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Pro-V Sheer Volume Shampoo

Pro-V Sheer Volume Shampoo

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

A silicone-free volumizing shampoo formulated with Pro-Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) to deliver 72-hour fullness and body. Designed for fine, thin, or flat hair, this lightweight formula gently cleanses without weighing hair down while adding noticeable lift and control.

Silicone-Free Paraben-Free Color-Safe 72-Hour Volume Drugstore Price
Pregnancy
Caution
Comedogenic
1/5
Formula
Sulfate-Based
Silicone
Free
pH Level
5.0-6.0
Colorants
Free
Price Range
Budget
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Pro-V Formula

Contains Pro-Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) to strengthen and moisturize hair from root to tip.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Clear Liquid
Scent
Fresh Floral
Lather
Rich & Foamy
Finish
Lightweight

Pro-V Formula

Contains Pro-Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) to strengthen and moisturize hair from root to tip.

Weightless Volume

Silicone-free formula lifts hair without leaving heavy buildup or residue.

72-Hour Fullness

Engineered to provide long-lasting volume and body that extends between washes.

Color-Safe

Gentle enough for color-treated and chemically processed hair.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Contains Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone preservatives. Some sources recommend avoiding these during pregnancy. Consult your healthcare provider.

Color-Treated Hair

Safe for use on dyed, highlighted, or chemically treated hair. Won't strip color.

Scalp Health

Rinse-off formula minimizes contact time. Thorough rinsing recommended for sensitive scalps.

Contains Sulfates

Contains SLS and SLES surfactants for effective cleansing. May be drying for some hair types.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)Proven

The signature Pro-V ingredient that penetrates the hair shaft to moisturize, strengthen, and add shine. Helps improve hair elasticity and reduces breakage.

  • Function: Hair conditioning and strengthening agent
  • Benefit: Adds moisture without weight, improves manageability
  • Research: Well-documented humectant properties for hair health
Panthenol is considered safe and beneficial for all hair types

Panthenyl Ethyl EtherProven

A derivative of panthenol with enhanced penetration properties. Works synergistically with panthenol to deliver Pro-V benefits deeper into the hair structure.

  • Function: Hair conditioning enhancer
  • Benefit: Improves shine and softness

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate & Sodium Laureth Sulfate Primary Surfactants

Effective cleansing agents that create the rich lather Pantene is known for. Remove dirt, oil, and product buildup efficiently.

  • Function: Primary cleansing surfactants
  • Note: SLES is milder than SLS; both provide thorough cleansing
May be drying for very dry or damaged hair. Those with sensitive scalps may prefer sulfate-free alternatives.

Cocamidopropyl BetaineGentle

A mild, coconut-derived surfactant that reduces the harshness of primary surfactants while boosting foam and improving the overall cleansing experience.

  • Function: Secondary surfactant and foam booster
  • Origin: Derived from coconut oil

17 ingredients

Water, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Xylenesulfonate, Fragrance, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Tetrasodium EDTA, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Panthenol, Panthenyl Ethyl Ether, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone

FREE FROM: Parabens, Silicones, Colorants/Dyes, Phthalates, Mineral Oil
04

Where it fits in your hair routine

ROUTINE
1
Shampoo
2
Conditioner
3
Treatment
4
Leave-In
5
Styling

For best results, pair with Pantene Sheer Volume Conditioner and Volume Body Boosting Mousse

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Wet Hair Thoroughly

Saturate hair completely with warm water to open the cuticle and prepare for cleansing.

2

Apply & Massage

Work a quarter-sized amount into your scalp and roots. Massage gently to create a rich lather.

3

Work Through Lengths

Pull the lather through to the ends of your hair for complete cleansing.

4

Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse completely with lukewarm water. Repeat if needed for extra cleansing on heavy buildup days.

5

Follow with Conditioner

Apply Sheer Volume Conditioner to mid-lengths and ends only to avoid weighing down roots.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have fine, thin, or flat hair needing volume
  • Your hair gets oily quickly and needs thorough cleansing
  • You want an affordable drugstore option that works
  • You prefer silicone-free formulas
  • You have color-treated hair
  • You love a rich, foamy lather

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have very dry or damaged hair
  • You need a sulfate-free formula
  • You're pregnant and prefer to avoid certain preservatives
  • You have a highly sensitive scalp
  • You prefer natural/organic ingredients
  • Strong fragrances bother you
07

Hair type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Fine Hair
Excellent

Specifically designed for fine hair. Delivers volume without weighing strands down.

Oily Hair
Excellent

Sulfate-based cleansers effectively remove excess oil and buildup.

Normal Hair
Good

Works well for normal hair seeking added body and bounce.

Dry Hair
Moderate

May be too stripping for dry hair. Use a rich conditioner and consider a more hydrating option.

Color-Treated
Good

Safe for colored hair, though sulfate-free options may better preserve color vibrancy.

Curly/Coily
Moderate

Can be drying for textured hair. Better suited for straight to wavy hair types.

08

Results timeline

ONGOING
Immediate

Instant Volume & Lift

Hair feels cleaner, lighter, and more voluminous immediately after the first wash. Noticeable lift at the roots.

85% noticed immediate volume
1-2 Weeks

Improved Manageability

Hair becomes easier to style with better hold. Pro-V nutrients begin to strengthen strands.

78% reported easier styling
2-4 Weeks

Enhanced Shine & Softness

Panthenol builds up in hair fiber, improving overall shine, softness, and hair health appearance.

72% noticed healthier-looking hair
Ongoing

Maintained Results

Consistent use maintains volume and body. Some users report hair feeling fuller over time with the complete system.

70% continued using long-term
09

Ratings by platform

18K+ REVIEWS
Amazon
4.5
Rating
15,000+
Reviews
Main complaint: Formula changes over time; some prefer older versions
Target
4.4
Rating
970+
Reviews
Main complaint: Can be drying for some hair types
Walmart
4.3
Rating
2,500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Strong fragrance; occasional packaging issues
Brand Website
4.6
Rating
500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Wish it came in larger sizes
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Excellent volume for fine hair
  • Very affordable drugstore price
  • Rich, satisfying lather
  • Pleasant, long-lasting scent
  • Silicone-free and paraben-free
  • Safe for color-treated hair
  • Widely available everywhere
  • Volume lasts throughout the day

Criticized

  • Contains sulfates (SLS/SLES)
  • May be too drying for some
  • Contains controversial preservatives
  • Fragrance may be too strong for some
  • Formula changes over the years
  • Can cause static in dry conditions
  • Not ideal for very dry/damaged hair
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
90% Match
Suave Professionals Volumizing Shampoo
$3.49
Budget Pick

Nearly identical sulfate-based volumizing formula at an even lower price point. Similar lather and cleansing power.

85% Match
TRESemmé Thick & Full Volume Shampoo
$5.99
Budget Pick

Another drugstore volumizing option with similar surfactant base. Contains glycerol instead of panthenol for conditioning.

75% Match
OGX Thick & Full Biotin & Collagen Shampoo
$7.99
Similar

Sulfate-free alternative with biotin and collagen. Different actives but similar volumizing goal. Gentler formula.

70% Match
Living Proof Full Shampoo
$30.00

Premium sulfate-free and silicone-free option with patented thickening technology. Higher price but gentler formula.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE

OGX Biotin & Collagen

Key Ingredient Biotin + Collagen
Sulfate-Free Yes
Silicone-Free No (contains dimethicone)
Volume Duration 72 Hours
Best For Dry/Normal Hair

Living Proof Full

Key Ingredient PBAE Thickening Molecule
Sulfate-Free Yes
Silicone-Free Yes
Volume Duration All Day
Best For All Fine Hair

TRESemmé Thick & Full

Key Ingredient Glycerol + Proteins
Sulfate-Free No
Silicone-Free No
Volume Duration 24 Hours
Best For Budget Conscious
13

Storage & shelf life

24 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

24 months after opening

Storage

Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Keep cap closed between uses.

Packaging

Recyclable plastic squeeze bottle with flip-top cap

Travel Friendly

12oz bottle exceeds TSA limits. Transfer to travel container or purchase travel size.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Use with caution. This shampoo contains Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT), preservatives that some sources recommend avoiding during pregnancy. While it's a rinse-off product with minimal skin contact, those who prefer to err on the side of caution may want to choose a preservative-free alternative. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Generally yes for most scalp types. As a rinse-off product, ingredients have minimal contact time with the scalp. The formula is designed for daily use and is gentle enough for color-treated hair. However, those with very sensitive scalps or conditions like seborrheic dermatitis may find the sulfates irritating. The formula is silicone-free, so it won't cause buildup.

Absolutely! This shampoo works well as part of a complete hair care routine. For best volumizing results, pair with the Pantene Sheer Volume Conditioner (applied to ends only) and Volume Body Boosting Mousse. It's also compatible with heat protectants, serums, and other styling products.

This shampoo is ideal for fine, thin, limp, or flat hair that needs volume and lift. It also works well for oily hair types since the sulfate-based formula effectively removes excess oil and buildup. It may be too stripping for very dry, damaged, or curly/coily hair types that need more moisture retention.

Volume is noticeable immediately after the first wash. Hair will feel lighter, cleaner, and more lifted at the roots right away. With continued use over 2-4 weeks, the Pro-Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) builds up in hair strands to improve overall shine, softness, and manageability.

This shampoo is the first step in your hair care routine. Apply to wet hair, massage into scalp and through lengths, then rinse thoroughly. Follow with conditioner (applied to mid-lengths and ends only to maintain root volume), then any treatments, leave-ins, and styling products.

No, this formula is specifically designed to avoid weighing hair down. It's silicone-free, which means it won't leave heavy residue or cause the buildup that some shampoos do. The lightweight formula cleanses thoroughly while adding volume. If you notice buildup, it may be from other products in your routine.

The shampoo has a shelf life of approximately 24 months after opening when stored properly at room temperature. Look for the PAO (Period After Opening) symbol on the packaging. Store away from direct sunlight and keep the cap closed between uses to maintain product integrity.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.2 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: Pantene Pro-V Sheer Volume Shampoo delivers on its promise of adding noticeable volume and lift to fine, flat hair at an unbeatable drugstore price point. The silicone-free, paraben-free formula with signature Pro-Vitamin B5 provides immediate results and long-lasting fullness. While the sulfate-based cleansing system may be too stripping for dry or damaged hair, it's excellent for those with oily or fine hair who need thorough cleansing. The main drawbacks are the controversial preservatives (a concern for some pregnant users) and the potential to over-dry certain hair types. Overall, it's a solid budget choice for fine-haired individuals seeking volume without spending on premium products.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb What are Quick Product Notes?

Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?

Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.

We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.

Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 2 ingredient(s):
Citric Acid Histidine
brightening Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Citric Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 3 ingredient(s):
Citric Acid Histidine Panthenol
question
lightbulb What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?

Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.

We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.

One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
1
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
1
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?

Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
35% 17% 47%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 17 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
0 Unknown
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
3 Unknown
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Surfactant, Emulsifying, Cleansing, Foaming
4 B
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
1 A
Sodium Citrate
Masking, Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Chelating
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS