How to Create the Best Clean Hair Care Routine

Great hair takes care. And like all the good things in life, effort and consistency is key. That’s why finding the right routine that works for your hair and lifestyle is essential to achieving your ultimate hair goals.

2023 is shaping up to be the year of hair, as predicted in our Trend Report , with Skinification of Hair becoming the mane event. It’s about time we give our scalp and hair the same love and attention we give to our skincare. This means integrating gentle, clarifying formulas focused on balancing your scalps’ microbiome, targeting hair concerns with powerful active ingredients, and showing your tresses a little extra TLC.

Finding the right routine for you shouldn’t feel like splitting hairs, which is why we’ve asked our resident green beauty expert and Director of Merchandising, Elena, for her tips and tricks for building a balanced hair care routine—inspired by her very own!

Elena, can you tell us about your hair type and concerns?

My hair is fine and long, but I used to have a lot more of it. Now I’m experiencing hormone and age-related hair thinning. Anything I can do to keep my hair from falling out is really helpful.

Can you walk us through your routine?

Yes, here are some of the products I’m currently loving:

Step 1: TREAT

Agent Nateur - Holi (Locks) Strengthening, Detangling, Anti-hair fall Serum

Price: $110

Your body is most receptive to treatments when it’s at rest— so start your routine at bedtime, before you wash your hair the next day. This gives serums and treatments time to set in and work their magic while you sleep.

This strengthening serum from Agent Nateur is great for all hair types, but is especially effective for those concerned with hair loss, breakage, and overall lack of luster. The serum’s rich ingredients include Horsetail—a trusted herbal remedy known to improve the structural integrity of the hair follicle and contain silica to promote healthy hair growth—and Alma—a fruit derived from India with a high-concentration of antioxidants to nourish the scalp and condition hair from root to tip. Since I started using this product I notice less hair on my bathroom floor and more hair around my hairline.

Detox Tip: This treatment can be used up to 4 times weekly, but take some time to see what frequency works best for your hair. For best results, massage 1-2 droppers full of the serum evenly into the scalp before bed, and shampoo the following morning.

Step 2: CLEANSE

Innersense - Pure Harmony Hairbath

Price: $28

I love to start my day with this gentle cleansing shampoo that never leaves my hair feeling stripped or weighed down. This hairbath from Innersense is ideal for fine-medium texture, and does a great job of balancing moisture from root to tip, without leaving behind any residue. Its formula contains pumpkin seed oil and quinoa to nourish strands, and the soft citrus scent always puts a smile on my face.

Detox Tip: Make sure your hair is fully wet before emulsifying a small amount of the hairbath between your fingers, and work the rich lather onto your scalp. If you have an extra minute, now's the time for a quick soothing scalp massage! Once your hair is rinsed thoroughly, it’s time to move onto conditioning.

Step 3: MOISTURIZE

Innersense - Pure Inspiration Daily Conditioner

Price: $30

We all know how important moisturizing is in your skincare routine, but conditioner is the moisturizing step in your shower routine! I like to go in with the Pure Inspiration Daily Conditioner , which gives my long, fine hair the right amount of hydration for a frizz-free finish—without leaving my scalp and roots feeling oily. This conditioner is ever-so-mildly scented with fresh grapefruit, white flowers, and orange oil for hair that’s shiny and full of life.

Detox Tip: For longer hair, distribute the conditioner from the mid-shaft downwards, focusing on coating the ends of your hair. Leave it in for 1 to 5 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

Step 4: REPAIR

EVOLVh - SmartStart Leave-In Conditioner

Price: $38

Everyday, we take the time to protect our skin with ingredients like Vitamin C and sunscreen, why should hair be any different? While this leave-in conditioner is not a sunscreen, it does shield against UV rays and protect against heat damage. The lightweight formula is made with raw lecithin to fortify weak strands and prevent them from future breakage, and rice bran to protect against harmful heat and UV rays. Aside from its outstanding protective properties, this leave-in hydrator also makes detangling a breeze!

Detox Tip: After showering, spritz an even coat onto damp hair, focusing on the mid-length to ends. Let the formula sink in before drying and styling. If your hair is in need of a pick-me-up between wash days, this leave-in treatment can be applied to dry hair to give a quick boost of hydration.

Step 5: DRY

Plume - Ultra Soft Microfiber Hair Towel

Price: $20

So much damage can come from heated drying and styling tools. I am not terribly skilled with a hair dryer so it’s usually air drying for me. However, air drying doesn’t need to be a long, tedious process if you have the right tools by your side! This super-soft microfibre towel can cut drying time in half, all while taming frizz and reducing friction related breakage. Simply wrap your freshly washed hair in the towel, and use the handy fastener located at the back of the towel to hold your hair in place. You’ll be shocked at how easy and quick this gentle drying technique can be.

Step 6: STYLE

Rahua - Aloe Vera Hair Gel

Price: $32

Hair gel has come a long way since the gooey, sticky gels of the 1980’s and 90’s. This soft styling gel is perfect to gently nudge hair into your preferred shape and style. Sacha Inchi and Rahua Oil keep your strands hydrated while sugar cane and aloe vera make the formula nice and light. I love that this gel is packed with vitamins and nutrients—it’s like a green juice for your hair.

Detox Tip: For optimal styling, start with a small amount and work your way up as needed. Gently push your hair into the desired shape and style. The biggest piece of advice is once you apply any styling product, the less you touch your hair the less your hair will frizz! I know it’s tempting to continually fix your hair into place, but hands off until hair is completely dry!

And just like that, there’s Elena's simple hair care routine from start to finish!

By incorporating these expert tips and products into your hair care routine, you can achieve beautiful, healthy hair with minimal effort. Remember, consistency is key, and finding the right products that work for your hair type can make all the difference. Start by investing in clean, quality products that address your specific hair concerns and give your hair time to adapt to your new skincare-inspired haircare routine! Trust us, your hair will thank you for it.

Check out our Hair Quiz for personalized product recommendations and tips to build your start-to-finish routine.