Things I need/needed to adjust while I journey to WL

[EbonyHairedPrincess]

I have no doubt that within another two or three years I will be at waist length, but it seems I have to learn how to care for my hair differently at each “stage”.

January 2007

October 2007

April 2008

It seems even more care is needed every time I reach a certain length benchmark.

1. The only way I made it past neck length was to stop using heat.

2. The only way I made it past shoulder was to continue not using heat and begin wearing buns/updo’s and add condition washing.

3. The only way I made it past APL was to continue not using heat, begin wearing buns/updo’s, condition washing and add low manipulation hair regimen.

I think (since I’m not there yet) the only way I’ll make it past BSL will probably be to:

1.Continue not using heat, wearing buns/updo’s, condition washing and stay on low hair manipulation regimen while allowing a beautician do my relaxers. My hair is 9- 12 inches and it’s insane trying to relax the back of my head without overlapping or having inconsistent textures. I also need my ends evened. I haven’t had this done since I started in December 2006.

2.Begin to rotate moisture and protein conditioners during my condition washing. Try deep conditioning weekly and sample honeyquat since people are raving about it.

3. Protecting my hair from the elements especially the sun. Being in the sun has caused a definite color change that I’m fine with, but I wonder will it eventually hinder my progress? I am going to start wearing a hat, bandana or scarf when I’m riding in the car or walking/jogging outside.

 

[shinyblackhair]

Wow, you have made a lot of progress! You'll reach your goals in no time flat!

All the best!!!

Oh yeah, and I totally agree about the self relaxing part -- I just did mine last night and it was soooo tough. I will def see the hair dresser next time. It get really difficult the longer your hair gets.

 

[Jazala]

Awesome progress! I think I need to do more of those things you listed, especially the cowashing. Thanks for sharing.

 

[IntoMyhair]

You have made great progress.
On a side note thanks for the heads up at differeant hurdles for each stage.

Again you have made great progress! Happy growing Lady.

 

[silvergirl]

good progress, looks like you have a sound plan

 

[bbdgirl]

I am glad that you brought this up. Because now that I am getting closer and closer to BSL the thing that I have to remember is to tay vigilant and continue to co-wash and mositurize, moisturize, moisturize!!! I have gotten over the constant measuring and photo-taking and am just waiting to do a touch up and measure again (sometime in the next two weeks)
So your list regimen list is a good reminder to stay the course for steady length retention. which is what most of us are here for anyway.

 

[lilsparkle825]

I am glad that you brought this up. Because now that I am getting closer and closer to BSL the thing that I have to remember is to tay vigilant and continue to co-wash and mositurize, moisturize, moisturize!!! I have gotten over the constant measuring and photo-taking and am just waiting to do a touch up and measure again (sometime in the next two weeks)
So your list regimen list is a good reminder to stay the course for steady length retention. which is what most of us are here for anyway.

i haven't...lol

but i have started using more protective styles....buns and clips are my best friends. also, this DC challenge keeps me well-moisturized, and the days between DCs i co-wash. the heat makes my hair and scalp feel icky so that's my motivation.

good list though...these are things i should take into consideration so i can hit APL before school starts back up.

 

[MrsWatson]

excellent progress...

what moisture and protein conditioners do you use?

 

[Eisani]

I just love my MI people! You've definitely had some great progress. Anyhoo, as I'm on my way to MBL, I've found that what you've listed is key to gaining and retaining length and health. I CW almost daily now that it's warm but even if I don't, I DC 2 x's/wk, moisturize/seal and bun. Low manipulation is so important, and like you said a Moisture/protein balance is vital as well! My hair has never liked strong proteins, so I like to use products that are a nice combo of both moisture and protein so I don't have to keep track of which one I used last. I also chelate once/month and this has helped tremendously!

 

[EbonyHairedPrincess]

Wow, you have made a lot of progress! You'll reach your goals in no time flat!

All the best!!!

Oh yeah, and I totally agree about the self relaxing part -- I just did mine last night and it was soooo tough. I will def see the hair dresser next time. It get really difficult the longer your hair gets.

Thank you! I am sure getting another person to properly relax my hair will be key.

Awesome progress! I think I need to do more of those things you listed, especially the cowashing. Thanks for sharing.

Your welcome.

You have made great progress.
On a side note thanks for the heads up at differeant hurdles for each stage.

Again you have made great progress! Happy growing Lady.

Thank you.

good progress, looks like you have a sound plan

For me it's so easy to get distracted but when I write out my plans it makes it easier to stay focused.

I am glad that you brought this up. Because now that I am getting closer and closer to BSL the thing that I have to remember is to tay vigilant and continue to co-wash and mositurize, moisturize, moisturize!!! I have gotten over the constant measuring and photo-taking and am just waiting to do a touch up and measure again (sometime in the next two weeks)
So your list regimen list is a good reminder to stay the course for steady length retention. which is what most of us are here for anyway.

I still measure, take pictures and check my fotki images but I only do it a few times a week instead of every few hours .

i haven't...lol

but i have started using more protective styles....buns and clips are my best friends. also, this DC challenge keeps me well-moisturized, and the days between DCs i co-wash. the heat makes my hair and scalp feel icky so that's my motivation.

good list though...these are things i should take into consideration so i can hit APL before school starts back up.

The cowashing will definitely help you with retention. I am also started taking biotin along with my multi-vitamin to take advantage of summer's faster growing season.

excellent progress...

what moisture and protein conditioners do you use?

Because I cowash daily, I mix a cheapy but good smelling V05 with another cheapy Suave's Humectress for moisture. I get insane slip from these two mixed together plus my curl patter has loosened up so much. For deep conditioning I use LeKair Cholestorol Plus. It's suppose to be a protien but my hair feels so soft and moisturized when I'm done. This stuff is amazing. For protein I use Nexuus Keraphix. It's a little expensive but the protien is mild which is what my hair responds to.

I just love my MI people! You've definitely had some great progress. Anyhoo, as I'm on my way to MBL, I've found that what you've listed is key to gaining and retaining length and health. I CW almost daily now that it's warm but even if I don't, I DC 2 x's/wk, moisturize/seal and bun. Low manipulation is so important, and like you said a Moisture/protein balance is vital as well! My hair has never liked strong proteins, so I like to use products that are a nice combo of both moisture and protein so I don't have to keep track of which one I used last. I also chelate once/month and this has helped tremendously!

MI in the house!!! I don't understand chelate. I think it detoxing the body right? My dentist suggested this. What do/did you do?

 

[ShiShiPooPoo]

I think this is an excellent thread OP.

I've seen as my hair gets longer that I have to do things differently at each stage. Now (I'm shoulder) I see that low manipulation is going to help me keep a lot of length so I cornrow it/updo it and leave it alone for an entire week, take it down wash and DC and put it back up.

I went and got it relaxed (professionally) on Friday and couldn't believe how long it was. I owe it to no heat, moisture, and low manipulation.

 

[Eisani]

MI in the house!!! I don't understand chelate. I think it detoxing the body right? My dentist suggested this. What do/did you do?

I'm actually talking about chelating my hair w/a chelating shampoo. It works like a clarifier, but the difference is that clarifiers only remove surface build up while chelators clean from the cortex out. This has kept my scalp in good shape and made it a pleasant environment for good hair growth. A good, inexpensive one is ORS Creamy Aloe Shampoo, it removes mineral deposits (all chelators do, actually) and costs less than $5. Kenra, Mizani, and Quantum are others that I've used but I keep going back to ORS.

 

[vestaluv1]

WOW! Great Progress!
I don't even wanna think about getting to waist length because I think I will just discourage myself, so at the moment I'm saying my hair goal is APL. When I get there, I'll say it's BSL and so on.

But girl... you are not playin'. You'll be waistlength in no time .

 

[EbonyHairedPrincess]

I'm actually talking about chelating my hair w/a chelating shampoo. It works like a clarifier, but the difference is that clarifiers only remove surface build up while chelators clean from the cortex out. This has kept my scalp in good shape and made it a pleasant environment for good hair growth. A good, inexpensive one is ORS Creamy Aloe Shampoo, it removes mineral deposits (all chelators do, actually) and costs less than $5. Kenra, Mizani, and Quantum are others that I've used but I keep going back to ORS.

This is new to me but I am going to give it a try thank you so much for responding.

WOW! Great Progress!
I don't even wanna think about getting to waist length because I think I will just discourage myself, so at the moment I'm saying my hair goal is APL. When I get there, I'll say it's BSL and so on.

But girl... you are not playin'. You'll be waistlength in no time .

You'll make it to APL and beyond. Stay focused and I will see you at waist length .

 

[DivaD04]

wow i'm loving the progress u've made...u go girl! kiu!