For full, bouncy locks that turn heads, your work starts in the shower, with the right volumizing shampoo. As hair experts, we know the struggle is real when it comes to finding affordable products that pump up the volume of flat, fine hair without depleting your funds. But, despair not! We are happy to share that the drugstore aisles are loaded with budget-friendly shampoos made specifically for fine hair. The best drugstore volumizing shampoos come with gentle yet mighty formulas infused with vitamins, collagen, and biotin to cleanse and volumize, leaving your hair bouncy, full, and healthy-looking. 

It took us hours of meticulous research (analyzing formulations and gathering user reviews) and trials to put together our list of the top thickening shampoos, so you can take your pick and enjoy serious volume that lasts. 

What makes these drugstore gems so special? For starters, they're free of parabens and other nasty chemicals that can weigh down delicate strands. Plus, the best volume boost shampoos nourish while adding major body and shine so that you can have healthy hair growth plus styling advantages. 

Based on our experience, it is better to look for ones with strengthening keratin, collagen, and biotin — these nourish individual strands for a thick, full look. We also recommend steering clear of sulfates that can drag hair down. 

Now, it's time to check out our selection of top-rated, salon-quality drugstore volume shampoos and elevate your hair game on a budget!

• 1
  Best Lightweight

  John Frieda Volume Lift Weightless Shampoo

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John Frieda's Volume Lift Shampoo is expertly designed to plump up the look of fine or thin hair strands with its advanced volumizing formula. The Air-Silk technology works to enhance hair's body and movement and leaves the tresses noticeably soft and full-bodied. 

We were most impressed with how lightweight the formula is. It won't weigh your hair down yet can cleanse gently to leave you with clean, fresh, bouncy hair. Plus, due to its consistency, just one pump worth of shampoo works effectively and makes it a bang for the buck! An equally impressed reviewer on Amazon shares, “I love the way my hair smells with each wash & that it appears shinier & more voluminous.”

Hair Type: Fine, Color-treated

2

Best for Blonde/Silver Hair

OGX Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Volumizing Shampoo

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To turn flat, fine strands into voluminous hair, pick OGX Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Volumizing Shampoo. Infused with nutrients like biotin, collagen, and wheat protein, this volume-boosting shampoo helps transform limp locks into lush, abundant tresses.

As per our observation, the shampoo supports healthy growth, strengthening the hair, while plumping up each strand for voluptuous volume. 

We love the nutrient-rich formula that penetrates strands deeply to give them the just-left-the-salon bounce! Plus, it has a slight purple tint which helps neutralize yellow and brassy tones in lighter hair. We recommend this for you if you need to turn around flat, limp hair lacking body and fullness, even more so if you have silver or blonde hair. 

Hair Type: Fine, Oily, Damaged, Color-Treated, Frizzy, Straight

3

Best for Oily Fine Hair

Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Shampoo

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From the renowned Paul Mitchell brand comes the Extra-Body Shampoo, specially formulated to deliver thickness and volume to fine, lifeless hair. The key ingredient, thickening polymers, coats each strand to leave fuller hair with extra bounce and body. Whether you have naturally fine hair or just need a little extra oomph, this shampoo enhances volume while leaving healthy strands that feel soft and manageable. 

We couldn’t help but mention the refreshing and vibrant apple scent which is pleasant without being overpowering, making it ideal for those sensitive to fragrances. As far as product testimonials go, this one from a happy user sums it up well: “This shampoo does exactly what it advertises. I love it!”

Hair Type: All

4

Best Scent

Hempz Sweet Pineapple & Honey Melon Herbal Volumizing Shampoo

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Packed with 100% pure hemp seed oil, the Sweet Pineapple & Honey Melon Herbal Volumizing Shampoo from Hempz is one of the best drugstore shampoos if you are looking for a gentle yet powerful herbal formula to revitalize fine and flat hair. 

It is formulated to strengthen hair follicles and stimulate growth. It also contains antioxidants and other nourishing natural ingredients to soften hair and boost shine and elasticity. 

Like most users, we also loved its candied pineapple melon scent, which lingers without overpowering the senses. The best thing is, this all-compatible formula can add volume, shine, and body to your hair irrespective of your hair texture and type.

Hair Type: All

Quick Tip:

Use the conditioner in this line for extra shine and volume.

5

Best for Styling Prep

Kenra Volumizing Shampoo Maximize Volume

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Mindfully crafted as a pH-balancing formula, Kenra’s Maximize Volume is specially designed to lift fine or thinning hair right from the roots. It cleanses and lifts while preparing hair to get the most from other volumizing products like mousse and foam. 

The brand claims that after just one use, your hair will have up to 30% more volume and 155% more lift from stylers. While we can’t vouch for the specifics, based on our observations, it does create major body, bounce, and fullness. Users with fine or thinning hair swear by it for adding fullness and texture that lasts for days. What’s also impressive is that many find they can go longer between washes without losing volume.

We recommend this as the perfect choice for those who love styling their hair and want frequent salon-quality hair days! 

Hair Type: Fine to Medium

6

Best Gentle Formula

Herbal Essences Body Envy Shampoo

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Specially formulated to give fine, limp hair a boost of body and bounce, Herbal Essences Body Envy shampoo brings innovation to your haircare routine.  

We were impressed with its lightweight formula and the harmonious blend of natural botanicals and antioxidants that cleanse gently yet effectively while adding volume right from the roots. We also liked that it's safe for color-treated hair and contains no harsh ingredients that can leave you with dry or damaged hair. Plus, with an invigorating citrus scent, Body Envy has the potential to turn your daily shower into an uplifting aromatherapy experience.

Overall, it's a great choice for multiple reasons, the least of which is how value for money it is! As a reviewer on Amazon succinctly puts it, “Convenient bigger size, nice pump top. Good shampoo, great price.”

7

Best for Short Fine Hair

Aussie Miracle Volume with Plum Bamboo, Paraben Free Shampoo

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Aussie’s Miracle Volume Shampoo is a paraben-free formula that gently cleanses without stripping natural oils from the hair and scalp and gives hair an uplifting boost. Infused with Kakadu plum and bamboo extract, this shampoo penetrates each strand to plump it from within and infuses bounce, body, and shine. 

We like that the lightweight formula gives body and movement to hair without residue or heaviness. Your hair emerges touchably soft, visibly refreshed, and free of grease. Those with sensitive skin can rejoice too, as the formula is gentle yet effective and does not cause scalp itchiness or irritation. A user shares, “I have fine hair that gets oily and this gives a thorough cleansing. Gives the hair a bouncy feel, and I like the scent as well. The price is great too. New fave!”  

We also like the mild and refreshing scent featuring zesty citrus and breezy florals. Overall, if you struggle with oil buildup or product residue, pick this budget-friendly shampoo for salon-worthy results. 

Hair Type: Fine

8

Best Unscented

Pantene Pro-V Sheer Volume Dream Care Shampoo

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With Pantene Pro-V Sheer Volume Shampoo, you can transform flat, lifeless hair to a vibrant and bouncy mane in just one wash. Based on our observation, the key is to use it with the matching conditioner. While the shampoo focuses solely on pumping up volume, the conditioner provides moisture. Using both together gives hair touchable texture and movement. 

We especially recommend this one for those with fine, grease-prone hair — its gentle action doesn't weigh down the hair and keeps it soft and full between washes.  A reviewer from Florida shares, “Perfect for my hair - I am lucky that I have naturally normal healthy low maintenance hair. But in the FL summer heat and humidity, my absolutely straight hair did not look or feel fresh and light .. until I accidentally found this shampoo. I would not use anything else from now on.” If you can relate, get your hands on this. 

Hair Type: Fine

9

Best Sustainable Choice

BOLD UNIQ Volumizing Shampoo

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Lightweight and highly effective, BOLD UNIQ Volumizing Shampoo is specially designed for thin, lifeless hair to gently cleanse away dirt, oil, and product buildup while pumping up the volume. Its powerhouse formula uses Panthenol to strengthen and reinforce each strand, while sweet almond and castor oils deeply nourish, protecting against split ends. The exclusive strengthening complex works strand-by-strand to add plumpness and thickness without weighing hair down. Plus, proteins increase elasticity and boost shine for hair that looks and feels stronger. 

The best part? This cleanser brings dazzling shine and added texture to all hair types: fine or thick, damaged, colored, or even frizzy. Here’s a raving review from a user: “As I have gotten older, my hair is thinning. I love this shampoo. I really like the texture and the lovely scent. As I’m drying my hair, I can feel the difference in the way my hair feels, and looks like I have more hair. My stylist has noticed a difference also! I definitely recommend this product for anyone with thinning hair!”

Hair Type: All

Quick Tip:

For special days and optimum results, use the shampoo with Bold Uniq’s Volume Boost Conditioner and Thickening Spray.

While specially formulated for the thin-haired, the best volumizing shampoos benefit all hair types - pin-straight, big, bountiful curls, you name it. The key lies in lightweight cleansing. Volumizing shampoos thoroughly cleanse without weighing hair down. They contain ingredients like wheat protein and panthenol to strengthen strands while boosting hair volume. Unlike heavy conditioners, these shampoos don’t leave buildup or residue behind, even with daily use.

A volumizing shampoo is a must for fine, oily hair, but it is important to note that it can boost fullness for thicker manes too. It lifts hair from the scalp to the ends, though those blessed with natural volume may not notice dramatic changes. Still, it's a safe bet for an added boost of bounce and lift, especially if a greasy scalp is a concern. The trick is to find the right one for your needs, which the buying guide coming up can help you with.

Take your hair from flat to fabulous with the right volumizing shampoo! But with the dizzying array of options out there, how do you choose the perfect one for your hair? Let's break it down.

Ingredients

When searching for products that add major lift, keep an eye out for these key ingredients:

• Protein to Strengthen Strands

You want hair heroes like biotin, keratin, collagen, and panthenol to replenish nutrients and build the body from within. Hydrolyzed wheat protein is a magic ingredient- it's small enough to penetrate the hair shaft and reinforce it from the inside out. 

• Ultra-light Hydrators 

Lightweight moisturizing all-stars like glycerin argan oil, shea butter, and aloe can help soften and condition as you volumize without weighing down your hair strands.

• Antioxidant Defenders

Free radicals love to attack hair follicles, damaging your strands and slowing growth. Look for antioxidants like organic apple and cranberry, which protect your hair on a cellular level.

Hair Type

Keep your hair type in mind while shopping for the best drugstore volumizing shampoo. Although most are for fine hair, some shampoos cater to all hair types, like Paul Mitchell’s Extra-Body Shampoo. Overall, opt for more lightweight shampoos for fine hair and something more robust with nourishing ingredients for thicker or courser hair. Ultimately, pick one that caters to hair texture and type. 

Formulation

Look for paraben and sulfate-free formulas that are gentle on the hair and scalp. We also prefer pH-balanced formulations that can align with the natural pH of the scalp and strands. This prevents issues like irritation, static, and excess oil production. 

Budget And Quality

Even the best drugstore volumizing shampoos come in a wide price range. Although more expensive always does not mean better, do consider the quality of ingredients before picking a product. Having said that, it is best to set a budget and shop within that range so you can keep up with your haircare practice in the long run.