I try a LOT of hair products, partially because I get bored and like different scents, but also because I want to make sure I’m using the best of the best without spending too much money. I think of hair products like some think of outfits, and I’m all about mixing and matching until I find the right combinations that give me the best results. I have fine hair that Is highlighted, and coloring your hair unfortunately damages it over time, so I seek out products that add hydration, treat split ends, add shine, and strengthen the follicles. After lots of trial and error (one shampoo by a very respected brand absolutely torched my hair not too long ago), these are the best of the best products that I will repurchase again and again, as well as my overall haircare routine.

haircare routine for fine, damaged hair

I know it’s bad, but I wash my hair daily. It’s purely a mental thing, I just need to do it to feel clean. You honestly don’t have to do that, but because I do, it’s extra important that the products I use don’t strip my scalp of natural oils, dry out the ends, or strip my hair of its color. So while I do wash (and condition) my hair daily, I make sure to:

finish with a hair oil anytime I curl it, which is about 3-4x a week. The oil not only adds shine, but also a little extra hydration after heat-styling it.
use a hair mask instead of conditioner, which I use daily. Before washing my hair daily, I used a mask 1x a week, typically on Sunday nights as part of my Sunday night reset routine.
tone my hair 1x a week - I prefer a purple toning conditioner, but you can view my full breakdown of purple vs blue toners here.

best shampoos for fine, damaged hair

Davines NouNou Shampoo - This is my go-to shampoo because it’s gentle, doesn’t dry out my hair/scalp, and keeps my hair color looking fresh. You can find it online (no need to go into a salon), but the person who does my hair allows me to buy it in a jumbo size which makes it worth it.

Amika The Kure Bond Repair Shampoo - Intensely hydrating without weighing your hair down, this smells incredible and is easy to wash out. It’s also clean beauty-certified, which is something I really keep in mind when it comes to anything that close to my scalp.

I typically avoid purple/ blue toning shampoos; toning conditioners are less harsh on your hair and still make a big difference.

best conditioners + leave in-conditioners for fine, damaged hair

Ouai Fine to Medium Hair Treatment Masque - This is my go-to conditioner; it’s technically a hair mask but isn’t so heavy that it weighs my hair down, and I like the extra hydration since I color my hair regularly. The scent isn’t overpowering, and it is easy to wash out. The brand is great about running sales, but now that Target has partnered with Ulta, I typically add this to my online order.

Hair Chemist Macademia Oil Deep Repair Masque - Cannot recommend this enough, and it’s only $10 on Amazon. I’ve purchased this 20+ times over the years, and it works just as well as higher-end options.

Davines Heart of Glass Rich Conditioner - This is one of their newer products, and it’s a toning conditioner for blondes. I’m not super crazy about the smell (t’s very floral), but a little goes a long way and it leaves your hair very soft and shiny. I prefer this to toning shampoos as it’s a bit gentler, doesn’t dry out your hair, and never leaves a purple/ overtoned tint.

best hair masks and oils for fine, damaged hair

Aside from the Ouai mask I mentioned above, I really like:

K18 Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask - A miracle worker for dry hair, a little goals a long way so don’t let the price scare you. After testing a shampoo that led to lots of breakage, I credit this leave-in with preventing my split ends from getting any worse, even as I continued to use hot tools a couple times a week. To get the most out of it, I like to apply it to damp hair in the morning and leave it in all day, really letting it soak in and work its magic; it’s a great weekend self-care treat that leaves your hair visibly stronger, shinier, and softer.

Amika Soulfood Nourishing Mask - Specifically designed for dryness, this is lightweight enough for fine hair regardless of porosity. This makes my hair super soft without leaving a film, and I always get compliments that my hair smells good when I use it.

Dae Hair Cactus Flower Leave-In Conditioner - I like to apply it to damp hair and leave it in for a few hours before washing it out right before bed. I’ve found that this sometimes leaves a little bit of a crunchy texture after it dries so I don’t like it for styling - just for chores at home kinda days.

Dae Hair Prickly Pear Hair Oil - This is my favorite treatment oil; I apply this to wet hair and then put my hair in a loose bun before washing it out a few hours later. It is deeply hydrating without feeling greasy. If you try anything from this brand, this is what I recommend.

Davines Oi Oil - I like this oil more than the Oi leave-in treatment, and a little goes a long way. I can’t identify the scent, but it is definitely more masculine to me. The scent lingers for a while, which is why I slightly prefer the Dae oil.

best curling iron and heat protectant for fine, damaged hair

I’ve spent the full range on curling irons - from $300 to $20, and I’m here to tell you the $20 is the winner. You do not need a curling iron that gets hotter than an oven, no matter how stick-straight your hair is (like mine). This curling iron is the best; it only takes me about 15 minutes to curl my hair and even if I forget to use a heat protectant, it does not burn my hair or excessively damage it. That’s something I had to learn to be mindful with when I spent on a fancy T3 iron - so trust me, and know you’re still getting great results with Conair.

As far as heat protectants go, here are my top two:

Dae Agave Dry Heat Protection & Hold Styling Mist - This is a traditional, lightweight heat protectant. it doesn’t weigh down your hair, make it crunchy, or leave a film on your hands. This brand’s products are known for having incredible scents, and I like that this one is fresh and citrusy without being too strong, so I can wear it even if I have a headache.

Unite Hair 7SECONDS Detangler Leave-In Conditioner - More of a treatment that adds hydration, this makes your hair so soft and minimizes frizz. I like that it also works as a detangled and leave-in conditioner, so you get multiple uses out of one product. The scent is so fresh and subtle, too.