Hip Tbl & Beyond Challenge 2018

[long.hair.dont.care]

Today I'm going to try two regimen tweaks: I will tweak the products I use and I will tweak my styling.

Products I'll try:

1. Prepoo: Soultanicals Power to the Prepoo
2. Detangle: Soultanicals Hair Glide
3. Cleanse: 22nd Century Natural Woman shampoo bar
4. DC: None . . . had one recently and I'm not using a poo that strips . . . AND I will have prepoo'd
5. LLG . . . Ends . . . Edges & Scalp:
   • Liquid: This mixture described here, a version of which Chime (YouTuber with very healthy long hair) recommends.
   • Leave-in: Soultanicals Cotton Candy Hair-fluff Leave-in Softerizer (bought this for the boys but trying it on my hair, too)
   • Gel: Uncle Funky's Daughter's Curly Magic (I gave my HGs -- Camille Rose Naturals Curl Maker and DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel -- away to my niecy while visiting them on our vacation)
     
   • Ends: Mixture of NetWurks Custard and jojoba oil
   • Edges and scalp (scalp via color application bottle): NetWurks spray

Styling I'll try:
Heavily-gelled wash-and-go via SHINGLING. (I do know: Wngo's aren't great for hipo, fine, dense hair. I have a rationale/reason, though, for giving it at least one try). What if shingling keeps my tiny sections separate, thus keeping my ends from tangling, and thus allowing my hair to thrive with wash-and-go's like some ladies' manes do? And what if were able to shingle my hair faster then threading it, twisting it, etc.? THAT would be an improvement in quality of life, as silly as that may seem: The more freed up time I have, and the less manipulation of my hair that I do, the better! I'm excited about this experiment. Whether I get more hydration/moisture from the change in products, less time-consuming styling, or both, I would be EXTREMELY grateful/happy.

Your theory sounds reasonable. Hopefully your hair agrees and the styling works out as planned!

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

Your theory sounds reasonable. Hopefully your hair agrees and the styling works out as planned!

Thanks so much for the feedback and support, @long.hair.dont.care! It means a LOT: I have had problems before with severe knotting after a wash-and-go, and I'm a little apprehensive about trying this. But . . . I feel I need to try it at least once: It could really help me to be able to manipulate my hair less in this way. Thanks again! The women at this forum! Ma-yun!

 

[long.hair.dont.care]

Thanks so much for the feedback and support, @long.hair.dont.care! It means a LOT: I have had problems before with severe knotting after a wash-and-go, and I'm a little apprehensive about trying this. But . . . I feel I need to try it at least once: It could really help me to be able to manipulate my hair less in this way. Thanks again! The women at this forum! Ma-yun!

My pleasure! I know the feeling, I did my first wash and go a few weeks ago and had a problem with tangles as well. The fact that it took way less time than my usual stretching out via braids has me still interested. Not worrying about having to stretch it out would be cool with me. One day I'll revisit it.

Have you ever tried coating your hair or ends with oil before applying the gel?

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

My pleasure! I know the feeling, I did my first wash and go a few weeks ago and had a problem with tangles as well. The fact that it took way less time than my usual stretching out via braids has me still interested. Not worrying about having to stretch it out would be cool with me. One day I'll revisit it.

Have you ever tried coating your hair or ends with oil before applying the gel?

Probably. I've tried so many things. But I'll try it again. Thanks!

 

[ElevatedEnergy]

@lulu97 2 inches in 3 weeks? Amazing! Im over here tryna figure out how to get more than half an inch. Taking notes!

Did you end up adding fish oil to your vitamin roster?

@long.hair.dont.care I haven't added the fish oil yet. I wanted to give my body a good 6 months before I added a new vitamin. I had just started Silica when I was thinking about it, so I decided to wait it out. I have to admit I am a little turned off because I keep reading reviews of customers burping alot after taking it and their burps smelling like fish I will get some opinions of our members here though when I get close to the time I want to add them in.

Right now my current vitamins are:

Daily:
Vitacost Hair Skin & Nail Vitamins
Vitacost horsetail Silica (which I plan to switch to bamboo silicia when it's finished...probably in the Spring)

3 times a week and every day during my monthly cycle:
Chelated Iron

 

[MileHighDiva]

@lulu97
I highly recommend getting a fish oil supplement that has a burp free/enteric coating. It will not dissolve till it's in your small intestine.

I get the Nature's Bounty 1400 mg from Costco. Occasionally, they have a $5 warehouse coupon.

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

@lulu97
I highly recommend getting a fish oil supplement that has a burp free/enteric coating. It will not dissolve till it's in your small intestine.

I get the Nature's Bounty 1400 mg from Costco. Occasionally, they have a $5 warehouse coupon.

I'm taking a fish oil because it helps my collagen supplement uptake. But there are other awesome benefits as well. Mine doesn't cause me to burp and doesn't taste fishy at all. It's slightly lemon-flavored, purposely. I'll try to remember to link it.

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

Tuesday, Thursdays, and Saturdays are my cardio days.

I typically do a jump roping routine, ride my exercise bike according to a program (interval training), or do a cardio DVD workout.

I'm school-girl excited that today I will get my cardio in by learning The Fitness Marshall's routine to Bruno Mars's "Perm." Like, shout-out excited (my husband would have second-hand embarrassment at my quirky giddiness about this). Once I get the moves down slightly, I'll invite my oldest (six years old) to do it with me. HE LOVES to dance and will be so geeked that I want him working out with me and, to boot, it's DANCE.

 

[ElevatedEnergy]

@lulu97
I highly recommend getting a fish oil supplement that has a burp free/enteric coating. It will not dissolve till it's in your small intestine.

I get the Nature's Bounty 1400 mg from Costco. Occasionally, they have a $5 warehouse coupon.

@MileHighDiva Thank you Sis! I think I've seen this one in the Supplement area at my local grocery store. I saved the picture you attached.

 

[ElevatedEnergy]

Tuesday, Thursdays, and Saturdays are my cardio days.

I typically do a jump roping routine, ride my exercise bike according to a program (interval training), or do a cardio DVD workout.

I'm school-girl excited that today I will get my cardio in by learning The Fitness Marshall's routine to Bruno Mars's "Perm." Like, shout-out excited (my husband would have second-hand embarrassment at my quirky giddiness about this). Once I get the moves down slightly, I'll invite my oldest (six years old) to do it with me. HE LOVES to dance and will be so geeked that I want him working out with me and, to boot, it's DANCE.

I love to dance too! You can get your cardio in while having fun at the same time.

 

[long.hair.dont.care]

@long.hair.dont.care I haven't added the fish oil yet. I wanted to give my body a good 6 months before I added a new vitamin. I had just started Silica when I was thinking about it, so I decided to wait it out. I have to admit I am a little turned off because I keep reading reviews of customers burping alot after taking it and their burps smelling like fish I will get some opinions of our members here though when I get close to the time I want to add them in.

Right now my current vitamins are:

Daily:
Vitacost Hair Skin & Nail Vitamins
Vitacost horsetail Silica (which I plan to switch to bamboo silicia when it's finished...probably in the Spring)

3 times a week and every day during my monthly cycle:
Chelated Iron

Good to know and thank you for sharing.
Definitely a smart idea to space them out, so if anything goes better or out of the ordinary you'll know what to the cause is.

P.S. I've never had any fish smelling burp issues when I use to take cod liver oil from the brand jamieson.

 

[Prettymetty]

@YvetteWithJoy thanks for posting that video. I will get my kids to do it with me

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

@YvetteWithJoy thanks for posting that video. I will get my kids to do it with me

Yay! I think you're going to love it. It was really fun.

I did it around 5:00 PM today and just let YouTube run video after video. I worked up a sweat in the FIRST video. I had a blast!!! I used to use hip hop dance fitness VHSs and DVDs, and it's crazy to me that I forgot how much I love to TRY to dance, and how great of a workout it is to try to learn a routine over and over and over and over. So then today I felt really good and happy and upbeat today during and after my exercising, and that's really good for my stress management and happiness levels, for lack of a better term.

#winning

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

@long.hair.dont.care I haven't added the fish oil yet. I wanted to give my body a good 6 months before I added a new vitamin. I had just started Silica when I was thinking about it, so I decided to wait it out. I have to admit I am a little turned off because I keep reading reviews of customers burping alot after taking it and their burps smelling like fish I will get some opinions of our members here though when I get close to the time I want to add them in.

Right now my current vitamins are:

Daily:
Vitacost Hair Skin & Nail Vitamins
Vitacost horsetail Silica (which I plan to switch to bamboo silicia when it's finished...probably in the Spring)

3 times a week and every day during my monthly cycle:
Chelated Iron

Here's the one I take. I can't deal with terrible tastes.
Amazon product ASIN B0001VKXYG

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

Guys, I really feel strongly in my spirit that taking the following vitamins is where I need to be:

• Maximum Vibrance in my breakfast smoothies (contains every known nutrient, and I want the wheatgrass in it, in particular)
• MegaFood Blood Builder (I'm anemic)
• Hydrolized Marine Collagen by Certified Nutraceuticals (for skin, hair, and nails)
  
• Garden of Life Cod Liver Oil in Lemon Mint (helps with uptake of collagen and has other great benefits)

However, GEESH, that's expensive. I already eat Paleo (organic, grass-fed, etc.) and that's not cheap.

I'm struggling with justifying the expense. I can cut back on

• hair product purchases (I'm just not really that into it after my go-all-out-and-purchase-to-solve-your-hair-problems experience last year).
• buying food for others,
• getting my toes done (I go very infrequently just so that my feet can stay smooth),
• random little shopping, and
• clothes shopping.

Still: I'm feeling a little . . . guilty? I'm scared to type up how much my supplements and food cost per month. But this is important at this stage of my life: Foregoing this is not a good idea. I'm so motivated NOT to spend money on hair products, I tell ya. I'm thinking about re-upping on my HG DevaCurl One Condition, purchasing The Mane Choice Ancient Egyptian conditioner, and purchasing all sorts of sample bars from Chagrin Valley, and calling it a WRAP.

Help. Sniffle.

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

Yesterday's workout was a blast, and yesterday's detangling session was buttery-healthy-awesome good! I had ONE knot. ONE KNOT, ya'll!!! Those are tears of joy!

I discuss the details of the detangling session at the Updated Detangling Wisdom as of 2016 thread.

Stress managment:
I have a positive thought to share, which I heard today on the Osteen Sirius channel messae #613 which can be heard for free if you type the number in here https://www.joelosteen.com/Pages/WatchOnline.aspx

The positive thought:
It takes a mature person to be content in the valley as well as on the mountain top. NOTE: The message in its entirety was about being content and blooming where you're at instead of saying, "I'll be happy once I get there." Be happy now AND then. That's better. Sometimes easier to say than do, methinks, but it's wisdom and I want to be there at that level.

Health:

I clicked on a link from the OP in the Hair and Weight 2017 thread and thus tried the beginner's workout it mentioned.

I guess I'm intermediate? That workout was a little too simple and definitely didn't burn. So, I will check out the intermediate workout.

A good side-effect: At least the workout got me onto my husband's Total Gym knock-off, Weider Ultimate Bodyworks, rowing and doing squats. I prefer squats on this thing! Good to know! ​

Hair:

As I mentioned, I had an AWESOME detangling session. I posted all the details at the Updated Detangling Wisdom as of 2016 (or whatever the title is) thread. Hair is currently twisted up feeling oh, so buttery and soft, under my black SLAP.

When I get a chance, I will do a highly gelled, shingled wash-and-go that I've been excited to try to see if it will reduce/prevent tangling.

Wish me luck! Lord above, please let a highly gelled, shingled wash-and-go hardly tangle and take only a super manageable amount of time!​

 

[bydebra]

I'd like to join. I'm about mid-back length. My goal right now is waistlength, but hip-length would be lovely.

Regimen:

I wear wash 'n go styles just about every day. I change it up with puffs or twists/twist/outs or dutch braids. I can't stand tension on my head, so I mostly wear my hair out.

I co-wash almost daily. I deep condition when needed. I mostly finger-detangle, and I use a comb to detangle occasionally (maybe once a month).

Exact goal length:

hip-length

Plans to help you achieve your goal:

I take my moisture game very seriously, which is why I moisturize my hair frequently with water. My plan is to up my deep conditioning and to be sure to thoroughly detangle the back of my hair, which tangles more easily than the rest of my hair. That's really it. I keep it simple.

List any vitamins/supplements you are taking:

None.

Your ends care regimen to keep them healthy:

Avoid mechanical damage from combs. No heat.

My length as of November 2016 is in my signature.

 

[ElevatedEnergy]

Guys, I really feel strongly in my spirit that taking the following vitamins is where I need to be:

• Maximum Vibrance in my breakfast smoothies (contains every known nutrient, and I want the wheatgrass in it, in particular)
• MegaFood Blood Builder (I'm anemic)
• Hydrolized Marine Collagen by Certified Nutraceuticals (for skin, hair, and nails)
  
• Garden of Life Cod Liver Oil in Lemon Mint (helps with uptake of collagen and has other great benefits)

However, GEESH, that's expensive. I already eat Paleo (organic, grass-fed, etc.) and that's not cheap.

I'm struggling with justifying the expense. I can cut back on

• hair product purchases (I'm just not really that into it after my go-all-out-and-purchase-to-solve-your-hair-problems experience last year).
• buying food for others,
• getting my toes done (I go very infrequently just so that my feet can stay smooth),
• random little shopping, and
• clothes shopping.

Still: I'm feeling a little . . . guilty? I'm scared to type up how much my supplements and food cost per month. But this is important at this stage of my life: Foregoing this is not a good idea. I'm so motivated NOT to spend money on hair products, I tell ya. I'm thinking about re-upping on my HG DevaCurl One Condition, purchasing The Mane Choice Ancient Egyptian conditioner, and purchasing all sorts of sample bars from Chagrin Valley, and calling it a WRAP.

Help. Sniffle.

@YvetteWithJoy
What you consume goes towards your health & wellness. In my research, it can either nourish or deplete you. If you feel like it's nourishing you...keep at it and just look for ways in your budget to soften the cost. Seems like your list of things to cut back on is a great way to start. Next you can maybe get in to couponing, checking your grocery circular for the best deals and days to shop and try to buy your supplements/vitamins from places that have BOGO and stock up at that time.

 

[ElevatedEnergy]

Yesterday's workout was a blast, and yesterday's detangling session was buttery-healthy-awesome good! I had ONE knot. ONE KNOT, ya'll!!! Those are tears of joy!

I discuss the details of the detangling session at the Updated Detangling Wisdom as of 2016 thread.

Stress managment:
I have a positive thought to share, which I heard today on the Osteen Sirius channel messae #613 which can be heard for free if you type the number in here https://www.joelosteen.com/Pages/WatchOnline.aspx

The positive thought:
It takes a mature person to be content in the valley as well as on the mountain top. NOTE: The message in its entirety was about being content and blooming where you're at instead of saying, "I'll be happy once I get there." Be happy now AND then. That's better. Sometimes easier to say than do, methinks, but it's wisdom and I want to be there at that level.

Health:

I clicked on a link from the OP in the Hair and Weight 2017 thread and thus tried the beginner's workout it mentioned.

I guess I'm intermediate? That workout was a little too simple and definitely didn't burn. So, I will check out the intermediate workout.

A good side-effect: At least the workout got me onto my husband's Total Gym knock-off, Weider Ultimate Bodyworks, rowing and doing squats. I prefer squats on this thing! Good to know! ​

Hair:

As I mentioned, I had an AWESOME detangling session. I posted all the details at the Updated Detangling Wisdom as of 2016 (or whatever the title is) thread. Hair is currently twisted up feeling oh, so buttery and soft, under my black SLAP.

When I get a chance, I will do a highly gelled, shingled wash-and-go that I've been excited to try to see if it will reduce/prevent tangling.

Wish me luck! Lord above, please let a highly gelled, shingled wash-and-go hardly tangle and take only a super manageable amount of time!​

This reminds me of a quote that Tracie Ellis Ross gave in an interview I read years ago.

"May the space between where I am and where I want to be inspire me". I remember her explaining that it's a way of honoring and enjoying where you are now yet still working towards a goal.

 

[ElevatedEnergy]

I'd like to join. I'm about mid-back length. My goal right now is waistlength, but hip-length would be lovely.

Regimen:

I wear wash 'n go styles just about every day. I change it up with puffs or twists/twist/outs or dutch braids. I can't stand tension on my head, so I mostly wear my hair out.

I co-wash almost daily. I deep condition when needed. I mostly finger-detangle, and I use a comb to detangle occasionally (maybe once a month).

Exact goal length:

hip-length

Plans to help you achieve your goal:

I take my moisture game very seriously, which is why I moisturize my hair frequently with water. My plan is to up my deep conditioning and to be sure to thoroughly detangle the back of my hair, which tangles more easily than the rest of my hair. That's really it. I keep it simple.

List any vitamins/supplements you are taking:

None.

Your ends care regimen to keep them healthy:

Avoid mechanical damage from combs. No heat.

My length as of November 2016 is in my signature.

@simplydebra Hi-ya! Welcome to the Challenge! I adore that quote by @Chicoro in your signature

 

[Chicoro]

Somebody mention me? Hey @lulu97! Hey @simplydebra! Okay, back to lurk mode in this wonderful thread.

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

OMG do I love this quote. Thanks for sharing!!!

This reminds me of a quote that Tracie Ellis Ross gave in an interview I read years ago.

"May the space between where I am and where I want to be inspire me". I remember her explaining that it's a way of honoring and enjoying where you are now yet still working towards a goal.

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

Hair:

Still in twists, waiting for me to try the wash-and-go.
My plan:​

1. Cleanse: 22nd Century Natural Woman shampoo bar
2. Liquid: Chime's moisturizing spritz recipe with a tiny tweak
3. Cream leave-in: Soultanicals Cotton Candy Hair Fluff- Leave In Softerizer (I purchased it for the boys but will try it, too )
4. Oil: jojoba oil
5. Ends: mixture of NetWurks custard and jojoba oil
6. Edges and scalp: NetWurks spray
7. Style: Highly gelled, shingled wash-and-go

Health:

I'm doing well. I'm already down 1.5 pounds this week. I've kept to my exercise schedule and have eaten Paleo and taken my supplements (missed some iron on one day). I need to uptake my water intake.

Tomorrow is cardio, and I will likely do more of The Fitness Marshal videos (really love the videos, the joy in them, and the workout from them). I found another YouTube channel that looks great! Most of the videos look awesome, but I think I'm going to start with their Beginner's Playlist, working out by starting to learn some or all of the following (one sample video included below):

1. Somebody
2. Don't Wanna Know
3. Just Girly Things
4. Pretty Girl Rock
5. Can't Stop the Feeling
6. Lifted
7. Don't Mind
8. My Jam

​

 

[bydebra]

@simplydebra Hi-ya! Welcome to the Challenge! I adore that quote by @Chicoro in your signature

Yes, I love it! It's from this video: !

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

Morning, ladies!

How is everyone? How's your hair faring?

I did some healthy, Paleo-centric grocery shopping this morning! I also got salmon, coconut milk (to make my Paleo breakfast smoothies), apples, and more.

I had no idea they had riced cauliflower already prepared!!! Cool!: I won't have to worry about purchasing too many veggies and having them spoil/rot since these are frozen. Also, somebody at some other mentioned that cherry juice made their skin gorgeous. *grape/cherry juice may or may not have been purchased this morning as well*

I'm well-stocked, praise God. He's been really good to me/us. I have healthy protein, leafy greens, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables. Now to get back on my water intake!

Blessings, all!

 

[Prettymetty]

I had a really light dinner. I made a cucumber, apple and cranberry salad with lime juice and chile.

My hair is nice and cozy under a slap cap. I didn't have the energy to work out today, but I will tomorrow.

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

Hair:
I did the wash-and-go. I need to remember how much I love washing my hair in twists and then gelling section by section as I untwist. SO MUCH better than trying to tackle my very dense hair unsectioned. Results so far: I like it, but I like my twist-outs better. I hope shingling and using lots of gel keeps the tangles at bay. I shall see!

Related:

DevaCurl had a sale!!!

I bought a 32 oz. DevaCurl One Condition and a 12 oz. DevaCurl Arc Angel for a total of $47.96, no shipping fees.

God is soooooooo good: I had just given away my Holy Grail DevaCurl Ultra Defining gel to my sister-in-law for my niecy's hair while I was visiting for the holiday vacation. I have always wanted to try the Arc Angel gel. 25% off is awesome!​

Health/Fitness:
Okay, so I am indeed a beginner! Today I confused myself and did strength training instead of cardio. Oh well, I'll do my fitness dance stuff tomorrow and tag on the abs workout then. Anyhoo, today's "beginnger" strength training workout was no joke. I couldn't even really do a pull-up on my Iron Gym pull-up bar. I instead had to do them on hubby's Total Gym knock-off, the Weider Ultimate Body Works machine.

Ate healthy today, had supplements, still was low on water intake.

Anti-stress / Stress Management:

• Faced a huge fear, and it turned out okay. God was really there.
• The two Joel Osteen's messages I heard on Sirius this morning was oy, oy, oy RIGHT on time! One of them was message #637 "Choose Faith in Spite of the Facts," meaning in my own words: "When it looks challenging or not possible, know that God can do more than we can imagine. So ask in faith and then accept God's outcome, whatever it may be, in faith. But don't talk yourself out of victory from the jump, just because of how things look. Good sees things from a very different vantage point." The message can be heard here for free if you type the message number in: https://www.joelosteen.com/Pages/WatchOnline.aspx
• Got my 2017 goals and related activities mapped out!!! Phew: Not having it done was giving me a little anxiety. I'm REALLY happy with the results. Pic of yearly goals and daily check box list here at the That Girl 2017 thread: https://longhaircareforum.com/threads/that-girl-2017-challenge.808113/page-5#post-23523713

Blessings all around, everyone!

 

[ElevatedEnergy]

Today was wash day!

Washed and DC'd with the Joico Moisture Recovery line.

Applied a small amount of Curl Junkie Beauticurls conditioner and roller set my mini braids to stretch them.



Sat under my hooded dryer for 1 hour.



Once dry, moisturized with Qhemet honey balm and put my hair in a french braid.



I'll keep it in a french braid for a week, take it down to moisturize then bun for another week.

I need to re-tighten the front of my hair but ion feel like it. It's looking like a mini fro up there. Maybe next wash day in 2 weeks.

 

[assiyrabomb]

Hey ladies,

Just a brief check in. I'm still participating in the challenge. I'm drinking fruits and veggies about 3-4 times per week. I have also been protecting my ends. I took my braids on Sunday and wore a half-wig until today when I decided to wear my hair out. I have another hair appointment for braids next weekend so I'll wear my half wig until then. My braids should last through the end of February. I haven't exercised, however. I'm still thinking about joining the gym. Either way I'm going to start exercising even if I have to do it at home.

 

[assiyrabomb]

Today was wash day!

Washed and DC'd with the Joico Moisture Recovery line.

Applied a small amount of Curl Junkie Beauticurls conditioner and roller set my mini braids to stretch them.

View attachment 385701

Sat under my hooded dryer for 1 hour.

View attachment 385703

Once dry, moisturized with Qhemet honey balm and put my hair in a french braid.

View attachment 385705

I'll keep it in a french braid for a week, take it down to moisturize then bun for another week.

I need to re-tighten the front of my hair but ion feel like it. It's looking like a mini fro up there. Maybe next wash day in 2 weeks.

That looks lovely! I can't roller set my hair to save my life!