Let’s talk about the hair care routine that works for me to this day. I’m not old nor young, but already in my 30s, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that hair care changes as you age. What worked in your teens or early 20s may no longer work now, especially when stress, hormones, and lifestyle start affecting your scalp and hair health.

I want to share how I maintain the thickness of my hair and make sure my scalp stays okay most of the time. Because let’s be honest, you won’t have a 100 percent great hair day all the time, and that’s a fact. There will be days when you just don’t want to do anything to your hair, and you simply learn to get comfy with how it looks. Consistency matters more than perfection when it comes to hair care.

I joined a skincare and hair care group in the Philippines, and surprisingly, the routine I shared also worked for many others. Of course, this works for some and not for all, but it’s still okay to try and see what your hair responds to best.

1. Do not use shampoo every day.

You did indeed read that correctly. It's not always necessary to shampoo your hair every day. Your scalp generates natural oils that protect and maintain the health of your hair, according to experience and research on scalp health. These oils can be removed by frequent washing, which can lead to dryness, irritation, or even increased oil production.

There are situations in which washing your hair is essential, such as when you are exposed to pollution, if your workplace mandates it, or if your hair is extremely filthy and drenched in perspiration. The secret is to pay attention to your scalp and adjust your hair care regimen to suit your lifestyle.

2. If you will be using shampoo, make sure it is right for your hair and scalp type.e

There are numerous shampoos available, and selecting the incorrect one can be more detrimental than beneficial. There are many different types of hair, including brittle, coarse, dry, oily, and dandruff-prone. Before purchasing any products, you must determine what your scalp truly needs.

Here are some of my recommended products:

Oily Scalp (Balance oil, gentle cleansing)

• Palmolive Naturals Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (Green): cheap and widely available; helps control oil and flakiness.

• Human Nature Strengthening Shampo: gentle, sulfate-free options for oily scalp without stripping too much natural oil.

Dry Hair (Hydration + softness)

• Cream Silk Daily Care 3-Minute Miracle Nourishing Conditioner: cheap and widely loved for softer hair.

• Sunsilk Soft & Smooth Shampoo: a budget shampoo that adds moisture without heavy greasiness.

Sensitive Scalp (Gentle, mild)

• Vanicream Shampoo (fragrance-free): mild and irritation-friendly (check Shopee for cheaper sellers).

• Sebamed Everyday Shampoo: dependable, gentle option for sensitive scalps.

Look for moisturizing shampoos with mild ingredients if your hair is dry. Select a balancing shampoo that cleans without being overly harsh if you have an oily scalp. Ingredients like salicylic acid, ketoconazole, or zinc pyrithione can help with dandruff. Coarse hair requires additional hydration and smoothing ingredients, while brittle or damaged hair benefits from protein or strengthening formulas.

3. Apply conditioner only to the ends of your hair, not the scalp

The purpose of conditioner is to protect and soften your hair, not your scalp. Direct application of conditioner to the scalp can exacerbate dandruff or hair loss and result in buildup and clogged pores. Pay attention to your hair's midlengths and ends, as these areas are typically the most damaged and dry.

Affordable Conditioner (ends only):

• Human Nature Conditioner (light formula, apply on ends)

• TRESemmé Naturals Conditioner (mid-length to ends)

4. Use extra tools such as a scalp comb

I find that using a scalp comb helps, particularly when I want to gently increase blood flow. It feels calming, helps disperse natural oils, and eliminates light buildup. When combing your scalp, just be gentle and never use force.

Buy it on Lazada: CLICK HERE.

5. For extra scalp care, do not scratch and consider glycolic acid once a week.

Scratching your scalp can damage the skin barrier and cause irritation. If you want to take an extra step in scalp care, using glycolic acid once a week can help remove buildup and dead skin cells,s and let it stay for 10 minutes before I was off with water [no shampoo neede. Just apply a conditioner at the ends of the hair. I personally spray it lightly on the scalp and rinse properly. This helps keep the scalp clean without overwashing.

6. Do not fall asleep with wet hair.

Sleeping with wet hair can weaken hair strands and create a damp environment that encourages scalp issues. Always make sure your hair is at least mostly dry before going to bed to prevent breakage and scalp problems.

7. If you will not style your hair, do not blow-dry it completely

If you are not styling your hair, blow drying it 50 to 75 percent is enough. Overusing heat can dry out your hair and damage it over time. Letting your hair air-dry partially helps maintain moisture and reduces heat damage.

8. Lastly, it is okay to use minoxidil for hair thickness and scalp nourishment.

It is perfectly acceptable to use minoxidil, particularly if you have thinning hair. When used regularly, it helps increase hair density and encourage hair growth. Results take time, so always do as instructed and exercise patience.

Although this hair care regimen seems straightforward, its effectiveness comes from consistency. A healthy scalp is the foundation of healthy hair, and as you age, taking good care of it can have a significant impact.

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