The Best Volumizing Shampoos
Whether you were born with thick or thin hair, the reality is that your strands get smaller and flatter as you age. And, unfortunately, the thinner the strand, the more likely it is to break and become damaged. While it may not be possible to restore your hair's original thickness, you can give your tresses a temporary volume boost, which is exactly where volumizing shampoo comes in. That's right — the journey to fuller-looking hair actually starts in the shower, and we've hand-picked our favorite plumping products on the market today to help you get started.
What to Look For
We took the ease of use, the scent, and the cost of each product into consideration when vetting the top contenders on our list to help your hair get the volume and body it needs. For example, if you’re looking to splurge on a premium product that offers lots of volume for less effort, then the luxuriously lathering Volume Bloom shampoo by Biolage is the way to go. But if you’d rather get better bounce for your buck and don’t mind doing a bit of work to get the lather going, then opt for the Thick & Full shampoo by OGX, which also has a tantalizing scent that stays on your locks all day. Check out the rest of our favorite volumizing shampoos below.
Biolage Volume Bloom Shampoo
Bump up the bounce
For long-lasting, noticeable volume, look no further than the Volume Bloom shampoo by Biolage. This reliable hair wash doesn’t just give the appearance of a shinier, fuller head of hair — it actually plumps each individual strand while gently cleaning it at the same time so that it stays thicker for longer. Most importantly, though, you’ll get a lot of use out of one bottle thanks to the super concentrated, easy-to-lather formula.
Pros:
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Suitable for use on color-treated hair
- Fully removes any buildup from residual sprays or mousse
Cons:
- It’s a bit costly, but well worth it considering the results it provides
Tree To Tub Biotin Thickening Shampoo
Only the good stuff
More dynamism in your ‘do doesn’t have to mean using harsh chemicals that may strip your strands. Or at least that’s what the scientists over at Tree To Tub thought when designing their natural thickening shampoo. Free of sulfates, parabens, and other icky ingredients, this tea tree oil shampoo uses a vegan thickener to help boost your hair’s volume. It even has biotin and caffeine in it to encourage new growth.
Pros:
- Won’t irritate sensitive skin
- Subtle scent isn’t too overpowering
- Works on different hair types
Cons:
- Hair may feel dry in the shower when using it
OGX Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Volumizing Shampoo
Better savings, better smell
Though they undoubtedly help increase hair volume, expensive salon products and services can set you back a pretty penny. Fortunately, this super affordable, volumizing shampoo by drugstore-brand OGX can help. Perfect for use on flat to medium-thick hair, this nutrient-rich rinse not only plumps but also protects your hair to encourage growth over time. Best of all, it smells wonderful thanks to its mix of bergamot, jasmine, and vanilla scents.
Pros:
- Paraben-free formula is gentle on the scalp
- Leaves hair feeling silky rather than dry after use
- You’ll only need to use a little bit at a time
Cons:
- Difficult to lather up
Maple Holistics Volumizing Biotin Shampoo and Conditioner Set
From fair to fabulous
Using nothing but shampoo on your locks can actually dry out your strands and make them more prone to damage. That’s why we recommend pairing a volume-boosting shampoo with a complementary conditioner to add more moisture to the process, which is where this sulfate-free super set by Maple Holistics comes in. Transform your hair from dull to dazzling with the extra boost of biotin and keratin you’ll get from this dynamite duo.
Pros:
- Doesn’t leave a residue after use
- Works with curly hair, too
- The conditioner detangles strands as it thickens them
Cons:
- Scent is more earthy and less perfume-based
ColorProof SuperPlump Volumizing Shampoo
More hue on your 'do
Anyone who dyes their hair often knows just how tenuous the new tint can be. From chlorinated water to high-pH products, there’s a lot that can cause your new look to fade, turn yellow, or otherwise surprise you. Enter the SuperPlump volumizing shampoo by ColorProof. This bad boy cleanses your delicate strands while adding weightless body and bounce at the same time, all while preserving your current chroma.
Pros:
- Lightweight product gives hair more body
- Won’t cause an itchy scalp
- 100% vegan formula
Cons:
- May make oily hair feel greasier after use
Frequently Asked Questions
How do volumizing shampoos work?
Volumizing shampoos rely on a variety of methods to give you that full head of hair. The simplest one is just to give your tresses and scalp a very deep clean to help each strand feel lighter when styling it. Other methods include adding proteins or collagen to the strands to strengthen and thicken them over time.
Can I use my volumizing shampoo every day?
While it’s tempting to reach for that body-boosting shampoo during your morning rinse, experts recommend limiting the use of your thickening product to just several times a week. That’s because volumizing shampoos can dry hair out over time, especially if your hair is already prone to being more brittle. Likewise, using a moisturizing conditioner is also recommended to retain that healthy hair hydration.
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