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Finding the best volumizing shampoo can feel like a Goldilocks mission: too heavy, and you end up with flat, weighed-down hair. Too clarifying? You’ve got a dry scalp to deal with (cue the scalp treatment). Volumizing shampoos, however, can hit that sweet spot, delivering bounce, body, and nourishment without adding time to wash day.
At first glance, volumizing shampoos sound straightforward: “Volumizing shampoos offer the temporary effect of boosting lift and creating more volume,” says Jennifer Nast, a senior stylist at Sharon Dorram at Sally Hershberger Salon in New York City. But there’s actually a whole science behind giving your roots that perfect lift.
It’s not just about making hair look fuller—it’s about striking the right balance in the formula: They need to be lightweight enough to add volume, but also moisturizing enough to keep hair shiny; they should clarify your scalp of buildup, but also leave enough natural oils to maintain a healthy balance. On top of that, they have to avoid a whole host of ingredients like “sulfates and alcohol that can cause dryness and buildup, which make fine hair feel greasy,” according to Fabrice Gili, stylist and founder of Maison 77 in New York City.
Our Top Volumizing Shampoos
- Best Overall: Crown Affair The Volumizing Shampoo, $38
- Best Splurge: Oribe Shampoo for Magnificent Volume, $49
- Best for Color-Treated Hair: Living Proof Full Shampoo, $34
- Best for Textured Hair: Chéribé Hydrating Shampoo, $11
- Best for Thinning Hair: Kérastase Densifique Bain Densité Shampoo, $46
- Best Long-Lasting: Matrix High Amplify Volumizing Shampoo, $21
- Best for Oily Hair: R+Co Ingenious Thickening Shampoo, $49
- Best for Beachy Waves: Sachajuan Ocean Mist Volume Shampoo, $33
- Best for Frizz: Virtue Full Shampoo, $44
- Best for Curls: Davines Volu Shampoo, $37
- Best Scent: Ouai Fine Hair Shampoo, $32
That said, some volumizing formulas do include sulfates—because they’re excellent cleansers and can give that squeaky-clean lift at the roots. For those with very oily scalps or heavy product buildup, sulfates can help remove residue more effectively and prevent hair from falling flat. The trade-off is that they can be too harsh for dry or color-treated hair, which is why finding the right formula for your hair type is key. That makes it hard, but fortunately not impossible. Scroll ahead for our favorites.
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Best Overall: Crown Affair The Volumizing Shampoo
Crown Affair
The Volumizing Shampoo
Sephora
Violet Grey
Why we love it: Pop open Crown Affair’s Volumizing Shampoo and you’re hit with crisp notes of yuzu, green tea, bergamot, and sandalwood—a dreamy scent that’s inspired by the serene bathhouses of ’70s Japan. But it’s more than just a pretty-smelling shampoo: This lightweight gel gently cleanses with coconut-derived surfactants, lifting away buildup without stripping. Rice protein strengthens and plumps fine or flat strands, while tsubaki and meadowfoam seed oils deliver airy hydration that won’t weigh hair down. Color-safe and sulfate-free, it leaves hair soft, full of body, and turns an everyday wash into a mindful ritual.
Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffman before using the Crown Affair The Volumizing Shampoo
Sarah Hoffmann
Hoffman after using the Crown Affair The Volumizing Shampoo
Sarah Hoffmann
Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann
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“Crown Affair's shampoos are elite. I love the hydrating formula in the colder months, but during the summer I've been reaching for the volumizing version to tackle the buildup that comes with the near-constant sweatiness that NYC summer causes. I adore how clean my hair feels when I use this shampoo, and I really notice a difference in volume around my scalp and crown (get it?) after washing. My hair just feels springier and more free to curl out, which always makes me happy.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: tsubaki meadows, rice protein, coconut surfactants
- Fragrance-free: no
- Sulfate-free: yes
- Who it’s for: people with flat, limp hair that’s prone to breakage
Best Splurge: Oribe Shampoo for Magnificent Volume
Oribe
Shampoo for Magnificent Volume
Amazon
Nordstrom
Dermstore
Why we love it: If you're dreaming of hair that looks like one of those before-and-after photo moments, you must get your hands on the Oribe Magnificent Volume Shampoo. This Allure editor-favorite brand is all about giving your hair that million-bucks feeling, and this specific formula is next-level. “It uses a polymer blend to plump up the hair shaft for tons of body," Cody Renegar, a hairstylist in Los Angeles, previously shared with Allure. “I also like that it uses coconut and sugar as cleansers and natural exfoliants for the scalp to easily remove buildup without weighing down your hair.” It’s packed with a high-tech polymer blend that gives every strand some serious lift, plus lupine protein and saw palmetto extract to keep your scalp happy and balanced. And we can’t forget about the signature Oribe scent—a woody and floral fragrance inspired by Côte d’Azur—that makes people think you get a salon blowout on the regular.
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee before using the Oribe Shampoo for Magnificent Volume
Christa Joanna Lee
Lee after using the Oribe Shampoo for Magnificent Volume
Christa Joanna Lee
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“If I could have an endless supply of one hair product, this might be it. I have pretty long, thick hair (though it used to be even thicker before I had kids—maybe I’m still chasing that fullness?), and the length makes it feel so weighed down. This shampoo brings the life and bounce back like nothing else.” —Christa Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: polymer blend, lupine protein, saw palmetto extract
- Fragrance-free: no
- Sulfate-free: yes
- Who it’s for: people with fine, flat, or dry hair
Best for Color-Treated Hair: Living Proof Full Shampoo
Living Proof
Full Shampoo
Amazon
Nordstrom
Why we love it: We’re pretty obsessed with all things Living Proof, so we’re not shocked that the Full Shampoo has become a permanent part of our shower shelf. "The formula is so gentle,” says Nast. But it still gives your scalp a deep clean with a satisfying lather and effortlessly removes all that styling product buildup we’ve all been guilty of overdoing (oops). The amino acid formula leaves your hair feeling super fresh, doesn’t strip moisture, and gives it major volume, which is the trifecta for fine hair. Part of the secret sauce is amaranth, which plumps up each strand and thickens the fibers, plus phytantriol to preserve color-treated hair and protect it from heat damage.
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han before using the Living Proof Full Shampoo
Sarah Han
Han after using the Living Proof Full Shampoo
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“I’m usually not picky with my shampoos, but with my bleached-pink hair, I’ve been zoned in on sulfate-free formulas. My scalp feels so refreshed after using the Full Shampoo and Conditioner duo and my hair feels light-as-air, rather than weighed down, as if there’s still residue or grease I missed. The difference in volume isn’t dramatic (temper your expectations, folks) but I do notice a little zhuzh in that department. As for color, I inevitably lose a little per wash—especially since I double-shampoo—but I make it up with a Korean color-depositing shampoo every other wash to refresh my pink. All in all, I’ll keep on reaching for Full as long as my hair is colored—and maybe then some.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: peptides, phytantriol, amino acids
- Fragrance-free: no
- Sulfate-free: yes
- Who it’s for: people with fine, flat hair that’s color-treated
Best for Textured Hair: Chéribé Hydrating Shampoo
Chéribé
Hydrating Shampoo
Amazon
Why we love it: There’s nothing like a lack of moisture to zap the volume right out of curls and coils. “Textured hair looking for volume often needs hydration first, and Chéribé Hydrating Shampoo delivers on both fronts,” says Annagjid “Kee” Taylor, a stylist based in Philadelphia. At the core of every Chéribé product is the Chébé Complex, a concentrated extract of heirloom chébé seeds grown on the founder’s family farm in Chad, Africa. “This complex works to strengthen, condition, and reduce breakage. It also has prebiotics that support a healthy scalp—the foundation for fuller, more voluminous styles. It’s a good choice for curls, coils, and waves that need bounce without frizz,” she says.
Editor's tip
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Pro-vitamin B5 and sunflower seed oil add lightweight moisture and shine, smoothing the cuticle so curls hold their shape and volume instead of falling flat. If you’re the type who likes to wash your hair daily, it hydrates without weighing hair down.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: prebiotics, chébé seed extract, pro-vitamin B5, sunflower seed oil
- Fragrance-free: no
- Sulfate-free: yes
- Who it’s for: people with textured or curly hair
Best for Thinning Hair: Kérastase Densifique Bain Densité Shampoo
Kérastase
Densifique Bain Densité Shampoo
Amazon
Sephora
Why we love it: Whether your hair’s thinning from stress, aging, or it’s just how your hair naturally is (sigh), the right shampoo can help boost volume and strengthen strands. Kérastase Densifique Densité Shampoo contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid (yep, just like in your skin care) to plump and hydrate hair, giving it a fuller look. Another hero ingredient is Intra-cylane, a molecule that fills in surface gaps to thicken each hair follicle from the inside out. Just like you’d double cleanse your face, “you can repeat your lather a second time for maximum results,” says Raven Hurtado, Chicago-based stylist at Maxine Salon. The experience of the lather is pure luxury: It quickly foams up while coating every strand with a rich, silky feel.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, intra-cylane, ceramides
- Fragrance-free: no
- Sulfate-free: no (contains sodium laureth sulfate)
- Who it’s for: people with fine, thinning hair or scalp buildup
Best Long-Lasting: Matrix High Amplify Volumizing Shampoo
Matrix
High Amplify Volumizing Shampoo
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: It’s one thing to get that big, bouncy lift right after blow-drying, but making it last all day? That’s where Matrix High Amplify Volumizing Shampoo shines. “For medium to fine hair that tends to fall flat, this formula helps build lift that lasts,” says Taylor. Moisture-locking panthenol cleanses without stripping your strands, plus “wheat proteins to strengthen and add structure, which helps hair maintain volume throughout the day,” she says. And because it skips heavy ingredients like silicones and heavy oils, it leaves hair smooth, touchable, and full of movement.
Editor's tip
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Yes, this shampoo contains sulfates, but depending on your hair type and concerns, that can actually be a plus if you have fine or flat hair that tends to lose volume quickly. Sulfates like sodium laureth sulfate help clear away oil and buildup, leaving a super-clean slate that allows roots to lift.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hydrolyzed wheat protein, pro-vitamin B5
- Fragrance-free: no
- Sulfate-free: no (contains sodium laureth sulfate)
- Who it’s for: people with fine to medium hair types who want lasting volume
Best for Oily Hair: R+Co Ingenious Thickening Shampoo
R+Co
Ingenious Thickening Shampoo
Amazon
Dermstore
Why we love it: Unlike your average shampoo, R+Co Bleu formulas are built like treatments as they’re packed with ingredients that go beyond just removing oil and buildup. Ingenious Thickening Shampoo uses the line’s proprietary Bleu Molecule Complex to strengthen and boost shine while cleansing. Vegetable protein helps reinforce limp strands so they look thicker and fuller, and kelp extract fortifies fine hair for long-lasting lift. The payoff: “It smells amazing and leaves the hair feeling clean, bouncy, and touchable,” says Adam Campbell, a hairstylist in Los Angeles.
Editor's tip
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Despite its big lather, it’s actually sulfate-free. Instead of harsh SLS or SLES, it uses gentler coconut-derived cleansers (like sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate) that lift oil and buildup without stripping.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: Bleu Molecule Complex, vegetable protein, kelp extract
- Fragrance-free: no
- Sulfate-free: yes
- Who it’s for: people with fine or limp hair
Best for Beachy Waves: Sachajuan Ocean Mist Volume Shampoo
Sachajuan
Ocean Mist Volume Shampoo
Amazon
Dermstore
Why we love it: You always hear about “just-back-from-the-beach” hair, but while those effortless waves are gorgeous, the reality is usually sunscreen residue, sweat, and a little sand clinging to your scalp. Sachajuan Ocean Mist Volume Shampoo gives you everything you love about beachy texture without any of the grit. Formulated with the brand’s signature Ocean Silk Technology (a blend of marine algae extracts), it gently cleanses while adding soft, tousled volume and airy lift. “It’s light, fresh, and great for fine or flat hair that needs a little texture and the bounciest movement,” says Campbell.
Editor's tip
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It has a fresh, ocean-inspired scent that will take you back to the beach—even in your shower.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hydrolyzed wheat protein, red algae, glycerin
- Fragrance-free: no
- Sulfate-free: no (contains sodium laureth sulfate)
- Who it’s for: people who want slight texture
Best for Frizz: Virtue Full Shampoo
Virtue
Full Shampoo
Amazon
Nordstrom
Dermstore
Why we love it: Flat at the roots but frizzing out everywhere else? Virtue Full Shampoo handles both at once. This Allure Best of Beauty Award winner not only gives fine, limp strands a little lift, but it also helps smooth and strengthen them over time. “It’s one of my favorites because it’s so lightweight yet really improves the health of your hair,” says Nast. Artichoke leaf extract, loaded with lipids and proteins to seal in nutrients and fortify hair, plus soybean-derived phospholipids that block humidity so your shine lasts and keeps frizz in check.
Editor's tip
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“A common mistake people make is not fully rinsing out the shampoo from their scalp, which could weigh hair down,” says Gili.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: phospholipids, pink pomelo, artichoke leaf
- Fragrance-free: no
- Sulfate-free: yes
- Who it’s for: people with fine, flat hair that breaks easily
Best for Curls: Davines Volu Shampoo
Davines
Volu Shampoo
Amazon
Nordstrom
Why we love it: One of Gili’s top picks for fine-haired clients is the Davines Volu Shampoo. “Sulfate-free shampoos like this one are perfect for those dealing with breakage, and it’s super moisturizing without weighing down fine hair,” Gili explains. The star ingredient is Italian turnip extract, which helps lift hair from the roots for that enviable volume. “Caprauna turnip extract adds even more body and volume with many added vitamins such as A, B, and C, maintaining the health of the hair,” he says. It also contains humectants that help retain moisture, which is especially important for fine hair that tends to get brittle.
Editor's tip
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To give your roots maximum lift, "volumizing shampoo works best when hair is gently towel-dried and then blow-dried for full effect," says Gili. The heat helps activate the volumizing ingredients, giving you that extra height and bounce you're after.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: turnip extract, pro-vitamin B5, sodium PCA
- Fragrance-free: no
- Sulfate-free: yes
- Who it’s for: people with fine waves or curls
Best Scent: Ouai Fine Hair Shampoo
Ouai
Fine Hair Shampoo
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Revolve
Why we love it: Ouai Fine Hair Shampoo transforms your hair from flat and limp to full-on bouncy. No surprise there—after all, founder Jen Atkin has styled practically every A-lister with to-die-for volume. Packed with biotin and keratin to strengthen and chia seed oil to keep hair ridiculously soft, this shampoo is the real deal and is safe for color-treated hair. “This shampoo strengthens hair, reduces frizz, and adds body,” Cardenas previously shared with Allure. “Plus, it has the most beautiful citrusy scent—think Italian lemon, orange, and jasmine."
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When following with volumizing conditioner, “avoid applying it to your roots as this will weigh down your hair and make it flat,” says Nast.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: biotin, chia seed oil, hydrolyzed keratin
- Fragrance-free: no
- Sulfate-free: yes
- Who it’s for: people with fine or thinning hair
Frequently Asked Questions
Do volumizing shampoos really work?
Yes, volumizing shampoos can definitely help boost your hair’s volume, but it depends on the formula, your hair type, and your lifestyle. They’re designed to cleanse without weighing your hair down, using ingredients like polymers to make strands look thicker and proteins to add some strength. “Unfortunately, there are no long-term benefits for volumizing shampoo, being that each scalp is different," says Gili. “However, the product can create ‘memory’ that can help the body of the hair to last a certain amount of time.”
They might not be a total game-changer for super-fine hair, but you’ll notice more lift, especially if you blow-dry afterward. Just don’t forget to follow up with a lightweight conditioner to keep your hair soft without losing that extra bounce.
What is the best product for volumizing hair?
When it comes to boosting volume, several hairstyling products can give your hair that extra lift after you’re done in the shower. Volumizing mousses are a great starting point “as lightweight polymers coat the hair, expanding each strand and providing lift from the roots,” says Nast.
Root lifting sprays are another go-to, especially for the crown of your head. “They normally have lightweight polymers to give a strong hold at the roots,” she says. For a more textured, tousled vibe, try a texture spray. “They will add grit to your hair by adding friction between hair strands, which helps create the illusion of thicker hair,” says Nast.
How can I make fine, thin hair look thicker?
If you want to give fine hair a thicker, fuller look, start with a good volumizing shampoo and conditioner to add body without making your hair feel heavy. “Volumizing shampoos work by removing oil and buildup that weigh hair down,” explains Nast. "They often contain proteins to plump the hair and polymers that coat each strand for extra thickness." Blow-drying with a round brush is a game-changer for lifting roots, especially if you add a volumizing mousse or spray beforehand.
Dry shampoo is also your secret weapon for adding a quick blast of texture and volume to your roots. But “avoid using too much product as this can actually have the opposite effect and weigh your hair down,” says Nast. A layered haircut can create the illusion of fuller hair, and using thickening or texturizing sprays will help give it that plumped-up look. For instant thickness, clip-in extensions are always an option, and don’t forget to keep your scalp healthy for better hair growth.
Is volumizing shampoo bad for hair?
Volumizing shampoo isn’t necessarily “bad” for your hair, but how you use it matters. These formulas can be great for adding body and texture, especially for fine or flat hair, but they can also lead to buildup and dryness. “Most volumizing shampoos build up in the hair over time,” says Matt Rez, a colorist based in Los Angeles. “Although the goal is to thicken each strand at the root, hair may initially feel thicker to the touch, but with repeated use, buildup can weigh it down—leading to less volume in the long run.” This happens because those thickening ingredients aren’t just staying at your roots—they trickle down the length of your hair as you rinse. Instead of keeping your hair light and voluminous, they can weigh it down, making it feel flat and heavy instead of full and bouncy.
Volumizing shampoos might also be drying, especially if they contain sulfates, which strip natural oils from the hair and scalp. “To mitigate these effects, opt for sulfate-free shampoos with added moisturizing ingredients like argan oil, jojoba oil, or green tea extract,” says Guillaume Boucher, a stylist at Jenna Perry Hair Studio in New York City. Additionally, while volumizing shampoos work well for fine or limp hair, they may not be the best choice for curly, coarse, or dry hair, which typically requires more moisture.
The key to using volumizing shampoo effectively is moderation. “Used occasionally, volumizing shampoos may help with volume—but overuse will cause a problem,” says Rez. To prevent buildup, incorporate a clarifying shampoo every one or two weeks (or more, depending on how often you use styling products) to remove residue. Ultimately, volumizing shampoos can be helpful, but balancing them with clarifying washes and lightweight, sulfate-free options will keep your hair full, fresh, and healthy in the long run.
Meet the experts
- Guillaume Boucher, a stylist at Jenna Perry Hair Studio in New York City
- Adam Campbell, a hairstylist in Los Angeles
- Jae Manuel Cardenas, a senior stylist at Sally Hershberger NoMad in New York City
- Fabrice Gili, stylist, founder, and owner of Maison 77 in New York City
- Raven Hurtado, a stylist at Maxine Salon, based in Chicago
- Jennifer Nast, a senior stylist at Sharon Dorram at Sally Hershberger Salon in New York City
- Cody Renegar, a hairstylist in Los Angeles
- Matt Rez, a colorist based in Los Angeles
- Annagjid “Kee” Taylor, a stylist and founder of Deeper Than Hair Salon, based in Philadelphia
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While there are certainly products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are created in order to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn't want to pick up a purple shampoo that's only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that's never been tested by anyone with curls—right?
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For our review of the best volumizing shampoos, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and hair stylists—many of who want thicker, fuller-looking har. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture and experience, fragrance, and packaging. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
