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What Is Volumizing Shampoo, and How Does It Work?

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Key Takeaways

  • Volumizing shampoo works by adding lift to the roots of the hair, creating the appearance of fuller, thicker hair, and removing buildup from the scalp.
  • Not all volumizing shampoos are created equal—some may contain ingredients that leave buildup on the scalp, but there are also great volumizing shampoos that lift and strengthen hair.
  • Volumizing shampoo is ideal for those with fine hair, which is prone to flatness.
  • How often you should wash your hair with volumizing shampoo depends on your hair type and activity level.

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What Is Volumizing Shampoo, and How Does It Work?

Volumizing shampoo is formulated to lift the roots of your hair, giving the appearance of thicker, healthier hair. But what distinguishes it from traditional shampoo, and how does it work exactly?

What’s the Secret Behind Volumizing Shampoo?

Like any good shampoo, volumizing shampoos help remove buildup on the scalp, and less buildup means less weight on your hair, which usually means hair that feels lighter on the scalp. But volumizing shampoo directly targets the roots of hair to lift and give hair bounce. This is why volumizing shampoo is a popular choice for those with thin or fine hair, which tends to lie flat on the scalp.

Is Volumizing Shampoo Bad for Hair?

There are many volumizing shampoos on the market. Some volumizing shampoos are marketed as hair thickeners, but in reality, they might contain thickening agents that build up on the scalp (which can make your hair even flatter!). Also, like any shampoo, some volumizing shampoos may contain harsh ingredients that can dry out the hair, like sulfates (sodium lauryl sulfate or SLS).

Can I Use a Volumizing Shampoo Every Day?

How often you should wash your hair depends on various factors, including your hair type and how active you are. Delicate, finer hair is prone to getting oily quicker, and it may be recommended to wash every one to three days, while thicker hair may be every one to four days. If you exercise frequently, it’s recommended that you wash more regularly.

The Best Volumizing Shampoo for Fine Hair

If you’re looking for an ultra-light volumizing shampoo, say hello to OLAPLEX® No.4FINE Bond Maintenance® Shampoo, made specifically for fine hair. It’s an ultra-light, clinically proven formula that strengthens, repairs, and helps prevent future damage caused by heat styling, environmental stressors, and salon services.** It gently removes buildup without stripping essential moisture, leaving fine hair soft, clean, and full of lasting volume. The result is hair that feels refreshed, protected, and visibly lifted at the roots for effortless movement and body. This shampoo works on straight, wavy, and curly hair that is fine.

To use this shampoo:

  1. Apply to wet hair.

  2. Lather thoroughly, massaging the scalp.

  3. Rinse well.

  4. Complete your cleansing routine by applying No.5FINE Bond Maintenance® Conditioner.


You deserve your best hair, and OLAPLEX can get you on track to meet your hair goals. Whether your hair is fine or thick, take our Hair Quiz to find an OLAPLEX routine that works for you.

**Results based on clinical testing on bleached hair when used as a system with OLAPLEX(R) No.5FINE Bond Maintenance® Conditioner.