17 Best Drugstore Shampoos for Fine Hair: Budget-friendly Picks

Written by Alvira Dsouza, Hair Expert
Updated on Feb 16, 2024
best drugstore shampoo for fine hair
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

If you have fine or thin hair, you know the struggle of seeking styling products that provide the volume, thickness, and vitality your locks deserve without draining your wallet. Fortunately, the drugstore aisles are brimming with shampoos designed specifically to cater to the unique needs of fine hair. These drugstore shampoos for fine hair are not only budget-friendly but also deliver remarkable results, helping you achieve the luxurious hair you've always wanted. As per our expertise, we've curated a selection of the finest drugstore shampoos that are gentle yet effective, addressing common concerns such as limpness, lack of volume, and flatness. 

We know, through our practical knowledge, that these shampoos not only cleanse your hair but also add body and bounce, leaving you with fuller, more lustrous locks. While we were conducting our research, we found out a lot more about the formulas, including the vitamin infusions, collagen, and biotin. We also made sure that all the formulas are free from parabens and harmful chemicals that can weigh down hair.

So say goodbye to flat, lifeless hair and hello to the transformative power of these top-rated drugstore shampoos. Get ready to elevate your hair game without emptying your wallet, as we dive into the world of affordable hair care solutions for fine hair. Your journey to voluminous, healthy locks begins right here!

17 Best Drugstore Shampoos for Fine Hair

OGX Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Extra Strength Volumizing Shampoo is a hair care product designed to add volume and thickness to fine hair. The shampoo contains an exclusive blend of vitamin B7 biotin, collagen, and hydrolyzed wheat protein, which helps to infuse nutrients into every strand and creates the appearance of thicker, fuller hair. The shampoo is lightweight and delivers deep clean, bold body, and incredible volume. It has a pleasant scent that combines bergamot, jasmine, and vanilla. The product is suitable for adults with fine hair.

Pros
  • Sulfate-Free
  • Volumizing
  • Strengthening
  • Vitamin enriched
Cons
  • Overpowering scent
  • Best for Shine

    VIRTUE Full Shampoo

    VIRTUE Full Shampoo
  • Elevate your fine hair with VIRTUE Full Shampoo, a game-changer for those seeking voluminous, healthy locks. Crafted specifically for fine hair, this shampoo is more than a cleansing ritual; it's a transformative experience. Enriched with innovative ingredients, it adds body and bounce without weighing your hair down. Say goodbye to flatness and hello to natural, effortless volume. This shampoo isn't just about cleaning; it's about enhancing your hair's natural texture, ensuring it feels light, airy, and full of life. Embrace the beauty of fuller hair with every wash.

    Pros
    • Adds natural volume
    • Lightweight formula
    • Enhances hair texture
    • Strengthens fine strands
    • Leaves hair bouncy
    • Promotes healthy shine
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • BEST REFRESHING

    Tea Tree Lemon Sage Thickening Shampoo

    Tea Tree Lemon Sage Thickening Shampoo
  • Feel the hair transform into a fuller, revitalized state with Tea Tree Lemon Sage Thickening Shampoo. This energizing shampoo, infused with uplifting lemon, sage, and tea tree oils, provides a refreshing cleanse while promoting volume and thickness. It's ideal for those seeking fuller, more vibrant hair and a revitalized scalp. Free from parabens and being cruelty-free, this shampoo provides an uplifting shower experience while promoting hair growth that feels and looks noticeably thicker and more vibrant.

    Pros
    • Boosts volume
    • Refreshing scent
    • Natural ingredients
    • Suitable for fine hair
    Cons
    • Not ideal for oily scalp
  • BEST CLARIFYING

    Aveeno, Refresh and Thicken Shampoo

    Aveeno, Refresh and Thicken Shampoo
  • This drugstore-volumizing shampoo from Aveeno nourishes and thickens hair while providing a cooling and refreshing experience. It clarifies and adds light moisture to the hair, promoting a healthy scalp and adding a healthy body to thin hair. The shampoo is clinically proven to help purify the scalp while adding thickness and body to hair. It has a sensational, fresh fragrance and is made with natural oat, rosemary, and peppermint extracts.

    Pros
    • Sulfate-free
    • Clarifying and volumizing
    • Paraben-free
    • Nourishing ingredients
    Cons
    • Limited size availability
  • BEST LIGHTWEIGHT

    Redken Volume Injection Shampoo

    Redken Volume Injection Shampoo
  • The Redken Volume Injection Shampoo is a professional hair care product designed to add lift and body to fine, thin hair. It is formulated with a blend of filloxane, softening, and silicone polymers as part of a Bodifying Complex that helps to provide instant volume to fine, flat, or processed hair. This paraben-free volumizing shampoo lightly cleanses with gentle scalp care, giving hair a volume boost, and creating lift and body. It is a weightless formula that leaves hair with a soft, shiny finish.  

    Pros
    • Volumizing effect
    • Paraben-free
    • Lightweight formula
    • Adds lift
    Cons
    • May not work on very dry scalp
  • R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo

    R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo
  • Meet your fine hair's new best friend: R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo. More than just a cleanser, it's a powerhouse of thickening, nourishing, and strengthening properties tailored for fine hair. This vegan and cruelty-free formula elevate your hair routine, adding body, volume, and strength without compromise. Experience fuller, healthier strands with each wash, embracing the natural beauty of your hair. It's not just a shampoo; it's a commitment to fuller, vibrant locks, cruelty-free. Unveil the potential of your fine hair with R+Co Dallas, where strength and ethics coexist harmoniously.

    Pros
    • Thickens fine hair
    • Nourishes scalp
    • Strengthens strands
    • Adds natural volume
    • Vegan formula
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Scent might be strong for some users
  • BEST VALUE FOR MONEY

    L’Oréal Paris Elvive Volume Filler Thickening Shampoo

    L’Oréal Paris Elvive Volume Filler Thickening Shampoo
  • This volumizing shampoo creates body and density for hair that feels thicker in just one use. It is a shampoo that works to add texture from within to generate a thicker feel, provide a root lift, and lasting volume over time. This shampoo is ideal for fine hair types. The L'Oreal Paris Volume Filler system of shampoo and conditioner is enriched with filloxane elixirs delivering 24-hour lasting volume and thicker, fuller-feeling hair in just one wash.

    Pros
    • Adds volume
    • Affordable
    • Good fragrance
    • Thickens hair strands
    Cons
    • Greasy texture
  • BEST VOLUMNISING

    John Frieda Volume Lift Lightweight Shampoo

    John Frieda Volume Lift Lightweight Shampoo
  • Bring a fresh start to your hair care routine with this volumizing shampoo that is formulated to cleanse and prepare fine or flat hair for full-volume styles without weighing it down. The shampoo contains volumizing agents paired with cleansing agents that gently cleanse and help detangle fine hair, then rinse clean. The shampoo is formulated with air-silk technology, which enhances fullness and maximizes volume in one use. It is safe for colored hair and comes in an 8.45-ounce bottle. The shampoo is weightless and does not leave any residue on the hair. 

    Pros
    • Volumizing
    • Lightweight
    • Safe for color-treated hair
    • Enhances natural fullness
    Cons
    • None
  • BEST HYDRATING

    PURE NATURE Deep Hydra Nourishing Shampoo

    PURE NATURE Deep Hydra Nourishing Shampoo
  • This drugstore clarifying shampoo for fine hair is a salon-grade product that has been formulated using a unique blend of ingredients specially developed to help condition and revive the hair for soft and shiny results. The shampoo contains cold-pressed Moroccan argan oil, which is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help nourish and hydrate the hair, leaving it soft, smooth, and healthy-looking. The shampoo is also formulated with water-based silk proteins that help improve hair strength and reduce breakage, leaving you with touchable tresses that are soft but strong.

    Pros
    • Hydrating
    • Sulfate-free
    • Nourishing
    • Suitable for all hair types
    Cons
    • Overwhelming scent
  • BEST UNISEX PICK

    BOLDIFY Thicken Volume Shampoo

    BOLDIFY Thicken Volume Shampoo
  • This hair-thickening shampoo is formulated to make hair thicker, fuller, and stronger with every wash. It is infused with nourishing biotin, botanical rosemary, aloe vera, vitamins, and minerals that work together to provide deep but gentle cleansing. Additionally, the shampoo is formulated to efficiently remove excess oil, sweat, and buildup without stripping away moisture, making it ideal for thinning hair, fine hair, and oily hair.

    Pros
    • Removes excess oil
    • Suitable for all hair types
    • Unisex formula
    • Promotes thickness
    Cons
    • On the expensive side
  • BEST VEGAN FORMULA

    Love Beauty and Planet Volume and Bounty Thickening Shampoo

    Love Beauty and Planet Volume and Bounty Thickening Shampoo
  • Enjoy bouncier, more voluminous locks with every wash as this transformative shampoo is designed to add volume and fullness to fine, limp hair. Infused with coconut water and mimosa flower extracts, it gently cleanses while nourishing your strands, leaving your hair looking thicker and more voluminous. This shampoo is also cruelty-free and free from harmful chemicals like sulfates and parabens. Embrace the beauty of fuller hair while making a positive impact on the planet with this eco-friendly and effective hair care solution.

    Pros
    • Free from harsh chemicals
    • Clean product
    • Refreshing scent
    • Volumizing
    Cons
    • Overwhelming scent
  • BEST FRAGRANCE

    Hempz Herbal Volumizing Shampoo

    Hempz Herbal Volumizing Shampoo
  • Embrace the delightful fusion of sweet pineapple and honey melon scents as you indulge in this nourishing hair care experience. Discover the beauty of herbal care and unveil the lushness and strength your hair deserves with Hempz Volumizing Shampoo. Infused with vegan biotin and vitamin C, this shampoo not only provides a gentle yet effective cleanse but also imparts a rejuvenating boost to your hair. Moreover, our findings show that this drugstore shampoo for fine hair boasts a paraben-free, cruelty-free/vegan, and gluten-free formula, ensuring it aligns with your ethical and wellness preferences

    Pros
    • Volumizing
    • Sweet scent
    • Herbal ingredients
    • Hydrating
    Cons
    • Limited size options
  • Avalon Organics Volumizing Shampoo

    Avalon Organics Volumizing Shampoo
  • The Avalon Organics Volumizing Shampoo is a certified organic formula that is designed for thin and limp hair. It contains a medley of plant-sourced botanicals and essential oils, including rosemary essential oil, quinoa protein, calendula, aloe, and vitamin E, which work together to gently nourish hair and build volume from root to tip. The formula is designed to add volume to thin and limp hair, making it look fuller and more voluminous.

    Pros
    • Organic
    • Pleasant scent
    • Natural ingredients
    • Clean hair products
    Cons
    • Weird smell
  • OUAI Fine Shampoo

    OUAI Fine Shampoo
  • The OUAI Fine Shampoo is a color-safe shampoo that is formulated for fine, flat hair. It contains strengthening keratin, nourishing biotin, and moisturizing chia seed oil that work together to breathe life into fine hair, clean strands, and add bounce and volume. The shampoo is free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, making it a safe and healthy choice for your hair. With regular use, this shampoo can help bring fine hair to the next level, delivering clean, bouncy, and voluminous hair.

    Pros
    • Strengthening
    • Free of harmful chemicals
    • Suitable for fine, frizzy hair
    • Contains beneficial ingredients
    Cons
    • May not work well for oily scalp
  • Joico JoiFULL Volumizing Shampoo

    Joico JoiFULL Volumizing Shampoo
  • Formulated to address the unique needs of fine, thin hair, this drugstore shampoo for hair loss offers a transformative boost in volume and fullness. Its gentle cleansing formula effectively removes excess oil and impurities that can weigh your hair down. Infused with bamboo extract and rice protein, this formula fortifies and thickens hair, delivering a visible lift and enhanced body to limp strands. Additionally, our research indicates that this shampoo enhances shine, promoting a healthy and radiant appearance for your locks. It's the ideal solution to elevate fine hair to new levels of vitality and bounce.

    Pros
    • Long lasting fullness
    • Boosts shine
    • For all hair types
    • Lightweight formula
    Cons
    • May feel greasy
  • KERASTASE Fresh Affair Dry Shampoo

    KERASTASE Fresh Affair Dry Shampoo
  • This versatile hair refresher by Kerastase is formulated to combat excess scalp and hair oil, imparting a weightless sensation. This dry shampoo is suitable for all hair types and is entirely free of silicone. Infused with the benefits of vitamin E and rice starch, it offers a revitalizing solution for both hair and roots. Whether you have fine hair, coarse hair, or thick hair, this silicone-free dry shampoo stands as an excellent choice, delivering a lightweight and efficient solution to refresh your hair and scalp.

    Pros
    • Oil absorption
    • Fresh fragrance
    • Lightweight
    • Silicone-free
    Cons
    • May leave residue
  • Onesta Hair Thickening Shampoo

    Onesta Hair Thickening Shampoo
  • Elevate your daily hair care routine with Onesta Hair Thickening Shampoo, a trusted choice for those seeking a natural and eco-friendly solution to fine or thinning hair. This drugstore shampoo for thin hair is sulfate-free and color-safe, ensuring that your hair's vibrancy and integrity are preserved. It effectively removes buildup and impurities while adding body and volume to even the finest strands. And yes, we did actually test the product

    Pros
    • Color-safe
    • Revitalizing
    • Non-greasy
    • Paraben free
    Cons
    • Drying

    Our list of the best drugstore shampoo for fine hair will definitely help you  owni strong, healthy and glossy tresses. Let's go through our user guide below.

    What to Look for When Buying Shampoo for Fine Hair?

    When shopping for shampoos for fine hair, consider the following factors to ensure you choose the right product that suits your hair type and addresses your specific needs.

    • Hair Types
      When you're picking out shampoo at the store, think about your hair and what you want to fix.If your hair is dry and needs more moisture, look for shampoos with oils and stuff like that in them. But if your hair gets oily quickly, you should use a shampoo that makes it feel clean or gives it more volume.
    • Ingredients
      Look for shampoos that contain volumizing ingredients like proteins, polymers, and rice or wheat proteins, as they can help add thickness and lift to fine hair. Fine hair can be prone to dryness, so choose shampoos with hydrating ingredients such as glycerin, aloe vera, or hyaluronic acid to maintain moisture balance. Look for ingredients like keratin, wheat protein, or rice protein. These proteins can strengthen fine hair and add thickness. Also, consider biotin as it helps strengthen hair, reduce breakage, and promote growth. It makes thin hair stronger, helps it grow better, and can even make it look thicker and healthier right away. Amino acids like arginine and cysteine can strengthen the hair shaft, reducing breakage. If you have a sensitive scalp, tea tree oil can help alleviate itchiness and irritation. Shampoos with UV protectants can shield your hair from the sun's damaging rays, preventing damage and color fading.
       
    •  Formulation
      Avoid heavy, creamy shampoos that can weigh down fine hair. Instead, go for lightweight, clear, or gel-based formulations that won't leave a residue. Cleansers with tags like volumizing or thickening tell you that these products can make your hair look fuller. Periodic use of a clarifying shampoo can help remove product buildup, which can make fine hair look flat. Look for a gentle clarifying shampoo suitable for regular use. Strong fragrances can irritate the scalp and may contain allergens. Consider fragrance-free or shampoos with a mild, hypoallergenic scent.
       
    • pH-Balanced
      pH-balanced shampoos are less likely to disrupt the natural pH of your scalp and hair, preventing excessive dryness or oiliness. Ensure the shampoo falls within the ideal pH range for hair, which is around 4.5 to 5.5. This range helps maintain hair health and helps restore damaged hair.
       
    •  Dermatologist-Recommended
      If you have sensitive skin or scalp issues, consider shampoos recommended by dermatologists, as they are formulated to be gentle on the scalp. Research the brand's reputation and read reviews to gauge the shampoo's effectiveness and suitability for fine hair. Before committing to a full-sized bottle, consider trying a sample or performing a patch test to ensure the shampoo works well for your hair and scalp without causing irritation.

    By taking these factors into account, you can select the ideal shampoo that caters to your fine hair's unique needs, ensuring it remains voluminous, healthy, and full of life.

    Conclusion

    With these budget-friendly shampoos, you can confidently tackle fine hair problems and  transform your hair into a voluminous crowning glory, all while saving your hard-earned money. So, why spend a fortune when you can achieve fantastic results with the best drugstore shampoos for fine hair? Take the plunge, pamper your tresses, and revel in the newfound confidence that comes with flaunting a head of voluminous, fine hair that's nothing short of fabulous.

    FAQ's

    How can I thicken my fine hair?
    To thicken fine hair, use volumizing shampoos, incorporate hair-boosting ingredients like biotin, and consider regular trims to reduce the appearance of thin ends.
    Does biotin help thinning hair?
    Biotin can improve hair strength and thickness, making it a popular choice for addressing thinning hair when used in conjunction with a balanced diet.
    What is the difference between thickening and volumizing shampoo?
    Thickening shampoos typically contain ingredients that temporarily swell the hair shaft, making each strand thicker. Volumizing shampoos focus on adding lift and fullness at the roots.
    Are drugstore shampoos for fine hair good?
    Yes, many drugstore shampoos designed for fine hair offer effective solutions at affordable prices, providing volume and strength to fine strands.
    Do drugstore shampoos expire?
    Yes, drugstore shampoos have expiration dates. Check the product label for the specific shelf life, and use within that timeframe for optimal results.
    How often should I use a drugstore shampoo for fine hair to see noticeable results?
    Use the shampoo as directed, typically every 2-3 days, to achieve noticeable results in terms of added volume and thickness for your fine hair.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    In the quest for beautiful and voluminous hair, various factors like pollution, UV rays, lifestyle choices, stress, and genetic predisposition can lead to hair thinning and fine hair. Our haircare expert, Alvira, emphasizes the importance of choosing the right shampoo. She recommends gentle formulas enriched with hair-friendly ingredients that strengthen hair follicles and combat hair fall. As a dedicated haircare coach, she understands the repercussions of using the wrong products, especially for those with fine hair. To assist those experiencing hair fall issues, Alvira has curated a list of the best shampoos tailored to their needs. Among her personal favorites is the Redken Volume Injection Shampoo, it's a versatile choice suitable especially for those with fine hair. The best part is that all these products are budget-friendly!

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health and fitness on board to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Alvira Dsouza
    Hair Expert

    With a keen eye for detail and a passion for hairstyling, Alvira is a certified Hair Expert who brings the latest tre More