Just like our skin, our hair changes as we age. The vibrant, thick locks of our youth can gradually become finer, drier, and more prone to breakage. You might notice a lack of volume, a dullness that’s hard to shift, or a wiry texture that’s difficult to tame. These changes are completely normal, but they do require a shift in our hair care routine.
The generic shampoo you’ve used for years may no longer be enough. The foundation of restoring life to mature hair begins with the very first step: your shampoo. The right formula can address key concerns like thinning, dryness, and lack of shine, creating the perfect base for healthy, beautiful hair.
We've researched and selected the 7 best shampoos specifically designed to meet the needs of ageing hair, helping you to restore that coveted volume and shine.
1. Kérastase Densifique Bain Densité Shampoo
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Best for: Increasing Fullness and Density
This is a luxurious and powerful solution for hair that feels like it’s losing its substance. Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid and Intra-Cylane, this shampoo strengthens the hair fiber and awakens dormant follicles, leading to improved texture, substance, and resilience. It provides a noticeable plumping effect, making hair look and feel fuller from root to tip.
Kérastase Densifique Femme Thickening Shampoo 250ml
Achieve fuller, thicker hair with this nourishing shampoo designed for women's unique needs
Product information
$46.00
Product Review Score
4.44 out of 5 stars
180 reviewsProduct links
2. Plantur 39 Phyto-Caffeine Shampoo
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Best for: Thinning Hair in Women Over 40
Specifically created to address age-related thinning, this shampoo is a powerhouse. Its unique Phyto-Caffeine Complex travels through the hair strands to help strengthen roots and prevent premature hair loss. It’s a targeted treatment that cleanses effectively while giving mature hair the support it needs to thrive.
Plantur 39 Caffeine Shampoo and Conditioner Set
Revitalize your hair and scalp with this powerful caffeine-infused duo that promotes strength and shine
Product information
$23.74
Product Review Score
4.75 out of 5 stars
215 reviewsProduct links
3. Pureology Hydrate Shampoo
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Best for: Combating Dryness and Protecting Colour
As we age, our scalp produces less oil, leading to dry, brittle hair. This ultra-hydrating, sulfate-free shampoo is a lifesaver. It replenishes lost moisture without weighing the hair down, leaving it soft and manageable. As a bonus, its AntiFade Complex® keeps colour-treated hair vibrant.
Pureology Hydrate Moisturizing Shampoo for Colour Treated Hair
This gentle shampoo keeps your color vibrant while deeply hydrating and nourishing your hair
Product information
$37.00
Product Review Score
4.95 out of 5 stars
205 reviewsProduct links
4. Living Proof Full Shampoo
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Best for: Creating Lasting, Lightweight Volume
If flat, lifeless hair is your primary concern, this is the shampoo for you. It’s powered by a patented technology that cleanses thoroughly while preparing hair for maximum fullness and body. It helps to repel dirt and oil, so your voluminous style stays looking fresh and cleaner for longer.
Living Proof Full Anti-Aging Shampoo, 236 ml
Revitalize your hair and scalp for a youthful bounce and shine
Product information
$34.00 $25.94
Product Review Score
4.17 out of 5 stars
118 reviewsProduct links
5. Olaplex No.4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo
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Best for: A Weekly Reset to Boost Shine
Sometimes, the reason for dull, flat hair is product build-up. This clarifying shampoo from the bond-building experts at Olaplex provides a deep, weekly cleanse to remove impurities that weigh hair down. By clearing the canvas, it reveals incredible shine and restores airy volume.
Olaplex No. 4C Clarifying Shampoo for Buildup 250ml
Say goodbye to product buildup and hello to fresh, healthy hair with this powerful clarifying shampoo
Product information
$17.99
Product Review Score
4.32 out of 5 stars
137 reviewsProduct links
6. L'Oréal Elvive Hyaluron Plump Shampoo
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Best for: Budget-Friendly Hydration
Proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune for great results, this pharmacy hero is infused with Hyaluronic Acid. It works by attracting moisture and replumping dry, dehydrated hair fibers. It’s an excellent choice for restoring softness and bounce without breaking the bank.
L'Oreal Elvive Hyaluron Plump Hydrating Shampoo 12.6oz
Experience deep hydration and bounce for your hair with this refreshing shampoo
Product information
$6.49 $5.57
Product Review Score
4.7 out of 5 stars
61 reviewsProduct links
7. Aveda Invati Advanced™ Exfoliating Shampoo
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Best for: Invigorating the Scalp
Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. This gentle, exfoliating shampoo removes build-up and pore-clogging pollution to create the optimal foundation for thicker, fuller hair. With ingredients like salicylic acid and ginseng, it invigorates the scalp and helps to reduce hair loss due to breakage.
Aveda Invati Ultra Advanced Exfoliating Shampoo
Revitalize your hair and scalp while fighting signs of aging with this powerful shampoo
Product information
$39.00
Product Review Score
4.58 out of 5 stars
196 reviewsProduct links
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are good for ageing hair?
When shopping for a shampoo for mature hair, look for these powerhouse ingredients:
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Hyaluronic Acid: Just as it plumps the skin, it also helps hair fibers attract and retain moisture, leading to a fuller look and feel.
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Keratin and Peptides: These are the building blocks of hair. They help to strengthen the hair shaft, repair damage, and reduce breakage.
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Biotin and Caffeine: These ingredients are known to support healthy hair growth by invigorating the scalp and stimulating follicles.
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Antioxidants (like Vitamins C & E): They help protect hair from environmental stressors that can cause it to become dull and weak.
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Sulfate-Free Cleansers: Gentle cleansing agents that effectively clean the hair and scalp without stripping away essential natural oils.
Conclusion
While you can’t turn back the clock, you can absolutely give your hair the targeted care it needs to look its best. Ageing hair has different requirements, but by choosing a shampoo packed with nourishing, strengthening, and volumizing ingredients, you can effectively combat the signs of change. A great shampoo is your first and best tool for restoring the beautiful volume, shine, and vitality of more youthful hair.