Over 40 with combo type of Hair 2C/3A -- Help to Heal and Grow

in Over 40
I am over 40 and my hair feels damaged. I know that I haven't been good to my hair -- often doing tight ponytails as it is easier, not deep conditioning, no getting ends cut often, flat ironing at times, bad diet. My ends dry very quickly.
I think my hair type is between a 2C and a 3A. Though it is somewhat hard to tell. I am biracial and have naturally curly hair that has a lot more body and vibrant when it is shorter and curls that look a little more corkscrew. However, if I comb my hair I can usually end of with a wavy type of semi-straight looking hair. I find that by the 3rd day of brushing my hair, it looks more wavy and slightly curvy, but nothing like my natural curls. Parts of my hair are far straighter than they are curly.
When my hair is straightened, it is extremely thin/fine. I lost a lot of hair years ago after overdoing it with the flat iron.
I grew out my hair a while ago and the new growth has been only flat ironed, no chemical relaxers or dyes. I really want to grow my hair out and regain a lot of the body it once had. I try to ignore those that say it isn't possible due to age, etc. I have been taking biotin, but not seeing a lot of improvement. Though, my hair has grown about 6 inches in the past 3 years.
Any recommendations on how to treat my fine/thin hair and restore it back to its previous glory? I am looking for an affordable regimen that can help me to feel better about my overall appearance. First pic is after a couple of days of brushing and using a little hair cream. Bottom photo is from 2000 when my hair was much fuller and healthier.
I think my hair type is between a 2C and a 3A. Though it is somewhat hard to tell. I am biracial and have naturally curly hair that has a lot more body and vibrant when it is shorter and curls that look a little more corkscrew. However, if I comb my hair I can usually end of with a wavy type of semi-straight looking hair. I find that by the 3rd day of brushing my hair, it looks more wavy and slightly curvy, but nothing like my natural curls. Parts of my hair are far straighter than they are curly.
When my hair is straightened, it is extremely thin/fine. I lost a lot of hair years ago after overdoing it with the flat iron.
I grew out my hair a while ago and the new growth has been only flat ironed, no chemical relaxers or dyes. I really want to grow my hair out and regain a lot of the body it once had. I try to ignore those that say it isn't possible due to age, etc. I have been taking biotin, but not seeing a lot of improvement. Though, my hair has grown about 6 inches in the past 3 years.
Any recommendations on how to treat my fine/thin hair and restore it back to its previous glory? I am looking for an affordable regimen that can help me to feel better about my overall appearance. First pic is after a couple of days of brushing and using a little hair cream. Bottom photo is from 2000 when my hair was much fuller and healthier.


0
Comments
2B/2C, fine hair, low density, mixed porosity, protein loving hair
Current products:
The book mentioned above will give you tons of info, but I'll say the things that helped me the most were 1) skipping wash days--I only wash 1-2 times a week, and 2) laying off the heat. I try to only heat style my hair 2-3 times/week at most. That means refreshing with a light spritz of water, or an updo, or sometimes just letting my hair relax with no product on a day at home. The less I stress it, the more curly it gets. But I haven't found that age has anything to do with the health of my hair...not at 40, anyway!
Good luck!
Coarse, hi-po (low-po roots/when healthy), medium density
Low-poo: BounceCurl moisturizing/NYMN Yellow
Co-Wash: As I Am Co-Wash
Protein: Rice water rince weekly, gelatin monthly
RO: BounceCurl Cream Condish
LI: NYMN Yellow
DC: Garnier mask
Stylers: Bouncecurl gel, sometimes B'leave-In
My hair HATES coconut oil, aloe gel, shea & soy.