12 inches in 12 months - 2014

[fancypants007]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

I am getting so hair lazy. I did my tea rinse and forgot to put on my NJoy Growth Oil. After I started apply my conditioner I remembered I didn't feeling like doing it then. But I made myself. It was a half hearted attempt.

It must be time to put my hair up and away again.

You will get there. You have to remember what you also have been thorough these past few months; give yourself time because you probably are still adjusting to your changed circumstances. We want hair length, but it's not priority. You know when you will be ready. Right now, you might not feel up to it, and that too is OK. Remember this is a fun challenge; there is no pressure, no stress. We do what we do and if we can't do, then that's OK too. We are all here to support and to encourage and to be loving and kind. I do appreciate you checking in because I was just thinking about you. Please be patient with yourself and you will be back on track before you know it.

 

[fancypants007]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Hey ah girlies, I haven't posted in a good while. I'm officially 4 weeks and 1 day post relaxer at the moment. I'd say my NG is about 3/4" in some areas and 1/2" in others, the very front is slowest for me so I'd say maybe 1/4". Im not one of those that gets the 1" per month, sadly, lol. i wish!

I slacked off on the growth aids (liquid gold hair oil) and focused on trying to DC twice a week and keep my protein/moisture balance in check. Gosh! I'm still learning, but I've learned over the past month, after much research online ( blackgirllonghair.com and urbanbushbabes.com) that my hair is highly porous. Brilliant! So to only is it very coily (4b or ab? Dunno) and fine, and color treated(recovering) its also highly porous, smh. Lol. Anyhow the nexus polymedic emergence has been fantastic, I actually prefer it to apogee 2 step protein right now bc it has slip so its easier for me to distribute it thought out the hair. And I've done AVC rinses once every 2 weeks. THAT has been really helpful, all this learning! I wish I knew this years ago, but so it goes.

Oh!!! I wanted to share that I used the herbal essences hello hydration conditioner as a DC. I saturated my hair with it after shampooing and rinsing. I added a bit of mane and tail deep moisturizing conditioner too. THEN I took a handful of coconut oil and distributed it throughout, OMG I was easy to detangle with my fingers alone, mind u I'm only 4 weeks post, but still! I sat under the dryer with a plastic cap for 45 mins. And rinse it ou wih cold water and did the ACV rinse. It came out pretty well! I'm happy I tried at out. It may not be for everyone, I guess it can make people's hair oily or weighed down, but my hair seemed to like it. It gets dry so easily.

I need to remember to moisturizer and seal daily and to get my fruits and veggies in daily too. I'm really hoping to do a long stretch, ie till the end of November, pray for me plz!

I wish everyone best of luck on this 12 month journey!

Girl, it is so true that we wish we had this knowledge months/years ago but having and gaining knowledge now is still beneficial. Growing hair for some of us can be painstaking, but well worth it when we reach our goals. I've heard alot about Hello Hydration by Herbal Essensce. If this works for you, go for it. I started using gelatin as a protein treatment instead of aphogee 2 step and it works just as good. Paying attention to how our hair responds to certain products is key and I'm glad these products are working for you. Hoping that everyone too will reach their hair goals. Thanks for checking in.

 

[fancypants007]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Oh and another thing, lol it's seems I have loads to say today, hehe,

I was thinking of doing a garlic infused evoo mix and putting that on my scalp and bagging the night before DC, cuz I read that garlic should be good for hair growth,

Has anyone tried anything similar?

Sometime ago I tried the hairdrenalin portion mix which consists of garlic and onion but I stopped using it. I think I got some growth from it. Perhaps someone else can chime in and perhaps share some type of recipe, or if you like you can google it. If I remember, there were some hair concoctions that people made that used garlic.

 

[fancypants007]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

OH GAWD NO! erplexed

I remember I did this once and that smell..... It was thee WORST smell in history. It turned me off from using garlic EVER.

Buuuuut'uuuum, maybe you could deal with it. I wouldn't suggest baggying with it overnight, but ummm yeah. I think there are garlic supplements but just beware, that mess STANK!!!

Yes, I agree. I purchased the odorless kind and you could still smell it. I'm personally not crazy about garlic. I love to use a little for cooking purposes, but if I smell it on people, well that's another story.

 

[caliscurls]

Something weird is going on with my hair. I've been traveling extensively for the last month for business and vacation (sitting in a hotel room right now in fact) and my hair has become really dry....I haven't changed anything though

Before I left for this trip I did an overnight DC which seemed to help some but I can tell these strands need more...they're singing "feed me Cali" (to the little shop of horrors tune)

When I get home next week I'll do it again I guess... Any advice?

The good news though is that my hair is almost back to its thick glory!!! Its starting to look full again. Yay! Transitioning back to natural is definitely the right thing for me.

 

[fancypants007]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Something weird is going on with my hair. I've been traveling extensively for the last month for business and vacation (sitting in a hotel room right now in fact) and my hair has become really dry....I haven't changed anything though

Before I left for this trip I did an overnight DC which seemed to help some but I can tell these strands need more...they're singing "feed me Cali" (to the little shop of horrors tune)

When I get home next week I'll do it again I guess... Any advice?

The good news though is that my hair is almost back to its thick glory!!! Its starting to look full again. Yay! Transitioning back to natural is definitely the right thing for me.

Our hair responds to the environment. Perhaps where you are the climate is more drier, I don't know. I personally am loving the hydration I get from using the Shea Moisture and Neutrogena leave ins. My hair feels so moisturised. I was using a spray leave in which kept my hair wet. These concoctions are so much better for my hair. So I would suggest getting some products that truly hydrate the hair instead of just weighing it down or sitting on top of hair. I'm loving the Shea Moisture products. Just a suggestion.

 

[caliscurls]

Our hair responds to the environment. Perhaps where you are the climate is more drier, I don't know. I personally am loving the hydration I get from using the Shea Moisture and Neutrogena leave ins. My hair feels so moisturised. I was using a spray leave in which kept my hair wet. These concoctions are so much better for my hair. So I would suggest getting some products that truly hydrate the hair instead of just weighing it down or sitting on top of hair. I'm loving the Shea Moisture products. Just a suggestion.

And just when I had the PJ under control! For the most part it has been dryer climates so maybe that's it. My products seemed to be working up until now....maybe I'll give it another month before buying anything to give the hair time to normalize. This should be my last trip for the year. In the mean time I do have some glycerin I could add sparingly to my water based leave-in

 

[candie19]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Just checking in. I decided to buy a half wig so I can corn roll my hair. I spent $30 and hated it. It just didn't seem authentic. I was in TJ Maxx to buy my joico products with my wig on and passed by the scarves. I bought three and I'm so happy!! I feel like I'm back in the Middle East, my hair is so moisturized but its so not attractive.......oh well, my hair will thank me for it!!! I'll do my length check Sept 1 hopefully I'll have some growth.

 

[fancypants007]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

And just when I had the PJ under control! For the most part it has been dryer climates so maybe that's it. My products seemed to be working up until now....maybe I'll give it another month before buying anything to give the hair time to normalize. This should be my last trip for the year. In the mean time I do have some glycerin I could add sparingly to my water based leave-in

Yes, you be the judge as to how your hair responds. I was using a water base moisturiser with aloe vera and glycerin and I just didn't like how my hair appeared always to be greasy. It could have been it was just too much glycerin for my fine strands. Keep us posted. Don't want that hair to stay dry because that's when the mishaps happen and those mishaps sneak up on you. So keep alert and try to keep those strands moist.

 

[fancypants007]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Just checking in. I decided to buy a half wig so I can corn roll my hair. I spent $30 and hated it. It just didn't seem authentic. I was in TJ Maxx to buy my joico products with my wig on and passed by the scarves. I bought three and I'm so happy!! I feel like I'm back in the Middle East, my hair is so moisturized but its so not attractive.......oh well, my hair will thank me for it!!! I'll do my length check Sept 1 hopefully I'll have some growth.

Yes we need to do what we can do. I remember the post some years ago with the woman who grew 8-9 inches of hair in a year. One of the things she said was when she saw other women with cute styles, and her hair in the boring basic bun, or whatever protective style she had, she remembered her goal and that was longer hair. So she sacrificed looking cute, to gain length and no doubt she received it. Sometimes, we won't look as attractive as we want to be, but your hair is moisturised and you are focused and that is what matters because moisture, strength and protection leads to length. Keep doing what you're doing.

 

[caliscurls]

Couldn't take it anymore but my choices of action are limited since I'm still on the road. I ended up co-washing with hotel conditioner just what I would consider my pony tail, air dried, then applied my products via LOC. it feels much softer and this is day 2....so maybe I'll do that every couple of days instead of the glycerin which tends to be tricky for me. Always better to keep it simple!

 

[fancypants007]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Hello, I'm checking in. Nothing drastic, just I finally put my hair in braids/twists. I wanted to do jumbo marley twists, but those things were too big for me. I just used the same hair and did braids, and then twisted to the ends. I'm wearing an updo. I think it only took me around 1 1/2 hours to do. I will be redoing them every 2 weeks. I will be moisturising my braids once a week, and cleansing my scalp every PM and afterwards oiling with gro aut oil. This is my low manipulation style that will take me into the winter months and I will be doing very little to my hair during the 2 weeks the braids are in. I try to over saturate my hair with oils, butters to keep moisturised since I know I will be doing very little to my hair. I will try to keep the scalp cleanse and oiling my scalp diligently and scalp massages. Hoping to get some increased growth during this period.

Remember I was looking for a protein powder drink some time ago, well I happened to run into a website called http://www.hairvitaminstore.com/

They have a lot of products. I purchased their protein powder which has 26 grams of protein. I will let you know how it is. I also purchased their washing powder which says it will help reduce buildup on hair and scalp. Since I use a water-base leave in, oil, butter, activator gel to help keep hair moist while doing my braids, when I wash I want all of that out of my hair. It's also suppose to strength your hair which will help balance the moisture overload. I will give a review to let everyone know how it is. Just wanted to share. Thank you ladies for checking in and keeping this thread moving. We all want to stay encouraged and motivated to reach our goal of 12 inches in 12 months or increased inches at the end of this challenge. Stay hopeful!

 

[candie19]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Remember I was looking for a protein powder drink some time ago, well I happened to run into a website called http://www.hairvitaminstore.com/[/b]

It's Christmas in August. Off too see what I can buy! Thanks!!!
Keep us updated!

 

[fancypants007]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

It's Christmas in August. Off too see what I can buy! Thanks!!!
Keep us updated!

Girl, they also have a grow hair challenge. There products seem good and I'm going to order more of their protein shake and washing powder. Right now I think that's all I need. These protein shake powders only have servings for 11 or 14 which only will last about 2 weeks if you take it everyday. I take it M-F and I decided to do half and half. The protein powder I get at Walmart gives 11 servings but it only cost $9.99, the protein powder from hairvitamins.com has 14 servings but it cost $24.95 and that is on sale. At least I can stretch for about 1 month and still be getting the benefits of the protein. I feel much better paying $24.95 a month then every 2 weeks. The washing powder I will use every time I come out of braids which will be every 2 weeks. I love using something other than shampoo to clean my hair and it not only says it will clean, but strengthen the hair as well. Check out their website and let us know what you think.

 

[Duchess007]

I'm so lazy I don't think I can add anything else. I joined a 30 day squat challenge on facebook. I do the squats then lay back down and watch tv.

That's the best thing I've ever heard.

Sent from my iPhone using LHCF

 

[nyunyu]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Hey there! Quick question, does anyone here have fine strands, and has tried cassia(or henna)?

I'm seriously considering buying some on amazon on payday, my strands a ooooooooober fine! Sigh! I don't use heat at all at all, I only air dry, no flat iron, and it seems I've been unintentionally transitioning to texlaxed, lol smh, it's ok though. I just want something to make my strands stronger. I currently use nexxus polymedic emergency weekly and moisture DC twice a week.

Any advice would be a great help for me!

 

[nyunyu]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Oh gosh, smh! Plz forgive my "autocorrect" mistakes in my last post. Lol!

 

[mccray689]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Just checking in. I made Shoulder length after battling to grow back my hair from a dreadful earlength hair cut from January of this year. I'm want to make APL by the end of the year but it likely won't happen. I'm putting my hair back in braids tomorrow and will continue to oil my scalp and begin a high protein diet in september. I've been building up my protein intake for a while so It won't be such a hard adjustment.

 

[fancypants007]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Hey there! Quick question, does anyone here have fine strands, and has tried cassia(or henna)?

I'm seriously considering buying some on amazon on payday, my strands a ooooooooober fine! Sigh! I don't use heat at all at all, I only air dry, no flat iron, and it seems I've been unintentionally transitioning to texlaxed, lol smh, it's ok though. I just want something to make my strands stronger. I currently use nexxus polymedic emergency weekly and moisture DC twice a week.

Any advice would be a great help for me!

My hair is fine and I use henna all the time. I now mix it with a conditioner and do a henna gloss where I leave it on between 4-5 hours. I then do a indigo afterwards and my hair turns into a deep burgundy brown that I absolutely love. I don't care too much for cassavia which is neutral henna. I mix my henna with shea moisture yucca and babaob anti-breakage masque and it is working perfectly for me. I do it every 2 weeks. Yes my strands has strengthen and I believe the shea moisture yucca and babaob thickening milk lotion has also contributed to my hair thickening somewhat. Just make sure if you do henna that it is the body art quality, no metallics and other chemicals. I buy the Ayur Rajasthani brand from my local Indian grocer and I love it!

 

[fancypants007]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Oh gosh, smh! Plz forgive my "autocorrect" mistakes in my last post. Lol!

Don't worry, it's all good!

 

[fancypants007]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Just checking in. I made Shoulder length after battling to grow back my hair from a dreadful earlength hair cut from January of this year. I'm want to make APL by the end of the year but it likely won't happen. I'm putting my hair back in braids tomorrow and will continue to oil my scalp and begin a high protein diet in september. I've been building up my protein intake for a while so It won't be such a hard adjustment.

Thanks for checking in and stay positive, you will get there! I have uped my protein intake as well with protein powders. I have my hair in braids too and I'm doing the cleansing scalp, oiling scalp with massages and every other day or every 2 days, I moisturised my braids. I'm also doing the GHE, and my hair is soooo moist. I will be redoing these braids every 2 weeks, so I'm hoping too to get some serious growth. Stay focused and encouraged and you will get there.

 

[Blessed&higlyflavoured]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Checking in.
I went product shopping today. I got some more Hawaiian Silky Gel Curl Activator, Elasta QP Mango and Olive Butter, ORS Replenishing Conditioner and Phytorelax Instant Reconstuctor Milk. I got the Reconstructor Milk for free *yay*.

Oh I almost forgot i've got a massive bottle of tressemme naturals moisture conditioner for cowashing for 2 quid. :O I also have to pick up either some castor oil, or a sealing serum and some Hair skin and Nail vitamins because i'm plum out (I've been taking them cada dia). I think they're working.

I've been wearing my hair in loose medium sized twists, either in a bun or in flat twists. I cowash them when they feel producty and dry. I've eased up with the constant washing because how dirty can hair get in 1 week if you wear it up all the time?

I've also decided not to henna again. I love the colour and the strength it gives to the length of my hair, but the dryness causes my ends to disintegrate. Not really worth it. I've been dusting away any suspicious ends but i'm not doing any trims until november. I suspect I trim far to frequently and that's why i'm not seeing as much length as i should. I don't think i'll make apl this year. If i do it would be a tortured stringy apl and when i get their i want to arrive in style. . I'm okay with it because for the first time in a long while i actually like my hair. I want it longer but i like the way it feels and the colour and the healthiness of it.

I'm so happy with the new gained thickness now i'm just waiting for some significant length. How are you ladies? Are you trying anything new or dropping any practices?

 

[fancypants007]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Checking in.
I went product shopping today. I got some more Hawaiian Silky Gel Curl Activator, Elasta QP Mango and Olive Butter, ORS Replenishing Conditioner and Phytorelax Instant Reconstuctor Milk. I got the Reconstructor Milk for free *yay*.

Oh I almost forgot i've got a massive bottle of tressemme naturals moisture conditioner for cowashing for 2 quid. :O I also have to pick up either some castor oil, or a sealing serum and some Hair skin and Nail vitamins because i'm plum out (I've been taking them cada dia). I think they're working.

I've been wearing my hair in loose medium sized twists, either in a bun or in flat twists. I cowash them when they feel producty and dry. I've eased up with the constant washing because how dirty can hair get in 1 week if you wear it up all the time?

I've also decided not to henna again. I love the colour and the strength it gives to the length of my hair, but the dryness causes my ends to disintegrate. Not really worth it. I've been dusting away any suspicious ends but i'm not doing any trims until november. I suspect I trim far to frequently and that's why i'm not seeing as much length as i should. I don't think i'll make apl this year. If i do it would be a tortured stringy apl and when i get their i want to arrive in style. . I'm okay with it because for the first time in a long while i actually like my hair. I want it longer but i like the way it feels and the colour and the healthiness of it.

I'm so happy with the new gained thickness now i'm just waiting for some significant length. How are you ladies? Are you trying anything new or dropping any practices?

Thanks for checking in. I do henna glosses with conditioner and I don't have any problem with my ends, but I will certainly keep alert to make sure my ends are staying moist and not dry. I'm keeping my hair in braid/twists and redoing them every 2 weeks. I cleanse my scalp every PM follow up with Gro Aut hair butter and massage for 5 minutes. I started back doing the GHE and I tell you my hair is sooo moist. I think when I'm doing my scalp cleanse my hair is really getting moisturised. Anyhow, I purchased some hawaiian 14n1 to moisturise my braids, but I'm trying to do it every 2 days. I'm loving my hair too, and hoping for thickness like you. It doesn't seem like I have gotten too many inches this go round, but we still have many months to go. Maybe my hair will play catch up but it's all good! Keeping up with supplements is key and paying attention to our hair is also vital. It seems like you are on track making tweaks and adjustments as needed. It's nice to hear that you're loving your hair, the thickness, healthiness etc. Obviously, you're doing something right. Keep up the good work!

 

[nyunyu]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

My hair is fine and I use henna all the time. I now mix it with a conditioner and do a henna gloss where I leave it on between 4-5 hours. I then do a indigo afterwards and my hair turns into a deep burgundy brown that I absolutely love. I don't care too much for cassavia which is neutral henna. I mix my henna with shea moisture yucca and babaob anti-breakage masque and it is working perfectly for me. I do it every 2 weeks. Yes my strands has strengthen and I believe the shea moisture yucca and babaob thickening milk lotion has also contributed to my hair thickening somewhat. Just make sure if you do henna that it is the body art quality, no metallics and other chemicals. I buy the Ayur Rajasthani brand from my local Indian grocer and I love it!

Thanx sooo much! Ok so I have to find some henna on amazon! Yay!

 

[fancypants007]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Thanx sooo much! Ok so I have to find some henna on amazon! Yay!

You're welcome. I was searching for a shampoo powder since I purchased the Nuzri brand which is $14.95 on sale and it's not really that much and I came across this website http://www.sababotanical.com/Lustrous-Henna-Hair-Colors-s/63.htm

They have a henna shampoo powder that I'm thinking about trying and they also carry other products. Their prices are also very reasonable. Check in out and let me know what you think.

 

[Mskraizy]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Hi ladies. I've started taking down my yarn braids and even though I'm not taking any official length check pics until the end of the year, doesn't stop me from trying to see in my mirror. lol I'm not for exact sure but I think I'm MBL now!

All I know is that it definitely passes my bra strap but sometimes it doesn't. I don't know if my hair is trying to tease me or something but it'd be cool if I really am MBL and on my way to WL. I have 4 months to get there! Tee hee!

 

[fancypants007]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Hi ladies. I've started taking down my yarn braids and even though I'm not taking any official length check pics until the end of the year, doesn't stop me from trying to see in my mirror. lol I'm not for exact sure but I think I'm MBL now!

All I know is that it definitely passes my bra strap but sometimes it doesn't. I don't know if my hair is trying to tease me or something but it'd be cool if I really am MBL and on my way to WL. I have 4 months to get there! Tee hee!

Who hooo! That is sooo nice to hear. Are you keeping your hair in yarn braids as your protective style until the end of this challenge? This is what I think I'm going to do, keep braids in my hair until the end of this challenge. The good thing though, is it's only taking me 1 1/2 hours to do and I'm redoing them every 2 weeks. I'm so amazed at how my hair is so moisturised even though I'm doing very little to my hair. I try to keep scalp cleanse and that water must be seeping into my braids and I saturate my braids with oils and butters and it is keeping my hair very moist. I will be taking them down on Friday and redoing them on Saturday. I agree with you about the length check. Instead of showing a progress pic, I will try to report every 2 months how many inches I achieved and give a length check at the end of this challenge. I'm on point and consistent and hope everyone else is too.

 

[faithVA]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Hi ladies. I've started taking down my yarn braids and even though I'm not taking any official length check pics until the end of the year, doesn't stop me from trying to see in my mirror. lol I'm not for exact sure but I think I'm MBL now!

All I know is that it definitely passes my bra strap but sometimes it doesn't. I don't know if my hair is trying to tease me or something but it'd be cool if I really am MBL and on my way to WL. I have 4 months to get there! Tee hee!

Congratulations. That is exciting. Can't wait to see it.

 

[faithVA]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

I'm still here. I'm just not updating much. Have a lot going on. Nothing new. Washing once a week and wearing twist. Not doing anything extra to improve growth. Will dust in September to make sure my ends stay healthy.

 

[caliscurls]

Checking in, the dryness is finally under control but I think I may have lost an inch due to breakage over the last month. No new products, I've just changed my routine to include co-washing my ends and/or and shower steaming mid-week. The other thing I'm doing which may sound weird is combing my hair...usually I finger detangle but I've found that using a shower comb to detangle instead not only is quicker, but done gently results in less hair on the floor and a smoother/softer finish.