12 inches in 12 months - 2014

[fancypants007]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Well, I kinda already did check in, but I still think I'm somewhere around MBL. My hair keeps playing me stretched far one day and stretching shorter the next. I still think I'm MBL though **crosses fingers**

If I am MBL then that means I am definitely on track for getting as close to WL by the end of the year as possible!

I have kind of fallen off from oiling and massaging my scalp on a daily basis so I'll try to get back to that. I really believes that help stimulate growth in my scalp, but this heat might be doing enough stimulation.

I really want to say that I'm gonna get back on my fitness game...and I need to. Feelin some unwanted pounds trying to seep back into my life. doggone mcdonalds....

Other than that, still gonna keep up my protective styling. I want to go back into yarn braids again. I loved the pink/purple/brown highlights so much I may add them again or possibly do dark blue/brown highlights this time....it depends. We'll see.

Does anyone else feel like the longer their hair gets the less you know what to do with it? I mean I love the idea of having longer hair but the more I have of it, the less I want to do it, the less I want to style it, the less I KNOW how to style it.........does this happen to many long-haired ladies??

Thanks for checking in, you are very consistent with that and I appreciate it very much. Keeps me encouraged and on point. We are starting another 2 months and want to achieve what we got the previous months if not more. I love long hair and do know how to style it, but I will probably keep it simple. Most ladies still wear buns, braids, ponies, etc. Look at Jewell's beautiful hair. She has almost hip length hair and she chooses to still wear it in a bun. I would imagine on special occassions, you would want to style it differently.

 

[fancypants007]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

For strength after each shampoo i deep condition with a protein dc and follow up with a moisturizing dc. After each mid week co-wash i follow up with a protein leave in. And and i M&S with a penetrating oil or a ceramide oil.

The Protein DC are either tigi dumb blonde reconstructor or Aphogee 2 min.
The Leave ins are either PhytoRelax Instant reconstructing Milk or Aphogee green tea restructurizer
and the penetrating oil is ALWAYS Dabur Vatika oil and the ceramide is either sunflower oil or grapeseed oil.

I use Hawaiian Silky dry gel activator as a moisturiser. I like it because it's moisturising but not clammy like other glycerin products and doesn't smell too strong. It has a tendency to curdle when mixed with other products though so i wait until my hairs dry before i put it in on wash day.

I try not to manipulate my hair when super wet or keep it moist for too long because some strands are really fine and just don't like it, so baggy or GHE isn't for me. I like the idea of just baggying the ends just to get that extra oomph from the products. I'm not sure my hairs long enough to do that though.
I prefer minibraids over twists because my vanity sometimes takes over my good intentions. If i'm going out i sometimes do impromptu twist outs. It ends up ruining my protective styling challenges. Try and do and impromptu braid out on 100 minibraids. I plan to keep these minibraids in for 2 months and then redo. Have you noticed a difference in growth since you slowed up on inversion and stuff?

Thanks for the breakdown. I decided to do Chicoro pre protein treatment. I ordered all the amino acids and will be doing this twice a month along with henna gloss using Mane n Tail original conditioner or another moisturising conditioner. I use powders mixed with conditioner to wash my hair and hopefully it will help strengthen my fine strands. I know what you mean about the GHE. I stopped doing it for my entire head but will start doing it on my pony that is on top of my head. I will see how this works. I know you have to use natural products such as water, oils and butters for GHE, but when you use other products, conditioners, it becomes the baggy method. It's funny that you mention about the inversion, because looking at my new growth before I braided my hair last saturday, it seemed to me that it didn't seem as much. Thanks for bringing it to my attention because I would have never thought of it. I will start back doing my inversion method this week.

 

[fancypants007]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

fancypants007 I would rate my brother's massage a 8.5 because it could have gone longer and I wish he would have considered not involving my hair so much and just focus on my scalp lol but hey! He is a man after all lol!!!

Today I went on a haul for some much needed products that was out of stock. I may have went overboard but I love everything about hair and MY hair so whatever lol it is what it is. I have been back on MN and I used it today. I will not use it tomorrow due to increased build up if used daily however I will apply again Thursday and every other day so forth. I start working out tomorrow as well, just some walking maybe a jog here and there to start off with. I have still been M&S nightly and I always make sure to DC. I have started back prepooing before washes and cowashes so I'm trying to do better. Anywho I just took my supplements and to bed I go! Nite!

8.5 is good! A man's hands are so strong and powerful and it is good that he assists you with that. I remember a old beauty book I read some years ago and it talked about this salon in NY where they had paid body builders that would give clients a 5 minute massage. Can you imagine the blood flow they received and you have one right in your midst. Wow!

 

[fancypants007]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

fancypants007, what concoction did you buy?

It's called the Hair Sonic. They have sonic for everything and I never heard of this until I was searching for some massaging unit. I was tempted to buy a scalp massager called I believe Brookstone Scalp Massager, but instead I opted for this one. I love it!

 

[faithVA]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

I don't have an official check in. I haven't didn't take many pictures or do length checks from April through July. I don't know where my hair was start of July. I was wearing finger coils in April and May. I think I switched over to 2 strand twists in May. My 2 strand twists in June was aiight but I was still wearing a headband because they weren't hanging well in the front. Now I am in comfortable, wearing two strand twists that hang slightly in the front with no headband.

I have started back to taking pictures so I will have a real update next check in. My hair is growing and retaining. Just not sure how much.

Here's my hair mid-april


Here's my hair end of August


Definitely better.

I am glad this runs until next year.

 

[faithVA]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

I went with my girlfriend to a hair consultation last night and it motivated me to get back on my game at least for my scalp. I have my oil blend that I used when I first started working on my scalp. I promise myself that I am going to apply that daily and massage my scalp for at least 1 minute a day for all of September. I will start today.

I have started back with exercise.

I am letting go of the NJoy's growth oil and the biotin. Both of them break me out.

My new plan 9/1 - 10/31
1. Scalp massages with oil blend, minimum 1 minute daily
2. Protective Styling with 2 strand twist
3. No heat unless rollersets. If rollerset will oil scalp prior and will use only medium heat with 5 minute breaks every 20 minutes of heat.
4. Work up to 30 minutes of exercise at least 3 days a week. (yoga, walking, cycling)
5. Prepoo with oil for at least 30 minutes every week.
6. Dust every 8 to 12 weeks
7. Determine how and how often to moisture and seal in twist
8. Finger detangle after DCing
9. Wash in 6 sections
10. Sleep with a silk or satin scarf every night or a silk pillowcase and/or both!
11. Drink min of 48 oz of water daily
12. Take 1 step monthly to improve diet
13. Daily smoothie at least 5x a week
14. Daily vitamins
15. Bedtime by 10:30, up by 6:45 am
16. Wash and DC weekly
17. Revise list as needed Oct 31st.

 

[fancypants007]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

I don't have an official check in. I haven't didn't take many pictures or do length checks from April through July. I don't know where my hair was start of July. I was wearing finger coils in April and May. I think I switched over to 2 strand twists in May. My 2 strand twists in June was aiight but I was still wearing a headband because they weren't hanging well in the front. Now I am in comfortable, wearing two strand twists that hang slightly in the front with no headband.

I have started back to taking pictures so I will have a real update next check in. My hair is growing and retaining. Just not sure how much.

Here's my hair mid-april
View attachment 223823

Here's my hair end of August
View attachment 223825

Definitely better.

I am glad this runs until next year.

Looks good and can definitely see the growth.

 

[fancypants007]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

I went with my girlfriend to a hair consultation last night and it motivated me to get back on my game at least for my scalp. I have my oil blend that I used when I first started working on my scalp. I promise myself that I am going to apply that daily and massage my scalp for at least 1 minute a day for all of September. I will start today.

I have started back with exercise.

I am letting go of the NJoy's growth oil and the biotin. Both of them break me out.

My new plan 9/1 - 10/31
1. Scalp massages with oil blend, minimum 1 minute daily
2. Protective Styling with 2 strand twist
3. No heat unless rollersets. If rollerset will oil scalp prior and will use only medium heat with 5 minute breaks every 20 minutes of heat.
4. Work up to 30 minutes of exercise at least 3 days a week. (yoga, walking, cycling)
5. Prepoo with oil for at least 30 minutes every week.
6. Dust every 8 to 12 weeks
7. Determine how and how often to moisture and seal in twist
8. Finger detangle after DCing
9. Wash in 6 sections
10. Sleep with a silk or satin scarf every night or a silk pillowcase and/or both!
11. Drink min of 48 oz of water daily
12. Take 1 step monthly to improve diet
13. Daily smoothie at least 5x a week
14. Daily vitamins
15. Bedtime by 10:30, up by 6:45 am
16. Wash and DC weekly
17. Revise list as needed Oct 31st.

See that's what I'm talking about. I knew it would be a matter of time before you would be back full swing. Your regime sounds good. You definitely are doing something right because I see progress with your pics. Thanks for posting.

 

[faithVA]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Thanks fancypants.

 

[Blessed&higlyflavoured]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

faithVA wow thats such a reasonable plan and your hair is lovely and thick. I think i'll do something similar tomorrow

 

[faithVA]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

@faithVA wow thats such a reasonable plan and your hair is lovely and thick. I think i'll do something similar tomorrow

Thank you llan. You ladies keep me going and keep me on track. If I weren't in this thread, I would be continually on slack mode.

Everytime I see this thread pop up it is a reminder.

 

[fancypants007]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Thank you llan. You ladies keep me going and keep me on track. If I weren't in this thread, I would be continually on slack mode.

Everytime I see this thread pop up it is a reminder.

That is what being supportive means, being there. We all are trying to do what we can do to achieve this goal and having the support and encouragement from others helps us to stay focus and on track.

 

[faithVA]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Today I did the following...
1. Scalp massages with oil blend, minimum 1 minute daily
4. Cycled but only for 15 minutes. Working up to more
7. Moisturized, Baggied for 15+ minutes and sealed
10. Will sleep on satin pillow case
11. Drink min of 48 oz of water daily
13. Daily smoothie at least 5x a week
14. Daily vitamins

 

[fancypants007]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Today I did the following...
1. Scalp massages with oil blend, minimum 1 minute daily
4. Cycled but only for 15 minutes. Working up to more
7. Moisturized, Baggied for 15+ minutes and sealed
10. Will sleep on satin pillow case
11. Drink min of 48 oz of water daily
13. Daily smoothie at least 5x a week
14. Daily vitamins

Thanks for checking in. I stopped during the GHE, but I think I'm going to just do my pony and not my entire head. I think it is helpful to keep hair moist. This is where protein is very beneficial because I don't want my hair to be overly moist and mushy. I'm going to try Chicoro method this week and I'm also using ayuredic powders mixed with conditioner for my shampoo/cleansing followed with henna mixed with ORS hair repair and hopefully I will get to balance my hair strands with the right moisture/protein balance. Are you still using NJoy's sulfur oil? What is your oil blend if you don't mind sharing.

 

[faithVA]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Thanks for checking in. I stopped during the GHE, but I think I'm going to just do my pony and not my entire head. I think it is helpful to keep hair moist. This is where protein is very beneficial because I don't want my hair to be overly moist and mushy. I'm going to try Chicoro method this week and I'm also using ayuredic powders mixed with conditioner for my shampoo/cleansing followed with henna mixed with ORS hair repair and hopefully I will get to balance my hair strands with the right moisture/protein balance. Are you still using NJoy's sulfur oil? What is your oil blend if you don't mind sharing.

I am using the diluted NJoy's Growth oil as a prepoo on wash day. The sulfur really breaks me out. I gave the other bottle away.

The oil blend I use mid-week is a blend of castor oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, vitamine e,rosemary, sage, thyme and lavendar.

 

[faithVA]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

I was lazy over the weekend.

I did a scalp massage Friday night but not sure if I used oil. I prepooed with diluted NJoy's growth oil Saturday and massaged for several minutes. I didn't oil on Sunday but I did massage for a minute.

Looking at my growth from July 1st, I am barely getting my 1/2" a month, if that. But at least my hair seems to be getting healthier. I hope my ends continue to hold up.

I am suffering from a bout of depression right now so having a hard time choosing a healthy lifestyle. Hoping this will past soon. Maybe it is just the change of seasons.

 

[Blessed&higlyflavoured]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

I was lazy over the weekend.

I did a scalp massage Friday night but not sure if I used oil. I prepooed with diluted NJoy's growth oil Saturday and massaged for several minutes. I didn't oil on Sunday but I did massage for a minute.

Looking at my growth from July 1st, I am barely getting my 1/2" a month, if that. But at least my hair seems to be getting healthier. I hope my ends continue to hold up.

I am suffering from a bout of depression right now so having a hard time choosing a healthy lifestyle. Hoping this will past soon. Maybe it is just the change of seasons.

faithVA
As your hair gets healthier, you'll find yourself needing to do less to maintain it. All i did was cowash and rub some olive oil and it feels fine.
What are you doing to get through your bout?

 

[faithVA]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

faithVA
As your hair gets healthier, you'll find yourself needing to do less to maintain it. All i did was cowash and rub some olive oil and it feels fine.
What are you doing to get through your bout?

I am looking forward to an easier regimen. And I know a few more inches would help as well.

Not doing much to get through this bout at the moment. I shut it down this weekend and just stayed in and did nothing. I have had so many busy weeks. I will do a little exercise when I get home. I plan on taking it easy this week and put a lot of housework on hold.

 

[fancypants007]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

I am using the diluted NJoy's Growth oil as a prepoo on wash day. The sulfur really breaks me out. I gave the other bottle away.

The oil blend I use mid-week is a blend of castor oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, vitamine e,rosemary, sage, thyme and lavendar.

Your oil blend sounds good. I know what you mean, I get an allergic reaction to from her sulfur mix. I still have the other bottle, I'm going to blend with other oils, half and half to see what I get. I hope not a reaction still.

 

[fancypants007]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

I was lazy over the weekend.

I did a scalp massage Friday night but not sure if I used oil. I prepooed with diluted NJoy's growth oil Saturday and massaged for several minutes. I didn't oil on Sunday but I did massage for a minute.

Looking at my growth from July 1st, I am barely getting my 1/2" a month, if that. But at least my hair seems to be getting healthier. I hope my ends continue to hold up.

I am suffering from a bout of depression right now so having a hard time choosing a healthy lifestyle. Hoping this will past soon. Maybe it is just the change of seasons.

Yes not getting much growth can be disheartening, but it will improve. It could be because you're under some pressure, stress and these moments/days impact us unexpectedly that affect our entire being. Sometimes, i like quiet times, just being by myself to collect my thoughts which helps me alot and I'm not ashamed to admit that sometimes crying is good because it releases those chemicals which cause us to be stressed and actually makes us feel better. This will pass. Just be patient with yourself and do what you can do. Just like you found your regime, you will find a healthy lifestyle that will benefit you.

 

[faithVA]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Your oil blend sounds good. I know what you mean, I get an allergic reaction to from her sulfur mix. I still have the other bottle, I'm going to blend with other oils, half and half to see what I get. I hope not a reaction still.

Let me know how the diluted version works for you.

I diluted mine probably 70/30 to 60/40 Growth Oil to additional oils. I tried to use it on just my crown. I still broke out I probably should have done 50/50. When I use it as a prepoo I don't break out. I think when it sits on my scalp it enters my bloodstream. I initially thought it was getting on my skin but I break out around my jaw line and not on other parts of my face.

I can't say it is just her oil. I tried Boundless Tresses 2 years ago and had the same issue. I thought it was her formulation. But since getting the same results with this oil and other people are doing fine with the formulation I realize that I have a serious sensitivity to it. I also have a sensitivity to Biotin.

 

[faithVA]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Yes not getting much growth can be disheartening, but it will improve. It could be because you're under some pressure, stress and these moments/days impact us unexpectedly that affect our entire being. Sometimes, i like quiet times, just being by myself to collect my thoughts which helps me alot and I'm not ashamed to admit that sometimes crying is good because it releases those chemicals which cause us to be stressed and actually makes us feel better. This will pass. Just be patient with yourself and do what you can do. Just like you found your regime, you will find a healthy lifestyle that will benefit you.

Awww your so nice. I'm going to keep coming back in here.

 

[Mskraizy]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Thanks for checking in, you are very consistent with that and I appreciate it very much. Keeps me encouraged and on point. We are starting another 2 months and want to achieve what we got the previous months if not more. I love long hair and do know how to style it, but I will probably keep it simple. Most ladies still wear buns, braids, ponies, etc. Look at Jewell's beautiful hair. She has almost hip length hair and she chooses to still wear it in a bun. I would imagine on special occassions, you would want to style it differently.

Thank you! I do style it differently at times but I just realize that when my hair was shorter, I used to do so many types of updos and styles and whatnot and these days I just don't have much creativity left in me. At times I don't know WHAT to do with it beyond the usual twists and yarn braids....=/

But I had another good wash day. I've been trying hard to keep from using my denman to detangle my hair because everyone says its....not exactly BAD. But not all that good either. But I was very gentle while detangling my hair, I did so in smaller sections and finally my hair feels good and detangled and not like it's gonna start matting on me. I do think finger detangling is a better option, but apparently I'm not doing it right or do not have the patience TO do it right, so I'm sticking by my good ol' denman. It works for me.

Anyways, besides that my ends still look amazing! I set a goal to not trim my hair at all until the end of the year and I may actually be able to stick by that. They still look so amazing and crisp! Detangling with my denman really helps me to get out all the shed hairs so I don't have any strings still being pulled out of my twists (I HATE that!!!). Yeah, my denamn is stiiiil my best friend! lol

 

[fancypants007]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Let me know how the diluted version works for you.

I diluted mine probably 70/30 to 60/40 Growth Oil to additional oils. I tried to use it on just my crown. I still broke out I probably should have done 50/50. When I use it as a prepoo I don't break out. I think when it sits on my scalp it enters my bloodstream. I initially thought it was getting on my skin but I break out around my jaw line and not on other parts of my face.

I can't say it is just her oil. I tried Boundless Tresses 2 years ago and had the same issue. I thought it was her formulation. But since getting the same results with this oil and other people are doing fine with the formulation I realize that I have a serious sensitivity to it. I also have a sensitivity to Biotin.

I mixed mine 50/50 and it seemed to be OK. I haven't used for a minute because I bought some Gro Aut butter and oil. I'm using them up first before I start back with my 50/50 ratio of NJoy's oil to other oils. I can't remember when I was using the 50/50 ratio if I was still getting an allergic reaction. I will keep you posted. Thanks for sharing.

 

[fancypants007]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Awww your so nice. I'm going to keep coming back in here.

Please keep coming back, we need your support!

 

[fancypants007]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Thank you! I do style it differently at times but I just realize that when my hair was shorter, I used to do so many types of updos and styles and whatnot and these days I just don't have much creativity left in me. At times I don't know WHAT to do with it beyond the usual twists and yarn braids....=/

But I had another good wash day. I've been trying hard to keep from using my denman to detangle my hair because everyone says its....not exactly BAD. But not all that good either. But I was very gentle while detangling my hair, I did so in smaller sections and finally my hair feels good and detangled and not like it's gonna start matting on me. I do think finger detangling is a better option, but apparently I'm not doing it right or do not have the patience TO do it right, so I'm sticking by my good ol' denman. It works for me.

Anyways, besides that my ends still look amazing! I set a goal to not trim my hair at all until the end of the year and I may actually be able to stick by that. They still look so amazing and crisp! Detangling with my denman really helps me to get out all the shed hairs so I don't have any strings still being pulled out of my twists (I HATE that!!!). Yeah, my denamn is stiiiil my best friend! lol

Do you wear different styles when you wear your yarn braids? Your hair sounds fabulous and it's so full. I love that about your hair. I'm trying these next few months to strengthen my fine strands. I have to the end of October which is our next check in and I hope the products I'm using will contribute to strengthening my hair. This is what I think is my problem as to why I can't retain length. As pre-treatment I'm going to use Chicoro amino acid treatment, followed with a hair wash powder mixed with a strengthening conditioner as my shampoo. Next I will condition with a henna gloss mix. All of this I will be doing every 2 weeks. This week will be the first time I will be doing it. I don't know if it could be protein overload, but before putting in my braids, I'm saturating my hair with leave in conditioner, oils, activator gel and butter. I don't want moisture overload either. I'm hoping my hair will love this. Time will tell. I will keep everyone posted. Thanks for checking in.

 

[faithVA]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

I oiled my scalp last night and did at least a minute of massage. I moisturized my hair with diluted S-curl and sealed with a shea butter blend. Tonight I may skip the S-Curl. It makes my twists too soft but I may seal my ends again with the shea butter blend. The air is getting drier and my ends are trying to tell me they need more loving

 

[fancypants007]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

I oiled my scalp last night and did at least a minute of massage. I moisturized my hair with diluted S-curl and sealed with a shea butter blend. Tonight I may skip the S-Curl. It makes my twists too soft but I may seal my ends again with the shea butter blend. The air is getting drier and my ends are trying to tell me they need more loving

Thanks for update. I've heard good things about S-Curl and I love all kinds of butters. Before I do my braids, I saturate my hair with leave ins, oils and butters. I know what you mean about the hair being too soft. That's why I want to up my protein. I'm hoping to find that moisture/protein balance. Have you tried the Rosy Scalp cleanser yet? This really keeps my hair moist and my scalp clean. I was using 1T of ACV and aloe vera gel in 4oz of rose water and I think I mistakenly thought that 1 TSP was a tablespoon when I believe it should be tsp. I will make another mix of it and use teaspoon (tsp) not tablespoons. Anyhow, it's doing very well in keeping my hair moisturised. I love it!

 

[faithVA]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Thanks for update. I've heard good things about S-Curl and I love all kinds of butters. Before I do my braids, I saturate my hair with leave ins, oils and butters. I know what you mean about the hair being too soft. That's why I want to up my protein. I'm hoping to find that moisture/protein balance. Have you tried the Rosy Scalp cleanser yet? This really keeps my hair moist and my scalp clean. I was using 1T of ACV and aloe vera gel in 4oz of rose water and I think I mistakenly thought that 1 TSP was a tablespoon when I believe it should be tsp. I will make another mix of it and use teaspoon (tsp) not tablespoons. Anyhow, it's doing very well in keeping my hair moisturised. I love it!

My hair no like butters or oils I tried to make her like them

I haven't tried the rosy scalp cleanser yet. I said I was going to give it a try in October and see if I can keep my twist in for 2 weeks. My crown is fussing at me again so I'm not sure if I'm ready to skip a wash week yet.

I still have the roses in my freezer. I've yet to make rosewater from it. Maybe I try making some in the crockpot tonight.

 

[faithVA]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

I think I am going to oil my scalp 2x a day with my oil blend. Will make more of my oil tonight, so I am ready for the weekend.