Huns, don't let your hair be a flop - literally - grab yourself a shampoo for fine hair and watch your hair go from fine to voluminous in no time. Grabbing the best shampoo and conditioner for your thin hair can do wonders, leading to shinier, thicker hair that you've been dreaming of. We don't know about you, but having fine or thinning hair can leave a mark on our confidence. Don't let that be the case, as there are plenty of beauty solutions for getting more volume and buoyancy to your roots, combining the trusty hair-thickening shampoo, and shampoo for fine hair.
But where to start? Well, you're going to want to get a fine hair shampoo that is customised to your particular problem. Some fine-haired gals want a thickening or volumising formula. Some want a shampoo for coloured hair that protects their strands, leading to less breakage. And some just want to grab an effective bottle without spending a ton. Whoever you are, and whatever you're looking for - we've got the ultimate shopping guide below.
heat's best shampoos for fine hair, at a glance:
Editor's Choice: Living Proof Full Shampoo, £29 on John Lewis
Best shampoo for thickening fine hair: Kérastase Densifique Bain Densite, £27.15 on LookFantastic
Best budget shampoo for fine hair: Pantene Sheer Volume Shampoo, £2.75 on Tesco
With a mix of high-end brands such as Kérastase and L'OCCITANE, and high-street knockouts like Pantene and OGX, we've researched and rated the best shampoos for fine hair that actually make a difference. As well as this, we've got an FAQ section on how to distinguish your type of fine hair, and how you should style it to create more lift and volume, as well as how to shampoo for hair growth.
SHOP: The best shampoo for fine hair, to boost volume and thicken strands
Editor's Choice
john lewis
If you want va-va-volume, then the Living Proof Full Shampoo is our top pick. Specially designed for fine hair, it leaves your mane bouncy, fuller-looking, softer, and shinier with every wash. It is the ideal shampoo for oily, greasy hair that's begging for a revamp.
Customer review: "I have been using this shampoo for a few weeks now and it really does seem to have made a difference to my fine limp hair. The bottle lasts a long time so although expensive it is quite economical for the number of uses. A little goes a long way to give a good lather. I have bought a second bottle so it must be good!"
Pros
- Gives hair two times the volume (based on laboratory testing of Full Shampoo + Conditioner vs. untreated)
- Removes dirt, sweat, oil, pollution, and product build-up
- Formula is pro-vegan, pro-nature and pro-ocean
Cons
- Works most effectively as a shampoo, conditioner and spray set (£55)
Best shampoo for thickening fine hair
lookfantasticwww.lookfantastic.com
Having trouble with thinning hair? Don't let your confidence be diminished - Kérastase is here to save the day. Its Densifique Bain Densite formula adds body and texture to lifeless hair with gluco-peptides and ceramides.
Customer review: "Bought this for the first time recently and really made a difference to the appearance of my fine, thinning hair! Was in better condition and looked thicker after blow-drying! Would definitely recommend it.
Pros
- Expertly formulated for thinning hair
- Stemoxydine® and hyaluronic acid replenish strands with moisture
- Gluco-peptide and ceramides encourage a thicker-looking appearance and shine
Cons
- Need to wait two weeks to see results
Best budget shampoo for fine hair
tescowww.tesco.com
Using the Pantene Sheer Volume Shampoo is an affordable way to help fortify fine hair to its full volume potential, leaving your hair looking full with lightweight body and shine. It works fantastically to protect your strands from heat damage if you're looking to style your hair after drying.
Customer review: "This product is literally a miracle in a bottle. My aunt always had long, silky hair and I wanted to know her secret. Her shampoo. The results for me were instant, after the first wash my hair was feeling thick and healthy, it also left my hair smelling great and having a beautiful glow."
Pros
- Under £3 for a large 400ml bottle
- Micro-boosters fortify fine hair
- 0% silicones, 0% mineral oils, 0% colorants and recyclable bottle
Cons
- May struggle to get all product out of bottle
- May cause oily-skinned people to get spots around hairline
Best organic, sustainable shampoo for fine hair
L'OCCITANEuk.loccitane.com
Want to do your bit for the planet? The L'OCCITANE Volume and Strength Shampoo is luxurious without harming the environment. Formulated with five invigorating essential oils, this product leaves hair stronger, more resistant and appearing visibly denser.
Customer review: "I have quite short fine hair and each morning when I awoke my hair was all over the place. I decided to buy this product along with the Conditioner and I have been using both now for approximately 2 weeks. I have to say my hair likes it! I am really pleased with the results. It feels much thicker and stronger and so holds the style much better (no more morning bed hair) and it smells so fresh."
Pros
- Made from 99% readily biodegradable ingredients, silicone-free
- Rosemary, Lemon, Juniper, Ylang-Ylang, Cedar oil, and vegetal keratin help increase the volume of the hair fibre
- Available in different sizes, including travel and a refill pouch
Cons
- May cause very sensitive scalps dryness
Best shampoo for fine hair, for weightless volume
cult beautywww.cultbeauty.co.uk
Getting proper volume into your hair can take quite a bit of work - dry shampoos, hair sprays, root powder. Not if you use the OUAI Fine Hair Shampoo, however. Its blend of hemp seed extract and chia seed oil grants lasting, weightless hydration to your fine hair. Bouncyyyy.
Customer review: "Love this shampoo! My hair used to be so damaged and dry and since using this consistently my hair is so shiny and has even gotten thicker!! Although it is a bit pricey it is worth it if you are looking for a new start for healthy hair."
Pros
- Infused with hydrolysed keratin plus biotin to promote thick, frizz-free lengths
- Hemp seed extract and chia seed oil grants lasting, weightless hydration
- Iconic ‘Mercer Street’ fragrance (orange, peony, magnolia, jasmine and musk)
Cons
- Those prone to eczema may react with dry patches
Best anti-frizz shampoo for fine hair
bootswww.boots.com
We can all agree that the worst part of fine hair is the frizz. The FRIZZ. Banish it forever with the OGX Thick & Full+ Biotin and Collagen pH Balanced Shampoo. Be gone! Another affordable option, at only £6.99 you can get a volumising formula blend, helping to thicken and texturize fine hair.
Customer review: "After undergoing weight loss surgery I have lost around 70% volume in my hair. Luckily had thick hair to start with. This stuff is amazing. Only used 3 times and my hair feels so much thicker. Will definitely keep using."
Pros
- pH-balanced formula for gentle cleansing
- Biotin and collagen infuse nutrients and create the appearance of thicker, fuller hair
- Thick, jelly texture that lathers well
Cons
- May need to use stronger shampoo intermittently to clarify scalp
Best anti-breakage shampoo for fine hair
hello kleanhelloklean.com
Those of us in the south of England know the joys of hard water (AKA little limescale bits in your tea), but did you know hard water can massively affect your fine hair? If you're looking to solve the breakage caused by hard water, the Hello Klean Hard Water Shampoo will be your best friend. To be noted - it is not suitable to be used as a dandruff shampoo.
Customer review: "So turns out I don't have crazy frizzy hair, it's the hard water! Honestly, I was very sceptical but I was also done with all the hair products! It's only been a week or so and I have already noticed huge changes in my hair, it's significantly less frizzy than before and feels soft."
Pros
- Bamboo Charcoal and Vitamin C draw out minerals and metals in the hair shaft
- Lactic Acid builds hydration and boosts strength
- Licorice Root helps stimulate growth
- Oat Protein adds softness and shine
Cons
- Not suitable for those with dry or dandruff-prone hair
Best shampoo for fine, coloured/bleached hair
coco&eveuk.cocoandeve.com
Those of us who have messed around with bleaching and colouring in the past know the heartbreak of your strands never quite being as bouncy as they once were. Never fear - the Coco and Eve Super Hydrating Shampoo is a perfect shampoo for coloured hair that has rave reviews on its ability to revitalise dry locks and bring them back to life. It is also an ideal shampoo for bleached hair so your hair can finally recover.
Customer review: "I have fine curly to wavy hair. My hair is sensitive to humidity so I'm always putting loads of product in my hair. After three days of using their shampoo and conditioner, my hair holds its shape and I'm only having to use one product!!! Very moisturizing with hydraulic acid listed in the ingredients. Smells great!! Overall the best moisturizing shampoo and conditioner I've ever purchased."
Pros
- ResistHyalTM Hyaluronic Acid technology hydrates 26 times more
- No silicones or sulphates
- Infused with fruit enzymes for a super clean wash
Cons
- Works better as part of the Super Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner set
Do I have fine hair?
You can have fine hair no matter your texture, whether that be curly, wavy, coily or straight. The problem with fine hair is, because it is so lightweight, you can struggle to get volume. That's why you should be using a shampoo for fine hair, as listed above. But first of all - how can you tell if you have fine hair?
Haircare aficionados Redken define fine hair as the following: "If you can barely see the hair or feel it between your fingertips, then you have fine hair. If the hair strand looks thick and appears to be textured, then the hair is coarse. If your hair is somewhere in-between, then you have a moderate or medium width." To find out as such, you can "start by taking a single strand of hair and laying it flat on a table" and then define it as above.
What type of fine hair do you have?
Laura Elliott, head stylist and educator at Neäl & Wølf, the home of professional haircare specialists, comments: “The first step in creating the perfect haircare routine is to figure out your hair type, whether this is coarse curly hair or fine straight hair, knowing this is key to achieving happy and healthy tresses and ensuring you’re using the right products such as a shampoo for curly hair, etc.” Check out the Hair Habituals table below, to discover what type of fine hair you have. You can of course use their products, or the products listed above or online that fit into the same descriptors.
What's the best haircare routine for fine hair?
Laura continues “There are a lot of misconceptions about fine and thin hair, most believe they are the same hair type but this is wrong. Fine hair refers to the hair strands themselves and thin hair refers to the density. The good thing is the perfect haircare routine for both hair types stays the same.
"The main goal when caring for thin or fine hair is to nourish strands, limit damage and add volume.” If you need a shampoo for damaged hair, don't be afraid to purchase one and get started on your healing journey.
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To add oomph to your hair, incorporate a volumising shampoo into your routine that’s formulated with hair-strengthening ingredients to give extra body and shine to fine tresses (see our guide above to the best shampoos for fine hair!)
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Follow with a lightweight conditioner. Fine hair is prone to tangling easily so adding in a moisturising conditioner will help hydrate and make brushing easier. If you still struggle with knotty hair try Neäl & Wølf’s Miracle Rapid Blow Dry Mist to help reduce frizz and static when drying.
Ruby Barry is a Product Writer for heat, specialising in fashion and beauty. The team has nicknamed her “dupe queen”, as there’s not a product in the world she can’t find a cheaper alternative for.