Best Shampoo For Fine Hair

With its lightweight formula that doesn’t clog pores, this shampoo promotes hair growth. Our tester reported that after six months of use, her strands looked stronger and fuller.

When it comes to the best shampoo for fine hair, you want a volumizing formula that doesn’t dry out strands. We turned to trichologists and stylists for their input on which products work well with this hair type.

Sulfate-Free

Sulfates, detergents found in most shampoos, can zap natural oils from your scalp and strands and leave them feeling dry and limp. Sulfate-free products take a gentler approach to sloughing away grime, resulting in a smoother and healthier hair.

A sulfate-free shampoo will also help your color last longer, as sulfates can strip away dye and fade your locks over time. It’s important to note that sulfate-free shampoo is not as effective as the regular kind, so if you want the best results, you will need to pair it with a good conditioner.

This sulfate-free shampoo is formulated with hyaluronic acid to pull water into the hair for major hydration and vitamin B5 to nourish fragile strands. It’s ideal for fine hair because it’s lightweight and leaves a fresh, herbal fragrance behind.

No Parabens

Using shampoos with sulfates and other pesky ingredients can weigh down hair, especially fine strands that are less porous than other hair types and tend to become greasy more easily. Instead, opt for a gentle, clarifying shampoo that removes product build-up without stripping or drying your locks.

Look for formulas that contain volumizing ingredients like biotin, vitamin B5, polymers, hyaluronic acid and caffeine, says celebrity hairstylist Anthony Nader. He also recommends a lightweight conditioner with the same volumizing ingredients to help your hair look thicker.

If you’re looking for a best shampoo for fine hair more targeted solution to a particular issue, consider a clarifying shampoo that targets specific concerns like oily roots or dandruff. For example, this sulfate-free shampoo with aloe vera, vitamin C and citrus protein helps keep oil at bay and hydrates the scalp to prevent it from becoming dry or irritated.

Another good choice is this sulfate-free cleanser from Ouai, which uses cocamidopropyl betaine and other gentle cleansing agents to leave the hair with a soft scent and no residue. It’s a favorite of NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio and stylist Brooke Jordan, who says that the shampoo is color-safe, gently detangles and keeps her fine wavy hair feeling light and airy post-shower.

No Sulfates

Sulfates are a harsh ingredient in many traditional shampoos that create a rich lather. But for fine hair, they can be too harsh, stripping away natural oils and causing dryness and brittleness. Switching to a sulfate-free shampoo is the best way to avoid these issues.

Sulfate-free shampoos are gentle on the scalp and hair, reducing irritation and preserving natural oils. The best sulfate-free shampoos for fine hair are packed with nourishing ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil. They also contain antioxidants and vitamins that promote healthy strands.

If you struggle with dandruff, look for sulfate-free shampoos that contain zinc pyrithione and other anti-dandruff ingredients. This Jupiter’s Balancing Shampoo soothes irritated scalps, reduces itching and flaking, and restores luster and shine to your locks.

If you want to give your fine hair a volume boost, opt for sulfate-free shampoos with volumizing ingredients like polymers and proteins. This lightweight formula from Garnier Fructis contains vitamin B3 and B6, citrus protein, and aloe vera to keep your strands looking full and healthy.

No Silicones

A key ingredient to avoid for fine hair is silicones, which can cause buildup and make strands look flat or greasy. Instead, search for a shampoo that doesn’t contain this ingredient.

Similarly, it’s best to find a shampoo that’s free of oils and butters, as these can weigh down BONDING TREATMENT fine strands. Rather, opt for formulas that are lightweight and contain volumizing ingredients like aloe vera or hyaluronic acid.

The best sulfate-free shampoo for fine hair should also gently cleanse to help remove product and oil buildup. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid that helps lift excess oil, and tea tree and peppermint oils to stimulate your scalp’s hair follicles and promote growth.

The best volumizing shampoo for fine hair will nourish strands with shea and cocoa butters while avoiding sulfates, parabens, and phthalates. It also contains jojoba and avocado oils to help tame frizz while leaving your strands feeling soft and smelling fresh. And it’s completely cruelty-free, which is important for many consumers. It’s also available in a gentle mint scent.

No Artificial Fragrances

If you have a sensitive scalp or simply want to keep fragrance out of your hair, look for a shampoo that doesn’t contain artificial perfumes. The term “fragrance” can be a catch-all for thousands of chemicals, including possible carcinogens like phthalates, and companies aren’t required to disclose them. Instead, go for shampoos that use plant-derived perfumes or a blend of essential oils.

This fragrance-free shampoo from Seen is a great option for sensitive hair that’s color-safe. It contains plenty of plant-based ingredients, from avocado to black currant, palmarosa, ginkgo biloba and nettle, for a nourishing, healthy scalp. Plus, it’s sulfate-free and gentle enough for everyday use.

This shampoo is a great pick for those who struggle with dandruff and limp locks, thanks to the inclusion of anti-microbial pyrithione zinc. But the shampoo also aims to soothe the scalp and moisturize parched strands with shea butter, panthenol, and grapeseed extract. The result is hair that looks healthier, fuller and bounces better.