I’ve been working on my hair health + hair growth for almost three years. I really began to see thinning around my hairline in my early 40’s and tried to dive into trying different products to see how I could improve my entire hair health. It’s been a lot of trial and error (which I’m still doing) but I have a good routine currently that has really been working. Products that have helped with hair growth, hair maintenance, hair health, etc and my hair has honestly never looked better. Things can and will change as I find new formulas that work for me or if my hair changes, but for now here is my current hair care routine. It should be noted that I don’t have a shampoo/conditioner favorite so I didn’t include anything in this list but will update it if I find something I love.

My Current Hair Care Routine

Scalp Health

Anablue Scalp Cleanser (discount code: MAREE15)

I have used a scalp scrub off and on for years to help remove build up and give my scalp a thorough deep clean but this one has stood out as a favorite. I have put aside all other scalp scrubs in favor of this one and repurchased it a few times already. It is a salt scrub that I use once a week. And it makes my scalp feel balanced, soothed and helps give it great volume.

Anablue Treatment Oil (discount code: MAREE15)

Scalp oiling was something I had heard of but wasn’t sure it would be a process that my scalp could benefit from. I first decided to try a scalp oil from Briogeo because I loved the brand and found that their products really worked for me. But after using the scalp oil for nearly 3 months, I noticed that I was shedding more during my showers than ever before. So I immediately stopped using that oil and decided to give it one more shot with this treatment oil from Anablue because I loved the Scalp Cleanser so much. The shedding stopped and I have actually begun to lose less and less hair when washing than ever before.

I use the scalp oil once a week on the same day that I use the scalp cleanser. I will section off my hair, apply the oil directly to my scalp all over my entire head. And then massage it in with my scalp massager for 2-3 minutes. After that, I will leave the scalp oil on for 1-2 hours before I wash my hair. Because this particular oil is so lightweight, it does not weigh my hair down or leave any residue after I am done washing.

Hair Growth

Nutrafol Women’s Balance Hair Growth Nutraceutical

This has been recommended to me for soooooo long by tons of my readers and IG followers so I finally decided to add it into my routine. Mainly because I felt I was at a bit of growth plateau and thought this could help. I’m now on my second bottle because hair growth is slow so it’s important to remain consistent with products for many months before deciding if they are working or not.

As with so much of my hair growth journey, I don’t notice a difference day to day. But after about 8+ weeks of taking this Nutrafol supplement, I began to notice how full and thick my hair appeared. I made sure not to change anything else in my routine to truly identify if this was making a difference. My hair has not felt as thick or full as it does currently which I can now attribute to the Nutrafol supplement. It’s a pricey investment but my hair truly looks so much better than it ever has before. I don’t have a discount code but I did find a code that will get you $15 off! (Use code: SM15)

Currentbody LED Hair Growth Helmet (discount code: ALITTLEBITCB)

I am already a fan of the Currentbody LED face masks and have found them to be incredible for helping my skin in so many ways. I was already using all of the other products in my routine regularly before I added this LED helmet to my process. While the other products I was using were instrumental in starting the hair growth, using the helmet sped up the process. It’s important to be consistent with it in order to see results so I use it 5-6x/week for 10 minutes. It is designed to thicken hair, increase hair density and increase hair growth rate.

OneSkin OS-01 Peptide Scalp Serum (discount code: MAREE15)

I am a huge fan of OneSkin products so I knew instantly that I wanted to try the Peptide Scalp Serum when it launched earlier last year. Fast forward to present day and my hair has grown faster and thicker than any other scalp serum I’ve tried. It’s not greasy or heavy and doesn’t weigh my roots down.

You are supposed to apply this once a day directly to the scalp and massage it in. It doesn’t matter if you apply it in the morning or evening but I apply it in the morning. It is a liquid so it took some getting used to having my scalp feel a bit damp immediately after. But it would dry after a few minutes and I could style my hair as normal. I used the Vegamour scalp massager with it. And would make sure I was massaging it in for at least a minute.

Vegamour Scalp Massager

Even if you don’t want to invest in a scalp serum right now, utilizing a scalp massager in your everyday routine is a great habit to start. Massaging your scalp every single day for at least a minute if not a few minutes will really help the health of your scalp. It stimulates natural oils and boosts circulation to the scalp. Be sure to use a very light touch but consistent scalp massages will ultimately help the health of your entire scalp.

Styling Products

Remilia Rice & Shine Leave-In Conditioner (discount code: MAREE15)

This is the heat protectant I use on my hair when it’s damp. It’s a lightweight milky texture that adds moisture while also protecting my hair from any heat styling that I will do. I apply it to slightly damp hair before blow drying.

K18 HeatBounce

I only wash my hair 3x/week so on the days that I don’t wash it, I needed a heat protectant to use on dry hair. This was recommended to me by my hair stylist so I ordered it during the Sephora sale. It’s absolutely amazing though it took me a few tries to figure out how best to use. Because my hair is so thin, I spray it into my hands and then onto my hair so I can control how much I apply. Only two sprays is needed for my entire head but it really protects my hair. It leaves it looking shiny and my curls seem to last longer.

K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo

I’ll be the first to admit that I did not like this dry shampoo upon first trying it. It has been recommended to me so many times so I had really high hopes. But I hated the way it made my hair feel after the first use. However I was determined to find a way to make it work. I discovered that if I spritzed it onto my fingers and massaged it into my scalp, I got better results. Only 1.5 spritzes is all I need but I’ve never gotten volume at my roots like when I use this! It does help absorb oil but the instant volume I get is insane + it lasts all day.

Olaplex No. 7 Shine Serum Oil Mist

I’m incredibly picky when it comes to hair styling products because everything weighs down my fine hair. I was hopeful when I saw this serum oil mist which looked like it could be the best of both worlds. Hydrating, smoothing yet still weightless. Thankfully it was all those things and more! I like to use this after styling my hair to smooth down any frizz and hydrate my ends. But recently, I have also been using it as a heat protectant on dry hair before I curl it.

Hair Health and Conditioning

Messy by Ali Webb Overnight Repair Hair Serum

I like to use a hydrating or repairing treatment on my hair at night. This is a new addition to my routine but I love how silky smooth it makes my hair. I only need one pump for my entire hair. I apply it from the middle length of my hair to the ends avoiding the scalp. It absorbs instantly and doesn’t leave any residue on my hair.

14th Night The Hair Elixir (discount code: MAREE20)

This hair oil is one of the only ones I can use because everything else weighs my hair down instantly. This is lightweight but still manages to smooth my hair and give it the best shine out of all the hair oils I own. I am OBSESSED with the scent and would love to buy a body version of that scent if/when they finally make one! LOL

Amika Dream Routine Overnight Hydration Treatment

As someone with very fine hair, I am hesitant to use cream products on dry hair because I am worried it will be too heavy. This is one of the first overnight hair masks I tried that never weighed my hair down. I use it every other night just on bottom half of my hair to help give it a boost of hydration. It dries relatively quickly and I can style my hair as usual the next morning without having to rinse it out.

Amika Soulfood Nourishing Hair Mask

While I’m not loyal to a particular shampoo or conditioner right now, I do love this deep conditioning mask for a once a week treatment. Since I have very fine hair, many hair masks weigh my hair down too much. This one deeply hydrated and nourishes while still feeling weightless.

Epres Bond Repair Treatment Kit (discount code: MAREE20)

I’ve been on a hair journey for nearly three years. Trying to stimulate growth and help get my hair to a healthier state. I’m pretty happy with how things are progressing but was contemplating adding in a bond repair treatment once a week. I’ve heard amazing reviews about this particular formula so I’ve been testing it out for the past few months. I use it once a week before I shower drenching my dry hair with the solution and leaving it on for 10 minutes. I’ve noticed a HUGE difference in the ends of my hair and overall health of my hair.

I’ve been sharing my monthly favorites nearly every month for the past 10+ years but only on video (IG, Tiktok, YouTube). I’ve never shared my favorites in a blog post but thought I would begin doing so in case you ever miss my monthly favorites video. These are all my favorite, most worn and most enjoyed products from the month. I love putting these lists together and sharing the best of the best with all of you! Here are my favorites from the month of August 2026.

August 2026 Monthly Favorites

Nest Fragrances Cardamom Latte EDP

I am so glad I received this right before Fall starts because it is the perfect cozy cold weather scent. With notes of cardamom, jasmine petals, coconut milk and vanilla cream, this is a gourmand scent that doesn’t wear too sweet. It’s creamy and milky with just a hint of sweetness.

Chantecaille Luminescent Eyeshadow in Selenkay

Powder eyeshadows are not my preferred texture because they can emphasize texture on the lids. But this formulations is absolute perfection. Smooth, creamy and blends like a dream. The shade Selenkay is what I fell in love with more than the formula. It’s a gorgeous subtle neutral taupe with the slightest hint of radiance not shimmer. It gives the lids a glow rather than looking too glittery.

Colourpop So Juicy Plumping Glossy Lip Oil in Trending Now

I have worn this lip color nearly every single day in the month of August. The color is this gorgeous vibrant pink that looks subtle enough for day but still gives my face some life. The formula is surprisingly smoothing and makes my lips look shiny without being too much. Though it is a plumping formula, it doesn’t tingle and irritate the lips at all.

Olaplex No. 7 Shine Serum Oil Mist

I’m incredibly picky when it comes to hair styling products because everything weighs down my fine hair. I was hopeful when I saw this serum oil mist which looked like it could be the best of both worlds. Hydrating, smoothing yet still weightless. Thankfully it was all those things and more! I like to use this after styling my hair to smooth down any frizz and hydrate my ends. But recently, I have been using it as a heat protectant on dry hair before I curl it.

U Beauty Resurfacing Flash Peel (discount code: MAREE20)

Even though my skin can tolerate strong actives, I don’t like to overdue it and risk damaging my skin barrier. The resurfacing peel is one of the best formulations I’ve ever tried. It’s insanely effective while not irritating my skin. I only use it once a month but my skin literally glows for days after. It removes every last bit of texture without stripping my skin or leaving it feeling sensitive. It’s a splurge but worth every penny.

Tatcha The Dewy Milk Moisturizer

I enjoy the Dewy Skin Cream from Tatcha but I think I may like this milk moisturizer even more. It’s intensely nourishing while still feeling lightweight on the skin. I have been liking it as my daytime moisturizer but can also see myself using it during the colder months too.

Milk Makeup Quick Sculpt Contour Stick in Toasted

It was the shade in this product which made it a favorites for this month. This contour stick from Milk Makeup is creamy and easy to blend as many are but the shade Toasted is amazing for fair skin. It’s slightly cool toned and pale enough to add just a hint of definition. There is even a shade lighter than this!

Milk Makeup Line + Fill Lip Liner in Valid

A newer discovery but one that became an instant hit with me. This is a mix between a lip liner contour and a lip crayon. It’s very emollient so it goes on easily but does set down once it’s applied.

Westman Atelier Supreme Bio-Complex Liquid Foundation

There has been so much buzz surrounding this new foundation launch so I wanted to test it for awhile before really giving my review. After putting it to the test in heat, humidity and long days of wearing it for 9+ hours straight, I was so impressed by this formulation. It impressed me greatly so I had to add it to my monthly favorites list. It’s a light to medium coverage liquid foundation designed to leave a natural finish to the skin. Nothing too matte or too dewy – it manages to be the perfect balance in between. It smooths and blurs as it claims while also feeling weightless on the skin. I could wear it all day long and it never moved. A must try!

Varley The Slim Cuff Pants 27.5″

I’ve shared my love for Varley before, but I included these black joggers in my monthly favorites because I have been wearing them nonstop. I already own a pair but needed a bigger size so I purchased them during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. These are hands down the best joggers ever. I own this style in many colors because the fit is so flattering. They are the perfect balance between flattering and comfortable. They aren’t too tight and feel nice and roomy, but the overall silhouette is slimmer throughout the hips and legs which makes them look so much more chic than traditional joggers. I also love the tapered ankle which tapers for a few inches making them look different from a regular pair of sweatpants that just have an elastic around the ankle.

Ann Taylor Belted Denim Jacket

It’s September so fall is right around the corner which means FALL CLOTHING!! I love nothing more than lightweight jackets and blazers in the early fall when I don’t have to wear a heavy coat yet. I don’t have anything like this belted denim jacket already in my closet. It manages to strike the perfect balance between casual (denim) and slightly professional (no collar + belted). A great pre-fall piece to add to your closet.

Ana Luisa Claw Ring

I realized that I’ve been wearing this claw ring nearly every single day since I received it which definitely constitutes a favorites inclusion. I ordered in to fit on my pinky which I love.