Beauty Hair Hair Products & Tools The 12 Best Volumizing Shampoos of 2023 That Will Give You Luscious, Bouncy Hair Living Proof Full Shampoo effectively cleanses the scalp, while also leaving hair soft, shiny, and bouncy. By Lauren Harano Lauren Harano Twitter Lauren has been a contributing writer for InStyle since August 2022 where she covers all things beauty—from the best lip glosses to hair care essentials. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on January 31, 2023 @ 01:24PM Pin Share Tweet Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews What to Keep in Mind Your Questions, Answered Why Shop With Us We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. InStyle / Reese Herrington Similar to the saying “abs are made in the kitchen,” voluminous hair is made in the shower. While mousses, blow-dry creams, texturizing sprays, powders, and other products can definitely give flat, lackluster strands a lift, the secret to full hair begins long before you dry off. Volumizing shampoos do the dirty work (literally), cleansing the scalp of pore-clogging oils, pesky product buildup, and other junk that can weigh down precious strands. They also work overtime, providing hair with hydration, moisture, and a glossy finish. However, finding the right shampoo is no easy feat. According to master hairstylist and founder of Yvey Salon, Yvey Valcin, “Beautiful, volumized hair starts by treating your hair right, knowing your texture, and using the right products.” To make your life easier (and to ensure your hair is being treated with care), we did the heavy lifting to find those right products, researching and analyzing the best volumizing shampoos for every hair type and texture. Whether you want to give your curls new life or amp up flat hair like never before, we found the best volumizing shampoos that can do all that and more. Overall, Living Proof Full Shampoo came out on top due to its ability to lift hair at the root and create undeniable volume that lasts for days on end. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Living Proof Full Shampoo at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: L'Oréal Paris EverPure Volume Shampoo at Walmart Jump to Review Best Splurge: Kérastase Bain Densité Shampoo at Amazon Jump to Review Best Drugstore: Pura d'or Professional Grade Biotin Shampoo at Target Jump to Review Best for Fine Hair: Kevin Murphy Plumping Wash at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Curly Hair: Aveda Be Curly Shampoo at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best for Color-Treated Hair: Rodan and Fields VOLUME Shampoo at Rodanandfields.com Jump to Review Best for Damaged Hair: leaf and flower CBD Instant Volume Shampoo at Leafandflower.com Jump to Review Best for Dry Hair: Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo at Sephora Jump to Review Best for Oily Hair: aveda pure abundance volumizing shampoo at Aveda.com Jump to Review Best Overall Living Proof Full Shampoo 4.5 Nordstrom View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Livingproof.com What We Love: This lightweight shampoo adds bounce to all hair types.What We Don’t Love: This shampoo can dry out hair if it’s used too often. If there’s one thing you need to know about me, it’s that I’m a diehard Living Proof fan. I love the brand’s volumizing products (like the Full Thickening Mousse and the Full Dry Volume and Texture Spray) because they both volumize hair without making it feel crunchy or weighed down. That’s why when I tried the Full Shampoo, I wasn’t at all surprised that it instantly became one of my go-tos. This lightweight shampoo effectively cleanses my scalp and seamlessly breaks down the buildup from my (sometimes excessive) use of dry shampoo and volumizing mousses. Aside from giving hair that just-washed feeling for up to four (!) days, this shampoo also adds a noticeable bounce to strands, which is extremely difficult to do for fine hair. The key ingredient in this product is amaranth, which plumps individual hairs and thickens fibers, making hair instantly look fuller after just one wash. Plus, it's made with phytantriol, which preserves hair color and helps reduce damage from hot styling tools. Essentially, this product offers the benefits of a shampoo, volumizing mousse, and heat protectant in one. Not to mention, it makes thin stands ultra-shiny and glossy. Just be sure to alternate between this and a hydrating shampoo, because too much usage can actually leave hair feeling a bit dry. Price at time of publish: $32 Size: 8 oz | Scent: Floral | Hair Type: Straight, wavy, curly, coily Best Budget L'Oréal Paris EverPure Volume Shampoo Ulta View On Walmart View On Ulta View On Beallsflorida.com What We Love: This shampoo is made with white lotus flower, which gently cleanses and boosts body.What We Don’t Love: The scent is uniquely floral, making it smell very perfume-like (it takes a certain type of nose to appreciate it). L’Oréal Paris continuously delivers salon-worthy results for a fraction of the cost. And though they have a variety of volumizing and thickening shampoos, the EverPure Volume Shampoo easily outperforms the rest to give limp and lackluster hair life again. Made with an innovative blend of lotus botanicals, it provides lasting volume, luminous shine, and impressive color protection — all without the inclusion of sulfates and parabens. Aside from providing effortless volume and manageability, this shampoo also cleanses the scalp without stripping it of its natural oils for under $10. Because of the white lotus in the formula, this shampoo smells uniquely floral, which won’t be pleasing to every nose. So if you tend to avoid floral fragrances, you probably won’t like this either. Price at time of publish: $9 Size: 8.5 oz | Scent: White lotus | Hair Type: Straight, wavy, curly, coily Best Splurge Kérastase Densifique Bain Densité Shampoo 5 Sephora View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Kerastase-usa.com What We Love: This shampoo is made with hyaluronic acid, which helps to strengthen and visibly thicken hair while also preventing future breakage.What We Don’t Love: This shampoo is not hydrating. “Kerastase Densifique Shampoo is great for those with thinner hair who want to add volume and shine,” says Helen Reavey, a board-certified trichologist and celebrity hairstylist (whose clients include Harry Styles, Amal Clooney, and Marisa Tomei). “It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid, gluco peptide, and ceramides, which work to prevent breakage, promote elasticity, and hydrate, while also strengthening the hair and adding volume.” Surprisingly, despite containing hyaluronic acid, it’s not the best at deeply hydrating hair, so be sure to use a deep conditioning mask after this to really keep hair moisturized. On top of making hair look and feel fuller, this product works overtime to cleanse the scalp and remove build-up that can often weigh down strands — all without stripping it of its essential oils. Plus, it provides hairstyles with more longevity since strands are lighter, stronger, and healthier overall. Not to mention, it comes in a super aesthetically pleasing bottle that’s sure to upgrade your shower shelf. Price at time of publish: $38 Size: 8.5 oz | Scent: Floral, amber | Hair Type: Straight, wavy, curly, coily Best Drugstore Pura d'or Professional Grade Biotin Shampoo Target View On Target What We Love: This hypoallergenic shampoo is formulated with biotin, which helps reduce hair thinning.What We Don’t Love: The addition of tea tree oil cleanses the scalp, but also has the potential for irritation. If there’s one thing we love, it’s a product that provides both short- and long-term results. This drugstore find does exactly that, thanks to the inclusion of biotin in the ingredient list. The shampoo works overtime to repair hair from the inside out, providing long-lasting results as well as an instantly shiny finish. Plus, the formula contains tea tree oil, which helps to deeply cleanse the scalp and rid it of oils and product build-up. (When your scalp isn’t weighed down due to oils and build-up, you can achieve noticeably more volume.) And, because tea tree oil can sometimes dry out hair, this shampoo also incorporates a dose of aloe vera, which locks moisture into each strand. The best part: It has a heavenly scent that will turn your shower into a relaxing oasis. Honestly, the only thing that would make this shampoo better was if it was sulfate-free — so you may want to avoid it if you regularly color your hair. Price at time of publish: $21 Size: 8 oz | Scent: Tea tree, rosemary, lemongrass, grapefruit, clary sage | Hair Type: Straight, wavy, curly, coily Best for Fine Hair Kevin Murphy Plumping Wash Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart What We Love: This thickening shampoo works to stimulate circulation in the scalp while also nourishing hair follicles.What We Don’t Love: The packaging needs some work — the bottle can be difficult to open, especially when hands are wet. “Over the years, I’ve been fortunately exposed to so many different product lines, but when it comes down to volumizing shampoos, I seek the ones that provide the most amount of texture to fine hair,” says Valcin. ”That’s why Kevin Murphy Plumping Wash Densifying Shampoo is the one I always recommend. I love using it on clients with fine textures — it doesn’t over-dry the hair because it has a conditioning agent that makes hair look healthy while still amplifying each strand.” Plus, the hydrating formula adds shine and softness to hair, making it both glossy and easy to manage. One thing that earns this shampoo a spot on this list is its ability to give hair noticeable bounce: It lifts at the roots while also adding texture to the tips, meaning your strands will look voluminous and full from the top to the bottom. And, it’s worth noting that this shampoo is free from sulfates and parabens — a major plus! Though we could sing never-ending praise for the formula, the packaging could use a redesign — the bottle can be extremely difficult to open, especially when hands are wet. Price at time of publish: $36 Size: 8.5 oz | Scent: Aloe vera, acacia berries | Hair Type: Straight, wavy, curly Best for Curly Hair Aveda Be Curly Shampoo Courtesy of Nordstrom View On Nordstrom View On Aveda.com View On Davidjones.com What We Love: This shampoo is made with a wheat protein and organic aloe blend that tames frizz and adds shine.What We Don’t Love: The citrus scent might be too strong for some people. “This shampoo is particularly effective at taming frizz and increasing shine on curly hair, thanks to a specific organic aloe blend ingredient,” says Los Angeles-based celebrity hairstylist, Luna Viola. And, as most people with curly hair know, taming frizz is no small feat. Luckily, this shampoo can take a challenge, due in part to its powerhouse ingredients, including wheat protein and the aforementioned organic aloe. These two ingredients do the dirty work, tapering down frizz and providing curls with a gorgeous, glossy sheen. Plus, this shampoo hydrates and nourishes strands, meaning you’ll notice long-lasting bounce and shine after every wash. For best results, use a conditioner with this shampoo so your curls are easier to brush out. It’s worth noting that while we find the citrus scent to be energizing, it may be polarizing for more sensitive noses. Price at time of publish: $28 Size: 8.5 oz | Scent: Citrus | Hair Type: Wavy, curly, coily The 10 Best Curly Hair Products To Create a Full, Frizz-Free Routine Best for Color-Treated Hair Rodan and Fields VOLUME Shampoo Rodan and Fields View On Rodanandfields.com What We Love: This sulfate-free shampoo adds body to hair, making it full and thick.What We Don’t Love: It's not made for thick or coily hair. "Honestly, I rarely see a difference in my hair when using a new shampoo, or if I do, it's only for the first few washes, and then my hair becomes too accustomed to it and falls flat (this is the struggle of having fine but thick hair),” says InStyle Commerce Editor Mary Honkus. “This was the first shampoo in a long time that made a significant difference in my hair from the first lather, and still manages to make my hair look bouncy, voluminous, and healthy five months later. As a bonus, it also provides color protection so my hair color stays vibrant for longer — another thing that's super important to me since I dye my hair every five weeks." In terms of color-treated hair, it’s important to use a shampoo that can both cleanse your strands while also shielding color from fading over time — and luckily, this Rodan & Fields find can do all that and more. The secret behind this product lies in its ability to balance the scalp’s moisture barrier (you can thank a unique blend of amino acids and rambutan seeds for this). This keeps the scalp healthy and nourished, while also adding a noticeable lift at the roots. We will point out that the brand only recommends this shampoo to people who have fine or medium straight, wavy, or curly hair (not thick or coily) so be sure to keep that in mind if you have a different hair type or texture. Price at time of publish: $44 Size: 8 oz | Scent: Nectarine, mandarin, honeysuckle, peony, amber, musk | Hair Type: Straight, wavy, curly Best for Damaged Hair leaf and flower CBD Instant Volume Shampoo Leaf and Flower View On Leafandflower.com What We Love: This color-safe sulfate-free shampoo strengthens hair follicles.What We Don’t Love: The shampoo can be hard to squeeze out of the bottle. As someone with thin, flat, color-treated hair, I know firsthand the struggle of finding a shampoo that effectively cleans hair while also giving it volume. Luckily, my stylist introduced me to LEAF + FLOWER, a clean brand that offers a range of CBD-infused hair care products. My favorite item from the line is undoubtedly the volumizing shampoo. The product lathers really well, so a little goes a long way. It gently and effectively cleans my scalp and leaves my hair feeling soft and silky. On top of that, it lifts my hair at the root, which has given my (very) flat front pieces new life. Plus, its formula contains what the brand calls a CBD Corrective Complex, which works to strengthen hair follicles and promote overall hair health. And, I’m not the only one who loves it. Hairstylist and colorist Cassandra Olivia also recommends this shampoo to her clients. “For damaged hair, you want to choose a volumizing shampoo that not only adds moisture to the hair, but also helps repair and protect the hair that you have, as well as promotes overall scalp health — which is exactly what this does,” she says. Price at time of publish: $40 Size: 12 oz | Scent: Fruity | Hair Type: Straight, wavy, curly Best for Dry Hair Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo Sephora View On Sephora What We Love: This shampoo gives all hair types and textures a little bit of oomph.What We Don’t Love: The fragrance can be a bit strong. If you have dry, frizzy hair, this hairstylist-loved shampoo is here to save your strands. Made with a nourishing blend of argan oil, which promotes smoothness, red algae, which protects hair cuticles against dryness, and vitamins A and E, which help strands retain moisture while also fighting the effects of hair aging, this shampoo delivers noticeable results to parched hair while also adding a bit of much need oomph. Additionally, this shampoo works to banish frizz by sealing moisture into hair strands and ultimately giving it a gorgeous, glossy sheen. We find the signature Moroccanoil scent to be intoxicating, but it's especially strong in this shampoo, so if you’re not a fan you may want to stay away. Price at time of publish: $26 Size: 8.5 oz | Scent: Spicy amber and sweet florals | Hair Type: Straight, wavy, curly, coil Best for Oily Hair aveda pure abundance volumizing shampoo Aveda View On Aveda.com What We Love: This shampoo adds body to hair thanks to the inclusion of texturizing acacia gum.What We Don’t Love: The shampoo works best when it’s paired with the Aveda Pure Abundance Conditioner. Aveda knows hair care, which is why their products never cease to impress us. The Pure Abundance Volumizing Shampoo is one of our favorites from the brand since it washes away dirt and grime while also proactively adding hydration and shine to strands. Plus, thanks to the inclusion of certified organic acacia gum from Africa, this shampoo actively makes hair look fuller, thicker, and more voluminous — which means you might even be able to lessen your hair care routine by nixing texturizing spray since this adds texture for you. “This builds the body [that oily hair lacks], while also removing any excess oil,” Valcin says. “My clients are wowed by the results they get from this! I like that it's very easy on the hair and smells quite nice, too.” While the results are impressive even when you don’t use the brand’s conditioner, you will get the best overall effect when the shampoo and conditioner are used in tandem. Price at time of publish: $28 Size: 8.5 oz | Scent: Fresh | Hair Type: Straight, wavy, curly, coily Best for Thinning Hair Nioxin System 2 Shampoo Cleanser Target View On Target What We Love: Infused with peppermint oil, this cleansing shampoo eliminates oil and dirt from the scalp.What We Don’t Love: Some people might not like how the peppermint oil tingles their scalp. If you ask us, drugstore hair care products are just as worthy of praise as their more expensive counterparts. This Nioxin cleansing shampoo is part of a three-step regimen that is specially formulated to strengthen hair over time and reduce thinning. The shampoo works by removing dirt, excessive oil, and other residues from the scalp and hair, thus unclogging pores and promoting hair growth. After just a few washes, you’ll notice that your hair looks and feels fuller. “I recommend the Nioxin shampoos since they’re specifically formulated for fine and thinning hair, but have different options for different levels of thinning,” says Reavey. “In addition to addressing thinning hair, these shampoos account for overall scalp health.” Plus, this specific shampoo is made with peppermint oil, which stimulates the scalp and leaves your head feeling fresh and clean. This signature ingredient also creates a tingling sensation on the scalp — it’s not uncomfortable by any means, but some people may not enjoy it. Price at time of publish: $24 Size: 10.1 oz | Scent: Peppermint | Hair Type: Straight, wavy, curly Best for Textured Hair La Biosthetique Shampoo Protection Couleur Volume Eskinstore View On Eskinstore.com What We Love: This shampoo is made with sunflower extract, which deeply penetrates the hair and protects it from harmful UV damage.What We Don’t Love: This shampoo can weigh down fine hair. “I like a shampoo that does a couple of beneficial things to the hair,” says Valcin. “When we talk about textured hair, La Biosthetique Paris Shampoo Protection Couleur does it best. Not only does it fortify the hair, but it also protects your color without making the hair lose its texture.” Ultimately, the magic behind this shampoo lies in its formula. Made with both sugar beet betaine and sugar surfactant, these two ingredients gently and thoroughly cleanse the scalp, washing away built-up product and stubborn oils. On top of that, it’s infused with sunflower extract to strengthen hair and prevent it from breaking, as well as coconut oil, which coats strands with a natural, glossy shine. Price at time of publish: $31 Size: 8.5 oz | Scent: Fresh | Hair Type: Wavy, curly, coily What to Keep in Mind Hair Type As with any hair care product, it’s important to pick the best option that works for your specific hair type. “Analyzing your hair type is paramount in choosing what volumizing shampoo to use,” says Viola. “For example, if your hair is fine, a low-residue shampoo [like Kevin.Murphy Plumping Wash Densifying Shampoo or LEAF + FLOWER Instant Volume Shampoo] will be more effective at not weighing the hair down, and therefore, easier to volumize.” On the other hand, if you have thick or coarse hair that’s in need of a volume boost, opt for a shampoo that incorporates texturizing ingredients (such as Aveda Be Curly Shampoo or La Biosthetique Shampoo Protection Couleur Volume). These shampoos will be able to clean roots while also taming frizz and adding natural fullness. Ingredients When it comes to hair care products in general, it’s important to know what’s in them as well as what’s not in them. “I recommend steering clear of formulations that are full of sulfates and silicones, which are often used to smooth the hair and lock in moisture; however, over time they can build up on the hair and weigh it down, leading to less volume,” Reavey explains. “Similarly, parabens, phthalates, and artificial fragrances typically can dry the hair out, leading to an increased risk of hair thinning and fallout.” “It is vital to understand that any products that provide volume and texture can easily dry the hair over time,” warns Valcin. To ensure the products you’re using are free from bad-for-your-hair ingredients, we suggest reading the ingredient list or opting for clean and/or vegan products (such as Kevin Murphy Plumping Wash Densifying Shampoo, Rodan & Fields Volume+ Shampoo, LEAF + FLOWER Instant Volume Shampoo, or Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo). Usage It’s equally important to make sure that you’re not overusing products that can ultimately weigh down hair. “Usually, when someone is looking to add volume, it’s because their hair is fine or thinning,” explains Reavey. “To combat this, so many people pile on the products to add shine, lock in moisture, and grow the hair — however, too much product buildup can damage the scalp, ultimately stunting hair growth and overall health. I’d recommend being cognizant of how often you use volumizing shampoos based on if your scalp is dry or oily.” Because volumizing products can dry out hair, it’s important to use them sparingly. “To avoid dryness, it’s best to shampoo the hair twice or a maximum of three times a week, especially when using a volumizing shampoo,” says Valcin. If your hair is extremely dry, you can try using a moisturizing hair mask, a hydrating hair serum, or a deep conditioner to give it the moisture boost it needs after using a volumizing shampoo. Your Questions, Answered Is volumizing shampoo bad for hair? Generally speaking, volumizing hair products are safe for hair. Just be sure they don’t contain sulfates or paraffin since these can dry out hair and ultimately make strands brittle and damaged. Aside from being mindful of your volumizing shampoo’s ingredients, it’s important to make sure you’re not overwashing your hair. “Shampooing twice a week is usually good,” Viola says. This ensures that the scalp is not stripped of its natural oils. To keep hair from drying out, Valcin recommends alternating the shampoo you use. “Volumizing shampoo is not bad for your hair as long as it is not the only type of shampoo being used,” he says. “Most volumizing shampoos contain some type of alcohol which over time causes each hair strand to lose its strength and can lead to breakage. It is critical to have other shampoos to alternate with. I recommend using moisturizing or strengthening shampoo in between uses of a volumizing shampoo.” What does volumizing shampoo do? Wondering how volumizing shampoos actually work? “Volumizing shampoo amplifies and thickens each hair strand,” explains Valcin. They do this by adding texture to hair follicles from the roots to the ends, which creates fullness overall. “Volumizing shampoos are typically formulated with lightweight ingredients, such as hydrating amino acids, that aim to not weigh the hair and roots down, but still provide moisture and shine,” Reavey says. They essentially clean the scalp, ridding it of product build-up and grimy oils, while also adding hydration and making hair easier to manage. How does volumizing shampoo work? “Most of the volumizing shampoos work by creating the illusion of thickness by temporarily plumping up the roots and strands of hair, eliminating hair gaps,” Viola says. To do this, they wash away buildup and oils that can weigh the roots down. This makes hair lighter and easier to style. Plus, some volumizing shampoos (like Kevin Murphy Plumping Wash Densifying Shampoo and Aveda Pure Abundance Volumizing Shampoo) incorporate texturizing agents into their ingredient lists, which makes hair look fuller throughout. Does volumizing shampoo make hair thicker? “A volumizing shampoo will add lift to your hair, especially at the root, for an overall appearance of thicker, fuller hair,” Olivia explains. “Many also incorporate humectants into the formula, which will draw in moisture from the surroundings to boost moisture, and will improve the appearance of hair overall.” While most volumizing shampoos do not make hair instantly thicker with one wash, they can promote hair health over time (including Nioxin System 2 Shampoo Cleanser and LEAF + FLOWER CBD Instant Volume Shampoo). “Rather than bulking the width of your hair, volumizing shampoos produce lift,” Viola adds. “This fullness is attained by adding three-dimensional body and boosting your hair from the roots.” Why Shop With Us Lauren Harano has over seven years of experience in the beauty industry, previously holding editorial positions at Cosmopolitan, Seventeen, POPSUGAR, and NBCUniversal; and writing beauty pieces for InStyle since August 2022. She is knowledgeable in skincare, makeup, and hair care, and has tested hundreds of products throughout her career. For this article, Lauren interviewed four hair experts: Helen Reavey, a board-certified trichologist and celebrity hairstylist (whose clients include Harry Styles, Amal Clooney, and Marisa Tomei); master hairstylist and founder of Yvey Salon, Yvey Valcin; LA-based celebrity hairstylist Luna Viola; and hairstylist and colorist Cassandra Olivia. Each expert lent their expertise and shared their favorite volumizing shampoos for different hair types and textures. Additionally, Lauren researched top-rated products to find the best ones that can effectively cleanse the scalp, lift hair, and provide long-lasting bounce. Before making her final selections, Lauren looked at the reviews, key specs, and ingredient lists to narrow down which shampoos were the best of the best. The 10 Best Drugstore Volumizing Hair Products of 2023