While some people are born with full, luscious locks, many people dream of having thicker, fuller hair that exudes health and vitality. Genetics play a significant role, but the right hair care products can make a noticeable difference when used consistently.
Shampoos formulated with volumizing ingredients, biotin, and keratin can strengthen strands and promote growth, while nourishing hair oils infused with natural extracts can improve scalp health and boost shine.
By incorporating these products into your routine, you can enhance your hair’s texture, reduce breakage, and create the appearance of thicker, more voluminous locks.
We checked in with various experts to discover two shampoos and two hair oils that can do wonders for your strands. Read on to get all their recommendations and insights!
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Best Shampoos
1. Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
As a general rule, hair gurus recommend opting for sulfate-free shampoos tailored to your hair type, with a pH range of 6 to 7 for straight hair and 4.5 to 5.5 for curly hair. To repair damage, strengthen strands, and maintain moisture, you should go for hair care products that include key ingredients like biotin (Vitamin B7) for promoting follicle growth and panthenol (Vitamin B5) to enhance hair strength.
"Hair products with proteins (wheat and soy amino acids) coat the hair shaft, acting as bonds to the molecules, promoting the look and feel of thicker hair. A diet or supplements that includes these amino acids can likely add to further hair growth," Casey Simmons, owner of Royal Locks Curl Care, said, before telling us why the Oribe shampoo gets her vote.
"Oribe is the king of styling products [and] makes a scalp shampoo that helps cleanse the scalp and promote hair growth," Simmons shared. "This sulfate-free shampoo keeps flakiness at bay while supporting optimal moisture balance of the scalp and hair. Salicylic acid gently exfoliates, while bilberry fruit and sugar maple extracts simultaneously soothe the scalp. Salicylic acid has proven to be adept at clearing dead skin cells and other pore-clogging impurities."
2. R+Co Atlantis Moisturizing B5 Shampoo
Celebrity hairstylist Michael Canale revealed to us that one of the best shampoo options to fight thinning hair is those that contain B-5.
Vitamin B-5 (aka pantothenic acid) is a water-soluble B vitamin renowned for its ability to thicken hair and prevent hair loss. Furthermore, it offers excellent moisturizing benefits. According to Canale, Vitamin B-5 is a staple ingredient in hair-thickening shampoos—and for good reason! When used regularly, it can help to strengthen hair follicles and works to thicken each individual strand, promoting healthier, fuller hair!
"This ingredient swells the hair shaft, plumping each strand of hair to give it a thicker and more voluminous appearance," Canale explains. And this Vitamin B5: R+Co Atlantis Moisturizing B5 Shampoo is a great option!
Best Hair Oils
1. Castor Oil
“Castor oil is a popular natural remedy for hair growth,” Dr. Mitchel P. Goldman, MD, Ph.D., board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic dermatology expert, states. “It contains ricinoleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help to improve scalp health and promote hair growth. Additionally, castor oil is high in omega-9 fatty acids essential for healthy hair and skin.” Also, Goldman highlights the importance of conducting thorough research before purchasing castor oil.
“When it comes to using castor oil, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to choose a high-quality castor oil that is free of additives or impurities,” he notes. “Secondly, use it sparingly—a little bit goes a long way. You can apply a small amount of castor oil to your scalp and massage it, leaving it on for 30 minutes to several hours before washing it.”
2. Rosemary Oil
Dr. Dejarra K. Sims, naturopathic doctor and natural skincare expert, states that rosemary oil can promote scalp circulation for women experiencing hair loss at the crown, potentially helping with hair growth. "I recommend it because it can help increase blood flow to the scalp, nourishing the hair follicle with nutrients," she reveals. She also says rosemary oil is "anti-inflammatory, and it can decrease the inflammation caused by DHT attaching to the hair follicle with those with hair loss caused by increased androgens." Noted!
Sims says this "will increase hair growth in the thinning areas around the hairline and also decrease itching and inflammation often associated with androgenic alopecia." She says to start "applying 6-10 drops of rosemary oil into the affected areas of the scalp." This will "basically be enough to cover the area but not saturate it." Then, Sims says to gently massage all that in.
"I also tell clients to add rosemary oil to both their shampoo and conditioner. I suggest using it once a night for areas of thinning in addition to adding it to shampoo and conditioner and using it as often as you wash for your hair type," she explains. "I would be careful about the sources of all things you put on your scalp. Read the ingredients list to make sure there is actually rosemary in the product and not just a fragrance that smells like rosemary." Finally, she cautions to "never use rosemary essential oil directly on the scalp, as it must be in a carrier oil."
