How I Transformed My Damaged, Breaking Hair into Long, Healthy, Shiny in 3 Years

a woman getting her hair done
a woman getting her hair done

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Three years ago, my hair was constantly breaking, dull, and lifeless. It felt like no matter what I did, it just wouldn’t grow or get healthy. But today, I have strong, shiny, and long hair that I’m genuinely proud of. And no – it didn’t happen overnight.
The most important first step? Hydration and nutrition.

Seriously, drink your water. A healthy body = healthy hair. I made a big effort to drink enough water daily and clean up my diet – focusing on whole foods, healthy fats, protein, and vitamins. If your body is well-nourished, it’ll show – and that glow starts from the scalp down.

Scalp Care is Everything

Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. I began with scalp oiling – it made a huge difference in reducing breakage and stimulating growth. I recommend the Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil – it's affordable, effective, and packed with nutrients. I started oiling 2x a week, and now I do it just once a week.
In addition to oiling, I’ve been using the Kérastase Genesis Sérum Anti-Chute Fortifiant daily as a treatment course. It’s lightweight, calming, and helps reduce hair fall over time.

The Right Way to Shampoo

Washing your hair properly is key. Always shampoo twice:

  • The first wash lifts dirt and buildup

  • The second actually cleans the scalp and hair
    Once a week, I use a detox shampoo to clear out product residue and keep the scalp fresh.

My go-tos:

Condition, Mask & Treat

After every wash, I follow up with a good conditioner. I love the Redken All Soft Conditioner – it leaves my hair smooth, manageable, and hydrated. I also love Olaplex No. 5 Leave-In Moisturize & Mend Conditioner – a newer addition to the Olaplex line and not to be confused with the rinse-out No. 5! This one’s super hydrating, helps seal split ends, adds softness and shine, and even provides heat protection up to 232°C. It’s lightweight and perfect for daily use.

Once a week, I do a deep repair treatment with Olaplex No. 3:

  • Wash hair

  • Apply mask for 30 minutes

  • Rinse, shampoo again, then condition

For overnight nourishment, I use the Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum – a total game-changer. Looking for a budget alternative? Try the L’Oreal Paris Elvital Extraordinary Oil Midnight Serum – surprisingly effective! For oiling post-wash, I use a lightweight hair oil just on the lengths and ends.

My faves:

Styling Without the Damage

Heat styling doesn’t have to wreck your hair – you just need the right tools. I use the Shark FlexStyle – it gives me beautiful blowouts, curls, or sleek looks with minimal heat damage.

My styling essentials:

  • Olaplex Blow Dry Mist – protects, adds volume, and speeds up dry time

  • Ouai Anti-Frizz Cream – smooths without making hair greasy

  • Color Wow Raise the Root – a must-have for volume that lasts all day

The Journey is Worth It

Looking back, I’m honestly so proud of how far my hair has come. It wasn’t just about finding the right products – it was about committing to small, consistent habits and being patient with the process. I didn’t wake up one morning with long, shiny hair. It took time, trial and error, and a shift in mindset.
I used to think that hair health was just about what you put on your hair. But the truth is, it starts so much deeper than that. Drinking enough water, nourishing your body, managing stress, and truly caring for your scalp – those are the things that made the biggest difference for me. The products helped, absolutely. But the real magic happened when I started treating my hair like something I wanted to nurture, not just style. It’s not always easy. There were days I wanted to cut it all off, days I felt like nothing was working. But I stayed consistent – not perfect, just consistent – and the results came.
So if you're on your own healthy hair journey, don’t give up.

Start with one habit. Drink more water. Massage your scalp. Switch to double shampooing.

Whatever it is, just begin – and trust that the effort will pay off. Your hair is a reflection of how you care for yourself. Give it love, and it will love you back.

Here are all the hair care favorites I mentioned in this post – products I personally use and love: