So - I’ve been on a hair journey for a year and a half now. I shaved my head bald in 2021 and for several years maintained a TWA, focused on scalp health ( I have seb derm), and used glueless wigs.

My hair grew longer but was brittle, sparse, and I had no edges! So I quit wigs cold turkey in May 2024 and have been doing low tension/manipulation styles.

I wash my hair 2-3 times a week. I workout a lot,  sweat from my scalp, and have a naturally oily scalp. So I can’t get away with washing less than once a week or my seb derm with flare up aggressively.

My Routine: 
Products I use include moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, deep conditioner (I alternate between one with and without protein), leave in conditioner, hair cream, seal with a silicone serum. Once a month I use a clarifying shampoo and dust my ends 1/8 inch. I stretch my hair every wash day either using low heat blowdryer and the tension method or just some chunky twists to dry overnight. I style my hair in a claw clip or a loose bun or two French braids going back. My hair is never dry and is easy to manage in my opinion. I also don’t loose much hair to shedding but struggle with breakage, especially towards the end of the month. 

The Pictures:

I did my long monthly routine, blow dried using a comb attachment, and then used a straightening brush on 370 degrees in preparation for my monthly dusting. I felt like my hair looked shiny and had movement but then I took some pictures and just feel like…I could never wear it down like this. I feel stuck and discouraged! 

I know I for sure need a haircut but my growth is so slow, I’m emotionally attached to any length I can get. But at this point I am open to any and all advice as I head into 2026. I want to wear my hair down and feel confident in the new year! 

Hair Health Advice