2025/2026 - Journey to SL/APL/BSL Challenge

[Bette Davis Eyes]

Hairs free after five weeks.

 

[faithVA]

I bought a new hair oil from The Ayurveda Experience which is supposed to help aging scalps. Its a pre shampoo treatment. I hate massaging but it calls for massaging 2 to 5 minutes. And it suggests using it 2x to 3x times a week.

Its very light and has a light scent, which I like.

I did my first application this evening. I will do my weekly cleanse tomorrow. If I can, I will do a midweek application and cleanse.

I will give it 60 days which is about how long it takes for me to see noticeable results. I don’t know what results im expecting though...mostly a healthier scalp and less thinning or a reversal if that's possible.

 

[Bette Davis Eyes]

I’ve been using this for around 6 weeks now. I like it

Apple Nectar & Rosemary Soothing Scalp Jelly Balm

This product is a rich blend of botanical extracts that help soothe the scalp, promote hair growth, relieve itching and maintain a healthy scalp. This lightweight formula also hydrates to reduce scalp dryness for a refreshed feel. SIZE: 4.5 fl oz

shescentit.com

@faithVA

 

[Bette Davis Eyes]

I’m blow drying my hair with the revair to stretch it for tomorrow’s crochet braids. Looks like the back of my hair is at the top of my bra cup.

 

[faithVA]

I’ve been using this for around 6 weeks now. I like it

Apple Nectar & Rosemary Soothing Scalp Jelly Balm

This product is a rich blend of botanical extracts that help soothe the scalp, promote hair growth, relieve itching and maintain a healthy scalp. This lightweight formula also hydrates to reduce scalp dryness for a refreshed feel. SIZE: 4.5 fl oz

shescentit.com

@faithVA

I checked it out and it sounds nice. What differences have you noticed in 6 week?

 

[faithVA]

I’m blow drying my hair with the revair to stretch it for tomorrow’s crochet braids. Looks like the back of my hair is at the top of my bra cup.

Can't wait to see your end of year pictures.

I don't usually do challenges from SL to BSL. I totally forgot that this went through BSL Thanks for the reminder.

 

[Bette Davis Eyes]

My scalp always feels smooth and satiny. I like it. I also noticed I don’t really get product buildup in one spot in the front anymore. I’m going three more bottles when I run out. @faithVA

 

[B_Phlyy]

Can't wait to see your end of year pictures.

I don't usually do challenges from SL to BSL. I totally forgot that this went through BSL Thanks for the reminder.

I'm glad it goes through 2026

I'll likely have to do an actual haircut at the end of this month but I still think I can make full APL this year. Now that I really know how to keep my hair stretched and hydrated frequently, I feel more comfortable doing protective styles for longer.

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

I have henna in my hair and going to wash it out soon

Im not up to straightening it today for LC

These KBs have made me so lazy! Im also behind on some work

I promise next weekend I'll do LC, no excuses!

 

[Bette Davis Eyes]

I know if I want full BSL I’ll have to be protective styling until 2027. My left side has to catch up with the right side and I’m not cutting it to even it out. I did a dusting today and in December I’ll do a slight trim. My bangs are touching the top of my chest but again on the left side it’s only touching while on the right side it’s resting on the top of my chest.

I’ll still be in the challenge 2026 as protective styling really works for my work life balance.

 

[faithVA]

I used the ayurvedic oil yesterday and massaged it in. I know I did 2 minutes. I doubt I made it to 5 But then I didn't know what to do with my hair because I didn't feel like washing it. So, I mixed so Hair Milk with a glycerin spray and smoothed it on and then put a barrette around it to keep it tucked away for sleep. This morning I did some kind of crazy looking almost bun. The good news is, I can almost do a full bun on stretched hair. Right now I'm always concerned I'm pulling it to tight, so it usually looks pretty messy.

I decided to shampoo tonight. I'm going to try to do the oil scalp massage on Wednesday and Sunday and then wash on Thursday and Monday.

My scalp was sooo glad to have water. I knew it liked water every 4 days but I don't think I realized how dry it felt. With my shower, I think I was done with the whole thing, including styling in an hour, which isn't too bad. I put my hair in 8 flat twist towards my crown.

I'm going to try do to twice a week but I'm not going to put any extra pressure on myself. Will see how it goes and do my best.

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Have Henna sitting until I'm ready to apply, it looks dark because I put coffee in

Going to clarify wash with Malibu C Wellness

Apply and leave Henna overnight

Tomorrow I should finally do an LC

 

[faithVA]

I purchased Olaplex Moisture Mask for fine hair. I checked out the reviews online and then looked at some of the pictures. I figured it was worth a try. I also got a free sample of the Bond Smoother which I will try when I blow dry my hair.

CVS sends me a 40% coupon pretty much a week after I use the last one. So I purchased some Tweezerman scissors which were $32, then I got 40% off, plus $4.28 off from some other coupon. Then I got 10% back from Rakuten. I did pay $5 for shipping because I wasn't willing to drive the distance to pick them up. But a $20 pair of quality hair scissors is worth it for me.

I have scissors by the Mane Choice but I'm not sure I have kept them as well as I should. I think I can send the Tweezerman scissors back to have them resharpened. I tried to resharpen scissors myself and ruined them. So won't do that again.

I think I am ready for my end of September progress pics once every thing arrives.

 

[Bette Davis Eyes]

I tried the nourishing mask last weekend. I like it. In three weeks I will rotate it with the fine version. @faithVA

 

[faithVA]

I tried the nourishing mask last weekend. I like it. In three weeks I will rotate it with the fine version. @faithVA

Why the rotation?

My hair is fine which is why I chose the fine version. When I saw shea butter I knew to stay clear of that one.

What haven't you tried

 

[CoiledOrchids]

ugh gotta figure out what to do with this hair. I need a break from braids.

I learned how to do a bun yesterday but I need an updo of some sort. I was considering a sew in but I'm uneasy about spending that kind of money when I'm saving for a car

 

[Bette Davis Eyes]

I tried the nourishing mask last weekend. I like it. In three weeks I will rotate it with the fine version. @faithVA

Why the rotation?

My hair is fine which is why I chose the fine version. When I saw shea butter I knew to stay clear of that one.

What haven't you tried

My hair is fine but I have a lot of strands. So I can take heavy but my hair loves light deep conditioners as well. I wanted to see which one worked better. The heavy one sank right in. I’m interested to see the difference in three weeks. @faithVA

 

[faithVA]

I don't watch YT videos often anymore but last night I was on a roll. I watched a YT video from a stylist that was giving tips on using the RevAir. She talked a lot but I hung in there. From her tips, I'm going to try something different when I try it at the end of the month.

I'm going to use a hair mask after I shampoo.
I will skip the leave-in.
I will use a micro-fiber to remove some of the water

I will use a small amount of some thermal product. I probably don't have good ones but I don't want to buy anything new right now. I have some stuff that is pretty old and I think I will throw it out.

I will comb that product through.
I will dry 3x3 sections. I think I tend to do smaller but this was her recommendation.
Then I will comb through the section when I'm done.

Will see if any of this improves my outcome.

I may watch a few more of her videos before then to see if I can catch any additional tips.

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Yesterday
Prepoo Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
First wash Nizoral - clarify and growth (ketoconazole)
Second wash - Malibu C Wellness
Applied Henna mix - left in overnight

Today
Rinsed out Henna
Took down bottom two braids
RevAir - Aloe Spray, SheAMositure Foam
Flat Iron - Heat serums, 360 degrees
LC Pic
Rebraided bottom braids
Aloe Spray, growth pomade, Flax Growth Gel, Tie down with scarf

July (There was more hair here, why it looks a little thicker)

 

[Bette Davis Eyes]

@faithVA I’m always amazed when someone’s hair looks light and fluffy using the revair

My hair is straight but it’s never fluffy looking and feels slightly dry after stretching. I can’t brush through with a pass with the revair at the same time. It’s so bulky for me to hold.


I would love it to look like a lot of folks I see after blowing out. I wonder if it’s because I use a leave in

 

[faithVA]

Yesterday
Prepoo Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
First wash Nizoral - clarify and growth (ketoconazole)
Second wash - Malibu C Wellness
Applied Henna mix - left in overnight

Today
Rinsed out Henna
Took down bottom two braids
RevAir - Aloe Spray, SheAMositure Foam
Flat Iron - Heat serums, 360 degrees
LC Pic
Rebraided bottom braids
Aloe Spray, growth pomade, Flax Growth Gel, Tie down with scarf
View attachment 506254
July (There was more hair here, why it looks a little thicker)
View attachment 506256

Looking good young lady. That growth is definitely noticeable. And your ends are looking better as well.

 

[faithVA]

@faithVA I’m always amazed when someone’s hair looks light and fluffy using the revair

My hair is straight but it’s never fluffy looking and feels slightly dry after stretching. I can’t brush through with a pass with the revair at the same time. It’s so bulky for me to hold.


I would love it to look like a lot of folks I see after blowing out. I wonder if it’s because I use a leave in

My results sound like yours. I will see if these changes produce better results. In one of the threads on this board people were saying we might also be using too much moisture and not enough protein on dryer day.

I'm thinking I also need a better thermal product and to use less product. Everytime I see good results, they use on the whole head what I use in a section so im probably weighing my hair down.

We shall see.

 

[Bette Davis Eyes]

That’s interesting about the protein and whole head versus section. I do section Lolo.


I wash every 4/5 weeks so I’ll see what happens the next time. I haven’t used protein in about two years unless you count henna. I use nothing but bond builder shampoo, conditioner , and deep conditioners.


@faithVA

 

[faithVA]

I did my Monday cleanse. Cleanse to bantu knots plus the shower was 45 minutes. I think i can manage that twice a week. I need to make sure im up early to put it in twist.

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Looking good young lady. That growth is definitely noticeable. And your ends are looking better as well.

Thank you! This group is definitely helping with accountability, thank you again for creating it!

I'm about to do night routine and go to bed
Aloe Spray
Growth Pomade
Flax Gel
Silk Scarf and Bonnet

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Yesterday

Washed with Camille Rose Black Castor Oil and Chebe Shampoo - Feels sooo moisturizing!!!

Followed with Sprouts Biotin Conditioner

Then normal KB routine

 

[faithVA]

I cleansed my hair on Monday. I checked out my hair yesterday and she was pretty and smooth. Then I looked at my hair this morning and the frizz was everywhere and pieces were just sticking up. It is the first time I've ever noticed this. It was definitely great to notice because it just confirmed that my hair holds moisture for 4 days and after that it starts asking for water, water, water.

My SO asked if I could just spritz it with something. Of course I could but I think that just makes it look OK but doesn't achieve much. I think it is really my scalp that is drying out and my hair is just the indicator.

I usually cleanse on Sunday but I'm going to apply my Ayurvedic oil tonight and then do my cleansing routine on Saturday instead of Sunday.

I received my Olaplex Lightweight masque yesterday. I plan to use it tomorrow.

I wrote down all the steps because I tend to forget steps I'm ready.

 

[faithVA]

I used my ayurvedic oil. I pulled out my scalp massager to help me out. I twisted it up and put on a plastic cap and a micro fiber cap to generate some heat.

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

I used my ayurvedic oil. I pulled out my scalp massager to help me out. I twisted it up and put on a plastic cap and a micro fiber cap to generate some heat.

View attachment 506296

Hope you enjoyed the massage

 

[faithVA]

Hope you enjoyed the massage

Girl naw I only enjoy massages if someone else does it. I will do until I finish this bottle of oil.

I'm glad you enjoy massaging though.