. However, thickening shampoos strengthen existing hairs, reducing breakage. This means less hair falls out, making your hair appear much thicker overall.

Q: Are thickening shampoos safe for color-treated hair?

A: Many are safe, but you must check the label. Look specifically for “color-safe” or “sulfate-free” claims. Harsh detergents can strip your color quickly.

Q: Should I use a conditioner with a thickening shampoo?

A: Yes, but choose wisely. Use a lightweight, volumizing conditioner, focusing the product only on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, avoiding the roots.

Q: What is the difference between a volumizing shampoo and a thickening shampoo?

A: Volumizing shampoos focus on lifting the hair at the root for immediate fullness. Thickening shampoos often contain ingredients like keratin to temporarily coat and enlarge the diameter of individual hair strands.

Q: Will these shampoos dry out my scalp?

A: Some low-quality or very clarifying formulas might. Always look for formulas that include moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera or panthenol to keep your scalp balanced.

Q: Can men and women both use these shampoos?

A: Absolutely. Most thickening shampoos are formulated for all genders experiencing a lack of volume or thin-looking hair.

Q: I have very fine hair. Should I avoid all oils in the ingredients?

A: For very fine hair, it is best to choose shampoos that state they are “lightweight.” If an oil is listed, make sure it is not the first ingredient, as this indicates a high concentration.

Q: How should I apply the shampoo for the best results?

A: Massage the shampoo gently into your scalp for about one minute to stimulate blood flow. Let it sit for an extra minute before rinsing thoroughly. Do not scrub aggressively.

Q: What happens if I stop using the thickening shampoo?

A: The temporary plumping effects of the ingredients will wash away over time. Your hair will return to its normal volume, so consistency is key to maintaining the improved look.