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 hair products for fine, damaged hair

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) - Sephora and Nordstrom sell Davines, which is nice if you belong to their rewards programs.

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.

Ouai Detox Shampoo - It’s good to use a detox shampoo every week to 10 days to remove product buildup, and this is one of the best. The formula is effective yet gentle, and it never dries out my scalp (even in the winter or dry climates). A little goes a long way, and it suds beautifully without stripping your hair of its natural oils.

I color my hair, but I typically avoid purple/ blue toning shampoos. Instead, I prefer toning conditioners, which are gentler on your hair and still give you noticeable results.

best conditioners + hair masks 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 the mask itself 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 - Prior to finding the Ouai mask, this is what I used to use as my conditioner. I 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 an incredible 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.

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.

best leave in-conditioners and oils for fine, damaged hair

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.

K18 Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask - Technically a mask, but I use this as a leave-in conditioning treatment prior to washing my hair. It’s a miracle worker for dry hair and 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 treatment that leaves your hair visibly stronger, shinier, and softer.

Dae Hair Prickly Pear Hair Oil - This is my favorite hair 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. It also gives your hair incredible shine and tames frizziness, so I’ll use a pump of it to finish my hair after heat styling to really make my hair pop.

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 one 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:

Unite Hair 7SECONDS Detangler Leave-In Conditioner - This really is a “do it all product.” It’s a heat protectant but 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. This is ideal if you deal with frizziness or flyaways; it’s going to hydrate your hair without weighing it down as you style it.

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.