My Healthy Hair Growth Journey After Going Blonde
Going blonde last fall did a number on my curls. I’ll admit—I wasn’t taking care of my hair as I should’ve, and the damage quickly caught up with me. My once-defined curl pattern started to unravel, leaving me with dry, brittle strands and very little bounce. I knew I needed a reset.
But there was one thing holding me back: doing a big chop.
While I felt emotionally ready to start fresh, my mom wasn’t quite on board with the idea. So instead, I took a slower route. I trimmed my ends little by little—on my own—until I could work past the damage without sacrificing all my length.
What My Hair Looked Like During the Damage Phase
When I straightened my hair, it appeared healthy and shiny, at least on the surface. But underneath that smooth appearance was a different story. When I let my curls out, the damage was apparent: dryness, uneven texture, and a loss of definition.
These photos show both sides of that phase—one where my hair seemed fine (even styled for work and events), and another where the real state of my curls came through. This was during a significant life transition: graduating from college, starting a new job, and moving in with my boyfriend. Amid all that change, my hair care took a back seat—and it showed.
Healthy Hair Growth Update: Why I Trimmed
Although my longest strand of hair reaches my bra strap, I know my hair is uneven due to the gradual trims. My progress in hair growth is primarily due to my consistent use of SugarBearHair gummies. While I’ve experienced some shedding, my hair’s overall development and strength have improved.
Why a Hair Reset Boosts Healthy Growth
One primary goal of this reset was to repair the damage from my previous hair dye. Removing unhealthy ends has made my hair feel healthier, fuller, and better prepared for long-term growth. This journey is about prioritizing health over length because healthy hair thrives naturally.
After dyeing my hair black to prevent further damage, I resumed my regular styling routine, primarily doing wash-and-goes. Due to the uneven length, I abstain from straightening my hair and instead opt for protective styles occasionally. I deep condition my hair weekly and wash it once a week. Additionally, I do braid-outs and a pineapple bun to extend the longevity of my styles between washes.
What I’m Doing Differently This Time
During this period, I had a lot going on—I graduated from college, transitioned to a new job, and moved in with my boyfriend. Despite the busy schedule, I made it a point to have my mother do a wash and set once a month, where she would roller set my hair and flatten the roots with a hair dryer.
Rather than hoarding products, I made a point to finish what I had before trying something new. That minimalist approach helped me stay grounded and reduce product overload.
Styling-wise, I leaned on what worked:
- Lots of two-strand braids
- Pineapple buns between wash days
- Low manipulation styles to reduce stress on my strands
About once a month, my mom would wash and set for me. That usually meant a classic roller set followed by lightly flattening the roots with a hair dryer. It gave me a break from daily styling while letting my curls reset.
Lessons I Learned About Hair Growth
What surprised me most was how fragile progress can be. You work hard to grow your hair; one wrong move, like bleaching without a proper care routine, can send you right back to square one.
But this process taught me that:
- Blonde hair requires special attention—hydration, protein treatments, and specific products for color-treated curls.
- Porosity changes after dyeing, and I didn’t factor that in initially.
- Healthy hair doesn’t mean perfect hair. It means understanding what your hair needs at any stage and adjusting as you go.
FAQs About Starting a Healthy Hair Journey After Going Blonde
Can I fix bleach-damaged hair without doing a big chop?
You can gradually trim your ends while maintaining a consistent hair care routine. Using deep conditioners, oils, and low-manipulation styles helps rebuild strength without sacrificing too much length at once.
How long does it take to see results after a hair reset?
Most people notice healthier curls within 3–6 months if they consistently use moisturizing and strengthening treatments, avoid heat styling, and protect their hair at night.
What’s the best way to transition back to natural curls after coloring?
Focus on hydration. Incorporate weekly deep conditioning, use leave-in conditioners with protein, avoid heat tools, and try protective styles like two-strand twists or braid-outs to maintain definition.
Do hair growth vitamins help?
Vitamins like SugarBearHair may improve growth and strength, especially if deficient in key nutrients. Always pair supplements with a balanced diet and proper hair care.
How do I know when it’s time for a final trim?
If your curls are uneven, break easily, or don’t hold moisture—even after treatments- it may be time for a full trim to remove lingering damage and allow new, healthier growth to flourish.
Final Thoughts
I’m planning one final trim in the coming year to remove the last of the damage. Seeing the difference those minor cuts made along the way has been encouraging. Watching my curls slowly return—and learning how to care for them honestly—has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.
Have you ever done a hair reset? What helped you get through it? Share your experience in the comments below—let’s grow together.
Curious about hair vitamins? Read my review: Do SugarBear Hair Gummies Work?
Want to see how I rebuilt my curl routine? Check out: LOC Method for Curly Hair.
Curious about how I restored my curls after the damage? Check out my detailed journey here: Your Ultimate Guide to Understanding and Loving Curly Hair.
Have you done a hair reset? Drop your favorite tip in the comments! Let’s grow together.
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