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We’ve Tested Everything—Trust Us When We Say These Are the 8 Best Shampoos for Volumizing Fine Hair
"Bring me to life!"—Evanescence, but also my hair.
No matter what hairstyles or haircuts for fine hair I try, mine always looks lifeless and limp, sticking flat against my head, thanks to all the oil my scalp produces. For this reason, I've dedicated a lot of my career as a beauty editor to testing every volumizing hair product that promises to thicken my thinning hair. Genuinely, though, the most effective strategy I've come across is choosing a dedicated shampoo for fine hair—or at the very least, one that's suitable for my baby-like strands.
The formula you choose will depend on your needs, ofc, but the best shampoos for fine hair tend to a) remove product buildup and b) plump the hair shaft without c) adding too much weight. Oh, and FTR: Fine hair refers to the texture and density of your hair strands, not the number of hairs on your scalp, so having fine hair doesn't necessarily mean your hair is thin. But! Whether you have very fine, very-thin hair (like me!) or lots of fine hair, these shampoos may give you the ~illusion~ of thicker strands with the help of volumizing and fortifying ingredients.
Our top picks for the best shampoos for fine hair of 2025:
Ahead, all the best shampoos for fine-haired folks, tested by Cosmopolitan editors, as well as some expert tips for adding volume to fine hair.
Pros
- Hydrates fine strands with lightweight oils
- We love the fresh scent
- Great for color-treated fine hair
Cons
- May not be moisturizing enough for very dry hair types
Made specifically for fine hair, this shampoo is basically the primer for a good hair day. The moisturizing formula degunks your scalp of grease and product without totally stripping it, making it suitable for color-treated hair. And it's not too hydrating either, using only lightweight oils that won't leave a residue on your hair. Our editors have tested dozens of shampoos, and this consistently ranks #1 for those with fine strands.
One Cosmo editor says: "Whenever my fine, low-porosity hair is looking flat and limp, I suds up with this weightless formula, which includes only the lightest of oils—like moringa seed and sunflower seed—to hydrate my hair. In addition to moisturizing strands without weighing 'em down, this one leaves hair smelling fab, thanks to its light grapefruit and oatmeal scent. (It sounds strange, but trust me, it's delicious.)"—CORINNE SULLIVAN, SENIOR NEWS EDITOR
| Key ingredients | Moringa seed oil, sunflower seed extract, quinoa protein |
| Sulfate free? | Yes (*but still contains strong, sulfate-free cleansers that can be a bit drying) |
| Size | 12 fl oz |
Pros
- Cleans roots without over-stripping
- Helps smooth frizzy hair
- Formulated without silicones and sulfates (making it fantastic for fine, color-treated strands)
Cons
- Most expensive shampoo on this list
Here's a dilemma you'll know all too well if you have fine, color-treated hair: You need a product that'll help break down grease without fading your hair color. Easier said than done, huh? Not with this. This lightly hydrating shampoo is made without sulfates or harsh cleansers, as well as silicones. It gently cleanses without stripping (making it fab for those with sensitive scalps), imparting a lil bit of hydrating panthenol and smoothing hydrolyzed silk as you wash.
One Cosmo editor says: "I got a mini of this a little over a year ago and brought it with me as my only shampoo for a week-long trip to Europe. Ever since, it's become one of my go-tos, both when I'm traveling and at home. My color-treated hair looks smoother and even more vibrant—something I can't say about very many formulas. It makes my hair look so bouncy and fresh, just after one shampoo."—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Pracaxi oil, hydrolyzed silk, panthenol |
| Sulfate free? | Yes |
| Size | 6.8 fl oz |
Pros
- Gives limp hair a boost with ginger root extract
- Most affordable shampoo on this list
Cons
- Not the best choice for very oily hair, according to reviewers
If you hate excess oil and love floral scents, I've found your new hair hero. This affordable shampoo uses several sulfate-free surfactants to banish buildup from oily scalps, as well as lightweight hydrators for smoothing the hair shaft and ginger root extract to encourage new hair growth. Plus, the bottle is so cute, no?
One Cosmo editor says: "I still cannot get over how affordable this shampoo is. It feels (and smells) like something way more expensive—it cleans my scalp and gives my roots a nice lift but adds just enough hydration so as to not cause tangles."—BG
| Key ingredients | Ginger root extract, panthenol, coconut oil |
| Sulfate free? | Yes (*but still contains strong, sulfate-free cleansers that can be a bit drying) |
| Size | 12 fl oz |
Pros
- Breaks down oils and product buildup with salicylic acid and charcoal
- Great for a "reset" wash (especially when paired with a hydrating mask)
Cons
- Should only be used once or twice a week max (and even less if you have color-treated hair)
Fine hair is extra prone to product buildup, which can make your hair look greasy, limp, and even potentially stifle hair growth over time. Once a week, suds up with this clarifier from K18. The formula's packed with salicylic acid, which gently exfoliates and breaks down oils, as well as charcoal powder to help buff away any gunk hanging out in your roots.
One Cosmo editor says: "I started incorporating it into my routine once a week for the last six months, and I’ve experienced the fastest hair growth of my entire life. What was once a chin-length bob is now a grown-out lob—and while I’m annoyed about needing to make another haircut appointment, I’m thrilled with how healthy my hair feels." —BG
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Salicylic acid, charcoal powder |
| Sulfate free? | Yes* (*but contains other strong surfactants) |
| Size | 8.5 fl oz |
Pros
- Hydrates and smooths fine, frizzy hair
- Not too heavy
- Has a pretty strong lather for a sulfate-free shampoo
Cons
- Has a very strong herbal scent that some might not like
Just because your roots get greasy doesn't mean your hair strands don't need some moisture. Pureology's Hydrate Sheer is perfect for fine hair that's a little dry on the ends. Jojoba oil is the MVP here—it hydrates and locks in moisture, all the while feeling lightweight on hair.
One Cosmo editor says: "Multiple celeb hairstylists have told me this shampoo is the best for fine hair, especially if you often color or heat-style. And I do both, soooo I'm basically the perfect candidate (brag!). This moisturizes my hair but not too much—a key for my fine strands. It leaves my hair looking full and plump but without the dreaded grease."—BG
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Jojoba oil, hydrolyzed wheat protein, salicylic acid, sunflower seed extract |
| Sulfate free? | Yes |
| Size | 9 fl oz |
Pros
- Uses proteins to help strengthen and repair hair
- Less than $10 (!)
Cons
- Testers say the lid can snap off easily
Okay, the fact that this shampoo is as cheap as it is truly blows my mind. Great for fine-haired folks in need of some TLC, it helps repair damaged hair with strengthening hydrolyzed wheat proteins, which help fill in all the lil cracks in your hair strands. This one also includes a dose of biotin and hydrolyzed collagen to gently moisturize and soften hair.
One shopper says: "My hair felt clean without being stripped, soft without losing any body. It had a little more volume than usual, and even after it dried, it still felt light and healthy."
| Key ingredients | Biotin, hydrolyzed collagen, hydrolyzed wheat protein |
| Sulfate free? | Yes (*but still contains strong, sulfate-free cleansers that can be a bit drying) |
| Size | 13 fl oz |
Briogeo Destined For Density Caffeine + Biotin Peptide Density Shampoo
Pros
- Provides a thorough cleanse while encouraging new hair growth
- Packed with peptides and caffeine to potentially help with growth
Cons
- Doesn't lather as well as some would like
True story: My fine hair started looking fuller and more voluminous after just a month of using this shampoo. The reason: Along with antioxidant-rich caffeine, this formula includes biotin, which can help to encourage keratin production in hair, along with skin-barrier-supporting copper peptides. Simply put, thin strands are no match for this formula.
One Cosmo editor says: "It’s a hard feat to make my fine hair look both hydrated and voluminous. But this one really does the trick. The peptides work overtime to give me a good hair day right when I use it and for a long time after. I’ve used this every-other-wash for a year, and it’s definitely helped cut down on my hair thinning from excess heat and color damage.”—BG
| Key ingredients | Coffee seed oil, biotin, copper peptides |
| Sulfate free? | Yes* (*but still contains strong, sulfate-free cleansers that can be a bit drying) |
| Size | 8 fl oz |
Pros
- Works to strengthen hair and prevent future breakage
- 'Cosmo' Holy Grail Beauty Award winner
Cons
- Scent is too strong for some
Frizz is a natural, normal part of being a human with hair and isn't something you should ever be ashamed of. However! If you're tired of dealing with flyaways, this formula is here to help. Biotin works to strengthen follicles, while chia seed oil allows your hair shaft to hold onto more moisture (thereby preventing future hair breakage).
One Cosmo editor says: "From the first wash, my fine hair felt fuller and healthier—no more limp strands. I love the lather of the shampoo. The soft floral scent turns my shower into a mini spa, and the chic packaging looks great there. This duo has truly changed my hair care routine for the better and it honestly makes every day feel like a good (voluminous!) hair day."—KARA MILLER, DESIGNER
| Key ingredients | Biotin, chia seed oil, hydrolyzed keratin |
| Sulfate free? | Yes* (*but still contains strong, sulfate-free cleansers that can be a bit drying) |
| Size | 10 fl oz |
How can you make fine hair thicker?
So, here's the thing: Hair-thickening shampoos can temporarily plump up your strands for fuller-looking hair, but you can't *actually* thicken fine hair strands or make them grow in denser. As trichologist Gretchen Friese previously explained to Cosmo, this is because "the thickness of the hair most often is determined by the size of the hair follicle," and no matter what kind of shampoo you use, you can't alter the chemical structure of your hair. Sry, blame genetics!!
Btw, having "thin" hair doesn't necessarily mean you have "fine" hair, and the two terms shouldn't be used interchangeably. "When referring to fine hair, what you’re really talking about is the texture and density of each individual shaft of hair," hairstylist Adam Federico previously told Cosmo, while thin hair refers to the number of strands on your scalp. That said, both fine and thin hair types can benefit from using a thickening shampoo that adds body and increases the appearance of fullness.
Should fine hair be washed more often?
Sad fact of life: Finely-textured hair tends to become greasy more quickly and requires more frequent washing. According to dermatologist Iris Rubin, MD, those with finer, straighter hair types generally need to suds up more frequently than those with coarser, curlier hair types, who can generally go longer between wash days. For fine hair types, skipping more than a day between washes could lead to product buildup that weighs strands down, making your hair look flat or oily (or both!).
And buildup doesn't just give you sad, limp hair. The accumulation of buildup can lead to dandruff, irritation, and even hair loss. "The follicles on your scalp are literally the manufacturing plant for your hair," Dr. Rubin previously told Cosmo, "so for your best hair health, it’s important that they don’t get clogged." Some experts even recommend washing fine hair daily—but if you do decide to wash every day, make sure you're using gentle, sulfate-free cleansers filled with hydrating ingredients and following up with conditioners.
How to choose the best shampoo for fine hair
Check out the ingredients.
If you're someone with thin hair that could use a lil oomph, you'll ideally wanna choose a shampoo that contains both volumizing and fortifying ingredients, such as biotin, panthenol, keratin, peptides, and thickening polymers, which will help to plump and strengthen fine strands.
And even though some heavy oils—like olive oil and castor oil—can help you achieve better hair health, it's better to stick with lightweight hair oils, especially if you're someone with low-porosity hair. For instance: Moroccanoil Extra Volume Shampoo uses lightweight argan oil to coat brittle strands.
Skip the sulfates and silicones.
Listen, sulfates have a time and a place, and while some people can actually benefit from using sulfated detergents, it's probs best to skip 'em if you're experiencing hair loss. ICYDK, sulfates are harsh surfactants that can strip away your hair and scalp's natural oils, so those with fine hair should typically steer clear. Likewise, silicones are great for giving hair slip and shine, but they can also weigh down finer hair. Opt for lightweight, smoothing alternatives like jojoba and sunflower seed oils.
Choose a formula that promises volume or thickness.
When you have fine, flat hair, one of the most important things to look for in a shampoo are words like "volumizing" and "thickening"—though ofc, it helps to know what ingredients actually work to plump strands. Look for products with biotin, amino acids, hyaluronic acid, peptides, or niacinamide, as these all work to strengthen follicles and help your hair shaft hold on to more moisture.
Meet the experts:
- Gretchen Friese is a certified trichologist, as well as salon director and hairstylist at Foushee Salon Spa in Littleton, CO.
- Adam Federico is a hairstylist, educator, and VP of creative development at R+Co.
- Dr. Iris Rubin is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Seen Hair Care.
Why trust 'Cosmopolitan'?
Corinne Sullivan is an editor at Cosmopolitan and has six years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news, including the best dry-scalp shampoos and the best-smelling shampoos. She regularly tests and analyzes shampoos on her own fine hair for efficacy, and she works with the industry’s top dermatologists, hairstylists, and trichologists to assess new formulas and brands.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare stories.
Corinne Sullivan is an Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your $$$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecent. Follow her on Instagram for cute pics of her pup and bébé.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
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