Healthy Hair: My Real Routine for Long, Strong, and Shiny Strands

If you’ve ever wondered how to grow long, shiny hair without damaging it in the process, you’re in the right place. This isn’t a professional salon guide or a brand-sponsored list of miracle products. It’s a real, experience-based routine shared by someone who’s been growing out their hair for years and has figured out what actually works.

In this post, you’ll get an honest breakdown of a simple, consistent hair routine—one built around keeping healthy hair a top priority. No magic pills, no quick fixes—just real care.

First Things First: Healthy Hair Takes Time

Let’s start with a reality check. Hair, skin, and nails are heavily influenced by genetics. That means not everyone will grow hair at the same speed or to the same length. But here’s the good news: with the right habits, healthy hair is 100% achievable—regardless of texture, length, or type.

This particular routine is the result of years of trial, error, and staying consistent. It’s not about chasing trends. It’s about keeping hair strong, moisturized, and free of breakage.

The Growth Journey

This hair routine has been in the works for about seven to eight years—starting from a rough bob haircut in fifth grade. From that point on, it became a mission to grow the hair out long and strong. Regular trims (usually six to eight inches at a time) help manage dead or split ends, which are totally normal.

Healthy hair doesn’t mean perfect hair. Some damage will happen—it’s part of the process. The goal is to reduce it and treat your hair with the care it deserves.

Washing Once a Week: Less Is More

One of the core parts of this routine is simple: wash your hair once a week. For many people, this feels like not enough—but in reality, frequent washing can strip the hair of its natural oils.

This weekly schedule works best when you’re not constantly touching your hair, which can stimulate more oil production. The bangs might get a little oily faster (since they’re often pushed out of the face), but overall, less washing equals better moisture balance—and better chances for long-term healthy hair.

The Products Used

The go-to shampoo and conditioner combo is from OGX:

• Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo
• Nourishing Coconut Milk Conditioner

While these two are technically from different lines, using both together works well in this routine. Argan oil and coconut oil both add shine and hydration—two key elements in maintaining healthy hair.

That said, this isn’t about brand promotion. What matters most is choosing products that suit your hair’s needs and following them with consistency.

How Hair Is Washed

The washing method matters just as much as the products. Here’s the approach:

1. Brush first. Before getting into the shower, brushing detangles the hair and makes it easier to manage when wet.
2. Use lukewarm water. Hot water creates frizz, while cold water doesn’t do much. A comfortable middle temperature works best.
3. Shampoo amount: About three “finger lines” of product.
4. Application method: Massage the scalp vertically or horizontally—never in circles. Circular motions cause tangles and breakage.
5. Shampoo time: Let it sit for about five minutes before rinsing.

This washing routine minimizes damage and keeps the scalp clean—two essentials for healthy hair from root to end.

Conditioner for Moisture and Shine

Conditioner is applied in a super intentional way:

• Amount: Four finger lines—two for the scalp and two for the ends.
• Leave-in time: Six to eight minutes, to really restore moisture after shampooing.
• Focus area: Scalp and ends only. The mid-lengths get enough product as it rinses down.

This conditioner (with coconut oil) adds softness and a natural shine—two visual markers of healthy hair.

Drying Without Damage

Hair is at its most vulnerable when wet, so this routine uses extra care during drying:

• Towel replacement: A 100% cotton T-shirt is used to gently blot excess water. Regular towels are too rough and can cause breakage.
• Brushing: A Wet Brush is used to gently detangle because its flexible bristles are softer on wet strands.
• Heat drying: Blow drying is done only up to 60% dry, focusing mostly on the scalp for volume. The rest is air-dried.

Very little heat styling is used otherwise—no regular curling or straightening. Less heat = less damage = healthy hair.

Seasonal Hair Oils

Just like skin, hair has different needs in different seasons. This routine includes two different hair oils:

• Winter: OGX Extra Strength Coconut Miracle Oil (quarter-sized amount on damp hair, worked through the ends).
• Spring/Summer: OGX Argan Oil of Morocco spray (three to five spritzes, again through damp ends).

These oils help seal in moisture and add shine without weighing the hair down. They’re used after showering, once the hair has partially dried.

Silk Accessories for Passive Hair Care

Little things add up, especially when it comes to healthy hair. This routine includes two simple changes that make a big difference over time:

1. Silk scrunchies – Way gentler than traditional elastics.
2. Silk pillowcases – Help maintain hydration and reduce frizz.

Cotton can suck moisture out of hair, while silk keeps everything smoother and softer. It’s an easy switch that supports healthier strands while you sleep.

Quick Recap: Healthy Hair Routine Breakdown

Here’s the step-by-step structure of this long-term haircare routine:

1. Trim regularly (even if growing it out)
2. Wash once a week to avoid stripping natural oils
3. Use OGX argan oil shampoo + coconut conditioner
4. Brush before washing to detangle
5. Shampoo gently (no circles!), rinse after 5 min
6. Condition scalp + ends, leave in for 6–8 min
7. Dry with a cotton T-shirt, never a towel
8. Detangle with a Wet Brush while damp
9. Blow dry scalp only (no full heat styling)
10. Apply seasonal oil to damp hair post-shower
11. Use silk scrunchies + silk pillowcases to prevent frizz

Final Thoughts

This is what real care for healthy hair looks like. It’s not complicated, but it is consistent. It’s about small choices—using the right brush, being gentle while washing, choosing silk over cotton—that protect your hair every day.

The key isn’t expensive products or impossible routines. The key is patience, awareness, and care. That’s how you grow long, healthy, strong hair that actually lasts.