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[glowettee]

how i grew my hair past waist-length + how you can too 𓂃۶ৎ

by mindy @glowettee

hey lovelies! it's mindy,

welcome to another post. today i want to share my journey on how i grew my hair past waist length + some secrets on how you can do it too. growing out your hair can be literally a test of patience, commitment, and self-love – but honestly? it’s so worth it. in this post, i’m going to break down my experiences, tips, and tricks that helped me along the way. it took me 4 years to grow my hair past waist-length, my hair is currently 27 inches long (from the last time measuring it at the salon) it took a lot of maintenance, and my hair is honestly a part of my identify and it's extremely special to me. hopefully this post can help you. remember to do research on YOUR hair type, advice on straight hair won't work for curly, and some advice for curly hair won't work for coily hair, so just make sure to research for your specific hair type. all love from mindy <3

✧ my hair journey: the beginnings ✧

i still remember when my hair was just reaching shoulder length. i was excited to think about growing it out, but i soon learned that longer hair requires a whole new level of care. i realized early on that to gain length, i needed to focus on both cutting out damage and nurturing healthy hair growth. starting with a proper care routine was a game changer for me.

✧ the fundamentals: care + commitment ✧

here are the number one basics that helped me grow my hair way past my waist:

regular trims: while it may seem counterintuitive, getting a trim every 8–12 weeks is key. this may feel like you’re cutting off growth, but removing split ends prevents breakage and keeps the hair looking fresh. honestly? it saved my hair more than once.

deep conditioning: i incorporated a weekly deep conditioning treatment into my routine. choose a product that suits your hair type (yes, even curly/coily or fine hair can benefit amazingly) and leave it on for a solid 20–30 minutes. this extra care helps your hair stay moisturized and resilient.

minimal heat styling: i slowly phased out daily heat use and embraced natural styles. using heat less often has helped reduce damage and keeps the hair stringy and strong.

healthy diet: my outlook changed when i started paying attention to what i was eating. incorporating plenty of protein, vitamins (especially vitamins a, c, and e), and omega fatty acids was literally like feeding my hair the nutrients it needed to thrive. it may also be helpful to take a biotin supplement, but always check with your doctor first.

gentle products: i switched to sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that gently clean without stripping away natural oils. these gentle formulas help maintain the protective layer on your hair, which is essential for length retention.

✧ managing expectations + routine adjustments ✧

growing your hair isn’t an overnight makeover – it’s a journey. here are some ways that i kept my mindset positive when the process felt slow:

set realistic goals: i mapped out monthly mini-goals (like how many inches i hoped to grow) and celebrated small wins. every bit of progress was a reason to smile!

patience is key: there were days i felt frustrated when my hair didn’t seem to match up with the pics on social media. i reminded myself that everyone’s hair grows at its unique pace, and mistakes are all part of the learning process.

experiment with protective styles: braids, and buns, became my best friends. these styles protect your hair from environmental stressors while keeping it styled in cute and manageable ways.

listen to your hair: some days your hair might feel extra dry or brittle. learn to adapt by spacing out washes, using a silk scarf or pillowcase to reduce friction, or applying a leave-in conditioner for an extra boost.

✧ extra tips and personal hacks ✧

i want to share some of the little adjustments that made a big difference:

nighttime care: before bed, i always tie my hair in a loose braid or bun and use a satin pillowcase. these small changes can prevent breakage and reduce tangles.

hydration matters: just like our bodies, our hair needs water too! i kept a spray bottle with water + a few drops of essential oil nearby for a quick hydrating mist throughout the day.

massage your scalp: this might sound a bit extra, but gently massaging your scalp for a few minutes daily increases blood circulation to your hair follicles, promoting growth. think of it as a self-care ritual that gives both your scalp and mind some love.

avoid over-washing: i found that washing my hair too frequently stripped away its natural oils. switching to washing every other day or even less frequently (depending on your hair type) helped maintain a balanced moisture level.

✧ some extra tips ✧

scalp yoga: try more than just a massage, incorporate gentle scalp exercises. after your massage, lightly tap or do slow circular motions with your fingertips to boost blood circulation. it's like a mini workout for your scalp that can encourage growth.

herbal rinses: switch up your rinse by brewing an herbal tea. steep rosemary or a blend of nettle + horsetail leaves, let it cool, and use it as your final rinse. these herbs are known to strengthen and add shine, giving your hair an extra boost.

overnight oil rituals: instead of heavy leave-ins, try a mix of a touch of castor oil with a few drops of argan oil. give your scalp a gentle massage before bed and let this lightweight oil work overnight (a silk scarf can help keep it in place).

cold water finish: end your wash routine with a blast of cold water. this trick helps close your hair cuticles, sealing in moisture for a smoother, fuller look.

nutrient water infusion: add a splash of coconut water to your wash. it may sound unusual, but coconut water carries vitamins and minerals that can nourish your hair from within, helping it feel extra strong over time.

✧ the mental journey ✧

growing my hair was not just about physical care; it was also about treating myself with kindness throughout the process. there were times when i felt insecure about how my hair looked during the awkward growing phase. but by embracing that phase as part of my unique journey, i learned to love every stage of my hair’s evolution. remember, bestie, progress is progress – no matter how small.

✧ a little homework for you ✧

if you’re ready to start your hair growth journey, here are some actionable steps to try today:

write down your hair goals. how long do you want your hair to be? what aspects of your hair care routine do you hope to improve? jotting down your goals sets a clear path forward.

evaluate your current routine – are there any habits you can change? maybe add one new habit, like the nighttime routine or a weekly deep conditioning session.

track your progress: take a picture of your hair each month and note any changes. this not only motivates you but also helps you see how far you’ve come.

join a community: even if it’s on tumblr, instagram, or a hair care forum, connecting with others on the same journey can provide tons of tips, support, and gentle encouragement.

growing your hair past waist length isn’t about perfection – it’s about enjoying the journey, caring for yourself, and celebrating each inch gained. i hope my experiences and tips provide some helpful insights on your own path to long, healthy hair.

sending you all love and all the good vibes as you work on your hair goals.

xoxo, mindy 🤍

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