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Selecting the perfect shampoo for your hair type can be a Herculean effort at times (which is why we reviewed 30+ different formulations for every hair type).
But, when looking at shampoos for fine hair with a fine-tooth comb (pun totally intended, BTW), it may take trial and error, but it also boils down to the particular ingredients, formulation and how your hair feels in the shower.
“Fine hair is characterized by individual hair shafts with a small diameter, about the thickness of printer paper, as opposed to coarse hair with a larger diameter, Michele Green, MD, board-certified dermatologist and an expert in hair loss and thinning hair for more than 25 years, told the New York Post. “Hair density also plays a role: the amount of hair on the scalp. For example, an individual’s hair can be both coarse and thin if it lacks hair density, but the hair strand itself is coarse. Coarse hair may feel dry and rough to the touch as hair is made of mostly protein. Fine hair may feel softer, and you can barely feel it if you hold it between your fingers.”
Ahead, our team of haircare experts recommend the 16 best shampoos for fine hair below, along with going into each hair type and texture — including a step-by-step haircare routine — in our in-depth FAQ section.
Brand spotlight
For a cleaner scalp and shinier mane, this award-winning shampoo is a must consider. It has sugar-derived hemisqualane, which helps fight frizz, as well as naturally skin-soothing bisabolol. The keratin-safe formula helps to minimize breakage, is good for all hair types and also has a lovely fresh scent. We love that it offers a wonderful lather without stripping strands, and that it’s gentle enough to use daily.
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OUAI Fine Hair Shampoo
“OUAI has a specific shampoo for fine hair formulated to leave the hair clean, soft, and voluminous,” Dr. Green explains. “Glycerin is a commonly used moisturizer and humectant, while panthenol has both moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties to soothe the scalp. Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil has been shown to be a source of antioxidants.”
Not to mention, this shampoo is color-safe. “It contains phenomenal ingredients to help with fine hair such as keratin to strengthen the strands, biotin and chia seed oil,” Andrew Fitzimons, LA-based celebrity hairstylist — who has worked with Khloé Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian, JLO, Megan Fox and more — told The Post.
MONDAY HAIRCARE Volume Shampoo
“MONDAY HAIRCARE Volume Shampoo has a list of ingredients that act as antioxidants, moisturizers, and anti-inflammatories to provide clean and hydrated hair full of body and volume,” Green says, recommending the budget-friendly formulation. “Botanical extracts, ginger root extract, carrot root extract and sage extract act as antioxidants to protect the hair from environmental stressors while providing a soothing benefit.”
The most important ingredient? Ginger root. “The hero ingredient of this product, ginger root, is one of the best ingredients to build volume and texture to fine strands,” Fitzsimons adds.
Prose Shampoo
Nobody’s hair is exactly the same, which is one of the reasons we like the shampoo from Prose. It’s completely customizable and made without sulfates, parabens or phthalates. Having your personal formula made is easy to do, too. Simply fill out the online questionnaire before checking out and before you know it, you’ll receive a shampoo tailored to your specific needs!
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo
You know about this brand and its TikTok viral hair serum. Well, there’s also a matching shampoo — naturally. And it’s just as invigorating with its mint and tea tree. It’s paraben-free, as well as sulfate-free, and a great option for curly girls with fine, dry hair.
Nature Lab. Volume Shampoo
“At a reasonable price point, this shampoo is great for those with fine hair,” Fitzsimons shares. “Formulated with advanced botanical technology and protein rich plant actives, this product helps revitalize the scalp and prevent hair loss.”
Even better, it’s a wonderful shampoo that won’t cost you more than $20.
VEGAMOUR ENSO 01 Shampoo for Fine Hair
“VEGAMOUR’s ENSO 01 Shampoo for Fine Hair is a lightweight formula that is sulfate-free and color-safe to provide moisture, volume and protection for fine hair,” Green shares. “VEGAMOUR customizes its hair care line to cater to fine, medium and thick hair using different concentrations and combinations of botanical oil.”
What’s more, this shampoo uses a unique technology, Karmatin, that instantly adjusts to your hair and fulfills its needs. “For those with fine hair, it helps moisturize and repair strands, without adding weight or making your hair feel or look greasy,” Fitzsimons assures.
Biolage Volume Bloom Shampoo
“This shampoo uses cotton, which naturally expands, to help plump up fine hair and gives an amazing root lift,” Fitzimons says.
Specifically, the Biolage Volume Bloom Shampoo is “catered to fine hair that gently cleanses and provides a lightweight root lift for a voluminous look,” Green adds. You’ll also appreciate its cruelty free and vegan formulation.
Shea Moisture Low Porosity Weightless Hydrating Shampoo
It’s one thing to have fine hair but fine and dry — very frustrating. One of our editor’s swears by this brand and its ability to hydrate parched locks that can’t hold a lot of product. This specific formula is lightweight, gently removing buildup, while adding back needed moisture with sunflower oil. And we love that it’s under $15!
Odele Volumizing Shampoo
The unique aspect of social media-viral haircare brand, Odele, is that it means to share in Norwegian. That said, it’s just as equipped for your shower as it is for your child’s bath-time or husband’s many, many generous pumps of shampoo (you know, if he’s into the 3-in-1 shampoo, conditioner and body wash vibe).
“This is an amazing affordable option that truly delivers,” Fitzsimons notes. “Packed with amino acids, this shampoo not only strengthens your strands but helps to deliver fuller, voluminous hair.”
amika 3D Volume & Thickening Shampoo
We’re big fans of amika (read: amika Blow-Dryer Brush review) and we’re glad our team of experts feel the same. Bonus: it smells absolutely divine.
“The amika 3D Volume and Thickening Shampoo is a lightweight formula that provides volume from the root to the tip of the hair,” Green explains. “Hydrating ingredients glycerin and glycine moisturize the hair strands and scalp, while a blend of antioxidants (avocado oil and botanical extracts) protect the hair and scalp from environmental stressors. Soothing ingredients like Nettle Leaf Extract, zinc chloride and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract promote scalp and hair health.”
Fitzsimons also approves of this formulation, saying that it “delivers a weightlessness and bouncy look to the hair.” The ingredients are also “amazing” and “natural,” leaving your hair feeling healthy as ever.
Aveda Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo
This 96% naturally derived shampoo is light and removes buildup without stripping moisture. It has micelles, as well as white vinegar to purify, helping your scalp and strands get squeaky clean — but in a good for you type of way.. However, fear not about a nasty scent. This stuff smells lovely, thanks to its mint and rosemary.
Oribe Shampoo for Magnificent Volume
“Although this one is a bit pricey, its unique blend of botanical extracts and body-building polymers make it an incredible option for those with fine hair,” Fitzsimons justifies. We can also attest the brand has a keen eye for fine hair, as its hair mousse is one of our favorites.
Tresemme 24-Hour Body Health Volume Shampoo
“Tresemme offers various volumizing shampoos for fine hair, including [its] 24-Hour Body Healthy Volume Shampoo infused with vitamins, silk proteins and a patented Collagen and Peptide Complex that hydrate the hair without weighing it down,” Green says. “It’s sulfate-free, paraben-free and cruelty-free.”
The best part? It comes in a mega bottle that won’t cost you more than $10.
Acure Daily Workout Watermelon & Blood Orange Shampoo
“This option from Acure is well-priced and formulated for those who wash their hair more often than others as it has a gentle, everyday formula with watermelon seed extract and blood orange,” Fitzsimons notes. Plus, the brand is one of the best we reviewed (and, even better, thanks to its 100% vegan and paraben-free formulation.
Redken Volume Injection Shampoo
“This is another great lightweight option that is formulated with Redken’s signature Bodifying Complex and Filloxane to provide instant lift and volume,” Fitzsimons notes. Gorgeous pink-ish packaging aside, it boasts a pH balanced formula that’ll have your hair feeling worlds thicker on demand (which is why you likely see hairdressers with this brand!)
Moroccanoil Extra Volume Shampoo
“This is a phenomenal, and affordable, shampoo that utilizes tilia tomentosa bud extract to instantly and naturally plump the hair as it is worked into the scalp,” Fitzsimons notes. “It’s lightweight and provides an immediate boost in volume.”
Plus, you’ll adore pairing this shampoo with the brand’s All-in-One Leave-In Conditioner ($30) — but only once in a while for fine hair, as not to weigh down your strands, per our experts’ advice.
Pureology Pure Volume Shampoo
A fresh-scented shampoo we personally can’t get enough of is the Pureology Pure Volume Shampoo. Though a splurge, it’s a must-have for fine hair, including that which is color-treated.
“This sulfate-free shampoo enhances volume and restores movement to fine, flat and color-treated hair making it super versatile, and an easy to use product that remedies many hair concerns!” Fitzsimons recommends.
Matrix Total Results High Amplify Shampoo
“This shampoo helps roots that are limp and fine become full of volume,” Fitzsimons says, recommending this less-than-$20 option. “It uses protein that instantly helps build the structure of your hair and it is silicone free–leaving your hair feeling light.”
Plus, it’s a wonderful Amazon beauty product to add to your cart ASAP if you love trying new brands.
Virtue Full Shampoo
All hail one of our favorite haircare brands (probably ever). Virtue’s Full Shampoo is a splurge worth making — just read our best hair mousses review for this tried-and-true overall winning brand.
“This shampoo can be used as a high-powered treatment as it gently dissolves product build up while filling in the cracks of damaged hair, allowing the moisturizing ingredients to get in,” Fitzsimons explains.
R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo
“Not only does it provide volume to fine hair, but it is an amazing cleansing shampoo that leaves the scalp feeling refreshed and nourished,” Fitzsimons says. “Some say it has helped them with hair growth, too!”
The R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo visibly adds thickness to your hair while you’re still in the shower. It’s a must-try for anyone who craves that instantly fuller look.
An FAQ on Shampoos for Fine Hair
Ahead, our team of haircare experts give us the 411 on what to know about using a fine hair shampoo (on every hair type — from curly to straight. Even better, they crafted a step-by-step routine for you to.
For more, check out our expert-backed reviews of the best hair mousses and hair sprays.
It may seem obvious, but there can be a huge difference in efficacy if you’re using a shampoo that isn’t formulated for your hair type. For instance, using a shampoo for medium or thick hair may not work well if you have more finer strands. Read on for what’s important to know for treating finer hair types.
What to look for in a fine hair shampoo, according to experts
“For fine hair types, I recommend using a volumizing shampoo,” Fitzimons told The Post. “Look for formulas that include ingredients such as caffeine and rice proteins, as these help the hair shaft appear thicker, bouncier and fuller.”
More, those with fine hair should look for shampoos formulated with nourishing and hydrating ingredients that use lightweight oils. “Fine hair is prone to looking lifeless and weighed down, especially if product buildup exists,” Green explains. “Look for shampoos formulated to remove buildup while strengthening the hair to restore volume. Deep cleansing shampoos or clarifying shampoos can be used once a week to remove hair care and styling products and prevent buildup.”
What ingredients to look for in a fine hair shampoo, according to experts
According to Green, shampoos contain a detergent or cleaning agent to effectively cleanse the scalp of sebum, dirt, oil and buildup by lifting impurities and making them easier to be washed away with water. “Common detergents in shampoo are surfactants, and there are many different types of detergents used in shampoos that tackle different needs,” she notes.
In addition to the above listed caffeine and rice proteins, Fitzsimons also advises shoppers to look for formulas containing biotin, vitamin B5, hyaluronic acid, bond-building protein and polymers. “These ingredients will help remove product building up, and will plump up the hair shaft leaving the strands full-bodied,” he says.
What ingredients to avoid in a fine hair shampoo, according to experts
“Because fine hair tends to be naturally soft and silky, avoid oils and heavy products formulated to make the hair softer and use texturizing products,” Green advises. “Similarly, heavy conditioners and leave-in conditioners can weigh down the hair and reduce volume. If you have dry ends, apply a small amount of the conditioner to only the ends. Look for lightweight shampoo aimed to add volume instead of a thick and creamy formula.”
What’s more, sulfates are good cleansing agents that offer a deep clean but can be too harsh for those prone to skin irritation, dryness and inflammation. “Sulfates can increase sensitivity and worsen skin conditions like rosacea, eczema and contact dermatitis,” Green says. “Formaldehyde and parabens should be avoided for similar reasons.”
What exactly is a “thickening” shampoo?
You’ve likely seen the word “thickening” embossed on certain hair products, including shampoo. Here’s the expert-backed breakdown of what that label truly means.
“Thickening shampoos use proteins and collagen to thicken and strengthen each hair strand, making the hair appear fuller, thicker and healthier,” Green says. “Some thickening shampoos may also include ingredients for hair health, such as biotin and saw palmetto. On the other hand, volumizing shampoos aim to give the hair a fuller appearance by addressing the build-up of sweat, dirt and products on the scalp and hair follicles, lifting the roots using lightweight ingredients that won’t weigh the hair down.”
Typical formulation of a thickening shampoo includes keratin and panthenol, per Fitzsimons. “These ingredients work together to thicken your hair as the keratin protects the strands from damage and the panthenol provides your hair with an extra dose of vitamin B,” he explains.
How to help prevent hair loss if you have fine hair, according to an expert
Hair loss can be a complicated condition caused by various factors, including genetics, lifestyle habits, aging, hormonal fluctuations, stress, severe illness, poor nutrition, pregnancy and childbirth, autoimmune conditions and certain medications. There are different types of hair loss as well, including androgenetic alopecia or male/female-pattern hair loss, alopecia areata, traction alopecia, and telogen effluvium, per Green.
“Although hereditary hair loss cannot be prevented, it can be delayed with various treatment options like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), oral/topical medications and healthy lifestyle changes,” Green notes. “Because hair loss is a complex condition, it is helpful to consult with a board-certified dermatologist and hair loss expert who can perform the necessary assessments and testing to find the root cause of the hair loss and the appropriate treatments.”
In turn, losing around 50 to 100 hairs a day is normal, and an increase in hair shedding, more than your usual amount, can contribute to thinning hair. “Men with androgenetic alopecia might first notice a receding hairline, especially at the temples, and thinning at the crown,” Green adds. “In contrast, women may see a diffused hair thinning and widening of the part. Some hair loss may present as circular patches of bald spots, which may indicate alopecia areata.”
Your step-by-step haircare routine for fine hair, according to experts
For everyday washing for fine hair, use a volumizing shampoo to help plump and lift the roots while delivering nourishment and hydration, according to Green. “Use a clarifying shampoo once a week, which deeply cleanses any product, oil and dirt buildup on the scalp and promotes scalp and hair health,” she adds. “Adjust the frequency of hair washing from daily to every two or three days, as over-washing can stimulate the overproduction of oil, leading to flat and lifeless hair.”
After, follow up with a moisturizing, lightweight conditioner and focus on dry ends. “Don’t apply conditioner to the scalp, as this adds weight to the roots and makes them look flat,” she advises. “Make sure to rinse after each step thoroughly, let the hair mostly air dry, and limit heat styling, as hair is more prone to breakage and damage when wet.”
How many times a week should I wash fine hair?
“For those with fine hair, shampoo your hair two to three times a week,” Fitzsimons recommends. “Avoid daily washing by using styling products that won’t cause buildup in your hair.”
The ideal hair washing schedule differs for each person, according to Green, and you should consider hair type, age, hair length, and lifestyle for the recommended frequency. “Those with oily hair can benefit from washing hair daily to prevent oil buildup and grease,” she elaborates. “Curly hair tends to be drier because the oil takes longer to travel along the curly strands, which means curly hair requires less washing.” In short, the hair becomes drier with age, so consider washing the hair less often.
Is double-washing recommended for fine hair?
As mentioned, fine hair can easily be weighed down by the accumulation of oil, dirt and products. “Double shampooing is a great method for deeply cleansing the scalp and hair,” Green says. “The first wash removes any buildup of minerals, excess products, dirt and sebum, while the second wash provides a deeper clean.”
While double shampooing can be beneficial for those with fine hair, those who wash their fine hair daily or every other day do not necessarily need to double-shampoo their hair. “In addition, using a clarifying shampoo once a week can help keep fine hair looking fuller and denser,” Green recommends.
Should I use a sulfate-free shampoo if I have fine hair?
Sulfates are commonly incorporated into shampoo formulas because they help remove sebum, dirt, and product buildup from the scalp and hair by creating a foamy lather. “Sulfates can strip essential moisture from the hair, leaving it dry and more susceptible to breakage,” Green explains. “Sulfate-free shampoos will still effectively clean the hair and scalp. Fine hair can be very fragile, and using a sulfate-free shampoo can help promote enhanced moisture retention that protects against frizz and breakage.”
Even better, individuals with dry, frizzy, or curly hair can also benefit from using sulfate-free shampoo.
How to care for fine hair that’s also dry
It’s important to note that hair that is fine and dry may be especially fragile and prone to breakage.
“Double shampooing fine and dry hair could strip the hair of essential oils that provide moisture, leading to breakage or causing the scalp to overcompensate and increase oil production,” Green says. “Individuals with dry hair should wash less often and should not double-shampoo their hair unless there is product build-up or recent exposure to hard water or chlorine.”
How to care for fine hair that’s also oily
Individuals with hair that is fine and oily may have to wash their hair more frequently, as often as daily or every other day, to keep it healthy and moisturized properly.
“The right shampoos for fine and oily hair should be indicated as volumizing, and the product should be clear rather than creamy,” Green explains. “Conditioner should never be applied to the scalp, which may weigh it down and cause it to appear greasy or flat.” She also recommends brushing with a soft-bristle brush to help distribute the natural oils in the hair so the roots don’t appear greasy.
How to care for fine hair that’s also frizzy
Frizz happens when environmental moisture enters the hair shaft, causing swelling. “Dehydration and over-washing can lead to frizz, and those with fine and frizzy hair should not double-wash their hair,” Green explains.
Further, rinsing with cold water at the end of your shower can help seal the cuticles, preventing moisture from the air from entering the shaft and causing it to be frizzy. “It can also be helpful to use a towel made of fine fibers to prevent friction with the hair, such as microfiber or cotton material,” Green tips off. “Many lightweight frizz-control hair products can smooth flyaway strands without weighing hair down.”
How to care for fine hair that’s also color-treated
According to Green, “look for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners, use a heat-protectant product when styling hair with heat and keep the water temperature on the cooler side when showering.” These steps will help protect your fine and color-treated hair from damage.
How to care for fine hair that’s also itchy and/or dandruff-prone
Dandruff is a condition characterized by skin flakes and can happen with a dry or oily scalp. So, regularly washing fine hair with dandruff will help promote scalp health and prevent flakiness.
“Individuals with fine hair and an itchy scalp or dandruff can particularly benefit from double shampooing,” Green explains. “This process can help reduce oils on the scalp that contribute to flaking and dandruff.”
And, for those with fine hair, a dry scalp, and dandruff, look for a moisturizing, sulfate-free shampoo.
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