I have been on a lifelong search for the best shampoo for fine hair. It is something that I’ve struggled to find as long as I can remember. The perfect shampoo should leave hair looking fuller and healthier, and yet should not feel heavy or leave locks looking flat or limp. The right formula will offer weightless volume, while strengthening the strands for a long-lasting lift. Is that too much to ask? Well, actually no.
Vogue’s top shampoos for fine hair at a glance:
My hunt for a strand-boosting shampoo to not only clean my hair but ensure it is sleek and smooth has brought me to some incredibly effective, hard-working formulas that have transformed the first step in my hair-wash routine, and turned what was once a perplexingly flat mane into perfectly polished tresses.
The technology in shampoos has evolved to such a point where there is a wealth of bond-building, volumising and botanical-based heroes that are feather-light in their consistency and yet provide bounce to elevate fine hair and give us the fuller appearance and resilience that we so strive for. Best of all, the sensorial aspect makes us relish the bi-weekly refresh, imbuing our strands with delightful fragrance with lasting power.
“Look for shampoos containing panthenol (vitamin B5), amino acids, hydrolysed proteins, or biotin,” explains Dr Munir Somji, a specialist in male and female hair restoration. “And avoid sulphates, heavy silicones, heavy oils and very rich creams.”
Scroll on for the Vogue-approved shampoos for fine hair, tried and tested, as well as the answers to our burning questions from the hair expert to decode what fine hair types should be looking for, avoiding and the all-important question of how frequently to wash our delicate strands.
- Jump to the product reviews
- What ingredients should I look for in a shampoo for fine hair?
- Should I avoid silicones in shampoo if I have fine hair?
- How often should fine hair types wash their hair?
- Can shampoos for fine hair also help with thinning?
- Should I use clarifying shampoos if I have fine hair?
- Does biotin help make fine hair thicker?
- Are protein-based shampoos good for fine hair?
- What are the signs a shampoo isn’t suitable for fine hair?
- Meet the expert
Leonor Greyl Bain Volumateur aux Algues
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Parisian haircare label Leonor Greyl uses predominantly natural ingredients to formulate its strand-supporting shampoos. Designed to tackle common concerns, the Bain Volumateur aux Algues is made for those with long, thin and limp hair to bring volume and bounce. So nourishing is its combination that the brand suggests you need not follow with conditioner, which can weigh down thinner locks. Hair is shiny and smooth, while the scent gives it a luxurious feel. I cut the bottle in half at the end to make sure I didn’t miss a single drop.
- Key ingredients: Alaria seaweed extract, brown seaweed extract, spiruline extract and wheat protein extract
- Best for: Luxury experience
- Size: 200ml
Chāmpo Pitta Volumising Shampoo
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Known most of all for its Pitta growth products, this shampoo from Chāmpo is part of the same collection as the viral hair growth serum, offering support for fine strands. It has been boosted with predominantly naturally derived ingredients to bring resilience to fine or thinning locks. You really don’t need a huge amount of product either, meaning it lasts an age. The results? Smooth, shiny locks and minimal flyaways.
- Key ingredients: Haritaki fruit and coconut oil
- Best for: Shine
- Size: 260ml
Hair Gain Hydrating Shampoo
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Hair Gain’s newly launched shampoo and conditioner collection took me by surprise. I have long been a fan of the brand’s hair vitamins, particularly the gummies which make for a tasty afternoon snack. But great supplements don’t always translate to great products. With the Hydrating duo, however, I cannot stop running my fingers through my lengths – they’re just so soft. This is down to the infusion of peptides and vitamins that leave hair with a healthy sheen. What’s more, there’s a pleasant but not overpowering sage and driftwood aroma.
- Key ingredients: Peptides, vitamins and marshmallow root
- Best for: Silky feel
- Size: 250ml
Olaplex No.4 and No.5 Fine Shampoo and Conditioner
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Fine hair types like myself may have been tempted by the promise of Olaplex. The brand is one of the bestselling haircare brands on the market for its advanced, patented technology that helps rebuild the bonds broken by the likes of chemical, thermal and environmental damage. That being said, I would use the original No.4 and find my hair didn’t feel that clean or soft after use. Enter the dedicated Fine formula that has a lightweight feel to boost hydration and strength of thinner strands. My hair feels fuller and more resilient.
- Key ingredients: Bond Building Technology
- Best for: Bond-building
- Size: 250ml
Davines VOLU Shampoo
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Shedding its IYKYK status, Davines is no longer the best-kept secret from the pros – and it is no surprise why. The Italian family behind the label have created high-performance haircare that is no longer reserved for just the in-salon experience. I have used VOLU for a while now and I keep refilling my supply for its root-boosting volume, even while remaining lightweight in feel. It’s incredibly hydrating and nourishing too.
- Key ingredients: Italian SLOW FOOD Presidia
- Best for: Pro favourite
- Size: 250ml
Kat Burki Bio-Ferment Renewing Shampoo
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Enriched with a cocktail of buzzy ingredients (from rice water to peptides), Kat Burki’s haircare offering is science-backed to support scalp health and thus create the optimal environment for growth and strength. There is soy protein for repairing and strengthening, copper peptides to stimulate keratin production – aka the protein that fortifies and minimises frizz – and an interesting combination of Pro-B vitamins for fullness and plant stem cells for follicle rejuvenation. This is science-y stuff and the results are immediate; healthy, shiny strands.
- Key ingredients: Pro-B Vitamin complex, fermented rice water and copper peptides
- Best for: Healthy scalp
- Size: 250ml
Living Proof Full Shampoo
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: It was scent of Living Proof’s Full shampoo that first drew me in, an aroma that the haircare brand’s fan base will be well familiar with as it is featured across the collection. While infusing the signature scent into the strands, it also calls upon a trademarked technology known as Sili-CLONE. This works to encouarge radiance and shine through a thorough cleansing process, ridding your stressed out locks from the dullness causing build-up.
- Key ingredients: Sili-CLONE HairTech
- Best for: Volume
- Size: 236ml
Viviscal Thickening Shampoo For Women
- Why we love it: What drew me into the Viviscal shampoo and conditioner was the long-lasting aroma, but beyond simply the scent, there is a greater lasting impact too. A powerhouse concoction of hair-strengthening and growth-inducing ingredients, the formula includes biotin, keratin, marine collagen and seaweed extract, a quad that any person looking for a thicker, fuller mane will be very familiar with.
- Key ingredients: Biotin, keratin, marine collagen and seaweed extract
- Best for: Fuller hair
- Size: 250ml
FAQs
What ingredients should I look for in a shampoo for fine hair?
Fine hair types have to adhere to a fine balance; we want nourishment but not at the expense of weighing down our precious strands. Dr Somji recommends “Looking for lightweight, volumising or strengthening formulas that give body without heaviness.” He spotlights the following, “Humectants and hair-friendly nutrients such as panthenol (vitamin B5), amino acids, hydrolysed proteins, or biotin can help add strength and some extra fullness. Try to avoid heavy silicones, heavy oils or very rich creams; these can weigh fine strands down and make them look flat and limp rather than full. Avoid harsh sulphates too, as these can strip natural oils and leave fine hair brittle. Alongside this, considering improving your scalp and hair follicle health and quality. PRP and polynucleotide treatments can help as can exosome and stem cell topical treatments.”
Should I avoid silicones in shampoo if I have fine hair?
As previously mentioned, the expert says to “steer clear of heavy silicone-based shampoos and conditioners if your hair is fine because, whilst silicones provide smoothing and shine, they build up over time and can weigh down delicate strands.”
How often should people with fine hair wash our hair?
“This depends on the person and their lifestyle, as everyone’s hair and scalp are different,” explains Dr Somji. “It is preferable not to wash your hair every day as this can strip the natural oils from your hair and actually make it oily; however, if your scalp is oily, washing more frequently may be necessary. If it’s dry or normal, many people with fine hair benefit from less frequent washing, as over-washing can strip natural oils and damage delicate hair and compromise follicles.”
Can shampoos for fine hair also help with thinning?
While only remaining on your hair for a very short time, Dr Somji tells us, “Shampoos formulated for fine or thinning hair can help support hair health and add volume, but their effect on real thinning is limited. Most ‘volumising’ shampoos work by coating the hair shaft or by improving moisture and shaft strength, which makes hair look fuller and less fragile.”
That being said, he flags, “If underlying hair loss or thinning is due to hormonal change, genetics, or scalp health issues, shampoo alone is unlikely to reverse it, but using a gentle, supportive formula can still help hair look its best while you seek additional solutions.”
Should I use clarifying shampoos if I have fine hair?
In modernation, stresses the expert. “Gentle clarifying shampoo can be useful occasionally (monthly, or when you use lots of styling products) to remove product build-up or oil that might be weighing hair down.” Yet, he stresses, “Frequent use can strip natural oils and leave fine hair dry, brittle or limp.”
Does biotin help make fine hair thicker?
“Yes, oral biotin or a biotin-enriched shampoo can help hair feel stronger and look fuller, especially if combined with good scalp health, a healthy diet, and appropriate care,” confirms Dr Somji. “But evaluate if hair thinning or shedding is due to an underlying medical issue.”
Are protein-based shampoos good for fine hair?
Protein-based shampoos are worth looking out for. Dr Somji reveals, “They can help strengthen the hair shaft, improve elasticity, and slightly boost volume without excessive weight.” Although, moderation is emphasised. “It is important not to overuse protein shampoos as they can damage the hair and make it feel stiff or cause buildup. It is important to check that the shampoo claims are substantiated and supported by studies and clinical data.”
What are the signs a shampoo isn’t suitable for fine hair?
“There are different signs and indications that a shampoo isn’t suitable for fine hair, and it is important to recognise that a shampoo is to clean the hair and scalp,” says Dr Somji. He highlights the below:
- “If your hair feels flat, heavy or limp soon after washing or drying.
- You notice rapid oiliness, scalp buildup, or lack of volume.
- Hair becomes brittle, dry, or prone to breakage
- Roots go flat quickly after styling, or hair lacks bounce and movement.”
The expert concludes, stating that if you notice any of the above, “It’s worth switching to a lighter, silicone-free, volumising or strengthening formula.”
Meet the expert
- Dr Munir Somji is an industry expert in aesthetic medicine, overseeing all medical training at DrMediSpa. He is also an expert in both female and male hair restoration and one of the UK’s leading hair transplant surgeons.