2017 Shoulder Length Challenge

beingofserenity said:
How do you do your buns?
Click to expand...
I usually just do them in the shower. Before I would do them tight and as my hair dried the nape and edges would be super tight and pulling. Now that I know better I do them really really loose because my hair is going to dry and shrink up. My hair slicks back pretty easily with the water and conditioner in the shower. Then when I get out I smooth gel over the hair to make it a little neater. I leave the ponytail part loose and wrap it around once and pin it down.
 
faithVA said:
Ahh I want to see. My hair still isn't quite long enough for a bun.

I know there is a way to wear buns without killing your edges. Are you pulling your hair too tight?
Click to expand...
As soon as I came home last night I took it down. I was paranoid even though I was comfortable. I'll take a pic next time I do one. This will be included in my not so often lazy hair day rotation along with puffs.

Your hair is longer than mine I think. I would think you could do one. A small one at least. Mine is small too but still cute.
 
KammyGirl said:
I usually just do them in the shower. Before I would do them tight and as my hair dried the nape and edges would be super tight and pulling. Now that I know better I do them really really loose because my hair ia going to dry and shrink up. My hair slicks back pretty easily with the water and conditioner in the shower. Then when I get out I smooth gel over the hair to make it a little neater. I leave the ponytail part loose and wrap it around once and pin it down.
Click to expand...

I'm guessing my hair is more coily while wet than yours, because while I can get my hair into a ponytail, it takes work. I wish I could just slick it back while in the shower. I've started doing my buns on dry stretched hair and I use edge control to make it neat. I didn't like the effects of gel. It dried my hair out instead of adding smoothness and shine. I also think it contributed to breakage.
 
@beingofserenity I use aloevera gel to help with the smoothness but I also have to use a lot because there's not as much hold. The plus is there's no caked up residue and no dry hair afterwards. Problem is I was running out too fast and I use the gel for my bantu knots too. Sometimes if I have it I'll add a tiny bit of eco styler on top to help. Yesterday I actually tried a bit of edge control. The blueberry bliss from curls was what I had on hand (I like the passion fruit one better) But for some reason that almost undid all the work the gel was doing. I don't think it works as well on wet hair.
 
KammyGirl said:
@beingofserenity I use aloevera gel to help with the smoothness but I also have to use a lot because there's not as much hold. The plus is there's no caked up residue and no dry hair afterwards. Problem is I was running out too fast and I use the gel for my bantu knots too. Sometimes if I have it I'll add a tiny bit of eco styler on top to help. Yesterday I actually tried a bit of edge control. The blueberry bliss from curls was what I had on hand (I like the passion fruit one better) But for some reason that almost undid all the work the gel was doing. I don't think it works as well on wet hair.
Click to expand...

I have aloe vera gel. I'll try it out at some point. I prefer edge control on dry hair. I've found that it works better too
 
beingofserenity said:
I'm guessing my hair is more coily while wet than yours, because while I can get my hair into a ponytail, it takes work. I wish I could just slick it back while in the shower. I've started doing my buns on dry stretched hair and I use edge control to make it neat. I didn't like the effects of gel. It dried my hair out instead of adding smoothness and shine. I also think it contributed to breakage.
Click to expand...
I have a hard time getting my hair into a slick ponytail/puff too. Came to the conclusion that my hair is highly dense in my crown area. that's why when I get braids, it takes longer to braid the crown/front/middle of my hair, since I have more strands in those areas. It's not that it's coarse, or curly. That part of my hair takes the longest to dry, the hardest to relax and color.
Do you think that could be for you too? I do better with side parts, front parts too. Hair going all back, doesn't work well. It take a lot to keep that part from breaking/drying out since it's so compacted.
 
shortdub78 said:
I have a hard time getting my hair into a slick ponytail/puff too. Came to the conclusion that my hair is highly dense in my crown area. that's why when I get braids, it takes longer to braid the crown/front/middle of my hair, since I have more strands in those areas. It's not that it's coarse, or curly. That part of my hair takes the longest to dry, the hardest to relax and color.
Do you think that could be for you too? I do better with side parts, front parts too. Hair going all back, doesn't work well. It take a lot to keep that part from breaking/drying out since it's so compacted.
Click to expand...

Yep! Crown area is the densest part of my hair. Side and front parts are hard to because my hair isn't long enough there
 
KammyGirl said:
As soon as I came home last night I took it down. I was paranoid even though I was comfortable. I'll take a pic next time I do one. This will be included in my not so often lazy hair day rotation along with puffs.

Your hair is longer than mine I think. I would think you could do one. A small one at least. Mine is small too but still cute.
Click to expand...

I can do a struggle bun but I'm not going to be happy with that. That is definitely a recipe for breakage. And I definitely wouldn't do a wet bun because yeah when that hair starts shrinking my little brain power is pulled out through my hair follicles :lol:

I will visit bunning in the fall when I should have the length to throw one up pretty easy.

Can't wait to see your bun :yep:
 
I will be using a sulfate free shampoo today, and will deep condition. I was gonna cowash just to add some moisture, but I have oil in my hair. I will semi air dry.
I had a little protective style going on, but I would have had to take it down to remoisturize. I got the heat on and it's really drying in here, so my hair needs to WATER! Lol
 
KammyGirl said:
Since I'm boring with no plans on a Friday night I'm going to wash my hair and blow dry. I'm blow drying once a month to measure growth. A new way to disappoint myself. Lol
Click to expand...

Nothing wrong with a little boring :lol: It's cold here and I'm so glad to be home. I'm looking forward to having some hot chocolate, going to be early and sleeping in late.

Maybe your monthly checks will surprise you.
 
I'm keep thinking I should take my twist down to moisturize them but then I keep reminding myself I don't feel like it. I will probably moisturize on Sunday and freshen my hair for the week.
 
So it does look like my hair grew a little and the rest of my hair looks like it might be trying to catch up with the tail. Maybe in a few months I'll be full neck length. Right now the tail is touching the bottom of my neck.

For the next few months I have to be strict with my regimen and try not to be hair lazy. It seems so easy for me to have a set back. Wearing that bun last weekend and a headband 2 days this week looks like it caused some thinning already! Crazy. I have a thin spot right behind my right ear that was not there last week.
 
KammyGirl said:
So it does look like my hair grew a little and the rest of my hair looks like it might be trying to catch up with the tail. Maybe in a few months I'll be full neck length. Right now the tail is touching the bottom of my neck.

For the next few months I have to be strict with my regimen and try not to be hair lazy. It seems so easy for me to have a set back. Wearing that bun last weekend and a headband 2 days this week looks like it caused some thinning already! Crazy. I have a thin spot right behind my right ear that was not there last week.
Click to expand...
What styling options are you going to use to get you through?
 
Cowashed with a silicone conditioner :D :D
The protein treatment made my hair so much easier to deal with. It prevents ny hair from tangling and makes it super easy to handle. I thought thag I could only use all natural products, but I might just need to use protein/cholesterol regularly. There is a lady on here who deep conditions with africas best hair mayo like every week. I think I am going to try that out. Maybe deep condition twice a week alternating between protein and moisture? Idk...

Oh, and I almost bought a new leave in, but I forces myself to wait until I've used up the little bit that I still have. Really trying to only buy to replace.
 
I decided today would be the day I flat iron my hair just to to see what's going on with it. The last time I had heat on my hair it didn't turn out to well, it was hard, dry, dull and ugly and wouldn't get straight. Well after six plus months of deliberate changes to my regimen, I'm happy to report that my hair got straight! It is healthy and hydrated!

Also I thought I'd mention that I'M SHOULDER LENGTH!!!!! I'm so shocked because I've been doing regular trims this entire time! I expected a nice length but not this,

Sorry but I'm not doing any reveals until our official length check so no pictures. I don't like my hair down because it makes my long face appear longer. It's now in a cute & effortless updo AND I didn't have to stretch and pull my hair to make it happen.

Doing my happy dance...almost makes me want to be a straight hair natural...ALMOST, lol.
 
Last edited:
KiWiStyle said:
I decided today would be the dayear I flat iron my hair jus to to see what's going on with it. The last time I had heat on my hair it didn't turn out to well, it was hard, dry, dull and ugly and wouldn't get straight. Well after six plus months of deliberate changes to my regimen, I'm happy to report that my hair got straight! It is healthy and hydrated!

Also I thought I'd mention that I'M SHOULDER LENGTH!!!!! I'm so shocked because I've been doing regular trims this entire time! I expected a nice length but not this,

Sorry but I'm not doing any reveals until our official length check so no pictures. I don't like my hair down because it makes my long face appear longer. It's now in a cute & effortless updo AND I didn't have to stretch and pull my hair to make it happen.

Doing my happy dance...almost makes me want to be a straight hair natural...ALMOST, lol.
Click to expand...

Yayy!! Can't wait to see :)
 
faithVA said:
I bought some liquid collagen from Costco. I'm going to try it for February and March to see if I notice any difference in my hair and skin. It also has Biotin in it. I'm hoping it doesn't break me out.

I will do a pull test this weekend to see where I'm starting. If I don't notice at least some difference in 60 days then I won't bother. Fortunately you just add it to water and since I need to get my water in anyway, it's not too much trouble.

Other than that, not much going on with my hair. It's still up in flat twist. I'm washing every two weeks and moisturizing mid-week. Pretty boring right now.
Click to expand...


I'm almost convinced the collagen is what grew mine soo fast. I noticed during the last 2-3 wash days, my hair just felt thick when I wrapped my fingers around a large section. I really can't explain it but it felt different in a good way. Today confirmed the thicker and longer and rapid growth. Definitely give it at least two months as you said.
 
KiWiStyle said:
I'm almost convinced the collagen is what grew mine soo fast. I noticed during the last 2-3 wash days, my hair just felt thick when I wrapped my fingers around a large section. I really can't explain it but it felt different in a good way. Today confirmed the thicker and longer and rapid growth. Definitely give it at least two months as you said.
Click to expand...

girl......you just made me buy collagen. what brand do you use???

sigh...im not great at sticking to taking vitamins

lol..
 
beingofserenity said:
girl......you just made me buy collagen. what brand do you use???

sigh...im not great at sticking to taking vitamins

lol..
Click to expand...


Lol, I'm tripping out over here! Everything that Rene over at Komaza Care said would happen when I follow her regimen is coming to fruition. Big, long and healthy hair...my hair was uber big when I blow dried it, shocking.

I use Zint Collagen Hydrolysate (bovine/beef). I order straight from their website, it is non gmo, rBGH free, no additives, and from grass fed bovine.

I hear Great Lakes brand is excellent as well.
 
Last edited:
KiWiStyle said:
I decided today would be the day I flat iron my hair just to to see what's going on with it. The last time I had heat on my hair it didn't turn out to well, it was hard, dry, dull and ugly and wouldn't get straight. Well after six plus months of deliberate changes to my regimen, I'm happy to report that my hair got straight! It is healthy and hydrated!

Also I thought I'd mention that I'M SHOULDER LENGTH!!!!! I'm so shocked because I've been doing regular trims this entire time! I expected a nice length but not this,

Sorry but I'm not doing any reveals until our official length check so no pictures. I don't like my hair down because it makes my long face appear longer. It's now in a cute & effortless updo AND I didn't have to stretch and pull my hair to make it happen.

Doing my happy dance...almost makes me want to be a straight hair natural...ALMOST, lol.
Click to expand...
Congratulations. So you are doing a reveal in April? Looking forward to it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

faithVA
Sl 2016 Challenge
39 40 41
Replies
1K
Views
97K
Evolving78
E
faithVA
Apl Challenge 2017
35 36 37
Replies
1K
Views
107K
SAPNK
SAPNK
faithVA
2021 Shoulder Length Challenge
15 16 17
Replies
504
Views
52K
faithVA
faithVA
Kells
Sl 2018 Challenge
Replies
26
Views
4K
Kells
Kells
faithVA
SL 2015
60 61 62
Replies
2K
Views
149K
apemay1969
apemay1969
Back
Top