How I Keep My Fine, Thin Hair from Falling Flat in the Summer Heat
Summer hair tips for thin, fine hair often sound like they were written by someone with twice the amount of hair I have, and zero experience with actual heat or humidity. Mine is baby-fine, thin, and determined to plaster itself to my scalp the moment the temperature rises. But lately, a few readers have told me my hair’s looking fuller, which frankly feels like a small miracle, so I thought I’d share what I’ve been using to help it stay upright and slightly less pitiful in the summer heat.
Before I get into products, I should mention that a good haircut does help. I’m growing out some overly optimistic layers from a former stylist…she had high hopes for what they’d do for my fine hair. In reality, they just made it look thinner. Letting them grow has given things a bit more weight and shape, which makes everything else I do a little more effective.
What I’m Using Right Now (And Why It’s Helping)
I recently switched to the Nécessaire Rosemary Shampoo and Conditioner duo after being loyal to another brand for years…and honestly, I prefer this. They say rosemary helps with hair loss…I have no idea if that’s true…but the scent is fresh and calming, and the formulas feel healthy. My hair feels clean without being stripped, and it doesn’t instantly fall flat after blow-drying.
Since my hair has gone silver, I keep an eye out for any brassiness. When it starts to show up, I use a small amount of Olaplex No.4P Purple Shampoo to tone it down. Just a little goes a long way, and I don’t leave it on for too long because I don’t want to end up with blue hair.
For scalp support, I’ve switched from the Vegamour natural serum to this Grande Hair Serum. It uses the same active and proven ingredient found in lash and brow growth serums, so I know it works. I’m not expecting miracles, but I’ve noticed fewer see-through spots and a definite increase in density along my hairline at the front. Small progress, but I’ll take it.
You may also enjoy reading Color or Go Natural? What’s Right for Your Hair After 60?
Dry Shampoo Isn’t Just for Oil
I wash my hair every two or three days—any more than that, and it just gets drier and flatter. On the in-between days, Living Proof’s Dry Shampoo is my not-so-secret weapon. I’ve tried more dry shampoo brands than I care to admit, but this is the one I keep going back to. It doesn’t just absorb oil, it gives my roots lift, makes my hair feel clean, and adds a ton of volume.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a miracle worker, so now I pack the tiny size when I travel. I’ll even use it in the evening before going out, just to add some oomph at the crown and wake things up a bit. A quick spray, a little zhuzh at the roots, and my hair looks like it has a second wind—even if I don’t. Also check out How to Keep Your Hair Smelling Fresh Between Washes: Easy Tips for Women Over 50
When My Hair Needs Shine (But Not Weight)
After dry shampoo, I often finish with a light mist of Color Wow Extra Mist-ical Shine Spray. It doesn’t weigh my hair down or make it greasy; it just gives it a healthy, glossy finish that dry shampoo can dull. I use it sparingly, but it makes everything look a little more polished and shinier.
The Brush That Gives Lift (Without the Bouffant)
One small change that’s made a difference is that I’ve been using an Olivia Garden square brush when I blow-dry. Yes, it’s square. It lifts at the roots without rounding everything into that stiff, bubble shape that looks better suited to a ’60s political wife than a modern woman running errands.
The square shape gives just enough lift and bend without curling everything under, and it helps direct the airflow where I need it most. I still flip my head upside down sometimes when drying, but this brush gives more control and less puff.
A Little Extra for Shape and Hold
Dry shampoo gives me most of my root lift, but when I want just a bit more shape—or my hair’s feeling especially flat—I’ll add a quick mist of Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray at the roots and scruff it up with my fingers. It’s not so much about volume as it is about structure. It helps my hair hold the lift I already have, adds a little grip, and keeps things from going limp by midday.
Keeping My Scalp Safe from the Sun
Because my hair is fine and my part is always exposed, I try to be careful in the sun. I usually wear a hat because it’s the easiest way to avoid a sunburned scalp and also protects my face from the sun.
If you’re not a hat person, I’ve heard very good things about COOLA’s Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30. It’s supposed to be lightweight and non-greasy, which is key when your hair’s already on the thinner side. I haven’t used it myself, but it’s worth looking into if you need a little extra protection.
Why I Swear by Silk Pillowcases
I’ve used a silk pillowcase for years, and it really does make a difference. My hair doesn’t get as tangled overnight, and I see far less breakage around my hairline. It’s one of those small things that help keep fine hair looking smoother and healthier, especially when you’re not washing it every day. It’s also better for your face and gentler on your complexion. These ones are my favorite and very well-priced.
If Your Hair Frizzes Instead of Falls Flat
My hair doesn’t frizz, but I know many of you deal with it, especially in the summer. Humidity hits, and instead of going limp, your hair does the opposite: it expands, fuzzes out, and starts doing its own thing.
While I can’t speak from experience, I’ve heard from readers (and a few trusted stylists) that moisture and gentle handling make a big difference. A leave-in cream like Color Wow Strength Dream Coat can help smooth things out without making hair heavy. A microfiber hair turban is another smart swap because it’s gentler than a regular towel and helps reduce frizz before you even pick up a brush.
If you’re using heat tools, a lightweight heat protectant like Living Proof Heat Protectant Spray can help shield fine strands from more damage. Frizz and flatness may be opposites, but they both benefit from less friction and more care.
I’ve spent years trying products, dodging anything that sounds like it belongs in an infomercial, and figuring out what actually works on my head. I’m not aiming for big, bouncy volume because I know that’s just not in the cards. But I do want my hair to look awake, not like it gave up before I’ve even left the house.
These products won’t give anyone perfect hair, but you may find a few helpful. And if all else fails? There’s always a hat.
What’s your summer hair situation this year? I’d love to know what’s working and what you’ve given up on.
Hi Jennifer, I’m just “tuning into” this now and so grateful to you for addressing hair issues because just 2 weeks ago, all of a sudden I discovered a big (size of a quarter) bald spot around my part toward the front of my face! I am horrified.
I knew I had been losing hair, not in clumps ever, but this one night it just seemed I lost more than usual and viola, I can see my head! Yikes! I’ve always had baby fine thin hair, so I have read your previous posts about hair with interest, but never really did anything about it. QVC just had the HairMax headband on and I almost bought that, and HSN had a special value on Keranique which I did buy, but when I got it home, the bottle said do not use if you have heart disease; which I do! I subsequently received an email today from HSN saying that in their presentations about this product, they never mentioned their disclaimers! Needless to say, that went back. So I’m curious if you have tried either of these things; the Hair Max device or the keranique serum, and I don’t know if you answer old emails, and maybe you’ve talked about trying products like this and I missed it. Anyway, thank you for continuing to bring us information about hair products. As for this post, I do wear hats in the summer time anytime I’m in the sun for an extended period of time. But now I’m thinking I should probably be doing more. Oh, and btw, I have the Dyson hair drying; the one that has all the different attachments. I love it! My fine hair is done and styled in about 10 minutes!
I’m so sorry you’re struggling with this. It’s awful! I did try a HairMax headband but found it tight and uncomfortable. I also tried a Red light helmet but did not stick with it. I finally started oral minoxdyl and it really helped. Have you seen a Tricologist? I would recommend that and a dermatologist. Please keep me posted how it goes
I appreciate your tips for thinning hair; bought the Olivia Garden 1 1/2” dia. Square hairbrush and it definitely gives my hair more lift. I look forward to your wardrobe ideas in your posts – they work well for me here in NW Oregon.
I’m so glad you like it too!
Hi Jennifer,
I love reading your posts! I’m 69 and my hair is fine, thin, and dry. My stylist suggested I use Matrix Food For Soft hair conditioner and it has helped a great deal. She also suggested that I towel dry my hair before applying my conditioner rather than just gently squeezing the water out and that has made a tremendous difference; my conditioner works much better after making that small adjustment. That suggestion might be helpful to other ladies.
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for all the good tips. I, too, have thinning hair. That dry shampoo sounds like something i definitely need to try.
I love the living proof dry shampoo. Just got the grande hair serum a few days ago. I have area near hairline that I hope it’ll help.
I’ve been using olaplex shampoo and originally liked it. Lately, though, my hair seems too soft? Too cottony? Too something. Will try the necessaire rosemary shampoo. And I agree with others…Your hair looks great!
Thanks! Soft is lovely but it’s the enemy of body for my hair.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/does-rosemary-oil-really-help-hair-grow-here-s-what-experts-say/ar-AA1zAs7b?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=LCTS&cvid=2b879a6e3b3648b6b8311650f72a379b&ei=34
I happened to come across this article today that may be of interest to the community.
It looks interesting
Your hair looks wonderful! Thank you for sharing your knowledge. These comments are all great, too! While I have thick, wavy hair that I have colored monthly, I noticed some thinning at the hairline and crown. It was probably due to hormonal changes + intended weight loss which occurred faster than intended. I’ve had success with 5% Minoxidil serum. I think silk pillowcases are a great idea. I’m also a fan of dry shampoos and hats.
I do like Babe lash serum but recently read reviews for the very budget friendly e.l.f. lash serum so I may try that at some point.
Hi Jennifer,
Thank you for all of the great suggestions. I have already added several to my cart. I am struggling with my hair this summer because I seem to be going through a “shed” despite the Rogaine and all of the expensive shampoos and my scalp is not feeling happy. Always, scary. Your hair is looking great and it does look fuller! I especially love the red polish dot on the shampoo. I can’t tell you how much conditioner that I have wasted because I have grabbed the wrong bottle. Thanks again for all of the wonderful sugggestions.
I’m sorry you’re dealing with this. I finally went on oral low dose Minoxidil and it stopped my Telogen effluvium cycles which is considered the second most common form of hair shedding. Please ask your doctor if it’s an option for you.
Thank you for sharing all of your tips. I have very similar hair to yours and I’m always on the hunt for a miracle. I use many of the same products and techniques as you. I recently added Maelove’s Full Follicle Scalp Serum to my routine with the hope that I will see some new growth around my hairline. It’s been about 3 weeks since I started using it. I’ll let you know if anything happens.
Please do keep us posted Donna!
I, too, have found that fewer layers gives more valoume. I have gone from a pixie cut to a style similar to yours without bangs and I’m loving it. I wore a pixie cut for probably 30 years, during Covid, I let it grow and as soon as we could get into salons I went right back to my pixie. So, a new stylist and thoughts on lots of fine hair and how to give it volume, she has helped me love this style!
Almost didn’t read because my hair is curly and I can cover up my whorl with curls. But I am glad I did because I was wondering why, twice now, I have washed my hair with conditioner only to wonder what is terribly wrong with me. Now I know it is because the shampoo/conditioner I’ve been using recently has the same color bottle and I can’t read…Thank you for the tip.
Lol, happy to help!
I have plenty of hair but it’s super fine. I totally relate to change of hair style issues! It really does look nice. Hang In there!!
I’m now using your shampoo! My hair is squeaky clean and smells good too. I caved and went short again. I just hate hair blowing in my face, under my glasses and in my ears. So my very fine, flat and thin hair is back to a slightly shaggy longer pixie cut. I don’t use any conditioner except in the winter. My hair is very oily as is my face unfortunately. I guess that has helped my skin stay more youthful much longer. I do use Aussie max hold mousse and my comb and then my fingers and voila, I’m done until it air dries. Then I use my large comb and comb out the crunchy bits and my hair is shiny, soft and is not stuck to my head. I wash it every other day. I wear a hat when outside and it doesn’t seem to affect my hair. Thank you for the suggestions as many over the years have really helped me.
My pleasure Sydney! I’m glad you’re enjoying it too.
Thanks, Jennifer, I have followed you for a long time on wardrobe selections and forwarded your columns to many of my more fashion-conscious senior friends. I appreciate the great tips on hair thinning. They are so helpful. I am 73 years old and have always had great-looking, thick hair and eyelashes, but my medium blond hair is thinning now, and I am determined to do what I can without spending a fortune.
I have used a Minoxidil 5% liquid topical solution for years, applied directly to the widow’s peak receding hairline and one pattern baldness spot (Amazon brand 6-bottle package), and have had good results. Based on your column, I asked my doc for a Minoxidil prescription for the 2.5 mg oral tablets (less expensive and more convenient). She was reluctant as the use was off-label, but we looked online at the research in her office. She was surprised at the results and agreed to prescribe. The other prescription I use is the Bitmatopost .03% solution. (generic Latisse). It comes with little brushes to apply to eyebrows and the eyelash base every night. (Get a coupon from Good RX for a significant discount.) This has addressed thinning brows and eyelashes. I agree with you on the blue shampoo. I mix a tiny dab of Kerastase Bain Ultraviolet Shampoo in the purple container with the Nioxin shampoo my husband and I used for 30 years. Kerastase is expensive, but you use so little that one bottle lasts a year, and it tones down the brassiness I was getting between foil appointments on the blond and silver hair. My last hair trick is aluminum thermal self-grip hair rollers (also on Amazon). I round-brush my partially damp hair sections and, when still warm, quickly wrap each section around a roller. This gives each section some “lift” as it cools. I leave them in while I put on makeup and get dressed, then carefully remove them so I don’t pull out any hair. I get a lift that lasts a long time. All these things combined have helped me regain lost hair volume and maintain what I have. Thanks again, Jennifer, for all the great advice from you and your wonderful followers!
I’m so happy to hear your Dr agreed to try it on it. It’s been a miracle for me. I’ll check into the rollers! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for all the ideas! Like you, my hair is fine and goes limp in heat and humidity. But, it does perk up when the humidity moves out. I wear my hair very short in the summer and longer the rest of the year. Layers do work for me. I’ve tried wearing a short bob, but it goes flat almost immediately and drags my face down. I love the bob you’re wearing, it flatters you!
Currently, I’m using J Beverly Hills shampoo and conditioner for body. I’m somewhat happy with them, but am going to try your recommended rosemary shampoo and conditioner. I do use a clarifying shampoo—Redken cleansing crème. During the fall, winter, and spring I use it every 10 days to 2 weeks. In the summer, I use it every other day following with the J Beverly Hills conditioner. For the record, I wash my short hair every day. The clarifying shampoo makes such a difference! I rarely need to use a purple shampoo to brighten up my silver hair (I do love my natural silver color, I wish I’d stopped coloring my hair earlier than I did.)
I just don’t have great hair, but at 72 I seem to have made my peace with it. I pay attention to my wardrobe (you help me a lot with that) and seriously work on my posture. So, even on a flat hair day I feel confident because of my posture and wardrobe.
The best thing I found for my thin, fine hair 30 years ago was the Carouso steam rollers. I only blow dry my hair the nights I wash it. The rollers put volume in my hair each morning and I roll my hair quickly every morning and its up for 20 minutes while I dress and do makeup.
Still using some of the hair care that you were using several years ago. It helped my hair feel thicker/fuller. I use that product once a month as a switch up with another hair care system. I’ll check out some of your other recommendations.
My momma wore a wig for 50 years because of her thin, fine hair. Her “fix” was getting a perm. I’m thankful that I’ve made it to 70 and have a head of hair, even though it’s fine.
Thank you so much for your product information! Saves me many pitfalls and money! Appreciate being part of your community of lovely vibrant vigorous women who still are looking chic and Audrey Hepburn like instead of a teeny bopper.
I had the good fortune (at 85) to be dining at a lovely resort with a well dressed gentleman, and as I looked at the crowd of short shorts, green and purple hair, well used tee shirts and holey sp? jeans, I felt the inner beauty of looking my best from the Jennifer columns💝
I love this, thanks for sharing Diane
I started PRP a year ago and it is a miracle for your hair.
Wow! Thanks for sharing this. I have wondered about it.