We did the root work—now you just have to rinse and repeat
Let’s talk about the hair in your drain. Or on your brush. Or wrapped around your AirPods case (why is it always there?). Fun fact: it’s completely normal to shed up to 100 strands a day. But when it starts looking like you could build a small wig with the fallout? That’s when it’s time to call in reinforcements.
And no, we’re not talking about a $3 bottle that smells like cucumber melon and does absolutely nothing for your roots. We’re talking about hair thickening shampoos that work overtime—boosting bounce, strengthening strands, and turning flat hair into full-blown fluff.
No matter if your ponytail’s feeling a little…sad, or you’ve been side-eyeing your scalp in every selfie lately, we’ve got you. These shampoos don’t just lather and leave—they support your scalp, help reduce shedding, and make fine hair look *rich*.
So if you’re tired of pretending dry shampoo counts as volume (we’ve all been there), scroll on. We tested, reviewed, and obsessed over the top formulas on the market to bring you the 8 best hair thickening shampoos that really deliver. Big hair energy starts in the shower, girl.
Why hair thickening shampoos matter
There’s “volume”... and then there’s volume that actually stays past breakfast. If your strands tend to lie flat by lunchtime, you’re not alone—and it’s not your fault. Hair thickness isn’t just about genetics; it’s about what you’re feeding your scalp.
Enter hair thickening shampoos. These aren’t your average suds. They’re the undercover agents of your routine, working behind the scenes to support growth, lift, and strength—without weighing you down or leaving your roots feeling greasy by 3 p.m.
So what makes a shampoo “thickening”?
🧬 Peptides, biotin, and keratin are your follicle’s BFFs. They strengthen hair strands, reduce breakage, and support the actual structure of your hair, making everything look fuller and feel stronger.
🌿 Scalp-loving ingredients like caffeine, ginseng, loquat leaf, and niacinamide stimulate circulation and wake up sleepy follicles. Think of them as your scalp’s morning coffee.
💧 Hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and aloe vera help add moisture and shine without flattening your volume. Because healthy hair is hydrated hair.
🚫 What to skip? Sulfates strip your hair’s natural oils (no, thanks). Heavy silicones coat your strands and leave buildup (sneaky saboteurs). Artificial fragrances and drying alcohols irritate your scalp (bye).
TYME tip: Not all thickening shampoos are created equal. Some are ideal for fine, flat hair, adding airy lift and movement. Others are geared toward shedding and thinning, targeting scalp health and fallout. And some are great for curly or coarse hair that needs strength and definition, not just puffed-up volume.
The tea? If you want thicker hair, you don’t need more mousse. You need a shampoo that knows what it’s doing—and does it well.
The best hair thickening shampoos (we tried them so you don’t have to)
Okay, so we’ve covered what makes a thickening shampoo work—now let’s get into the picks that are doing the absolute most (in the best way possible). If you’re battling postpartum shedding, tired of limp roots, or just want that big, bouncy 90s blowout—these are the bottles you’ll want on your shower shelf, stat.
We did the deep conditioning, the label-reading, the sniff tests, and the root-lifting trials so you don’t have to. These shampoos don’t just talk the talk—they bring the bounce, the body, and the confidence.
1. Hello Klean Full Cover Hair 01 Anti-Thinning Hard Water Shampoo
Best for hard water girlies (AKA, city central gals)
Let’s be real—most of us aren’t thinking about our shower water. But if you’ve been dealing with dryness, dullness, or flatness, hard water could be the silent saboteur behind your hair woes. This formula is a detox for your scalp. It neutralizes heavy metals and mineral build-up that can cause thinning over time, while still being gentle enough for daily use. We love that it’s sulfate-, paraben- and silicone-free, so you’re only giving your strands the good stuff. Plus, the lather is creamy without being too rich, and it leaves hair feeling super soft—not squeaky or stripped.
Why we love it: It’s the behind-the-scenes hero. You may not see fireworks after one wash, but over time, your hair just looks... healthier. More voluminous. More alive. It’s like your hair but upgraded.
2. Revitalash Thickening Shampoo
Best for scalp health = better hair days
The same brand that gave us dreamy lashes is now coming for our roots—in the best way. This shampoo focuses on scalp health (where thick, healthy hair begins) by feeding it a cocktail of flax protein, loquat leaf, and ginseng. It calms inflammation, balances oil, and primes your scalp for growth. Plus, it contains panthenol, which deeply hydrates without leaving behind residue.
Why we love it: It’s a slow-burn miracle. If your scalp feels irritated, flaky, or congested, this is your reset. After a few weeks, hair feels noticeably denser and shinier at the roots. And it smells spa-level luxe.
3. OUAI Fine Hair Shampoo
Best fragrance, hands down
We knew OUAI wouldn’t disappoint in the scent department, but this formula also does the work. Infused with chia seed oil to lock in moisture and fight frizz, and biotin to help fortify those fragile strands, it’s perfect for anyone with hair that falls a little flat. It leaves you with that effortless, French-girl vibe—voluminous but not too polished.
Why we love it: It’s the shampoo that feels expensive. Every wash is a little self-care moment, and the results are shiny, soft, subtly lifted strands that smell like a floral dream. Plus, it doesn’t build up on the scalp, so you’re not left with day two greasies.
4. Noughty Get Set, Grow Thickening Shampoo
Best on a budget but still a baddie
Don’t let the price tag fool you—this drugstore gem packs a punch. It’s loaded with hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate, which in turn makes your hair appear thicker, glossier, and more bouncy. It’s also sulfate-, silicone-, and paraben-free, which makes it perfect for sensitive scalps and color-treated hair.
Why we love it: The texture is silky, the scent is fresh, and it genuinely makes your hair feel plumper after a few washes. If you’re looking for results on a budget, she’s that girl.
5. Kérastase Densifique Bain Densité Shampoo
Best for hair that’s barely hanging on
This is the rich aunt of hair thickening shampoos. It’s high-end for a reason: packed with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and gluco-peptides, it works to strengthen, hydrate, and add density to fine or thinning hair without leaving residue. It builds a solid foundation over time and makes each strand feel stronger and fuller.
Why we love it: It’s luxe from the bottle to the results. Hair feels thicker and softer after just a couple of uses—and the shine it gives? Unmatched. It’s a major splurge, but one that’s totally worth it for stressed-out strands.
6. Vegamour GRO+ Advanced Replenishing Shampoo
Best clean girl option
Vegan, sulfate-free, and packed with CBD and vegan keratin, this shampoo is all about gentle but powerful results. It reduces shedding, defines natural texture, and gives your scalp a serious refresh without any harsh ingredients. After six weeks, testers reported thicker hair with less fallout and more natural volume.
Why we love it: It’s skincare for your scalp. It doesn’t lather much (which is normal for clean formulas), but it leaves hair so soft and weightless. Plus, the calming scent makes it perfect for your Sunday reset routine.
7. Redken Extreme Length Shampoo with Biotin
Best for breakage-prone strands
If you’re tired of seeing your hair in the drain, this one’s for you. Designed for damaged hair that struggles to grow past a certain point, Redken’s formula is all about biotin and soy protein to strengthen from root to tip. It works best as part of the full Extreme Length system, but even on its own, it reduces breakage significantly.
Why we love it: It’s not just thickening—it’s protective. Hair feels stronger, smoother, and less prone to mid-shaft breakage. Basically, it’s your damage-recovery ride or die.
8. Mielle Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo
Best for hair that needs a wake-up call
There’s a reason this one has been dubbed a cult-fave—Mielle’s Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo is that girl for natural, curly, coily, and textured hair types. Packed with rosemary oil, peppermint oil, biotin, and castor oil, this formula is the equivalent of a green juice for your scalp: nourishing, clarifying, and ultra-refreshing. It's also cruelty-free, sulfate-free, and formulated with organic ingredients—so your strands get strength without the stress.
Why we love it: This is the pick for girlies who want stimulation and strength. The peppermint gives a gentle tingle (hello, circulation boost), while the oils deeply cleanse and moisturize in one go—no need for double shampooing. One tester even saw regrowth in thinning patches after consistent use. It doesn’t lather like traditional shampoos, but the way it leaves hair soft, clean, and noticeably thicker makes it an easy fave for every wash day.
The final rinse
So, which one is your perfect match? Whether you’re trying to fake fullness, rescue your roots, or finally stop side-eyeing your part in every mirror, these hair thickening shampoos are the ones actually worth your coins. We did the root work so you don’t have to waste time (or $$$) on formulas that overpromise and underdeliver.
From scalp-boosting superstars to bottles that bring the bounce and the body, these shampoos serve thickness in all the right ways. Because your hair deserves more than just hope in a bottle—it deserves results. Let’s make every wash count.
