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We've tried an endless number of shampoos to bring you the *very* best for fine hair

Thin hair? These will help!

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Getting thicker locks is no easy task; as a full-time member of the 'fine hair club', I've tried almost every solution out there in an attempt to boost my strands. From hair extensions to beauty supplements, I've been there, done that, got the T-shirt! Though, one lesson I've learnt? Starting with the best shampoo for your hair type is important. If you spend time picking the right formula, your strands (and scalp) will thank you for it.

But shampoo shopping isn't simple. So many formulas are packed with heavy silicones that weigh down roots and leave hair looking greasy after just a few hours. Not good. I mean, I want a shampoo that cleanses my hair, gives a shine boost, adds thickness, and doesn't (under any circumstances) weigh down my fine roots with heavy residues!

From Philip Kingsley's Body Building Shampoo, that has been developed by world-renowned Trichologists to give you a healthier scalp (and healthier strands), to Pureology's sulphate-free, vegan volumising shampoo, which is packed with good-for-your-hair ingredients to help fortify and strengthen fine locks, there's a volumising shampoo for everyone!

A sneak peek at some of our faves

Now, as part of my mission to find a formula that does it all, I decided to test out the UK's most popular shampoos for fine hair, to see which work, and which don't...


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1

FABLE & MANE Volumizing Shampoo 250ml

Editor’s Choice
Volumizing Shampoo 250ml
Credit: Courtesy of brand

Fable & Mane are, IMO, underrated AF in the hair world... just sayin'. And what brings me to share such passion is their latest launch, the Volumizing Shampoo.

Perhaps my favourite shampoo to date, this formula not only smells divine but effortlessly adds body and volume to my super fine strands. And yes, it is spenny in comparison to its drugstore counterparts but guys, trust me, it's worth every penny!

If, like me, you're constantly adding volumising mousses, texturising sprays and products alike into your tresses (which can leave your hair feeling heavy with build-up), then this shampoo is your sign to ditch all the fuss. It skips the hassle (and £££) of using post-cleanse products by refreshing, volumising and softening locks all in one simple shower step. Lazy girls, unite.

Top tip: Pair it with the Volumizing Conditioner for optimal results.

2

Kiehl's Rice and Wheat Volumizing Shampoo

Rice and Wheat Volumizing Shampoo
Credit: Courtesy of brand

Kiehl's clever shampoo formula manages to cleanse roots effectively, without leaving fine hair looking limp or flat.

I found the gentle formula to be lightweight, so there was never any heavy residue left behind that might start to weigh down my roots. Instead, it felt as if the protein-rich formula was adding strength to my hair and preventing breakage.

3

Kérastase Genesis Bain Hydra-Fortifiant Shampoo

Genesis Bain Hydra-Fortifiant Shampoo
Credit: Courtesy of brand

If you've noticed a little more hair loss than usual, you're not the only one. Yup, our collective obsession with heat styling has meant that most of us are suffering with weakened, breakage-prone strands - which can lead to locks feeling fine and limp.

Kerastase have responded to the demand for products that help protect against damage and hair loss, the formula reinforces the strands' fibre to reduce the risk of hair-fall (due to breakage). So if, like me, the idea of giving up your curling tongs fills your heart with dread, this shampoo is for you.

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4

Ogx Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Shampoo

On Sale
Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Shampoo
Now 47% Off
Credit: courtesy of brand

If you're on a budget (or just don't fancy dropping £££ on your shampoo) OGX is a brand you need to try.

The Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Shampoo contains Vitamin B7, Biotin, Collagen and Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, all of which help plump up fine strands.

5

Andrew Fitzsimons Body Volume Shampoo for Fine Hair with Caffeine, 250ml

On Sale
Body Volume Shampoo for Fine Hair with Caffeine, 250ml
Now 33% Off
Credit: courtesy of brand

No wonder this shampoo has racked up a ton of 5* reviews on Boots.com - the clever formula is packed with caffeine to help fine hair appear thicker.

Created by celebrity hair stylist, Andrew Fitzsimmons (the man behind some of the Kardashians' best hair looks), you can be sure this formula is worthy of a spot on your shower shelfie.

6

Pure Volume Shampoo

On Sale
Pure Volume Shampoo
Now 20% Off
Credit: Courtesy of brand

I'm a BIG fan of Pureology shampoo and conditioners. When my hair is feeling dry I swear by the Hydrate Shampoo, but for everyday use I've really gotten into this volumising formula.

Tbh, I don't think any shampoo has the power to make hair grow thicker - but when my strands are healthy and hydrated, they tend to feel weightier. And that's exactly what Pureology's Volume Shampoo does.

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7

Body Building Weightless Shampoo

Body Building Weightless Shampoo
Credit: Courtesy of brand

Philip Kingsley is a world-renowned Trichologist clinic that's known for its expertise when it comes to healthier scalps and strands. Whether you're struggling with hair loss or thinning, the in-house experts give advice you can trust, and their products are just as highly-rated, trust me.

The Body Building Shampoo is packed with natural cellulose that plumped and thickened my fine hair, whilst keratin proteins helped my strands feel fuller and stronger.

8

Aveda Pure Abundance Volumizing Shampoo 250ml

Pure Abundance Volumizing Shampoo 250ml
Credit: Courtesy of brand

If you've ever cracked open a bottle of Aveda Shampoo, you know that the brand is famous for its incredible aromas. Each formula is packed with potent plant extracts that smell ah-mazing, and this one is no exception.

With organic acacia gum and peppermint, teamed with extracts of ylang ylang, palmarosa and jasmine it gave my hair bags of volume, all whilst smelling like a spa. Love.

9

Function of Beauty Straight Hair Shampoo 325ml

Straight Hair Shampoo 325ml
Credit: Courtesy of brand

You may have heard of Function of Beauty from the OG beauty YouTubers (ahh, mems) but now the brand has made it's way mainstream. And ofc, we ain't mad about it!

Rejecting the one-size-fits-all approach, FoB provide customisable formulas that are tailored to your hair type, structure and goals; the blue duo, in particular, being designed with straight hair in mind, gave a major dose of hydration and volume to my lacklustre locks.

Not only that but I also added my fave of their unique custom booster shots (read: 04 volumise) to whip up some extra body. Oh, and did I mention they smell delightful?!

Dolly Parton, eat ya heart out.

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10

Fine Hair Shampoo

Fine Hair Shampoo
Credit: Courtesy of brand

Formulated by celebrity hair stylist, Jen Atkin - who is known for tending the manes of everyone from Kim Kardashian to Hailey Bieber, I had high hopes for this shampoo. Not only does it smell in-cred-ible, but it gave my hair a weighty thickness after the first use. Yup, if you want to instantly feel like you've got twice as much hair, it's well worth giving a go.

11

John Frieda Volume Lift Lightweight Thickening Shampoo 250ml

Volume Lift Lightweight Thickening Shampoo 250ml
Credit: Courtesy of brand

Ok, the formula is pretty simple, but it does everything you'd expect of a shampoo - washes hair, leaves strands shiny, and gives roots a bit of extra oomph.

If you're on a budget and want a shampoo that'll cleanse fine hair (without weighing it down), give this a go.

12

Hairburst Shampoo for Longer Stronger Hair

Shampoo for Longer Stronger Hair
Credit: Hairburst

There are many factors to consider when picking out a shampoo but for those specifically seeking thick, voluminous-looking hair and more growth in the long term, we recommend paraben and silicone-free formulas.

The ingredient make up in Hairburst’s ‘For Longer Stronger Hair’ shampoo helps prevent hair loss and shedding in the shower, while still thoroughly cleansing (aka, getting rid’o that grease), ultimately, creating an optimum environment for better growth.

In other ~and simpler~ words, this means that it won’t clog up your scalp and strands (like silicone-based formulas typically do, leading to the prevention of new growth) but instead, let new follicles flourish and in the long term, resulting in thicker hair.

Having said that, controversially, my favourite thing about this shampoo is that it doesn’t have a strong potent scent; For some, this may be a downside but for those who love a hair perfume or lathering up on already-scented post-wash products *raises hand*, it’s a massive perk. Fleshing out the perfect routine is a science, folks.

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13

Green People Daily Aloe Shampoo 200ml

Daily Aloe Shampoo 200ml
Credit: Courtesy of brand

If you're prone to greasy roots, you'll love this. The aloe formula leaves hair feeling soft and purified, without stripping the strands or leaving them brittle.

After switching to this shampoo I noticed an overall difference in the health of my hair, the ends seemed less likely to snap off when brushing, I didn't notice as much frizz, and I feel like it even helped keep my oil-prone roots under control. No wonder Kate Moss is a fan.

14

ORIBE Shampoo for Magnificent Volume 250ml

Best Tested
Shampoo for Magnificent Volume 250ml
Credit: Courtesy of brand

OK, OK... while Oribe is a luxe brand sitting at the top end of our budgets *jangles spare change*, admittedly the formulas are incomparable. Plus the gorg packaging makes for the ultimate bathroom shelfie – a win is a win.

This product in particular does exactly what it says on the tin – or rather, bottle, – plumping, strengthening and fortifying hair from within. And it doesn't compensate on soft or shine, either!

Headshot of Victoria Jowett
Victoria Jowett
Beauty Director

 Victoria Jowett is an award-winning journalist and the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. She was named one of PPA’s 30 Under 30 for her work in beauty journalism and oversees the skincare, hair, makeup and fragrance content across all of Cosmopolitan’s platforms. She's worked in the beauty industry for over 13 years (and tested 1000s of products), making her an expert when it comes to recommending beauty brands that truly work. Having started her career working weekends on a makeup counter, Victoria began interning at the likes of AnOther and IDOL magazine, before landing her first Beauty Writer job at weekly fashion magazine, LOOK. Joining Cosmopolitan in 2016, Victoria has always remained a beauty fanatic and has been lucky enough to interview everyone from Britney Spears to Kourtney Kardashian about their beauty routines. Follow her on LinkedIn.

Headshot of Lia Mappoura
Lia Mappoura
Beauty Assistant

 Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Assistant at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from viral celebrity hair and makeup news to the latest trend predictions, she’s an expert in recognising the season’s next big beauty look (before it ends up all over your social media feeds). You’ll usually find her putting TikTok’s recent beauty hacks to the Hype Test, challenging the gender-makeup binary and social stereotypes, or fangirling over the time Kourtney Kardashian viewed her Instagram Story (yes, it’s true). Find her also on LinkedIn.

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