Inspired by Sylver2 -- The Long-Term Stretch Challenge

[aquajoyice]

Good Luck twin!

Loads of conditioner (moisturising) and like you said, get smaller sections.... also finger comb while rinsing out your conditioner.

Let's know how it goes.

Hi twin!! I took your advice with the conditioner and keeping the sections small I did a pre-detangle and used my fingers to loosen up the knots and matting and it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. I'm doing another deep con/protein treatment tonight and i'm feeling pretty positive! Thanks for the great advice twin!!!

 

[~Hair~Fetish~]

Ok you guys... I've been eyeballing this thread for a minute. I'm currently 8 weeks post... which certainly isn't a long time according to LHCF's standards, but before joining this forum, I was one of those folks that relaxed every 4 weeks. (bad girl!) I'm a little past APL, but I'm dying to be BSL at least by December (which will be my one year anniversary of joining). The longest I've ever stretched was 10 weeks, but that was during my "wig phase" pre-LHCF.

A 6 month stretch seems a little scary, so I plan to take it week by week. If I relax in December, that will put me right at 6 months, but I'm afraid that I'll give in before then (in other words, I don't want to set myself up for failure). What do you guys think?

Here's my present reggie:

* cowash 4-5 times per week... usually with Aussie Moist, ABBA Pure Moisture, or Giovanni
* wash whenever I feel the need due to build-up (usually once a week)
* getting back to DCing under the steamer at least once a week
* very minimal heat (no more flat-ironing or blowfrying, but I will use the diffuser)
* moisturizing daily... especially the new growth

As far as styles, I'm basically home most of the time so I've been either just wearing it airdried or diffused, or pinning it into a messy bun. I don't want to be trying to straighten the new growth all the time with heat because in the past that led to breakage. I don't like weaves (on me) or braids.

Any suggestions ladies?? I know this is kinda long... I guess I just need some courage.

 

[SouthernStunner]

ok you all just checking in. I will be 48 weeks on Friday. I cant believe that I made it this far. I am in box braids now, I actually got them this past Sat. The girl that did my hair asked me if had any breakage since I stretched so long and I told her no unless there is some I can see. While she was doing my hair she said no she didnt see any breakage either. So I did good thanks to this board. I am not doing another 1yr stretch again but I think my next one will be a 6month.

 

[TiffTaff]

I'll join. I'm currently in the process of stretching till December 1st. My last relaxer was May 22nd... well my last telaxer- I just started that My roots are on bump! I hope I can make it ( fingers crossed).

 

[beans4reezy]

ok you all just checking in. I will be 48 weeks on Friday.

WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL! Congratulations on being able to stretch this far!!!

 

[Aggie]

ok you all just checking in. I will be 48 weeks on Friday. I cant believe that I made it this far. I am in box braids now, I actually got them this past Sat. The girl that did my hair asked me if had any breakage since I stretched so long and I told her no unless there is some I can see. While she was doing my hair she said no she didnt see any breakage either. So I did good thanks to this board. I am not doing another 1yr stretch again but I think my next one will be a 6month.

Wow SS, you and Sylver2 inspire me so much to continue on this one year stretch journey, thanks so much ladies. I am only 27 weeks and 6 days into my stretch and have so many more weeeks to go and I know it won't be easy, but I also know that I can do it, so I have a minimum of 25 more weeks to go.

 

[Aggie]

I'll join. I'm currently in the process of stretching till December 1st. My last relaxer was May 22nd... well my last telaxer- I just started that My roots are on bump! I hope I can make it ( fingers crossed).

Welcome TiffTaff. You can do it. It takes a lot of discipline and even will power but it can be done. It has been done by so many others and you can do it too.

 

[aquajoyice]

Ok you guys... I've been eyeballing this thread for a minute. I'm currently 8 weeks post... which certainly isn't a long time according to LHCF's standards, but before joining this forum, I was one of those folks that relaxed every 4 weeks. (bad girl!) I'm a little past APL, but I'm dying to be BSL at least by December (which will be my one year anniversary of joining). The longest I've ever stretched was 10 weeks, but that was during my "wig phase" pre-LHCF.

A 6 month stretch seems a little scary, so I plan to take it week by week. If I relax in December, that will put me right at 6 months, but I'm afraid that I'll give in before then (in other words, I don't want to set myself up for failure). What do you guys think?

Here's my present reggie:

* cowash 4-5 times per week... usually with Aussie Moist, ABBA Pure Moisture, or Giovanni
* wash whenever I feel the need due to build-up (usually once a week)
* getting back to DCing under the steamer at least once a week
* very minimal heat (no more flat-ironing or blowfrying, but I will use the diffuser)
* moisturizing daily... especially the new growth

As far as styles, I'm basically home most of the time so I've been either just wearing it airdried or diffused, or pinning it into a messy bun. I don't want to be trying to straighten the new growth all the time with heat because in the past that led to breakage. I don't like weaves (on me) or braids.

Any suggestions ladies?? I know this is kinda long... I guess I just need some courage.

This is also my first stretch past 8 weeks and i'm trying to make it to 6 months which means i'll texlax in October. I started out with a specific regimen of co-washing 3 days and washing one day a week. I'm currently at 16 weeks and i'm realizing that less is more. I'm detangling after deep con/washing once a week and co-washing once a week. I detanlge with my fingers everyday now to stop matting and major tangling and i'm doing protective styles everyday. I'm finding that the less manipulation is the best for my hair in it's current state because I have a ton of new growth and I still have 2 more months to go. So i'm playing it by ear.

My best piece of advice is listen to your hair. As more and more new growth comes in your hair will let you know what it needs. Try to keep the manipulation a low as possible and try not to freak out while detangling just take your time

 

[TriniStarr]

I think i can do this challenge! So please add me. My last relaxer was May 22 and i am currently 10 weeks post. i going to try to go as far as the end of the year. god willing.

 

[Aggie]

I'm officially 28 weeks into my stretch today and wearing cornrows perhaps for another 4 weeks before I will be back in braids again.

 

[panamoni]

You guys are an inspiration. Well, yesterday, I cancelled my relaxer appointment for this Saturday, when I'll be 16 weeks post!!

Now, I haven't decided when I will relax. I'm pretty sure I do not want to go a year, but maybe sometime next month at 20 weeks or so.

I haven't tried the braidout yet (don't want it to come out crazy and have to go to work like that), but I'm going to try doing it tomorrow night, so that I can wear it out on Saturday and Sunday. If it looks nice, I'll alternate with that...and I should be receiving my JBCO soon, which will hopefully provide a thick enough coating for my ends --I'm using coconut oil now, but it seems so light to me.

 

[blue_flower]

I got my touch-up back in mid-July so now my next one won't be do until January of next year. It shouldn't be too bad since it'll be winter.

 

[Skyfall]

I was actually transitioning to natural hair but ive decided to get a relaxer, it's been 9 months

 

[Kerryann]

Well i've past 16 weeks now and boy im frustrated i cant see my scalp in no way shape or form but i am trying to see if i can make it to november 1st i will be 28 weeks post so lets see how long i can hold on

 

[*KP*]

I just stretched for 14 weeks but I didn't know this challenge was here. I usually do stretch for 9-12 weeks. I had 1.5" of growth with this stretch and I now have a few strands just lightly grazing my bra strap so I'm hoping that at the end of my next stretch (12 weeks) I will be BSL.

 

[~Hair~Fetish~]

This is also my first stretch past 8 weeks and i'm trying to make it to 6 months which means i'll texlax in October. I started out with a specific regimen of co-washing 3 days and washing one day a week. I'm currently at 16 weeks and i'm realizing that less is more. I'm detangling after deep con/washing once a week and co-washing once a week. I detanlge with my fingers everyday now to stop matting and major tangling and i'm doing protective styles everyday. I'm finding that the less manipulation is the best for my hair in it's current state because I have a ton of new growth and I still have 2 more months to go. So i'm playing it by ear.

My best piece of advice is listen to your hair. As more and more new growth comes in your hair will let you know what it needs. Try to keep the manipulation a low as possible and try not to freak out while detangling just take your time

Thanks for the advice. What type of protective styles are you rocking?

 

[Highly Favored8]

2 months into a 7 month stretch.

 

[~NanCeBoTwin~]

Well ladies the day is here.....I'm relaxing, I appreciate all the help you all have given. I've made it to 32 weeks of my 39 week stretch...

As much as I love my stylist, this isn't a good week for me to see her financially so I've called my neice (who does great relaxers as well) to come over tomorrow to put it in for me. Only thing, I bought the relaxer today and now I'm thinking of doing it myself tonight.

Either way, I'll come back tomorrow or Sunday to tell you guys if I did it or if she did it, and I may do a thread to show my update pics.

 

[~Hair~Fetish~]

*deep breath*.... .... I've decided to try and stretch til December, which will put me at 6 months! I hope I can make it.... pray for me ladies.

 

[sharifeh]

Well ladies the day is here.....I'm relaxing, I appreciate all the help you all have given. I've made it to 32 weeks of my 39 week stretch...

As much as I love my stylist, this isn't a good week for me to see her financially so I've called my neice (who does great relaxers as well) to come over tomorrow to put it in for me. Only thing, I bought the relaxer today and now I'm thinking of doing it myself tonight.

Either way, I'll come back tomorrow or Sunday to tell you guys if I did it or if she did it, and I may do a thread to show my update pics.

can't wait to hear how the relaxer turned out
let us know if you retained any growth!

*deep breath*.... .... I've decided to try and stretch til December, which will put me at 6 months! I hope I can make it.... pray for me ladies.

I'm rooting for you!
good luck!

 

[Nya33]

Ok so i keep touching my hair and ng and think i have to relax, coming to 10 wks post. So ive put it in kinky twist to help me get closer to my 26 wks goal.

 

[MummysGirl]

I think you made it to 33 weeks post (I'm 33 weeks post today)
Well done! And can't wait to see your progress

Well ladies the day is here.....I'm relaxing, I appreciate all the help you all have given. I've made it to 32 weeks of my 39 week stretch...

As much as I love my stylist, this isn't a good week for me to see her financially so I've called my neice (who does great relaxers as well) to come over tomorrow to put it in for me. Only thing, I bought the relaxer today and now I'm thinking of doing it myself tonight.

Either way, I'll come back tomorrow or Sunday to tell you guys if I did it or if she did it, and I may do a thread to show my update pics.

 

[Aggie]

Well ladies the day is here.....I'm relaxing, I appreciate all the help you all have given. I've made it to 32 weeks of my 39 week stretch...

As much as I love my stylist, this isn't a good week for me to see her financially so I've called my neice (who does great relaxers as well) to come over tomorrow to put it in for me. Only thing, I bought the relaxer today and now I'm thinking of doing it myself tonight.

Either way, I'll come back tomorrow or Sunday to tell you guys if I did it or if she did it, and I may do a thread to show my update pics.

Congrats NanCe, you did great. Good luck self-relaxing if you decide to do it yourself.

 

[bestblackgirl]

2 months into a 7 month stretch.

Me too. I will be 8 wks in a few days... and i plan on doing 30-31 wks which is equal to 7 months.. that will put me at mid january to get a relaxer

 

[~NanCeBoTwin~]

Thank you ladies....

Its official my niece came over and relaxed my hair today...33 weeks post (thanks mummysgirl)...and I am very pleased. It's after 10 here, so I'll come back tomorrow and post update pics.

Thank you ladies so much for the encouragement and support!!!!!

ETA: From this point forward I will do 24 week stretches between each relaxer.

 

[TdotGirl]

I've been watching this thread for awhile and thought I might as well join. I'm 4 months post relaxer. This is the second time that I've been 4 months post. I'm hoping to make it to 6 months post (end of September). I've been bunning, DCing and using alot of conditioners and moisturizers. I'm thinking for this month and for the month of September to wear my wigs. Wish me luck 'cause I'll need alot of it!

 

[brittdadutchess]

I'm also 4 months in. But plan on relaxing at the end of august. During the last two weeks I have several events to attend and school will be starting on the 31st. this is my second longest stretch. My first was 6 months and two days.
But I'm loving the growth.
I better see some progress!!

 

[Bluetopia]

*deep breath*.... .... I've decided to try and stretch til December, which will put me at 6 months! I hope I can make it.... pray for me ladies.

ME TOO!!!:reddancer:

 

[SouthernStunner]

My DH will be deploying soon so I wont make it until NOV 7 (61 wks) like I planned. This is because I fear with the kids running around using a chemical on my hair will not be a good idea ( might over process while watching them). I am not taking a day off to do it so I am going to do my relaxer before he leaves and that will be 17 Oct (58 wks). I still will be over my 1yr as planned.

I am in box braids right now and I a not taking them out 26 Sept and give my hair some TLC before relaxing 2 wks later.

 

[MummysGirl]

Beautiful progress!!!! I see the comparison pic in your siggy. Honestly doesn't look like the same head of hair!!!!! Well done! 24 week stretches will be so easy for you

Please can we stretch together for your next stretch? It'll mean I'll be 57 weeks post at the end of your 24 week stretch I'm trying to transition for at least 65 weeks (main goal is 79 weeks which is the weekend before my next birthday).

Thank you ladies....

Its official my niece came over and relaxed my hair today...33 weeks post (thanks mummysgirl)...and I am very pleased. It's after 10 here, so I'll come back tomorrow and post update pics.

Thank you ladies so much for the encouragement and support!!!!!

ETA: From this point forward I will do 24 week stretches between each relaxer.