There’s no such thing as having too much body in your hair. Whether you’re naturally blessed with thick hair, experiencing thinning hair, or losing strands due to stress, adding a volumizing hair product to your daily routine can give you fuller, thicker hair that’ll turn heads and add bounce to your step (and your hair!).
Volumizing hair products are especially ideal for fine, wispy hair, but anyone seeking a root boost or a way to strengthen existing strands can benefit from these products. While volumizing hair products don’t prevent hair loss, some formulations stimulate hair growth, and others plump up what you already have, making a noticeable difference.
Incorporate volumizing shampoos, conditioners, and styling products into your hair care regimen to achieve the volume you desire. From adding lift at the roots to enhancing overall thickness, these products can transform your hair and boost your confidence.

Introduction
Achieving fuller, thicker hair is a goal for many, and the right volumizing products can make all the difference. From shampoos and serums to sprays and powders, there are numerous options available to help you add volume and body to your hair. In this guide, we’ll explore the best hair volumizing products to help you achieve your desired look, no matter your hair type.
Types of Volumizing Hair Products
Volumizing hair products come in various forms that can be spritzed, lathered, dabbed, or rubbed into your hair. Each type is designed to add volume and lift, helping you achieve a fuller, thicker look.
Sprays
Volumizing sprays extend beyond traditional hair sprays. These products primarily focus on providing lift and texture rather than a firm hold, although they can offer a light hold as well. Some volumizing sprays double as dry shampoos, while others are designed to be applied to wet hair before styling, whether with a hairdryer or air drying.
Shampoos
Volumizing shampoos are specially formulated to add volume and body to your hair while you wash it. They contain ingredients that thicken hair strands, such as panthenol (vitamin B5) which increases hair diameter, and biotin (vitamin B7) which promotes hair growth. Other commonly found ingredients in volumizing shampoos include keratin, rice or wheat protein, and caffeine.
Conditioners
Volumizing conditioners, much like volumizing shampoos, contain ingredients like vitamin B5, biotin, and keratin. These conditioners are used after cleansing to add volume and body to the hair. Additionally, there are natural options available that include botanical ingredients such as algae, which are designed to strengthen and enhance the body of fine hair.
Lotions and Creams
Lotions and creams are designed to add volume by coating damp hair. They provide additional benefits such as softness, smoothness, and some shine. Many of these products double as styling agents, making them versatile for both volumizing and styling purposes.
Serums
With a liquid consistency, volumizing serums are leave-in treatments, often applied overnight. These serums work gradually to thicken hair and stimulate hair growth, so patience is key—give them a few weeks to show noticeable results.
Mousses
Also known as foams, mousses are light and airy hair products that provide lift at the roots, as well as hold and texture. Traditionally applied to wet hair, there are now newer formulations designed to plump up dry hair, offering versatility in your hair care routine.
Gel
Hair-volumizing gels work by binding to proteins in each strand, thickening the hair and providing structure to weak or thin strands. Unlike regular gels, volumizing gels should not feel sticky or stiff, nor should they leave behind a “gunky” residue. They offer a lightweight hold while adding volume and body to your hair.
Volumizing Powders
Volumizing powders are designed for use on dry hair. To apply, simply sprinkle the white powder onto your hands and scrunch it into your roots. The powder will feel slightly tacky and then waxy as you work it in, providing invisible lift and hold as it dries translucent.
Other Products
Other volumizing products available on the market include clay pastes, masques (masks), and soufflés. These products are typically high-end and offer luxurious options for adding volume and body to your hair.
Ingredients in volumizing hair products
Panthenol
Panthenol, also known as vitamin B5, is scientifically proven to thicken hair by increasing the diameter of individual hair fibers. Hair strands thickened by panthenol become more resistant to breakage. Additionally, panthenol can be taken orally to stimulate hair growth, making it a versatile ingredient for both topical and internal use.
Biotin
Biotin, another impressive B vitamin (B7), plays a crucial role in rebuilding hair shingles that have been damaged by shampooing, sun exposure, and heat styling. It can also be taken orally to promote hair growth, providing a dual approach to maintaining healthy, strong hair.
Keratin
Keratin is a protein that naturally occurs in your hair, playing a vital role in maintaining its strength. When applied topically, keratin strengthens the hair, making it less prone to breakage. It bonds to the rough edges of the hair cuticle, resulting in smoother, shinier, and thicker hair.
Proteins
Other proteins, such as rice or wheat, are commonly found in thickening products. These proteins strengthen hair strands and fill in gaps, making them particularly effective for those with porous (curly/kinky) or damaged hair.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a popular volumizing ingredient that has been proven to stimulate hair follicles and extend their life, promoting healthier and fuller hair.
Polymers
Polymers, whether synthetic or naturally derived (from cellulose and starches), are molecular chains that “stick” to your hair. By coating individual strands from root to tip, they create overall thickness and fullness, giving your hair a more voluminous appearance.
Hair Volumizing Product Prices
You can find hair volumizing products in a wide array of price ranges to suit different budgets:
Inexpensive
- Price Range: $7 to $14
- Examples: Basic volumizing mousse or shampoo available at drugstores or online. Low-priced sprays and gels are also within this price range.
Mid-range
- Price Range: $15 to $24
- Examples: This range includes a good variety of thickening products, offering more specialized formulations and ingredients.
Expensive
- Price Range: $25 to $35 for high-end shampoos and foams.
- Luxury Products: Luxury hair volumizing products can cost upwards of $40.
FAQ
Q. What’s the difference between a volumizing spray and a hair spray?
A. The main difference is hold. A hair spray is designed to hold styled hair in place; by default, it maintains voluminous styles. Hair spray is used after hair is dry and styled — not before like volumizing products typically are. A volumizing spray may or may not be formulated to hold a style in place, but it will definitely add volume. To make matters more confusing, volumizing hair sprays exist and will add substantial hold and substantial volume.
Q: I’m a man with short, thinning hair. What’s the best volumizing product for me?
A: We recommend starting with a thickening serum that you can apply at night. This will work on hair growth while you sleep. A volumizing shampoo is also a great addition to your routine, as it can add body and thickness from the roots. For styling, depending on how “styled” you want your hair to appear, a volumizing foam or powder can give your roots a little boost throughout the day. These products will add volume and help your hair look fuller and more vibrant.