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The Best Hair Thickening Shampoos for Men
Get more volume in less time with these body-building formulas
The grooming industry isn’t exactly known for its straight-talking pragmatism, but there’s a special kind of hyperbole reserved for the hair-thickening category. Wash your head with a caffeine-steeped solution and wake up with Jared Leto lengths? Perhaps, if you buy into everything you read on those tube ads.
But you're not the kind of man that believes every well-angled before-and-after thrown in front of your eyeballs during the morning commute: you want a thickening shampoo that’ll simply bring better volume and movement to the hair you’ve got.
While there’s no magic formula for resurrecting a long-departed hairline (outside of a transplant, anyways), there is a wealth of effective thickening shampoos out there that’ll build body and plump up a limp barnet.
Why Your Hair Might Be Thinning
But first, why exactly is your hair looking thinner? It’s easy to blame the pandemic (as we do for our forehead wrinkles and that new-found urge to go out every single night) but stress isn’t the only factor that can lead to lacking lengths. “There are multiple reasons why one's hair might thin over time and determining the underlying cause can be multi-faceted, often requiring an assessment by a hair-loss expert,” explains Dr Bessam Farjo, Hair Restoration Surgeon at Farjo Hair Institute. He outlines the main culprits as genetics – “roughly 90% of hair loss in men is down to genetic reasons” and the ageing process, as older strands tend to be thinner and have less pigment.
As Darren Fowler, Kérastase Expert and owner of Fowler35 adds, there are external factors to consider too. "These can include anything from a habit of running your hands through your hair continuously to using the wrong comb or brush."
Do Thickening Shampoos Actually Work?
So, are thickening shampoos worth a go? Yes – but if you’re imagining yourself as the Eurovision lad, adjust your expectations: we’re talking density, not growth here.
“Thickening shampoos work by physically swelling the hair follicles individually,” says Dr. Farjo. “This gives the temporary appearance of more volume. So, while they have some effect, it's not a real treatment for thinning hair. The results will also stop once you stop using the shampoo.”
That said, if you simply want a little extra volume in the morning, these are the thickening shampoos that'll really deliver.
The Best Hair Thickening Shampoos For Men
Patricks SH1 Daily Thickening Shampoo
Put through its paces by the Esquire Lab team, this one triumphed in the volumising stakes, with the majority of human guinea pigs agreeing it brought visible volume from root to end. It’s effective, yet gentle enough for sensitive scalps.
Kérastase Genesis Homme Thickness Boosting Shampoo
There are two shampoos in Kérastase's targeted thickening line. As Fowler explains, Bain De Force Quotiden is "a daily fortifying shampoo that gently purifies and re-energises the scalp with a cooling sensation", while Bain De Masse Épaississant provides "a more intense cleanse and instant thickening action, giving the sensation of having more hair." In short, use the former for your daily cleanse, and the latter as a potent, occasional treatment.
The 'five in one' claim is a bit of a stretch here, but we do enjoy this for what it really is: a deep-cleansing shampoo that works to build body from the root. Salicylic acid clears oil that leads to limp lengths, while hydrolysed (read: effective) keratin feeds undernourished strands.
While the science surrounding caffeine for hair growth is shaky, this specialist thickening shampoo does boast a loyal cult following, thanks to the way it visibly volumises hair. It might not be the caffeine, but the blend of proteins, vitamins and plant-based keratin that work to strengthen weakened strands. The mint and eucalyptus scent is welcome in the mornings, too.
JVN Embody Daily Volumizing Shampoo
Celebrities love launching grooming lines, but Jonathan Van Ness’ hair offering belongs at the opposite end of the spectrum to Machine Gun Kelly’s nail polish. Before he was Netflix’s cheeriest cash cow, JVN was an accomplished hair stylist – and the quality of his eponymous product line proves he knows his stuff.
This volumising shampoo sweeps away oil and grime while adding bounce and a remarkable shine. The aluminium packaging is recyclable, and the price point is pleasing, too.
Aveda Invati Men Nourishing Exfoliating Shampoo
A dose of salicylic acid makes this one the best choice for oily scalps and hair that tends to feel greasy quickly. The cooling formula is pleasingly invigorating, while the balancing plant extracts ensure you emerge with calm, happy skin (ie: the foundation for good hair growth).
If you're dealing with limp lengths and a flaky, oily scalp, this is the one to go for. It's formulated with salicylic acid – last seen in your spot treatment – which works to absorb excess oil from within the scalp, resulting in an extra-satisfying cleanse.
Charles Worthington Grow Strong Activating Shampoo
An affordable option that impresses on all fronts, this frothy shampoo a generous dose of plant proteins to strengthen weakened strands.
A sulphate-free shampoo can be a wise move for the sensitive-skinned, but most don't lather up, meaning you're missing out on that extra-clean feeling. Living Proof's formula forms a proper froth, sweeping away oil and styling product residue to leave both your scalp and hair in peak condition.
Philip Kingsley Density Thickening Shampoo
Famed trichologist Philip Kingsley knew a thing or two about keeping hair at its healthiest (he personally formulated products for manes as iconic as Audrey Hepburn’s). This targetted thickening shampoo contains salicylic acid to treat congested pores, creating the ideal scalp environment for hair follicles to thrive.
You may know them best for their Royally Warranted fragrances, but Molton Brown also makes an outstanding selection of hair and body products. This ginger-infused shampoo is best for fine, oily hair that needs a thorough cleanse.
Oribe Shampoo for Magnificent Volume
Legendary stylist Oribe Canales was a big name in the era of huge hair, which means his brand naturally boasts one of the best volumising shampoos in the business. Designed to both stimulate the scalp and physically swell limp strands, this undeniably luxurious lather wins on both style and substance. Yes, it's pricy, but after one wash you'll see why.
Virtue's body-building shampoo contains a form of keratin identical in structure to that in your hair, meaning it can effectively rebuild worn-out strands. It's lightweight in texture, but packs a punch when it comes to cleansing, removing oil and salt-spray residue in a single lather.
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