How to Achieve Healthier Hair: Growth vs. Hair Health

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost. I only recommend products I trust and believe will benefit my readers. Thank you for being so supportive!

When I first decided to embrace my natural curls, , I assumed the path to healthy, beautiful hair would be simple. Inspired by the Curly Girl Handbook, I eagerly researched curly hair care and even created a college presentation on it for my public speaking class.

However, reality didn’t match my expectations., I became increasingly impatient with my hair’s lack of growth. I realized I hadn’t committed to the healthy habits outlined in the book. Instead, I found myself experimenting with every hair growth method I came across.

My Hair Journey: From Straightening to Natural Curls

When I was younger, my mom, a hairstylist, regularly straightened my hair. Since she used professional techniques, I never experienced heat damage or breakage. However, everything changed when I started styling my hair myself in high school.

Chasing the “Perfect” Hair

Like many teenagers, I wanted my hair to look like the celebrities I saw on TV. I was obsessed with the loose, effortless waves that stars like Hilary Duff, Vanessa Hudgens, Demi Lovato, and Selena Gomez rocked. My natural curls didn’t look like that, so I constantly styled my hair with a curling iron to force it into that shape.

At first, I thought using a heat protectant was enough to prevent damage. But over time, the daily heat exposure completely killed my curls. They lost their bounce, became limp and dry, and refused to hold their natural shape. Eventually, my mom stopped doing my hair altogether—except when I wanted to change the color or straighten it.

I didn’t realize the extent of the damage until college when I decided to stop straightening and embrace my natural curls. I assumed my hair would magically revert to its original state, but I quickly learned that reviving damaged curls takes time, patience, and the right routine. That’s when I discovered The Curly Girl Handbook and started my journey toward healthy, natural hair.

Understanding My Curls

At first, I struggled to maintain my curl pattern. My hair looked gorgeous when wet, but as it dried, it lost definition and became frizzy.

Over time, I learned how to properly hydrate my curls, maintain their shape, and prevent excessive breakage. Slowly, my texture improved, and I finally achieved the volume I had always dreamed of.

A Commitment to Healthy Hair

In February of last year, I decided enough was enough. I did a semi-big chop, removing split ends and color-treated strands. Instead of obsessing over length, I committed to a healthy hair regimen that prioritized strength, hydration, and long-term growth.

Here’s what I changed:

• Deep Conditioning Weekly – Essential for moisture retention and curl definition.
• Monthly Protein Treatments – Strengthened my hair and reduced breakage.
• Limited Shampooing – Only 1–2 times per week to avoid stripping natural oils.
• Co-Washing Every 3 Days – Kept my curls hydrated between washes.
• Hot Oil Treatments & Pre-Pooing – Improved elasticity and scalp health.

This consistent routine, combined with henna treatments, transformed my hair. It became thicker, and healthier, and even started growing in areas where it hadn’t before.

Hot Oil Treatments: My Secret to Stronger Hair

I’ve used hair oils for years, but I never took them seriously until now. Now, they’re a non-negotiable part of my hair routine.

On wash days, I use Wild Growth Hair Oil as a pre-poo treatment. Here’s my method:
1?? Warm up the oil before application.
2?? Massage it into my scalp and distribute it through my hair.
3?? Leave it overnight for maximum penetration.

For those who prefer lighter oils, the Wild Growth Light Oil is a great alternative.

Henna Treatments: Strengthening My Strands Naturally

Henna has been a game-changer in my hair growth journey. It strengthens my hair, enhances shine, and improves thickness.

On henna days, I mix the following ingredients:

• Godrej Nupur Henna Mehndi
• Herbal Amla, Brahmi, Shikakai, and Aritha Powder

• Green Tea (or Aloe Vera Juice/Coconut Milk)

Each ingredient plays a crucial role:

• Amla promotes growth and prevents premature graying.
• Brahmi strengthens roots and reduces hair fall.
• Shikakai gently cleanses the scalp and enhances shine.
• Aritha naturally removes buildup and improves hair texture.

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Hair

This year, my main goal is to grow my hair while keeping it healthy. Here are some tips that have helped me stay on track:

• Regular Trims – Keeps ends healthy and prevents split ends from traveling up the hair shaft.
• Deep Conditioning with a Heating Cap – Improves moisture absorption.
• Tracking Progress with Apps – I use Hair Journal (Android, IOS) and Appfrolution (Android, IOS) to document my journey.

Avoiding Product Overload

Before buying any new product, I now ask myself:

• Does my hair truly need this?
• Am I falling for marketing hype?

Healthy hair isn’t about having the most products—it’s about using the right ones consistently.

Final Thoughts: Prioritizing Hair Health Over Length

I’ve learned that focusing on hair health over length is the key to achieving the curls I’ve always wanted. Healthy, well-maintained hair looks better, feels better, and grows stronger over time.

Now, I want to hear from you! ?
Have you ever struggled with hair growth? What techniques have worked for you? Let’s chat in the comments!

FAQs

About My Curly Hair Journey & Healthy Hair Growth

1. What inspired you to embrace your natural curls? I was inspired by the Curly Girl Handbook and a desire to achieve healthier, fuller hair. However, my journey wasn’t always smooth—I initially struggled with maintaining my curls and experimented with different products before committing to a consistent routine.
2. Why wasn’t your hair growing as expected at first? My impatience led me to constantly experiment with new treatments instead of sticking to a healthy hair regimen. It wasn’t until I fully committed to deep conditioning, protein treatments, and proper hair care techniques that I noticed real growth and improvement.
3. What were the biggest mistakes you made in your hair journey? Some of my biggest mistakes included: Frequently switching products without giving them time to work, Inconsistent deep conditioning and protein treatments, and Overusing heat and extensions, causing setbacks in my natural hair journey.
4. What steps did you take to repair hair damage? I did a semi-big chop, trimmed damaged ends, eliminated color treatments, and adopted a consistent hair care routine. Regular hot oil treatments, deep conditioning, henna treatments, and protective styles helped restore my hair’s health.
5. How often do you wash your hair? I shampoo only 1–2 times per week to avoid stripping my hair’s natural oils. In between, I co-wash every three days as needed to keep my curls hydrated.
6. How do hot oil treatments help your hair? Hot oil treatments strengthen hair, reduce breakage, and improve moisture retention. I use Wild Growth Hair Oil on wash days, warming it before application and leaving it overnight for deep nourishment.
7. Why do you use henna treatments, and what do you mix with them? Henna strengthens hair, enhances shine, and thickens strands. I mix Godrej Nupur Henna Mehndi with Green Tea, Aloe Vera Juice, or Coconut Milk, along with Amla, Brahmi, Shikakai, and Aritha powder for added benefits.
8. How do you track your hair growth and progress? I use apps like Hair Journal and Appfrolution (available on Android & iOS) to document my journey and stay on track with my routine.
9. What’s your biggest tip for avoiding unnecessary product purchases? Before buying a new product, ask yourself: Does my hair need this, or am I being influenced by marketing? Will it complement my current routine? Focusing on hair health over trends ensures better long-term results.
10. What is your ultimate hair care goal? My goal is to continue growing my hair while maintaining its health, strength, and definition. Prioritizing health over length has given me the best results.

I hope my journey helps inspire you on your path to healthy, beautiful curls! ??