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In my guide to why hair changes after 40, I promised to share the scalp-care routine I actually follow for my thin, straight hair. This is the simple, step-by-step version.
Fair warning — it’s not what you might expect from someone who just wrote an entire post about the importance of scalp care.
The truth is I don’t have a complicated routine. I never have. And my hairdresser still tells me my hair grows faster than almost anyone she sees.
What I do have is a handful of intentional choices that I think make a real difference — and I’m going to share all of them including the ones I’m still figuring out.
Step 1: Choose a Washing Routine That Works for Your Scalp
gk hair Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner
I wash my hair every day. I know, I know. Every hair expert on the internet is going to tell you that’s too much and that you’re stripping your natural oils and you should train your hair to go longer between washes.
Here’s my response to that: my hair gets greasy and I don’t like how it feels. So I wash it every day.
Step 2: Focus on How You Wash
What I’ve learned is that how you wash matters more than how often. The right shampoo makes daily washing completely fine for my hair. The wrong one leaves it feeling stripped and dry regardless of how often I use it.
Right now I’m using the GK Hair Moisturizing Color Protection shampoo and conditioner and I genuinely like it. Great smell, real volume, and it doesn’t weigh down my thin straight hair which is the constant battle with moisturizing formulas. I also use the Remilia Rice and Shine leave-in conditioner which has become a non-negotiable step — it adds just enough moisture without making fine hair feel heavy.
When I’m in Florida I switch to the ECOLCHIPRO Collagen Shea Butter shampoo and conditioner. The smell is a little strong but what it does to my hair is worth it. Softer, smoother and genuinely one of my favorites. Different climates call for different products and Florida humidity is a whole different situation than Pennsylvania in any season.
Step 3: Add a Gentle Pre-Wash Scalp Treatment
Here’s where my routine is still a work in progress.
I have not been doing enough for my scalp. I know it matters. I wrote about it. And I’m still in the process of building this habit properly.
What I have tried is batana oil — and once I figured out the right amount to use it was genuinely impressive. The first time I used too much and spent the next day looking like I hadn’t washed my hair in a week. Once I dialed back the amount my hair felt amazing. Deeply conditioned, smooth and with a shine I don’t normally get.
The key with batana oil — and other scalp oils — is that less is more, especially on fine hair. Start with a few drops, work it into your scalp with your fingertips in circular motions and leave it for at least 30 minutes before washing. I do it before my shower on days when I have a little extra time.
I’m also starting to pay more attention to scalp massage during washing. Nothing complicated — just spending an extra minute actually massaging the shampoo into my scalp instead of rushing through it. It feels good, it increases circulation and circulation matters for hair growth.
Supplements I Am Personally Tracking
I’ve been taking NAD+ supplements for over a year now — not for my hair originally, but for energy. What I noticed over time was that my hair seemed to grow faster regardless of which brand I used. My hairdresser comments on it consistently.
I can’t tell you scientifically that NAD+ is the reason. What I can tell you is that the timing lines up and I have no plans to stop taking it.
I also restarted biotin gummies recently and I’m tracking that separately. I’ll report back after a full month of consistent use because inconsistent supplementation tells you nothing.
My Scalp-Care Routine, Step by Step
Remilia Rice and Shine Leave-In Conditioner
Since this post promised step by step here it is in real terms:
Wash days — which is most days — I use GK Hair or ECOLCHIPRO depending on where I am, follow with conditioner, add Remilia Rice and Shine leave-in before styling. I let my hair air dry most days because I genuinely like the natural texture and it’s one less thing to do.
On the occasional day I skip washing I leave my hair alone. No dry shampoo, no product. Just leave it.
Once or twice a week when I remember and have time — batana oil treatment before washing. I’m working on making this more consistent because my hair always thanks me for it.
Daily — NAD+ supplement and restarted biotin gummies. These are the things I genuinely believe are contributing to my hair health from the inside out.
That’s it. No ten step system. No expensive tools. Just the right products for my specific hair, a supplement routine that seems to be working and slowly building better scalp habits.
What I Am Testing Next
I want to be more intentional about scalp care — a dedicated scalp serum is on my radar and I’ll report back when I find one worth recommending. I’m also going to be more consistent with the batana oil treatments because the results genuinely surprised me.
If you’re looking for somewhere to start and you’ve been ignoring your scalp the way I was — start with one thing. A scalp massage during your next wash. Just two extra minutes of actually working the shampoo into your scalp with intention. It costs nothing and it’s the foundation everything else builds on.
Everything I use is linked in my LTK — find it here. For more context, read why hair changes after 40, see the hair-damage repair routine that worked for me, compare how my hair routine changes between Pennsylvania and Florida, and explore the habits and products I use for hair longevity after 40.
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