Six Months In, My Hair Is Thicker, Longer and Shinier — and It Started With My Scalp
six months ago my hair was fine. not bad, just fine. it was thinner than it used to be, it wasn't as thick when I pulled it back, my scalp was dry, and the whole thing looked kind of lackluster no matter what I put on it. so I stopped buying random products to fix the ends and built an actual routine: something working from the inside, a scalp step, a shower upgrade and gentler styling. starting with Hers for thicker, fuller hair.
six months later, my hair is noticeably thicker, it's longer, and it's shinier than it's been in years. I work out a lot, so I wash it 2–3 times a week, which is more than most hair advice tells you to. this routine is built around that, and it's the exact one I use.
Quick Answer: What's the best hair routine for thicker hair in 2026?
Treat the scalp, not just the hair. Thinning and a dry scalp were my two starting problems, so the routine starts with Hers and a scalp serum, not with styling products. The shine came from the end of the routine; the thickness came from the beginning.
Work from the inside too. I paired Hers with WellBel Women, a daily hair supplement ($61.20 a month on subscription, 10% off with code QATCH10). Hair routines like this take months, not weeks.
Fix the water before you blame the shampoo. A filtered shower head, the Jolie at $169, is the one upgrade that affects every wash, including the extra ones when you work out a lot.
Be gentle between washes. A leave-in, a bonding oil, dry shampoo only when you really need it, and a satin pillowcase. Less breakage is how thicker hair actually turns into longer hair.
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Where My Hair Started: Thinning, a Dry Scalp and Lackluster Hair
no dramatic story here, and I think that's why this might be useful. my hair was thinning gradually. it wasn't as thick as it used to be, my scalp was dry, and my hair just looked dull. it's the most common version of "my hair isn't what it was," and most products are built to fix the ends, not the cause.
the one thing you need to know: if your hair loss is sudden, patchy or comes with other symptoms, see a doctor or dermatologist before you build a routine. what's below is what worked for my gradual thinning and dry scalp. it isn't medical advice.
My Hair Growth Routine at a Glance
Every day, from the inside: Hers Treatment · WellBel Women, 3 capsules
Wash days (2–3x a week): Jolie filtered shower head · Prose Custom Shampoo · Prose Custom Conditioner
Scalp, after washing: Prose Custom Scalp Serum · K18 FutureIQ serum
Styling: It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In · Ceremonia Guava Leave-In on the ends · Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil before heat
Between washes: Crown Affair Dry Shampoo, only when I really need it
Every night: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum on a dry scalp · Kitsch satin pillowcase
1. Hers Hair Loss Review: Is Hers Worth It for Thinning Hair?
the honest take: this is the foundation of the routine, and it's the step I'd tell anyone with thinning hair to start with. everything else on this list makes hair look and feel better. this is the step aimed at the thinning itself.
Hers starts with an online consultation with a licensed provider, who decides whether a treatment is right for you, and then it ships to your door. it's the most low-effort way I've found to get a real treatment instead of another serum with a nice label.
the one thing you need to know: it takes patience. Hers says minoxidil takes 3–6 months to show regrowth, and some people see temporary extra shedding in the first weeks, which is a known effect as hair cycles through. results vary from person to person, and it isn't right for everyone, which is exactly why the provider consultation matters.
Hers hair loss treatment for women — a provider-prescribed option for thinning hair, and the foundation of my routine.
verdict: the step to start with. give it 6 months.
2. WellBel Women Review: Do Hair Supplements Actually Work?
the honest take: I didn't want to only treat my hair from the outside, and WellBel is the inside half of the routine.
WellBel Women is a daily hair supplement that the brand says helps reduce shedding and support thickness and shine over time. it's 3 capsules a day. it's $61.20 a month on subscription or $72 for a single jar, and code QATCH10 takes 10% off.
the one thing you need to know: it's 3 capsules every day, so it only works if you're consistent, and it's a supplement, not a treatment. ask your doctor first if you take other medications or are pregnant.
WellBel Women at $61.20 a month — a daily hair supplement, the inside half of a thicker-hair routine.
verdict: the daily habit. use code QATCH10.
3. Jolie Shower Head Review: Does a Filtered Shower Head Help Your Hair?
the honest take: because I wash more than most people (hello, workouts), the water touches my hair more than any product does. filtering it was the upgrade that made sense for how often I shower.
the Jolie filters chlorine, heavy metals and scale while keeping high-pressure flow, and it's backed by independent third-party studies. it screws onto your existing shower arm, and it comes in chrome, brushed steel, black and brushed gold.
the one thing you need to know: it's $169 up front, and the filter needs replacing regularly, so it's an ongoing cost. it's the most worth it for people with hard or heavily treated water and people who wash often.
the Jolie filtered shower head at $169 — the upgrade that affects every single wash.
verdict: worth it if you wash often or have hard water.
4. Prose Review: Is Custom Shampoo and Conditioner Worth It?
the honest take: my problem was specific (dry scalp, hair that was thinning and dull), and a generic shampoo is built for everyone. Prose builds the formula around your answers.
you take a quiz about your hair, scalp, lifestyle and even where you live, and Prose makes a shampoo and conditioner for you. I told it about my dry scalp, the thinning and how often I work out and wash. the shampoo and conditioner are about $34 each, and subscribing saves 15%.
the one thing you need to know: it's a quiz and a subscription, not something you grab at the store. and because the formula is custom, you might tweak it after the first order before it's exactly right.
Prose Custom Shampoo and Conditioner at about $34 each — made for my dry scalp and thinning hair, not everyone's.
verdict: worth it if your hair has a specific problem.
5. Prose Custom Scalp Serum: The Fix for a Dry Scalp
the honest take: a dry scalp was one of my two starting problems, and this is the step aimed right at it.
like the shampoo, the scalp serum is formulated from your Prose quiz answers, so mine targets dry scalp. it goes straight onto the scalp after washing, which is where healthy hair actually starts. it's $56.
the one thing you need to know: scalp serums are about consistency, not one magic application. it's a step you do every wash day for months, not a quick fix.
the Prose Custom Scalp Serum — a custom scalp treatment for dry scalp, applied after every wash.
verdict: the step for anyone with a dry or flaky scalp.
6. K18 FutureIQ Review: Is the New K18 Serum Worth $120?
the honest take: this is K18's newest launch, and it's a scalp serum, not the leave-in mask K18 is famous for. it's the splurge in my routine, and the one I'm asked about most.
FutureIQ is a lightweight serum that K18 says is clinically shown to deliver up to 19,000 more hairs, reduce shedding and graying, and improve the scalp barrier. it goes onto the scalp, so it pairs naturally with the Prose serum in a routine focused on the scalp.
the one thing you need to know: it's $120, which makes it the most expensive product on this list. if you're on a budget, it's the one to add last, once the foundation is in place.
K18 FutureIQ at $120 — K18's new hair longevity serum for the scalp, the splurge in my routine.
verdict: the splurge. add it once the basics are working.
7. The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density Review: The $24 Scalp Serum
the honest take: this is the budget scalp step, and the easiest one to add at night. it's $24, so it's the low-risk way to start treating your scalp.
The Ordinary's Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density is a lightweight leave-in scalp serum with caffeine, peptides and plant extracts, which the brand says helps hair look thicker and fuller at the root. you massage a few drops into a clean, dry scalp once a day, ideally at bedtime, and don't wash it out. it's $24 for 60ml.
the one thing you need to know: it's a daily step, so it only works if you remember it every night. The Ordinary recommends a patch test first. and yes, that makes three scalp serums in my routine. you don't need all three, and this is the cheapest place to start.
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density at $24 — a nightly leave-in scalp serum, the budget way to start treating your scalp.
verdict: the best value on this list. start here if you're on a budget.
8. It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In vs Ceremonia Guava Leave-In: Why I Use Both
the honest take: they do different jobs. the It's a 10 is my every-wash detangler, and the Ceremonia is the extra moisture on my ends.
It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In · $22 for 4 oz ($14 for 2 oz) · a cult-classic spray that detangles, smooths frizz and adds shine · on damp hair after every wash · shop It's a 10 →
Ceremonia Guava Leave-In Conditioner · $30 for 6.7 oz · a hydrating repair cream with guava, safflower and tamarind · on the ends when they need extra moisture · shop Ceremonia →
the one thing you need to know: using both is a lot of product for fine hair. use a light hand with each, and focus the Ceremonia on the ends, not the roots, or your hair can feel weighed down.
It's a 10 at $22 and Ceremonia at $30 — one spray to detangle, one cream to hydrate the ends.
verdict: start with It's a 10. add Ceremonia if your ends are dry.
9. Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil: The Step Before Any Heat
the honest take: thicker hair only turns into longer hair if it stops breaking. this is my breakage insurance before I use heat.
it's a highly concentrated, weightless styling oil. 2–3 drops add shine and softness, tame frizz and flyaways, and give heat protection up to 450°F. it's $32 for 30ml, and because you only use a few drops, it lasts a long time.
the one thing you need to know: it's concentrated. more than a few drops and your hair will look greasy, which is the opposite of the point.
Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil at $32 — a few drops of shine and heat protection before any hot tool.
verdict: non-negotiable if you use heat.
10. Crown Affair Dry Shampoo: Only When You Really Need It
the honest take: I work out a lot, so there are days between washes when I need it. but I use dry shampoo only when I really need it, not as a daily habit, because a healthy scalp is the whole point of this routine.
Crown Affair's is a non-aerosol powder for the scalp and strands, and it feels much more like skincare than a can of spray. it's $48 for the standard size, $28 for travel, and there's a $32 refill.
the one thing you need to know: $48 is a lot for dry shampoo, and powder formulas need to be worked in well, especially on darker hair. the refill brings the price down after the first bottle.
Crown Affair The Dry Shampoo at $48 — a non-aerosol powder for between wash days, used sparingly.
verdict: for workout days. use it sparingly.
11. Kitsch Satin Pillowcase: The Easiest Step in the Routine
the honest take: it's the lowest-effort step on this list. you just sleep on it.
satin creates less friction than cotton, so it helps tame frizz and reduce breakage overnight, and it absorbs less moisture from your hair and skin. it's $29 and OEKO-TEX certified.
the one thing you need to know: it's satin, not silk. it feels similar and costs much less, but if you specifically want silk, this isn't it.
the Kitsch satin pillowcase at $29 — less friction and breakage while you sleep, the easiest step in the routine.
verdict: the cheapest upgrade here. just do it.
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my longer, shinier hair after six months of a hair growth routine
The Full Routine vs the Starter Routine
you don't need all 13 products to start. here's how the full routine compares with a starter version built around my two original problems, thinning and a dry scalp.
Starter routine (the foundation) · Hers + Prose Custom Shampoo, Conditioner and Scalp Serum + the $29 Kitsch pillowcase · targets thinning and dry scalp first
Add next · WellBel Women ($61.20/mo) · The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum ($24) · It's a 10 ($22) · Olaplex No.7 ($32) · the habits that protect your progress
Add last (the splurges) · K18 FutureIQ ($120) · the Jolie shower head ($169) · Crown Affair ($48) · Ceremonia ($30) · the upgrades once the basics are working
What This Hair Routine Costs: Is It Worth $500+?
the one-time buys (the Jolie shower head at $169, K18 FutureIQ at $120, Crown Affair at $48, Olaplex at $32, Ceremonia at $30, the Kitsch pillowcase at $29, The Ordinary serum at $24 and It's a 10 at $22) add up to about $474, and most of them last months. on top of that, the monthly costs are Hers, WellBel at $61.20 and Prose at about $34 per product.
is it worth it? for me, yes. six months later my hair is thicker, longer and shinier, and I stopped buying random products that didn't work. but you don't need to buy it all at once. the starter routine above is where the real change began.
The Honest Downsides of My Hair Routine
It takes months. nothing here works in two weeks. I'm talking about six months of results, and Hers itself says 3–6 months for minoxidil.
It's hard to credit one product. I changed my whole routine at once, so I can't tell you exactly how much each step did on its own. what I can tell you is what the whole routine did.
The costs add up. between subscriptions and splurges, it isn't cheap. that's why the starter routine exists.
It takes consistency. daily capsules, a scalp step every wash day, washing 2–3 times a week. it only works if you keep doing it.
So — Does This Hair Growth Routine Actually Work?
the verdict: for gradual thinning, a dry scalp and dull hair, yes. this is the routine that got me thicker, longer, shinier hair in six months. it is a routine focused on your scalp that takes patience. it isn't a quick fix, and it isn't a substitute for seeing a doctor if your hair loss is sudden or patchy. if you only do one thing, start with Hers and give it six months.
Hair Growth Routine: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hair routine for thicker hair?
Start with your scalp, not your ends. My routine combines a treatment for thinning (Hers), a daily supplement (WellBel), custom Prose shampoo, conditioner and scalp serum, and gentle styling with a leave-in, a bonding oil and a satin pillowcase. After six months, my hair is thicker, longer and shinier.
How long does it take to see results from a hair growth routine?
Months, not weeks. My results came over six months, and Hers says minoxidil takes 3–6 months to show regrowth. Some people also notice temporary extra shedding at first. Consistency matters more than any single product, so plan on at least three months before judging.
Is Hers good for thinning hair?
Hers was the foundation of my routine for gradual thinning. It starts with an online consultation with a licensed provider, who decides whether a treatment is right for you. Results vary by person, so the consultation is the important step.
Do filtered shower heads help hair?
They help most if you have hard or heavily treated water, or if you wash often. The Jolie filtered shower head at $169 filters chlorine, heavy metals and scale. I wash 2–3 times a week because I work out a lot, so it was the upgrade that touched every wash.
Is K18 FutureIQ worth it?
It's the splurge in my routine. K18 FutureIQ at $120 is K18's new scalp serum, which the brand says is clinically shown to deliver up to 19,000 more hairs and reduce shedding. It's worth adding once your foundation routine is in place, not as your first purchase.
How often should you wash thinning hair?
As often as your lifestyle needs. I wash 2–3 times a week because I work out a lot, and I only use dry shampoo when I really need it. A clean, healthy scalp matters more than stretching washes, especially when your scalp is part of the problem.
Are hair supplements worth it?
They're the inside half of my routine, not a standalone fix. I take WellBel Women, 3 capsules a day, at $61.20 a month on subscription (10% off with code QATCH10). Supplements need consistency, and you should check with your doctor if you take other medications.
Is Prose shampoo worth it?
If your hair has a specific problem, yes. Prose builds your shampoo, conditioner and scalp serum from a quiz, so mine targets my dry scalp and thinning. It's about $34 per product, and subscribing saves 15%. The trade-off is that it's a subscription you order online.
Does a satin pillowcase help hair?
It reduces friction, which helps with frizz and breakage overnight, and it's the easiest step in my routine. The Kitsch satin pillowcase is $29. It's satin, not silk, so it costs a lot less but isn't the real thing if you want silk.
Where can I find more beauty and haircare finds?
Qatch tests and vets the best finds on the internet, and we only share what we'd actually buy. Text HAIRCARE to 30422 to get every product from this routine, plus new haircare finds, sent straight to your phone. You can also shop the full Qatch haircare collection, or browse every collection at joinqatch.com/shop.
This post reflects my personal experience and isn't medical advice. Results vary. Talk to a doctor or licensed provider before starting any hair loss treatment or supplement.
Last updated: September 22, 2026. Prices verified at time of publication and may change. Qatch earns affiliate commission on some links.