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Discover how thickening shampoo and thickening conditioner can help restore the illusion of hair fullness and density. Plus, shop 15 of our go-to formulas.

15 Thickening Shampoos and Conditioners To Lift Fine Hair to New Heights

Discover how thickening shampoo and thickening conditioner can help restore the illusion of hair fullness and density. Plus, shop 15 of our go-to formulas.
15 Thickening Shampoos and Conditioners To Lift Fine Hair to New Heights

For many, thick, luscious-looking hair is the ultimate hair goal, but this may ring especially true for those with naturally fine or thin strands. Styling products like mousses, gels, or sprays can help give limp locks a temporary boost, but the path toward your dream hair should start with a dedicated thickening shampoo and thickening conditioner. These specially formulated products work together to bodify your hair in the shower, creating the illusion of height, volume, and density. Ahead, we’re breaking down what you need to know about these game-changing haircare products, including 15 of our favorite thickeners to shop now.

What Is Hair Thickening Shampoo?

Thickening shampoo is a type of haircare formula designed to make individual strands of hair appear thicker and fuller. It typically works by depositing ingredients that coat or swell the hair shaft, creating the illusion of density and making hair feel thicker to the touch. Polymers, proteins, and hyaluronic acid are just a few ingredients you may commonly find in these kinds of products. And, depending on the formula, a hair thickening shampoo may also help strengthen strands and reduce breakage, promoting a fuller-looking mane with continued use.

What is the difference between thickening and volumizing shampoo?

The terms thickening and volumizing shampoo are sometimes used interchangeably, but the two are not quite the same. A thickening shampoo (or conditioner) usually increases the diameter of each strand so that hair looks and feels more substantial. A volumizing shampoo, on the other hand, generally lifts up the hair and roots, helping tresses look visually fuller without changing their actual texture or weight.

Despite their differences, however, both volumizing and thickening shampoos are great options for helping fine, thin hair appear thicker and more plentiful. The best one for you ultimately depends on whether you want your hair to feel as thick as it outwardly looks.

Good hair day by @sara_lebaron.

Do Hair Thickening Shampoos Really Work?

While thickening shampoos (and volumizing shampoos, for that matter) may not permanently change your hair’s density, they can make a noticeable difference in your hair’s overall look and feel. For best results, we always recommend pairing your thickening shampoo with a thickening conditioner to help coax out the maximum amount of volume and texture from your hair.

If you need some shopping inspo, we’ve rounded up 15 of the best salon-quality thickening formulas from L’Oréal to add to your shower shelf today.

15 Best Thickening Shampoos and Conditioners from L’Oréal Professional Brands

Kérastase Densifique Bain Densité Shampoo and Densifique Fondant Densité Conditioner

Struggling with the amount of hair on your head but don’t want to reach for extensions quite yet? Consider this bodifying duo from Kérastase, which was made with thin and thinning hair in mind. The shampoo contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, gluco-peptides, and ceramides and helps cleanse buildup and develop fullness from the roots to ends of hair. The thickening conditioner, meanwhile, helps strengthen hair by filling in gaps in the cuticle layer and improving hair’s texture and density.

Kérastase Genesis Homme Bain De Masse Epaississant Shampoo

Per a study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), male pattern baldness is a common concern that affects up to 50% of men by age 50. Although it can feel disheartening, a male-targeted thickening shampoo like Kérastase Genesis Homme Bain De Masse Epaississant Shampoo can help. It features creatine and expanding polymers and can help make hair look instantly thicker while strengthening thin, weakened hair fibers. Learn more about the Genesis Homme system in our article, Kérastase's Genesis Homme Range Is Perfect For Men With Thinning Hair.

Redken Brews Thickening Shampoo For Men

Lathering up with this shampoo is another way for men to improve the look of fine, thin, or thinning hair. The formula, which boasts active ingredients like ginger and malt, gently cleanses the hair while stimulating and nourishing the scalp. Plus, it’s fragranced with an invigorating ginger scent to uplift your senses while you cleanse.

Redken Volume Injection Duo

Redken's Volume Injection Shampoo is a lightweight milk-like formula that helps add visible thickness to hair, with results that build over time. And, unlike thick, creamy conditioners that tend to weigh strands down, the one from this line leaves hair feeling light and refreshed with extra movement. We recommend reaching for this pair if you have fine, overprocessed, or flat hair that’s prone to becoming greasy.

Biolage Professional Full Density Shampoo and Full Density Conditioner

Biolage Professional’s Full Density Shampoo and Conditioner system nourishes and fortifies thinning hair so that it appears visibly fuller after just one use.* The biotin-infused formulas help build hair’s resiliency from root to tip, promoting stronger lengths for thicker-feeling hair. They can also help rebalance the scalp to reduce the chances of hair loss.

*vs. non-conditioning shampoo

Matrix High Amplify Volumizing Shampoo and High Amplify Conditioner

Help boost the structure of fine, limp hair with Matrix’s High Amplify Shampoo and Conditioner. Made with ingredients like protein and panthenol, this wash day set instantly creates all-over body for thicker-looking hair. And, if you want your hair to look extra thick, set your style with the brand’s High Amplify Proforma Hairspray and watch your ‘do soar to new heights.

L’Oréal Professionnel Volumetry Shampoo for Fine Hair

Fact: The higher the hair, the denser it looks. The L'Oréal Professionnel Volumetry Shampoo is an anti-gravity formula that adds body to every strand for the perception of thicker hair. Plus, it cleans and clarifies the scalp from oils and buildup without stripping away essential moisture.

Pureology Pure Volume Shampoo and Conditioner Duo

One of the easiest ways to make fine hair look more visually impactful is to amp up the strands you’ve already got. Enter: Pureology’s Pure Volume system. The shampoo and condition work together to scale your strands up, adding lift and movement from root to tip. Not only do they help locks (literally) rise to the occasion, but they also clarify scalp buildup, so you’re left feeling fresh.

Shu Uemura Art of Hair Muroto Volume Shampoo and Muroto Volume Conditioner

When the music isn’t loud enough, you turn it up to achieve maximum impact. You can do the same with your hair when using Shu Uemura Art of Hair’s Moroto Volume Shampoo and Conditioner. Instead of having a mane that feels heavy or weighed down, you’ll free your hair of impurities for long-lasting movement, bounce, and height.

Next Up: Flat Hair: Why It Happens and 22 Expert Tips To Add Volume

Header photo credits (left to right): @redkenpro, @kerastase_official

For more advice on customizing a thickening haircare routine, take our hair quiz or use our salon locator to consult a pro.

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