Do you ever look in the mirror and feel like your hair is just…blah? Limp, lifeless, and lacking any sort of oomph? If you have fine hair like mine, you know the struggle is real. For years, I’ve battled with hair that just lays flat, no matter what I do. Styling feels pointless, and mornings are a quick comb-and-go affair because, frankly, what else is there to do?
This is my hair on a typical day:
Hair envy is a constant companion when scrolling through Instagram and seeing those luscious, voluminous locks. That’s why the quest for the perfect volumizing shampoo is always on. I’ve waded through countless bottles, from miracle promises to disappointing duds. The holy grail? A shampoo that boosts volume without turning my hair into a dry, tangled mess. Too many volumizing shampoos either deliver on volume but strip my hair of moisture, or they are gentle but leave my hair as flat as before.
Enter John Frieda Luxurious Volume Shampoo. This line has been hyped up by many, so I decided to put their Thickening Shampoo and Thickening Conditioner to the test. John Frieda offers a whole range of products within this line, which you can explore HERE if you’re curious.
The packaging is straightforward and practical – large blue tubes with flip-top lids. The shampoo comes in a clear tube, while the conditioner is in an opaque one.
But packaging is just the beginning. What about the actual product inside? The shampoo has a clear gel consistency, and the conditioner is a milky white gel, slightly richer in texture. One of the first things I noticed and loved about the shampoo was its lather. It creates a really satisfying, rich lather, which, if you’re like me, is a small but enjoyable part of the hair washing experience. The conditioner, as expected, doesn’t lather, but it feels creamy and nourishing without being heavy or greasy.
Both the shampoo and conditioner share a light, fresh scent that I found really pleasant. It’s subtle and clean, almost cucumber-like, although scent is so subjective. Importantly for me, both products rinsed out cleanly. No residue, no struggling to wash them out – just clean, fresh hair.
Here’s a closer look at the texture of both products:
After using the John Frieda Luxurious Volume Shampoo and Conditioner for about three weeks, I felt I could give a fair review. My routine was simple: shampoo and conditioner every couple of washes, letting my hair air dry as usual. Given how naturally flat my hair is, I was honestly skeptical about seeing any real volume.
However, from the first few washes, I was impressed by how soft these products made my hair feel. And not just soft, but soft without any residue or that dreaded sticky feeling some volumizing products leave behind. The John Frieda Luxurious Volume line really excelled in this aspect for me. Even on days when I skipped the conditioner, the Thickening Shampoo alone left my hair feeling smooth and manageable. I could easily comb through my shoulder-length hair after showering – a task that’s often a struggle with other shampoos that leave my hair tangled and knotty. This softening effect is a major plus, especially for those with fine hair that tends to be dry or easily tangled.
Another significant benefit was that neither product irritated my scalp. Some harsher shampoos can trigger flakiness, itching, and general scalp irritation for me, but with the John Frieda duo, I experienced no such issues.
Now, for the volume aspect – did it live up to the “Luxurious Volume” name? I’d say it delivered a noticeable boost. It wasn’t a dramatic, salon-level volume explosion (and let’s be realistic, can any shampoo truly deliver that on its own?), but it definitely added lift and body. Importantly, it didn’t weigh my hair down, which was a concern given how softening the products are. After the first few uses, stepping out of the shower with incredibly soft hair, I worried it would dry flat. But to my surprise, it retained a decent level of volume once dry.
The Verdict: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Softness and Manageability: Leaves fine hair incredibly soft, smooth, and easy to detangle.
- Lightweight Formula: Rinses cleanly without residue or weighing hair down.
- Subtle Volume Boost: Provides a noticeable lift and body for fine hair.
- Scalp-Friendly: Doesn’t cause irritation or dryness.
- Pleasant Scent: Light and fresh, not overpowering.
- Good Lather (Shampoo): Provides a satisfying cleansing experience.
Cons:
- Volume is Moderate, Not Dramatic: May not be enough for those seeking extreme volume without styling products.
- Availability: May vary depending on location.
Who is John Frieda Luxurious Volume Shampoo for?
If you have fine, limp hair that struggles with volume, and you’re looking for a shampoo that will:
- Soften and smooth your hair without sacrificing volume.
- Provide a gentle lift and body.
- Cleanse effectively without drying out your hair or irritating your scalp.
Then John Frieda Luxurious Volume Shampoo and Conditioner are definitely worth trying. They strike a great balance between softness and volume, making them a solid choice for everyday use. While it might not create massive volume on its own, it provides a noticeable improvement and creates a great base for styling if you want to amp up the volume further.
Disclaimer: This product was sent to me for review purposes. I am not affiliated with the company, nor do I benefit from the links posted. This review is my complete and honest opinion after an unbiased trial of the product.
