30 Something Ladies, Check In Here!

[wannabelong]

I'm 36 and I've learned the importance of protein/moisture balance for a relaxed head. I wish I had found this website in my 20s, maybe I wouldn't have kept my faded haircut for so long. I actually enjoy doing hair now.

 

[MekyakaKinkerbelle]

32 tomorrow!!!

Currently, my hair is APL stretched. My goal? I guess would be BSL stretched. But the more it grows, the more I realize I am not sure I can handle too much longer than that. By then, I may break down and relax/texturize/whatever.

Some things I've learned (a little long):

Hair was healthy before LHCF, but I love sharing new ideas. I've been natural for years, but I only count the last two years for "this" particular journey as that was my last BC.

Keeping it simple is really the best thing for me, as well as embracing low maintenance and protective styles. Someone earlier mentioned a protein moisture balance - that is also crucial for my hair.

My recently embraced routine (that I plan to follow at least through maternity leave) is protein treatment, followed by medium braids, coconut oil for moisture and the occasional co-wash during the week or as I feel like it. Re-braid once a week to ten days. Minimum shampooing. And if I do use shampoo, it is either Giovanni Tea Tree Treatment or Bentonite Clay Treatment.

 

[Iluvsmuhgrass]

32 tomorrow!!!

Currently, my hair is APL stretched. My goal? I guess would be BSL stretched. But the more it grows, the more I realize I am not sure I can handle too much longer than that. By then, I may break down and relax/texturize/whatever.

Some things I've learned (a little long):

Hair was healthy before LHCF, but I love sharing new ideas. I've been natural for years, but I only count the last two years for "this" particular journey as that was my last BC.

Keeping it simple is really the best thing for me, as well as embracing low maintenance and protective styles. Someone earlier mentioned a protein moisture balance - that is also crucial for my hair.

My recently embraced routine (that I plan to follow at least through maternity leave) is protein treatment, followed by medium braids, coconut oil for moisture and the occasional co-wash during the week or as I feel like it. Re-braid once a week to ten days. Minimum shampooing. And if I do use shampoo, it is either Giovanni Tea Tree Treatment or Bentonite Clay Treatment.

I loooooooooooooooooooove your haaaaaaaaaaaair!!!

 

[Br*nzeb*mbsh~ll]

hi, guys,

I'm 30~somethin' and i wish wish wish i had found this 10 yrs ago,,,man my hair would be to my ankles...i think of all the hair i've lost this year, alone....but, i'm blessed to find you all and to find some of the best solutions to my hair imaginable...and to think all these years i thought i was a little nuts bcs i was so concerned and conscious of my hair, and to think i have a whole universe of Mini Mes is just wonderful! I have a home, now...i'm not so strange after all...no more "it's only hair," comments...ya'll get me and i luv that!

i feel twenty-something for sure, and i think God has been faithful to grant me 10 years back on my life, that's how I feel, physically and emotionally and spiritually...so the ten years that i lost is being added on to me, plus another 10 to boot, man i'm approaching teeny bopper status! LOL!

Honestly, I've been through some major challenges, just this year alone ~ and God is so loving and merciful and gracious....I sit here basking in the revelation that I feel great, I look great, my family is great and I'm optimistic about what life has to offer....

 

[Toy]

Hi Ladies Im 31 will be 32 in december,im midback length,hoping to be waist length in 09
I have learned that less is more and to be patient,and to keep it very simple.

 

[anon123]

This is a spin-off from the 40 something thread. What have you learned since you've become a LHCF member. What is the status of your hair? What is your length goal? Share any tips and feel free to ask questions as well. Don't forget to include your age.

I'm 35. I'm newly relaxed (just ended a 25 week transition ) neck length now and I hope to make it to SL by December 2008. My ultimate goal is "Waist Length". I don't have any tips because I'm still learning.

Anyone else?

I'm 30! I don't know what I've learned, though, in LHCF or life. Funny, every year I seem to get dumber. I just cut back to apl after being juuuust above bsl. I think I did a good job at shaping my hair in the cut. I want to grow it out as long as it will go w/o it being too much for me. I think that will be somewhere between mbl and wl.

32 tomorrow!!!

Currently, my hair is APL stretched. My goal? I guess would be BSL stretched. But the more it grows, the more I realize I am not sure I can handle too much longer than that. By then, I may break down and relax/texturize/whatever.

Happy Birthday! :birthday2 I'm apl stretched, too, and so jealous your hair hangs at your shoulders. I'm doing a rare WnG today and mine shrinks up to my ears!

 

[Sunrise]

38 year old checking in....

What have you learned since you've become a LHCF member?

My shedding was not normal and to lose the brushes. Dry brushing was a no no (for my hair) and, protective styles is neccessary to grow my hair from just above apl to longer length. This is my 3rd attempt at going natural - last 2 attempts, never get past 6 months.

What is the status of your hair?

My hair runs from 2c/3a/b and the nape to 4a at the front. All changing as my hair grows out the relaxer. Loving my new texture - Would of never put curly perm in my hair if I knew what my texture was like in my mid teens.

Started off at APL at the back SL at the sides Relaxed hair to transition to Natural hair. The decision was due to thinning and I alwas told myself I would stop relaxing come my 40th birthday. Took scissors to it a month ago as the relaxed hair was breaking. Now I have 5 inches of natural hair with 1-2 inches of relaxed hair at the ends (needed so I can do wraps and ponytails if I wish). Shedding has slowed down due to Queen Helena's Garlic Shampoo.

What is your length goal?

APL and beyond!!!! Had APL twice: once in my late teens/early twenties (Thanks Leisure Curl) and for 10 years recently (Thanks Affirm).

I'm trying to keep it simple and revisit products that have worked for me in the past. I do however have to set of products that I used accordingly. Once set for pressed out hair (Oil based) and another for plaits/ponytails/canerows (Water Based).

Tried CoWashing and, didn't get on with it. Recently, tried mixing a dollop of shampoo with a big dollop of conditioner to wash my hair and, my hair felt so soft!!!! So, that's a must for me during the colder months.

 

[ms-tyler]

I'm 32. I HAVE LEARNED PROTECTIVE SYLING IS VERY NECESSARY FOR ACHIEVING LENGTH. MY HAIR IS ALMOST COMPLETE APL, BUT NOT AS FULL AS I WOULD LIKE. MY ULTIMATE GOAL IS COMPLETE BS. I AM NATURAL NEVER WORE A RELAXER.

MO HAIR!!!

 

[BostonMaria]

Hello! I'm 37 yrs old, will be 38 in a few months...
What I've learned since becoming a LHCF member is that its ok to be in my late 30's and still have a strong desire to have long hair! As far as the current status of my hair, September marks my 1 year anniversary since the big chop. I have APL hair and need about 1 inch to be an official BSL club member! LOL My goal is to have BSL CURLY hair so that probably means waist length hair

My tip is: Don't be afraid of heat if you're natural. Get to know your hair and you will know when too much heat is too much. Oh and I recently learned that my hair LOVES coconut oil applied to it right before rollersetting. My hair comes out soft and when I flatiron I'm naturally adding a heat protectant.

 

[Highly Favored8]

Early 30's

What I learned here from LHCF
K.I.S.S. -Keep it simple Sista
Protective Styling
Waiting to relax every 12-18 weeks
My hair status

I had to do a Big Chop on 9-16-08, bc the back of my relaxed head was growing at a slower rate than the rest of my Full APL lenght and it did not look right too me. Plus I was admiring Rhiannia's Hair cut a little too much! Now my hair is even on all sides.

My hair goal is to be APL by 12-31-08
If not then full Thick APL By 6-30-09
Full BSL 12-31-09
Mid Back 12-31-12

 

[Nonie]

Will be 39 next month

I wish I had learned all this back when I was 21, that's for sure!

Right now I'm natural, just about shoulder, and my goal is as long as it grows - I don't plan on cutting my hair ever again.

My best tip? Listen to your hair. It'll be your best guide.

All of the above.

 

[feelfree]

i am 31 years old and have a goal of growing healthy, strong, moisturized MBL hair. always would experience setbacks on the way to BSL in the past, but with LHCF, i am gonna sail right past that this time around.

i perm my hair 2 times a year, and find that this works best.

my hair is tightly curled in the front and wavy in the back so some combination of 3c/4a/4b. right now it is approaching APL and i am 24 weeks post relaxer.

I have learned that my hair craves moisture because i am a serial stretcher, and protein overload comes easily. i have also found much success in my own homemade spritzes that i apply first, then follow up with a creamy moisturizer. co-washing once weekly has also helped to keep my hair healthy.

 

[Platinum]

Bumping...

 

[hillytmj]

I'm 32, but I will be 33 on Monday. I also wish that I found this site in my early 20s. Oh well, I'm glad to have it now!

My hair length: BSL

My hair type: I'm not sure, but I think 4A. I'm also relaxed.

What I have learned from LHCF: A ton
*Moisturizing/sealing ends daily helps retain your length
*You don't need a trim with every relaxer
*Dry combing my hair all day long was leading to splits
*The proper way to detangle! I love washing my hair now that it's not a tangled mess and coming out by the handfuls with each wash.
*Stretching relaxers can be a good thing

 

[Evolving78]

i'm 30, natural, and have been here for serveral years. i started taking into consideration the health of my hair back in 2001. i used to just care about the style of my hair and didn't care too much about growth. when i realized that my hair could grow and that i just need to take better care of it, it just took off. i came here when my hair was past shoulder. it was very healthy and i just wanted to surround myself with people that had an interest in growing healthy long hair like myself. i decided to go natural, since i was just tired of being a slave to a relaxer. i had to rely on too many products, tools, and people to keep it up. now i just need my fingers and a few products and make something good happen. i love my natural hair and i feel so free. i'm at a different place in my life now and natural hair just fits into my world. my goal is bsl or beyond!

best advice is just to keep it simple and don't jump on every bandwagon. you will be broke and bald! LOL!

 

[sylver2]

Im 35.
Since i've bcome a LHCF member, Ive learned the importance of leave ins, stretching, protein, moisturizers, low maintenance styles etc
Currently 9 months post doing a 1 year relaxer stretch
Im already at my goal length. All i ever wanted was for hair to past my nips..lol
now I just want it one length all around past my nips.
No combing helped my hair tremendously

 

[rsmith]

34 is in the house

 

[jeabai]

I'm 35 and I've learned that there is hope for long and healthy hair without a weave! Probally best I didn't learn it in my 20's. I would have been a hot mess!

 

[MoniintheMiddle]

35....rapidly approaching 36!
I've learned to listen to my hair....
protective styling is a life saver
moisturize and seal ends
...and i developed a love of coconut oil!

 

[Ariana4000]

I'm 33. I've learned so much. The only thing I knew how to do before coming hear was "deep conditioning" I've learned to use leave-ins, to detangle in the shower, not to comb dry hair, stretching relaxers, dusting, ponytail air drying (had never heard of this before coming here) and most importantly to seal those ends. Oh, and Dominican blowouts. My goal is bsl.

 

[aquajoyice]

I'm 31 and the most important thing at this point is keeping my scalp clean, protective styles and min amount of time relaxing. My length is currently Bra Strap and i'm going for waist length which will be challenging because i'm 6'0" and it has along way to go but I know I can do. The most important thing I learned from these lovely ladies here on LHCF is that Black Woman can grow our hair as long as we want. In the beginning I thought my goal to past shoulder length was just a dream. And now I'm far past that and still Growing. I just wish I woulda known this at like 18 yrs old, LOL! I'd be sitting on my hair right now,

 

[lilree]

Hi!
Turning 35 on Monday.
The most important thing I've picked up in the few months I've known of this group is the importance of conditioner and keeping my hair moisturized. My mom never knew how to care for hair, and I'm hoping that I break this cycle with my daughter, who is also very happy that we've discovered LHCF!

 

[Aggie]

Oooops, I'm still subscibed to this thread? I turned 40 in October 8th. that means I can't be here any longer, lol.

 

[20perlz]

Hi ladies! I am 35 and coming out of semi lurker/break status.

My current hair state is ..... APL and getting back in shape. For the last 6 months or so, I decided to be hard headed and stop stretching. I have been relaxing every 6 weeks....(I know). My hair thinned a lot while testing my own stupidity. But now I'm back to 2x week deep conditioning, protective styling (5 days) and caruso curls on the weekends. I am letting a stylist do my retouches for the next year....(Not sure if self relaxing had anything to do with my thinning).

Ive learned....that trying to reinvent the wheel is an over-rated experience .

 

[Platinum]

Fast forward to 2010...

I'm 37 now. I had a few setbacks since I started this thread so I decided to transition. I'm almost a year post and I have learned so much since I joined LHCF. I've learned that my hair loves cowashing, protein, Ayurveda, and baggying. I'm not as much of a PJ as I was when I joined but I'm still in search of the right growth aid for me.

Check in Ladies!

 

[Vintageglam]

Oh my how did I miss this thread !!!

I am 33 with 34 fast approaching

I pretty much abused my hair up until 30 when I realised I had none left and lurked randomly and rarely on LHCF. Its only last year when I had more time on my hands that I finaly ponied up the $6.50.

I am still finding a reggie that suits me and trying to break my PJism habit.

My goal is to be full thick and healthy APL by my b-day summer next year. I was hoping to make it by Dec but recently suffered some setbacks so will need to do a big chop of about 3 - 4 inches.

 

[chrisanddonniesmommy]

I'm 33 (34 by December, so I'm holding on).

I've found a reggie that works well for me so far. It includes co-washing (which my hair loves), dc'ing once a week (twice once I hit six weeks post), and moisturizing/sealing with a good leave-in and oil (either coconut or avocado).

Currently, my hair is tipping BSB. But, since I don't apply heat to my hair until my relaxer dates (3x a year) and I air dry, the length check will have to wait until May. My ultimate goal is MBL; but, I would go no further than waist-length, if the chance presents itself.

 

[Highly Favored8]

WOW it's been that long . I had a couple of setbacks. However, I am very well on my hair goals. I feel by 12-31-2012 I will be MBL finally. Just doing things to my hair to help me reach my goals. Like Stretching every 12-13 weeks. Protien treatments.

 

[SignatureBeauty]

34 now about to be 35 soon and just now seeing some gray curlies by my ears, but IT DOESN'T BOTHER ME!!! at lease not now LOL!!

 

[aa9746]

30 something checking in. short term goal is bsl. i learned that i don't have to have a certain hair type for it to grow long.