Editor’s tip: “When styling, using less tension allows the hair’s natural elasticity to shine, helping to maintain that coveted ‘bounce,’” says Thomas.
Key ingredients: peptides, phytantriol, amino acids | Fragrance-free: no
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of shampoo is best for fine hair?
The best shampoo for fine hair is lightweight and cleanses thoroughly without weighing your strands down. “For people with fine hair, you want to look for shampoos that contain ingredients like biotin, which helps strengthen the hair follicles while promoting healthy growth and increased thickness within the individual strands,” says Santiago. Keratin is another standout ingredient to watch for, as “it’s a protein found in our hair that can help strengthen and fortify it,” she says.
Peptides are also key players since they are “small protein fragments that, because of their size, can penetrate the hair shaft to improve the structure of the strand,” she says. These powerful ingredients, combined with lightweight hydration and gentle cleansing, will help fine hair feel stronger, thicker, and full of life. Regarding what to avoid, “Pass on things like sulfates, parabens, and silicones because they strip your natural oils and leave behind a residue that will weigh your hair down,” adds Renegar.
Should you use conditioner on fine, thin hair?
Yes, you should use conditioner on fine, thin hair—but how and where you apply it makes all the difference. “People with fine hair should absolutely use conditioners. I recommend using a lightweight formula that works with your hair. Applying a small amount from the mid-shaft to the ends while avoiding the roots will help prevent greasiness at the scalp and keep your hair looking airy and full,” says Santiago. Rinse thoroughly to avoid residue, and you can skip it occasionally if your hair feels too soft or flat.
How often should you wash fine hair?
Fine hair tends to get oily faster than thicker hair, so your washing routine depends on your scalp’s needs. “Washing every one to two days is ideal for oily scalps, and I often recommend doing two shampoos to remove the oil from the scalp that can weigh hair down,” says Campbell. “If your hair leans dry, you might get away with washing every two to three days.”
In between, a great dry shampoo will refresh your roots and add volume. Just be careful not to overwash—stripping natural oils can lead to overproduction and leave hair even flatter.
Meet the Experts
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for any review, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While some can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind. When reviewing tools, we also take into account testers’ experience levels. For instance, an innovative new blow-dryer may feature industry-leading technology, but if the only people who find it intuitive to use are professional hairstylists, we have to consider this when determining whether it is worthy of a recommendation.
