What I Use on My Fine Hair: Tried, Tested & Loved
6/19/20256 min read
After 30, my skincare routine, my mindset, and yes, my hair routines all changed! My once low-maintenance fine hair became even finer and harder to manage. If you’re in the same boat, this post is for you. I’m sharing my real routine, what’s worked (and what hasn’t), and the finds I swear by for giving my hair volume, strength, and shine. And it's starts with a pre-wash oil treatment...
Pre-wash treatment...my new favorite!
Before washing, I like to use a pre-wash oil treatment to help protect and soften my hair. One I really enjoy is the OGX Extra Strength Damage Remedy + Coconut Miracle Oil. I apply a small amount to the mid-lengths and ends about 30 minutes before washing. It’s a simple step, but it makes a noticeable difference—especially when my hair feels dry or frizzy. I started using this technique after watching Abbey Yung’s YouTube channel—she shares fantastic, honest advice on all things hair-related. From product reviews to scalp care tips, her videos have helped me understand what actually works (and what doesn’t) for fine and thinning hair.
My shampoo & conditioner picks:
For context, I live in a tiny coastal Canadian town—the nearest Sephora is a five-hour drive away! So I’ve had to get creative, mixing drugstore finds with a few online high-end purchases. These are the shampoos that have actually worked for my fine hair, no matter the price tag.
If you’re looking for an affordable shampoo and conditioner that smells absolutely amazing, the Dove Mango & Smooth duo is a must-try. Infused with mango butter and Bio-Protein Care Technology, it leaves hair soft, hydrated, and shiny without weighing it down. I absolutely love the Dove Mango & Smooth duo!
✨ What I love about it:
The fresh, fruity scent lasts all day 🍑 (yes, all day!)
Gently nourishes dull, dry hair (my hair is smooth and soft and it looks thicker!)
Leaves my fine hair smooth and manageable
Vegan, cruelty-free, and affordable (don't need to break the bank to have nice hair!)
I also recommend the Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo and Conditioner Set, especially if you have dry or colour-treated hair. I’ve started to color my hair lately (just a few grays here and there), so using something that’s gentle and protective has become more important to me. This set is sulfate-free, paraben-free, and 100% vegan, which helps keep my hair healthy and soft between color touch-ups.
✨ Why I love it:
Strengthens and hydrates without weighing down fine hair
Safe for colour-treated hair 🎨
Helps reduce breakage and frizz
A little goes a long way—very concentrated
It’s definitely a bit of a splurge, but the results make it worth it for me.
🧴 Clarifying Shampoo: A Game-Changer for My Scalp and Hair : Once I started rotating in a clarifying shampoo, I noticed a big difference. It helps remove product buildup, hard water residue, and excess oil—leaving my scalp feeling fresh and my hair lighter and bouncier. I use a clarifying shampoo once a week or whenever my hair feels weighed down. I use Pantene Volume Shampoo as part of my regular rotation. It’s a great drugstore option that gives my fine hair a nice lift without making it feel greasy or heavy. Another option (more expensive) is K18 Biomimetic Hairscience PEPTIDE PREP™ Clarifying Detox Shampoo. The K18 clarifying shampoo deeply cleanses to remove buildup, oil, and impurities—without stripping. This shampoo is ideal for hair that is fine or color-treated. I alternate between K18 and Pantene because both work well on my hair.
Leave-In Conditioner that works well for fine hair!
One product I keep going back to is the VERB Hydrate Leave-In Conditioner. It’s lightweight, hydrating, and perfect for fine hair that gets frizzy—especially when the weather is unpredictable. I also love the Pureology Color Fanatic Leave-In Conditioner—it’s a multitasking hero, especially now that I’ve started coloring my hair. It detangles, adds shine, protects from heat, and even offers UV protection.
Hair Serum that don't leave my hair greasy!
If you have fine hair like me, you know the struggle—finding a good hair oil that doesn’t weigh your hair down is real. So many oils leave my hair greasy or flat, but a few lightweight options have truly made a difference without sacrificing volume. I once splurged on a high-end hair oil from Sephora, thinking it would work miracles on my fine hair. Unfortunately, it left my hair looking flat and greasy, no matter how little I used. So I bought another high-end hair oil...and still ended up looking like a greasy mess... It was a good reminder that expensive doesn’t always mean better—especially when it comes to fine hair that needs lightweight formulas.
One product that actually works for my fine, sometimes frizzy hair is the OGX® Repair & Protect Bond Protein Repair Sealing Hair Serum. It’s lightweight, doesn’t leave my hair greasy, and helps tame flyaways while strengthening damaged strands.
💨 Best Hair Dryers for Fine Hair: Dyson vs. Shark
🌟 Dyson Supersonic™
Worth the hype? Honestly, yes—especially for fine hair.
What I love:
Heat protection: Intelligent heat control keeps temperatures in check to prevent damage
Fast drying: Cuts down time (and heat exposure)
Lightweight & quiet: No arm fatigue and much less noise
Gentle air attachment: Adds volume without frizz or flyaways
Diffuser: Works great for adding natural shape or soft waves
💰 It’s a splurge—but if you style your hair often, it may be worth the investment.
💡 Shark HyperAir™
A more affordable option with smart features that really work.
Why it’s great:
Auto-adjusts heat & airflow to prevent over-drying fine strands
Gentle settings: Less aggressive than most drugstore dryers
Fast drying time: Almost as fast as Dyson
Solid volume boost: Especially when paired with the concentrator or diffuser
Budget-friendly: Great tech without the Dyson price tag
✅ My Verdict (for Fine Hair):
Choose Dyson if you style daily, want long-term hair health, and value ultra-gentle, fast performance.
Choose Shark if you want a smart, protective dryer that works well for fine hair—without breaking the bank.
💁♀️ Bonus tip: Always use a heat protectant before blow-drying—fine hair doesn’t forgive heat damage easily!
I hope these tips were helpful!
If you have fine, frizzy, or color-treated hair like mine, I totally get the struggle—but the right products can make a big difference. Feel free to share your favorites or ask questions in the comments—I’d love to hear what works for you!
👉 Follow me on Pinterest for more everyday beauty tips, honest reviews, and haircare finds.
💇♀️ Want more? Check out my Want Healthier, Thicker Hair? for even more product ideas and simple swaps that keep your hair happy year-round.
Disclaimer: These are products I’ve personally used and found helpful. Everyone’s hair and body are different, so I can’t promise the same results for you.
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