Fancy light-therapy devices, scalp serums, and vitamins often get the spotlight when it comes to combating hair loss—but don’t overlook the best conditioners for thinning hair. I’m a 36-year-old shopping editor who reports on hair-growth products—many of which I’ve tested on my own shrinking follicles. In my quest to understand what treatments actually work, I spoke with board-certified dermatologists, trichologists, and hairstylists to learn about the root causes (groan) of reduced fullness, and worked with a panel of women and men to test the most highly recommended formulas.
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Virtue Flourish Thickening Conditioner (6.7 fl. oz.)
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Monday Haircare Volume Conditioner (12 fl. oz.)
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Vegamour GRO Revitalizing Conditioner (8 fl. oz.)
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BosleyMD BosRevive Volumizing Conditioner for Non Color-Treated Hair (10.1 fl. oz.)
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Unlike regular conditioners, which often focus solely on moisture, these formulas are designed to boost volume, strengthen strands, and improve the look of thinning hair. “Some can be very effective at supporting hair growth and retention, especially when used alongside targeted treatments and supplements,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at the Shafer Clinic in New York City.
Similar to shampoos for thinning hair, the best conditioners for hair growth won’t work miracles overnight—but the right one can leave it looking noticeably healthier and more substantial with consistent use. Below, find the top formulas we’ve tested, recommended by experts and reviewed by people experiencing everything from aging and postpartum shifts to stress, styling damage, and hormonal changes.
How we tested conditioners for thinning hair
We recruited a panel of men and women to test 27 of the most highly recommended conditioners for thinning hair, including expert picks and bestsellers. Each tester either already owned or was assigned one product and used it consistently for at least six weeks. This amount of time was long enough to assess changes in volume, texture, and overall hair quality, based on guidance from the dermatologists and trichologists we consulted. In many cases, testers used the conditioner alongside its matching shampoo from the same brand, following expert advice that the formulas often work best as a system.
Participants followed the product’s directions and tracked shifts in shedding, manageability, and the appearance of density over time. They also rated each formula on scent, texture, ease of use, and overall value—factoring in how long it lasted and how well it performed for the price. Their feedback helped determine which conditioners earned a spot on this list and how each one was categorized.
Answers to your questions about conditioner for thinning hair
1. Best Overall: Aveda Invati Ultra Advanced Thickening Conditioner for Thinning Hair
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Courtesy of brand
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Original photo from Emily Tannenbaum testing Aveda Invati Conditioner
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Original photo from Emily Tannenbaum testing Aveda Invati Conditioner
Aveda Invati Ultra Advanced Thickening Conditioner for Thinning Hair (6.7 fl. oz.)
- What we love: Adds noticeable volume; strengthens without weight; silicone- and sulfate-free
- What could improve: Pricey for one bottle; not best suited for fine hair
This dermatologist-recommended formula is designed to instantly thicken the look of thinning hair while supporting long-term strength. “It’s a great detangler and using it regularly strengthens hair,” says Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, a doctor of nursing practice and family nurse practitioner certified in dermatology. “I think it makes hair look thicker by plumping it—probably by increasing the diameter of each hair.” Aveda’s botanical plumping blend includes ingredients like natural oils and caffeine that invigorate the scalp. The texture feels rich but not heavy, and it leaves hair looking fuller even after a quick rinse.
Our tester says: “I’ve been doing everything I can to revive my thick head of hair since I noticed a significant amount of shedding and thinning at my temples in my late 20s, but not even my daily biotin vitamin has provided the aesthetic improvement I noticed after less than a month of using Aveda’s Invati Ultra Advanced line,” says Glamour contributor Emily Tannenbaum. “The thickening conditioner is the real star of the show. After just a couple uses, I noticed a significant decrease in shedding, which is great, but I also noticed that my ponytail felt thicker as I rinsed out the product. At first, I thought my hair was just retaining more moisture, but I definitely feel the same thickness as I run my fingers through my hair right now. Plus, my hairline is starting to look more full in photos.”
Shop the matching shampoo and full system.
2. Best for Hair Loss: Virtue Flourish Thickening Conditioner
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Courtesy of brand
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Original photo from Jenna Clark testing Virtue Flourish Thickening Conditioner
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Original photo from Jenna Clark testing Virtue Flourish Thickening Conditioner
Virtue Flourish Thickening Conditioner (6.7 fl. oz.)
- What we love: Strengthens without heaviness; improves shine and manageability; safe for color-treated hair
- What could improve: Pricey
Designed to support fragile, breakage-prone hair, Virtue’s conditioner uses ingredients that boost volume and resilience. “It contains keratin and peptides, as well as a probiotic, which could be super helpful for thinning hair,” says Dr. LoGerfo. Marie Nino, a professional hairstylist based in New York City, recommends Virtue Flourish’s shampoo and conditioner set for reinforcing strands without leaving them feeling coated or crunchy. Our tester—who used it once a week—saw shinier, less frizzy, and more deeply conditioned hair after just a few uses, with family members even noticing the difference.
Our tester says: “My hair looks smoother—and a lot less damaged—after using this conditioner once a week,” says Glamour tester Jenna Clark. “It’s easy to run a brush through my hair when I blow-dry it, thanks to the detangling quality. I’ve also noticed extra shine. The conditioner has a lighter scent than the shampoo, which I appreciated. While the bottle is on the smaller side, it didn’t affect how well it worked. My family even commented on how much healthier, more hydrated, and voluminous my hair looked.”
Shop the matching shampoo and full system.
3. Best Budget: Monday Haircare Thinning Conditioner
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Courtesy of brand
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Original photo from Bailey Gann testing Monday Haircare Volume Conditioner
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Original photo from Bailey Gann testing Monday Haircare Volume Conditioner
Monday Haircare Volume Conditioner (12 fl. oz.)
- What we love: Hydrates dry strands; very affordable
- What could improve: May not reduce shedding on its own
This under-$10 conditioner proves you don’t need to splurge to start addressing thinning hair. It’s an easy entry point if you’re unsure where to begin: The lightweight formula rinses clean, adds subtle volume, and leaves hair feeling softer and healthier—without a big investment. While it may not dramatically reduce shedding on its own, our tester found that the drugstore product noticeably improved softness, bounce, and manageability, with a scent she couldn’t get enough of.
Our tester says: “Since incorporating this conditioner into my hair-wash routine twice a week, my hair has felt significantly more hydrated and healthy, even for days after washing,” says Glamour tester Bailey Gann, who has thick, dry hair. “The formula is easy to rinse out (no heavy residue!), yet still leaves my hair feeling soft and smooth—not to mention the smell is incredible (do they make this in a body wash?). I didn’t notice a major change in shedding, but the boost in volume and overall hair health made me want to wear my natural hair down more often instead of keeping it up or slicked back.”
Shop the matching shampoo and full set.
4. Best for Shedding: Vegamour GRO Revitalizing Conditioner
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Courtesy of brand
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Original photo from Canyon Silliman testing Vegamour GRO Conditioner
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Original photo from Canyon Silliman testing Vegamour GRO Conditioner
Vegamour GRO Revitalizing Conditioner (8 fl. oz.)
- What we love: Strengthens curls; reduces shedding; vegan formula
- What could improve: Fragrance isn’t for everyone
Formulated with plant-derived ingredients like marula oil, baobab oil, and murumuru butter, Vegamour’s Gro conditioner is designed to smooth, moisturize, and nourish thinning hair without leaving buildup. “It contains phytoactives like red clover and mung bean, plus a vegan keratin called Karmatin that can strengthen damaged, fine hair,” says Kseniya Kobets, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care. Dr. Logerfo says that while the product is not especially volumizing, it “really conditions and hydrates damaged, thin hair.”
Our tester says: “I’ve been using the Vegamour shampoo and conditioner for about three months now, and my hair feels noticeably stronger and fuller—especially my curls,” says Glamour tester Canyon Silliman, who has dealt with hair loss and scalp dryness for the past four years. “If I shower before bed, I wake up with even more volume, like my hair took steroids while I slept. I don’t see nearly as much shedding, and I get great volume even a couple of days after washing. The only downside is the scent—it’s not bad, just not my favorite—but otherwise I’d absolutely recommend it, especially for men. My girlfriend has never complimented my hair more.”
Shop the matching shampoo and full system.
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