2011 APL Challenge

[tasha5951]

OMG, I'm gone for a few hours and we get all these new members. LOVE IT!

​

 

[Monaleezza]

Ok I'm definitely in. I've been searching for this challenge and I'm glad I found it before it closed.

1-Currently a little longer than Shoulder Length, but I want to even that out.

2. Regime
- Wash weekly using Giovanni Shampoo & Deep Condition weekly
-Seal with my own mix of natural Oils
-Protective Styles during the week, style on the weekends
-Heat once a week after a wash/condition.

3- Other Challenges I've Joined-
Grow and inch a month. - I don't want to join any more! I want to be focused and succeed.

 

[kibbles318]

I am joining. I'm on my iPhone and can't click thanks but could you add me? Please?

I was very close to APL this year, and I let someone careless get in my hair and..... it's a mess now.

-Current Length- Straggly neck length

I am relaxed and I stretch 10-12 weeks in between

MY REGIMEN

-Wash 2-3 times a week with Hair One Cleanser (I use the Jojoba Oil and Argan Oil kind)

-Shampoo every 2 weeks with Proclaim Argan Oil Moisturizing Shampoo or Garlic Shampoo

-Condition with either Hair One or Garlic Conditioner(sometimes both)

- DC with every shampoo with Lekair Cholesterol (green or peach jar)

-Clarify every 4 weeks with Suave Clarifying Shampoo

-Seal w/ Argan Oil

-Apply " my concoction" ( don't feel like listing all the ingredients, lol) to scalp daily

-Supplements- Hairfinity, Biotin and MSM

-No Heat until my birthday- July 30

I am wearing wigs ( half and lace front) and plan to until I reach at least APL

I'm also looking for a good leave in... Any suggestions ladies?

Other Challenges I've Joined-
LHCF Bootcamp

Starting pics:

 

[tasha5951]

Hey Kibble318- Thanks for joining I saw that you're looking for a leave in, I happen to LOVE my Cantu Shea Butter Leave in. A lot of people also love kimmaytube's leave in receipe. I just bought some Kinky Curly Knot Today leave in specifically to use in kimmaytube's concoction so I'll let you know how that works for me. But for now Cantu has my recommendation!

 

[bride91501]

Please count me in

Length: Grazing SL/CBL Natural
Current Reggie: PS in cornrows under wigs using Lady P's DMM for 4 weeks at a time, M & S daily, apply sulfur oil mix to scalp every other day (just started in November), CW 1-2x/week, DC weekly. Poo, light PT & henna at braid take-down. Rebraid for 4 weeks.
Goal: I'm hoping to hit APL by my 1 year nappiversary- May 31/June 1 2011. I have about 4" to go, but I'm optimistic

 

[Janet']

Starting Length: Natural 4a/some 3C uneven SL (bald spot in the back

)​

Projected/Goal Length for December 2011: Full SL then APL...would I be greedy to consider BSL[/COLOR]​

Taken: 10/10

Hey! Go hard or go home!!! to the APL Challenge!

Sign me up!

4/b natural/relaxed...I know it sounds ironic but I havent had a perm in 9 months, so I'm half and half.

Regimen:
Wear Microbraids majority of the time
1x/weekly wash
Nighly apply megatek/WGO/and Taliah Waajid Mist Bodifier
Daily dosage of Multivitamin/Biotin/Super B Complex/and Chlorella

Other Challenges:
Hide Your Hair
Braid It Up

The first pic was taken during a break from the braids about a week ago. The next one was taken today after my hair was rebraided.

Are you transitioning or stretching?

Ok I'm definitely in. I've been searching for this challenge and I'm glad I found it before it closed.

1-Currently a little longer than Shoulder Length, but I want to even that out.

2. Regime
- Wash weekly using Giovanni Shampoo & Deep Condition weekly
-Seal with my own mix of natural Oils
-Protective Styles during the week, style on the weekends
-Heat once a week after a wash/condition.

3- Other Challenges I've Joined-
Grow and inch a month. - I don't want to join any more! I want to be focused and succeed.

I understand being focused on just a couple of challenges! :welcome3:

I am joining. I'm on my iPhone and can't click thanks but could you add me? Please?

I was very close to APL this year, and I let someone careless get in my hair and..... it's a mess now.

-Current Length- Straggly neck length

I am relaxed and I stretch 10-12 weeks in between

Aww! I'm sorry that happened to you...2011 is your year!!!

Please count me in

Length: Grazing SL/CBL Natural
Current Reggie: PS in cornrows under wigs using Lady P's DMM for 4 weeks at a time, M & S daily, apply sulfur oil mix to scalp every other day (just started in November), CW 1-2x/week. Poo, light PT & henna at braid take-down. Rebraid for 4 weeks.
Goal: I'm hoping to hit APL by my 1 year nappiversary- May 31/June 1 2011. I have about 4" to go, but I'm optimistic

bride91501!!

 

[tashboog]

I would like to join this challenge. This will be my first challenge since becoming a LHCF member.
Reggie (Once a week): Prepoo with JBCO & EVCO, Wash with JBCO shampoo, condition with AOHSR or Komazacare intense moisture therapy, Roux PC, Leave in spray, shealoe mix, coconut oil to seal and air dry in braids. I'm hoping to achieve APL on my 1 year HHJ anniversary which is in May. I am currently between neck and shoulder length. I will add pic later...Thx. I also forgot to add that I am 4 a/b natural. Start pic is from my last flat iron in Oct '10. I won't be flat ironing until my HHJ anniversary. I only use heat for length checks.

 

[tasha5951]

I would like to join this challenge. This will be my first challenge since becoming a LHCF member.
Reggie (Once a week): Prepoo with JBCO & EVCO, Wash with JBCO shampoo, condition with AOHSR or Komazacare intense moisture therapy, Roux PC, Leave in spray, shealoe mix, coconut oil to seal and air dry in braids. I'm hoping to achieve APL on my 1 year HHJ anniversary which is in May. I am currently between neck and shoulder length. I will add pic later...Thx

I'm so glad you joined this as your first challenge! I love using coconut oil to seal.

 

[janda]

I'd like to join too. I'm already in an APL challenge but I believe it ends in April.

Current Length: SL

Reggie: Follow the Cathy Howse regimen-- shampooing/DCing twice per week. On other days, I'm cowashing. My PS is bunning (both wet and dry). I am contemplating rollersetting once per month just to get a break from the buns but I haven't decided yet. I want to retain as much as I can. Growth aides--Bee Mine serum with a scalp message and vitamins.

 

[justicefighter1913]

Hey Janet, I sent you a pm!

I'm in.

Current length is CBL. I'll have to submit a pic in a few.
Current regimin: Mostly auryveda. The short of it is that i wash w/ a poo bar or herbs 1x/wk, DC at least 1x/wk--I DC with a variety of things (too long to list here). Once a month I do a henna treatment. Daily I use auryvedic oils mixed with sulfur. That's about it.


ETA: Starting pics
All are from 12/31/10





eeee--the ends!!!

 

[Loves Harmony]

Im in!

2- Tell us current length: SL
relaxed or natural: Natural
current reggie:
wash and dc once a week (Sunday)
Moisturize and re twist Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday ( If im going somewhere)
style(s) of choice: Braid out/ Twist Out
other challenges you've joined: Just this one

 

[tasha5951]

I'd like to join too. I'm already in an APL challenge but I believe it ends in April.

Current Length: SL

Reggie: Follow the Cathy Howse regimen-- shampooing/DCing twice per week. On other days, I'm cowashing. My PS is bunning (both wet and dry). I am contemplating rollersetting once per month just to get a break from the buns but I haven't decided yet. I want to retain as much as I can. Growth aides--Bee Mine serum with a scalp message and vitamins.

Hey Janda- I'm from near Philly too Your pics from Jun-Nov. of this year show a lot of progress. You'll do great with this challenge!

justicefighter1913 Re: 2011 APL Challenge
Hey Janet, I sent you a pm!

I'm in.

Current length is CBL. I'll have to submit a pic in a few.
Current regimin: Mostly auryveda. The short of it is that i wash w/ a poo bar or herbs 1x/wk, DC at least 1x/wk--I DC with a variety of things (too long to list here). Once a month I do a henna treatment. Daily I use auryvedic oils mixed with sulfur. That's about it.

Can't wait to see pics

Loves Harmony Re: 2011 APL Challenge
Im in!

2- Tell us current length: SL
relaxed or natural: Natural
current reggie:
wash and dc once a week (Sunday)
Moisturize and re twist Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday ( If im going somewhere)
style(s) of choice: Braid out/ Twist Out
other challenges you've joined: Just this one

Thanks for joining Can't wait to see your progress!

 

[Janet']

Good Morning Ladies

I have updated post #3 to update all Challengers as of this post!!! :welcome3: all new challengers (If I inadvertently missed your name, shoot me a PM and I will gladly add it)!!!

Just a few days until we officially begin!!!!!

 

[Imani]

Considering the hump is from SL to APL, what PS are you all doing to get over it? Is it more braiding or bunning?

Braids under a half wig is my staple style. I may get a few sets of kinky twist extensions on occassion.

Plus, I'm almost all natural, so unless I'm wearing it straight, shrinkage will prevent my hair from brushing clothes.

 

[orangepeel]

I'm in. I am natural in the 4 category, SL. I have a long back so it might take me all year to get to full APL


I usually were my hair in braids so my plan when they are in braids will look like this:
daily: moisturize with S curl
every 1-2 days: co-wash with moisturizing shampoo (right now I am using the condition from Trader Joe's Spa Line)
every 2-3 days: apply JBCO to hairline and to scalp
every 7 days: deep condition with Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Deep Conditioner/Silk Elements whatever I can find on sale
once a month: clarify with Suave Clarifying shampoo
once a month: use a protein conditioner (Cathy Howse recipe)

I should mention that I work out close to 5 days a week and sweat a lot. I also drink close to 110 oz of water a day. I also take a Flintstone vitamin (I like my Barneys), and Cod Liver Oil.

This is a pic taken in the morning hand stretched. This year I am going to try to only straighten my hair 3 times this year (4 max ).

​

 

[RegaLady]

OKay maybe the vets can help me out. So I flat ironed my hair to get an ideal of the length. I blow dried first, then flat ironed. But it seemed that my ends were burnt and started to break and break. There were all these little hairs on the bathroom floor. What should I do???? I did a protein treatment and a moisterizing DC afterward. I bunned and added moisterizer then sealed the ends with oil. Does it look like I may have to cut my hair????erplexed Or can this be repaired? Janet or someone, help a sista out!

 

[VirGoViXxEn]

Im in!

Tell us current length: SL
relaxed or natural: Texturized (Stretch 4 to 6 months at a time)
current reggie:
Amla/Brahmi paste for 2 or so hours/cowash with Suave Coconut or Sheabutter and DC overnight once a week - I use primarily Alter Ego conditioners. Final Rinse with Roux PC/I Use Alter Ego Leave in Conditioner and Argain or Morrocon Oil
I clarify one a month with Nexxus Aloerid and use poo - Keracare Sulfate free when necessary.
style(s) of choice: Wigs (Monday thru Friday) Rollerset (Weekends)
I do 6 big braids under my wig
Moisturize with HS 14 in1 and MT my scalp daily
Before Rollersetting I use Alter Ego Energizing drops on my scalp followed by Leave in and Dilutted Setting Lotion and Argan Oil.
Other challenges you've joined: Rollersetting 2011. I will join wither the wig or bun challenge not sure how i want to wear my hair in 2011.

I will post pics this weekend. My BFF is doing my hair. Im not good with the camera!!

 

[MsSonya]

Sorry that happened to you Readyone. That happened to me when I 'tried' to flat iron. Need to improve my skills. I think I had the iron too hot.
I dont have any advice sorry just wanted to offer a hug.
You will get good advice from the pros I am sure, so that we can start this year off right....:superbanana:

 

[Taina]

Thanks OP, actually APL is the lenght i think i will achieve in 2011 but the others chalenges were closed by the time i found them.

Anyway
Hair State : Tex Laxed, SL

Regimen
Co-wash every day,
DC twice a week
shampoo when needed
low mani, just comb hair on weekend and mid week (when DC)
Moisturize and seal with oil every night
style : Bantu Knots

Pictures :
Straight hair taken Nov 21
Wash n' go taken Dec 24

I will make a change here, i will be bunning instead, i started yesterday and i think will be easier for me.

 

[tasha5951]

OKay maybe the vets can help me out. So I flat ironed my hair to get an ideal of the length. I blow dried first, then flat ironed. But it seemed that my ends were burnt and started to break and break. There were all these little hairs on the bathroom floor. What should I do???? I did a protein treatment and a moisterizing DC afterward. I bunned and added moisterizer then sealed the ends with oil. Does it look like I may have to cut my hair????erplexed Or can this be repaired? Janet or someone, help a sista out!

Sorry this happened Readyone I wouldn't go straight to cutting. I would see how your hair reacts to the protein and DC for the next few weeks before you decide to cut. I always think of cutting as the last resort.

Did you DC before your used heat? Did you use a heat protectant?

 

[tasha5951]

I'm in. I am natural in the 4 category, SL. I have a long back so it might take me all year to get to full APL


I usually were my hair in braids so my plan when they are in braids will look like this:
daily: moisturize with S curl
every 1-2 days: co-wash with moisturizing shampoo (right now I am using the condition from Trader Joe's Spa Line)
every 2-3 days: apply JBCO to hairline and to scalp
every 7 days: deep condition with Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Deep Conditioner/Silk Elements whatever I can find on sale
once a month: clarify with Suave Clarifying shampoo
once a month: use a protein conditioner (Cathy Howse recipe)

I should mention that I work out close to 5 days a week and sweat a lot. I also drink close to 110 oz of water a day. I also take a Flintstone vitamin (I like my Barneys), and Cod Liver Oil.

This is a pic taken in the morning hand stretched. This year I am going to try to only straighten my hair 3 times this year (4 max ).

​

Hey Orangepeel- I teach group fitness and dance as my full time job so I'm always sweaty and cannot keep a style longer than 2 days Braids are definitly a good idea. I would have them in too except I'm transitioning and really working on learning how to best take care of my hair.

 

[tasha5951]

Im in!

Tell us current length: SL
relaxed or natural: Texturized (Stretch 4 to 6 months at a time)
current reggie:
Amla/Brahmi paste for 2 or so hours/cowash with Suave Coconut or Sheabutter and DC overnight once a week - I use primarily Alter Ego conditioners. Final Rinse with Roux PC/I Use Alter Ego Leave in Conditioner and Argain or Morrocon Oil
I clarify one a month with Nexxus Aloerid and use poo - Keracare Sulfate free when necessary.
style(s) of choice: Wigs (Monday thru Friday) Rollerset (Weekends)
I do 6 big braids under my wig
Moisturize with HS 14 in1 and MT my scalp daily
Before Rollersetting I use Alter Ego Energizing drops on my scalp followed by Leave in and Dilutted Setting Lotion and Argan Oil.
Other challenges you've joined: Rollersetting 2011. I will join wither the wig or bun challenge not sure how i want to wear my hair in 2011.

I will post pics this weekend. My BFF is doing my hair. Im not good with the camera!!

I'd love to see pics of the wig your rocking right now

 

[RegaLady]

Sorry this happened Readyone I wouldn't go straight to cutting. I would see how your hair reacts to the protein and DC for the next few weeks before you decide to cut. I always think of cutting as the last resort.

Did you DC before your used heat? Did you use a heat protectant?

Thank you so much ladies!

I did not DC before I used heat. I did use a heat protectant though, which is why I am shocked at the burnt ends. But I will take your advice and wait it out. I have come a long way and I need to keep progressing.

 

[tashboog]

So in Nov. I had to cut off about 3 in. of damaged hair due to the fact I've been heat trained without realizing it...lol. So I've stopped getting my hair blow dried and straightened professionally. That was in May which was the start of my HHJ. So my hair is little shorter than my starting pic, but I'm optimistic that I can still achieve APL in 2011. It would be awesome if I got there by my HHJ anniversary (May) but we'll see. This winter I've been wearing mainly half wigs and braiding or twisting my real hair under the wigs. I plan on wigging it until May. Then I will go into protective style & low manipulation mode. I have 2 curly wigs, a wavy one, and a short halle berry styled full wig. I sure do hope it helps me get to APL by the summer .

 

[RockCreak]

OKay maybe the vets can help me out. So I flat ironed my hair to get an ideal of the length. I blow dried first, then flat ironed. But it seemed that my ends were burnt and started to break and break. There were all these little hairs on the bathroom floor. What should I do???? I did a protein treatment and a moisterizing DC afterward. I bunned and added moisterizer then sealed the ends with oil. Does it look like I may have to cut my hair????erplexed Or can this be repaired? Janet or someone, help a sista out!

So sorry that this happened to you. I know that a lot of naturals focus heat on the ends of their hair trying to get them straight and burned them. I use the comb chase method when straightening and really don't focus on how straight the ends get.

Like the other poster said. I would just try to do a couple of protein treatment treatments and make sure that the ends are moisturized well. You may have to nurse them for a while and maybe slooowwwwlllyyy trim them back.

 

[ngb214]

Hi Ladies,
I just recently joined and was a stalker of this forum off and on for the last few years.
I am relaxed SL and hoping to get to APL by December '11. I have not been treating my hair very well (for various reasons-mostly excuses i suppose), but really want to focus on hair growth this year.
I really dont have much of a routine/regime besides a basic wash and condition once a week and only using heat once a week (after wash). I definitely went through a lot of post and will probably be taking a thing or two from various regimes and seeing how they work for me.

Will post again sometime soon with my new developed regime and a pic.

Thanks for starting this and looking forward to hearing about everyone's journey!

 

[alshepp635]

I would love to join. My regimen is as followed.

Saturday/Sunday:
→ Shampoo (Elasta QP Conditioning Crème)
→ Condition with a light protein for 15-20mins (Aphogee 2 minute) with heat, rinse
→ Deep Condition with a moisturizing (SE MegaSilk Moisturizing treatment)conditioner for 25-30mins with heat
→ Rinse, PC
→ Apply Leave ins/Chi Silk Infusion and lightly comb through
→ Air dry with the Scarf Method.
→ Moisturize and seal.
→ Apply Hot6Oil/castor oil mix with sulfur to scalp and massage in. Cornrow and secure.
→ Wear my wig as my protective style.

Wednesday/Thursday
→ Deep Condition on dry hair with a moisturizing treatment (Silk Elements Mega Silk Moisturizing Treatment) for 25-30mins under hooded dryer, rinse
→ Air dry with the Scarf Method
→ Apply Leave ins/Chi Silk Infusion and lightly comb through
→ Air dry with the Scarf Method.
→ Moisturize and seal.
→ Apply Hot6Oil/castor oil mix with sulfur to scalp and massage in. Cornrow and secure.
→ Wear my wig as my protective style.

Starting Pic:

 

[lwilliams1922]

1-Currently
4a natural, almost SL, 10 inches maybe. (2nd BC July 2010 due to setback)
I'll have to take a natural hair photo because I dont think I will press again anytime soon.

2-Current Reggie-
-no poo or sulfities
-Rinse or cowash every 1-3 days. I have been using wen but moving to hairveda
-conditioner or leave in daily
-Shea butter on edges and top to seal
-weekly DC/pre poo with aloe,coconut oil & AOHSR
-Protective Styles: 60% of the time superbun, 25% braid out, 10%twists, 5% wig
-henna/indigo once a month
-heat not more than 2-3 times per year
-I need to keep my iron levels up

3- Other Challenges I've Joined-
- juicing (during summer months)
- wigging (not so much since I'm getting my workout on)
-BC to waist length (slow and steady wins the race)

 

[EllePixie]

Okay! I'm back with my regimen.

Starting Length: SL (back is a bit past my collarbone)

- Cowash daily (or every other day if I am lazy)
- MTG nightly
- Cleanse with shampoo once a week
- DC once a week (since I got my steamer I think I would get too moisturized if I did more)
- I don't PS, I basically wear wash n gos every day
- PT once a month
- I have henna that I use periodically but I'm going to stop (tired of red hair)
- Detangle every 4 days (currently using the Tangle Teezer)

 

[sj10460]

It's almost challenge time