What I Stopped Doing So My Hair Could Finally Grow

The calm approach that changed everything.

When I big chopped in April 2025, my hair was less than an inch long.
It was freeing — but also humbling. I had to unlearn years of “hair rules” that didn’t actually serve me.

At first, I tried to do too much: too many products, too many refresh days, too much fussing.
What I’ve learned since then is simple — healthy hair doesn’t grow from doing more. It grows when you give it structure, rest, and time.

✨The Turning Point

My real turning point came when I noticed that the more I handled my hair, the more it seemed to resist me.
Every time I tried a new product combo or switched routines midweek, my hair felt dry again.

Then one day, I decided to stop experimenting and start observing. I looked at what my hair responded to when I left it alone.
That’s when everything began to change — my scalp felt balanced, and I started noticing softness and small but steady growth month after month.

Healthy hair isn’t built by doing more — it’s built by doing what truly matters, with consistency and care.

✨Three Things I Stopped Doing

Here’s exactly what I let go of after my big chop — and why it made all the difference.

1️⃣ Over-Manipulating My Hair

When your hair is short, it’s easy to think it needs “styling” every day to look presentable.
But constant twisting, brushing, and redoing edges every morning was causing more friction than progress.

Now, I focus on hands-off care. I let my hair set naturally after cleansing and use my fingers only when necessary.
This one change alone helped me retain softness and reduce breakage.

2️⃣ Chasing the Perfect Product Combo

After my big chop, I went through what I call the “product hope phase” — trying everything promising softness and shine.
The truth? My hair didn’t need 10 products; it needed consistency.

I simplified to a gentle cleanser, a light conditioner, and a single hydrating mist for refresh days.
Once I stopped changing products every week, my hair finally found its rhythm.

3️⃣ Skipping Rest and Recovery

When I tried a twist style with extension hair for a month — my first time wearing added hair in over 17 years — I learned quickly that my scalp and strands still needed rest afterward.
Now, I always give my hair “recovery time” between styles.
No tension, no covering, just gentle hydration and patience.

That’s when I see the most improvement — during those quiet weeks when my hair gets to breathe.

Growth began the moment I stopped forcing progress and started giving my hair room to breathe.

---

🌱 The Real Growth Phase

I’m only a few months into my regrowth journey, but the changes are already visible.
My hair feels stronger at the roots, less frizzy, and easier to manage between wash days.

Growth isn’t about how fast it happens — it’s about creating the conditions for your hair to thrive.
For me, that meant patience, gentleness, and finally believing that simplicity is enough.

✏️ Mini Challenge: The “Stop Doing” Week

This week, try removing one unnecessary step from your routine.
It could be skipping midweek detangling, cutting down product layers, or avoiding constant manipulation.

Focus instead on:

• Gentle cleansing once or twice a week

• Hydration without buildup

• Allowing your hair to rest between refreshes

By next week, you’ll notice a difference — not just in your hair, but in your mindset.

🍵 Closing Thoughts

Letting go of “doing the most” brought me closer to the results I always wanted.
This calm-care approach is what Harmony Strands represents — balanced routines, gentle handling, and structure that fits real life.

Your hair doesn’t need pressure. It needs peace.

Simplify your own care system with my FREE Hair Care Guide — a FREE hair care guid that helps guide you with starting your hair care jouney.

👉 Download your FREE Hair Guide Here

My Texture Hair Care Toolkit — a printable that helps you map your daily and weekly rhythm.

👉 Download Your Texture Routine Guide Here