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

[Bette Davis Eyes]

Don’t let Bey steal your edges!!! @Rocky91 lolol

 

[Rocky91]

Don’t let Bey steal your edges!!! @Rocky91 lolol

Honestly, she deserves every follicle it was an amazing concert and I’m not even the super fan that I used to be, but her professionalism and artistry is unmatched.

And thank you kindly @faithVA!!

 

[Rocky91]

I’m “locked in” with haircare as the teens would say, so I’m back to making sure that I DC under the dryer. I’m rotating a few sets right now and they’re all soooo fabulous I have to rave about them. I also realize they’re mostly Black-owned or at least Black-founded.

- MoKnowsHair shampoo and elasticity treatment: lovely mix of protein and moisture, probably my favorite right now!
- Design Essentials almond and avocado shampoo and DC: soooo much slip
- old school Keracare shampoo and Humecto: still works nicely
- old school Nairobi shampoo and humecta-sil: honestly better than Keracare! But harder to find, so I get why it wasn’t as popular.
- old school Africa’s best shampoo and mayo: still a lovely cheap mild protein
- old school Mizani moisturefuse shampoo and moisture treatment: rinses out so nicely

I’m putting my PJ tendencies away for the summer now because I’ve been on a bit of a rampage and even with a 2x weekly DC, it’s going to take me a while to finish this little stash. I didn’t buy these all at once, but I think the itch has been satisfied for now, and I’m going to really try not to buy any more products for the rest of the year.

 

[faithVA]

Tonight after cleansing and adding gel I pulled my hair back into a ponytail. I realized that even if the back of my hair was able to reach into a bun, my temples have thinned out so much that I wouldn't feel comfortable wearing it

Next time I try i will leave some of the front out and do 2 strands in the front and see how that works.

 

[keranikki]

Tonight after cleansing and adding gel I pulled my hair back into a ponytail. I realized that even if the back of my hair was able to reach into a bun, my temples have thinned out so much that I wouldn't feel comfortable wearing it

Next time I try i will leave some of the front out and do 2 strands in the front and see how that works.

I understand. My temples are suffering as well, but I always had a thin hairline. It’s from my Dad’s side, le sigh.
Is their enough hair to do some cute sideburns/edges that will not make you feel childish? Like a swoop?

 

[faithVA]

I understand. My temples are suffering as well, but I always had a thin hairline. It’s from my Dad’s side, le sigh.
Is their enough hair to do some cute sideburns/edges that will not make you feel childish? Like a swoop?

I appreciate your encouragement.

I looked through some old pictures and maybe it isn't as bad as it seemed. Not sure yet.

My hair was really wet and slicked down so it looked really thin. But once it started to dry it looked a little better.

My temples have been thin for a while but I've worked around it for years.

A swoop would be nice. I'm not quite there yet. But maybe by the time the back is truly ready the front will be long enough as well.

 

[VarieYvette]

Tonight after cleansing and adding gel I pulled my hair back into a ponytail. I realized that even if the back of my hair was able to reach into a bun, my temples have thinned out so much that I wouldn't feel comfortable wearing it

Next time I try i will leave some of the front out and do 2 strands in the front and see how that works.

Gel always makes hair thinner somehow, I can't explain why. Oooh I want to try that (2 strands in front, and bun in the back)

 

[B_Phlyy]

Took my mini braids out a few days ago. I didn't wash because I'm a little under now. So the stretched hair is in a bun closed with a puff cuff. Hopefully I feel better tomorrow and can wash and blow dry.

 

[faithVA]

I wanted to wash my hair tonight but man does it feel cold. brrrr. I think I will just spritz it and add some more gel and twist it back up.

 

[Bette Davis Eyes]

I took down my latest 4 week protective style last night. Wash day was the standard. Henna , shampoo , condition and deep treatment followed by my leave in and then blow out with my revair.

I have been slipping on steaming the henna in which I did this time. The color transfer is very vibrant compared to when I just keep it on for 20-30 minutes.

I was using oil daily for the last 4 weeks so I did one wash clarifying. Getting my hair braided back up later on this afternoon.

 

[faithVA]

I took down my latest 4 week protective style last night. Wash day was the standard. Henna , shampoo , condition and deep treatment followed by my leave in and then blow out with my revair.

I have been slipping on steaming the henna in which I did this time. The color transfer is very vibrant compared to when I just keep it on for 20-30 minutes.

I was using oil daily for the last 4 weeks so I did one wash clarifying. Getting my hair braided back up later on this afternoon.

Those knots are looking super juicy

 

[faithVA]

Many years ago I bought a length check shirt. It wasn't that good because I think the first line started at APL which is crazy

This morning I drew additional lines up to the shoulders so I can startcusing it for my progress pics.

I plan to at least blow dry for June. That will get me a good starting picture.

 

[faithVA]

I installed 2 strands the first time in a couple of months.

I tried a different combo this time. Instead of leave in I sprayed my hair with Camille Rose hair and braid spray and then used the KCCC to twist. Will see how this works.

My twists are definitely longer but I think until I make them bigger I won't see my length. I think now I'm doing 8 to 10 twists per row. When I can pull my twist up I will try a set with maybe 6 twists per row to see how that looks.

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Happy Monday and New Month everyone!

Two more months until Length Checks in August

Happy Growing

 

[Rocky91]

I was going through old pics and I found some pics that illustrate why APL has been so elusive. The first one was when I was heavy into wash and goes back in 2021 and I wanted to check whether or not they would derail my progress. Then I got highlights in early 2022 and had it cut back to SL, just for kicks. Then I found a photo from later in 2022 where I cut it into a chin length bob on blowdried hair.

Now why did I do this? The hair was pretty healthy, about as healthy as it can be with high lift color, anyways. I think I was desiring like a really blunt look on my curly styles, as demonstrated by this twistout.

To make a long story short, I’ve had this pattern of cutting off my hair as soon as I begin to approach APL. I’m going to really resist that pattern this time around and commit to this long term goal. I AM the problem standing in my own way lol. Sorry for the long post, but I had to just chronicle this (extremely obvious lol) epiphany somewhere.

 

[ItsMeLilLucky]

@Rocky91 I used to do the same thing when I got to shoulder length. I had to ask God that if He wanted me to keep the hairs on my head He was gonna have to help cause He knows what I like to do (pretend this is a scissors emoji). So that's how I started doing the mini braids lol

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

I fell off Accelarated Growth regimen
Things worked out where I did an LC today to see what growth I can gain after getting back on the regimen consistently

Here is where I am from 4.6.25 until today, not much growth, but it did grow

 

[faithVA]

I fell off Accelarated Growth regimen
Things worked out where I did an LC today to see what growth I can gain after getting back on the regimen consistently

Here is where I am from 4.6.25 until today, not much growth, but it did grow

View attachment 504710View attachment 504712

It is good to have pictures to track. Even though that section doesn't show super growth it doesn't mean that another section didn't show out.

 

[faithVA]

Not much happening here. Just a regular session: rinse, detangle, 1 shampoo, conditioner, detangle. Applied leavein, water, gel and put it up into 5 flat twists.

I need to make a water, glycerin spray to keep my scalp moisturized during the week.

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

It is good to have pictures to track. Even though that section doesn't show super growth it doesn't mean that another section didn't show out.

I agree, the 75 Day challenge where I was taking weekly photos helped stay on track with regimen

I stopped when schedule got busier and fell off regimen

Glad I'm taking a new starting photo for restarting consistency with regimen

Developed a new routine that should keep me on track with HCJ

 

[Rocky91]

I’m scheduled for a press and trim next weekend that I don’t really feel like keeping (I’m literally running a 5K the next day lol), but I’m gonna go anyways because I need to stick to my trim schedule. I’m very curious about how my hair looks since my April appointment.

 

[ItsMeLilLucky]

I’m scheduled for a press and trim next weekend that I don’t really feel like keeping (I’m literally running a 5K the next day lol), but I’m gonna go anyways because I need to stick to my trim schedule. I’m very curious about how my hair looks since my April appointment.

That is mighty brave of you

 

[Rocky91]

Alrighty got my hair done. I’ll start with the troubleshooting: Both my stylist and I noticed a lot more breakage and split ends than my last visit, and she asked about whether I’d been using any protein. I immediately noted two changes to my routine that could explain this. I’ve done less rollersetting in favor of buns and other styles. I’ve also been a product junkie using my MoKnowsHair elasticity treatment less faithfully in favor of other products that are mostly moisture.

So I will need to reorder that elasticity treatment and use it more faithfully. I will also need to make peace with the workout-induced frizz and keep doing my flexirod sets because it seems to be a styling method that keeps split ends at bay. Also, she mentioned that my brief foray (like 2 weeks) into twists with added synthetic hair probably created more split ends. So those styles aren’t a good idea for me. Lord, the tribulations of having fine hair that has gotten even finer with age lol.

Despite all this, I’ve retained a reasonable amount of hair since April. First pic I’ll add is April, second one is today. My April hair definitely looks more full to me! Hopefully with the adjustments, I can get right back to it.

 

[Rocky91]

Now I’m taking a second look and wondering whether my shirt is not pulled down in the same precise way in both pics—is that making my hair look closer to the first line in my recent pic or have I really retained that length? Omg this comparison pic game can really challenge me

Edited to add another pic with flash that I think has my shirt pulled down in the right way. The flash does not do my hair favors and I think I can really see that my ends aren’t as nice, despite the length retained.

I’m a little bummed out by this. Feels like my hair is determined to start acting a fool despite my best efforts. But there’s nothing to really do except keep pushing, so that’s what I’ll do.

 

[Bette Davis Eyes]

Don’t second guess. Just add back in the treatment and flex sets. You’re on a good path. Your ends can be trimmed later down the road. Baby them now. You’re looking good.

@Rocky91

 

[Rocky91]

Don’t second guess. Just add back in the treatment and flex sets. You’re on a good path. Your ends can be trimmed later down the road. Baby them now. You’re looking good.

@Rocky91

Thank you for that encouragement @Bette Davis Eyes!! I really appreciate it, and I think you’re right about sticking to that game plan.

I’m actually already thinking about a blunt cut at APL once I get past it, so I think I’ll keep up with the smaller trims for now. My stylist is pretty conservative and I appreciate it—even today, as she was noting my split ends, she still didn’t take off unnecessary length.

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Now I’m taking a second look and wondering whether my shirt is not pulled down in the same precise way in both pics—is that making my hair look closer to the first line in my recent pic or have I really retained that length? Omg this comparison pic game can really challenge me

Edited to add another pic with flash that I think has my shirt pulled down in the right way. The flash does not do my hair favors and I think I can really see that my ends aren’t as nice, despite the length retained. View attachment 504932

I’m a little bummed out by this. Feels like my hair is determined to start acting a fool despite my best efforts. But there’s nothing to really do except keep pushing, so that’s what I’ll do.

Congrats on your growth!
Don't let the "ends snobs" steal your joy!
We have setbacks now and then, and that's okay as long as we adjust to make improvements
It's awesome you know exactly what to get you back on track!

So many people don't make it to their goal length in a reasonable time or never because they are worried what people will think about them not having full ends and chop off all their progress!

I think its best to keep your ends to your goal length so you can see your length retention as motivation, then start trimming once your hair is past your goal

I know you didn't say you want to cut your ends, didn't want you to get any ideas, your hair looks great! Keep up the good progress

 

[faithVA]

Alrighty got my hair done. I’ll start with the troubleshooting: Both my stylist and I noticed a lot more breakage and split ends than my last visit, and she asked about whether I’d been using any protein. I immediately noted two changes to my routine that could explain this. I’ve done less rollersetting in favor of buns and other styles. I’ve also been a product junkie using my MoKnowsHair elasticity treatment less faithfully in favor of other products that are mostly moisture.

So I will need to reorder that elasticity treatment and use it more faithfully. I will also need to make peace with the workout-induced frizz and keep doing my flexirod sets because it seems to be a styling method that keeps split ends at bay. Also, she mentioned that my brief foray (like 2 weeks) into twists with added synthetic hair probably created more split ends. So those styles aren’t a good idea for me. Lord, the tribulations of having fine hair that has gotten even finer with age lol.

Despite all this, I’ve retained a reasonable amount of hair since April. First pic I’ll add is April, second one is today. My April hair definitely looks more full to me! Hopefully with the adjustments, I can get right back to it.
View attachment 504930



View attachment 504928

It sounds like not only good progress was made but some great insights were gathered.

I was thinking about using synthetic hair for twist but hearing about your experience I think I will leave it alone and just wait until my hair is longer to do regular twists. Thanks for that update.

From April to June, your progress is definitely noticeable. I really think you are going to have a great year

 

[faithVA]

Now I’m taking a second look and wondering whether my shirt is not pulled down in the same precise way in both pics—is that making my hair look closer to the first line in my recent pic or have I really retained that length? Omg this comparison pic game can really challenge me

Edited to add another pic with flash that I think has my shirt pulled down in the right way. The flash does not do my hair favors and I think I can really see that my ends aren’t as nice, despite the length retained. View attachment 504932

I’m a little bummed out by this. Feels like my hair is determined to start acting a fool despite my best efforts. But there’s nothing to really do except keep pushing, so that’s what I’ll do.

Yeah don't be bummed out by anything. Whether it is the first picture or the second, there is clearly observable progress and so you are moving towards your goal.

As far as your ends, I think they look good. Maybe they are going in different directions just because of how your hair was put up. But I didn't see any damage.

As Chicoro says, show grace to yourself. You are doing great. Make the adjustments you are aware of and keep moving forward.

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

It sounds like not only good progress was made but some great insights were gathered.

I was thinking about using synthetic hair for twist but hearing about your experience I think I will leave it alone and just wait until my hair is longer to do regular twists. Thanks for that update.

From April to June, your progress is definitely noticeable. I really think you are going to have a great year

They have human hair options if you're concerned with synthetic

I believe it's what is done when the hair is braided/twisted and how hair is maintained while in braids/twists

Braided my hair with no product at the roots
I braid my own hair and it's not tight at all (if you have to go to someone else see their reviews)

I took out braids at my nape and hair was really soft
I Hydrate my hair often with water rinses and aloe spray
Use ACV mix to keep scalp cleansed and had no dandruff or build up

I like longer braids/twists to keep hair off shoulders, keeps ends protected

Briads/Twists really help get over the NL - SL hump. Seen so many people show that they achieved greater lengths with braids/twists

Even when my hair is longer ill use extentions as added protection for my ends

Hope these tips help if your ever decide to try extentions