Hair Growth Journey for Beginners: Simple Steps That Actually Work

If you’ve ever felt like your hair won’t grow, no matter what you do, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too. My hair growth journey has been a mix of trial and error, breakage, new routines, and finally… progress.

Over a year ago, I decided to stop coloring my hair completely. After years of highlights and bleaching, I started to notice just how much damage and breakage I’d caused. My ends were fried, my length never seemed to change, and honestly, my hair just looked tired. That’s when I chose to focus on health and growth rather than color. And it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made for my hair.

I’ve learned a lot along the way, some tips from creators like Abbey Yung and Jasmine Rae, but mostly from figuring out what actually works for my own hair type and lifestyle. If you’re just getting started with your own hair growth journey, these simple, realistic steps can help you build a healthy foundation and finally start seeing progress.

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Table of Contents

Start with a Healthy Scalp

Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, it’s the foundation for growth. Think of your scalp like soil: if it’s not cared for, your hair won’t thrive.

I started gently cleansing my scalp regularly to prevent buildup from products and dry shampoo. There are a lot of clarifying shampoos on the market, but I really like using Pantene Pro-V Volume & Body Shampoo, per Abbey Yung’s recommendation, for a good clean. I also like to use a scalp massaging tool while shampooing. It boosts circulation and feels fantastic! I always double-shampoo and follow the clarifying shampoo with a moisturizing or bond-repair shampoo. My current favorites are the Pantene Multi-Tasker 10 Shampoo and the L’Oreal Paris EverPure Bond Repair Shampoo.

The biggest thing to remember is to focus on shampooing and cleansing your scalp; you don’t need to shampoo your ends. As you rinse your hair, the shampoo will cleanse the rest of it. I have very dry hair and scalp, so I will occasionally do an oil treatment on my scalp as well. You don’t need to overcomplicate it; make scalp care part of your routine.

Be Gentle with Your Hair

One of the biggest mistakes I used to make was being too rough with my hair. Tight ponytails, brushing too hard, coloring, and constant heat styling caused so much unnecessary breakage. I also unknowingly used one of those hair-dryer brushes on soaking-wet hair. It was not good!

Now, I’m all about being gentle. I invested in a Kent hairbrush that doesn’t tug or rip my hair, and I try to avoid brushing it when it is wet. I use heat protectant sprays and give my hair breaks from heat styling. It’s not about never using heat, it’s about protecting your hair when you do.

Build a Simple, Consistent Routine

When I first started focusing on growth, I got overwhelmed by all the “must-have” products online and spent A LOT of money. But honestly? You don’t need 20 steps.

Here’s what works for me:

A pre-shampoo oil treatment
A moisturizing shampoo and conditioner
A weekly deep-conditioning mask
An after-shower leave-in spray that also protects from heat.

That’s it. Keeping things simple has made it so much easier to stay consistent, and consistency is everything when it comes to seeing real growth.

Protect Your Hair at Night

If you’re not already protecting your hair while you sleep, this is your sign to start. Switching to a satin pillowcase was a small change that made a big difference for me. It helps reduce friction, which means less frizz and fewer split ends.

I also try always to wear a bun with a silk scrunchy at night to avoid tangles. You could also do a light braid. Simple habits like these really help preserve your hair’s length and strength over time. Another thing I used to do very often was sleep on wet hair, I have since learned that is a big no no! When your hair is wet it’s at it’s weakest and most susceptible to breakage so sleeping on it and having the friction of your hair rubbing against the pillowcase can lead to more damage.

Track Your Progress and Celebrate Small Wins

When you’re in the middle of your hair growth journey, it can be hard to notice progress day-to-day. I like to take occasional photos to keep myself motivated, and wow, it really helps to see how far you’ve come.

Even if your hair isn’t growing inches overnight, celebrate the small wins: shinier texture, stronger strands, fewer tangles. Those are all signs that your hair is getting healthier! My favorite thing has been feeling how soft my hair has gotten, I can just tell daily how healthy it feels.

Be Patient and Kind to Yourself

This might be the most essential part. Hair growth takes time. No miracle product will make it happen instantly (trust me, I’ve looked!).

Be patient with your hair and kind to yourself. Focus on progress, not perfection. My biggest lesson from this journey has been learning to care for my hair with the same patience and grace I give other parts of my life.

Final Thoughts

Starting a hair growth journey doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on healthy habits, be consistent, and give your hair time to heal. You’ll be amazed at what a difference gentle care and patience can make. I highly recommend following Abbey Yung on Instagram and watching her YouTube videos. She breaks everything down so well and gives practical, affordable products and tips you can start using immediately.

If you’re on your own hair growth journey, I’d love to hear about it! Share your progress in the comments, or come join me over on Instagram or in my Facebook group where we share real-life tips and encouragement. 💕