APL 2012 Challenge

[The Princess]

Happy Friday...so I cut my bangs...they were down to my chin and I just got tired of them, I personally like them where they are now the best, not to short or to long. And I think the help frame my face better then the long ones

View attachment 159675

This is where they stop now...I love it...but that means reaching APL on my bang def won't happen this year....

Also I'm giving up on straight bunning for a year...WL is still my goal length but I want to enjoy my hair I'm between. Also always bunning has made me lazy and I've been air drying which my hair doesn't like so I'm back to rollersetting every 7-10 days...I'll wear my hair down the first couple of days but then it'll be back up in a bun...best of both worlds....I just hope I still retain well

Your hair looks so soft and healthy.

 

[LovelyBwonderful]

~Current hair length
slightly longer than shoulder length

~Relaxed/Natura/Texlaxed/Loc'd
NATURAL BABY !! my curls and big hair but also addicted to my flat iron

~APL goal month
December -- being realistic, my hair has been stuck around shoulder length forever, which I think is almost the perfect length for my face etc so I've never minded and trim often. However, I'm curious to see what I'll look like with longer hair.
I have tons of layers and LOVE them, but my hair is longer in the back and shorter in the front which makes me want APL in the front which would probably equal BSL in the back Lord help me
ultimate goals APL curly (right now my shrinkage is up to my ears) BSL straight

~Current Reggie and styling choices
wash weekly. shampoo with Shea Moisture shampoo, protein treatment (just purchased Nexxus emergencee and super excited), deep condition
curly style: condition w/ color protecting ocnditioner (currently using: Herbal Essences color me happy and Joico color endure) LEAVE ALL OF IT IN, seal with light layer of oil. ALWAYS start with a twist-out so my hair is fully detangled, moisturized and stretched. I think this will make a big difference with my length retention
straight: KCKT leave-in, grapeseed oil to seal and protect, mist of Nexxus heat protectant - blow dry; flat iron on 300 deg w FHI platform flat iron; EVCO to oil my scalp (also helps strengthen, smooth fly-aways, and makes my hair super shiny

~What do you plan on changing (if anything) to make it to APL?
consistently doing protein treatments and deep conditioning every week
trying to wear my hair up or in more

~Post a beginning picture
see attachments: 1st picture my 100% natural curls (hair after swiming/long day at the beach, I don't do wash-n-go's often)
2nd pic - straightened ! starting length, I believe I can make it a couple inches longer

 

[lamaria211]

~Current hair length
slightly longer than shoulder length

~Relaxed/Natura/Texlaxed/Loc'd
NATURAL BABY !! my curls and big hair but also addicted to my flat iron

~APL goal month
December -- being realistic, my hair has been stuck around shoulder length forever, which I think is almost the perfect length for my face etc so I've never minded and trim often. However, I'm curious to see what I'll look like with longer hair.
I have tons of layers and LOVE them, but my hair is longer in the back and shorter in the front which makes me want APL in the front which would probably equal BSL in the back Lord help me
ultimate goals APL curly (right now my shrinkage is up to my ears) BSL straight

~Current Reggie and styling choices
wash weekly. shampoo with Shea Moisture shampoo, protein treatment (just purchased Nexxus emergencee and super excited), deep condition
curly style: condition w/ color protecting ocnditioner (currently using: Herbal Essences color me happy and Joico color endure) LEAVE ALL OF IT IN, seal with light layer of oil. ALWAYS start with a twist-out so my hair is fully detangled, moisturized and stretched. I think this will make a big difference with my length retention
straight: KCKT leave-in, grapeseed oil to seal and protect, mist of Nexxus heat protectant - blow dry; flat iron on 300 deg w FHI platform flat iron; EVCO to oil my scalp (also helps strengthen, smooth fly-aways, and makes my hair super shiny

~What do you plan on changing (if anything) to make it to APL?
consistently doing protein treatments and deep conditioning every week
trying to wear my hair up or in more

~Post a beginning picture
see attachments: 1st picture my 100% natural curls (hair after swiming/long day at the beach, I don't do wash-n-go's often)
2nd pic - straightened ! starting length, I believe I can make it a couple inches longer

Welcome youll be apl before you know it

 

[jprayze]

Happy Friday...so I cut my bangs...they were down to my chin and I just got tired of them, I personally like them where they are now the best, not to short or to long. And I think the help frame my face better then the long ones

This is where they stop now...I love it...but that means reaching APL on my bang def won't happen this year....

Also I'm giving up on straight bunning for a year...WL is still my goal length but I want to enjoy my hair I'm between. Also always bunning has made me lazy and I've been air drying which my hair doesn't like so I'm back to rollersetting every 7-10 days...I'll wear my hair down the first couple of days but then it'll be back up in a bun...best of both worlds....I just hope I still retain well

Loving the bangs! Mine are almost to my chin now and I don't want them any longer than that.

 

[jprayze]

Wore my Hair out tonight with a couple of clip on extensions on both sides. Plan to roller set hair this wknd. Enjoy the wknd ladies!!!

 

[lamaria211]

Morning ladies im pampering my minis today with a wash n DC

 

[polished07]

I usually only use the SM products as a styler when I do braids or twists. I have the deep moisture masque in now. For a daily moisturizer, I usually like a spray of some sort when I'm in braids. Like African Royale BRX spray, Taliah Waajid protective mist bodifier, or Soft n Free leave in. All those sprays are light enough to spray on my braids without my scalp getting too caked up with product.

I'm going to try one of these braid sprays since I'm braided up under my wig and can get to my hair! I've just been using oils and shea butter whip i made as a moisturizer my hair is really soft though

 

[NikkiQ]

~Current hair length
slightly longer than shoulder length

~Relaxed/Natura/Texlaxed/Loc'd
NATURAL BABY !! my curls and big hair but also addicted to my flat iron

~APL goal month
December -- being realistic, my hair has been stuck around shoulder length forever, which I think is almost the perfect length for my face etc so I've never minded and trim often. However, I'm curious to see what I'll look like with longer hair.
I have tons of layers and LOVE them, but my hair is longer in the back and shorter in the front which makes me want APL in the front which would probably equal BSL in the back Lord help me
ultimate goals APL curly (right now my shrinkage is up to my ears) BSL straight

~Current Reggie and styling choices
wash weekly. shampoo with Shea Moisture shampoo, protein treatment (just purchased Nexxus emergencee and super excited), deep condition
curly style: condition w/ color protecting ocnditioner (currently using: Herbal Essences color me happy and Joico color endure) LEAVE ALL OF IT IN, seal with light layer of oil. ALWAYS start with a twist-out so my hair is fully detangled, moisturized and stretched. I think this will make a big difference with my length retention
straight: KCKT leave-in, grapeseed oil to seal and protect, mist of Nexxus heat protectant - blow dry; flat iron on 300 deg w FHI platform flat iron; EVCO to oil my scalp (also helps strengthen, smooth fly-aways, and makes my hair super shiny

~What do you plan on changing (if anything) to make it to APL?
consistently doing protein treatments and deep conditioning every week
trying to wear my hair up or in more

~Post a beginning picture
see attachments: 1st picture my 100% natural curls (hair after swiming/long day at the beach, I don't do wash-n-go's often)
2nd pic - straightened ! starting length, I believe I can make it a couple inches longer

Welcome welcome welcome!!!! Adding you to the list LovelyBwonderful. You're in for a treat being in this challenge. We're all a little crazy, but we mean well

 

[lamaria211]

Has anyone here tried both SM products and Nubian Heritage products???? If so which do you like best. Tia

 

[The Princess]

I wash last night with creamy aloe shampoo and DC with emergencia ( dominican product) with heat for 30 mins. Rinse then added nexxus humctress while I shower.

I added my leave in Lacio Lacio and sealed with African best hair oil.

My hair was very soft and new growth was silky. I decided I'm going to transitioned. My natural hair is not had bad as I thought. So my new journey begins.


Also my edges didn't get straight. Must be a sign for me to leave relaxers alone.

 

[NikkiQ]

Good luck on your journey The Princess!

 

[The Princess]

Good luck on your journey @The Princess!

Thanks, Im going to need it!

 

[NikkiQ]

^^It won't be that bad. There's lots of support on this board and lots of naturals in here to help you out.

 

[livinthevida]

Good Morning Ladies!
Wishing everyone a safe & fun weekend!!!!

 

[livinthevida]

Happy Friday ladies!!!

Any hair plans this weekend??

NikkiQ keeping with rollerset as I drive with wind in my hair! I've let my rollers at home and will do 2-strand twist tonight for a soft curl look tomorrow!

 

[livinthevida]

~Current hair length
slightly longer than shoulder length

~Relaxed/Natura/Texlaxed/Loc'd
NATURAL BABY !! my curls and big hair but also addicted to my flat iron

~APL goal month
December -- being realistic, my hair has been stuck around shoulder length forever, which I think is almost the perfect length for my face etc so I've never minded and trim often. However, I'm curious to see what I'll look like with longer hair.
I have tons of layers and LOVE them, but my hair is longer in the back and shorter in the front which makes me want APL in the front which would probably equal BSL in the back Lord help me
ultimate goals APL curly (right now my shrinkage is up to my ears) BSL straight

~Current Reggie and styling choices
wash weekly. shampoo with Shea Moisture shampoo, protein treatment (just purchased Nexxus emergencee and super excited), deep condition
curly style: condition w/ color protecting ocnditioner (currently using: Herbal Essences color me happy and Joico color endure) LEAVE ALL OF IT IN, seal with light layer of oil. ALWAYS start with a twist-out so my hair is fully detangled, moisturized and stretched. I think this will make a big difference with my length retention
straight: KCKT leave-in, grapeseed oil to seal and protect, mist of Nexxus heat protectant - blow dry; flat iron on 300 deg w FHI platform flat iron; EVCO to oil my scalp (also helps strengthen, smooth fly-aways, and makes my hair super shiny

~What do you plan on changing (if anything) to make it to APL?
consistently doing protein treatments and deep conditioning every week
trying to wear my hair up or in more

~Post a beginning picture
see attachments: 1st picture my 100% natural curls (hair after swiming/long day at the beach, I don't do wash-n-go's often)
2nd pic - straightened ! starting length, I believe I can make it a couple inches longer

Beautiful hair in natural & straight LovelyBwonderful! Welcome!

 

[LovelyBwonderful]

Beautiful hair in natural & straight @LovelyBwonderful! Welcome!

Welcome youll be apl before you know it

Welcome welcome welcome!!!! Adding you to the list @LovelyBwonderful. You're in for a treat being in this challenge. We're all a little crazy, but we mean well

thanks for all the love and warm welcome ladies !! I'm super excited and have high hopes for this challenge. will also be admiring all you beautiful ladies' hair as well!

 

[LovelyBwonderful]

Has anyone here tried both SM products and Nubian Heritage products???? If so which do you like best. Tia

I haven't tried much but here's what I have tried:

I tried the Shea Moisture shampoo - love it. it's my current shampoo. love that I feel like it really cleanses and lathers but isn't harsh and doesn't totally strip my hair (which is important since I recently colored).

SM curl enhancing smoothie - hated it. it was just ... awful. I tried it as a leave in a deep treat a styler ... grawck! my hair did not respond well, it kinda just sat there. I ended up giving it away.

nubian heritage haven't gotten a chance to try a lot since they're expensive and I'm not really in need of any new products (working desperately to slay my inner PJ - my college budget can't take it haha) but I do have and use their Honey & Black seed heat protect keratin leave-in conditioning cream [whew long name] from the ingredients I think it should offer some protection but I wouldn't trust it alone. although it is def creamy, it isn't super watery so as long as don't go overboard it doesn't revert my hair. I use it as the very last thing I put on my hair before flat ironing because I LOVE the way it smells and my hair stays smelling like it for days afterward, and what's a little more protection to a girl trying to perserve her curls?

 

[ravenhairedcharm]

LovelyBwonderful Welcome to the challenge, nice hair!

lamaria211

I have

SM Curl Enhancing Smoothie - I have this one now and I don't like it for my hair. The smell is too medicinal/strong for me and it doesn't really moisturize my hair as much as my other moisturizers do.

SM Raw Shea Butter Reconstructive Elixir - This was good, but you can get the same results from any oil.

SM Black Soap Purification Masque - I love this stuff. I've only used it once, but it cleans my hair and scalp thoroughly and also has detangling properties. I have no build up on my scalp after I use it and since I cowash frequently this has been a lifesaver. I leave it on for about an hour.

SM Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner - I used this a year and a half ago, and at the time I only used it as a leave-in. It would make my hair soft for a little while and then dry up on me. I don't know if I was using right since I was new to my hair journey and all. It may work better as a rinse-out.

 

[claud-uk]

- I pre-poo'd over night with my ceramide oil mix and coconut oil.

- shampoo and steam DC.

- Applied and rinsed roux porosity control conditioner and Paul Mitchell SS daily treatment.

- applied leave-in and serum to air dry.

- moisturized NG and hair with QB AOHC

Your hair is very wavy and looks as though you have a lot of bounce. I would have sworn that you used curlformers or did a rollerset. Nice braidout.

That's just what I was thinking, lol!



LovelyBwonderful - wow, your hair in your WNG is stunning!

I wash last night with creamy aloe shampoo and DC with emergencia ( dominican product) with heat for 30 mins. Rinse then added nexxus humctress while I shower.


Also my edges didn't get straight. Must be a sign for me to leave relaxers alone.

What brand/make shampoo is that? Good on you for listening to your hair, I hope you can hear it saying "thank you"!



I passed on my weekly Protein Tx last week and paid dearly for it... broken hairs all over the place, hundreds of them! Did a PTx with Mirpur Organic Soy Cholesterol and lost just one hair after applying/rinsing/combing. I've definitely learnt a lesson. The cholesterol cost £1.69/$2.00 and left my hair feeling soft heavy and strong - it's now my staple weekly PTx, I love it!

 

[NikkiQ]

Almost back home from exploring another part of the island. I'm faced with a dilemma ladies and I need advice. We're going hiking and to a waterfall tomorrow with a few other people. Now I'm still in Celies and I am NOT trying to go there with a wig on. Any suggestions on what I can do with my hair that would be functional and cute?

Sent by me from my Android phone.Boom

 

[The Princess]

That's just what I was thinking, lol!

LovelyBwonderful - wow, your hair in your WNG is stunning!

What brand/make shampoo is that? Good on you for listening to your hair, I hope you can hear it saying "thank you"!

I passed on my weekly Protein Tx last week and paid dearly for it... broken hairs all over the place, hundreds of them! Did a PTx with Mirpur Organic Soy Cholesterol and lost just one hair after applying/rinsing/combing. I've definitely learnt a lesson. The cholesterol cost £1.69/$2.00 and left my hair feeling soft heavy and strong - it's now my staple weekly PTx, I love it!

claud-uk. I use the ORS Organic Root Stimulator Aloe Shampoo. I notice my relaxed hair liked it alot but not my new growth. Which is starting to give input, since it's more than a 1 inch now.

 

[The Princess]

Almost back home from exploring another part of the island. I'm faced with a dilemma ladies and I need advice. We're going hiking and to a waterfall tomorrow with a few other people. Now I'm still in Celies and I am NOT trying to go there with a wig on. Any suggestions on what I can do with my hair that would be functional and cute?

Sent by me from my Android phone.Boom

NikkiQ Whatever you decide make sure to wear a hairband to keep the hair off your face. The hair will have you sweating and hot when hiking.

Can you do a high puff.

 

[TheNDofUO]

Stil in these braids like the trooper I am. I want to take them out so desperately though.

 

[NikkiQ]

@NikkiQ Whatever you decide make sure to wear a hairband to keep the hair off your face. The hair will have you sweating and hot when hiking.

Can you do a high puff.

I can, but I would have to take my Celies down.

 

[The Princess]

I can, but I would have to take my Celies down.

Will a headband look decent with your celies.

 

[NikkiQ]

^^^IDK. These things are lookin horrid right now

 

[ravenhairedcharm]

^How about a cute little ponytail? Pull all of your braids back and use bobby pins to secure the loose ones. Then you can add a headband on top for more security. I think adding an accessory like or even a flower ponytail holder will make your hair look cute. I'm thinking about doing some simple box braids now.

 

[afroette]

NikkiQ, I remembered that we called Celie's dookie plaits when I was a kid. Ha!

Sent from my iPad using LHCF

 

[MsSonya]

~Current hair length
slightly longer than shoulder length

~Relaxed/Natura/Texlaxed/Loc'd
NATURAL BABY !! my curls and big hair but also addicted to my flat iron

~APL goal month
December -- being realistic, my hair has been stuck around shoulder length forever, which I think is almost the perfect length for my face etc so I've never minded and trim often. However, I'm curious to see what I'll look like with longer hair.
I have tons of layers and LOVE them, but my hair is longer in the back and shorter in the front which makes me want APL in the front which would probably equal BSL in the back Lord help me
ultimate goals APL curly (right now my shrinkage is up to my ears) BSL straight

~Current Reggie and styling choices
wash weekly. shampoo with Shea Moisture shampoo, protein treatment (just purchased Nexxus emergencee and super excited), deep condition
curly style: condition w/ color protecting ocnditioner (currently using: Herbal Essences color me happy and Joico color endure) LEAVE ALL OF IT IN, seal with light layer of oil. ALWAYS start with a twist-out so my hair is fully detangled, moisturized and stretched. I think this will make a big difference with my length retention
straight: KCKT leave-in, grapeseed oil to seal and protect, mist of Nexxus heat protectant - blow dry; flat iron on 300 deg w FHI platform flat iron; EVCO to oil my scalp (also helps strengthen, smooth fly-aways, and makes my hair super shiny

~What do you plan on changing (if anything) to make it to APL?
consistently doing protein treatments and deep conditioning every week
trying to wear my hair up or in more

~Post a beginning picture
see attachments: 1st picture my 100% natural curls (hair after swiming/long day at the beach, I don't do wash-n-go's often)
2nd pic - straightened ! starting length, I believe I can make it a couple inches longer

I agree your hair is beautiful natural and straight. Your flat iron technique is on point! How long does your hair stay straight after your flat iron?