2017 Bsl/mbl Challenge

I used to wear banana clips in my teens and you now have inspired me to revisit them and recreate this lovely 'do.
Thank you. I went out and bought a pack of banana clips after watching the youtube tutorial that inspired that style. There are a few other styles you can do, but most of them require curls or some kind of texture. I like to wear my hair straight...
 
OK, I'll check out the tutorials.

I mostly wear my hair curly but seem doing this on both textures. Seems like a good style for when straight styles get older.

Thank you. I went out and bought a pack of banana clips after watching the youtube tutorial that inspired that style. There are a few other styles you can do, but most of them require curls or some kind of texture. I like to wear my hair straight...
 
this is the only reason why it sucks being tall, waiting for your hair to get to waist length lmao. but once its there we will have a crap load of hair. I have my hair in Senegalese twists and its being growing very well. AND yes girl pulling out all the stops. Im making sure I do my daily regimen to ensure my success. no time for setbacks. To close to the gold :toocool:. We stay the path hopefully we both meet or get real close to our goals. no more length checks for me either I think that's my problem lol.

Girl, I'm 5'9 too and closing in on WL too. I'll know where I am when I take my hair down in a couple of weeks. I'm pulling out all of the stops to make sure I'm there before 12/31/2017. I know my hair has definitely been thickening up over the past few months, which is very good.
 
Oh, your hair should be all good in those twists. I was able to get 1-1.5 inches a month (4 inches total over 3.5 months) when I had them a few years ago. I was using my homemade NJoy growth oil every night and washed my hair every morning with ACV and water then cowashed with a conditioner and water. I then moisturized it with Profectiv daily anti-breakage moisturizer. I was taking my vitamins daily and doing a little bit of exercise. I'm following a similar routine with some changes.

Cutting down on length checks is one of the reasons I like being in long-term protective styles.

Miss Lady, we'll definitely meet or surpass our goals before the clock strikes midnight on 1/1/18! Believ that!

this is the only reason why it sucks being tall, waiting for your hair to get to waist length lmao. but once its there we will have a crap load of hair. I have my hair in Senegalese twists and its being growing very well. AND yes girl pulling out all the stops. Im making sure I do my daily regimen to ensure my success. no time for setbacks. To close to the gold :toocool:. We stay the path hopefully we both meet or get real close to our goals. no more length checks for me either I think that's my problem lol.
 
Last edited:
OMG that's crazy, a few years ago to, I use to do a similar routine, but I had wigs and I kept a plastic bag under my wig everyday :eek: :look:, and cowashed every day with Jason biotin conditioner ( thats when biotin was the second or third ingredient) and even baggied my ends under the plastic bag :confused:. I know crazy right, but I went from shoulder length to wsl in 1 year. I have to find the pics to show you it was insane. but my hair was no where near as healthy and thick as it is now. I think the GHE and co-washing my scalp daily made my hair grow like crazy. I have majorly changed that routine but I think I should go back to co-washing daily but I don't want to manipulate my scalp to much then my hair gets all frizzy looking. its bad enough I have to redo them every 1 1/2 to 2 weeks. what is your current regimen if you don't mind me asking? and what products do you use?

Oh, you're hair should be all good in those twists. I was able to get 1-1.5 inches a month (4 inches total over 3.5 months) when I had them a few years ago. I was using my homemade NJoy growth oil every night and washed my hair every morning with ACV and water then cowashed with a conditioner and water. I then moisturized it with Profectiv daily anti-breakage moisturizer. I was taking my vitamins daily and doing a little bit of exercise. I'm following a similar routine with some changes.

Cutting down on length checks is one of the reasons I like being in long-term protective styles.

Miss Lady, we'll definitely meet or surpass our goals before the clock strikes midnight on 1/1/18! Believ that!
 
I totally believe it about your growth!

Wigging it works for me. I'm not doing it now but will go back in a couple of weeks so that I can wash/deep condition my hair without worry about messing up my 'do. I also agree with GHE method too. I had that Jason biotin conditioner years ago but never really used it because I was getting my hair done at the salon mostly. It expired and I tossed it.

Now my hair is braided/twist (my hair) in an updo that I get redone every 4-6 weeks. I spray on X-cel 21 in the morning and LOC with African Royale braid spray, WGO, CRN Curlaide and shea butter at night. (I misplaced my Liquid Gold sulfur oils and just bought WGO). I will make a batch of Curly Proverbz and use that every 2-3 days. I like the herbs and hope it helps with shedding, strenghing my hair and, of course, growth. I'm taking biotin (10 mg), MSM powder, vitamin c, Hairfluence HSN, Vitol Ener-G 2 per day and bamboo silica (tea or pill depending on how I feel). I want to add marine collagen in but I keep forgetting to take it.

One of the big things I'm doing now is working out at least 4x a week and doing a protein shake (kale, apple juice, fruit, black strap molasses, banana, honey, fenugreek powder, coconut milk and Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal). I also drink at least 64 oz of water -- my workouts make it easy to meet or surpass this.

When I experienced extreme growth, I was taking the vitamin mix above + marine collagen, washing/conditioning/remoisturizing my hair at least 5x a week, using sulfur oil nightly, drinking water, getting my eat on and exercising regularly.

I got hella busy earlier in the summer and had to get back on it. I'm totally dedicated now and am excited about my whole journey.




OMG that's crazy, a few years ago to, I use to do a similar routine, but I had wigs and I kept a plastic bag under my wig everyday :eek: :look:, and cowashed every day with Jason biotin conditioner ( thats when biotin was the second or third ingredient) and even baggied my ends under the plastic bag :confused:. I know crazy right, but I went from shoulder length to wsl in 1 year. I have to find the pics to show you it was insane. but my hair was no where near as healthy and thick as it is now. I think the GHE and co-washing my scalp daily made my hair grow like crazy. I have majorly changed that routine but I think I should go back to co-washing daily but I don't want to manipulate my scalp to much then my hair gets all frizzy looking. its bad enough I have to redo them every 1 1/2 to 2 weeks. what is your current regimen if you don't mind me asking? and what products do you use?
 
(I found it https://longhaircareforum.com/threads/1-yr-progress-pics.592201/ I cut 2 inches off right after the beginning picture and I was little past neck, and in one year I got to almost wsl. a month and a half later I was waist let me know what you think)

THATS AWESOME! I am about to take some notes from you and do the same. That jason's conditioner was the shiznit but I think any conditioner would of gave me the same results. Wiggin is great because you don't have to worry about messing up your hair. I think I may not be twisting my hair tight enough and that's why it slips down when I do all the manipulation. at least im guessing that's the reason. my goal is to get my hair hanging at apl in its natural curly state. I looked yesterday (again dam length checking again, I got a issue lmao) and im closer than I realized I was. I also realized my hair doesn't shrink up like it use to I have major hang time now which is awesome. I think all that henna is doing me good. my regimen consists of using surge two times a day in the morning and night and I saturate my scalp with it, and then oil my scalp with curly proverb recipe which I totally love how both of these have changed my new growth. is beyond soft and curly. Now I will be cowashing daily with jane carters cowash that I got at marshalls for 5$, smells so good by the way, and then I spray my hair with a mix I made of aloe vera, aphogee pro vitamin leave in, aphogee curlific leave in on my hair only not my scalp, then I put either tgin hair mask or some other thick mask/ conditioner all through my twists and then I put in mane choice Egyptian oil, basically the LOC method. my hair has changed significantly from doing this every single day. I absolutely hate dry hair. my hair is always moisturized. and if I want to do extra ill put in mane choice doesn't get my butter on the last 5 inches of my twists. I wash my hair once a month and and dc every sunday rotating from protein with ors mayo/ aphogee 2 minute and babasu mint deep conditioner/some other conditioner that I through together. I try to keep as simple as possible. I noticed when I do my hair thrives. I take mane choice vitamins, youth theory vitamins, iron and vitamin c (im anemic that's why I take iron). Im about to start working out 5 days a week and up my water to 100 oz a day (wish me luck). We are on the same page about our journeys doing the same routine just about. we should check in with eachother for support and to make sure we are staying on track to get these three inches by 12/31/17. we gonna get them with this regimens your absolutely right. look forward to us both smacking someone in the face with all this hair lmao. lets get it!!!



I totally believe it about your growth!

Wigging it works for me. I'm not doing it now but will go back in a couple of weeks so that I can wash/deep condition my hair without worry about messing up my 'do. I also agree with GHE method too. I had that Jason biotin conditioner years ago but never really used it because I was getting my hair done at the salon mostly. It expired and I tossed it.

Now my hair is braided/twist (my hair) in an updo that I get redone every 4-6 weeks. I spray on X-cel 21 in the morning and LOC with African Royale braid spray, WGO, CRN Curlaide and shea butter at night. (I misplaced my Liquid Gold sulfur oils and just bought WGO). I will make a batch of Curly Proverbz and use that every 2-3 days. I like the herbs and hope it helps with shedding, strenghing my hair and, of course, growth. I'm taking biotin (10 mg), MSM powder, vitamin c, Hairfluence HSN, Vitol Ener-G 2 per day and bamboo silica (tea or pill depending on how I feel). I want to add marine collagen in but I keep forgetting to take it.

One of the big things I'm doing now is working out at least 4x a week and doing a protein shake (kale, apple juice, fruit, black strap molasses, banana, honey, fenugreek powder, coconut milk and Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal). I also drink at least 64 oz of water -- my workouts make it easy to meet or surpass this.

When I experienced extreme growth, I was taking the vitamin mix above + marine collagen, washing/conditioning/remoisturizing my hair at least 5x a week, using sulfur oil nightly, drinking water, getting my eat on and exercising regularly.

I got hella busy earlier in the summer and had to get back on it. I'm totally dedicated now and am excited about my whole journey.
 
Last edited:
Washed my hair with DE A& L. I also used Aphogee 2 min in the shower, rinsed, before applying the dc. I sprayed my hair with Aphogee green tea spray and CON Argan oil leave-in. I used Silk elements Oil heat protected and blow dried. i will flat iron my hair this morning. It's raining, so I will just keep it wrapped up.
 
Today is wash day:blondboob:
Rubbed some water and coconut oil onto my hair and detangled/ removed sheds and sectioned in twists, dusted.

Shampooed scalp and hair with Giovanni Tea Tree, rinsed and applied APB UCS. Combed through sections with Hercules Sagemann combs- first magic mini rake, then 1975.

Applied more DC + MO Babassu+Mint and bantu knotted. Wrapped in cling film/ hot towel/ foil/ baggy combo. Will sit for one hour and then rinse, clay and style in a wng.
 
OMG that's amazing progress! I'm inspired again. It reminds me of Njoy too. She was shoulder/APL and reached WL in 10 months or so. She followed a similar regimen, used her sulfur mix and visualized.

I'm :lachen:at you having the babies helping you out. (I can see me doing that too:))

OK, it's on!:toocool:

You have a nice regimen too and have me rethinking using Surge 2x a day (I started out that way but switched to the braid spray at night with moisturising/sealing).

I'm looking forward to wigging it again. I'm also looking forward to using my Curly Proverbz oil. I never hennaed my hair. Most stylists talked about how drying it is but I suspect they didn't follow it up with a moisturizing deep conditioner and did the things you do. APL is a nice curly state goal.

I've never tried any of the Aphogee products but am curious about the 2-min reconstructor (the 2-part protein scares me lol). I may try a sample pack of the reconstructor first and see how it does. I wish I had given the Jason's biotin conditioner a chance but I was letting the stylists wash/condition my hair at the time.

100 oz of h20 is nice! Girl, your body will be glowing and your hair will be flowing! (Did I just rhyme?) I would like to get closer to a gallon a day but I stressed myself out when I did my own gallon (128oz)/ day challenge earlier this year. I wouldn't go to bed until I drank the last drop. I also was peeing like crazy.

Speaking of flowing hair, I'm LMAO at the visual of smacking someone in the faec with our hair. That's hilarious!


(I found it https://longhaircareforum.com/threads/1-yr-progress-pics.592201/ I cut 2 inches off right after the beginning picture and I was little past neck, and in one year I got to almost wsl. a month and a half later I was waist let me know what you think)

THATS AWESOME! I am about to take some notes from you and do the same. That jason's conditioner was the shiznit but I think any conditioner would of gave me the same results. Wiggin is great because you don't have to worry about messing up your hair. I think I may not be twisting my hair tight enough and that's why it slips down when I do all the manipulation. at least im guessing that's the reason. my goal is to get my hair hanging at apl in its natural curly state. I looked yesterday (again dam length checking again, I got a issue lmao) and im closer than I realized I was. I also realized my hair doesn't shrink up like it use to I have major hang time now which is awesome. I think all that henna is doing me good. my regimen consists of using surge two times a day in the morning and night and I saturate my scalp with it, and then oil my scalp with curly proverb recipe which I totally love how both of these have changed my new growth. is beyond soft and curly. Now I will be cowashing daily with jane carters cowash that I got at marshalls for 5$, smells so good by the way, and then I spray my hair with a mix I made of aloe vera, aphogee pro vitamin leave in, aphogee curlific leave in on my hair only not my scalp, then I put either tgin hair mask or some other thick mask/ conditioner all through my twists and then I put in mane choice Egyptian oil, basically the LOC method. my hair has changed significantly from doing this every single day. I absolutely hate dry hair. my hair is always moisturized. and if I want to do extra ill put in mane choice doesn't get my butter on the last 5 inches of my twists. I wash my hair once a month and and dc every sunday rotating from protein with ors mayo/ aphogee 2 minute and babasu mint deep conditioner/some other conditioner that I through together. I try to keep as simple as possible. I noticed when I do my hair thrives. I take mane choice vitamins, youth theory vitamins, iron and vitamin c (im anemic that's why I take iron). Im about to start working out 5 days a week and up my water to 100 oz a day (wish me luck). We are on the same page about our journeys doing the same routine just about. we should check in with eachother for support and to make sure we are staying on track to get these three inches by 12/31/17. we gonna get them with this regimens your absolutely right. look forward to us both smacking someone in the face with all this hair lmao. lets get it!!!
 
Last edited:
I got my braces off yesterday!! My teeth look like dentures lol.

The pieces that I was crying about did curl back up. They are a looser curl than the rest of the hair in that area, but I have a loose curl along the back and front anyway. It's fine. Thank you guys for the support!

Before I blow dried, I rinsed with my conditioner. Then, I put on Chi Keratin Mist, Chi Iron Guard, and the Fantasia serum that was recommended to me. I blew it all out and then pressed the roots. I put it in a bun. I want to put it in a smooth ponytail with curls at the end on Friday
 
Added my oil blend and I'm going to sit under the dryer for 15 mins. I plan on washing my hair, get under the dryer to knock some moisture out, then blow dry the rest on cool. I will heat style on my next wash day. I will just head wrap my hair.
I detangled with It's A 10 lite, added the Macadamia Natural Oil healing spray on 50% air dried hair, then added my oil blend to my scalp and edges. Blew on cool for a bit, and now I got my scarf on.
I got some nice head wraps, so I might just go this route for awhile.
It's A 10 Lite is the best leave-in I have ever used. It's a holy grail. CON will always be my boo, but the protein, or something in it can be a bit drying for me.
 
Thank you!!! I haven't done the visualization yet but I did have a dream that my hair was hip length, that was to real. lmao I know my kids wouldn't get out the bathroom so I put them to work. They were arguing over who gets to pull my hair. not sure if that was a good thing or not lol.

Yes it is on! I think i'm going to make my regimen even simpler. the less I do the better my hair grows. Yes you should use surge 2x a day. saturate your scalp. I got that idea from another lhcf lady chicoro. I know you seen her hair. The curly proverb oil is some amazing stuff I recommend even adding it to your deep conditioner when you DC. The leftover in the bottom of my jar I use it as a mask. I also do my oil on the stove on high and then low for several hours. I think the fenugreek/msm/sulfur (my CP mix i use) keeps me rebraiding every week and a half.

And GIRL, you have to try the henna OMG. mix it with some sort of conditioner/oil or even coconut milk, that stuff is amazing, messy as hell, but amazing. I henna dye my hair black to and man that has made my curls amazing/shiny and healthy looking. but black hair always tends to look that way if healthy.

aphogee is good stuff, but i think im going to go back to the crown and glory with the braid spray infusium 23 and water. that's what I used then and my hair always seem to be protein/moisture balanced. don't want to start messing that up.

the reconstructor is the truth. never did the two step, im natural so too scared for that lol. but the reconstructor once a month or as needed is just a little insurance for you to know your hair is getting a good dose of protein at least once a month.

OMG 100 oz is killing me. I haven't started my workout plan and that's why. I been so busy with work all i do is crash when i get home. need to get on track with that. 128oz your a G for that girl. im trying though.

yes glowing and flowing. MC Tefnut :lachen::afropick:

have you measured your hair yet? or do you use a t shirt? i think we should do that so we see where we actually are, so we can compare.

Happy growing. so excited new hair journey buddy :toocool::bighug:
MBL here we come!!:yahoo:

OMG that's amazing progress! I'm inspired again. It reminds me of Njoy too. She was shoulder/APL and reached WL in 10 months or so. She followed a similar regimen, used her sulfur mix and visualized.

I'm :lachen:at you having the babies helping you out. (I can see me doing that too:))

OK, it's on!:toocool:

You have a nice regimen too and have me rethinking using Surge 2x a day (I started out that way but switched to the braid spray at night with moisturising/sealing).

I'm looking forward to wigging it again. I'm also looking forward to using my Curly Proverbz oil. I never hennaed my hair. Most stylists talked about how drying it is but I suspect they didn't follow it up with a moisturizing deep conditioner and did the things you do. APL is a nice curly state goal.

I've never tried any of the Aphogee products but am curious about the 2-min reconstructor (the 2-part protein scares me lol). I may try a sample pack of the reconstructor first and see how it does. I wish I had given the Jason's biotin conditioner a chance but I was letting the stylists wash/condition my hair at the time.

100 oz of h20 is nice! Girl, your body will be glowing and your hair will be flowing! (Did I just rhyme?) I would like to get closer to a gallon a day but I stressed myself out when I did my own gallon (128oz)/ day challenge earlier this year. I wouldn't go to bed until I drank the last drop. I also was peeing like crazy.

Speaking of flowing hair, I'm LMAO at the visual of smacking someone in the faec with our hair. That's hilarious!
 
Today I straightened my hair. My husband was mesmerized. LOL. I used the Ion Steam Pro Straightening Brush Iron Pro.

I wore my hair in a ponytail braid and trimmed a bit.

Today's method/products:
  1. Prepoo: 60 minutes under HairFlair with NaturalleGrow Mango & Coconut Water DC over DIY CurlyProverbz ayurvedic hair growth oil
  2. Section hair: 6 sections (3 sections on each side) using Goody Updo Barrettes (the small ones)
  3. Detangle: KareCo Tangle Buster Brush with NaturalleGrow Mango & Coconut Water DC over DIY CurlyProverbz ayurvedic hair growth oil
  4. Cleanse: HairPrint Chelating Shampoo
  5. Deep condition: Jakeala Beau Vert Masque
  6. Straighten: Ion Steam Pro Straightening Brush (on 375) using IC Fantasia Hair Polisher Heat Protector Straightening Serum; for each section after the first pass with the ion steam brush, I combed through the hair section with my Kent 16t seamless comb so that on the next pass the ion steam brush would pass through easily
  7. Style: Single ponytail braid because I was in a rush!
I wasn't going for super duper straight. When I did a pull test on my hair, it hit below my shoulder blades. My hair felt great, healthy, and silky. I'll see if my hair reverts!

If it reverts, my plan is to do twist outs and braid outs on straightened hair going forward.

In the picture below, some short hair is sticking out of the braid and touching my neck. :p I didn't know it.

WP_20170921_004 - Copy.jpg
 
Today I straightened my hair. My husband was mesmerized. LOL. I used the Ion Steam Pro Straightening Brush Iron Pro.

I wore my hair in a ponytail braid and trimmed a bit.

Today's method/products:
  1. Prepoo: 60 minutes under HairFlair with NaturalleGrow Mango & Coconut Water DC over DIY CurlyProverbz ayurvedic hair growth oil
  2. Section hair: 6 sections (3 sections on each side) using Goody Updo Barrettes (the small ones)
  3. Detangle: KareCo Tangle Buster Brush with NaturalleGrow Mango & Coconut Water DC over DIY CurlyProverbz ayurvedic hair growth oil
  4. Cleanse: HairPrint Chelating Shampoo
  5. Deep condition: Jakeala Beau Vert Masque
  6. Straighten: Ion Steam Pro Straightening Brush (on 375) using IC Fantasia Hair Polisher Heat Protector Straightening Serum; for each section after the first pass with the ion steam brush, I combed through the hair section with my Kent 16t seamless comb so that on the next pass the ion steam brush would pass through easily
  7. Style: Single ponytail braid because I was in a rush!
I wasn't going for super duper straight. When I did a pull test on my hair, it hit below my shoulder blades. My hair felt great, healthy, and silky. I'll see if my hair reverts!

If it reverts, my plan is to do twist outs and braid outs on straightened hair going forward.

In the picture below, some short hair is sticking out of the braid and touching my neck. :p I didn't know it.

View attachment 411315
Thanks for the review! Hair looks good!
 
I have two more days before I can wash my hair! This is why I don't like protective styling! I need access to my scalp at all times. But I will be strong. I have a goal to reach by the end of the year!
Update!
I will wash my hair tomorrow. I can't deal with the patting my head, and itchy scalp. So 3-5 days I will wash as usual.
 
Last edited:
I'm back to using Xcel-21 twice a day. I also am washing back on a daily co-wash routine.

I made my CP hair brew a few days ago and it should be ready in a couple of weeks. So you don't let it sit for 2 weeks? You brew it on the stove instead? Please explain more. I'm intrigued. I thought about adding sulfur to my mix but kept it with the MSM + fenugreek. How much sulfur do you add? MSM powder? I followed NickyBNautral's recipe, which also included Brahmi powder. I added a dab of Vitamin C too. I was most inspired by Nicky's video and her growth.

I'm really considering doing a henna mix since I have the powder now. Do you follow up your henna with indigo powder to make your hair darker without a yellow/red hue? I'm definitely going to do CP's henna refresher spray recipe. Do you add the oil or the leftovers to your deep conditioner?

I used to use Infusium when I was a teen and first went natural. My mom had it around the house and I liked it. I would add it after I deep conditioned my hair. Maybe that's why my hair wasn't shedding as much. :drunk: I had considered going back to it but I don't know. I want to keep my PJism in check. There are some REAL addicts on this site. :look:

I haven't measured my hair with my length-check shirt (can't find it and I think I want another one) since January and at the time I was BSL. I pulled one layer of my hair and it seemed to be MLB now. I've been washing out my deep conditioner in the wee hours after letting it marinate all day and haven't done a proper length check. I've been too tired and had to get my hair done soon after. I'll make time when I take my hair down soon. I'm confident I'll meet my WL goal this year. (ETA: And I'm dragging your behind with me across that finish line @shanelallyn30!)

This thread is a good challenge and everyone seems to be on their stuff. When I saw your comment about being 5'9, I had to comment lol. :pepper:

The progress you and others made (especially in the link you shared of your previous megagrowth) has really inspired me to get on it and do what I know works.

Thank you, ladies! :bighug:


Thank you!!! I haven't done the visualization yet but I did have a dream that my hair was hip length, that was to real. lmao I know my
 
Last edited:
That is the downside and one of the reasons why I love wigging it!

I have two more days before I can wash my hair! This is why I don't like protective styling! I need access to my scalp at all times. But I will be strong. I have a goal to reach by the end of the year!
Update!
I will wash my hair tomorrow. I can't deal with the patting my head, and itchy scalp. So 3-5 days I will wash as usual.
 
I washed, dc'ed, and rinsed with Macadamia Natural Oil line. I will tee shirt dry, then detangle with it's a 10 Lite, and use MOL healing oil spray. I will blow dry on cool, then braid back up using Silk Elements leave-in Creme to reduce friction and moisturize my roots. I will wash again Wed or Thursday.
i will not bend up, or curl up the ends of my braids.
 
Since my hair is steam iron straightened, I decided to try the style that was my whole reason for wanting to straighten in the first place (the style/method in the video below).'

I trimmed quite a bit. Probably 1/4 of an inch. I was too chicken to spritz with water, and my two flat twists were a little too loose (I will keep practicing :up: ).

Image enlarges upon click.

WP_20170924_032.jpg

 
Back
Top