When you have fine hair, the products you use really can make all the difference in the way your hair looks, feels, and behaves in the days following hair wash day. I understand all too well the frustration that can come from using the wrong shampoo (makes hair too silky) or the wrong conditioner (weighs down strands). And don't even get me started on the products that leave a tonne of residue on the scalp preventing any attempt at root lift.
If you've found yourself on this page then you probably know exactly what I'm talking about, and don't worry, you're in the right place. Today the best shampoos and conditioners for fine hair are formulated to add lift and volume, strengthen strands, and hydrate and repair without coating hair or weighing it down. There are also plenty of them—yep, turns out that fine and thin hair really is a pressing hair concern for many, with most brands offering shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated with fine hair concerns in mind.
But, before we get into our roundup of the best shampoos and conditioners for fine hair, we spoke to hairstylist Melissa Timperley to get the lowdown on what exactly you need to look for when shopping for products for fine hair, as well as how to look after fine hair, and how to tell if you have it.
The best shampoos and conditioners for fine hair:
- Hair by Sam McKnight Light Cleanse Shampoo Conditioner
- Ouai Detox Shampoo
- Living Proof Full Shampoo
- Briogeo Density Shampoo Conditioner
- Davines Melu Conditioner
What should you look for when buying shampoo and conditioner for fine hair?
"Opt for lightweight shampoos or volumising shampoos that are sulcate-free," advises Timperley. "You want something that gently cleanses without weighing the hair down."
For conditioners she recommends lightweight, protein-infused formulas or conditioners that are specifically made for fine hair. "Stay away from anything too moisturising or creamy as it can flatten the hair," she adds. "Just apply from mid-leignths to ends, not roots. If your hair was in a ponytail, that would be the bit you'd apply conditioner to."
How often should you wash fine hair?
According to Timperley, fine hair gets oilier faster because there's less surface area for the oil to cover. "Washing every other day is usually a good balance," she recommends. "Trichologists believe you should wash your hair every day as your scalp is an extension of your face and you wouldn't not wash your face every day. However, you've got to balance the pros and cons because washing it more frequently probably means you're heat styling it more, too."
Is there a difference between fine and thin hair?
"Fine hair actually refers to the strand thickness, so the actual diameter of each hair is smaller," explains Timperley. "Thin hair is about density, so the number of hairs on your head. You can have fine hair that's thick in density or coarse hair that's thin in density. Knowing this difference and which you have helps you to pick the right cut and products."
Shop the best shampoos and conditioners for fine hair:
1. Best Overall: Hair by Sam Mcknight Light Cleanse and Light Nourish Shampoo and Conditoner
Over the years, I've learned that the combination of a clarifying shampoo and a lightweight conditioner are the best options for my hair since they tag team to cleanse and nourish, removing buildup without leaving any heavy residue behind. This duo are a personal favourite of mine—the shampoo isn't too stripping and the conditioner is super softening. They smell incredible and add great natural texture to my straight hair.
Scented: Yes
Sulfate free: No
Key ingredients: Velvet flower, nettle leaf, honeysuckle extract
For
- Suitable for all hair types
Against
- Expensive price point
2. Best for Buildup Removal: Ouai Detox Shampoo
"While Ouai's Detox Shampoo isn't advertised as a volumising shampoo, I find it gives me amazing root lift whenever I use it," says Who What Wear beauty editor, Eleanor Vousden. "The detoxifying formula helps to remove build-up at the roots, which can often leave hair looking flat and feeling weighed down. I use this once a week as reset and it gives me tonnes of weightless volume at the roots while leaving my lengths looking and feeling swishy. My blowdries come out so much more bouncy as a result."
Scented: Yes
Sulfate free: No
Key ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, keratin
For
- A little goes a long way
Against
- Not for daily use
3. Best for Volume: Living Proof Full Shampoo and Conditioner
Specifically formulated to boost volume and restore fullness this shampoo and conditioner duo are ideal for fine, flat hair types. The shampoo removes deep-rooted dirt and buildup to ensure lift from the roots while the lightweight conditioner detangles and protects hair, adding fullness throughout the lengths.
Scented: Yes
Sulfate free: No
Key ingredients: Amino acids
For
- Adds shine
Against
- Shampoo runs out before conditioner
4. Best for Coloured Hair: Briogeo Destined for Density Shampoo and Conditioner
Specifically formulated to boost volume and restore fullness this shampoo and conditioner duo are ideal for fine, flat hair types. The shampoo removes deep-rooted dirt and buildup while the lightweight conditioner detangles and protects hair. Since both are sulfate free, they're ideal for coloured hair.
Scented: Yes
Sulfate free: Yes
Key ingredients: Amino acids, caffeine
For
- Cruelty-free
Against
- Only sold online
5. Best for Straight Hair: Davines Melu Conditioner
If your hair is straight as well as fine, then it can appear even thinner and flatter. While styling products can of course help to add texture, volume, and shape, it's important to prep with the right shampoo and conditioner. A lightweight conditioner like this one won't coat their hair or leave heavy residue, so hair feels lighter and lifted before you've even reached for the texture spray.
Scented: Yes
Sulfate free: Yes
Key ingredients: Glycerin, vitamin E, sweet almond oil
For
- Vegan
Against
- Packaging can be frustrating to use
6. Best for Curly Hair: Ceremonia Weightless Hydration Shampoo for Fine Hair
Of course, curly hair can still be fine and experience flat roots and a loss of volume, too. In which case, curly-haired reviewers highly rate this multitasking shampoo from Ceremonia. As well as clarifying hair and scalp, it softens and repairs. In fact, it's so nourishing that you can even skip the conditioner.
Scented: Yes
Sulfate free: Yes
Key ingredients: Yucca extract, aloe vera, witch hazel, guava seed
For
- Fresh fragrance
Against
- Only retailed in a few stores
7. Best for Daily Use: Beauty Pie Super Healthy Hair Daily Weightless Conditioner for Fine Hair
If you like (or need) to wash your hair daily, then it's important to find a conditioner that won't coat hair and weigh it down. Since it's designed for everyday use, this weightless conditioner from Beauty Pie is ideal for fine hair types. Amino acids protect hair and boost colour and shine while peptides restore volume and hydration.
Scented: Yes
Sulfate free: Yes
Key ingredients: Amino acids, peptides
For
- Vegan and cruelty free
Against
- Lower price is only available to Beauty Pie members
8. Best for Long Hair: Ouai Fine Hair Conditioner,
Because of its length and weight, long hair is prone to appearing flat, and if you have naturally hair fine hair as well then it can appear even more so. The key is to finding a conditioner that won't add additional weight, and since this one is formulated with fine hair in mind, it's perfect for longer hair. As well as softening and nourishing, it helps to strengthen, add weightless body, and boost volume.
Scented: Yes
Sulfate free: Yes
Key ingredients: Vitamin B, CBD
For
- Fully recyclable packaging
Against
- Not suitable for vegans
9. Best for Scalp Health: Nécessaire Rosemary Shampoo
Rosemary has definitely been having a moment in the haircare world recently. The ingredient has benefits that range from stimulating hair growth and strengthening scalp health to reducing dandruff and soothing irritation. If you have scalp-related concerns or want to focus on hair heath from the root (quite literally), this shampoo (and its corresponding conditioner) would be a great place to start.
Scented: Yes
Sulfate free: Yes
Key ingredients: Ceramides, plant protein, rosemary oil.
For
- Fresh, lasting fragrance
Against
- Often sold out
10. Best for Short Hair: Aveda Rosemary Mint Duo Shampoo Conditioner
Another rosemary infused formula, this duo are ideal for injecting texture and volume back into short, fine hair. The shampoo utilises micellar technology and clarifying white vinegar to cleanse both scalp and hair, while the conditioner utilises an anti-static formula to help prevent tangles.
Scented: Yes
Sulfate free: Yes
Key ingredients: Rosemary, peppermint, spearmint, micelles, white vinegar
For
- Vegan and cruelty free
Against
- Fragrance may be too strong for some
11. Best Affordable Brand: Aveeno Haircare Volumising + Fresh Greens Blend Shampoo
Looking for an affordable option? Aveeno are best known for their sensitive skin-friendly skincare and bodycare, but their surprisingly extensive haircare range is also not to be overlooked. The shampoo works to simultaneously cleanse and moisturise hair—so if you've yet to find a conditioner that doesn't weigh down your fine hair, you can skip the step.
Scented: Yes
Sulfate free: Yes
Key ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, peppermint, rosemary, cucumber
For
- Affordable price point
Against
- May not be suitable for very sensitive skin
12. Best for Damaged Hair: Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo Conditioner
If your fine hair is a result of excessive heat styling, product use, or colouring, then a bond repair shampoo and conditioner will massively help to boost hair health and strengthen to restore stronger strands. I'm a huge fan of this Redken duo, which also adds volume and doesn't leave residue on my scalp.
Scented: Yes
Sulfate free: Yes
Key ingredients: Glycerin
For
- A little goes a long way
Against
- Expensive price point
13. Best Luxury Brand:
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