When it comes to caring for thin hair, the right shampoo can make all the difference. Fine hair needs a delicate balance - products that uplift, strengthen and enhance body - without weighing locks down or dulling shine. In this blog Laura Elliott, Head of Education at Neäl & Wølf, shares what to look for in shampoo for thin hair, and her expert recommendation - spoiler, it’s AMPLIFY Volumising Shampoo.
The challenge of thin hair
Thin hair can need a little more care and attention than other hair types. This is because fine hair often doesn’t have any natural volume and can become easily weighed down by heavy products - making it look limp and oily. It’s also very fragile, prone to breakage when exposed to harsh formulas, dry conditions, or excessive styling. Read on as we explain what you should be searching for when picking out your shampoo.
What to look for in shampoo for thin hair
Finding the right shampoo can transform your hair from lank and limp to glowing and voluminous. Here’s what to look out for:
1. Lightweight formulas
Thin hair is easily weighed down, so look for shampoos specifically designed to add volume without leaving any residue behind. Look for a feather-light formulation that boosts root lift and enhances fullness - read on for our top picks!
2. Strengthening ingredients
Because thin hair is more fragile, you should look for ingredients that build up strength. Ingredients like panthenol and wheat protein help strengthen and fortify each strand, reducing breakage and promoting more resilient hair.
3. Sulphate-free cleansing
A gentle, sulphate-free formula ensures that hair is cleansed without stripping away any natural oils - essential for protecting the scalp and keeping fine hair soft and manageable. Learn more about sulphates and other ingredients to check for: Roots of Concern - Harmful Ingredients to Avoid and Check For
4. Root lifting performance
Shampoos that support root volume set the foundation for styling. Look for products designed to create natural lift and body at the crown, especially when paired with volumising styling products.
5. Non-greasy hydration
Fine hair still needs moisture - just the right kind. Choose a shampoo that offers balanced hydration without heaviness, helping strands stay soft and smooth without flattening the style.
6. Shine-enhancing benefits
Healthy fine hair should still glow. A quality shampoo should leave hair with a soft, radiant shine without making it appear oily or limp.
7. Compatibility with styling products
Your shampoo should compliment your styling routine to ensure consistency from cleanse to finish.
What is the best shampoo for thin hair? Introducing AMPLIFY Volumising Shampoo
Our AMPLIFY Volumising Shampoo ticks every box of what to look for in specialist fine hair shampoo. It’s expertly formulated to give thin hair a new lease of life, infused with wheat proteins and panthenol to cleanse whilst delivering strength and body.
Video Content: Instagram @courtneyoakanehair
Why AMPLIFY is the best choice for thin hair
Weightless volume
AMPLIFY boosts without burdening. Its lightweight formula sets out the perfect base for volume, enhancing natural movement.
Strength and resilience
With a blend of wheat proteins and panthenol, AMPLIFY helps nourish fragile strands, reducing the risk of breakage and promoting a fuller experience over time.
Glossy finish
Fine hair can be shiny too! AMPLIFY leaves hair with a soft, flossy finish that looks as healthy as it feels.
How to use AMPLIFY for best results
Creating volume that lasts starts with the right ritual. For fine hair especially, every step should have purpose - caring for your hair whilst keeping locks looking lifted and full of bounce. Here’s how to make the most of our AMPLIFY Volumising Shampoo in your routine.
1. Start with clean, lightweight lift
Begin your routine with AMPLIFY Volumising Shampoo, formulated to gently cleanse the scalp while removing excess oils and product build up that can weigh hair down. Follow up with AMPLIFY Volumising Conditioner, focusing application on the mid-length and ends. This ensures hydration without flattening your hair down at the crown.
2. Prep before styling
After gently towel-drying your locks, work in ENHANCE Volumising Mousse or ELEVATE Volumising Lotion depending on your styling preference:
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Use ENHANCE Volumising Mousse for thicker body and stronger hold.
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Choose ELEVATE Volumising Lotion for a lighter, more flexible finish.
Both provide UV and thermal protection while ensuring your style holds its shape without stiffness. Not sure which to pick? Both can be applied.
Another styling solution to consider is our UPLIFT Volumising Mist which is applied directly to your roots for renewed lift.
3. Protect and blow dry
Mist MIRACLE Rapid Blow-Dry Mist evenly from root to tip. This award-winning multitasker cuts down drying time, adds heat protection, and smooths the hair shaft to reduce frizz and enhance shine. Use the diffuser attachment on your HERØ Ionic Technology Hair Dryer evenly distribute heat - especially crucial for thin hair, which is much more prone to heat damage.
4. Finish with texture
To complete your look, lightly mist TEXTURE Dry Finishing Spray through mid-lengths and ends. This adds instant dimension and touchable volume with a matte, modern finish.
Image Credit: Instagram @unbeweavablehairsalon

Thin hair doesn’t mean compromising on luxury or performance. With the right shampoo and supporting styling products, fine hair can look effortlessly full and beautifully styled every day. Neäl & Wølf’s fine hair range not only delivers uplift and shine, it transforms your routine into a luxurious ritual that honours both performance and elegance. Browse our curated selection: Fine Hair Products
