Thinning Hair? You're Not Alone - Here's the Routine That Actually Worked for Me 

Let me be honest with you: talking about thinning hair is something most of us avoid. It feels too personal, too confronting, and frankly - a little taboo. But here's the thing. Thinning hair is one of the most common hair concerns women face, and yet somehow, it still feels like something we're supposed to quietly deal with alone. So let's talk about it. 

My hair has always been naturally fine. Not whisper-thin, but never the kind of thick, bouncy mane I secretly envied. Then I started bleaching it - and things got progressively worse. More shedding in the shower. More snapping when I brushed it. More scalp visible than I was comfortable with. It wasn't dramatic overnight, but slowly, my hair went from something I felt good about to something I actively tried not to think about. 

The good news? I found a routine that genuinely helped. And I want to share it - because if you're going through the same thing, you deserve to know you're not alone, and you deserve to know what actually works. 

First, Let's Talk About Why Hair Thins 

Thinning hair doesn't have a single cause - it's usually a combination of factors that stack up over time. Here are the most common culprits: 

• Genetics play a bigger role than most people realise. Female pattern hair loss is hereditary and far more common than media would have you believe. Many women start noticing it in their 20s and 30s, long before it's "supposed" to happen. 
• Hormonal changes are another major factor - think pregnancy, postpartum recovery, perimenopause, thyroid issues, or coming off the contraceptive pill. Hormones have an enormous influence on the hair growth cycle, and when they shift, your hair often feels it first. 
• Nutritional deficiencies - particularly low iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamin D - can trigger excessive shedding. If your hair started thinning around the same time your energy levels dropped or your diet changed, this could be worth exploring with your GP. 
• Stress (chronic stress in particular) can push hair follicles into a resting phase, leading to increased shedding weeks or even months after the stressful event. This is called telogen effluvium, and it's more common than you'd think. 
• Chemical and heat damage - and yes, bleaching absolutely falls into this category. Lightening the hair lifts and stresses the cuticle, weakening the strand structure and making hair more prone to breakage. When you combine naturally fine hair with bleach? The margin for error gets very small, very fast. 

The point is: thinning hair rarely has one single cause, which is why it can take time to figure out and address. But understanding what's driving it is the first step toward doing something about it. 

My Routine for My Fine, Thinning Hair 

These are the products I've genuinely relied on to get my hair to a healthier place. Every single one earns its spot. 

Step 1: Start with the Right Shampoo 

Kérastase Genesis Bain Hydra-Fortifiant Shampoo (Thin Hair)

The Genesis range from Kérastase is specifically formulated for hair that is prone to falling due to breakage - and the Bain Hydra-Fortifiant version is tailored for fine and thin hair specifically. It strengthens the hair fibre from root to tip, fortifies against breakage, and cleanses without stripping. My scalp feels clean, my hair feels soft, and crucially - it doesn't feel weighed down. This is the non-negotiable foundation of my whole routine. 

Step 2: Follow with a Strengthening Conditioner 

Kérastase Genesis Reconstructing Conditioner

Pairing the Genesis shampoo with the Genesis conditioner is where the real magic happens. This reconstructing conditioner works to reinforce the hair's internal structure - essential when bleach has compromised it. It detangles without weighing strands down, leaving hair feeling noticeably stronger and smoother over time. For fine hair, a lightweight conditioner that still delivers on strength and moisture is genuinely hard to find. This one delivers.  

Step 3: Overnight Treatment for Real Results 

Kérastase Genesis Anti-Breakage Fortifying Hair Serum + TypeBea G1 Overnight Boosting Peptide Serum 100ml 

This is the step that surprised me most - and it's actually a two-part overnight ritual. First, I apply the Kérastase Genesis Anti-Breakage Fortifying Hair Serum to the scalp. Formulated specifically to target the root cause of hair fall, it works to strengthen the hair fibre at the root, visibly reducing shedding over time. It's lightweight, absorbs quickly, and doesn't leave any residue - perfect for fine hair that can't afford extra weight at the root. 

Then I follow with the TypeBea G1 Overnight Boosting Peptide Serum. Peptides are having a major moment in skincare and haircare right now - and for good reason. They work. Applied to the scalp overnight, they help strengthen the follicle, reduce shedding, and improve the overall condition of the hair over time. Together, these two serums work while you sleep to target thinning from every angle - root to tip. Low effort, genuinely high reward. 

Step 4: Weekly Mask for Intensive Repair 

Bondi Boost Growth Miracle Mask 250ml 

Once a week, I swap my conditioner for this mask. The Bondi Boost Growth Miracle Mask is packed with ingredients that stimulate the scalp and support healthier, stronger growth while delivering a hit of deep moisture to stressed, bleached strands. It smells amazing, it rinses clean without any residue, and my hair genuinely feels different on the days I use it - softer, thicker-feeling, and more resilient. For fine and chemically treated hair, a weekly mask isn't a luxury. It's a necessity. 

Step 5: Volume Without the Weight 

Color Wow Raise the Root Thicken & Lift Spray

This one is for styling - and it's a genuine game-changer for fine hair. Applied to roots before blow-drying, the Color Wow Raise the Root spray lifts and thickens without any crunch, stickiness, or heaviness. Fine hair needs volume products that actually disappear into the hair rather than sitting on top of it, and this is one of the very few that truly does. The difference in lift and body is noticeable from the first use. 

A Few Extra Tips That Have Made a Real Difference 

Beyond the products themselves, a few habits have been just as important to my progress: 

• Wash less frequently. Over-washing fine hair strips the scalp of natural oils and accelerates shedding. Aim for 2–3 times per week max. 
• Be gentle when your hair is wet. Wet hair is at its most vulnerable - especially bleached hair. Squeeze (don't rub) with a microfibre towel, detangle with a wide-tooth comb, and work from ends to roots. 
• Turn down the heat. I know. But high heat settings are genuinely damaging to fine, bleached hair. A good heat protectant and a lower temperature setting can make a significant difference over time. 

Thinning hair is more common than anyone talks about, it can happen at any age, and it doesn't have to be permanent. Whether it's driven by genetics, hormones, stress, chemical damage, or a combination of all of the above - the right routine can make a real, visible difference.