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These Impressive Shampoos Give Straight Hair a Major Volume Boost, According to Experts
Sofia Richie-Grainge's hairstylist reveals the top formulas for fine strands.
We all follow a very regimented routine for our specific skin types, but often overlook the need for a meticulous hair care regimen, especially when it comes to choosing the right shampoo. If you’re dealing with greasy hair, the best shampoos for oily hair can revive limp, slicked strands. Perhaps your go-to shampoo isn’t effective in removing product build-up and you are in desperate need of a stronger one. In that case, allow us to introduce you to the best clarifying shampoos. And for those who have straight hair and desire a bouncy, Farrah Fawcett-level mane, it all comes down to choosing the right formula—and we found the perfect options for your impending transformation.
“Those with fine, straight hair should use shampoos and conditioners that offer volume and thickness because the ingredients will not weigh the hair down,” says Kathleen Riley, an LA-based celebrity hairstylist who counts Sofia Richie-Grainge as a client. While straight hair can easily be slicked back into Richie-Grainge’s iconic bun, the sky’s the limit with all the hair looks you can achieve when you employ the correct formulas that not only treat your specific hair concerns but also provide volume, strengthen, and sheen in one go. From scalp scrubs to thickening or clarifying shampoos, there’s a formula available to minimize bad hair days—or eliminate them once and for all.
Our picks for the best shampoos for straight hair of 2024
Think it’s a ruse? We polled a celebrity hairstylist and combed through dozens of customer reviews to land on the 10 best shampoos for straight hair. Shop our favorites ahead.
Nexxus Diametress Weightless Volume Shampoo
Pros
- Doesn’t weigh down hair
Cons
- Some users note it can feel heavy on fine hair
If your hair is limp and in need of a tune-up, the Diametress Shampoo is a reliable solution. Made of green tea extract and protein, this shampoo thoroughly cleanses to eliminate the bad and welcome all the new. Hello, volume, softness, and bounce. “It helps leave your hair thicker and stronger without weighing it down,” says Riley.
Size: 13.5 fl oz
Key ingredients: Green tea extract, elastic protein
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I have very fine hair and this shampoo helps add volume. I have used it for a long time and will continue to use it. You don’t need to use a lot and the scent is nice.”
Pros
- Conditioning ingredients
Cons
- Scent may be too strong for some
Formulated with a coconut-based surfactant, the Foundation shampoo from Roz gently washes away any impurities that are keeping your hair from living its best life. As build-up diminishes, this formula imparts conditioning ingredients to nurse your hair to health.
Size: 10.1 fl oz
Key ingredients: Pea peptide, walnut seed extract, grapefruit extract
Amazon rating: 3.9/5 stars
Our expert says: “I love the Roz Hair Foundation Shampoo and Conditioner because it doesn’t weigh the hair down and cleanses the hair really well to give you a great foundation for your styles. It is also silicon and paraben-free.”—Kathleen Riley
Kérastase Densifique Bain Densité Shampoo
Pros
- Boosts hair’s sheen
Cons
- Scent can be too overpowering for some
Craving runway-worthy levels of volume? You need a shampoo that encourages density in your arsenal. Kérastase’s iteration “strengthens hair and increases density due to the hyaluronic acid, while giving you a deep cleanse,” says Riley, making your strands fluffy and lustrous in just a few washes.
Size: 8.5 fl oz
Key ingredient: Hyaluronic acid
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I have very fine hair, and this is the best!!! No build-up, doesn’t weigh my hair down, and smells great.”
Cécred Clarifying Shampoo & Scalp Scrub
Pros
- Clarifies the scalp
Cons
- May be too harsh for sensitive scalps
Healthy hair starts at the scalp, and this clarifying shampoo gets to the root of all your hair woes. Thanks to a blend of exfoliants, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, your scalp is gently cleansed of any threats to stronger, healthier hair.
Size: 8 fl oz
Key ingredients: Fermented purple willow bark
Cecred rating: 4.9/5 stars
A Cecred reviewer says: “Hands down, this is the best shampoo and scrub I’ve ever used. My hair is very thin, and in the past, when I washed my hair with any other product, my hair would look unwashed and greasy. I could never go as long as I wanted to without having to wash my hair again. This shampoo and scalp scrub has my hair looking clean and shiny for DAYS! The feel of my hair is like nothing I’ve experienced before. I absolutely love this stuff and will continue to buy it. I rave about it all the time.”
Oribe Hair Alchemy Resilience Shampoo
Pros
- Safe for color-treated hair
Cons
- Some users note it can be drying
No matter your hair type, a strengthening shampoo is always a good addition to your wash-day routine. This reparative formula gives the hair a major moisture boost and protection against further damage.
Size: 33.8 fl oz
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, chia seed, plant-based protein, bamboo leaf
Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “This entire line has made an incredible difference in how my hair looks. I was dealing with breakage, dryness, and overall unhealthy hair. I’ve been using the serum, shampoo, and conditioner for about a year, and I adore it.”
R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Some users dislike strong scent
For the ultimate volume surge, the cult-favorite Dallas shampoo transforms tired, limp-looking strands into something you won't want to hide under a hat. The star of the show is pro-vitamin B5, which hydrates the hair and imparts a subtle sheen.
Size: 8.5 fl oz
Key ingredients: Pro-vitamin B5, saw palmetto berry, coconut oil
Nordstrom rating: 4.9/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I’ve been using this for a few weeks now and already notice a change in how my hair feels. It’s softer and seemingly healthier. It took me a minute to get used to the smell, It’s sort of a musk smell, but I don’t mind it now. Would recommend!”
Briogeo Destined For Density Caffeine + Biotin Peptide Density Shampoo
Pros
- Softens hair
Cons
- Results take time
Excessive hot styling, combing, and brushing can cause hair to lose strength and density. Here’s a shampoo that uses caffeine and biotin that leaves hair in better shape than before.
Size: 8 fl oz
Key ingredients: Caffeine, biotin
Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I don’t mean to swear, but this stuff works, and I’m shocked. I had a receding hair line, and my damn hair is growing back! I saw a difference after the first bottle and just bought my third. Smells good, and I feel clean with no residue or anything after using. I was receding and thinning with a bald spot forming on the top. All growing back, so much so that friends and family notice without me saying anything first.”
Pros
- Thoroughly removes build-up
Cons
- Can be drying for some
No amount of product build-up is too much for this detox shampoo. Any oil, dirt, or debris is (gently) stripped away, thanks to the powers of clarifying apple cider vinegar.
Size: 10 fl oz
Key ingredients: Apple cider vinegar
Ouai rating: 4.8/5 stars
A Ouai reviewer says: “The BEST shampoo in the world! Froths beautifully and cleanses nicely!”
Crown Affair The Ritual Shampoo
Pros
- Reduces oil
Cons
- Can be too drying for some
If you have chronically oily scalp or hair, a few uses of this shampoo will wash away all traces of the impurities wreaking havoc on your hair. Even better, the nourishing formula adds shine and volume to give you the hair of your dreams.
Size: 8.1 fl oz
Key ingredients: Tsubaki seed oil, coconut surfactant
Sephora rating: 4/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “After using this shampoo I really couldn’t switch to anything else. I don’t leave reviews but this stuff is good. My hair feels good and clean and I love it. It is always sold out at the stores. It gives you a clean feel. Add the planked oil after you shower with it and it’s a beautiful combo!”
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Shampoo
Pros
- Strengthens weak strands
Cons
- Can be too heavy for fine hair
According to Living Proof, the “perfect hair day” looks like shiny, strong, and damage-free silky strands, and this shampoo provides all that and more. This nourishing mix works overtime to reverse and prevent damage and fortify weak, brittle strands.
Size: 8 fl oz
Key ingredients: Amino cleansing complex, ester, phytantriol
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Makes my hair clean and so silky. Also lasts longer than a lot of shampoos I have used and I can use it over and over and my hair doesn’t get sick of it.”
How often should you wash straight hair?
Wash day frequency for certain hair types also varies and “depends on their lifestyle and scalp health,” Riley adds. “Some people can go for as long as a week, and some need to wash daily. I genuinely believe in washing your hair when it is right for you to wash it, including when your scalp becomes oily, when your hair feels weighed down, or when it feels dry.”
What ingredients should those with straight hair use and which ones should they avoid?
“For straight hair, you should look for ingredients like light oils and keratin,” says Riley. “Then, you should avoid parabens, alcohol, and any heavy oils or butter.”
Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor Nerisha Penrose polled a hair expert to find the best shampoos for straight hair types.
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