Best hair thickening products to add volume, body and fullness with clever styling
Discover our personal pick of the best hair thickening products with expert tips on bulking up fine strands
The best thickening products aren't necessarily about changing your hair type, but more about encouraging growth, temporarily adding subtle fibres for extra body and allowing for clever styling tricks for a more voluminous impression.
Volume – or lack of – is a common haircare issue. Whether you’re experiencing hair thinning due to age, lifestyle factors, or you’ve always had fine, flyaway hair, there are ways to boost volume fast. “There are lots of products available that add immediate thickness to the hair,” assures Anabel Kingsley, Philip Kingsley brand president and consultant trichologist. “These products work in a couple of ways,” adds Adam Federico, collective member and session stylist, “they can swell the hair or coat the hair, making it feel considerably thicker and denser.”
It is, however, important to keep expectations realistic. “Though there are great thickening products available, they can’t permanently change the thickness and density of individual strands,” says Federico, “as soon as you stop using them, the fuller hair feeling that they deliver will be gone.” Here, we round up the best hair thickeners to temporarily bulk fine hair – many of which help strengthen strands over time, too.
THE BEST HAIR THICKENING PRODUCTS, AS TESTED BY OUR BEAUTY TEAM
Product type: Spray | Key ingredients: Watermelon, lychee and Edelweiss flower
Stealing our number #1 spot is this luxurious thickening spray from Oribe. This clever formula instantly adds lift and fullness thanks to thickening copolymers. Simply spritz all over damp strands before styling hair with a round brush to create a bouncy blow dry. As well as boosting volume, this hair mist strengthens strands over time, too. Watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss flower (aka the brand’s signature formula) prevent the natural keratin in the hair from breaking down.
That’s not all, this must-try mist protects hair from heat and harmful UV rays to minimize dryness and breakage. So while it's more expensive than several other thickening products on the market, this really is a multi-tasking hero that protects, strengthens, and bulks up hair.
Product type: Spray | Key ingredients: Copolymers, hydrolyzed wheat protein
If you’re after a budget-friendly thickening spray, give this formula from John Frieda a whirl. While it may not look like much, it lifts and volumizes the roots, adds texture, and delivers all-over fullness.
As for the formula, it’s powered by a ‘triple polymer system’ (in other words, it contains copolymers) that lightly coat each hair to add volume and hold. It’s also formulated with something called ‘air-silk technology’ which is why it’s so lightweight. It has a featherweight feel and it really boosted my roots but didn't leave behind a sticky residue. For best results, spritz all over towel-dried hair, concentrating on the roots, before styling with one of the best hair dryers.
Product type: Spray | Key ingredients: Boswellia gum, rice bran proteins, pro-vitamin B5
Thick yet surprisingly lightweight, this foaming formula adds moisture and fullness to your hair without leaving behind a sticky finish. “It contains vitamins and minerals that nourish, strengthen and add a natural sheen to the hair,” says Howard McLaren, hairstylist and co-founder of R+Co, “it’s also formulated to absorb oil and impurities from the hair and scalp.”
No one-trick pony, this hard-working formula goes above and beyond its thickening job description. “It can add definition and bounce to curls; plump up fine hair to boost volume, and provide hold for long-lasting styles,” continues McLaren. We recommended working a small amount through damp or towel-dried hair before styling as usual.
Product type: Leave-in cream | Key ingredients: Thickening molecule, emollient blend
On a mission for thicker hair? Turn your head to this lightweight cream from Living Proof that’s specifically designed to plump up fine strands. Powered by the brand’s ‘thickening molecule’, the clever (albeit mysterious) formula deposits small dots between each strand of hair, making it appear fuller and thicker.
Bounce and body are not the aim of the game here. If it’s lift that you’re after, we’d recommend looking elsewhere. But if you’re experiencing hair thinning and want to add overall fullness, this is the pick for you. Apply a small amount onto damp or towel-dried hair before combing through and styling. We found that a little goes a long way and it's worth noting that this formula is suitable for colored and chemical-treated hair.
Product type: Spray | Key ingredients: Copolymers, castor oil
The TECNI.ART Pli Shaper by L’Oréal Professionnel is a backstage staple that belongs in everyone’s haircare kit. Seriously good, this fine mist acts as a priming product that will help build body and bounce while holding curls and waves in place. Simply spritz onto towel-dried hair, before using a hair dryer with a round, bristled brush. Next, style hair using a your best hair curler or even the Dyson Airwrap, as this is known for helping to make an Airwrap blowdry last.
Because this spray is heat-activated, it can only be used when heat styling hair. We found it works best when creating curls or waves, as opposed to straightening hair, because it keeps the curls in place while adding soft texture and movement. Top tip? Less is more when it comes to this thickening product – don’t apply too much product as you may end up with stiff strands.
Product type: Cream | Key ingredients: Wheat protein and multi-vitamin complex
In Philip Kingsley we trust. The mastermind behind our go-to hair mask Elasticizer, we were keen to give this plumping cream a whirl. Designed to be slotted into your post-shower routine, it can be applied straight onto damp hair – through mid-lengths to ends. Not to be used on the roots, this product doesn’t add height or lift – instead, it gives hair an overall fullness without adding any extra weight.
Seriously lightweight, this cream is laced with volumizing wheat proteins alongside the brand’s multi-vitamin complex to soften and smooth strands. The results? Fuller, thicker-looking hair that’s ultra-glossy. Our only word of caution is that a little goes a long way. On the first application, we applied too much product, which left our hair slightly stiff and sticky – so use sparingly.
Your hair thickening questions, answered
How can I thicken up my hair?
“Hair is a very reactive tissue and is sensitive to lifestyle, health, and environmental factors,” says Kingsley. Hence why, “there are multiple reasons for loss of hair thickness.” If you’ve noticed recent changes to your hair’s density, consult a GP to check if there are any underlying causes.
“Thankfully, there are several things you can do to add fullness,” continues Kingsley. As well as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, seek out hydrating products, rich in oils and hyaluronic acid, to plump up hair from within. “Our Density range bolsters hair health from all angles, working to reduce and stabilize hair fall,” adds Kingsley. Products containing proteins can also help strengthen strands.
Another top tip? Consider getting regular trims as this will make the ends appear healthy, blunt and thicker. If you’re wondering how often should you cut your hair, a good rule of thumb is every 8-10 weeks.
Do hair thickening products work?
“Though temporary, thickening products can absolutely make fine, thin hair feel thicker, denser and fuller,” says Federico. The key is finding the right product that works for you. Federico’s favourite? “I like the R+Co Dallas segment – it can protect against heat damage which can cause fine hair to snap and break.”
It’s important to note that the benefits of hair thickening products are often temporary – “meaning it lasts for as long as you continue to use the products,” explains Federico. With that said, many of the products can also prevent breakage. “Breakage can contribute to finer feeling hair, particularly in the mid-lengths and ends,” he adds.
