2016 Milestone Challenge...(not A Length Challenge. No Length Goals)

[BrownSkinPoppin]

So one of my goals was thicker hair so I started using garlic infused olive oil on my scalp. Here are my comparison pics. I kept my braids in for the same amount of time for an accurate comparison.

Just got done making my next batch and this time I put more garlic in it lol

 

[BrownSkinPoppin]

Forgot to add the pic lol

 

[LdyKamz]

Forgot to add the pic lol

Are you comparing shed hair while in braids?

I'm wondering why the length of my hair feels soft and moisturized but my edges in fact my entire perimeter always feel a rough and dry mess. I'm trying to get this part back in shape but do I really need to have a separate regimen for this part of my hair? I want it to stop breaking off already.

 

[BrownSkinPoppin]

Are you comparing shed hair while in braids?

I'm wondering why the length of my hair feels soft and moisturized but my edges in fact my entire perimeter always feel a rough and dry mess. I'm trying to get this part back in shape but do I really need to have a separate regimen for this part of my hair? I want it to stop breaking off already.

Yeah this is my shed hair while in beehive braids under my wig.

 

[Prettymetty]

Quarter 1 is coming to an end and I didn't quite reach my goal of using up my stash. I'll have the excess products used by the end of Quarter 2.

I also failed the wear my own hair for 3 months challenge. It's ok. I'm still learning my hair after being natural 4 years.

I did retain about 1/2 inch after my Spring Equinox trim. I gained thickness also. My bun is getting bigger

 

[LdyKamz]

I'm in a bun today and I wore a band around my head yesterday. Bad Kammy!

 

[faithVA]

I need to update my milestones. The 1st quarter was good for showing me what's realistic. I have a lot of changes for the second quarter.

 

[faithVA]

1st Quarter
1. Master Semi-permanent color application (partial)
2. Preserve a rollerset (achieved)
3. Moisturizer for rollerset (moved to 4th quarter)

Update on 1st Quarter Milestones.

I worked on the semi-permanent color application. I made great progress but I didn't master it. Sometimes I get the color perfect and sometimes it rinses out and doesn't have the full color. Sometimes my edges are perfect and sometimes they are gray. So I am carrying this one over to the 2nd Quarter.

I was able to preserve my rollerset so I'm going to count that as finished.

I didn't even begin working on a moisturizer for my rollerset because I didn't rollerset often enough. I pushing that one to the 4th quarter because I won't be rollersetting again until the weather is cooler.

These are my original 2nd quarter goals.
2nd Quarter (Original)
1. Full banana clip bun dry hair
2. 2 strand twist hang to bridge of nose
3. 2 cornrows on wet hair (dropping)
4. Wearable box braids

2nd Quarter (NEW)
1. Full banana clip bun dry hair
2. 2 strand twist hang to bridge of nose
3. Master Semi-permanent color application (repeat)
4. Wearable box braids
5. Wearable puff without pulling my hair in the back

 

[tashboog]

1st Quarter:
1) Protective style for retention (achieved)
2) Retain moisture in twist for 2 days
3) Learn how to cornrow my hair (partial)
4) Learn how to make a natural hair wig (achieved)
5) Focus on making my ends healthy (partial)
6) Eliminate SSK's (partial)
7) Work on regrowing temples and crown (move to 2nd Q in progress)
8) Work on thickening my hair (move to 2nd Q in progress)
9) Work on improving my high porosity hair (move to 2nd in progress)
10) Do inversion method the first week of each month (fail)

Update on 1st Quarter milestones:
I wore wigs for the first quarter and it did help me retain length even though I know this isn't a length challenge but my nape is finally almost BSL. I can now cornrow but I still need practice. We have seen my natural wig on here so I did accomplish that this quarter. Since my hair was braided on stretch hair I didn't have as many SSK's. I doubt it if SSK's will ever disappear as long as I have natural hair but mine has decreased this quarter. I'm still working on my crown, temples, thickening my hair and improving my high porosity. I'm going to move these to 2nd quarter. I failed at the inversion method cuz I was not consistent at all ! I would always forget so I think next time I will set a reminder on my phone to help me this time.

2nd Quarter: (Original)
1) Continue working on temples and crown
2) Start working on achieving maximum hydration
3) Continue to work on not being a bandwagon junkie
4) Continue to stop being a product junkie
5) Figure out a moisturizing routine for my out styles
6) Achieve 2nd day hair on out styles without restyling
7) Achieve a wearable wash n go
8) Achieve a twist out that doesn't look stringy & thin
9) Do inversion method the first week of each month

2nd Quarter: (New)
1) Continue working on temples and crown
2) Continue working on thickening my hair
3) Continue working on improving my high porosity
4) Do inversion method the first week of each month
5) Protective style for moisture retention
6) Retain moisture in loose twist for 2 days
7) Continue to decrease SSK's

 

[KinksAndInk]

I did not accomplish my 1st quarter goal...which is fine because I accomplished my 3rd quarter goal of doing more roller sets and less wash and go's. I also dusted my ends and tried a new way of doing my bun which was a win. But the best thing of all is that I'm making major progress on my 4th quarter goal of getting the middle section of my hair to the same state of health as the rest of my hair. I want to change my goals around for the remainder of the year. I'll post those later.

This is pretty much the same as it was 2 weeks ago.
2nd Quarter Goals
1. Work on the health of the middle section of my hair.
2. Grow and retain 3+ inches.
3. Wash twice a week.
4. Protective style at least 2 weeks a month.
5. Workout 4-5 days a week.
6. Drink 64oz of water a day.

 

[faithVA]

1st Quarter:
1) Protective style for retention (achieved)
2) Retain moisture in twist for 2 days
3) Learn how to cornrow my hair (partial)
4) Learn how to make a natural hair wig (achieved)
5) Focus on making my ends healthy (partial)
6) Eliminate SSK's (partial)
7) Work on regrowing temples and crown (move to 2nd Q in progress)
8) Work on thickening my hair (move to 2nd Q in progress)
9) Work on improving my high porosity hair (move to 2nd in progress)
10) Do inversion method the first week of each month (fail)

Update on 1st Quarter milestones:
I wore wigs for the first quarter and it did help me retain length even though I know this isn't a length challenge but my nape is finally almost BSL. I can now cornrow but I still need practice. We have seen my natural wig on here so I did accomplish that this quarter. Since my hair was braided on stretch hair I didn't have as many SSK's. I doubt it if SSK's will ever disappear as long as I have natural hair but mine has decreased this quarter. I'm still working on my crown, temples, thickening my hair and improving my high porosity. I'm going to move these to 2nd quarter. I failed at the inversion method cuz I was not consistent at all ! I would always forget so I think next time I will set a reminder on my phone to help me this time.

2nd Quarter: (Original)
1) Continue working on temples and crown
2) Start working on achieving maximum hydration
3) Continue to work on not being a bandwagon junkie
4) Continue to stop being a product junkie
5) Figure out a moisturizing routine for my out styles
6) Achieve 2nd day hair on out styles without restyling
7) Achieve a wearable wash n go
8) Achieve a twist out that doesn't look stringy & thin
9) Do inversion method the first week of each month

2nd Quarter: (New)
1) Continue working on temples and crown
2) Continue working on thickening my hair
3) Continue working on improving my high porosity
4) Do inversion method the first week of each month
5) Protective style for moisture retention
6) Retain moisture in loose twist for 2 days
7) Continue to decrease SSK's

I think you did great for the 1st quarter. I like that you shortened your list for the 2nd quarter.

After reading your list I'm going to work on cornrowing and add that too my milestones.

 

[faithVA]

This is pretty much the same as it was 2 weeks ago.
2nd Quarter Goals
1. Work on the health of the middle section of my hair.
2. Grow and retain 3+ inches.
3. Wash twice a week.
4. Protective style at least 2 weeks a month.
5. Workout 4-5 days a week.
6. Drink 64oz of water a day.

That's a nice compact list. I love that you can track it item and its measurable.

 

[Prettymetty]

Here is my Spring Regimen (2nd quarter goals)
Wash weekly with Ion Scalp shampoo
Dc after each wash with Kerastase mask
Airdry in celies
Apply leave in and detangle/rebraid
Massage sulfur oil into scalp 3x week
Invert first week each month
Take hair vitamin daily
Sleep in satin bonnet nightly
Dust ends in June during Summer Solstice
Moisturize ends after each sulfur application
satin bonnet under wigs. No wig caps
Retain >1 inch in 3 months


bonus goals:
practice rollersetting
Wear my own hair for a week
finger detangle only

 

[trclemons]

I'm in with the following style goals:


2nd Quarter

Do a roller set

Do a twist out

Do a wash n' go

Do a bantu knot out


4th Quarter

Do a flat twist

Do a braid out

Do a perm rod set

Do finger coils

I didn't have any goals for the 1st quarter, but I have already started on my 2nd quarter goals. I just finished a ponytail roller set. If it turns out right, I will wear it for church tomorrow and the rest of this week. I will post a finalized picture tomorrow.

 

[trclemons]

I didn't have any goals for the 1st quarter, but I have already started on my 2nd quarter goals. I just finished a ponytail roller set. If it turns out right, I will wear it for church tomorrow and the rest of this week. I will post a finalized picture tomorrow.

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When I took the rollers out, the curls were gorgeous. But when I combed them, my hair looked like an afro. It was weird. My roots are straight like I have a perm and my ends are puffy. Any ideas for how I can get my ends straight?

 

[LdyKamz]

When I took the rollers out, the curls were gorgeous. But when I combed them, my hair looked like an afro. It was weird. My roots are straight like I have a perm and my ends are puffy. Any ideas for how I can get my ends straight?

View attachment 356491 View attachment 356495

View attachment 356497 View attachment 356499

I know it wasn't the look you were going for but it came out really pretty. I think next time try separating the curls with your fingers instead of combing and then style how you want.

 

[trclemons]

I know it wasn't the look you were going for but it came out really pretty. I think next time try separating the curls with your fingers instead of combing and then style how you want.

That's a good idea and I will definitely do that next time. I'm wearing my hair out for the rest of the week, so I wet my hair again and prepped it for a twist out. Hopefully, this style will not be as bushy.

 

[LdyKamz]

See quoted post for 1st quarter update. Initially those were goals for 2nd and 3rd quarter but I made adjustments after figuring some things out. I added new 2nd quarter goals and I'm going to get started on those.

Second quarter goals:

• Maintain styles at least 3-4 days a week so I'm manipulating my hair less. Only styling 2x a week max.
• DC at least 2x a week to get my moisture levels back up
• Stay on a regular trimming schedule. I'm aiming for every 3-4 months. This one was good last quarter so I have to make sure I keep it up.
• Main goal is to get nape and entire crown area into a braid around the perimeter of my head.
• Try one new style a week. Since I'm styling 2x a week after dcing I can practice that style at least twice during the week. I'll be stalking the board and youtube for ideas for my length.
• Go the entire quarter without wearing a headband or some sort of band around my head. This might be the cause of my crown issues so I have to stop cold turkey.
• Get thicker hair - not exactly sure how to do this or how to measure how much thickness I've gained but a milestone nonetheless

Been nearly a month since I posted this so time to check in.

• Maintain styles at least 3-4 days a week so I'm manipulating my hair less. Only styling 2x a week max. - This is working our nicely. I'm sticking to washing and dcing on Sunday and cowashing mid week on Wednesday/Thursday. So I definitely manipulate less. Not sure if I can tell a difference in my hair because of it.
• DC at least 2x a week to get my moisture levels back up - So I don't necessarily dc 2x a week. I do use a conditioner and cover my head with a plastic cap while I shower and then rinse. Don't think that counts. But moisture levels seem ok.
• Stay on a regular trimming schedule. I'm aiming for every 3-4 months. This one was good last quarter so I have to make sure I keep it up. - Won't be trimming again until the end of June.
• Main goal is to get nape and entire crown area into a braid around the perimeter of my head. - I feel like I've made some progress here although not very much. When I wash my hair those areas look full and lush but after my hair dries and especially after I sleep on them they look all flat and sparse. Have to keep working on it.
• Try one new style a week. Since I'm styling 2x a week after dcing I can practice that style at least twice during the week. I'll be stalking the board and youtube for ideas for my length. -This is happening very rarely. I do my rollersets and then I usually wear them out. I suppose I can start putting the sets into different styles but at this length my options are limited. I can try a twist and curl again though.
• Go the entire quarter without wearing a headband or some sort of band around my head. This might be the cause of my crown issues so I have to stop cold turkey. -FAIL!! This is probably the main reason why my nape an edges are deceiving me when I wash my hair. I'm not wearing it everyday and that's good but still too often for my liking. Sometimes if my curls aren't falling right on the sides the quick fix is a headband. But I just got some new silk goodies for my hair so this might help some if I absolutely have to wear a headband.
• Get thicker hair - not exactly sure how to do this or how to measure how much thickness I've gained but a milestone nonetheless - Still lost on how to achieve this. Everything I read on the subject suggests some sort of garlic. Either conditioner, vitamins, oil. I'll have to look into it more.

 

[ElevatedEnergy]

Update:
1) Last coloring session was in December. Moving this to a 2nd quarter goal. I have no grays that I need to cover...only my dusty brown natural color...so I can get away with pushing it a little further. Thinking maybe April or May.

2). Done. Trimmed this past Sunday.

3). Success! I have been washing & roller setting every week and rather enjoying it.

2ND quarter goals:
All the original goals PLUS heavy seal my ends with pomade after moisturizing.

2nd quarter goals update

1) Colored my hair this past wash day so this goal has been completed.

2) I examined my ends last wash and cut a few ssk's out. I don't feel a full on trim is needed this quarter so I'm moving this goal to the 3Rd quarter.

3) Wash weekly was the goal. I haven't done that this quarter as I feel my hair just didn't need weekly washing. I'm back to washing as needed... (usually every 10 to 14 days). It's nice to have goals and a routine but I never wanna be too strict in it that I'm not listening to my hair and its needs as well as how those things fit in my lifestyle.

4) I haven't been using a pomade just oiling my ends after setting and after midweek moisturizing.

3rd quarter goals:
1) Examine ends and trim if needed

4th quarter goals:
1) Definite trim
2) Color roots

 

[nothidden]

Now this is useful. I've been slipping lately, and need to focus, so...

Q1
Get back to Weekly DCing
Get back to Weekly Steaming
Apply products in sections
Inversion Method first week of month

I was able to stick w/weekly DCing and applying my products in sections. These will continue to be goals in Q2.

 

[Prettymetty]

Wash days are getting easier... I did a Nioxin scalp treatment, cleansed with Chroma Riche shampoo and did a dc with Chroma Riche mask. Then I finger detangled and straightened my hair on 300 degrees before I braided it.

 

[faithVA]

One thing I would like for 2nd quarter, is to have my flat twist hang past my chin so I can were them hanging down versus always up towards my crown. That way I could go from flat twist to a flat twist out. I'm going to add that to my 2nd quarter goals but I don't think it will happen until the 3rd quarter

 

[LdyKamz]

Does anyone have any ideas of styles to wear to disguise parts of my hair that I'm growing back. My crown has completely grown back in and now it's the sides and nape that I'm working on. The sides look really good now too. I'm just always feeling like I need to wear a headband to cover these parts of my hair and of course that is going to hinder progress.

 

[Prettymetty]

I would like to add another milestone for this quarter. I want to eat clean at least 5 days a week and walk at least 4 miles a day. When I do Q2 length check I may actually have a waist

 

[faithVA]

Does anyone have any ideas of styles to wear to disguise parts of my hair that I'm growing back. My crown has completely grown back in and now it's the sides and nape that I'm working on. The sides look really good now too. I'm just always feeling like I need to wear a headband to cover these parts of my hair and of course that is going to hinder progress.

I don't have any ideas right off. Is there a picture of your hair in this thread? That might help.

 

[LdyKamz]

I think just my starting pic on the first page and my hair is out/down so that's not helpful I guess. Haha

 

[Prettymetty]

Days 1 and 2 eating clean were a success. I walked > 5 miles each day also. My protein intake has increased tremendously so that will help with hair growth/strength.

 

[destinyseeker]

@faithVA I love this challenge!!

I'm in with three goals:
1. Protective styles throughout the Winter
2. Dust my ends in December then heavy moisturizing and sealing throughout the 1st quarter to maintain length and health
3. Pre-poo before each wash during the 1st quarter

I'm doing great with my goals so far!!
I've added a mid week co-wash/shampoo with deep conditioner in the mix.
My hair is feeling and looking healthier and if length comes as a result... I'm here for that too.

 

[Shay72]

1st Quarter
Do LOC method on wet and dry hair-still working on it
Do LOC method 2x a day even if I don't leave the house-still working on it
Journal everything I do with my hair-still working on it

2nd Quarter
Fully detangle during Sunday regimen-been on & off with this
Use hydracap at least 1x/ week-failing
Incorporate ceramides into my regimen-DONE
Incorporate ayurveda into my regimen-have products, haven't used them yet

2nd Quarter-Revised
Do LOC method on wet and dry hair
Do LOC method 2x a day even if I don't leave the house
Journal everything I do with my hair
Fully detangle during Sunday regimen
Use hydracap at least 1x/ week
Incorporate ayurveda into my regimen

 

[beingofserenity]

I want to join.

My goals are:

1. Keep my hair stretched for the entire year. No letting it shrink up ever again.
2. Learn how to do African threading.
3. Figure out a wash schedule
4. Figure out a wash method (products to use, etc.)

So, I abandoned my initial goals completely. I've been experimenting a lot with wet styling, so I have been allowing my hair to shrink up. Haven't done any African threading either. So, new goals. Keeping it simple, lol.

2nd Quarter
Experiment with cowashing until I figure out what's the best routine for me.

Figure out ways to keep my scalp clean without using shampoo.

No buying any new products, just replace what I used up.

Keep experimenting with using the denman to style my hair.

Use up all my hair supplements.

Incorporate henna for strength.


3rd and 4th quarter goals? I don't know. I'll have to reevaluate at the end of this quarter.