From food to scalp serums. Five steps for reviving fine, volume-less hair

Fine, volume-less hair teaches you patience. It does not respond well to popular trends built on layers and layers of product, nor does it become thicker simply because you switched shampoos. Accepting that change does not happen overnight, over the past two years I have stopped searching for quick fixes and instead committed to a routine that strengthens the hair over time and improves its appearance from the roots.

Hair is often a reflection of the body’s overall condition, even though we may not immediately make that connection. Hair, skin, and nails are not among the body’s metabolic priorities in the way internal organs are, so the nutrients we consume do not automatically end up where we would like them to. The body uses amino acids and nutrients first for essential functions and repair, and only then for what is visible on the outside. When the body is lacking something, it becomes very apparent externally.

This is why consistency in daily habits becomes crucial. Small but thoughtful routines make a truly visible difference over time. And while we cannot naturally turn fine hair into a thick, voluminous curly mane, we can make the most of what we have. Below, discover five steps that have proven to be the most important in my routine for stronger, healthier, and visually fuller hair.

Related: Key vitamins for healthy, strong hair

5 essential routines for fine hair

Courtesy of Brandon Maxwell

1/ Food for fine hair

Whole foods, meaning those that are not industrially processed, are the foundation of overall health, including the healthy appearance of hair. Still, certain foods have a particularly beneficial effect on how hair looks. Pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed oil are an example of such hair-friendly foods. According to some studies, consuming them daily helps prevent premature hair loss and stimulates hair growth.

How I use it: Greek yogurt with granola and pumpkin seeds is my favorite afternoon snack, and I often add them to salads or creamy soups as well. Pumpkin seed oil is also a frequent ingredient in my daily meals, most often as a salad dressing.

2/ Serum for fine hair

A serum that targets the scalp will deliver the fastest and most visible results. However, when it comes to hair and speed, keep in mind that it takes at least two to three months before the first new strands become visible. Choose a water-based hair growth serum so it does not weigh down your hair, as most formulas need to be used morning and evening for best results.

How I use it: I apply one pump of the Color Wow Youthfull Juice Collagen Scalp Serum onto the fingers of one hand, then spread it in a thin layer across the fingers of my other hand and massage it into the scalp. This method ensures the thinnest and most even application possible. Using the serum this way also prevents me from using more product than necessary.

3/ reatment for fine hair

In addition to lacking volume, fine hair tends to tangle easily. This is the result of damage, weakened strands, and porosity. If we were to look at hair on a microscopic level, we would see that the cuticles are open, which causes the strands to catch and tangle with one another. To prevent this, it is beneficial to do specialized hair treatments once a week.

How I use it: Depending on my needs and the impact of city water on my hair, once a week before washing I do a pre-treatment with Kérastase Première Concentré Décalcifiant Ultra-Réparateur, which removes calcium buildup from the hair and repairs damage. Another type of treatment I rely on is based on completely natural, cold-pressed almond oil. Before bed, I part my hair into two sections, apply a generous amount of cold-pressed almond oil, and braid it into two braids. In addition to oils, you can also use advanced, innovative formulas that repair the hair’s structure, such as Absolut Repair Molecular Bi-Phase Oil, which truly transforms severely damaged hair very quickly. In the morning, I wash my hair following my usual routine, but with my head turned upside down.

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4/ Washing hair upside down

This is a step you may not have considered, but washing your hair upside down can significantly help stimulate hair growth. When dealing with hair issues, scalp massages are often recommended to improve circulation around the roots. You can achieve the same effect by washing your hair separately from your body. Tilt your head upside down and wash your hair using your usual routine, from shampoo to conditioner and mask. Keeping your head in this position for about ten minutes helps improve blood flow to the roots. You can think of it as giving your hair a solid growth-boosting and strengthening treatment every time you wash it.

5/ Oil for fine hair

Many people with fine hair avoid hair oils. Fear of losing volume and weighing the hair down are among the main reasons. However, like any other hair type, fine hair also benefits from the application of oil after drying. One factor is key here, and that is the formula. It is extremely important that the oil is silicone-based. Silicones weigh the hair down less and do not make it greasy.

How I use it: I apply one pump of the Kérastase Elixir Ultime serum to my palms, then spread it very thinly between my hands. I apply the serum exclusively to the ends to protect them from breakage and damage.