SmilingElephant's Hip-Tailbone Challenge 2026

[MzSwift]

Aside from rocking a bomb fluffy braid out, I haven't really fantasized about what to do when I reach WHIP.
I guess I'll be at my goal when ppl start regularly assuming my braids are extensions. Or maybe I accidentally flick someone with them when I'm hustling/line dancing.

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

I'm not sure if the yucca shampoo would be strengthening, but I find that the herb itself is gentle and softening. I turned DH to a no-poo routine starting with yucca washes. I swear that it halted and slightly reversed his hair loss. I'm not sure if it was the herb or the lack of shampoo (I think he was using Head and Shoulders at the time.) His dry scalp issues also went away. I think that he can now go longer between washes. I'll also add that the pandemic also happened during that time and I think working from home relieved a lot of stress for him.

Where do you get you Yucca from? Never used it before. I heard Shea Moisture discontinued their shampoo and conditioner with Yucca

I would like to start using it at some point for DIY Co Wash

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Will only be posting Reggie Checks/Accountability only in "Grow It Long" since I started posting it there and stretching myself thin with many challenges

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Thread Question: What Do You Plan to Do With Your Hair at Hip/Tailbone Length? Any Fantasies?

I want to wear my hair in a long braid, especially a French/Dutch braid, as my go to style.

I want to be able to wear my hair straight once I get a better flat iron and straightening routine. I want to dress up with my straight hair and take more pictures and just feel beautiful, and go different places with folks breaking their necks to see me

It's vain, I know...but I'm overdue for a Bad Bit*ch Moment

This is what I use and bought it long time ago. You can get it cheaper on Amazon right now for $27. You sometimes get fake products with Amazon, especially when they're a popular item. The image is the price at WalMart

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Thread Question: What Do You Plan to Do With Your Hair at Hip/Tailbone Length? Any Fantasies?

I want to wear my hair in a long braid, especially a French/Dutch braid, as my go to style.

I want to be able to wear my hair straight once I get a better flat iron and straightening routine. I want to dress up with my straight hair and take more pictures and just feel beautiful, and go different places with folks breaking their necks to see me

It's vain, I know...but I'm overdue for a Bad Bit*ch Moment

"...with folks breaking their necks to see me"

The plan is to have my hair straightened or in Knotless Braids, but mostly straightened

Two main goals on straightend hair with RevAir
1. Voluminous loose waves from 2 bantu knots (Special occasions)
2. Various pretty bun styles, some with French combs with rhinestones or other pretty decorations (Daily Wear)

Ponytail Roller Setting - If it doesn't take 2 days to dry my hair, I would like to perfect this method and only use flat iron for roots when trying to achieve sleeker look for wear hair down or ponytail

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Aside from rocking a bomb fluffy braid out, I haven't really fantasized about what to do when I reach WHIP.
I guess I'll be at my goal when ppl start regularly assuming my braids are extensions. Or maybe I accidentally flick someone with them when I'm hustling/line dancing.

We're hair goal twins

@SmilingElephant we have another dancer

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

My shrinkage is so extreme that I haven't really fantasized about what I would do with my hair. If I wore it in it's natural state it would look like shoulder length hair.

What I'd probably do is blow it out and install two strand twists and wear them like Naturally High or Naturally Nica. But only after I pick the windiest day to walk with my hair loose and feel it blowing all ways and everywhere.

Aww @snoop! Have you thought of getting RevAir? It's definitely worth the investment, I would love to see you beautiful results!

After using RevAir you can roller set your hair if you don't want to use a flat iron

 

[snoop]

I would like to start using it at some point for DIY Co Wash

I buy mine in Canada, but Mountain Rose Herb sells it.

 

[snoop]

Aww @snoop! Have you thought of getting RevAir? It's definitely worth the investment, I would love to see you beautiful results!

After using RevAir you can roller set your hair if you don't want to use a flat iron

I got one for Christmas. I just haven't used it on my hair yet. Soon.

Also, I don't own a flat iron. I have only used direct heat on my hair twice in 12 years.

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

I got one for Christmas. I just haven't used it on my hair yet. Soon.

Also, I don't own a flat iron. I have only used direct heat on my hair twice in 12 years.

Omgsh what are you waiting for?! I got mines Jan and used it in Jan

 

[SmilingElephant]

Where do you get you Yucca from? Never used it before. I heard Shea Moisture discontinued their shampoo and conditioner with Yucca

I would like to start using it at some point for DIY Co Wash

You can buy yucca (the vegetable) in the grocery store. Especially in the Spanish/Caribbean stores. I guess it depends on where you live, I see it all the time when I go.

I love it in soups

 

[SmilingElephant]

Aside from rocking a bomb fluffy braid out, I haven't really fantasized about what to do when I reach WHIP.
I guess I'll be at my goal when ppl start regularly assuming my braids are extensions. Or maybe I accidentally flick someone with them when I'm hustling/line dancing.

Okay! So we breaking necks and putting out eyes at W'Hip-Tailbone Length, Chile!

 

[snoop]

You can buy yucca (the vegetable) in the grocery store. Especially in the Spanish/Caribbean stores. I guess it depends on where you live, I see it all the time when I go.

I love it in soups

Supposedly yucca and cassava aren't the same. My dad says they are. But I'm not sure if it's the case where two places are calling the same food something different?

One will sud and one won't. I keep arguing with my dad about this and I'm not willing to spend $5 on this experiment because I don't really like "provisions". (Don't take away my card.)

 

[SmilingElephant]

Supposedly yucca and cassava aren't the same. My dad says they are. But I'm not sure if it's the case where two places are calling the same food something different?

One will sud and one won't. I keep arguing with my dad about this and I'm not willing to spend $5 on this experiment because I don't really like "provisions". (Don't take away my card.)

So here goes some clarification... apparently I've been spelling it wrong

YUCA is the vegetable.
YUCCA is the plant.

This program was brought to you by the letter N and the number 7

 

[Theresamonet]

Thread Question: What Do You Plan to Do With Your Hair at Hip/Tailbone Length? Any Fantasies?

I don’t really fantasize about doing anything in particular once I reach HL/TBL. I will still be wearing a bun or braid most of the time. I protective style moreso out of convenience. But I’m hoping that once my hair is full HL it will actually feel long to me. I have a case of hair anorexia.

 

[snoop]

So here goes some clarification... apparently I've been spelling it wrong

YUCA is the vegetable.
YUCCA is the plant.

This program was brought to you by the letter N and the number 7

View attachment 502286

You are too much!!!


I don't think that you are the only one spelling it wrong. I've been doing it too, and I swear I see it spelled with two "c's" as well.

 

[Theresamonet]

@snoop Does Tallow have a scent? What made you choose this as your sealant?

 

[snoop]

@snoop Does Tallow have a scent? What made you choose this as your sealant?

The tale that I'm using is deoderized. It's intended for making soap.

I chose this as a sealant because I tried a sample of another animal fat that my hair looked, but would be REALLY expensive to incorporate into my routine. I looked around for another animal fast to try. Emu want available, but tallow was. And at the time it was really inexpensive. It worked REALLY well on my hair so I adopted it into my routine.

 

[Theresamonet]

The tale that I'm using is deoderized. It's intended for making soap.

I chose this as a sealant because I tried a sample of another animal fat that my hair looked, but would be REALLY expensive to incorporate into my routine. I looked around for another animal fast to try. Emu want available, but tallow was. And at the time it was really inexpensive. It worked REALLY well on my hair so I adopted it into my routine.

Thank you. Now I’m glad I didn’t order that cooking Tallow I was about to the other night. I had to stop and think, “am I about to be walking around smelling like rancid beef fat? ” Lol.

 

[snoop]

You're reminding me of the morning that I decided to add rosemary to my onion juice. I was sooo hungry for dinner.

 

[snoop]

@Theresamonet For beef tallow, try searching beef tallow soap making supplier

On my end I get (Canadian suppliers), but this one ships to the US.

Voyageur Soap and Candle

I'm sure if you use my search terms above, that you'll find places local to you.

 

[Angel of the North]

So you want long swinging hair in the next year? Well this is the place to be!

Ideally this challenge is for those of us starting in the BSL-WL area but all are welcome to join!

I'm gonna try to make this easy...we can do length checks every 3 months. So since it's now March we can do our starting pics now.

March 2025 Starting Pic

June 2025 Check In Pic

September 2025 Check In Pic

December 2025 Check I'm Pic

...and so forth and so on.

Once we hit 2026 I will update this post with 2026 Pic posting dates

So with your Starting Pic, include the regimen you will follow to get to Hip Length or Tailbone Length in 2026.

This challenge will end December 31, 2026!

LET'S GO LADIES!!

 

[Angel of the North]

Hello lovely,

I'm wanting to join this challenge. I doubt I'll be able to make it to TBL but I'll give it a good go. I will post my starting before Tuesday.

As for my regimen, I fell all the way off! I'm looking to keep things very simple. For now I'm going to do the basics that have given me positive results.

I'm thinking:
Cowash on weeks I dont use shampoos
Shampoo (moisture) once per month
Shampoo (clarifying) once per .month
Deep condition once per week
Moisturise
Avocado/mango/shea butters for ends
Avocado/grapeseed oil for sealing

At the moment, on was day it will be a Shampoo and or a co wash, I seldom DC, after I detangle, I pull it back into a ponytail, plait the ponytail, wrap it into a bun, secure it and that's it. I want to start doing wash and goes when the weather improves.

My hair appears thicker, my hairline is good, I've not had no breakage, despite pretty much keeping my ponytail in the same spot for about 6 years. My ends are a bit jacked up, nothing a trim won't fix. I'm looking forward to the challenge and taking care of my hair again.

 

[SmilingElephant]

Hello lovely,

I'm wanting to join this challenge. I doubt I'll be able to make it to TBL but I'll give it a good go. I will post my starting before Tuesday.

As for my regimen, I fell all the way off! I'm looking to keep things very simple. For now I'm going to do the basics that have given me positive results.

I'm thinking:
Cowash on weeks I dont use shampoos
Shampoo (moisture) once per month
Shampoo (clarifying) once per .month
Deep condition once per week
Moisturise
Avocado/mango/shea butters for ends
Avocado/grapeseed oil for sealing

At the moment, on was day it will be a Shampoo and or a co wash, I seldom DC, after I detangle, I pull it back into a ponytail, plait the ponytail, wrap it into a bun, secure it and that's it. I want to start doing wash and goes when the weather improves.

My hair appears thicker, my hairline is good, I've not had no breakage, despite pretty much keeping my ponytail in the same spot for about 6 years. My ends are a bit jacked up, nothing a trim won't fix. I'm looking forward to the challenge and taking care of my hair again.

Welcome to the challenge!

 

[Angel of the North]

Welcome to the challenge!

Thank you I'm washing tomorrow so will take a pic and post before Tuesday. I've just decided to buy As I Am Hydration Elation DC and also their curl clarifying shampoo from Amazon, hopefully they arrive nice and early, otherwise, I will have to wash on Monday. If I like the products I can stock up as there's a 3 for 2 offer on at the moment (UK).

 

[SmilingElephant]

So I've just been co-washing through out the week.

Today I double cleansed with Garnier Fructis Pure Clean (or however it's called ) shampoo and Deep Conditioned with Mixed Chicks

Last Sunday I deep conditioned with Bed Head Honey and Oatmeal deep conditioner. I finished the jar

Nothing spectacular.

I've been busy with my new job so I do my regimen when I can, I've been doing mostly nightly washes.

 

[SmilingElephant]

I think my hair is growing in thicker at the roots. I'm starting to see a difference when I do my wash n gos.

I need to get back on my HSN gummies and my WGO. I haven't been using them in a few weeks

I've been avoiding doing length checks because I want to see how long my hair will be in June...but I suspect it's grown a bit, it feels heavier and my curls seem to sit longer than usual when wet.

 

[SmilingElephant]

Thread Question: Do You Have Any Celebrity Hair Crushes?

I am OBSESSED with Cardi B's hair! I want her length and everything when straightened.

I know she wears wigs most of the time but her real hair is everything!

I also love Nicki Minaj's hair, but I believe she gets relaxers.

 

[Angel of the North]

I've copied and pasted this from the post I just made in the grow it long 2025 challenge:

OMG, this is the first update and length check I've done in probably 8-10 years! Please be patient with me as this will be long (my posts generally are). Wash day ended up being today..... I forgot it was Mother's Day yesterday in the UK.

I sectioned my hair in 4, applied the As I Am curl clarity poo to the roots and left it in there for about 10-15 minutes to do its work. I then wet hair and worked it through the res of the hair and rinsed. I was happy with the results as my hair and scalp were both clean.

I was about to cowash, then remembered an errand I had to run, left the Alberto Balsam in my roots, pulled my hair into a ponytail, half bun. The errand took much longer than intended. When I finally got back, I completed the cowash and applied the As I Am Hydration Elation to hair, I parted in 4 because that tub was so small. The conditioner had good coverage, I wasn't overwhelmed by it as the slip was mediocre. I do feel it served the purpose of a moisturising DC though.

I parted my hair in two and used the bobble method to trim my hair. I cut from above the bands, so I took about 2 inches off. I updated my hair length to I think BSL without a length check when I resubscribed, I think it must have been longer because, when I did the length check, my hair is roughly MBL. I had a crop top on and not a proper bra, although I don't think it would make the biggest difference. I took zoomed into the photo to give a better view.

I applied Camille Rose curl love, curl maker and then gummy hair gel. I don't rate the Camille Rose products tbh. I like the consistency of the products, however the products do not hold the definition of my curls and I end up with frizz. The gummy gel gives awesome definition but drys very hard, one application can last days just by adding water.

Well that's all from me for now, I'm hoping to get a wash day in next Sunday. I'm surprised by how many products I still have in my stash (unused, semi used) and on checking, the efficacy still seems in tact.

 

[SmilingElephant]

I've copied and pasted this from the post I just made in the grow it long 2025 challenge:

OMG, this is the first update and length check I've done in probably 8-10 years! Please be patient with me as this will be long (my posts generally are). Wash day ended up being today..... I forgot it was Mother's Day yesterday in the UK.

I sectioned my hair in 4, applied the As I Am curl clarity poo to the roots and left it in there for about 10-15 minutes to do its work. I then wet hair and worked it through the res of the hair and rinsed. I was happy with the results as my hair and scalp were both clean.

I was about to cowash, then remembered an errand I had to run, left the Alberto Balsam in my roots, pulled my hair into a ponytail, half bun. The errand took much longer than intended. When I finally got back, I completed the cowash and applied the As I Am Hydration Elation to hair, I parted in 4 because that tub was so small. The conditioner had good coverage, I wasn't overwhelmed by it as the slip was mediocre. I do feel it served the purpose of a moisturising DC though.

I parted my hair in two and used the bobble method to trim my hair. I cut from above the bands, so I took about 2 inches off. I updated my hair length to I think BSL without a length check when I resubscribed, I think it must have been longer because, when I did the length check, my hair is roughly MBL. I had a crop top on and not a proper bra, although I don't think it would make the biggest difference. I took zoomed into the photo to give a better view.

I applied Camille Rose curl love, curl maker and then gummy hair gel. I don't rate the Camille Rose products tbh. I like the consistency of the products, however the products do not hold the definition of my curls and I end up with frizz. The gummy gel gives awesome definition but drys very hard, one application can last days just by adding water.

Well that's all from me for now, I'm hoping to get a wash day in next Sunday. I'm surprised by how many products I still have in my stash (unused, semi used) and on checking, the efficacy still seems in tact.

I have the same reaction with Camille Rose Curls Maker...it leaves my hair frizzy.

What is Gummy Gel?