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

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 ton 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.

What Should You Look for When Buying Shampoo and Conditioner for Fine Hair?

"Opt for lightweight shampoos or volumising shampoos that are sulfate-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-lengths to ends, not roots. If your hair were in a ponytail, that would be the bit you'd apply conditioner to."

The Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Fine Hair

• Best Overall: Hair by Sam McKnight Light Cleanse Shampoo & Conditioner, £50
• Best for Buildup Removal: Ouai Detox Shampoo, £30
• Best for Volume: Living Proof Full Shampoo and Conditioner, £60
• Best for Coloured Hair: Briogeo Density Shampoo & Conditioner, £63
• Best for Straight Hair: Davines Melu Conditioner, £25

1. Hair by Sam McKnight Light Cleanse and Light Nourish Shampoo and Conditioner

Over the years, I've learned that the combination of a clarifying shampoo and a lightweight conditioner is the best option for my hair since they tag team to cleanse and nourish, removing buildup without leaving any heavy residue behind. This duo is 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.

2. 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 UK 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 a reset, and it gives me tonnes of weightless volume at the roots while leaving my lengths looking and feeling swishy. My bouncy blow-dries come out so much more bouncy as a result."

3. Living Proof Full Shampoo and Conditioner

Specifically formulated to boost volume and restore fullness, this shampoo and conditioner duo is ideal for fine, flat hair types. I find that the shampoo removes even deep-rooted dirt and buildup to ensure lift from the roots, while the lightweight conditioner detangles and protects my hair, adding fullness throughout the lengths.

4. Briogeo Destined for Density Shampoo and Conditioner

5. 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. One key takeaway from the research I did while testing these products was that a lightweight conditioner like this one won't coat the hair or leave heavy residue, so hair feels lighter and lifted before you've even reached for the texture spray.

6. Ceremonia Weightless Hydration Shampoo for Fine Hair

7. Olaplex No. 4 Shampoo & Conditioner

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 they're designed for everyday use, this multitasking duo from Olaplex is ideal for fine hair types. Hydrating ingredients protect hair and boost colour and shine, while a patented bond-building technology restores strength and structure.

8. Ouai Fine Hair Conditioner

Because of its length and weight, long hair is prone to appearing flat, and if you have naturally fine hair as well, then it can appear even more so. I have a bob hairstyle now, but when I had long hair, I learned that 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.

9. Nécessaire Rosemary Shampoo

10. Aveda Rosemary Mint Duo Shampoo & Conditioner

11. Aveeno Haircare Volumising + Fresh Greens Blend Shampoo

12. 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.

13. 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."

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.