Summer Braid & Hydrate | 2025 Closed

[25InchesStarting'25]

AM Consistency Wins

Scalp Tx
ACV (1:1)
Braids - QTip Dab Scalp
Nape - Spray & Massage Scalp

Hydration
Aloe Spray - All Hair
Real Roots Biotin Co Wash - Nape Hair

Topical Growth Aids
Flaxseed Growth Gel -Nape Hair
Rice + Fenugreek Water - All Hair

Internal Growth Aids
Country Life Vitamin D3 5,000 IU ( No Seed Oils, Bovine Capsules)
Doctor's Best MSM 1,000mg (OptiMSM, No Fillers, Gelatin Capsule)

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Rice + Fenugreek Water - Surprising how much the rice swelled. It filled only a little portion of the bottom of the mason jar before water was added

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

PM Consistency Wins

Hydration
Aloe Spray - All Hair

Topical Growth Aids
DIY Hair Growth Oil with Castor Oil + Amla - All Hair

Satin Scarf

Notes: Finished braiding sides of hair

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

AM Consistency Wins

Scalp Tx
ACV (1:1)
Braids - QTip Dab Scalp
Nape - Spray & Massage Scalp

Hydration
Aloe Spray - All Hair
Real Roots Aloe Co Wash - Nape Hair
*Forgot to use DIY Co Wash yesterday

Topical Growth Aids
Flaxseed Growth Gel -Nape Hair
Rice + Fenugreek Water - Braids (Plan to do nape in the evening)

Internal Growth Aids
Country Life Vitamin D3 5,000 IU ( No Seed Oils, Bovine Capsules)
Doctor's Best MSM 1,000mg (OptiMSM, No Fillers, Gelatin Capsule)

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

PM Consistency Wins

Hydration
Aloe Spray - All Hair

Topical Growth Aids
Rice + Fenugreek Water - Nape (Braids done in AM)
DIY Growth Pomade - Nape

Satin Scarf

 

[Theresamonet]

@25InchesStarting'25
They are looking great. I didn’t realize you were putting in extensions. How long have you been braiding so far?

I think I’m going to put some in April. I have to do my next trim first. I’m planning to keep them in eight weeks at a time, until the end of the year. I’m just hoping that I don’t hate the look. I used to try to wear twists when I was a natural and it just looked… Rough. lol I’m hoping that I can make it look a bit more chic with the mini braids.

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

AM Consistency Wins

Scalp Cleanse
ACV (1:1)
KBs - QTip Dab Scalp
Nape - Spray & Massage Scalp

Hydration
Aloe Spray - KBs Only
Real Roots Biotin Co Wash - Nape Hair

Topical Growth Aids
Flaxseed Growth Gel -Nape Hair
Jojoba Growth Oil (Infusion Start Date 2.2.25)- KBs only

Internal Growth Aids
Country Life Vitamin D3 5,000 IU ( No Seed Oils, Bovine Capsules)
Doctor's Best MSM 1,000mg (OptiMSM, No Fillers, Gelatin Capsule)

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

PM Consistency Wins

Hydration
Aloe Spray - All Hair

Topical Growth Aids
DIY Growth Pomade - Nape

Satin Scarf

 

[Theresamonet]

Thank you! You should get some

I'm not sure how to answer your question since I don't braid hair often. I haven't worn my hair like this in awhile. I learned how to braid from my mom, not sure exactly when

I meant, how long have you been working on this current set of braids?

That would be awesome if you do! We can grow together, and hope you'll share some pics

If I wasn't focused on growing my hair to APL as quick as possible, I would probably do 8 weeks with you. I think Deep Conditioning and Co Washing helps accelerate hair growth. I don't wash my braids, therefore, I need to take them down to "Hydrate" my hair and scalp. I do spray my hair with aloe (hydration) then tie it down which keeps my hair from frizzing. I also use ACV to keep the scalp clean. My hair has been itching more than it's ever have before. This is my first time using ACV, Rice Water, and aloe spray with braids. Is it "accelerated" growth?
If I miraculously hit APL by the end of summer, I could do every 8 weeks with you for winter

I plan to wash and deep condition my hair while in braids, taking care of them the same way I normally care for my hair. I’ve decided to stay away from extensions for now. These braids will be to help reduce manipulation and stress on my individual strands as I work on thickening my ends and growing my hair beyond waist length. As long as the takedown isn’t too crazy, this will be my routine until I reach my goals. Oh, and as long as I don’t end up looking like somebody’s son. I can’t be out here looking ugly. Lol.

I hope you find a good stylist. If you ever have some free time, you should try to do them yourself. If you do not know how to braid already, you can learn, its not that hard. Here is a girl with great tutorial(s) to do your own Knotless Braids



As a precaution, ask the braider in advance what products do they use. If they say "Shine n Jam" run
I used little to no product when braiding my hair. They shouldn't use the "Shine n Jam" on your roots or scalp, if it's on your ends, it shouldn't be a problem. This is important because it can take some or a lot of hair out when taking down the braids. Aloe spray absorbs into the hair and does not cause build up and can be cleansing to the scalp. Another precaution is to make sure they don't put too much added hair per section or that can cause breakage at the root over time. If the braider gets irritated when asking questions run
Also look at many of their client pictures (you can ask them to send you some) to decide if they braid too tight or use to much product at the roots

To have the neatest look, I recommend only blow drying if you're relaxed/texlaxed. If you're natural, blow dry and light to medium flat iron

I wore mine in a professional setting and received compliments. Hope you love them when you get them!

I’m not sure where you got the idea that I’m going to a stylist. I don’t fool with those people like that anymore. I’ll be doing my own hair. I’ve been braiding my whole life and have done knotless braids for myself and others. I just don’t enjoy braiding, or doing anything that’s too time-consuming. I’m psyching myself up by reminding myself that if I invest a few days into doing these braids, I’ll have a super easy routine for the next two months.

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

I meant, how long have you been working on this current set of braids?

Oooh! I wasn't planning on braiding the sides initially and finished in one day. Took about 10 hours. Going to continue to time myself to improve speed. I also twist the ends and braid them at the very end

I was planning to keep the sides out until they were redone, but I wanted to save more time in the mornings with hair routine

I plan to wash and deep condition my hair while in braids, taking care of them the same way I normally care for my hair. I’ve decided to stay away from extensions for now. These braids will be to help reduce manipulation and stress on my individual strands as I work on thickening my ends and growing my hair beyond waist length. As long as the takedown isn’t too crazy, this will be my routine until I reach my goals. Oh, and as long as I don’t end up looking like somebody’s son. I can’t be out here looking ugly. Lol.

, I hope it turns out just the way you want! Would be awesome if you can keep this as your routine. @MzSwift says she's in them greater than 90% of the time. I just saw some of her progress photos at the end of the 2013 challenge by @SmilingElephant and they are so inspirational I'm sure you'll reach your goals too

I’m not sure where you got the idea that I’m going to a stylist. I don’t fool with those people like that anymore. I’ll be doing my own hair. I’ve been braiding my whole life and have done knotless braids for myself and others. I just don’t enjoy braiding, or doing anything that’s too time-consuming. I’m psyching myself up by reminding myself that if I invest a few days into doing these braids, I’ll have a super easy routine for the next two months.

I wasn't sure, I mentioned it in case you were. It will be useful for people who need to go to a stylist

If you've been braiding your whole life you definitely got this! Stay braid strong

That's what this challenge is for, to keep us on track to our goals!

You can do it! Come here whenever you need support. Have patience, braid up and take down will be so worth it when you reach your goal. As you are braiding or taking down, envision your hair at goal length

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Oooh! I wasn't planning on braiding the sides initially and finished in one day. Took about 10 hours. Going to continue to time myself to improve speed. I also twist the ends and braid them at the very end

I was planning to keep the sides out until they were redone, but I wanted to save more time in the mornings with hair routine

, I hope it turns out just the way you want! Would be awesome if you can keep this as your routine. @MzSwift says she's in them greater than 90% of the time. I just saw some of her progress photos at the end of the 2013 challenge by @SmilingElephant and they are so inspirational I'm sure you'll reach your goals too


I wasn't sure, I mentioned it in case you were. It will be useful for people who need to go to a stylist

If you've been braiding your whole life you definitely got this! Stay braid strong

That's what this challenge is for, to keep us on track to our goals!

You can do it! Come here whenever you need support. Have patience, braid up and take down will be so worth it when you reach your goal. As you are braiding or taking down, envision your hair at goal length

Here's the link to @MzSwift 's phenomenal success!

Post in thread 'Waist Length 2013'

Dec 22, 2013

OK, so my last post was a little hasty. I made my goal of bottom rib bone but I didn't make WL this year I think I have another 2 inches until I get to my belly button and then 2 more from there will be HL for me!

Here are my EOTY comparison pix:

29-Dec-12

22-Dec-13

At first I was super bummed. I've been wearing my hair out more and I'm still going through personal things. Then I realized that...

• MzSwift

• 
• 

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

AM Consistency Wins

Scalp Cleanse
ACV (1:1)
KBs - QTip Dab Scalp

Hydration
Aloe Spray - KBs Only
Real Roots Aloe Co Wash - Nape Hair

Topical Growth Aids
Flaxseed Growth Gel -Nape Hair
Rice + Fenugreek Water - All Hair

Internal Growth Aids
Country Life Vitamin D3 5,000 IU ( No Seed Oils, Bovine Capsules)
Doctor's Best MSM 1,000mg (OptiMSM, No Fillers, Gelatin Capsule)

 

[MzSwift]

I plan to wash and deep condition my hair while in braids, taking care of them the same way I normally care for my hair. I’ve decided to stay away from extensions for now. These braids will be to help reduce manipulation and stress on my individual strands as I work on thickening my ends and growing my hair beyond waist length. As long as the takedown isn’t too crazy, this will be my routine until I reach my goals. Oh, and as long as I don’t end up looking like somebody’s son. I can’t be out here looking ugly. Lol.

Ma'am..

There's no universe where YOU would look like a boy!! lol
I've found that the smaller I make them, the more feminine they look. The smaller ones also show more of my length too. The only drawback is that the the roots more easily try to marry bc the parts are closer together. That's easy to prevent though by going through with your fingers once a week or so and seeking them out to gently pull them apart. Also, if you aren't washing often, they shouldn't marry as quickly. I drench mine almost daily with my homemade spray and I've had less issues with marrying. It's just not the same as wetting/cleansing them in the shower often.

Also, refreshing the perimeter every 4 weeks or so (as some ladies do in extensions) helps to stretch the style longer. My crown and middle part of my head mat the worst so I refresh my whole head (one braid at a time) every 3-4 weeks. You might be able to get away with just redoing your perimeter. Also, braids seem to be able to go longer between refreshes than twists for me, I'm not sure why. Maybe it's the tension.

The takedown is a beast BUT if you do it in sections, over a few days, that'll make it easier. I've started my takedown both in the front and in the back and either way, I'm able to pull my hair into a nice bun if I have to leave the house without having finished the takedown. And you definitely have enough hair to pull that off!

 

[MzSwift]

Here's the link to @MzSwift 's phenomenal success!

Post in thread 'Waist Length 2013'

Dec 22, 2013

OK, so my last post was a little hasty. I made my goal of bottom rib bone but I didn't make WL this year I think I have another 2 inches until I get to my belly button and then 2 more from there will be HL for me!

Here are my EOTY comparison pix:

29-Dec-12

22-Dec-13

At first I was super bummed. I've been wearing my hair out more and I'm still going through personal things. Then I realized that...

• MzSwift

• 
• 

Aww, you're so super sweet! Thank you!

I haven't seen those posts in so long. I definitely needed that inspiration myself!! Hoping that this is the year I get to update my avi pic.

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Aww, you're so super sweet! Thank you!

I haven't seen those posts in so long. I definitely needed that inspiration myself!! Hoping that this is the year I get to update my avi pic.

Let it be the year, you're totally capable!

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Ma'am..

There's no universe where YOU would look like a boy!! lol
I've found that the smaller I make them, the more feminine they look. The smaller ones also show more of my length too. The only drawback is that the the roots more easily try to marry bc the parts are closer together. That's easy to prevent though by going through with your fingers once a week or so and seeking them out to gently pull them apart. Also, if you aren't washing often, they shouldn't marry as quickly. I drench mine almost daily with my homemade spray and I've had less issues with marrying. It's just not the same as wetting/cleansing them in the shower often.

Also, refreshing the perimeter every 4 weeks or so (as some ladies do in extensions) helps to stretch the style longer. My crown and middle part of my head mat the worst so I refresh my whole head (one braid at a time) every 3-4 weeks. You might be able to get away with just redoing your perimeter. Also, braids seem to be able to go longer between refreshes than twists for me, I'm not sure why. Maybe it's the tension.

The takedown is a beast BUT if you do it in sections, over a few days, that'll make it easier. I've started my takedown both in the front and in the back and either way, I'm able to pull my hair into a nice bun if I have to leave the house without having finished the takedown. And you definitely have enough hair to pull that off!

Great tips for take down once my hair is as long as yours, totally can't pull that off now

Will be in KBs for awhile

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

PM Consistency Wins

Hydration
Aloe Spray - All Hair

Topical Growth Aids
DIY Growth Pomade - Nape Hair, little bit of KBs

Satin Scarf

 

[Theresamonet]

Ma'am..

There's no universe where YOU would look like a boy!! lol
I've found that the smaller I make them, the more feminine they look. The smaller ones also show more of my length too. The only drawback is that the the roots more easily try to marry bc the parts are closer together. That's easy to prevent though by going through with your fingers once a week or so and seeking them out to gently pull them apart. Also, if you aren't washing often, they shouldn't marry as quickly. I drench mine almost daily with my homemade spray and I've had less issues with marrying. It's just not the same as wetting/cleansing them in the shower often.

Also, refreshing the perimeter every 4 weeks or so (as some ladies do in extensions) helps to stretch the style longer. My crown and middle part of my head mat the worst so I refresh my whole head (one braid at a time) every 3-4 weeks. You might be able to get away with just redoing your perimeter. Also, braids seem to be able to go longer between refreshes than twists for me, I'm not sure why. Maybe it's the tension.

The takedown is a beast BUT if you do it in sections, over a few days, that'll make it easier. I've started my takedown both in the front and in the back and either way, I'm able to pull my hair into a nice bun if I have to leave the house without having finished the takedown. And you definitely have enough hair to pull that off!

Thank you, friend!

I will definitely be implementing these techniques. You are the mini braids/twists Queen in these parts, so l’ll be combing through your old posts this weekend.

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

AM Consistency Wins

Scalp Cleanse
KBs
ACV (1:1) - QTip Dab Scalp

Nape
Pre-Poo Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Suave Daily Clarifying Cleansing Shampoo - 1x
Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Shampoo -1x

Hydration
Aloe Spray - KBs Only
Wash Day -Nape

Topical Growth Aids
Henna - Nape (Henna + Amla + Aloe)
Jojoba Growth Oil (Infusion Start Date 2.2.25)- KBs only

Internal Growth Aids
Fasting

 

[MzSwift]

Did henna with no indigo which makes hair look lighter, not a fan of henna color by itself, but 2 Step every week would be too time consuming for me

Notice a tiny bit of growth, like what daily Co Washing is doing for growth

I'm tempted to always keep my nape out in braids, but might braid the nape only next month to see if there is the same amount or growth or less

I need to save on time and have to skip daily posts (hopefully can resume some time later in the year) Will post if I kept to routine or not on weekends and keep up with weekly LCs until weekend of May 24th

I've been using henna regularly since 2010 but not for color, I've used it for conditioning. I don't intentionally let it sit or use other ingredients to increase its color deposit. I still receive the same conditioning benefits from henna. I use it as a tea and as a gloss, mixed with other powders. My mix is Brahmi, Amla and Henna. Because I use it in tea and gloss form, I am able to incorporate it more frequently and more easily. Once I broke that code, my regi got MUCH simpler and my hair hasn't suffered. Maybe you could try that?

The tea, I use as the "water" in my water+condish+oil spray bottle mix. I use that daily as the "L" in my LOC/LCO M&Sing process. I've even used it really diluted with water, probably 90/10 : water/tea, in my homemade braid spray mix for extensions.

The gloss, I mix up once a month and use it as my leave in condish in the shower. I also have another gloss I use as the "C" in my LCO/LOC process.

In addition to using the powders to make teas and glosses, I also use them to infuse oils. And the infused oil is the "O" in my LCO/LOC process.

Another benefit I've found is that my powders last a lot longer this way - not that they're expensive or anything. lol. It's also nice to not have to worry about my staple products being discontinued or reformulated.

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Thank you so much for the advice!

I'm going to do the weekly henna only until the weekend of May 24th for growth and added protection of ends when straightening hair

I will likely do glosses when I'm wearing my hair out. I think I might be in KBs for awhile. In between KBs, I'll likely do full Henna/Cassia treatments to protect my hair
You got me thinking...I need to find a way to infuse Ayurvedic into my aloe spray. My hair hasn't been frizzing with pure aloe. I might experiment when it's almost time to take down KBs

I have some oils that are infusing with powders and herbs in mason jars for the first time. Just started using them this month. Have you noticed a significant difference infusing your own oils?

"Another benefit I've found is that my powders last a lot longer this way - not that they're expensive or anything. lol. It's also nice to not have to worry about my staple products being discontinued or reformulated."

Good point! I do not like running out of Ayurvedic herbs. I only buy from Henna Sooq and they sell out of things when I need it

 

[MzSwift]

I have some oils that are infusing with powders and herbs in mason jars for the first time. Just started using them this month. Have you noticed a significant difference infusing your own oils?

It's really hard to say bc I've only used the oils at the same time that I've used the glosses and teas. BUT I do feel really good applying the infused oils to my hair bc, the way I see it, any extra nutrition I can provide is a good thing.

Actually, I started infusing oils for a scalp tonic and I can say that I like the infused oils on my scalp better than other scalp growth aid I've tried over the years. Again, I feel like they give great nutrition and conditioning to my scalp and strands. My strands are naturally shiny now whereas before, I had a natural sheen.

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

It's really hard to say bc I've only used the oils at the same time that I've used the glosses and teas. BUT I do feel really good applying the infused oils to my hair bc, the way I see it, any extra nutrition I can provide is a good thing.

Actually, I started infusing oils for a scalp tonic and I can say that I like the infused oils on my scalp better than other scalp growth aid I've tried over the years. Again, I feel like they give great nutrition and conditioning to my scalp and strands. My strands are naturally shiny now whereas before, I had a natural sheen.

You're such an inspiration, I strive to keep your consistency with HCJ

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

I don't know how the data cleared for Thursday through Saturday, but the notes stayed. I think it timed out as I was about to take a photo of it. Next time I'll take it on Saturday before the week restarts

*Forgot to check +8K Steps on Tuesday, was 7/7 this week

 

[MzSwift]

You are making phenomenal progress, @25InchesStarting'25 !! You'll make it to 25 inches before you know it!

 

[MzSwift]

Thank You!

Today was my first time water rinsing KBs. Scalp felt amazing! Must have been thirsty

Going to see if I can get away with daily water rinses with KBs without hair looking frizzy

Pics from 1 day of Water Rinse
View attachment 502812View attachment 502814

Yes, water rinses are magical! Lol. I love them!

But I'm not sure about doing them every day with extensions. There's a reason why us "old heads" talk about drenching our extensions using a spray bottle multiple times a week. Wetting them daily in the shower could lead to issues with mildew. With the spray bottle, you can focus on wetting your scalp and then lightly moisturize the length of your hair more easily. That will allow your hair to dry more quickly in between wetting sessions. Also, with spraying, there's usually less rubbing involved which will reduce any frizz. Drenching your scalp and hair and then tying it down with a satin/silk scarf would help to maintain neatness and the thin scarf fabric allows for air to move through and reduce mildew. Maybe that could help with any dryness?

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Yes, water rinses are magical! Lol. I love them!

But I'm not sure about doing them every day with extensions. There's a reason why us "old heads" talk about drenching our extensions using a spray bottle multiple times a week. Wetting them daily in the shower could lead to issues with mildew. With the spray bottle, you can focus on wetting your scalp and then lightly moisturize the length of your hair more easily. That will allow your hair to dry more quickly in between wetting sessions. Also, with spraying, there's usually less rubbing involved which will reduce any frizz. Drenching your scalp and hair and then tying it down with a satin/silk scarf would help to maintain neatness and the thin scarf fabric allows for air to move through and reduce mildew. Maybe that could help with any dryness?

I was nervous yesterday, since the plan was not to wet hair in KBs. I really feel I need to saturate my scalp in water daily for accelerated hair growth. I was like there is only one way to find out if it will work or not and glad I did!

"Wetting them daily in the shower could lead to issues with mildew"

Thank you so much for the warning! My scalp loved the water rinse so much, I think I will experiment and see if daily rinses will be beneficial in accelerating hair growth. My nape is reaping the benefits, but will like all my hair to benefit from daily watering of the scalp if possible

"With the spray bottle, you can focus on wetting your scalp and then lightly moisturize the length of your hair more easily"

I water rinse with the majority of my hair in a "Top Knot" - shower cap over "Top Knot" secured with a scrunchie - rinse the scalp only
Afterwards, wrap base of "Top Knot" with scarf to soak up all the excess water
It's been working for 2 days, I'll know if I'll continue this through Summer after a month

"That will allow your hair to dry more quickly in between wetting sessions"

This is a good point. I think what is working for me is that I don't use a lot of added hair per sections like most people do. Hair is very light and doesn't take long to dry

"Also, with spraying, there's usually less rubbing involved which will reduce any frizz"

I don't rub my scalp when water rinsing. I spray my scalp with ACV (1:1) before water rinsing to rinse away what the ACV cleansed with the shower head only

"Drenching your scalp and hair and then tying it down with a satin/silk scarf would help to maintain neatness and the thin scarf fabric allows for air to move through and reduce mildew. Maybe that could help with any dryness?"

Thank you for the suggestion, this is what I do with Water Rinsing
I haven't had an issue with dryness. I want to get the most growth possible in a short period of time (since my hair was cut unexpectedly and very short at the moment)
I feel like watering the scalp daily helps with accelerated growth and hoping this will work out for KBs

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

You are making phenomenal progress, @25InchesStarting'25 !! You'll make it to 25 inches before you know it!

You reminded me I had a goal of 25 inches in my name. I finally got a tape measure for the "Drop It" challenge and used it to measure out inches on my LC Tee and on myself - 25 inches is way too long for my goal! I'm going to change my name

I measured out approximate 1 inches from the SL mark. The yellow line is approximately 2 inches at the bottom. I have approximately 9 inches to get to MBL. Long term goal is WHIP which is about 15 inches from where I am now at my nape

 

[B_Phlyy]

I think I'm going to clarify and DC today. Depending on time constraints, maybe a blow dry and pre-parting.

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

I think I'm going to clarify and DC today. Depending on time constraints, maybe a blow dry and pre-parting.

You should go for it! If you do, hope it comes out just how you want it