What does my hair need?

Hello,

I am a bit confused as to what is going on with my hair right now and what it might need to help make it a bit nicer. Been to the hairdresser a couple of times in the past 2 months to trim of the dry split ends but it still feels really dry and the split ends just keep coming. I read an article that went through how to test the elasticity of hair when wet, my hair stretched a little way and surprisingly bounced back after which according to the article means the hair is fine and does not require much protein or moisturising treatments. However after washing my hair it still feels kinda gummy and really dry at the ends so I am at a loss as to what to do with it. I got kpak treatment and have used it only once so far to see if it might help but it didn't seem to do much. I do use heat when styling because otherwise it just looks a state so I assume that is where most of the damage comes from since I do not bleach or process my hair much at all I just use veggie dyes on their own. I try not to do deep conditioning etc too often because I know that can also cause problems.

I would love my hair to be nice and soft and sit nicely without having to heat style it. I am also hoping to grow it so cutting off the split ends so often is a bit of a bummer.

If anyone has any ideas they would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!