Best volume shampoo - this way you get maximum volume without being heavy

Do you dream of hair that lifts at the roots, looks fuller and holds its shape all day? The right volume shampoo is the foundation for a light, airy look. In this guide, you get a complete overview of what characterizes the best volume shampoo, how it works, and how to build a routine that gives visible fullness - without frizz or stiffness.

With the right ingredients and a consistent hair care routine, even the finest hair can have a more powerful and vibrant expression. A good volume shampoo doesn't just work the moment you wash your hair – it also creates the best conditions for styling afterwards. That's why it's important to know what to look for and how to use the products optimally if you want a result that lasts all day.

What does a volume shampoo do (and why does it work)?

A good volume shampoo works on two fronts:

1. Cleanses without being heavy
   It removes oil, dirt and product residues that cause the hair to collapse, but without heavy film formers that settle on the strands.
   
   

2. Creates light structure
   Lightweight moisturizers (e.g. glycerin), panthenol and fine polymers give a microscopic "lift" in the hair fiber so that the strands do not stick together. The result is hair that feels cleaner, lighter and looks thicker.

In short: The best volume shampoo makes the hair "grip-ready", so that styling can actually last.

How to choose the best volume shampoo for your hair type

To find the true volume mate is all about matching the formula to your needs.

Fine and flat hair

• Choose sulfate-free or mild surfactants to avoid drying.

• Look for panthenol, rice or wheat protein for light texture.

• Avoid heavy silicones and oils in high concentrations.

Curly or wavy hair

• Go for moisture + light lift.

• Lightweight gels/gel shampoos cleanse without stealing definition.

• Only use conditioner in lengths/tips to protect the root lift.

Dry hair with frizz

• Choose volume shampoo with humectants and a little care, but still easy on the hair.

• Supplement with a light conditioner in the lengths (not in the bottom).

Oily scalp

• Prioritize cleansing and balance (e.g. zinc, light acid complexes), and limit heavy leave-ins.

Ingredients that give fullness (without stickiness)

• Panthenol (provitamin B5) - binds moisture and provides flexible "bounce".

• Hydrolyzed proteins – small protein fragments that temporarily strengthen and make the straw more "grip-friendly".

• Lightweight polymers – forms an ultra-thin film that supports lifting without the feeling of a helmet.

• Aloe vera/glycerin – humectants that provide elasticity without weighing down.

• Mild cleaners – keeps the scalp in balance so that the roots don't get greasy too quickly.

Pro tip: If your volumizing shampoo feels for "squeaky clean", then adjust with a light conditioner in the lengths. Balance = lasting volume.

Use your volume shampoo correctly (step-by-step)

1. Wet the hair: Hot water opens the cuticle layer slightly, so that the cleanser and active ingredients are distributed evenly.
   

2. Shampoo twice:
   

• Wash 1 = loosens oil/build-up.

• Wash 2 = activates the volume effect.
  

3. Massage the scalp gently: Fingertips, never nails.

4. Rinse thoroughly: Remainder = flat hair.

5. Conditioner only in lengths: Avoid the root area.

6. Squeeze out the water: Use a microfiber towel or T-shirt for less frizz.

Product inspiration: light cleaning + root lift in one (link 1/3)

Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly Wash Shampoo 250ml
Gel-based, light cleanser that preserves the hair's natural "spring" and makes it easy to lift at the roots. Particularly suitable for waves/curls, which often lose fullness due to too harsh cleaning. The consistency helps distribute the product evenly, so you can clean gently without flattening the hair.

Moisture and fullness – the difficult balance (link 2/3 in this section)

Volume dies when the hair is weighed down. But without moisture, you get frizz instead. The key is lightweight moisture + proper placement (in lengths only). A strong offer in that category is:

Umberto Giannini Thirsty Curls Shampoo 250ml
Formulated to quench thirst without to remove bounce. This type of shampoo is gold for those of you who think: "I want shine and softness - but volume first." Use it especially on days when the hair feels dry or electric; it makes the hair manageable without collapsing the root lift.

Placement tips for conditioner/leave-in (to maintain volume):

• Apply from mid-lengths down.

• Start with very little - add more if the tips require it.

• Avoid the roots: Even "light" products can weigh down the bottom.

Styling after washing: how to lock in volume (link 3/3 in this section)

The wash creates the prerequisite – the styling makes the difference that can be seen. Think "lift at the root + light structure in the lengths".

Root lift with blow dryer

• Pre-dry the hair 60–70% with the head slightly forward.

• Usage round brush and lift sections from root to tip while directing airflow downwards along the hair.

• Cool shot for 5–8 seconds per section to “lock” the volume.

Easy definition in the lengths (for waves/curls)
If you want voluminous definition in the lengths, choose a light, flexible gel:

As I Am Classic Curling Jelly 454gr
A classic for defining waves/curls without to burden. Use a small amount on damp hair, comb up from tip to root, and air dry or use a diffuser. The advantage of gel over cream is that it keeps the shape and lift longer – perfect when the goal is volume.

Your 7-step volume routine (quick reference)

1. Clean with volume shampoo (two light washes).

2. Conditioner only in lengths/tips.

3. Towel/ T-shirt clip - no grumbling.

4. Root prep (light mousse/no heavy creams at the bottom).

5. Blow dryer with lift (round brush/curved brush, coolly "seen" on top).

6. Light finish (texture spray or flexible gel in lengths).

7. Hands off: Touch the hair less during the day - friction flattens out.

Five Common Mistakes That Kill Volume (And How To Avoid Them)

• Too much product in the root area
  Solution: All leave-in under the earlobes.

• Too little rinse after shampoo
  Solution: Rinse until the hair feels "clean to the touch".

• Heavy oil/serum before blow drying
  Solution: Save oils for after styling – and only at the tips.

• Blow drying without sections
  Solution: Work in small sections to give each area a structured lift.

• No "cool shot"
  Solution: Use cold air at the end so the volume lasts longer.

FAQ – short answers to big questions

Does volume shampoo make hair thicker forever?
No. The effect is cosmetic and temporary, but it can be enhanced and last a long time with proper styling.

Can I use volume shampoo daily?
It depends on your scalp. If you have a tendency to dryness, switch between volume shampoo and a milder cleanser.

Does curly hair need a special volume shampoo?
Not necessarily – but curly hair often thrives with gel-based, lightweight formulas that clean without removing definition.

Can I get volume without heat?
Yes, but heat + correct technique typically gives the most and longest hold. Without heat: try root clips, dry shampoo at the bottom day 2, and change the sense.

The long-term game: this is how you maintain fullness week after week

• Clean regularly for build-up (but gentle on the scalp).

• Cut tips every 8–12 weeks – healthy ends look fuller.

• Sleep "volume-smart": Silk pillowcase or loose pineapple (for curls).

• Day 2 refresher: Dry shampoo at the root, a little water/gel in the lengths.

The best volume shampoo is the one you can use often

The best volume shampoo for you is the one that balances cleansing, light structure and gentle care, so you can use it consistently without drying out the scalp or weighing down the hair. Start with a light, volumizing cleanser, apply moisture to the lengths, and "lock" the fullness with a styling that supports the lift instead of pulling it down.

It's not just about getting an instant lift, but about creating a routine where your hair maintains elasticity and vitality from wash to wash. When you choose a shampoo that suits your hair type, you get both a visible result and a solution you can rely on in the long run. In this way, volume becomes a natural part of your everyday life – not just something that happens on good hair days.