2025/2026 - Journey to SL/APL/BSL Challenge

I was a member on the The Long Hair Community before I was a member here so I always went by their chart. Only thing I wouldn't use is BSL because depending on person's height and cup size, there could a 1-2 inch difference in where the bra strap lands on the back.

silk press appointment this weekend then getting small cornrows October 18th

B_Phlyy said:

I was a member on the The Long Hair Community before I was a member here so I always went by their chart. Only thing I wouldn't use is BSL because depending on person's height and cup size, there could a 1-2 inch difference in where the bra strap lands on the back.

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Do you have a copy of that chart that you could share with us?

faithVA said:

So BSL on your chart starts somewhere other than the bra band?

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Yes. It’s like right under APL maybe 2 inches off but that’s how I see it.

That’s a long back in that picture Lolol @faithVA

B_Phlyy said:

I was a member on the The Long Hair Community before I was a member here so I always went by their chart. Only thing I wouldn't use is BSL because depending on person's height and cup size, there could a 1-2 inch difference in where the bra strap lands on the back.

Click to expand...

This!!

faithVA said:

Do you have a copy of that chart that you could share with us?

Click to expand...

I believe this is a repost as the original TLHC site went down about 12-13 years ago and they lost a lot posts and pictures. There were several people who had beyond knee length hair but they only have individual posts, not like this chart above. The reason some of the lengths have measurements on the side is because many members over there are from Europe, Asia, or Australia. I still occasionally go over their to lurk, but I haven't actually posted anything in like 10 years.


Edit to add
I was able to get into the archives over there and found this illustrated chart as well.

B_Phlyy said:

I took my mini braids out on Thursday night/ Friday morning. Currently rocking 2 French braids. Plan is to clarify and DC tomorrow in preparation for color and length check on Wednesday.

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Change of plans. Me and my dog just finished our Hot Girl Walk and I'm way to tired and sweaty do my hair right now. The length check will be up tomorrow before church.

I looked at my starting post and I said I was aiming for APL. Not sure where I got that from since I was barely at nape length. Maybe I was just trying to be optimistic.

I'm not going to change the post but for December I'm just shooting for all of my back layers to reach SL and some to be a bit longer. And I also want to end with healthier ends.

I will shoot for APL in 2026.

Sorry, this is long. But I want to capture this for December.

I finished my hair and glad to be done. I will take pictures tomorrow. There isn't much to see but I will take them anyway.

I'm pleased with this new routine so I will document it somewhere.
--Shampooed twice with Prose shampoo
--Used Aphoghee Reconstructor for about 5 minutes under a plastic cap
--Used Aphoghee Balance Conditioner for about 5 minutes under a plastic cap

--After I rinsed I put on a plastic cap for 10 minutes and let the water soak in. I used to do this years ago but got away from it.
+++When I took off the cap my hair was nice and soft. I will add this step to my regular cleanse day when I have the time.

--I put on a microfiber cap for 10 minutes to get rid of some of the water.
+++I may need to reduce this to five minutes
+++I also should put my hair into 4 Bantu Knots before this step to make the remaining steps easier

--I used the Olaplex smoothing balm on each section and combed it through.
--Followed that with the Mane Choice Thermal Protectant and combed it through.

I parted my hair down the middle and sectioned it off for using the RevAir.
I finished drying my hair in 20 minutes and my hair felt nice and soft and not weighed down. I can probably still use less product but since I apply to sections I will need to work on that.

My hair was stretched but still a bit puffy. I wanted to see if using a brush would help. I randomly parted my hair in sections, and used the Unbrush with the nozzle of my blow dryer on cool and stretched my hair.

My verdict is using the blow dryer nozzle with a paddle brush gives me a smoother look and game me at least 1.5 inches in length. And it was way easier than what I thought it would be. With that said I don't know how often I will need to stretch my hair. And not sure how 20 minutes of blow dryer heat compares to 20 minutes of Rev Air heat.

Pulled out my split ender and took off 3/8". I should have taken off more in the back because it needs more correction. I am considering using the Split-Ender on the back every month until it is more like the front of my head. It comes with a 1/8" or 1/4 version. We shall see. I will continue to do search and destroy and see how it goes. If I do 1/8" a month though I may not have to cut so much in December.

My ends are definitely better than they have every been but the back is still not great. I will baby my ends as much as I can. When I get closer to APL, I will trim and even up.

I have a good growth but it isn't in my lowest layer. It looks like my crown and the rest grew to reach my lowest layer. My crown now reaches my nape and the rest reaches either my shoulder or my collarbone. It is about 4 inches from my nape to shoulder length, so my crown will reach there next year some time. My nape looks like it is exactly where it was in June

Despite that, because so many layers have some growth my bun is getting juicier. Now I just need to find a product that will let me smooth my hair into a nice neat bun that won't dry it out or cause breakage.

Will post some type of picture tomorrow.

My top layers have pretty much caught up with my bottom layers. Everything but the 2 inches at my nape and front have made it into my bun.

My ends are much better and my bun is getting fuller.