<p>Dermatologist <a href=”https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/montefioreeinsteinadvancedcare.org/providers/profiles/1912296674/kseniya-kobets*main-content__;Iw!!Ivohdkk!mHMo1IlnLmVf1XpRqk8zb55BE3MwuuC2CNWLYyJHVynhrg_bKeZTiba9hHkCp8RTR_ahgO7RXHynJGg$” title=”https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/montefioreeinsteinadvancedcare.org/providers/profiles/1912296674/kseniya-kobets*main-content__;Iw!!Ivohdkk!mHMo1IlnLmVf1XpRqk8zb55BE3MwuuC2CNWLYyJHVynhrg_bKeZTiba9hHkCp8RTR_ahgO7RXHynJGg$”>Dr. Kseniya Kobets</a> notes that natural ingredients like green tea may inhibit DHT. “Although there are limited studies in humans, a <a href=”https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/dth.15323″ target=”_blank”>recent review</a> found that additional ingredients such as caffeine, melatonin, rosemary oil, pumpkin seed oil, and saw palmetto were effective in treating male AGA and thus could possibly help with female AGA, too,” she says.</p><p>Another way thickening shampoos work is by increasing the diameter of each hair strand, helping to make the hair look and feel thicker, Friese explains. “Some of the technology used delivers nutrients into the cortex of the hair to create girth in the hair strand,” she says. “Meanwhile, other products sit atop the hair shaft to create a temporary thickening effect.” While these won’t permanently change the anatomy and density of your hair, remember that consistency is crucial as with any <a href=”https://www.elle.com/beauty/g42574487/best-hair-growth-serums/” target=”_blank”>hair growth serum</a> or <a href=”https://www.elle.com/beauty/hair/g26130380/best-hair-growth-oils/” target=”_blank”>growth oil</a>. “There aren’t any quick fixes or forever changes, but regular use of thickening shampoos is where you’ll see the best results,” Friese notes. <br></p><p>In case you’re interested in testing out these types of products, ahead, we found the best hair-thickening shampoos that our experts and customers recommend. </p>” />
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1
Best Overall
BosleyMD BosRevive Nourishing Shampoo
1
Best Overall
BosleyMD BosRevive Nourishing Shampoo
Pros
Sulfate-free
Should help strengthen and hydrate hair
Trichologist-recommended
Cons
May take some time to see results
“BosleyMD has great shampoos for fighting DHT and helping create a healthy environment for hair to grow,” says Friese. This one contains saw palmetto and pumpkin seed extract, two natural ingredients believed to help limit DHT production, plus rosemary for strengthening strands and boosting scalp circulation. What’s more, the formula is made to lock in moisture and improve shine via sunflower seed extract and panthenol. “Vitamin B5 (or panthenol) is a humectant that draws moisture into the hair and scalp, helping to deter hair loss and shedding at the follicle,” adds hair stylist Ashley Gomila.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
Key ingredients | Saw palmetto, pumpkin seed extract, rosemary, panthenol |
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Size | 10.1 fl. oz. |
Hair Type | Thinning |
2
Best for Dandruff
Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
2
Best for Dandruff
Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Pros
Dermatologist-recommended
May help with hair loss
Cons
Contains sulfates
If you struggle with dandruff and thinning hair, Dr. Kobets says this potent formula may be just what you need to tackle both concerns. “Often known as Nizoral, one percent ketoconazole shampoo that is used for dandruff has been shown to help androgenetic alopecia like topical minoxidil (which is most commonly found in Rogaine),” says Dr. Kobets. “Nizoral has antifungal properties, which are very useful in a scalp that has excess oil production. It’s also a hormonal blocker, known to inhibit the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT.”
Target rating: 4.6/5 stars
Key ingredients | ketoconazole |
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Size | 7 fl. oz. |
Hair type | Dandruff |
3
Best Drugstore Shampoo
OGX Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Volumizing Shampoo
3
Best Drugstore Shampoo
OGX Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Volumizing Shampoo
Now 19% Off
Pros
Sulfate-free
Affordable
Could help promote hair growth
Cons
May not be as lightweight as other options
There’s tons of hype around biotin and collagen hair growth supplements, but “when applied topically, biotin can stimulate the scalp and promote hair growth,” says Friese. “Topical collagen has also been proven to be effective in building hair proteins, resulting in longer, thicker hair and helping to prevent hair loss,” she adds.
This OGX shampoo has both ingredients, as well as hydrolyzed wheat protein to help repair damaged strands. Not to mention, it’s sulfate-free and can be found in your local drugstore aisle for just under $10.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
Key ingredients | Biotin, collagen, hydrolyzed wheat protein |
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Size | 13. fl. oz. |
Hair type | Oily, damaged, color-treated, frizzy, straight |
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4
Best Vegan Shampoo
Vegamour GRO Revitalizing Shampoo
4
Best Vegan Shampoo
Vegamour GRO Revitalizing Shampoo
Pros
Sulfate-free
Dermatologist-recommended
May help with hair loss
Cons
May take some time to see results
“More and more brands like Vegamour are focusing on cleaner products that have gentler surfactants to cleanse the skin without the use of sulfates, parabens, and other damaging ingredients,” says Dr. Kobets. “This shampoo from the label includes nourishing phyto-actives, mung bean, curcumin, and red clover, which have been shown to stimulate dermal papilla (where the hair shaft grows) and block DHT that can lead to hair loss. The shampoo is also said to be vegan, cruelty-free, and devoid of synthetic fragrances, only using bergamot oil for a fresh scent.”
Vegamour rating: 4.7/5 stars
Key ingredients | Mung bean, curcumin, red clover |
---|---|
Size | 8 fl. oz. |
Hair type | All |
5
Best For Thinning Hair
Nioxin System 2 Scalp Cleansing Shampoo
5
Best For Thinning Hair
Nioxin System 2 Scalp Cleansing Shampoo
Pros
Helps clear product buildup
May encourage hair growth
Cons
Contains sulfates
This trichologist-backed brand offers a three-step system, featuring a cleansing shampoo, made to revive thin, limp hair. The lathering formula includes salicylic acid to detoxify the scalp, peppermint oil to reduce inflammation and stimulate the hair follicle, and biotin to further encourage hair growth. According to the brand, 85 percent of customers who have tried the System Kits noticed a “thickening effect” in their hair.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Like so many others with very fine, thinning hair, the Nioxin System 2 Cleanser is the only product I’ve found that makes my hair both look and feel thicker. I began to notice that my hair was falling out, especially every time I washed it or brushed it out. Since using this cleanser, I’ve noticed that the hair loss has really minimized to almost nothing. Highly recommended!”
Key ingredients | Salicylic acid, peppermint oil, biotin |
---|---|
Size | 10.1 fl. oz. |
Hair type | Thinning |
6
Best For Scalp Health
Nutrafol Root Purifier Scalp Microbiome Shampoo
6
Best For Scalp Health
Nutrafol Root Purifier Scalp Microbiome Shampoo
Pros
Sulfate-free
Dermatologist-recommended
Should be safe for sensitive skin
Cons
Pricey
Using a blend of prebiotics, vegan proteins, and antioxidant-rich Australian wild berries, “Nutrafol’s Root Purifier shampoo (as well as the rest of its Scalp Microbiome line) is one of few on the market that has been tested to promote good microbiome diversity of the scalp, which we know helps maintain healthy skin and hair,” says Dr. Kobets. “The science-backed formula is also free of harsh chemicals, parabens, and sulfates. And, it’s fragrance-free, making it a safer option for those sensitive scalps.”
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
Key ingredients | Prebiotics, vegan proteins, Australian wild berries |
---|---|
Size | 8.1 fl. oz. |
Hair type | All |
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7
Best For Curly Hair
Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Volumizing Shampoo
7
Best For Curly Hair
Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Volumizing Shampoo
Pros
Sulfate-free
Texture should be lightweight
Cons
Some may find it to be drying
Eager to make your fine curls look bouncier and fuller? Briogeo’s formula is made with maltodextrin, which is used to lightly coat the hair shaft for instant fullness. Additionally, the shampoo contains ginseng and biotin to stimulate the roots.
Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “My hair is curly yet has a very fine texture, and I have a hard time finding products that don’t leave it feeling heavy or greasy. I decided to try this line out and I’m very happy with the results! My curls are very defined. I would highly recommend this to those with fine hair.”
Key ingredients | Malodextrin, ginseng, biotin |
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Size | 8 fl. oz. |
Hair type | All |
8
Best Hair For Volume
Kevin Murphy Plumping Shampoo
8
Best Hair For Volume
Kevin Murphy Plumping Shampoo
Now 15% Off
Pros
Hair stylist-recommended
Sulfate-free
Cons
Pricey
“I use Kevin Murphy’s Plumping Wash to give my mane extra volume without weighing it down,” says Gomila. “It uses ingredients like ginger root and nettle extract that strengthen the hair and promote density to create a fuller look.”
Walmart rating: 4.2/5 stars
Key ingredients | Ginger root, nettle extract |
---|---|
Size | 8.4 fl. oz. |
Hair type | Fine |
9
Best For Extra Volume
Fekkai Full Blown Volume Shampoo
9
Best For Extra Volume
Fekkai Full Blown Volume Shampoo
Pros
Hair stylist-recommended
Should help hydrate and strengthen strands
Sulfate-free
Cons
Pricey
Gomila also recommends this formula from classic haircare brand Fekkai (FYI, the founder was behind the tresses of ’90s beauty icons like Claudia Schiffer and Kim Basinger). “It contains green coconut water, which helps achieve maximum volume and lift while fortifying the hair and packing each strand with micronutrients,” says Gomila. Additionally, it has rosemary to promote growth and hydrating panthenol for added thickening effects.
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
Key ingredients | Green coconut water, rosemary, panthenol |
---|---|
Size | 8.5 fl. oz. |
Hair type | Fine, flat |
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10
Best Exfoliating Shampoo
Aveda invanti advanced Exfoliating Shampoo
10
Best Exfoliating Shampoo
Aveda invanti advanced Exfoliating Shampoo
Pros
Sulfate-free
Should be soothing
May help boost hair growth
Cons
Pricey
If you’re someone who regularly uses dry shampoo and other hair styling products, a good exfoliating shampoo will help keep your scalp buildup-free so new strands can grow. Aveda’s version is packed with pore-clearing salicylic acid—alongside turmeric and ginseng—which may help soothe dry, flaky skin and potentially boost hair growth. Featuring notes like lavender and vanilla, you may just enjoy the scent, too.
Nordstrom rating: 4/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I use this daily along with the thickening tonic. It has made a huge difference in the volume and thickness of my hair. Love it!”
Key ingredients | Salicylic acid, tumeric, ginseng |
---|---|
Size | 6.7 fl. oz. |
Hair type | Medium-to-thick thinning hair |
11
Best For Fine Hair
Ouai Fine Shampoo
11
Best For Fine Hair
Ouai Fine Shampoo
Pros
Sulfate-free
Should boost volume and strengthen hair
Cons
Pricey
Created by celebrity hair stylist Jen Atkin, this Ouai shampoo for fine hair features keratin to strengthen strands, biotin for encouraging hair growth, and chia seed oil to help hydrate and reverse damage.
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “My hair is very fine, thin, and goes flat quickly. This shampoo gives it a bit of body, and a little goes a long way. I find myself reaching for it on days when I want my hair to look its best.”
Key ingredients | Keratin, biotin, chia seed oil |
---|---|
Size | 10 fl. oz. |
Hair type | Fine |
12
Best For Hair Growth
Biolage Full Density Thickening Shampoo
12
Best For Hair Growth
Biolage Full Density Thickening Shampoo
Pros
Boosts scalp health
May help prompt hair growth
Cons
Contains sulfates
Hundreds of customers gave this shampoo a five-star rating, with many mentioning that it helped create a fuller look. Within the formula are biotin and a proprietary blend of gluco-omega designed to help promote hair growth. The formula also features Zinc PCA to limit redness and excess sebum in the skin—a bonus for keeping your scalp healthy.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “My wife carried a human inside of her for nine months and her hair changed. After a birth of a human, her hair started to get thinner. She tried a lot of different shampoos and nothing really worked. She came across this gem, and now her hair is full and luscious! It feels great to run my fingers through her hair!”
Key ingredients | Biotin, gluco-omega, zinc PCA |
---|---|
Size | 13.5 fl. oz. |
Hair Type | Thinning |
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13
Best For Fullness
L’anza Healing Volume Thickening Shampoo
13
Best For Fullness
L’anza Healing Volume Thickening Shampoo
Pros
Sulfate-free
Trichologist-recommended
Should be strengthening and hydrating
Cons
Pricey
Friese likes this shampoo, as it “contains a Bamboo Bodifying Complex with silica and pea extract that work to improve hair density and increase the diameter of the hair,” she says. There’s also keratin to fortify strands and hydrating meadowseed oil for improving glossiness.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
Key ingredients | Silica, pea extract, keratin, meadowseed oil |
---|---|
Size | 10.1 fl. oz. |
Hair type | Fine |
14
Best For Color-Treated Hair
Living Proof Full Shampoo
14
Best For Color-Treated Hair
Living Proof Full Shampoo
Pros
Sulfate-free
Should preserve color
Cons
Pricey
Whether you frequently get highlights or are always switching up your hue, this hair-thickening shampoo shouldn’t strip your hair of any color, thanks to an ingredient called phytantriol. It also contains a proprietary Amino Cleansing Complex, which the brand says helps cleanse the scalp without stripping it of natural oils, and antioxidant-rich peptides to encourage new strand growth.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I started off with the conditioner, but now use both the shampoo and conditioner most days. It does make my hair have more volume, look fuller, and doesn’t fade the color. The fragrance is light and clean. I have both thinning hair and also had shed a lot for medical reasons. This makes my hair look way better.”
Key ingredients | Phytantriol, Amino Cleansing Complex, peptides |
---|---|
Size | 8 fl. oz. |
Hair type | Fine, flat |
15
Best For Shine
R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo
15
Best For Shine
R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo
Pros
Sulfate-free
Should be hydrating
Cons
Can feel heavy on fine hair
For strength, volume, and mega shine, this R+Co shampoo has stimulating biotin, DHT-blocking saw palmetto, and nourishing panthenol and coconut oil. Because of the latter ingredient, keep in mind that the formula could feel heavier on some hair types.
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Just switched to R+Co. The first day I saw a difference. My hair felt so light, had a ton of shine, and the volume was amazing. I literally could feel my hair bounce as I walked, as if I was in a movie. I’ve completely stopped conditioning my hair and just shampoo it with this stuff (I do use a hair conditioning mask like once every 2 weeks). Also, the smell is amazing.”
Key ingredients | Biotin, saw palmetto, panthenol, coconut oil |
---|---|
Size | 8.5 fl. oz. |
Hair type | Thin |
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16
Best For Clarifying
Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Lemon Sage Thickening Shampoo
16
Best For Clarifying
Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Lemon Sage Thickening Shampoo
Pros
Helps eliminate excess sebum
Should be soothing and moisturizing
Cons
Contains sulfates
Oily scalps are no match for this thickening shampoo, which features lemon and tea tree oil to combat sebum and potentially encourage hair growth. Meanwhile, anti-inflammatory sage helps soothe the skin and panthenol moisturizes dry tresses to help prevent breakage. The inclusion of peppermint oil should leave you with a fresh, tingly feeling, too.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This product really soothes my scalp! It is a natural product, smells wonderful but not flowery, it thickens my thinning, platinum hair. I let the dreamy suds sit on my hair for a few minutes prior to rinsing. I will continue to purchase this amazing shampoo.”
Key ingredients | Lemon, tea tree oil, sage, panthenol |
---|---|
Size | 2.5-33.8 fl. oz. |
Hair type | All |
17
Best For Oily Hair
Rahua Voluminous Shampoo
17
Best For Oily Hair
Rahua Voluminous Shampoo
Pros
Help minimize excess oil on the scalp
May encourage hair growth
All-natural
Cons
Pricey
This all-natural shampoo is powered by a range of pure oils made to clarify the skin, quench strands, and encourage hair growth. At its heart is rahua oil produced in the Amazon rainforest, which the brand says been used for centuries by indigenous people to nourish and strengthen hair. The formula also contains rosemary oil, a studied DHT-blocker that could minimize hair loss, as well as green tea, lemongrass, and eucalyptus that aim to calm inflammation and remove excess sebum on the scalp.
Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars
A reviewer says: “My hair was being difficult and is thin and fine. I bought this shampoo, and my hair is squeaking clean and really does have volume!! The smell is good.”
Key ingredients | Rahua oil, rosemary oil, green tea, lemongrass, eucalyptus |
---|---|
Size | 9.3 fl. oz. |
Hair Type | Fine, oily |
18
Best Scented Shampoo
Hers Triple Threat Shampoo, Pack of 2
18
Best Scented Shampoo
Hers Triple Threat Shampoo, Pack of 2
Pros
Works to encourage hair growth
Has a light rose scent
Cons
May not be best for sensitive scalps
Hers is a wellness and beauty brand that specializes in health and hair growth products, including this shampoo that works on three different missions. Featuring biotin, saw palmetto, and pumpkin seed oil, it aims to not only cleanse the hair but stimulate the follicle and fortify strands for a fuller, healthier-looking mane. What’s more, customers rave that it has a perfectly rosy scent that isn’t overpowering.
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Love this shampoo/conditioner combo!! The scent has light rose overtones and is NOT overwhelming. More important, this shampoo works. My thin, sparse, aged hair looks sooo much better and fuller after use. The results last for a couple of days, too! My color-treated hair has volume and softness, and, if such a thing is possible, even looks more youthful.”
Key ingredients | Biotin, saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil |
---|---|
Size | 4.2 fl. oz. |
Hair type | Fine, thin, aging |
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19
Best For Damaged Hair
Virtue Full Shampoo
19
Best For Damaged Hair
Virtue Full Shampoo
Pros
Sulfate-free
Trichologist-recommended
Aims to strengthen fragile hair
Cons
Pricey
When your constant use of hot tools leaves your mane feeling dry and brittle, reach for Virtue’s Full shampoo. Its key ingredient is the brand’s patented Alpha Keratin 60ku, a keratin complex similar to the one found naturally in hair, skin, and nails that helps “nourish and repair damage,” trichologist Helen Reveay previously told ELLE.com. Additionally, there’s panthenol for hydrating and plumping strands.
Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars
Key ingredients | Alpha Keratin 60ku, panthenol |
---|---|
Size | 8 fl. oz. |
Hair type | Fine, damaged |
20
Best For Dry, Frizzy hair
Kerastase Densifique Densité Shampoo
20
Best For Dry, Frizzy hair
Kerastase Densifique Densité Shampoo
Now 25% Off
Pros
Should smooth and hydrate locks
Cons
Contains sulfates
Another option for dry, damaged and/or frizzy hair, Kerastase’s Densifique shampoo has hyaluronic acid to deeply nourish, plump, and smooth strands. And much like your favorite skincare products, it contains ceramides, which can create a seal on the hair shaft to lock in moisture for a bouncier, sleeker finish. Also featured is the label’s patented ingredient intra-cylane for strengthening locks.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I have been told by many stylists that my hair is like baby hair or super refined silk. For years, I have tried every shampoo even slightly suggested to me with claims that my hair would have more body and less flyaway texture. The Kerastase Densifique does ADD body and manageability, and there is no frizz. My hair has been saved by this excellent shampoo that actually performs as the label claims!!”
Key ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, intra-cylane |
---|---|
Size | 8.5 fl. oz. |
Hair type | All |
Commerce Editor
Sam Peters is a Commerce Editor at Hearst covering fashion, beauty and more. Her writing has appeared in WWD, Footwear News, Real Simple, PopSugar and Bridal Guide, among others. She enjoys covering the latest trends and testing and reviewing some of the most innovative, emerging products on the market.
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