We tried out the best shampoos on the market for fine hair (2025)

Sam McKnight, the legendary stylist behind Princess Diana's locks, knows a thing or two about hair – and his latest shampoo formula is A1 proof. Cool Girl Volume Cleanse is a scalp-friendly formulation that gently cleans hair without stripping or irritating. Volume-wise, you can expect bouncy and light strands that are equally as soft and shiny.

To note: The ingredients list is sulphate-free. Sulphates are sometimes used in voluminising shampoo formulas as they are drying, making fine hair feel denser and less limp. However, if you're after a volumising shampoo that doesn't compromise hair health, look no further.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

No wonder this shampoo has racked up a tonne 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 Fitzsimons (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.

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.

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!