My Hair Growth Journey: What Actually Worked

For the past two years I've been on a hair growth journey, but I'd say in the last year or so, is when I really started to take it seriously. It wasn't that my hair wouldn't grow, it was my inability to maintain length. There were times when not only did I feel like my hair wasn't growing, but that it was getting shorter from the length up. Like what the hell? lol.

Now, I will say, I do think there was a little bit of the additive issue of slow hair growth. So that combined with my ends fraying… was just a recipe for shit hair.

Keep in mind, I'm not a hair stylist, I'm actually an Esthetician and this post is genuinely an opportunity to be helpful. I'm not kidding, my lack of healthy hair was really starting to get to me. Growing up I always had great hair. It grew fast, maintained length and I never had to think about it but that all changed for me in my 30's and it's been an ongoing struggle since. I'm now 37 and have the healthiest hair since my 20's and I wanted to share with you all my secrets. So have a good read and I hope this helps you!

I Stopped Lightening My Hair

For some reason, once I hit my 30's, lightening my hair became the kiss of death for retaining length. Every hair strand that had been lightened, would begin frazzling from the end up a few months down the road. It wasn't my hair dresser, her products, technique or skill. You guys know me. I only go to the best. My hair simply just cannot handle being lightened long term anymore.

Maybe I could have been better about hair masks and deep conditioning treatments but for me, that's unrealistic. So if you're like, "Welp, I'm out I need to lighten my hair." Then you need to seriously come to terms with the fact that you are going to have to have a hair routine that pertains to keeping the ends of your hair nourished. My skincare routine is already so in depth lol, I can't have a ridiculous daily hair care routine, so for me… the dark side it is. We'll revisit once the grays start coming in (god help me).

The last time I lightened my hair was in April of 2024, by the fall of 2024 my hair was so unhealthy and I cut it to my chin to start over. From then on, I color it with a dark brown to richen up the tone of my hair and that's it.

I Got Hair Extensions for a Whole Year

Yes. Hair Extensions allowed my hair to grow, and it allowed my hair to strengthen. But I didn't just go to anyone who does hair extensions, I went to a hair extension specialist. If you find someone who is affordable, run. I'm sorry. It's just the truth.

If you are genuinely trying to grow your hair, so that it's healthy and strong you absolutely have to go to someone who takes their time and understands your goal of wanting to grow your hair out. My extension Artist was very particular about placement, hair type and the amount of extensions she put in my hair and she was methodical during my move ups.

Eventually my hair grew to the length of my extensions and I graduated out from them. It was a beautiful day, for me and my wallet. I do miss the thickness of having extensions sometimes but seriously my hair has come such a long way. I think as time keeps doing what it does, the thickness of my hair will just keep increasing and eventually I won't even miss that part of the extensions.

I Started Getting Monthly Head Spas & Weekly Blowouts

Ok this one isn't a must, but it absolutely helped. Head Spas are so relaxing and have become one of my favorite self care services but there is a hair growing purpose to them. They deep clean the scalp and stimulate/awaken the hair follicles. My head spa girl would always show me the sink after to see all the buildup and gunk that came from my hair and it was… disgusting lol. There's no way all that buildup doesn't take a negative effect on your hair growth so with it gone… the hair can grow.

Weekly blowouts were helpful because it allowed me to leave my hair alone for 3-4 days and not put hot tools to it daily. For someone like me, a hair stylist and their sorcery gets the job done better than I can. My curls hold better, I have volume in my root, and it stays better LONGER. Also, styling extensions is a pain in the ass so honestly, it was just nice to not have to do them lol.

I'd usually do my blowouts on Mondays and by Friday morning I was ready to wash my hair and I'd do my own lousy version of a blowout for the weekend. So twice a week I was putting heat to my hair which I do think makes a difference. Putting extreme heat to your hair daily absolutely will hinder your ability to maintain length.

I Started Rocking My Curls

So obviously if you don't have even the slightest bit of curl to your hair, then skip past this. I have always had curly hair but I forgot about it for many many years. As I started working out more, and doing Hot Pilates classes I started noticing my real hair was getting curly around my extensions and it was starting to drive me crazy. Luckily I had already been wanting to take them out, but my hair getting curly gave me the idea to see if I could rehab my curls.

Anyway, I've been wearing my hair curly for about 3 months now and I'm not going to lie, my hair has actually grown like crazy since then, even more than before. Not putting heat to my hair has done wonders and letting my hair just fall free, with a few curl products has been so freeing. If you have a wave, or curly hair try to rehab your curls and watch your hair grow like a weed.

Products

Ok. Now this is the part where I influence you lol, but I promise… it's genuine. I've tried a lot of different products between supplements, shampoos, conditioners, hair growth serums, brushes, oils… you name it… I've tried it. But I'm going to list the few that I truly think helped me and I'll explain how I used them.

Supplements

Amazon Products

Link to my Hair Products on my Amazon Storefront.

From the Studio