Along with my stubborn dark circles, having thin hair is my biggest beauty nuisance. While having thin hair certainly has its perks (hello, super-speedy drying time), I personally struggle to get any lift or life into my limp, thin strands—and that makes styling it very difficult. Whereas thicker hair tends to have natural volume, my thin strands require time-consuming styling.
Why time-consuming? Well, styling thin hair is no mean feat. Everything from hair spray to supposedly clever creams just seems to add weight, leaving things looking flat and limp in no time at all. As a result, I have spent many years trying to figure out ways to add lightweight volume to my thin hair without excessive use of styling products… or wasting an entire morning, for that matter.
Sure, opting for a complementary cut helps, but I have found that the most effective way of getting some volume and texture into thin hair is in the washing stage—more specifically, when shampooing. You see, opting for a shampoo that cleanses the roots and adds volume while it’s at it helps remove any need for excessive amounts of heavy styling product afterwards.
And getting your thin hair–appropriate shampoo right isn’t easy either. You’re looking for something that will provide a deep clean without stripping the scalp of vital moisture or inhibiting hair growth, while at the same time not providing too much extra nourishment so as to weigh the roots down. Luckily, I have dedicated a big portion of my adult life to finding the best shampoos for thin hair. So from budget buys to luxurious treats, keep scrolling for the 11 products I’d recommend.