u/Jealous-Concert8456

1 year difference!! So excited because for the longest time my hair was the same length as pic 1 because my hairdresser would just trim off everything I was growing (necessary for a while but she kept doing it even when all the damage was gone and id ask her not to). Im with a new hairdresser, started going longer between trims, and i became more thorough in my hair routine and here we are!!! Im about a year to a year and a half away from my goal length now I presume.

Hair routine is kinda insane but -

Prenatal and triple omega vitamin after last meal of the day every day (not pregnant just works for me)

I switch between moisturizing and bonding products or use them together depending on what my hair feels like it needs, if it feels stiff I focus on moisture, clarify, and lay off on bonding, if it feels weak I focus on bonding, if it feels dry and weak I focus on both

I use a silicone based oil on my ends 1-2x a day and which kind I use depends on what my hair feels like it needs: protection and slip - fino hair oil, deep moisture - morrocanoil treatment, light moisture - kerastase elixer, bond repair - olaplex no 7

I use a bonnet every night with either a braid or loose Nautilus bun secured with a spin pin

I wear my hair in a Nautilus bun 95% of the time secured in various ways (hair comb, 2 prong hair sticks, flat lay claw clip, spin pins)

Unbrush hairbrush for damp/in shower detangling + any detangling on tangled hair, conair dual bristle flex brush for distributing product on dry hair (hair oils & night serums)

Scalp massage 4x a week

Pacifica scalp love serum before every shower

Ouai detox shampoo for clarifying, luseta for regular

Wella professional hair mask in place of conditioner every shower

Dry with microfiber towel for 10min then air dry

Wash hair when it feels dirty

Amika overnight hydration as leave in after shower or whenever ends feel even somewhat crunchy (I've bleached out some red so thats just about every day)

I actually dont search and destroy, just go in for a trim when I can see breakage (every 3-6 months depending)

Overall just very gentle with my hair and I've learned how to tell what it needs and when, I also focus a lot on protection, nutrition, scalp health and length retention

It's been a long journey but a fulfilling one, youd never guess but I've had not just one but 2 chemical cuts before starting my journey. If your hair is like mine was 3 years ago, breaking off and thin I promise with consistency and a lot of trial and error you'll make it back to healthy luscious locks, just be patient