If you’re a limp-haired lady like me, a thick, lustrous mane is the stuff of dreams — or the stuff of shampoo commercials, at the very least. Achieving long-lasting volume and thickness in real life can feel like a doomed endeavor: Some volumizing sprays leave hair tacky or stiff, while others dissolve into nothingness in minutes, and still others take away shine (looking at you, dry shampoos). At least 40% of women over the age of 50 experience some form of hair loss, which makes it even harder for your hair to look full and lush. Enter Dove Density Boost Root Lift Thickening Spray. At only $9, it's a Goldilocks product for anyone with fine or thinning hair: it gently adds body from roots to tips but somehow isn't sticky, contains good-for-you vitamins and minerals to promote scalp and hair health and actually keeps hair feeling bouncy, thick and shiny all day.
Dove
This easy, thickening spritz not only adds volume, it actually nourishes the scalp and fortifies strands from the roots.
Why is this a good deal?????
Products designed to combat hair loss and restore thickness over time can set you back a pretty penny—Rogaine, for example, is upwards of $50, as is fan favorite supplement Nutrafol. These treatments do work (learn more about ways you can counteract thinning hair from our senior beauty editor and resident hair expert Jennifer Romolini), but cheap they are not. That’s where this root lifter comes in. At a mere $9 for fuller-looking hair and a happier scalp, it’s one of the best deals you can find for a strand thickener — and this price can’t be beat anywhere online. “This works as well as or better than the expensive one I was using from my beautician,” reveals one fan. “I will buy again!!”
Why do I need this? ????
Dove is famous for its gentle, considered approach to skin care and hair care, and this spritz is no exception. Designed in conjunction with dermatologists, the formula contains an impressive array of ingredients shown to fortify the scalp, including zinc, vitamin B3, peptides and more. They’ve got the results to back it up, too: In an independent 3-month clinical trial, 89% of women saw thicker, stronger hair and increased hair volume after using this spray.
For a subtle lift, mist it onto the roots of damp hair and let it air dry — it also gently enhances any natural waves, if your hair is so inclined. But the real hair-thickening magic happens with heat styling. Hit your roots with a hair dryer for a few minutes to fully activate the formula and give spiritless strands a boost — you can use a diffuser attachment or a round brush if you’re feeling fancy, but they're not strictly necessary to see results. Your hair doesn’t need to be damp when you apply it, either—it works just as well when you spray it on dry hair.
Dove's Density Boost spray lifts and volumizes even the thinnest, finest hair. (Getty Images)
What reviewers say ????
Customers rave about the natural-looking volume this spray gives to fine or thinning hair, and they love that it can keep hair looking thick for multiple days after shampooing.
Pros ????
Multiple shoppers marvel at how soft and lightweight this spray feels—and how it really kicks into action with heat styling: “Love this stuff!” reports one happy customer. “Doesn't feel heavy and reacted to heat beautifully. I can dampen my roots just a bit, spritz a little on (you don't need a ton) and dry it quickly with a blast of hairdryer. Stays lifted, doesn’t feel sticky and can re-activate with a little water when you want to style the next day.”
This volumizer is an excellent choice even if you tend towards oiliness: “I have thin, fine, and oily hair, PLUS live with very hard water,” explains a five-star reviewer. “By washing 1-2 times with clarifying shampoo, applying very minimal conditioner, and using the root spray before blow drying, I'm able to actually look good on day 2 post-wash!!”
Above all, it delivers on its promise: volume when hair needs it most. “I’ve lost the thickness of my hair, and this gives me the boost and volume on top that I need,” raves one fan, while another says, “I've been using it now for about three weeks and can see a big difference in the thickness of my hair.”
Another convert uses the entire Dove Density Boost line, which includes a lightweight scalp serum, clarifying scrub, clarifying shampoo, and strengthening conditioner: “My hair is falling out less!” the satisfied shopper reports. “If your hair is falling out and you've tried everything, including hair, skin and nail gummies, try this line. Bonus: It smells amazing and the scent lasts for a long time!”
Cons ????
Some shoppers caution not to go overboard when you’re spraying this onto roots: “Use very little!” advises one reviewer. “It's great if you use a small amount.”
One shopper felt that the volumizing effect was a bit too soft and natural—but notes that it might work better for other hair textures. “I have to admit I have very difficult-to-style hair and need a stronger product,” she says.
Dove
Bottom line? Fans of this affordable root-lifting spray attest that it works even better than expensive brands—and is good for scalp health too.
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The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
