Not all shampoos are created equal. While the right fit for your hair can be a total game-changer, the wrong ingredients can be detrimental to your hair and scalp health, which is why it’s so important to consider the type of products you’re using. If you don’t think twice about the bottle you grab in the hair care aisle, it may be time to reconsider—especially if you struggle with fine or thinning hair. For those who are looking for the best way to bring volume and life back to their hair, we’re here to help with some expert advice.
To discover the best shampoo to use for added volume, we spoke to hair expert Casey Simmons, owner of Royal Locks Curl Care. She told us that the key is to opt for sulfate-free options.
Sulfate-free shampoo
It turns out there's such thing has hair that is too clean, especially if you're dealing with flat or thinning hair. For this reason, Simmons says you should avoid shampoos that contain sulfates, which are used to cleans dirt and oil from your hair—and can sometimes do their job a bit too well. "Sulfates can over-wash hair by stripping away the natural oils it needs to have movement and shine without frizz," Simmons explains, noting that "you might feel it in a 'squeaky clean' way and see it in a sudsy lather."
While 'squeaky clean' hair may seem like a good thing, Simmons warns that it can be "counterproductive," leading to extra oil production in the long run. This is because when you strip your hair of all of its vital oils, your body will work extra hard to replenish them, which can end in a greasy mess and weigh your hair down. This will result in flat, lifeless hair that needs a serious volume boost. Additionally, some sensitive scalps can be irritated by this cleansing ingredient; and an irritated scalp is one major culprit of hair loss.
That's why a sulfate-free shampoo is the best option if you want to avoid thinning hair and keep your locks as thick and healthy as possible. "Choose a shampoo without sulfates to avoid stripping natural oils your hair needs," Simmons suggests. She says gentler shampoo ingredients are the best way to go. Sodium Lauryol, Glutmate, and Sodium Lauroamphoacetate are all helpful options to keep an eye out for as you browse the hair care aisle.
