These Top-Rated Shampoos and Conditioners Make Me Forget I Have Fine Hair

Fine or thin hair? The right shampoo and conditioner can make all the difference—these are the ones that really work.

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.

best shampoos and conditioners for fine hair

(Image credit: @cassklatzkow)

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."

best shampoos and conditioners for fine hair

(Image credit: @frannfyne)

The best shampoos and conditioners for fine hair:

  1. Best Overall: Hair by Sam McKnight Light Cleanse Shampoo & Conditioner
  2. Best for Buildup Removal: Ouai Detox Shampoo
  3. Best for Volume: Living Proof Full Shampoo
  4. Best for Coloured Hair: Briogeo Density Shampoo & Conditioner
  5. Best for Straight Hair: Davines Melu Conditioner

1. Best Overall: Hair by Sam Mcknight Light Cleanse and Light Nourish Shampoo and Conditoner

best shampoos and conditioners for fine hair

(Image credit: @thatgracegirl)

2. Best for Buildup Removal: Ouai Detox Shampoo

ouai shampoo

(Image credit: @eleanorvousden)

3. Best for Volume: Living Proof Full Shampoo and Conditioner

4. Best for Coloured Hair: Briogeo Destined for Density Shampoo and Conditioner

5. Best for Straight Hair: Davines Melu Conditioner

6. Best for Curly Hair: Ceremonia Weightless Hydration Shampoo for Fine Hair

7. Best for Daily Use: Beauty Pie Super Healthy Hair Daily Weightless Conditioner for Fine Hair

8. Best for Long Hair: Ouai Fine Hair Conditioner

9. Best for Scalp Health: Nécessaire Rosemary Shampoo

10. Best for Short Hair: Aveda Rosemary Mint Duo Shampoo & Conditioner

11. Best Affordable Brand: Aveeno Haircare Volumising + Fresh Greens Blend Shampoo

12. Best for Damaged Hair: Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo & Conditioner

13. Best Luxury Brand: Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo

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."

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Freelance Beauty Editor

Grace Day is a beauty editor and content creator. She has over 10 years of beauty-industry experience, spanning editorial, retail, and e-commerce, which gives her a unique understanding into how people shop for their beauty routines.While studying for a history degree (specialising in the history of beauty) and working as a beauty adviser in department stores, Grace started writing her own beauty blog in order to share the products she discovered while dealing with acne. After graduating, she moved to Beauty Bay as beauty editor and content manager. Grace is currently a beauty contributor to Who What Wear. She has also written for Hypebae and PopSugar and works as a brand consultant and copywriter.