12 inches in 12 months - 2014

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Made a step to up my water game. I bought in the extra Brita pitcher to work so now I can have at least 50oz of filtered water sitting at my desk. So starting today I will prepare the water before I leave for the day so it is waiting for me when I walk in in the morning. I want to get another water container to just hold water for the weekends so it isn't sitting on my desk unopened.

I am much more proned to drink water if it is readily available and it isn't too cold. I like lukewarm water :look:

And my eating is still on point. My sweetie fixed Haddock and a side vegetable for dinner, which was very good.
 
Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Made a step to up my water game. I bought in the extra Brita pitcher to work so now I can have at least 50oz of filtered water sitting at my desk. So starting today I will prepare the water before I leave for the day so it is waiting for me when I walk in in the morning. I want to get another water container to just hold water for the weekends so it isn't sitting on my desk unopened.

I am much more proned to drink water if it is readily available and it isn't too cold. I like lukewarm water :look:

And my eating is still on point. My sweetie fixed Haddock and a side vegetable for dinner, which was very good.

Ummmmm, your dinner sounds delicious. I love haddock. Yes we need to do what we need to do to help us along the way. I love to drink lukewarm water too!
 
Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Well, I did my relaxer touchup last night and it turned out pretty good. I did a deep condition for 20 minutes under dryer and proceeded to moisturise and oil my scalp. I did see length growth, when I finished and I was happy. There is sooo much going on this week, so I will take a pic and hopefully post next week. I'm getting more and more excited about this challenge and looking forward to the results at end of August. Stay focused everyone and remember consistency is the name of the game. Will talk again soon.....
 
Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

fancypants007 - I grabbed the link from a post in another thread. Here it is.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=X3Ok14CgADM

Also, I used naptural's recipe as a base and then did my own thing.
I wanted to include my ayurvedic oils - so I did. :lick:

This is what I added to my mix:
Shea Butter
Coconut Oil
Castor Oil
Rosemary Oil
Cedarwood Oil
Grapeseed Oil
Thyme Oil
Peppermint Oil
Amla Oil
Mahabringaraj Oil

I don't like the fact that Amla and Mahabringarj oils have mineral oil in them - but since I just purchased them I'm going to used them and not throw them away. I just make sure my hair is moisturized before I apply the oils.

I am trying to decide on where to purchase my next batch of Shea butter :lol:. LOL. The next time I'm in the kitchen" I am going to make two buttas'. One for pre-poo, consisting primarily of ayurvedic oils and another for day to day conditioning.

On a side note - my head has been itching quite badly today. I hope it is growth :yep: and not side effects :perplexed from the shea butter or shikakai. These are the only two new products. All of the other ingredients I've used before.
 
Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Sounds good. I have a question for you. I'm experimenting with shea butter too, and I was wondering what brand of liquid shea butter are you using. I purchased some organic brand which I'm sure will be fine, but I'm just curious. Keep up the good work. Those inches accumulate which means longer hair. Thanks for sharing.

fancypants007 I order mine from:

http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.co...rafters+Choice™+Shea+Butter+-+Liquid,+Refined
 
Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Mane Event

I began taking Neocell Super Collagen + C Types 1 & 3 around mid-June. I really like it, and it's reasonably priced. It allows me to add extra protein and amino acids to my diet without having to consume a ton of extra food. I don't mind eating, lol and I'm actually trying to gain more weight, but extra protein in supplement form helps. It helps with skin and connective tissue health, as well as hair growth and health. Increased protein usually stimulates hair growth anyway. I only take one or 2 a day. HTH
 
Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

fancypants007 - I grabbed the link from a post in another thread. Here it is.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=X3Ok14CgADM

Also, I used naptural's recipe as a base and then did my own thing.
I wanted to include my ayurvedic oils - so I did. :lick:

This is what I added to my mix:
Shea Butter
Coconut Oil
Castor Oil
Rosemary Oil
Cedarwood Oil
Grapeseed Oil
Thyme Oil
Peppermint Oil
Amla Oil
Mahabringaraj Oil

I don't like the fact that Amla and Mahabringarj oils have mineral oil in them - but since I just purchased them I'm going to used them and not throw them away. I just make sure my hair is moisturized before I apply the oils.

I am trying to decide on where to purchase my next batch of Shea butter :lol:. LOL. The next time I'm in the kitchen" I am going to make two buttas'. One for pre-poo, consisting primarily of ayurvedic oils and another for day to day conditioning.

On a side note - my head has been itching quite badly today. I hope it is growth :yep: and not side effects :perplexed from the shea butter or shikakai. These are the only two new products. All of the other ingredients I've used before.

Thanks for sharing. I like to make a suggestion if I may. I added MTG to my regime at least twice a week and it has mineral oil, but I was looking for something that could cleanse my scalp only and did not want to do cowashes 3 or 4 times a week. I cowash usually once a week and wash with shikakai on saturdays. Anyhow, saying all of that to say, I found a scalp cleanser and I have been using it since last week and it works very good for me. I just put in an applicator bottle and in the AM before my shower, I apply to my scalp, massage in for about a minute, jump in shower and then in another applicator bottle I add some water, put that on my scalp, massage in for about a minute and I'm good to go. I do this scalp cleanse to cut back on buildup on scalp and to cleanse my hair follicles to stimulate more growth. It feels soooo good. I will post the recipe and you can check it out for yourself. I hope you're getting growth from your itches. I like growth, but don't like itches. Since I've been using this concoction, I don't have itches that often. I found this recipe while googling. Anyhow, here is the link to the recipe: http://africano-yahya.livejournal.com/24671.html

I didn't make homemade rosewater even though you can. I purchased my rosewater from my indian grocer. I ordered my fenugreek oil I believe from walgreens. Hope you enjoy it because I'm loving it!
 
Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Here is a link to my photos, taken to satisfy three things:

1) our end of June update for this challenge
2) a pre-relaxer assessment via pics
3) a mid-year length check

The link is http://public.fotki.com/JewellStar

Taken today, 07/03/2013. I have another Fotki album set, but since I lost my password and the email on file is no longer open, I can't change the photos there nor add to them. So I had to create a new Fotki album set! But if you would like to see my old photos as well, go to http://public.fotki.com/JewellJ

Thanks for visiting! More pics coming to the first album after my TU.
 
Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Here is a link to my photos, taken to satisfy three things:

1) our end of June update for this challenge
2) a pre-relaxer assessment via pics
3) a mid-year length check

The link is http://public.fotki.com/JewellStar

Taken today, 07/03/2013. I have another Fotki album set, but since I lost my password and the email on file is no longer open, I can't change the photos there nor add to them. So I had to create a new Fotki album set! But if you would like to see my old photos as well, go to http://public.fotki.com/JewellJ

Thanks for visiting! More pics coming to the first album after my TU.

Thank you Jewell for your update pic. I was waiting patiently to see your beautiful hair. Very nice. I was saying to myself this morning, what things can I add to my regime to try to get more inches in the next 2 months and I saw your post about the Neocell Super Powder Collagen, Type 1 and 3. I'm going to check out my local GNC to see if they have it. Hopefully, I will be posting a pic of my hair next week. I was very pleased with the results from my relaxer and now I am on another mission for the next 2 months to acquire more inches. Can I ask you to share your broccoli smoothie recipe?
 
Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

fancypants007

Thanks so much! It has been so long since I posted any recent pics. It was long overdue. I see the powder is available, but I take the capsule form. I'm happy to share my broccoli sprout recipe for smoothies.

I received the broccoli sprout homogenate (as Duke University researchers call it) and they gave me enough servings to consume 50g daily in a smoothie form to mask the taste. I asked how they made the homogenate, and they said they simply blended or puréed the broccoli sprouts and put it in deep freeze (like that which is used for storing DNA samples) to preserve the sulforaphane and keep the servings from degrading.

I mix 50g slightly thawed broccoli sprout homogenate with 4-6 large fresh or frozen strawberries, 1/2 of a large banana, and 1/2 cup organic soy milk. I add a few slices of fresh or frozen peaches or nectarines, and sometimes a 1/2 cup of pure apple juice just for flavor. I add 2 teaspoons of sugar for extra sweetness and blend on high until very smooth. Of course, you can add other fruits, veggies, or supplemental powders like chlorella or spirulina powder, but I generally do not since I take those in capsule form.

Serve very cold and customize to taste. I keep my fridge and freezer very cold so I don't add ice to my blender. I also let my frozen fruits soften or unthaw a bit before blending to help the blades chop them up easier. Fresh pieces I chop up into small 1/4" to 1/2" pieces to help with blending. You can use whatever you like...the only main thing is the broccoli sprouts. The servings of each ingredient I listed above is enough for 16 ounces of smoothie. The more liquid and fruit (largely water) you add, the larger the yield.

I drank these smoothies daily for 3 weeks straight and had blood work twice a week. My labs were the best they had been for over 1 year after consuming this smoothie. I will come back when I find out more info on the data they found, as currently I'm on a 3-week detox period so the researchers can determine how long sulforaphane lasts in the urine and blood stream.

They have done intensive testing on me, even testing how it will affect my RNA, DNA, blood, bone marrow, urine, and genes. Once they determine how long the effects last, it may become a valid treatment for anemic people and other conditions. It has been extensively studied (broccoli sprouts and sulforaphane) at Johns Hopkins as well.
 
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Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

fancypants007

Thanks so much! It has been so long since I posted any recent pics. It was long overdue. I see the powder is available, but I take the capsule form. I'm happy to share my broccoli sprout recipe for smoothies.

I received the broccoli sprout homogenate (as Duke University researchers call it) and they gave me enough servings to consume 50g daily in a smoothie form to mask the taste. I asked how they made the homogenate, and they said they simply blended or puréed the broccoli sprouts and put it in deep freeze (like that which is used for storing DNA samples) to preserve the sulforaphane and keep the servings from degrading.

I mix 50g slightly thawed broccoli sprout homogenate with 4-6 large fresh or frozen strawberries, 1/2 of a large banana, and 1/2 cup organic soy milk. I add a few slices of fresh or frozen peaches or nectarines, and sometimes a 1/2 cup of pure apple juice just for flavor. I add 2 teaspoons of sugar for extra sweetness and blend on high until very smooth. Of course, you can add other fruits, veggies, or supplemental powders like chlorella or spirulina powder, but I generally do not since I take those in capsule form.

Serve very cold and customize to taste. I keep my fridge and freezer very cold so I don't add ice to my blender. I also let my frozen fruits soften or unthaw a bit before blending to help the blades chop them up easier. Fresh pieces I chop up into small 1/4" to 1/2" pieces to help with blending. You can use whatever you like...the only main thing is the broccoli sprouts. The servings of each ingredient I listed above is enough for 16 ounces of smoothie. The more liquid and fruit (largely water) you add, the larger the yield.

I drank these smoothies daily for 3 weeks straight and had blood work twice a week. My labs were the best they had been for over 1 year after consuming this smoothie. I will come back when I find out more info on the data they found, as currently I'm on a 3-week detox period so the researchers can determine how long sulforaphane lasts in the urine and blood stream.

They have done intensive testing on me, even testing how it will affect my RNA, DNA, blood, bone marrow, urine, and genes. Once they determine how long the effects last, it may become a valid treatment for anemic people and other conditions. It has been extensively studied (broccoli sprouts and sulforaphane) at Johns Hopkins as well.

Thank you for sharing. Perhaps I can incorporate some vegetable smoothies into my regime since I don't eat that many vegetables. I wasn't eating alot of fruits either, but I got a fruit salad recipe from my coworker and i eat it for breakfast with my cereal at least 5 days a week. I need now to up my vegetable intake.
 
Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Checking in. I don't feel like I've retained much of my length :ohwell: I've been slacking off so that's not surprising. I haven't had time to deep condition weekly like I used to and it's showing :sad: I got a new moisturizer to replace the one I ran out of. New products always make me jump back to taking care of my hair like I'm supposed to.

I had hoped to be at WL by August. We shall see...
 
Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Here are my length check pictures. Hopefully I will have a really noticeable change for next length check.

LengthCheckP1 (553x313).jpg

TwistLengthCheckP3 (386x408).jpg
 
Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Jewell, your hair is GORGEOUS! I didn't know your hair was that long and pretty, good job!

faithVA, your twists look sooo yummy! I love the thickness from root to tip.

PennyK, don't lose hope Penny, even if you don't get at WL by August you can still get pretty darn close and have healthier hair too. Challenges aren't ONLY about making the finish line, but getting as close to it as we can as well. Don't lose hope, a deadline won't decide when your hair will reach it's ultimate in beauty. :yep:



I'm checking in as well....I guess. lol Hair has been in a twistout pulled into a loose ponytail that is covered by my satin bonnet and then my black scarf. I've only worn the actual twistout for about 2 days, and after that it's been scarfed and nothing but.

Today I did try the "baggy method". I misted my ends with a little water, then covered with a plastic bag, then my satin bonnet, then a scarf and went to work like that. :ohwell: Hey... I really don't want to wear my hair out anymore cause it keeps raining unpredictably, so scarfs and hats have been my best friends lately. Will try and find the time to install some more yarn braids. We'll see when I make time for that. :look:
 
Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

@Jewell, your hair is GORGEOUS! I didn't know your hair was that long and pretty, good job!

@faithVA, your twists look sooo yummy! I love the thickness from root to tip.

@PennyK, don't lose hope Penny, even if you don't get at WL by August you can still get pretty darn close and have healthier hair too. Challenges aren't ONLY about making the finish line, but getting as close to it as we can as well. Don't lose hope, a deadline won't decide when your hair will reach it's ultimate in beauty. :yep:



I'm checking in as well....I guess. lol Hair has been in a twistout pulled into a loose ponytail that is covered by my satin bonnet and then my black scarf. I've only worn the actual twistout for about 2 days, and after that it's been scarfed and nothing but.

Today I did try the "baggy method". I misted my ends with a little water, then covered with a plastic bag, then my satin bonnet, then a scarf and went to work like that. :ohwell: Hey... I really don't want to wear my hair out anymore cause it keeps raining unpredictably, so scarfs and hats have been my best friends lately. Will try and find the time to install some more yarn braids. We'll see when I make time for that. :look:

Thank You Mskraizy. You are very kind. I hope when my hair grows up I have plump luscious twist :yep: Wish I could wear a scarf/hat to work :lol: I would be sooo hair lazy.
 
Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Thank You @Mskraizy. You are very kind. I hope when my hair grows up I have plump luscious twist :yep: Wish I could wear a scarf/hat to work :lol: I would be sooo hair lazy.


faithVA, just keep them ends healthy and trimmed. :yep: And thanks, that's one of the greater benefits of working there. lol I seem to wear my scarves every single day since the hot summer hit. :lol:
 
Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Aww, thank you Mskraizy ! You made me blush... I didn't know it was either since I hide it so much and haven't taken pics in so long...The pics really help me to judge the condition of my hair accurately. Seems like at times what I see is not what others see!
 
Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Checking in. Next week will be two months since my bc. I have experienced growth. Will post a pic at my two months mark.
 
Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Checking in. I don't feel like I've retained much of my length :ohwell: I've been slacking off so that's not surprising. I haven't had time to deep condition weekly like I used to and it's showing :sad: I got a new moisturizer to replace the one I ran out of. New products always make me jump back to taking care of my hair like I'm supposed to.

I had hoped to be at WL by August. We shall see...

I hope it wasn't too much length that you didn't retain. I know that can be a bummer. Anyhow, perhaps the new products will help. Sometimes we get lazy and don't want to be bothered. That's how I felt yesterday and the only thing I did do was exercise and oil my scalp and moisturise my hair. I didn't eat my brewers yeast mix with msm, and I didn't take my hair vitamins. But I put myself back on track today. We need breaks sometimes in between our routine, but the key as I've mentioned often, and like you probably already know, is consistency. We need to put forth the effort, and our effort will be paid off with results. Set a goal to up your game so you can reach your goal by August. I'm going fast and furious because I'm trying to achieve at least 2 inches or more by the end of August. Let's do this, we have 10 more months to go!
 
Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Jewell, your hair is GORGEOUS! I didn't know your hair was that long and pretty, good job!

faithVA, your twists look sooo yummy! I love the thickness from root to tip.

PennyK, don't lose hope Penny, even if you don't get at WL by August you can still get pretty darn close and have healthier hair too. Challenges aren't ONLY about making the finish line, but getting as close to it as we can as well. Don't lose hope, a deadline won't decide when your hair will reach it's ultimate in beauty. :yep:



I'm checking in as well....I guess. lol Hair has been in a twistout pulled into a loose ponytail that is covered by my satin bonnet and then my black scarf. I've only worn the actual twistout for about 2 days, and after that it's been scarfed and nothing but.

Today I did try the "baggy method". I misted my ends with a little water, then covered with a plastic bag, then my satin bonnet, then a scarf and went to work like that. :ohwell: Hey... I really don't want to wear my hair out anymore cause it keeps raining unpredictably, so scarfs and hats have been my best friends lately. Will try and find the time to install some more yarn braids. We'll see when I make time for that. :look:

Very well said! The important thing is we need to do what we can do to help us get the inches we want. Sometimes along the way, we may get lazy, but we need to pick ourselves up sort of speak and get back on track. If we work hard to achieve our goal and don't achieve it, that's one thing, however if we slack, or don't stay consistent, this leads to mishaps which leads to disappointment Effort is required. Don't want to preach, but just want to help us all stay encouraged and motivated and positive. Don't want to put pressure on anyone because the challenge is going to be fun. If we want a break sometimes from regime, fine, but don't be away from regime for toooo long. I hope this makes sense and helps to keep us all motivated.
 
Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Mane Event

I began taking Neocell Super Collagen + C Types 1 & 3 around mid-June. I really like it, and it's reasonably priced. It allows me to add extra protein and amino acids to my diet without having to consume a ton of extra food. I don't mind eating, lol and I'm actually trying to gain more weight, but extra protein in supplement form helps. It helps with skin and connective tissue health, as well as hair growth and health. Increased protein usually stimulates hair growth anyway. I only take one or 2 a day. HTH

Jewel, I went to my local GNC and purchased the above product and will start taking it on Monday to see what it will do for me. I hope it doesn't cause me to gain weight, because that I don't need. Anyhow, I'm excited about trying it. While I was in GNC I was looking at some of the green powder drinks. Are there any that you recommend? I want to up my veggie intake and starting with a green drink would work out perfect for me.
 
Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Aww, thank you @Mskraizy ! You made me blush... I didn't know it was either since I hide it so much and haven't taken pics in so long...The pics really help me to judge the condition of my hair accurately. Seems like at times what I see is not what others see!


Girl your hair looks absolutely healthy and gorgeous, you're doing a whole lotta right in your corner! :grin: I was a little antsy about not doing length checks or really having my hair out too much for the coming 6 months but after seeing your progress, I'm anxious about the surprise reveal I'll get! :drunk::yep:
 
Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Very well said! The important thing is we need to do what we can do to help us get the inches we want. Sometimes along the way, we may get lazy, but we need to pick ourselves up sort of speak and get back on track. If we work hard to achieve our goal and don't achieve it, that's one thing, however if we slack, or don't stay consistent, this leads to mishaps which leads to disappointment Effort is required. Don't want to preach, but just want to help us all stay encouraged and motivated and positive. Don't want to put pressure on anyone because the challenge is going to be fun. If we want a break sometimes from regime, fine, but don't be away from regime for toooo long. I hope this makes sense and helps to keep us all motivated.


Exactly, I learned the hard way what becoming inconsistent too long in a routine could do.

ohhhhh i can still feel the buurrrnnsss...:nono:

And I know a lot of times that's why challenges die down and fade and hardly anyone participates but we won't beat cha down with a bat.....yet. :ohwell:

:lachen:

Just stick to it, no matter what you end up with, you'll have more than what you started out with. So hey...a little is better than NOTHIN.
 
Feeling even better about this challenge today since I just washed my hair after doing a QOD Max Organiq treatment last Friday. Strand strength has increased substantially and since I'm transitioning and usually my wet hair breaks like tissue this is such a relief. My confidence level in gaining length while transitioning is much higher now. Woohoo!
 
Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

I'm going to put some NJoy growth oil on my scalp, baggy and get back in the bed. :yawn:
 
Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

fancypants007

I am not really using any green drink powders, and have only tried one before. It's called Nature's Plus Acai and its a powdered energy smoothie with a ton of vitamins and supplements. I thought the taste was a bit chalky, which is typically what I have found tasting green powder drinks, so that's why I take chlorella, spirulina, and others by capsule or tablet form. I don't like to taste it going down, lol. Also, my SO has used "Barlean's Greens" with much success. There are great things in it too, but I couldn't get past the taste once again! I also take Diatomaceous Earth mixed with juice every now and then, and its basically silica and minerals. Very good for detoxing. You can get a 1 lb bag of DE for $7 free shipping on EBay. People also add it to animal feed as it purges and destroys parasites. :look: it has this action in the human body as well, TMI I know...

I only use 1 heaping teaspoon to 4-6 ounces juice. It is chalky, and some people take more, but this amount is good for me. Gives me energy as well. 1 lb lasts forever. But if you buy, do not inhale the powder as those diatoms are like very sharp pieces of microscopic glass, and they can irritate the respiratory tract. There is a big DE thread on LHCF and lots of info on the web.

Mskraizy

Aww, thanks so much! I'm trying! I can't wait to see what you get either...like you said, something is definitely better than nothin! :)
 
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Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

I had the bestest wash day! I guess...today, I decided to keep it strictly natural/organic/mother-earthly type of day. :lol:

I did a Bentonite Treatment, something I haven't done in a year or two simply because the first experience made my scalp BURN. I literally had flashbacks of getting a relaxer and I was natural at the time.

So after deciding that I did want my hair to get really purified, I naively went ahead for it. The clay I had was like a year or two old so I wasn't sure if it would still have the same effects. But nevertheless, I poured some clay powder in a bowl, a whole heap'a lotta apple cider vinegar and I got scared when everything started to fizzle. I thought it was gonna explode like some kinda bootleg science project! :lachen: So I IMMEDIATELY took it to my bathroom sink and poured some water in it and mixed it til it had a fairly...smooth...consistency. It was still lots of lumps but it wasn't too bad. Then I added in some avocado and castor oil and stirred it all in. Applied to my hair and left on for like 25 minutes. To my surprise...no tingles. I was glad at that but concerned that maybe it didn't work.

Ya'll, as I rinsed my hair in the shower my hair felt sooooooo GOOOOOOOD Like eh mah gawd! lol My coils was just POPPING like firecrackers I loved it! Plus my hair felt super duper soft and my scalp was clean! Man I loved my hair today, and so following that I went ahead and finger detangled in the shower.

I have totally figured out that finger detangling works best for me when done in the shower under running water. I couldn't believe how well my hair was being detangled and how patient I was with it. It went by really fast too, faster than it would be if I were outside the shower doing it. I did use a lot of my suave naturals conditioner but then quickly dipped under the water to add more "slip" i guess....Then rinsed that completely out and now I am underneath a plastic cap doing some sort of oil treatment. It's been an hour now so I'm about to go rinse but honestly, my hair feels really REALLY good. All I'm gonna do after I rinse is remist with water and seal in with an oil and that'll be pretty much it.

Mother Nature don't be playin yo.:lachen:
 
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