If you’re battling fine, flat, or thinning hair, let me introduce you to your new best friend: John Frieda UltraFiller+ Thickening Spray. This isn’t just another hair product—it’s a game-changer that delivers thicker, fuller hair in just one use.
Infused with biotin and hyaluronic acid, it plumps your strands without stickiness or weight. Trust me, you’ll want to grab this vegan, silicone-free spray and the full UltraFiller+ line to transform your hair. Ready to say goodbye to limp locks?
Let’s talk about why this product deserves a spot in your routine.
My Experience With John Frieda UltraFiller+ Thickening Spray

I’ll be honest—my hair has never been my crowning glory.
It’s fine, thin, and has been thinning even more around my crown and temples as I’ve aged.
I’ve tried countless volumizing sprays, shampoos, and even those gritty hair fibers that promise miracles but leave your scalp itchy.
Most left my hair either stiff as a board or so weighed down it looked greasier than ever.
So, when I stumbled across John Frieda UltraFiller+ Thickening Spray, I wasn’t holding my breath. But let me tell you, this stuff surprised me in the best way.
The first time I used it, I followed the instructions: a few spritzes on towel-dried hair, combing it through, and blow-drying as usual. The spray itself is lightweight, almost like water, and has a subtle, clean scent that doesn’t linger.
As I dried my hair, I noticed something different—my strands felt fuller, like they had more substance. When I looked in the mirror, my hair wasn’t just poofy or wild like some volumizers make it; it looked genuinely thicker.
My natural waves, which usually flatten out by noon, held their shape all day without needing hairspray.
Over the next few weeks, I paired the spray with the UltraFiller+ shampoo and conditioner, and the results got even better. My hair felt softer, shinier, and more manageable, and I swear I was seeing fewer strands in my brush.
The spray didn’t irritate my sensitive scalp, which is a huge win since other products have left me red and itchy. The only hiccup? The pump can be a bit stiff if you’ve got weaker hands, but I managed by pressing it against my palm.
After a month, my hair felt like it belonged to someone else—someone with a lot more hair than me. This isn’t a miracle cure for hair loss, but it’s the closest I’ve come to loving my hair again.
Pros of John Frieda UltraFiller+ Thickening Spray
- Instant Volume and Thickness

You know those mornings when your hair just lies flat, mocking your efforts to style it?
This spray is your secret weapon.
From the first use, it plumps your hair by aligning strands and creating space between them, making your hair look up to 200% thicker when used with the full UltraFiller+ line.
It’s not about temporary fluff—it’s about giving your hair real body that lasts all day.
I’ve had friends ask if I got a new haircut because my hair looks so much fuller.
- Lightweight and Non-Sticky
I’ve tried sprays that feel like you’re coating your hair in glue—crisp, crunchy, and impossible to brush through. Not this one.
The UltraFiller+ spray feels like nothing once it dries. It doesn’t weigh your hair down or leave it greasy, which is a godsend for those of us with fine hair that gets oily fast. You can run your fingers through your hair, and it still feels soft and natural, not like a helmet.
- Heat Protection for Fragile Hair
Fine hair is delicate, and heat styling can make it snap like dry spaghetti. This spray doubles as a heat protectant, shielding your strands from blow-drying or curling.
I’ve noticed fewer split ends since I started using it, and my hair feels stronger overall. It’s like a bodyguard for your hair, letting you style without the guilt of frying your strands.
- Vegan and Silicone-Free Formula
If you’re trying to be kinder to the planet or your scalp, you’ll love that this spray is vegan, cruelty-free, and silicone-free. Silicones can build up and make fine hair look limp, so I appreciate that John Frieda skipped them.
The biotin and hyaluronic acid combo strengthens and hydrates without any animal-derived ingredients or harsh chemicals. It’s a feel-good choice that actually works.
- Pleasant, Subtle Scent
Nobody wants a hair product that smells like a perfume bomb. This spray has a light, clean fragrance—think fresh linens—that fades after application. It’s not overpowering, and it won’t clash with your perfume or make you sneeze.
For me, it’s just enough to feel luxurious without being a distraction.
Cons of John Frieda UltraFiller+ Thickening Spray

- Pump Can Be Tricky: Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the pump. If you’ve got arthritis or weaker hands, pressing it down can feel like a workout. I don’t have major hand issues, but I still found it a bit stiff at first. I got around it by using both hands or pressing it against a surface, but it’s worth noting if dexterity is a concern. A softer nozzle would make this product near-perfect.
- Results Vary by Hair Type: While this spray is a dream for fine, straight, or wavy hair, it might not work as well for everyone. I’ve read reviews from folks with coily or very curly hair (like 4a or 4c) who found it didn’t deliver the same thickening magic. It can sometimes leave textured hair feeling stiff if over-applied. If your hair is super thick or curly, you might need to experiment to see if it’s a fit.
- Price Point for Some Budgets: At around $13 for a 5-ounce bottle, it’s not the cheapest drugstore spray out there. If you’re on a tight budget, this might feel like a splurge, especially if you’re also buying the shampoo and conditioner. That said, a little goes a long way, and I find it lasts a couple of months with daily use. Still, I wish it came in a larger size for better value.
- Not a Hair Growth Solution: This is a styling product, not a treatment for hair loss. While it makes your hair look thicker and may reduce breakage thanks to the biotin, don’t expect it to regrow hair or fix thinning at the root. I noticed less hair fall from breakage, but if you’re looking for a medical-grade solution, you’ll need to pair this with other treatments.
Tips For Using John Frieda UltraFiller+ Thickening Spray
- Use the Full UltraFiller+ Line for Best Results: To get that promised 200% thicker hair, don’t skip the shampoo and conditioner. The three-step system—cleanse with the shampoo, strengthen with the conditioner, and plump with the spray—works together to maximize thickness. I noticed a huge difference when I used all three versus just the spray. The shampoo preps your hair by removing buildup, the conditioner aligns strands, and the spray seals the deal. Think of it like a recipe: you need all the ingredients for the full effect.
- Apply to Towel-Dried Hair: Timing is everything. Spritz the spray on towel-dried hair, not sopping wet or fully dry. I blot my hair with a microfiber towel until it’s just damp, then spray evenly, focusing on the roots and mid-lengths. Comb it through with a wide-tooth comb to distribute it, then blow-dry. This ensures the product coats every strand without clumping or uneven patches.
- Don’t Overdo It: Less is more with this spray. I learned the hard way that too many spritzes can make your hair feel a tad stiff, especially if it’s very fine. Start with 3-4 pumps for shoulder-length hair and adjust from there. If you’re using it daily, you might need even less to avoid buildup. Your hair should feel fuller, not like it’s coated in product.
- Blow-Dry for Maximum Volume: The spray shines when you blow-dry your hair. Use a round brush to lift at the roots and direct the airflow upward for extra body. I flip my head upside down for the last minute of drying to really amp up the volume. If you air-dry, you’ll still get some thickness, but blow-drying unlocks the full potential.
- Cleanse Regularly to Prevent Buildup: Even though the spray is lightweight, using it daily can lead to subtle buildup, especially if you’re also using other styling products. I use a clarifying shampoo once a week to keep my scalp fresh and ensure the spray keeps working its magic. Just don’t over-clarify, as it can strip your hair and make it feel dry.
- Store Properly: Keep the bottle in a cool, dry place—your bathroom counter is fine, but avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or a steamy shower nook. Heat can mess with the formula, and nobody wants a watered-down product. Also, give the nozzle a quick rinse if it gets gunky to keep the spray even.
Comparison of John Frieda UltraFiller+ With Other Brands
Let’s put John Frieda UltraFiller+ up against some heavy hitters in the volumizing world: Garnier Fructis Hair Filler, L’Oréal Paris EverPure Thickening, and Nexxus Volume Spray. I’ve tried them all, and here’s how they stack up in a real-world showdown.
Garnier Fructis Hair Filler is a budget-friendly option, often under $10 for a similar-sized bottle. It’s packed with polypeptides and claims to repair weak hair while adding fullness.
I found it decent for volume, but it left my hair feeling a bit tacky, like I’d used a cheap hairspray. It’s great if you’re pinching pennies, but it doesn’t match UltraFiller+’s softness or long-lasting body. Plus, Garnier’s scent is fruitier, which can be a bit much if you prefer something subtle.
L’Oréal Paris EverPure Thickening Spray is a sulfate-free contender that leans on rosemary leaf for strength. It’s marketed for thin, fragile hair, much like UltraFiller+. I liked that it didn’t weigh my hair down, but the volume was less dramatic—more like a gentle lift than a full-on plump.
It’s also pricier, often around $15, and the spray mechanism felt flimsier. If you’re sensitive to sulfates, L’Oréal might edge out, but UltraFiller+’s biotin-hyaluronic combo gives it a thicker, more polished finish.
Nexxus Volume Spray is the luxury pick, often retailing for $18 or more. It promises salon-quality fullness and uses plant proteins for strength. I’ll admit, it delivers serious volume, but it’s heavier than UltraFiller+.
My fine hair felt coated, and by day’s end, it looked greasy at the roots. Nexxus is great for thicker hair types that can handle the heft, but for fine hair, UltraFiller+ wins for its lightweight hold and softness.
What sets UltraFiller+ apart is its balance. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s not bank-breaking either. It outperforms drugstore brands in softness and staying power while being gentler than high-end sprays that overload fine hair.
The heat protection and vegan formula are bonuses that make it feel like a premium product without the premium price tag. If you’ve been burned by sticky, heavy sprays, this one’s your Goldilocks—just right.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Spray it on towel-dried hair, focusing on the roots and mid-lengths. Use 3-4 pumps for shoulder-length hair, comb through for even distribution, and blow-dry with a round brush for maximum volume. Avoid over-applying to prevent stiffness, and pair it with the UltraFiller+ shampoo and conditioner for the best results.
Yes, it’s designed for fine or thinning hair. Infused with biotin for strength and hyaluronic acid for hydration, it plumps hair by up to 200% when used with the UltraFiller+ line. It’s lightweight, vegan, silicone-free, and provides heat protection, making it ideal for fragile strands.
Absolutely, it’s safe for color-treated hair. The silicone-free, vegan formula won’t strip your color or cause fading. I’ve used it on my highlighted hair, and it keeps my color vibrant while adding thickness and shine.
John Frieda has a solid reputation for tackling specific hair concerns, like frizz, color maintenance, and volume. Their UltraFiller+ and Volume Lift lines are hits for fine hair, though some products (like their dyes) get mixed reviews. I’ve found their formulas reliable, innovative, and fairly priced for the quality.
Conclusion: Your Hair Deserves John Frieda UltraFiller+
If you’re tired of flat, lifeless hair, John Frieda UltraFiller+ Thickening Spray is the boost you’ve been searching for. It delivers fuller, thicker hair without the stickiness or weight of other products, all while protecting your strands and keeping things vegan and silicone-free.
Pair it with the shampoo and conditioner, and you’ll wonder how you lived without it. Don’t let limp locks hold you back—grab this spray and watch your hair transform. Your confidence (and your hair) will thank you.