The Best Routine for Fine Hair (2025)

Pre-wash

“A pre-wash mask is an excellent choice for fine hair,” says Cavalcante. He recommends this one by Ouai, as it nourishes without weighing the hair down. “By applying this before shampooing, you’ll cut the amount of conditioner needed by more than half,” he adds — which means less weight on the fine strands.

Scalp exfoliation can prevent buildup of products and dirt, encouraging natural volume at the roots. Elizabeth likes this lightweight option for a “gentle but effective cleanse.” It contains Hawaiian red salt — which buffs away dead skin and any lingering product — as well as cooling peppermint oil. Along with clean roots, a clean scalp creates a better environment for new hair growth, so this is a great step for the overall health of your hair.

Tiffanie Richards, master colorist at the Louise O’Conner Salon, likes a home remedy. “Apple cider vinegar has the benefits of balancing your scalp pH, removing buildup, reducing frizz, the list goes on,” she explains. It can be used either as a pre-shampoo scrub or a leave-in. It’s crucial to dilute it correctly with water, though:one tablespoon of the product with one tablespoon of water. “The smell goes away after a few minutes if left on,” promises Richards.

Shampoo

This is my favorite shampoo for fine hair. Yes, it contains sulfates, but it’s not a stripping product at all. Instead, it plumps, containing “the same hyaluronic acid that hydrates and plumps the skin,” according to beauty writer Linda Dyett. As well as HA, Dyett explains that the shampoo uses “a complex called intracylane that, intriguingly, was inspired by a chemical process used in glassmaking. It appears to fill in surface gaps and thicken individual strands of hair.” There’s ceramides and gluco-peptides in there, too, for added hydration. Ultimately, this is a great plumping option for hair that feels thin from root to end.

This is a budget option that can compete with the bigger brands. While it does contain coconut oil (a slightly heavier oil), Strategist writer Dominique Pariso has noticed that it adds “a good amount of body and, most important, a lot of shine without weighing my hair down or making it look greasy.” Monday is a staple Strategist drugstore brand, and I’ve used this shampoo myself on my fine hair — it smells great and adds volume after a blow-dry. This is my pick for volume.

If your hair is actively thinning out, it’s important to chat with a dermatologist or hair specialist to get to the bottom of the cause. In addition to a professional opinion, you can also tackle the issue with hair care. “Zenegen Revolve Shampoo is a great choice, as it promotes hair growth while keeping the scalp balanced,” explains Elizabeth. “Ideal for those with thinning fine hair, as it blocks DHT and supports hair growth.” (DHT is a type of testosterone that can cause hair loss and thinning for women — a product like rosemary oil is a natural DHT blocker but is mostly too heavy for fine hair.)

Clarifying shampoo

I like this pick from Ouai, which I’ve recommended before. Our beauty columnist, Rio Viera-Newton, is also a fan and says, “This shampoo works wonders for giving your hair a deeper cleanse. It gets any styling product out of your hair while adding a voluminous effect.” It contains apple cider vinegar, which — as we know from Richards — is a suitable ingredient for fine hair, as well as keratin to add a bit of strength back into the hair.

Conditioner

“A lot of volumizing shampoos can be pretty drying because if you have fine hair and use too much moisture, your hair is going to be limp,” explains stylist and salon owner Christine Bellemare. This conditioner, though, adds moisture and volume — without overdoing it. It contains plum phytoceuticals and jojoba oil (yes, a heavier oil, but remember we’re being sparing at the roots) and is sulfate-free. “It adds a ton of shiny hydration and will fluff up your hair. I’ve used it on clients who have very few strands of hair, and they’re always like, ‘Wow, this is really good,’” says Bellemare.

My slightly more budget-friendly pick comes from Ceremonia. It contains keratin, cupuaçu butter, and castor oil for shine and hydration — but it isn’t too heavy, says Cavalcante. “It is an excellent option that adds body while keeping the hair light and fresh,” he adds.

Post-wash

When it comes to leave-in conditioners, it’s far harder to overdo things with an aerosol than with a cream or mousse — that’s great news for fine hair. “You could not overuse this product,” says Mark DeBolt, a celebrity colorist and co-founder of Mark Ryan Salon. DeBolt tells me that the spray offers “featherlight hydration” — it’s a light mist that uses ingredients like aloe vera and flaxseed extract to nourish without causing buildup or crunch.

“It’s the best heat protectant I’ve ever tried,” says Strategist writer Ambar Pardilla. Another Ceremonia recommendation (in addition to the moisturizer), Pardilla says it is “truly the do-it-all solution to the problems that come with heat styling and has finally cut down on my ‘Bride of Frankenstein’ frizz.” As well as heat protecting up to 450 degrees and protecting the hair from UV damage, it works as a detangler and frizz reducer, with avocado oil that reduces split ends.

Styling

I love this stuff! It’s the type of product that works straightaway, adding volume to the roots but also the mids and ends with a good blow-dry. “It’sfantastic for creating volume without leaving the hair feeling heavy or sticky,” says Cavalcante. “Salt spray adds texture and body: perfect for fine hair.”

Elizabeth likes this lightweight and volumizing non-aerosol hair spray from Kevin Murphy. “It’s a weightless spray that provides lift without making hair feel stiff or sticky,” she says. It contains shine-boosting ingredients such as manuka honey and vitamin-rich grapefruit. It should actually be applied post-styling — think of it as a product that will help you get some texture into your hair once you’ve completed the rest of your wash-day routine.