Pump Up the Volume: How Volumizing Shampoo Can Work for You

Let’s be honest, flat hair isn’t exactly the look most guys are going for. If your once-thick mane is starting to look a little… deflated, you might be considering volumizing shampoo. 

But what does volumizing shampoo do, and does it really work?

Below, we look at the benefits of volumizing shampoo and what it can do for flat, fine hair. We also share tips on how to use volumizing shampoo as a part of a healthy hair care routine. 

Volumizing shampoo is specifically designed to help your hair look fuller, thicker, and more lifted at the roots. 

It works by:

• Cleansing the scalp and hair without heavy residue. This prevents flatness from oil and product buildup.

• Adding texture and body. Lightweight ingredients like keratin, panthenol (vitamin B5), and polymers coat each strand to temporarily thicken it.

• Supporting the appearance of density. This is especially helpful for men experiencing thinning or early-stage hair loss.

Don’t confuse volumizing shampoo with hair loss shampoo or thickening shampoo. While thickening shampoo promotes hair growth and slows down hair loss, volumizing shampoo simply makes your hair look fuller and thicker.  

If your goal is instant fullness or making thinning hair look thicker, volumizing shampoo works in a cosmetic sense. It plumps up each strand temporarily, giving you more voluminous looking hair. 

But here’s what volumizing shampoo won’t do:

• Regrow hair 

• Stop hair loss

• Replace your hair stylist

• Repair damaged hair strands

That said, it’s an incredibly useful tool in your hair care toolkit — especially when combined with smart grooming habits.

But, if your hair is thinning, opt for a proven treatment like minoxidil (which is available over the counter) or finasteride (a prescription-only oral treatment). These medications can protect hair follicles from hair loss.  

Most volumizing hair products contain one or more of the following ingredients:

• Panthenol (Vitamin B5). This helps strengthen the hair shaft and add moisture without weight.

• Wheat or keratin proteins. These proteins temporarily bind to the hair shaft, making strands feel thicker. 

• Sodium chloride. Also known as simple table salt, sodium chloride can add texture to your hair.

• Cleansers. These cleansers remove oil and product buildup that can weigh hair down.

The result? More voluminous hair. 

Choose a volumizing shampoo that’s formulated for your hair type. For example, some volumizing shampoos are designed for curly hair, while others are more suited to straight hair. 

For the most part, you use volumizing shampoo as you’d use any other shampoo. But here are a few tips to help you make the most of your hair care routine:

1. Wet your hair thoroughly. Don’t skimp here — soaking helps you evenly distribute the shampoo.

2. Apply a small amount of shampoo to wet hair, focusing on the scalp. Lather shampoo on your scalp and the roots of your hair. This is where you need cleansing the most.

3. Give yourself a scalp massage. This part is optional, but massaging promotes circulation and helps your shampoo lather properly. 

4. Rinse thoroughly. Any leftover product can weigh your hair down — yes, even volumizing shampoo.

5. Follow with a lightweight volumizing conditioner. Use conditioner after every shampoo to help with detangling, combatting frizz, and reducing breakage.  

Then, dry your hair and style it. For even more volume, try styling products like: 

• Dry shampoo

• Texturizing spray

• Hair mousse

You can also try blow-drying your hair from the roots to give it some oomph. Check out our guide for more tips on hair volume for men. 

While volumizing shampoo doesn’t stop hair thinning, it can improve how your hair looks and feels.  

Volumizing shampoo can help men with thinning hair by:

• Reducing visible scalp

• Improving the way your hair sits on your head

• Making it easier to style with a fuller, thicker look

Just remember: if your hair thinning is progressing, talk to a healthcare provider about hair loss treatments. You can use these alongside a volumizing shampoo. 

Volumizing shampoos are generally safe for daily use. But like with all shampoos, the sulfates and fragrances in some formulas can cause side effects, especially if you have a sensitive scalp. 

Possible side effects include:

• Flaking and dandruff

• Redness

• Discomfort

• Dryness

• Itching

If you experience any of these side effects, consider switching to a sulfate-free volumizing shampoo. 

Sulfates can also cause color-treated hair to fade over time. If you dye your hair, look for a color-safe shampoo. 

If you’re dealing with fine, flat, or thinning hair, volumizing shampoo is absolutely worth a try. It’s not a cure for hair loss, but it is an easy way to boost volume, improve texture, and feel more confident about your hair — all without adding a ton of time to your routine.

Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

• Volumizing shampoo makes your hair look less flat. It can “fluff up” your hair, giving it more texture and body.

• But it doesn’t stop hair loss. Instead, opt for proven hair loss treatments like minoxidil or finasteride if you’re losing your hair.

• Be sure to use it correctly. Pair a volumizing shampoo with a solid hair care regimen and, if needed, clinically-backed hair loss treatments.  

Want to learn more about getting the healthy hair of your dreams? Check out our men’s hair care guide and our tips for natural hair growth. 

If you think you’re experiencing hair loss, it’s important to get treatment ASAP — the longer you wait, the more hair you’ll lose. Make an appointment with a healthcare professional to explore your treatment options.