Mane Character Energy: How to Actually Get Longer, Thicker, Healthier Hair

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By Jenny Smith Mattfeldt  | Published October 4, 2024

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links from products and brands I genuinely love and trust!

There are only three ways to get great hair: be born with it, buy it, or work for it. And since I was basically bald until age three, looks like we’re clocking in for the third option.

My hair’s always been the same story—fine, fragile, and the second it starts to look good, it splits like it’s allergic to happiness. I’ve tried all the buzzy products, the serums, the supplements, nothing stuck.

It wasn’t until I slowed down and actually started listening to what my hair needed (inside and out) that everything shifted. A few simple tweaks later, it went from breakage central to long, thick, and healthy.

Here’s exactly how I turned it around—and I promise, it’s way easier than you’d think.

Before

Current

These pictures say it all the difference in thickness, especially around my hairline, is wild.

Good basics. That’s the secret. You’re probably tired of hearing me say it, but there’s never a quick fix. Real results, whether it’s in life, skin, or hair, come from consistent, mindful habits. In this case, it’s about using quality products long enough to let them actually do their job. You know I’ll always be straight with you about what’s worth your money, and these are the only products that made a real difference for me.

Every Month

Once or twice a month, I treat my scalp to Tropic Isle Living Black Castor Oil + Red Pimento Oil and let it sit for thirty minutes. Castor and red pimento oil aren’t new tricks, but there’s a reason people swear by them. With consistent use, you’re basically guaranteed thicker, longer hair. Quick tip: shampoo twice on these days to make sure none of the oil sticks around.

Every Wash

I wash my hair every 4–7 days. My must-haves: Pattern Hydration Shampoo, Pattern Medium Conditioner, and doTERRA Root to Tip Serum.

Pattern conditioner is my holy grail. It comes in lightweight, medium, heavy, and intensive formulas depending on your hair type. Every once in a while I switch to a cheaper brand and immediately regret it. The difference is immediate, so I always end up switching back. If your hair tangles no matter the texture, this brand is worth a peek (their sample packs are cute and low-risk).

The doTERRA Root to Tip Serum is the absolute love of my hair life. I’ve been using it for over five years. I massage it into my scalp and ends post-shower. It’s potent (peppermint + rosemary oils, both proven to boost growth), so a little goes a long way—but be careful around the eyes.

Every Day

Small daily habits make a huge difference. A detangling Wet Brush (under $10!) is my secret weapon for breakage and split ends. It detangles so well I could’ve avoided a few childhood hair meltdowns with one of these bad boys.

Styling-wise, I skip most heat protectants. I’ll either blow-dry once a week or let it air-dry in natural waves. Collagen and fish oil have also been game changers—not just for my hair, but my nails too. And silk pillowcases + silk scrunchies save you so much damage by reducing friction and breakage.

Now, if I could just stop wearing my hair in a bun nine out of ten days… we’d be living the dream.

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