How I Grew My Fine Hair: Routines & Products
If you have fine hair, you know the struggle.
Your roots are showing…but it doesn’t look like it grows. It breaks. It thins at the ends. It falls flat.
A year ago, my hair was “healthy-ish”, but stuck at the same length. In my 35 years on this Earth, my hair never grew past my shoulders despite YEARS of trying. Today it’s longer, fuller, and stronger, and I didn’t use extensions or hair supplements. Just good ole consistency.
Here’s exactly what I do:
My Weekly Routine:
Scalp Oiling with Hair Mask
Product: Hair Oil; Kerastase Mask; Kristen Ess Mask
Tools: Scalp Scrubber; Shower Caps
This is my holy grail!! I apply amla oil directly to my scalp every Sunday evening. I massage the oil into my scalp for 5 minutes using a scalp scrubber. This increases circulation and ensures even distribution. I apply deep conditioner on the ends once I’m done massaging the oil in, and I rotate between the Kristen Ess Restorative Mask and the Kerastase Mask (Keratase is so expensive but it’s good. I alternate to save money). Fine hair needs moisture at the ends but gets weighed down easily., so I keep masks strictly mid-shaft down. I then cover my hair with a plastic shower cap and let it sit for at least three hours.
Hair Washing Routine
Products: Kristen Ess Clarifying Shampoo; Kerastase Shampoo; Redken Conditioner; Kerastase Conditioner
Tools: Scalp Scrubber
After oiling, I head to the shower with my scalp scrubber. I shampoo twice to ensure I get all the oil off of my scalp. The first shampoo I use is the Kristen Ess Clariying Shampoo. I make sure to really clean the scalp with the scalp scrubber while shampooing. Then I go in with the Kerastase shampoo for one final clean. My hair is always so tangly, so even though I put a hair mask in, I still need to condition the ends. I typically use either the Redken conditioner or a Kerastase conditioner for the ends (depending on what I have and my budget).
Post-Wash Protection
Products: Redken Leave-In Conditioner; All Eyes on You Heat Protectant
Tools: Wet Brush
On damp hair, I apply Redken Leave-In Conditioner. I know it seems like I’m using a lot of different conditioners, but my hair breaks so easily. I also apply a heat protectant. The heat protectant I am using at the moment is the All Eyes on You by Not Your Mother’s. I only brush my hair with a wet brush once the leave-in conditioner has done it’s job. I want to make sure when I brush, the brush glides through my hair and doesn’t pull. I blowdry my hair like normal (Yes, I use the hot/high setting for this or my hair will never dry).
Post-Blowdry Care
Products: Rogaine Men’s 5%
Tools: Scalp Scrubber; Heatless Rods; Silk Hair Ties
Once my hair is dry, I go in with Rogaine Men’s 5%. I use the foam formula and put it around my hairline. I then use my scalp scrubber once again to make sure it gets into the scalp. I do this every night, even on non-wash days. At first, the Rogaine will saturate your hair, but when you wake up in the morning, it is dry and not weighed down (trust me). With the Rogaine in, I get out my heatless curl rods, and depending on my mood, I will put these in two different ways as shown here: Heatless Rods Tutorial. I found this method to be the most comfortable to sleep in - I’m a side sleeper. Be sure to use creaseless hair ties.
Throughout the Week Care
Products: Dry Shampoo; Kerastase Shampoo; Redken Conditioner; Leave-In Conditioner; Heat Protectant; Rogaine
Tools: Hair Ties; Silk Hair Tie; Silk Pillowcase; Wet Brush
With this routine, I am able to wear my hair down for about two days with it looking decent. By Wednesday, it’s time to wash my hair again (or put a shit-ton of dry shampoo in my hair if I’m lazy). I shampoo and condition about two times a week - once on Sunday after oiling and again on Wednesday or Saturday depending on my plans). I use the Keratase shampoo and Redken condtioner for my mid-week wash , and I always use my scalp scrubber with my shampoo. After washing, I use the same leave-in conditioner and heat protectant as usual, then blowdry. The Rogaine is a non-negotiable nightly step.
When my hair gets too flat, I usually put it in a ponytail or clip for the remainer of the week until Sunday. I try not avoid heat if possible. I make sure to use ponytails that don’t damage the hair or create a crease. At night, I wear my hair in a ponytail with a silk hair tie, and I also sleep on a silk pillowcase to prevent further breakage.
Hair Coloring/Trimming
Products: K18
As far as coloring my hair goes, I keep as close to my natural color as I possibly can. The reason for this is because I only color and trim my hair 2x a year! I try to avoid the salon as much as possible. I feel like coloring my hair damages it, so my goal is to keep coloring minimal.
After a salon visit or if I used mega-heat on my hair one weekend, I always go in with K18 to prevent damage/breakage. I follow the directions on the package - just shampoo (no conditioner) and then apply K18 on towel dried hair.
The key in to growing strong, beautiful hair is CONSISTENCY! Growth doesn’t happen overnight. Be consistent with these steps, and you will notice a difference!
Scalp health+ moisture balance + protection = visible length.
