Hip Tbl & Beyond Challenge 2018

[YvetteWithJoy]

Hey, all! I hope everybody is well!

Three hair related thoughts/updates and one health/fitness related update:

Hair Thought/Update #1: More economical protein treating?

I finally tried the Colorful Neutral Protein Filler to see if it is fine as a protein treatment versus the expensive, typically-only-available-online-for-Dallasites Komaza Hair Protein Strengthener. It didn't leave my hair feeling coated with rubber like the Komaza does. I guess it strengthened my hair??? I couldn't really tell because I went directly into DCing and styling. I'll continue to try it for awhile. I loved the application (surprisingly!) and the smell (surprisingly!!!).​

Hair Thought/Update #2: Upping my ends care

I realize I need to concentrate more on caring for my ends. I've been trying, but I feel like they are still getting a little more wear than they need to. To that end (pun intended ), I purchased some My Curl Squad rollers (30, black, husky size) to see if I can get my roller setting game on! Also for the purpose of upping my ends care, I purchased a silk beanie (the one I mentioned earlier).​

Hair Thought/Update #3: Stuff is on the waaaaay!

I am on the lookout for a replacement my HG Shea Moisture hipo masque. Also, I am looking for a product that can help me reduce the number of steps in my wash day. I want a product that can detangle, cleanse, and condition all in one. Also, I love my HairFlair attachment for my hand-held dryer because it allows me to dry my curlformers and such underneath it, but the HairFlair with my particular dryer either turned the air too cold (when the dryer was on the cool setting) or extremely hot (when the dryer was on the warm setting).

So . . . I ordered a sample of the NaturalleGrow Banana Coconut Pre-poo, a sample of a slightly costly cleansing clay conditioner from a new-to-me Etsy seller, and a Sally's handheld dryer that was mentioned by an LHCF member (as working well with the HairFlair) and has great reviews. Excited!!!
​

Health/Fitness Thought/Update: I need to remember to drink red grapefruit juice as part of my weight control efforts! I keep forgetting!​

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

I have confirmed that I have found a DC that leaves my hair hydrated and moisturized AFTER rinse-out. I tried DOZENS before finding it! I'm so elated and grateful!!! It's the Camille Rose Naturals Coconut Water DC I've been trialling.

I am joining Abena's (YouTube Embrace Natural Beauty) yearlong hair growth study, so I want to hone in on products to use VERY CONSISTENTLY over the next year, starting June 1st.

I also need to stick with a consistent regimen if I want to know how to replicate the growth I get during the study. This means I need to get REAL honest about whether I can do overnight pre-pooing every wash, whether I'm REALLY going to be oil rinsing every time, etc.

Hmm.

 

[lindseyerinc]

I have confirmed that I have found a DC that leaves my hair hydrated and moisturized AFTER rinse-out. I tried DOZENS before finding it! I'm so elated and grateful!!! It's the Camille Rose Naturals Coconut Water DC I've been trialling.

I am joining Abena's (YouTube Embrace Natural Beauty) yearlong hair growth study, so I want to hone in on products to use VERY CONSISTENTLY over the next year, starting June 1st.

I also need to stick with a consistent regimen if I want to know how to replicate the growth I get during the study. This means I need to get REAL honest about whether I can do overnight pre-pooing every wash, whether I'm REALLY going to be oil rinsing every time, etc.

Hmm.

How have I never heard of this youtuber? Off to stalk

 

[GGsKin]

How have I never heard of this youtuber? Off to stalk

She also has some great hair porn on her IG: embracenaturalbeauty_

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

How have I never heard of this youtuber? Off to stalk

She does periscopes also. She's the sweetest! I love her! (I'm talking like I've met her. ) She's a licensed trichologist and advanced DevaChan stylist with her own salon in NY. She has grown her hair out via wash-and-go's.

 

[Nightingale]

I have confirmed that I have found a DC that leaves my hair hydrated and moisturized AFTER rinse-out. I tried DOZENS before finding it! I'm so elated and grateful!!! It's the Camille Rose Naturals Coconut Water DC I've been trialling.

I am joining Abena's (YouTube Embrace Natural Beauty) yearlong hair growth study, so I want to hone in on products to use VERY CONSISTENTLY over the next year, starting June 1st.

I also need to stick with a consistent regimen if I want to know how to replicate the growth I get during the study. This means I need to get REAL honest about whether I can do overnight pre-pooing every wash, whether I'm REALLY going to be oil rinsing every time, etc.

Hmm.

I joined her study too. I'm very interested in what she will discover over the year of the study.

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

I joined her study too. I'm very interested in what she will discover over the year of the study.

Yay! I'm so glad to know of a fellow LHCFer who is in the study!

Yes: I'm interested in that as well!

I'm hoping that a side effect of my being in the study will be that I am more consistent and deliberate. We'll see!

 

[abioni]

Amazing progress. What is this surge product? Do you have a link to where to buy it?

UPDATE:

Today marks one month since my first journey pic.

And ummmmm.... I've gained 2 inches between April 8th and May 8th.

I'm still in shock. If I didn't have the pics I wouldn't have believed it.

Routine:
The only thing I do is put surge in my hair once or twice a day (missed around total 6 days).
I wear wigs and wet my hair a lot.

Hair:
In first pic (April 8th) was in a flexi rod set.
In the update (May 8th) I just flexi rod the back section to measure.
I wanted to keep it all consistent so I can have reliable results.

Anyways, here are the pics. Lemme know if I'm crazy or not lol
View attachment 398041

View attachment 398039

 

[mayoo]

April 2017 update!

Hey everyone! I've been away for a really long time. I'm sorry
my year abroad in Japan has been occupying me a lot

Health:
I've really been taking care of my health over the past few months. I've been going to the gym regularly and eating healthily. I'm also down 12lbs.

Hair:
I haven't been very good with hair practises to be honest. I haven't stayed on my regimen consistently at all and I'm ready to get back on the straight and narrow. I've been thinking back to my old hair journey and how committed I was back then and feeling annoyed with myself to be honest. I really need to get back on track with deep conditioning because I haven't done so since like January :/
Finally, my favourite deep conditioner has come back onto the market (Aubrey Organics white camellia conditioner) so I've ordered it.

Plans for May 2017

Hair products haven't changed much and will remain as the following:
22nd Century Woman shampoo bar
Raw shea butter
Grapeseed OR olive oil
Aubrey Organics White Camellia Conditioner (used as dc)

I will be washing 1x weekly and setting in a braid-out. re-braiding every night
I will probably be wearing my hair out 1-2x a week.
I'll also come back 1x weekly to update on how I'm doing.

Retracting my statement on the Aubrey Organics White Camellia. They've changed the formula and it's HORRIBLE!! I knew it had changed but I didn't think it would make this much of a different. I'm sitting here with day 1 hair and it's DRY ya'll. Like really dry.
I think the main culprit is probably the coconut oil. My hair hates protein in any form (which is why the conditioner used to work well for me).
I'm now on the hunt for ANOTHER dc that's protein-free. In the meantime, I'm probably gonna be using honey and evoo.
Being in Japan, I don't have access to a lot of products :/
If anyone has any recommendations of protein and coconut oil free extremely moisturising conditioner, let me know please!

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

Retracting my statement on the Aubrey Organics White Camellia. They've changed the formula and it's HORRIBLE!! I knew it had changed but I didn't think it would make this much of a different. I'm sitting here with day 1 hair and it's DRY ya'll. Like really dry.
I think the main culprit is probably the coconut oil. My hair hates protein in any form (which is why the conditioner used to work well for me).
I'm now on the hunt for ANOTHER dc that's protein-free. In the meantime, I'm probably gonna be using honey and evoo.
Being in Japan, I don't have access to a lot of products :/
If anyone has any recommendations of protein and coconut oil free extremely moisturising conditioner, let me know please!

@mayoo, I was looking at your product list in your signature, and it placed the 22nd Century Natural Woman Shampoo Bar in my mind.

I used it last night / this morning. Why do I ever stop using it?!?? (Well, I think I know: I didn't want to be dependent on the brand/line, and so I started trialing other soaps and that allowed me to "forget" just how amazing the 22nd Century Natural Woman Shampoo Bar is. )

So . . . that shampoo bar is AH-MA-ZING. It provides the best wash experience I've ever had, and I honestly can't IMAGINE it being possible to have a better wash experience. (Well, if it came in the exact same sent as the Jakeala conditioner bar, that would take it over the top! Woo!) Anyway: It lathers fast. It elongates the hair and leaves it stretched, and so shed hairs just SLIIIIIIIIIIIIDE out. (I remove way more shed hairs when I use it than with ANY OTHER CLEANSER I've tried.) Its suds are pretty slippery, so I easily continue detangling with it once it's in and as I'm working it through my strands to cleanse them. As if all of that weren't enough, after rinse-out my hair feels SUPER HEALTHY and VERY HYDRATED.

Though it will cleanse the scalp, to more easily/thoroughly get to my scalp, I now use the Cantu ACV rinse. This duo is a winner!!! Once a month I will chelate. Otherwise, I have my go-to cleansers ID'd!

Thought: She's the only one who makes this bar!!! What if she stops making them, for whatever reason? At this moment, I feel compelled to order 10 of these puppies! I think you had mentioned that at a thread about the line.

 

[pre_medicalrulz]

For Mother's Day I wanted to look all cute so I stupidly had someone glue a lace front on my head. Why is it still on my head today? I want this mess off! But it's a cute wig tho. Lol

 

[beauti]

@pre_medicalrulz very pretty! which wig is that?

 

[beauti]

I've been focusing more on fitness than anything else to be honest. I managed to get back to pre-baby weight and now my waist is small enough to look good in crop tops! I told my husband if I lose 10 more pounds I will be naked all summer

As for my hair, I haven't done much but I did a quick wash and go the other day and it turned out pretty good. I haven't decided if I'm gonna wash and go most of the summer or protective style with wigs and braids.

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

@beauti, yay! I'm feeling so happy with you! Man! Great achievement and follow through! It's inspiring!

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

Today's wash-and-go featuring AVJ, DIY CurlyProverbz hair growth oil, KCKT, and KCCC.

(photo enlarges upon click)

 

[pre_medicalrulz]

@pre_medicalrulz very pretty! which wig is that?

Thanks! Bobby Boss Premium Lacefront - Yara

 

[beauti]

@YvetteWithJoy thank you sis!
It sure isn't easy but the results are well worth it. The pounds were melting off once I stuck to eating right and working out was just the icing on the cake.

 

[mayoo]

@mayoo, I was looking at your product list in your signature, and it placed the 22nd Century Natural Woman Shampoo Bar in my mind.

I used it last night / this morning. Why do I ever stop using it?!?? (Well, I think I know: I didn't want to be dependent on the brand/line, and so I started trialing other soaps and that allowed me to "forget" just how amazing the 22nd Century Natural Woman Shampoo Bar is. )

So . . . that shampoo bar is AH-MA-ZING. It provides the best wash experience I've ever had, and I honestly can't IMAGINE it being possible to have a better wash experience. (Well, if it came in the exact same sent as the Jakeala conditioner bar, that would take it over the top! Woo!) Anyway: It lathers fast. It elongates the hair and leaves it stretched, and so shed hairs just SLIIIIIIIIIIIIDE out. (I remove way more shed hairs when I use it than with ANY OTHER CLEANSER I've tried.) Its suds are pretty slippery, so I easily continue detangling with it once it's in and as I'm working it through my strands to cleanse them. As if all of that weren't enough, after rinse-out my hair feels SUPER HEALTHY and VERY HYDRATED.

Though it will cleanse the scalp, to more easily/thoroughly get to my scalp, I now use the Cantu ACV rinse. This duo is a winner!!! Once a month I will chelate. Otherwise, I have my go-to cleansers ID'd!

Thought: She's the only one who makes this bar!!! What if she stops making them, for whatever reason? At this moment, I feel compelled to order 10 of these puppies! I think you had mentioned that at a thread about the line.

RIGHT?! It's the best shampoo I've ever used!! All the other shampoo I have used before have failed to soothe my itchy scalp or even clean my hair properly!
I was sitting down the other day and I realised that I haven't really seen any dandruff in months! I haven't been scratching my head that much either. I love her and her products. Only thing that hurts me is shipping prices (I live in Japan at the moment, then I move back to England)

When I finish shampooing my hair, my hair feels soooo strong! I feel like it will never break again lol.
To be honest, I feel like I have the washing part of my regimen stapled for life. As soon as I get back to England, I'm gonna buy like 5 of the bars.
ANother thing I love is that it laasts for sooooo long. The half bar I got before lasted me for about 15 washes. That has NEVER happened before with ANY shampoo I've used.

 

[mayoo]

Hair update:
I used the Aubrey Organics White Camellia Conditioner to dc overnight and my hair is drrryyyyy. Like soooo dry but I have to wait about 3 more days before I can dc it again. (I'm trying to leave my hair alone)
I ran out of my 22nd Century Deep Conditioner so I'm gonna use a DIY one instead.
I'll probably end up doing a honey and olive oil dc mixed in with the AUWC as a binder. I hope it goes well. I'll come back to update you guys on it
I'm thinking I may mix some shea butter in there too

Also, I think I'm going to start posting more pictures so that I can really keep an eye on my progress.

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

I just thought I'd share. I'm working on reaching for these types of snacks/foods anytime I think I need potato chips and/or a burger. I saw this on Pinterest.

 

[ElevatedEnergy]

Here is my style for the next few days:

I deep treated then did a herbal tea rinse Saturday evening. Put it in a banded bun using for 4 sections.





I took the last section down and wore it out yesterday but bunned it back up when I got home from an outing.



My morning sickness is back and is in full effect so I've been trying super hard to stay off my feet and keep my wash days/styling easy and down to a minimum. While in the shower, I use the water pressure to maneuver my hair in 2 ponytails...twist them both while detangling under the water, Bantu knot the twisted ponytails then air dry with no product. It's usually fully dry in 2-3 hours. I then moisturize & style in something really simple and easy to maintain.

 

[CheChe1881]

Sooooo.

I've kinda given up on my hair. I'm beyond frustrated at this point.
My hair will not stop splitting at the ends, SSKs are rampant and I can't keep my hair moisturized to save my life. I've tried all different methods.

Internally: Drank more water, ate more fruits and veggies.
Externally: protein treatments, moisturizing treatments, baggy method, protective styles, wearing a bonnet, trimming ends, moisturizing lotions/leave in, bunning, not wearing hair out, wigs, etc.

Of course I don't do everything at one. But after trying all of that, I still get split ends and SSKs.

I had to cut off almost 2 inches today. My ends are disgusting. IDK what to do. Maybe I'm not meant to have long hair *shrug*

Cut hair:

 

[MileHighDiva]

Sooooo.

I've kinda given up on my hair. I'm beyond frustrated at this point.
My hair will not stop splitting at the ends, SSKs are rampant and I can't keep my hair moisturized to save my life. I've tried all different methods.

Internally: Drank more water, ate more fruits and veggies.
Externally: protein treatments, moisturizing treatments, baggy method, protective styles, wearing a bonnet, trimming ends, moisturizing lotions/leave in, bunning, not wearing hair out, wigs, etc.

Of course I don't do everything at one. But after trying all of that, I still get split ends and SSKs.

I had to cut off almost 2 inches today. My ends are disgusting. IDK what to do. Maybe I'm not meant to have long hair *shrug*

Cut hair:
View attachment 399507

Please don't give up on your length goals! It's beautiful in the pic!

Keep your hair stretched and lubbed up. Especially, the last four inches.

I keep my hair stretched via roller set or braid out. This prevents my ends from lovin' on each other and getting tangled. I'm all about prevention. Un stretched Afro-textured hair is asking for fairy knots and splits.

How often to you wear your hair up vs. resting on your clothes etc.? Also, how gentle are you with your hair while detangling?

I'm confident that small tweaks will increase your retention,

 

[CheChe1881]

Please don't give up on your length goals! It's beautiful in the pic!

Keep your hair stretched and lubbed up. Especially, the last four inches.

I keep my hair stretched via roller set or braid out. This prevents my ends from lovin' on each other and getting tangled. I'm all about prevention. Un stretched Afro-textured hair is asking for fairy knots and splits.

How often to you wear your hair up vs. resting on your clothes etc.? Also, how gentle are you with your hair while detangling?

I'm confident that small tweaks will increase your retention,

Thank you for your words of encouragement

I think you're onto something. Today was my first time doing a rollerset. I like it and maybe it's what I need to do regularly to get my hair thriving.

I wear my hair up a lot, and down every so often. (Not much at all)
I'm fairly gentle with detangling, though I'm sure I could be better.
Braid outs cause just as much knots (a lot actually) for me.

But as you mentioned, I'm going to try regular roller sets and see if that makes a difference.

What does lubbed up mean? Is that oil or leave in?

 

[beauti]

@pre_medicalrulz I bought that wig in this color. Hopefully I will look nice in it so it can be my summer wig.

 

[beauti]

@CheChe1881 this is just a tiny set back. You'll get right back on track if you tweak your routine a little bit to cater to your ends more.

We still have a little over half a year left and all of next year for this challenge.

 

[beauti]

Thanks to @pre_medicalrulz I have my summer wig! The color is gorgeous. I just did cornrows going straight back underneath it.

 

[MileHighDiva]

@CheChe1881
"Lubed up" means well M&S hair via the method of your choice. I prefer LCOB. If your ends are well lubed they're less likely to start lovin' on each other. In addition, they'll be nice in pliable.

I like Mizani H2O Nighttime Intense when my hair is roller set.

 

[ElevatedEnergy]

@CheChe1881 I learned about keeping the hair lubed up which is short for lubricated from @MileHighDiva as well. It's a wonderful concept to minimize splits and ssk's. Double that with keeping the ends stretched and BAM you got my formula for length retention.

The key to "lubed" up is finding the right balance. You don't want to heavily coat the hair so much that it becomes stuck together. Pulling strands apart is almost like pulling velcro at that point. If you can hear your hair when you manipulate it, that's a sign of hair too coated or not coated enough. I find that having hair coated just enough with something airy and light or whipped is best so that when it's manipulated... the strands just kinda glide between each other.

The key is to minimize friction when trying to minimize splits and knots. Lubrication helps that...not super heavy weighed down hair that is stuck in one position. That to me is like locking the hair in place with gel. Well at least for my hair strands.

Just hang in there Sis!

 

[Evolving78]

Today's wash-and-go featuring AVJ, DIY CurlyProverbz hair growth oil, KCKT, and KCCC.

(photo enlarges upon click)
View attachment 399347

I could just eat you up! Cutie Pie!