My Fine Hair Wash Day Routine (Step-by-Step)
If you have fine hair, you already know the struggle: it can look flat fast, get oily quickly, and break easily if you’re not careful. For years, I tried random “thickening” products that promised the world… and most of them just dried my hair out even more.
This is the wash day routine that finally helped my fine hair feel healthier, look fuller, and actually support long-term growth—without needing a million steps or an unrealistic 2-hour routine. I’ve adjusted this over time, but these are the exact steps I follow right now.
Quick Routine (If You Want the Simple Version)
If you just want the simple version, this is my full wash day routine at a glance. Below, I’ll break down each step in more detail and share the exact products and tips that make the biggest difference for fine hair.
Before shower:
✔ Scalp oil with batana oil (leave 30+ minutes)
✔ Slick back ponytail/bun while it sits
In shower:
✔ Double shampoo
✔ Conditioner (or mask 1x/week)
After shower:
✔ Microfiber towel
✔ Leave-in/heat protectant on wet hair
✔ Volumizer (optional)
✔ Brush gently (ends → roots)
Styling:
✔ Rough blow dry (medium heat)
✔ Finish styling (FlexStyle or your tool)
Finish:
✔ Hair oil on ends
✔ Light hairspray if needed
✔ Dry shampoo on clean hair (for later)
How Often I Wash My Fine Hair
I wash my hair about every other day or every two days, depending on how it feels. I don’t follow a strict schedule—I go based on when my hair starts to feel oily, heavy, or weighed down.
Because I oil my scalp before washing, I almost always double shampoo to fully remove the oil and buildup.
Consistent Scalp Oiling (Batana Oil)
If you want to see real results from hair oiling, consistency matters. When I first started, I used Batana oil before almost every wash, and that’s when I saw the most noticeable hair growth.
And honestly? The growth combo that made the biggest difference for me was Batana oil + daily Nature’s Bounty Hair, Skin & Nails vitamins.
After about 6 months, I switched to oiling every other wash for a short break… but I eventually went back to oiling almost every time because it truly makes the biggest difference.
Why I love Batana oil specifically
One of the reasons Batana oil works so well for me is that it’s easy to apply and not messy. It has a texture similar to coconut oil, so you can warm it up between your fingers and apply it exactly where you want—no droppers, no oil dripping down your forehead, and no product getting wasted.
It also doesn’t make your hair look overly greasy, like you drenched it in oil. If I slick my hair back, it honestly just looks like hair gel, which makes it so much more wearable.
And because it’s not a liquid, it’s also super easy to travel with—no worrying about a glass bottle breaking or leaking all over your bag.
How I apply it (my method)
I start at my scalp, and I like to massage my scalp for a few seconds before applying oil.
Then I warm up a small amount of Batana oil between my fingertips and apply it starting around my hairline perimeter, then work inward. I spend extra time where I want the most growth—especially my hairline and crown.
I also do this upside down sometimes, using what’s called the triangle (or inversion) method. It can help support hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp and stimulating the follicles.
After my scalp is done (about 2 minutes), I use whatever is left on my hands and apply it to my mid-lengths and ends for moisture and shine. If I’m oiling my scalp every wash, I’ll usually oil my ends every other wash so it doesn’t get too heavy.
How long I leave it in
I leave it in as long as I can. I’ll work out in it, clean the house, and sometimes even wear it out in a slick back if I need to.
Minimum: try to leave it on for at least 30 minutes.
Some people also wrap their hair in a warm towel or shower cap to keep heat in, but I’ll be honest—I like to keep it simple. You can still get results without doing the most.
Shampoo + Conditioner (My Current Favorites)
Right now, I’m using the Oribe Gold Lust Shampoo and Oribe Gold Lust Conditioner, and I’ve been really enjoying them.
What makes this line special (besides the luxurious feel) is that it cleanses my hair without leaving it stripped or dry. The Gold Lust shampoo and conditioner are meant to support stronger, healthier-looking hair over time, and I’ve personally noticed my hair feels softer and more balanced after washing. I also have a dry scalp, and I used to rely on dandruff shampoos like Head & Shoulders, which isn’t ideal for every wash day. Since switching to Oribe, I haven’t had the same flaky scalp issues, and my hair feels clean but still hydrated.
Two things I noticed with Oribe
- It took 1–2 washes before I felt the “wow” difference.
- It performs better with city water than well water.
My other holy grail shampoo + conditioner combo
If I want instant results, my other favorite is the Kérastase Resistance Shampoo and Kérastase Resistance Conditioner. This combo makes my hair feel soft, shiny, and silky immediately, and it’s one of the best “perfect hair day” products I’ve ever used for fine hair.
Why I rotate my shampoo + conditioner
For a long time, I thought your hair “gets used to” shampoo over time—but I’ve learned that’s mostly a myth. What’s really happening is that your hair can start needing different things depending on the season, environment, water, styling habits, and overall hair health.
I’ve noticed this especially in the winter: my fine hair tends to feel drier and more fragile, and some “volume” shampoos that feel amazing in warmer months can start to feel a little too drying.
Another reason switching things up can help is buildup. Even great shampoos and conditioners can leave behind residue over time (especially if you use a lot of styling products), which can make fine hair look dull, flat, or heavier than normal. Rotating between two shampoo/conditioner sets I love—or simply switching once I finish a bottle—helps my hair stay clean, light, and healthy-looking.
Double shampoo tip (so you don’t waste expensive shampoo)
For my double wash, sometimes I use the same shampoo twice—but since Oribe and Kérastase are pricey, I don’t always do that.
The whole purpose of the first shampoo is just to remove oil, dirt, and buildup. For that first wash, I like using a gentle clarifying shampoo like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Clarifying Shampoo. It cleans without stripping, helps fine hair feel lighter and more voluminous, and it’s safe for color-treated hair.
Hair Mask (Once a Week)
Once a week, I try to swap conditioner for a mask.
My favorite for fine hair is the Bumble and Bumble Thickening Plumping Hair Mask. It leaves my hair feeling soft without being too heavy, and the best part is that it’s made to be applied from roots to ends, so it adds volume without weighing my fine hair down. It gives that “plumped” feeling that fine hair really needs.
If I want shine and softness on a budget, I also love the L’Oréal Paris Glossing Lamination Hair Mask. It makes my hair noticeably shinier, and the results last longer than a lot of masks I’ve tried. With other masks, I feel like the softness disappears after the next wash—but this one has longer-lasting results.
How long I leave it in
Both of these masks work well in about 5 minutes. I love that because by the time I finish the rest of my shower routine, it’s ready to rinse out—no waiting forever or turning the shower off.
How I choose which mask to use:
- Need volume + softness → Bumble and Bumble Thickening Plumping Hair Mask
- Need shine + moisture + repair → L’Oréal Paris Glossing Lamination Mask
Post-Shower Routine
Right after I get out of the shower, I use a microfiber towel to gently squeeze out extra water. My favorite is the Kitsch Microfiber Hair Towel.
Fine hair is most vulnerable when it’s wet, so this step matters more than people think. Microfiber helps reduce friction and breakage compared to rough towel-drying.
Then I’ll do my skincare, body lotion, and get ready while my hair stays wrapped.
Apply products while hair is still wet
By the time I unwrap my hair, it’s still wet but not drenched—and that’s my favorite time to apply products. I’ve found my hair absorbs leave-ins better when it’s wet, kind of like how moisturizing your skin works best right after the shower. This is because your hair cuticles are more open at this stage, so your hair can take in moisture more easily
My go-to leave-in/heat protectant is the Kérastase Resistance Serum. This product makes my hair feel soft, shiny, and silky, and it gives that “fresh from the salon” finish.
If I want more volume, I’ll pair it with a volumizer like:
What I love about these is that they add volume without making my hair stiff or crunchy. You can still run your fingers through your hair, and it just feels… fuller, like I have more hair than I actually have.
Brushing Wet Hair (Gently)
After I apply my products, I gently brush my hair starting from the ends and working up to the roots. This helps distribute product evenly and prevents tugging.
Wet hair is more fragile, so the key is:
- start at the ends
- be slow
- don’t yank through knots
I also recommend using a brush designed for wet hair, like a Wet Brush.
Blow Drying for Volume + Shine (Without Damage)
This part is important: I do use heat, and I think heat can actually be helpful for fine hair when you do it responsibly.
For me, air drying makes my hair greasy faster, flat, and frizzy. Blow drying helps me:
- create volume
- smooth the hair
- lock in shine
- make it look healthier and fuller
My blow dry method
I start blow drying when my hair is still pretty wet (around 40% dry). I used to wait until it was 75% dry, but I’ve found starting earlier makes my hair easier to manipulate and shape.
When your hair is wetter, it’s more flexible—you can set your part, lift your roots, and train the hair to fall the way you want it to. That’s how I get volume without needing to overload my hair with heavy styling products.
I use the Shark FlexStyle Hair Styling System and start with the regular dryer attachment (no funnel).
Heat setting: medium
Fine hair doesn’t need the hottest heat.
I flip my head upside down and focus on my roots first for volume. Then I’ll stand upright and lift the roots in the opposite direction I want them to fall—so when they settle, I get more volume.
Once my ends are about 75% dry, I’ll finish with a styling attachment.
If you’re using a curling iron or flat iron: make sure your hair is 100% dry, and still keep your heat on medium to low, especially if your hair is fine.
Finishing Products (Shine + Hold)
After styling, I use a lightweight hair oil on my ends to add shine and moisture back into the hair.
My favorites:
- Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil (lightweight, not greasy)
- Kérastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil (great shine, but can feel heavier—use less)
I apply hair oil to mid-lengths and ends only, never the roots.
For hold + volume
Fine hair can get blown around by wind so easily, so I like using a soft hairspray that holds without crunch.
My favorite is Sebastian Shaper Hairspray (not the Plus). It gives hold but still keeps hair touchable.
Texture sprays give amazing volume, but they can make hair feel stiff, so I only use them when I need extra volume or I know I’ll wash my hair soon.
Favorites:
Dry shampoo tip (the right way to use it)
Most people wait until their hair is greasy to use dry shampoo. I’ve learned it works better when you apply a small amount on clean hair, so it’s already there to absorb oil as it builds.
My favorite is Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo. It actually makes my hair feel cleaner instead of just adding more product.
My 3 Wash Day Non-Negotiables (If You Only Do 3 Things)
If you’re overwhelmed, start here:
- Scalp oil consistently (this is the growth step)
- Apply products while hair is wet (better absorption + smoother results)
Blow dry responsibly (medium heat, protect your hair, build volume)
Final Thoughts (You Don’t Need a Perfect Routine)
I know this might sound like a lot when it’s written out, but once you do it a few times, it becomes second nature. If you’re new to this, I recommend trying it on a day you’re not rushed so you can actually learn your routine without stress.
You don’t need a hundred products or an unrealistic routine to grow fine hair—you just need a few consistent habits, the right order, and patience.
And if you’re starting your journey, remember: hair growth takes time. But it’s worth it.
Very informative. I like that you have options and not listing only the expensive ones. Easy steps to follow without pressure of having to do them all. Provided options knowing you have tried them personally as they worked well for you. Purchased items to try and looking forward to the results.