A Blog For Mums
Let’s start with the uncomfortable truth: post-pregnancy hair loss is real, and it’s not fun. After my second baby, I remember looking down in the shower and thinking, “Surely that much hair didn’t come off my head?” Spoiler: it did. The fluffy halo around my crown became a flat, see-through curtain, and I found myself searching for answers in the haircare aisle with the same urgency I’d once saved for newborn-size nappies.
That’s when I bought my first hair thickening shampoo.
Fast-forward a few years and a few different brands later, and I can tell you this: hair thickening shampoo isn’t a miracle cure. But it does do something—and for many of us dealing with thinning hair, that “something” is worth understanding properly before you spend £15 on a bottle that promises volume, bounce and the hair of your dreams.
Here’s what it actually does, what it doesn’t, and whether it’s worth adding to your bathroom shelf.
In a nutshell, hair thickening shampoo makes the hair you already have look and feel thicker. It doesn’t grow new hair. It doesn’t stop hair loss. But it can help you feel a bit more like your pre-baby self when you catch your reflection in the mirror.
These shampoos usually work in one or both of the following ways:
Most thickening shampoos contain ingredients that temporarily plump up each individual hair. These can include proteins (like keratin), polymers, or even things like panthenol (a form of vitamin B5). They don’t grow your hair, but they coat it in a very thin film that makes it look fuller and feel more substantial. Think of it like wearing a padded bra for your hair—it doesn’t change what’s underneath, but it gives the illusion of more.
Interestingly, some thickening shampoos are just very effective at cleansing the scalp and hair. Product buildup and oil can weigh your hair down, making it look flat and sparse. A good clarifying formula can lift that gunk away and help your hair sit better. It’s not a glamorous explanation, but it does make a difference—especially if your hair is already fine or thinning.
Let’s be crystal clear here: hair thickening shampoo does not create new hair follicles. It won’t reverse hair loss, fix hormone imbalances, or “regrow” anything that’s gone.
That said, some shampoos are marketed as “hair growth” or “anti-hair loss” products. These might contain ingredients like caffeine or niacin, which have been loosely linked to improved scalp circulation—but the research is mixed, and the effects are usually very subtle. If a product promises miraculous regrowth in a matter of weeks, it’s best to be sceptical.
From my experience, and after speaking to a couple of hairdressers, thickening shampoos are best viewed as styling aids, not treatments. They don’t solve the root cause (pun intended), but they can help you manage the symptoms in a way that feels more… you.
This depends on your expectations. If you’re hoping for shampoo that brings back the full mane you had in your twenties, you’ll likely be disappointed. But if you’re looking for a small daily boost—something that gives your hair a bit more life, volume and shape—then yes, it can be worth it.
Personally, using a thickening shampoo became part of how I felt better during that weird limbo of postpartum recovery. My hair was thin, but it didn’t have to look limp. On days when I needed a pick-me-up (usually involving coffee, dry shampoo and a baby wipe), a bit of volume went a surprisingly long way.
Here are a few pros and cons based on my experience:
Pros:
Cons:
Not all hair thickening shampoos are created equal. I’ve tried some that felt no different from regular shampoo and others that left my hair tangled and dry.
Here’s what to keep in mind when choosing one:
Look for:
Avoid:
Which Ones Are Actually Decent?
Everyone’s hair is different, but here are a few that worked well for me—or that friends have rated highly:
The key is trial and error. If you’re not sure, try a travel size or a sample before committing to a full bottle.
Postpartum hair loss hit me harder than I expected—not just physically, but emotionally. It was one of those quiet changes that sneaks up on you when your energy is low and your body is still healing. And while a bottle of thickening shampoo didn’t fix the underlying issue, it did help me feel more like myself on the days I needed it most.
So no, it’s not magic. But it sort of works—and sometimes, that’s all we need.
If your hair’s thinning and it’s getting you down, you’re not alone. You don’t need a miracle cure. You just need something that helps you feel better. And if a shampoo can do that, even just a bit? Then I say it’s absolutely worth it.
Self Care and Health
