2011 *All-Encompassing* End-of-Year Reveals!

[MissMusic]

May 2011

December 2011

• Identify your 2011 progress. (length, edges, thickness, etc.)
  My length went from full shoulder length to full APL length
  [*]What thing(s) do you feel contributed the MOST to your progress?
  Just staying consistent with my regimen and low manipulation
  [*]What challenges did you participate in during 2011?
  None, but I am participating in the Crown and Glory Challenge in 2012
  [*]What's your key word of advice for strong, healthy hair?
  Be consistent
  [*]Is there anything you'll change in 2012? I will be participating in the Crown and Glory Challenge all year long, so my regimen will change accordingly, plus I will be manipulating my hair even less

 

[candy626]

I'm trying to find some before pictures of my hair from earlier in the year. I got a virus on my computer over the weekend and a lot of my pictures are gone now
Identify your 2011 progress. (length, edges, thickness, etc.)
I started back on my HHJ in late September. Since then I feel like my hair has improved in health and in length. I got 2.5 inch + trim at the end of the summer (around APL) and feel like my hair has definitely grown back. I guess I will claim BSL.
What thing(s) do you feel contributed the MOST to your progress?
1) Getting to the root of repeated setbacks. Which for me were split ends and thinning ends. Limiting direct heat to one or two times a month has definitely helped a lot. I have also have accepted that my hair is natuarlly fine and thin, and have stopped comparing my hair to those with thicker strands.
2) Monthly dusting. I used to go months without dusting or trimming and I would get outrageous split ends. I realize with fine hair, monthly dusting is best. I also realize that that parts of my hair grow faster then other parts, and that rather then trimming everything to be even, I just focus on removing split ends.
3)Taking mutlivitamins. From dying my hair this year I was able to track growth. My hair was growing slower during the first half of the year due to going from a healthy diet to a not so healthy diet with little nutrition. Once I got that corrected I noticed a change in my hair and nails.
What challenges did you participate in during 2011?
I dont think I signed up for any . I know I am in the BSL 2012 challenge, MBL 2012, and Waist Length 2013 challenges.
What's your key word of advice for strong, healthy hair?
For all hair types, I think limited direct heat is a great start. However I don't think you have to eliminate heat. I know some people on this board say they only flat iron once a year if that. That doesn't work for me. I like to enjoy my own hair in straigtht styles from time to time. Also, I have learned that what works for other people may not work for me. Such as going extended perios without shampooing or detangling. For me that's a recipe for disaster though it works well for others. I feel like I finally have more of a handle on what works for my hair.
Is there anything you'll change in 2012?
I will probably wear my hair in more semi-stretched styles. They seem to work best in terms of keeping tangles and breakage in check for me. I can also leave my hair alone for several days at a time.

 

[LaVgirl]

Subbing for when I do pics later this month.

 

[MyAngelEyez~C~U]

Identify your 2011 progress. (length, edges, thickness, etc.)

gained thickness and length this year, and my hair is a lot healthier.

What thing(s) do you feel contributed the MOST to your progress?

Co-washing (curly girl method)
Moisture
Low-manipulation

What challenges did you participate in during 2011?

Baggy Challenge
WL 2013
Bc-to Waistlength 2013
Co-Wash Challenge


What's your key word of advice for strong, healthy hair?

Henna and moisture have help my hair trememdously, IMO

Is there anything you'll change in 2012?

Try to do even more Low-mani stying

Here's mine:

January, 2011

December, 2011

 

[Loving]

@MyAngelEyez~C~U........absolutely beautiful!!! You got great growth and your hair is so luscious and thick!!!

 

[Theresamonet]

OCT 2010

DEC 2011 After 1.5 inch trim (with more to go )

Identify your 2011 progress. (length, edges, thickness, etc.)

My goals for 2011 were to go from CBL/SL to APL and to get rid of as many layers as possible; moving toward a more blunt cut. Also to continue my long term transition to natural hair. All goals were achieved.


What thing(s) do you feel contributed the MOST to your progress?

Frequent deep conditioning. Low manipulation. Developing a better wash/detangling routine.

What challenges did you participate in during 2011?

I don't even remember.

What's your key word of advice for strong, healthy hair?

"Moisture/Protein Balance" And "Low Manupulation"

Is there anything you'll change in 2012?

I will be dusting my ends on a more regular basis in 2012. I'm thinking every 2 months.

I feel I could have made BSL this year, but I had to chop so much here and there trying to play catch up with split ends.

And definitely no more experimenting with detangling brushes. I had a major set back this year from jumping my butt on the Tangle Teezer bandwagon.

 

[Rocky91]

Identify your 2011 progress. (length, edges, thickness, etc.)
Length and some thickness...but mostly length.
What thing(s) do you feel contributed the MOST to your progress?
Low Mani, weekly DC's, satin scarves/pillows.

What challenges did you participate in during 2011?
None.

What's your key word of advice for strong, healthy hair?
LOW MANI! I have fine strands so the less I manipulate, the less I break, it is that simple. If I keep it moisturized and don't harshly brush/comb it, I will retain length.

Is there anything you'll change in 2012?
Being more consistent with my vitamins and protein treatments. I also plan on hiding my hair in braids for the first six months of the year.

prettypithy, your progress is very inspiring-your hair looks lovely! your starting shot is about where i am now, so hopefully next year I will be able to see those results.
Question: How do you primarily wear your hair to achieve low manipulation styles? braidouts, buns, straight? You are natural, right? Thanks in advance!

 

[kizzylonghair]

Identify your 2011 progress. (length, edges, thickness, etc.)
Gone from NL to APL, I now have identical thickness on both sides (Anyone else understand with that??) My hair will alway be fine but it aint thin and lifeless any more, its super thicker than its ever been!!

What thing(s) do you feel contributed the MOST to your progress?
ROUTINE & STAPLES. If it aint broke dont fix it, Washing hair in the shower at first was pain but now its a keeper, no after wash tangles

What challenges did you participate in during 2011?
I stayed away from any product challenges, as I didnt want to rock the boat

What's your key word of advice for strong, healthy hair?
Persistance is key

Is there anything you'll change in 2012?
Do more regular self trim, and not wait for the tangles to remind me

Jan 11 - My hair was making progress BUT drastic change was still needed, look at those end....TERRIBLE

Jan/Feb 11 - I made the decision to trim as much of the ends as I could handle

Fast Forward to Dec 11 - Its like a new head of hair, I cant believe it. The great thing is that I now that this isnt the end..I have more to come and I can keep it

My messy bun, years ago I would wear a piece to get that size and thickness

A real pony lol...

Happy Holidays and Congratulations to all the ladies who stuck with their hair in 2011 no matter how much progress you made

 

[naturalagain2]

^^^I love to see a fellow fine hair sista. Inspirational. I hope my progress pics are half as good when I straighten next month.

 

[kizzylonghair]

^^^I love to see a fellow fine hair sista. Inspirational. I hope my progress pics are half as good when I straighten next month.

Natural before this year, I can't tell you how many times I wanted to give up
Like you it always helped to see progress on someone with hair just like mine (4a, Fine strands) its make it feel more achievable

Good Luck, Do you have an Album?

 

[candie19]

Saving my spot!

 

[naturalagain2]

Natural before this year, I can't tell you how many times I wanted to give up
Like you it always helped to see progress on someone with hair just like mine (4a, Fine strands) its make it feel more achievable

Good Luck, Do you have an Album?

Thanks, I have an album but I don't keep it online. I've been too lazy/not too eager to upload it LOL .......I will though within the next few months.

 

[winona]

I'll post my pics when I flat iron in December.

Identify your 2011 progress. (length, edges, thickness, etc.)
Went from SL to touching APL.

What thing(s) do you feel contributed the MOST to your progress?
Low manipulation and dcing.

What challenges did you participate in during 2011?
DDDC challenge, Sulfur (off and on), HYH, LHCF Bootcamp ( I cut about 2 inches off to even up the back with the front), and Steam Challenge (at least every 2 weeks)

What's your key word of advice for strong, healthy hair?
Be patient and research before you do anything.

Is there anything you'll change in 2012?
I will trim more often every 3 months (1/2 inch or less), not join as many challenges (still take care of my hair but not join so many), experiment more with wigs and focus more on overall health than hair

From the pics it is hard to tell that my hair has changed much but in Jan 2011 the very back (i like to call it my tail) was the length that my entire head is now. This year I am focusing on keeping my hair put away so I can work my diligently on my body. i am pleased with my progress because it is healthier and thicker than it has ever been.

1st pic is Jan 2011, 2nd pic is when I evened up my hair in September, last pic is today with even hair

 

[winona]

^^^My pics didnt upload properly I am working on it

 

[jamaicalovely]

Here's mine:

January, 2011

December, 2011

Amazing! I'm so proud of your progress.

 

[jamaicalovely]

What a great thread! You all certainly inspired me.

 

[MyAngelEyez~C~U]

Amazing! I'm so proud of your progress.

jamaicalovely, Thanks! I think we have both done well this year!

 

[tashboog]

Hello Ladies ! I've just edited my post on page 3, #50 and added my flat ironed pics. I still need to tweak my flat ironing technique but hey at least I'd tried my best . I'm happy with my results especially since I'm a fine hair natural with low density hair .

 

[chrisanddonniesmommy]

Identify your 2011 progress. (length, edges, thickness, etc.)

• My hair is partially MBL (not claiming MBL yet, though)
  My edges are steady in their growth (has been steady since I've stopped relaxing)
  The further I am into my long-term transition, the thicker my hair gets.

What thing(s) do you feel contributed the MOST to your progress?

• Trims, Moisturizing/Deep Conditioning, No More Relaxing, Low to No Heat, Sticking to a few brands, Cowashing

What challenges did you participate in during 2011?

• MBL Challenge 2011
  
  
  What's your key word of advice for strong, healthy hair?
  • Patience
  
  Is there anything you'll change in 2012?
  • Trims every 4 months to avoid splits, Deep conditioning with heat (instead of just a baggy and scalp heat)

 

[prettypithy]

prettypithy, your progress is very inspiring-your hair looks lovely! your starting shot is about where i am now, so hopefully next year I will be able to see those results.
Question: How do you primarily wear your hair to achieve low manipulation styles? braidouts, buns, straight? You are natural, right? Thanks in advance!

Rocky91 Buns, twists, twist outs and twisted updo's, mostly. I almost never do WNG's or wear it down. I am natural. Good luck!

 

[MzSwift]

Identify your 2011 progress. (length, edges, thickness, etc.)

I've progressed in length, but moreso in health. My hair feels softer for longer periods of time now.

What thing(s) do you feel contributed the MOST to your progress?

Low Manipulation
Moisture
Ayurveda (mainly Henna, Brahmi, Amla and Hibiscus)
Frequent DCing

What challenges did you participate in during 2011?

Honestly I can't remember. *blush*

WL 2013


What's your key word of advice for strong, healthy hair?

Weekly light protein on wash day has been very helpful. I always follow with a moisturizing DC.

Is there anything you'll change in 2012?
I'm going to try to PS more often and even find a few no-manipulation styles.


Pix: (edited to change end date to Dec 2011. Dunno why I put Nov, it was late and I was pooped)

Nov 2010 -- nape

Dec 2011 -- nape

Nov 2010 -- side

Dec 2011 -- side

It's not super-duper but I feel like slow-n-steady will get me to my goals just as well

 

[kizzylonghair]

Bump....I wanna see more updates

 

[RegaLady]

MzSwift

Your retention is CRAZY! You are passing me up, lol! AMAZING growth! I have to give you props!

 

[candy626]

MzSwift

Awesome progress. Your progress doesnt seem slow and steady at all. Nice Work!

 

[GaiasDaughter24]

Identify your 2011 progress. (length, edges, thickness, etc.)

I believe I retained a lot even with heavy post partum shedding. I pretty much lost my edges this year but they're growing back nicely.

What thing(s) do you feel contributed the MOST to your progress?
I have a very low manipulation regimen. With 2 small children, I don't have time for much more. I pretty much stay in braids, twists, flattwists and buns. In the summer I stay in puffs.

What challenges did you participate in during 2011?
Twist for growth , which was towards the end of the year.


What's your key word of advice for strong, healthy hair?
Get that moisture protein balance on point. Once I incorporated more protein into my regimen my hair did even better. my fine strands LOVE protein. I also think it's because I use a very moisturizing leave-in (S-curl with the occasional Giovanni). Also, if you have super fine strands like I do look into heavy sealing. I've been sealing with Indian Hemp grease since August and it's been working beautifully.


Is there anything you'll change in 2012?
Just up the protein. I've started it for the past few months and my strands appreciate it so much.

Left- Nov 2010 Right- Jan 2011

Dec 2011 Pre-dusting

Post dusting

Post dusting ponytail

 

[SmilingElephant]

Identify your 2011 progress. (length, edges, thickness, etc.)
I think my hair got bigger and it has definitely gotten longer since the beginning of the year!

What thing(s) do you feel contributed the MOST to your progress?
Keeping water on my hair and keeping a simple routine.

What challenges did you participate in during 2011? I forget what all i was in this year....i know i was in the APL 2011, the Oil Rinse challenge and i'm still doing the WL 2013 as well as the BSL 2012

What's your key word of advice for strong, healthy hair?
Keep your moisture/protein balance in check and eat lots of protein as well

Is there anything you'll change in 2012?
Sure! My hair length! BSL/MBL here i come!!


What do you all think? I keep forgetting i big chopped this year....it feels like i BC'd last year:

These are of my Big Chop in January of this year(2011):

 

[SmilingElephant]

And these are from within the past 2 months:









I had the hardest time posting pics!

 

[pre_medicalrulz]

GaiasDaughter24

REMARKABLE RETENTION! CONGRATS!

Sent from my LG-MS690 using LG-MS690

 

[prettynatural]

Identify your 2011 progress. (length, edges, thickness, etc.)
Umm, not much progress, I am in the forever AP-MBL Category. I did a couple of inches cut on October 2, 2011 Photo progression below. **Excuse back fat**

Cut October 18th- ends were horrid

November 12th almost month later

Back where I was on August 20th

I am going to make it to the pink line next year!

What thing(s) do you feel contributed the MOST to your progress?

Realizing that I need to cut more often, No oils on scalp and have an oil free routine!!! Well, I will rethink that because I will get back on the sulfur and EO for my thin spot.

What challenges did you participate in during 2011?

WL 2011- bombed about 4 inch away, I am guessing here.

What's your key word of advice for strong, healthy hair?

Do what feels right for your hair and scalp. Don't jump on every bandwagon. If it works don't try to fix it and keep it simple. Pleas! Oan, Trim those ends!!!

Is there anything you'll change in 2012?

Yes, healthier diet and monthly trims. No pre or oil rinsing. More deep conditioners in routine and use monthly or twice monthly cholesterol condish for my fine hair.

 

[Charla]

I finally added my pics to my post on pg 1. The progress you ladies are showing is amazing! Thanks for sharing with us!