2011 APL Challenge

Got my hair braided today, I will keep this up for about 2 1/2 to 3 weeks. I will moisturize with African Royale Braid Spray in the AM and HS 14 in 1 at night and using Hot 6 to seal. I am going to love not having to be worried about my hair, while wearing Solange.
 
Hi Ladies,

Sorry I haven't been here as often but thanks for everyone's check in :) So, I've had my weave in for almost 3 weeks now and I'm starting to miss my real hair :lol:

But, I think that having to tucked away for the winter is a good thing so need to remember that. I also need to figure out how to DC with my weave in because I'm over do for a DC. It's snowing here (AGAIN) but tomorrow I'll try to get to Sally's to maybe get a nosel bottle (or whatever) to apply a DC.

K, hope everyone is doing well :)
 
I am still going strong with my African Royale Braid Spray in the AM and HS 14 in 1 at night and using Hot 6 to seal, I did at CHI Mist to the mix to give some strength....
 
Add me to the list! I'll be spending my day going through this thread thoroughly, and when I get home I'll post pics.
Can't wait to see how this goes!
 
Hi All!!

Just wanted to check in; I don’t recall how long ago I posted. I’ll probably just randomly check-in.

ANYWAY…

In my first post, I know I listed some products I generally used, but I decided to switch it up a bit (truth be told I was out and about and saw some things on sale and I thought…why not). SO...I bought Giovanni 50/50 Shampoo and Conditioner from TJ Maxx. Not sure what size, but both bottles came with a pump. I washed my hair Tuesday evening; this was my first time using them, but overall I like how my hair felt after. It was softer and felt clean, but not stripped (I’d had a lot of product build-up from slicking my hair in a bun). I used both the ‘poo and conditioner and then DC'ed with NTM...uhmmmm love this ya'll. First time using this product as well, but it made a nice first impression. I'll continue to use those products just to make sure it wasn’t a one-time thing.

I came up out of my previous protective style (phony bun) and am now rocking my natural hair in a twist out. I was supposed to do a protective style this past weekend (I'm lowkey hiding my hair until June), but I wasn't into it. I'll try again this weekend…maybe. Back to the twist out; after my wash on Tuesday, I blow dried my hair on cool, (moment of silence for my blow dryer which had an untimely death…) rubbed coconut oil throughout and twisted mid-sized sections applying HELTR to the length of my hair and Eco Style Gel on the ends. Loved the results!

Last night, as I re-twisted my hair, I greased my scalp with Sulfur 8 (lowkey participating in the Sulfur Challenge..I just started…lol). So far so good. My scalp is tingling, but not irritated. Only thing, I am not feeling the smell...it isn't horrible, so I thought I could handle it. But I smell "medicated", so I will have to double back to that thread and get some of these Sulfur recipes to cut the smell. I’m not certain with what frequency I’ll use this product so, I’ll watch how my hair/scalp reacts and re-oil once my scalp dries.

I haven't bought my vitamins...I will today…maybe..LOL. BUT I have been drinking water like a fish. I’m trying to keep all this as breezy as possible. I’m serious about making APL, but I want to have fun along the way and enjoy myself.

I’ve attached a length check pic--- really quick, kudos to you ladies who take these things by yourselves. The below is the best I could do with a camera phone. I know the actual measurements and that is what I go by, but this gives some kind of a visual. Second pic is my current style…it got bigger as the day went on...I LOVED IT!!

~S~
 

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natural since 2006

this will be my 2nd time achieving APL
Reggie..
I'm just past shoulder length

wash once every 2 weeks in winter , summer once per week or more week:


Pre-poo with any conditioner mixed with natural oils (plastic bag over head )
only use shampoo - if I go to the salon - which is 2-3 time per yr
condition wash with herbal essence
light/medium protein
winter blow dry (can't afford to go out with wet head :nono:)
summer Air dry
finger messages and stimulate scalp often
- Moisturize & seal regularly with /coconut oil /olive oil
- Henna approx. once over the summer months

I do a bun/updo 95% of the time, wear my hair straight 2-3 week out of every month in the winter ....I find my hair stays healthier this way..less split ends ,tangles and knots.
. I wear my hair curly 2- 3 weeks of every month over the summer months
 
Now that I have some time on my hands...

length- just above SL
relaxed or natural- au' naturale
current reggie- this changes quite often (my current specifics here)
but here's the key points:
-poo (sulfates free) whenever my hair feel dirty. Usually about every 4 days.
-DC whenever I poo
-I live by the Kimmaytube leave-in
-Moisturize daily with Juices and Berries or Aloe Vera Juice
-Style with moisturizers
style(s) of choice- undecided on that one because I feel like Im at an awkward length , but twistouts have been working well
other challenges- WL 2013


 
Checking in! I still have thee ol sew in in. I almost gave in to a cut and a relaxer but thought of how far I've come. I bought some new hair for another sew in when I finish with this one in March/April. So PS is what I will doing until Dec 2011.
 
Hi Ladies,
Count me in!

- I am a few inches below SL. BKT Natural 4b.
Daily- Protective Styling with Hair sticks and Buns. In addition, Moisturizing and sealing my ends.

I co-wash every 3 days with Biologe Moisture Therapy and seal with aragan oil. I am avoiding heat except for every 2-3 months for BKT. ( Trying to prevent split ends.)

On Saturday or Friday, I deep condition.

My goal is to reach full APL by my wedding in July. My fingers are cross.:grin:


085.jpg
 
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going to shampoo and dc my hair today. i'm low on dc, so i might have to mix some things up today. i ordered that Hair Dew, so it should be here by Thursday? can't wait to try it! i love moisturizers! i need to find a nice hair bonnet, that won't rub my hairline out. today, i'm going to start back on drinking more water. i fell off and i'm paying for it. not with my hair so much, but just been feeling sluggish i don't think i will be doing to many puffs this week just a regular wash and go style. my hair shrinks up like crazy!
 
Look at me!! Posting again so soon!! LOL..let's get to it...

I took my little butt to CVS last Friday and picked up my vitamins (Biotin, MSM, and a Hair, Skin, and Nail vitamin). Also, I picked up a few protein bars and some Ensure. I decided that my eating habits, while not too shabby, could use a little tweaking as well. I think I got motivated by the 25 mile walk I participated in on Sat. Either way I have been drinking my water..popping my vitamins..eating better and drinking my Ensures since then. I'm only a few days in, but I FEEL really good. I'm just hoping my hair (and skin) appreciates it.

I didn't do braids like I thought I would this weekend; after Saturday, I was pretty much tapped out. I'd twisted my hair on Fri for a twistout on Sun, but when I took it down on Sun morn, it was SOOOOOO NOT the business. I ended up parting it down the middle...slicking it all back...throwing on my phony bun and calling it a day. Side note, my sister got a free sample of the ORS Smooth and Hold pudding; I must say, I likes! I will be purchasing a larger jar in the near future.

Below are a couple pics of my current protective.

~S~
 

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Just checking in.
Took out my braids and stopped sulfur application yesterday in preparation for my relaxer on the sixteenth.
My hair felt pretty good, super soft after moisturizing. I think I've definitely had a few inches of growth, although it's hard to say exactly how much. I might measure after I get home from class. I'm four months post now, I'll be about four and a half once I relax.
Then a haircut on the twenty- third. February is going to be a rather exciting month for my hair!
 
Well tomorrow Im going on a trip to Taiwan so I decided I would let my hair come out to play for my trip. So I washed my hair yesterday and put in some twists. I plan on wearing a twist out for the majority of my trip.
 
I hope it's not to late to join. Here is my information:

Currently a little longer than SL stretched natural.

Current Reggie
Prepoo with Safflower, Castor and Peppermint oils
Wash 1x a week with Elucence Moisture Benefits Shampoo
Condition with Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditoner under Heat Cap
Detangle with HE Hydralicious reconditioning conditioner
Protein Conditioner 1x every 6 weeks w/ Elucence Extended Moisture Repair Treatment
Leave in S Curl and Seal with Liquid Shea Butter
Protective Styles (Buns) during the week, braid outs on the weekends
Flat iron 1x every 3 months


Starting pic
 
Look at me!! Posting again so soon!! LOL..let's get to it...

I took my little butt to CVS last Friday and picked up my vitamins (Biotin, MSM, and a Hair, Skin, and Nail vitamin). Also, I picked up a few protein bars and some Ensure. I decided that my eating habits, while not too shabby, could use a little tweaking as well. I think I got motivated by the 25 mile walk I participated in on Sat. Either way I have been drinking my water..popping my vitamins..eating better and drinking my Ensures since then. I'm only a few days in, but I FEEL really good. I'm just hoping my hair (and skin) appreciates it.

I didn't do braids like I thought I would this weekend; after Saturday, I was pretty much tapped out. I'd twisted my hair on Fri for a twistout on Sun, but when I took it down on Sun morn, it was SOOOOOO NOT the business. I ended up parting it down the middle...slicking it all back...throwing on my phony bun and calling it a day. Side note, my sister got a free sample of the ORS Smooth and Hold pudding; I must say, I likes! I will be purchasing a larger jar in the near future.

Below are a couple pics of my current protective.

~S~
Phony bun, it looks so natural...you got that from the BSS? What is it really....can I get more pictures?:lick:

We in Houston also had a 26mile walk this pass Saturday.
 
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I'm in!! I've been on this hhj since last February. Yay one year anniversary :) ! Had a mini chop in April due to severe heat damage before the age of enlightenment!

ad656c2f-2b21-4f12.jpg



This is my starting length.

Reggie: cowash when needed with either suave shea and almond, natures gate moisturizing aloe (I hate this but I must be rid of it!!), or v05 moisture milks, usually after workouts.

Shampoo and condish at least every 1.5 wks with ao gpb shampoo and condish.

Clarify with elucence shampoo once a month.

Aphogee two step every 1.5 mos.

Dc at least once a week with qhemet biologics olive and amla heavy cream mixed with coconut milk and oil, just to thin it out.

Kimmaytube leave in with coconut oil instead of olive.

Seal with coconut oil. Or shea butter concoction...it's made with shea butter, mango butter, evoo, jbco and coconut oil

I mist my hair everyday with 50/50 water and aloe vera juice then seal.

Protective style majority of the time I haven't used heat since my bday last April. I'm going to flat iron again on my bday though. I actually might go get spring twists later this week. I'll post pics if I do...

Keep you all updated with progress!!!
 
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Just checking in, it's been a minute. I haven't been doing much besides my reggie wash, DC airdry, bun. I'm thinking of baggying my ends and covering with a phony bun. I made one but I need to tweak it some more. I'll post a pic when I wear it :yep: Happy growing ladies :)
 
Phony bun, it looks so natural...you got that from the BSS? What is it really....can I get more pictures?:lick:

We in Houston also had a 26mile walk this pass Saturday.


Hi!!

I’ll try to answer as best I can…sorry in advance if it is long…but when it comes to writing, I have been known to run it. :look:

My phony bun is actually (extension) hair from my kinky twists I took out last year. I only had them in for maybe a month and since the twist hair was still decent, so I decided to save it…thinking that eventually I would redo the twists. I needed a style that was cute, simple, and wouldn’t leave my hair out…so I immediately said bun..high bun to be exact. I love how this certain YT’er pust her hair into buns by folding her hair over and tucking it underneath itself..but she is able to do it with her own hair…not so much for me…whomp. That is when I thought to add the twist hair (my hair is natural and the twist hair resembles my texture somewhat). I will try to list it out in steps below.

- The twist hair was already cut in half (from when I originally twisted it) so I just bound it in the middle (of the half) with a hair tie (the hair tie is looped through itself, kinda like how they do the hair for crochet braids). The middle section is bound with the hair tie so that I can secure it to my baggied bun (I baggy my hair underneath the phony bun) with the hair tie (I use boby pins as well, but the hair tie gives it a little more security).

- Once the twist hair is secured in the middle, I bring the two free ends of the twist hair together loosely (so it makes a kind of “cup” or an “arch” in the middle…this is the part that will go over your actual hair) and secure them at the very ends with another hair tie (I use a small black rubber band for this step). You want to make sure that while the twist hair is loose…it doesn’t have any unnatural gaps (you don’t want to be able to see your hair or your baggy underneath…but you don’t want it super tight or it won’t lay naturally).

- By now u should have what resembles a "oval dome" or a "tear drop" (you might have to shape it); you can now secure it to your baggied bun; depending on how u want to wear it, you secure it to the front or back of your ponytail bun. (I secure it to the back of my natural bun).

- Once I have the phony bun secured to my actual bun; I stick a couple of bobby pins at the base (where I looped the hair tie) to try to give the illusion that it is my hair and so it looks as it is coming out of the ponytail. The middle of the twist hair where you banded it, should line up with your actual ponytail, so you just stick a bobby pin on either side.

- Once the above is complete, I pull the twist hair over my actual bun making sure that it covers my hair (I kinda liken this to the fan method). I also take this opportunity to tuck the ends previously bound by my rubber band underneath and then continue to tuck the phony bun (securing any loose “strands”) and bobby pin into the shape and form I want. I also stick a few bobby pins around the “base” of the bun on each side, so it doesn’t rise up or something crazy.

It really is super easy and takes no time at all once you establish your rhythm. It isn’t 100% undetectable in my opinion, but it doesn’t look extremely fake.

Some side notes:

If you decide to use twist hair, make sure it has been washed or treated first. IMHO it moves more naturally that way.

For me, using the old twist hair gave the extension hair even more texture and depth; it was basically twist out hair. I tried to use it coming straight from the pack and it didn’t act quite right; it was a little too straight for me.

I used Rast Afri Marley hair (Not sure on the texture name, but certain on the actual brand).

The mass of your bun is determined by how much hair you use. I wanted a big bun, but still wanted it believable. I’m not certain how much hair I used, I just kinda eye balled it.

I have been using this same bun off and on since late Nov 2010 and it is still holding up well.

Hope this helps!!

~S~

ETA: This is CRAZY long...my bad. :sad:
 

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shananyganz, beautiful!

meadows, your going to make it in time for your wedding, your almost there.


Good job everyone! I've just been taking it easy, avoiding heat for right now and hoping it grows. I may start taking vitimans again, but they did such a job on my face before that I'm so scared. I did NOT appreciate walking around looking like a teen in puberty
 
This is the first and only challenge I've joined so I'm really excited about it. My goal is to stay motivated, progress, and cheer others on. My hair is relaxed. My next relaxer is in about a week. That will make it about 19-20 weeks since my last relaxer. The pictures attached are of my hair as it is today: flat ironed with a slight wave in it. I'll be washing it, doing a light protein treatment, and deep conditioning later today or tomorrow. I'm do for a trim which I'll do after my next relaxer.

I straightened it a week before my birthday that I had this past weekend and kept it under a wig until that day. So it's been flat ironed for about two weeks. For now, with the exception of my birthday, I keep my hair under wigs, without heat drying/styling and will do so until around May/June.

My true hair goal is a length of approximately 23 inches
. I don't particularly care for the EL, NL, BSL, etc. type descriptors. A concrete number helps me out more than anything else. Currently: 10 inches away from my goal.

I reached my December 2010 goal (3 inches between July-December) and am moving full steam ahead for 2011. From the back of my crown my overall length is 13", by the end of June I hope to be at 15" overall. My regimen is simple but changes slightly depending on how I wear my hair.

Most of the time:

1. Before cleansing I soften my hair with sunflower oil on dry hair for about 15 minutes. I either use a plastic cap or towel to hold the body heat in. In the shower I will wet my hair and then add grape seed oil and olive oil, occasionally using almond oil. I rinse it all out with Suave Naturals Conditioner (Coconut/Aloe) and/or Vo5 Moisture Milks.

2. I use Kinky Curly Leave-In/Detangler as my leave in. I braid my hair in a single French/Dutch plait for bed. I'll use two plaits if I'm wearing a wig and seal the ends of the braids with aloe vera gel.

3. For daily moisture I use Luster's S Curl No Drip Activator and grape seed oil to seal it in. I skip this if I'm wearing wigs because the plaits and wig hold in the moisture for the 2-4 days I go without.

If my hair is straightened
:

1. I only cleanse after I finished wearing my hair straight which is about a week but no longer than two. To prep my hair for straightening I use Silk Elements Mega Silk Moisturizing Treatment on dry hair with a plastic cap under a hot dryer for 30 minutes.

2. I use Aphogee ProVitamin Leave-In instead of the Kinky Curly to keep my hair light and blow dry my hair. Then I use a flat iron to straighten.

3. For daily/as needed moisture I use Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Moisture Mist and Garnier Fructis Nutrition spray to seal. This keeps the hair light. Occasionally, I'll use just a tiny bit of the S Curl if my hair needs more of a boost after a week. I will cross-wrap my hair to the back at night to keep it smooth.

Misc:
I rarely wear my hair down/out so that my ends stay protected, but I enjoy wearing updos and scarves. As my hair gets longer I will probably rely on these things less, but they will remain a staple in my routine and personal style.

Occasionally I will blow dry just my roots at about 10 weeks after a relaxer to keep tangles down and my hair manageable. I try to stay away from direct heat as much as possible.

I use whatever heat protectant is on hand when I heat style. Right now it's John Frieda Frizz Eaze Heat something or other.

I do not relax my hair bone straight. I keep some texture to the hair because I like the look and more importantly it's better for my hair.

I trim my hair after every relaxer (about every 15-20 weeks) and at most once between relaxers using a SplitEnder and standard hair cutting scissors.

I deep condition my hair about every other week and always before straightening and after relaxing.

I will use a light protein treatment only as needed. I use the Aphogee 2-Minute Protein Treatment about a week before a relaxer and on relaxer day before the neutralizing step.

It took a little over a year to perfect my routine; though, I'm still searching for the perfect detangling method for my hair. I lose too much unnecessary hair right now even being careful and going slowly with a wide tooth comb. Once I figure this part out my routine will be solid.
 

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Imma try this before I relax, I got some hair like that already....

Hi!!

I’ll try to answer as best I can…sorry in advance if it is long…but when it comes to writing, I have been known to run it. :look:

My phony bun is actually (extension) hair from my kinky twists I took out last year. I only had them in for maybe a month and since the twist hair was still decent, so I decided to save it…thinking that eventually I would redo the twists. I needed a style that was cute, simple, and wouldn’t leave my hair out…so I immediately said bun..high bun to be exact. I love how this certain YT’er pust her hair into buns by folding her hair over and tucking it underneath itself..but she is able to do it with her own hair…not so much for me…whomp. That is when I thought to add the twist hair (my hair is natural and the twist hair resembles my texture somewhat). I will try to list it out in steps below.

- The twist hair was already cut in half (from when I originally twisted it) so I just bound it in the middle (of the half) with a hair tie (the hair tie is looped through itself, kinda like how they do the hair for crochet braids). The middle section is bound with the hair tie so that I can secure it to my baggied bun (I baggy my hair underneath the phony bun) with the hair tie (I use boby pins as well, but the hair tie gives it a little more security).

- Once the twist hair is secured in the middle, I bring the two free ends of the twist hair together loosely (so it makes a kind of “cup” or an “arch” in the middle…this is the part that will go over your actual hair) and secure them at the very ends with another hair tie (I use a small black rubber band for this step). You want to make sure that while the twist hair is loose…it doesn’t have any unnatural gaps (you don’t want to be able to see your hair or your baggy underneath…but you don’t want it super tight or it won’t lay naturally).

- By now u should have what resembles a "oval dome" or a "tear drop" (you might have to shape it); you can now secure it to your baggied bun; depending on how u want to wear it, you secure it to the front or back of your ponytail bun. (I secure it to the back of my natural bun).

- Once I have the phony bun secured to my actual bun; I stick a couple of bobby pins at the base (where I looped the hair tie) to try to give the illusion that it is my hair and so it looks as it is coming out of the ponytail. The middle of the twist hair where you banded it, should line up with your actual ponytail, so you just stick a bobby pin on either side.

- Once the above is complete, I pull the twist hair over my actual bun making sure that it covers my hair (I kinda liken this to the fan method). I also take this opportunity to tuck the ends previously bound by my rubber band underneath and then continue to tuck the phony bun (securing any loose “strands”) and bobby pin into the shape and form I want. I also stick a few bobby pins around the “base” of the bun on each side, so it doesn’t rise up or something crazy.

It really is super easy and takes no time at all once you establish your rhythm. It isn’t 100% undetectable in my opinion, but it doesn’t look extremely fake.

Some side notes:

If you decide to use twist hair, make sure it has been washed or treated first. IMHO it moves more naturally that way.

For me, using the old twist hair gave the extension hair even more texture and depth; it was basically twist out hair. I tried to use it coming straight from the pack and it didn’t act quite right; it was a little too straight for me.

I used Rast Afri Marley hair (Not sure on the texture name, but certain on the actual brand).

The mass of your bun is determined by how much hair you use. I wanted a big bun, but still wanted it believable. I’m not certain how much hair I used, I just kinda eye balled it.

I have been using this same bun off and on since late Nov 2010 and it is still holding up well.

Hope this helps!!

~S~

ETA: This is CRAZY long...my bad. :sad:
 
I after i took done my micros I did as follows:

1) Detangle
2) ACV/ Herbal green tea rinse
3) Shampoo with Mizani Moisturefusion Milk Bath 2x
4)Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor w/ plastic cap on for about 10 - 15 minutes
5)DC with several conditioners i mixed up w/ plastic cap on for about an hour
6)Applied Kimmyatube's leave in
7)Put hair in pony tail applied vasline to the ends put in a bun and baggied my bun

I know it seems like a lot..... :giggle::giggle:

So here are my results which are also my starting pics

the 1st pic was taken in oct. my length was probably at 2 but not past it (guesstimating
the 2nd pic is my hair after i completed all those steps ^ combed out
the 3rd pic is my current length after having micros in for 3 months

hair3.jpg
[/IMG]

hair1.jpg


hair2.jpg


My hair is at the 4 and APL is at 5 or a little past 5. So i only have about an inch to an inch and a quarter to go. :):yay: O yea! Lets not forget this is the longest my hair has ever been on top of I am so close to completing my first goal of the year!!!!!!! :grin:


Beautimus!! Your hair is so pretty!
 
i am going to do my best to only do length checks every two months, so i won't obsess if my hair is growing or not. i am just going to keep cowashing and moisturizing, and leave it at that.
 
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