BSL 2013 Challenge

[KaramelDiva1978]

I'm happy to find a challenge that I can join! Thank you.

My current hair length is almost SL (when flat ironed), but it's layered.
I'm 100% natural
My goal month is OCT 2013 for my longest layer to reach BSL. My shortest layer will not make the challenge.
I currently co-wash every 3-4 days w/ Root Stimulator Hair Mayonnaise and follow up w/ Kinky Curly leave-in and coconut oil. I usually let my hair air dry and tie up the front of my hair and leave the back out or put in a ponypuff. I do a complete wash every two weeks w/ CD Lisa's Hair Elixer as a pre-poo, As I Am cleansing pudding as my poo, DC w/ RS Hair Mayo, KC leave-in, and coconut oil.
I need to stop pulling my hair back into a ponypuff, PERIOD. I have experienced breakage just below my crown, because of it. I will do more protective styles (two-strand twist is my favorite) and find anything else that I can do to style my hair within reason. I'm in the military, so I'm limited to what I can do style wise.

If anyone has any ideas or regimens that I should try, I will definitely take the advice.

Welcome to the forum and LHCF!!! I'd like to offer you some suggestions on your regimen and then I'll come back with links for great reading material. I just recently relaxed after 25 months of being natural, just my personal preference. But let me tell you, you want a moisture/protein balance. The ORS Hair Mayo is a heavy protein based conditioner for co-washing. If you don't know your hair needs heavy protein can lead to breakage. You can try a moisture rich conditioner like Tresemme Naturals, Herbal Essence Hello Hydration or Long Term Relationship or Suave Almond & Shea Butter for example. I too deep condition weekly, once again unless you like how your hair responding I would seek a moisture rich deep conditioner add an oil to it (optional) and sit for at least 45 minutes.

I didn't see any daily moisturizer in your regimen. Do you use a moisturizer and oil daily? The KCKT and coconut oil is a good combination. I used S-curl a lot as a natural, but lots of ladies can suggest simple moisturizers to you.

Lastly I think twists are a great protective style that can hold moisture and keep your ends from being snagged and damaged. After all you're here for longer hair and retention is KEY to longer hair.

Ask away if you have more questions and use the search engine for natural hair regimens. You will find lots of ladies willing to help you.

Hope that helps you out! Welcome again!

 

[Damaged but not out]

Started the beemine serum today.

Started back my vitamins this week( had surgery so was off for about 8 weeks)

Im going to start the new year with a trim

Tried that Acure condish(heaven)

Tried Curlformers easy and they work.

Ready for 2013!

 

[keranikki]

Welcome to the forum and LHCF!!! I'd like to offer you some suggestions on your regimen and then I'll come back with links for great reading material. I just recently relaxed after 25 months of being natural, just my personal preference. But let me tell you, you want a moisture/protein balance. The ORS Hair Mayo is a heavy protein based conditioner for co-washing. If you don't know your hair needs heavy protein can lead to breakage. You can try a moisture rich conditioner like Tresemme Naturals, Herbal Essence Hello Hydration or Long Term Relationship or Suave Almond & Shea Butter for example. I too deep condition weekly, once again unless you like how your hair responding I would seek a moisture rich deep conditioner add an oil to it (optional) and sit for at least 45 minutes.

I didn't see any daily moisturizer in your regimen. Do you use a moisturizer and oil daily? The KCKT and coconut oil is a good combination. I used S-curl a lot as a natural, but lots of ladies can suggest simple moisturizers to you.

Lastly I think twists are a great protective style that can hold moisture and keep your ends from being snagged and damaged. After all you're here for longer hair and retention is KEY to longer hair.

Ask away if you have more questions and use the search engine for natural hair regimens. You will find lots of ladies willing to help you.

Hope that helps you out! Welcome again!

KaramelDiva1978

Thank you for the suggestions. I didn't know ORS Mayo had such a heavy protein base. Should I just use ORS as a monthly protein treatment instead? Also, can I use any DC as a co-wash or should I get a separate co-wash and moisturizing deep conditioner?

 

[Honey Bee]

I straightened and dusted my hair yesterday and I think it's skimming APL!! I'm excited bc 2012 was about the health of my hair. I've been hacking, trimming, dusting, all that in an effort to get my ends right. I've cut back to SL at least 3 times since spring. Tbh, I was getting discouraged, thinking I'd never have nice ends. But I think I finally got it right! I'll have SO take pics later when I comb down my wrap.

Onward to BSL!

 

[isawstars]

I did an overnight DC and washed with Wen and castor oil. My hair is currently in braids with perm rods on the ends. Tomorrow I will blow dry (tension method). If my hair feels up to it, I will flat iron and finally use my split ender.

 

[myhairgrowstoo]

Here's an update on me. I'm copying and pasting it from my blog http://myhairgrowstoo.blogspot.com/

Yesterday I washed my hair again.
First I put it in many plaits and applied Aloe Shampoo.
Second after many minutes (did not check) I washed it out in the shower. Then I applied a palm size of Mega Tek, kept it on, and washed it out. I applied Roux Moisturizing Conditioner and washed it out while talking out the plaits. I hopped out the shower, finished taking out the plaits and applied Roux Porosity Control. Then I divided my hair in two sections and gave myself two french braids. I took one side out after a while. Then after a while more I applied CHI safe guard to the side that was out and began flat ironing with Sedu flat iron. I took out the braids of the other side and flat ironed that as well. I used the CHI safe guard spray all over. I noticed that the side that was out was drier and straighter than the side I kept in a braid *Good to remember to undo the braids and wait a few minutes before beginning to flat iron*

 

[Gryphyn]

OK I'm in this! I'm staying positive about how much length I'll retain next year

My hair is texturized.

Current length: a few inches from APL
BSL goal month: Dec 2013
Current Reggie and styling choices: Coles Notes version - I rinse or co-wash daily, apply gel, air dry, then wear my hair down or pulled back in loose puff
What do you plan on changing (if anything) to make it to BSL?: Sticking with my current reggie
Post a beginning picture: Pics in profile album

 

[Iluvsmuhgrass]

pelohello I'm suffering from hairnorexia (lol) it feels like nomatter how much growth I get or how big it gets, I still feel as if I'm at a short length.

I was going to flatiron the rest at first but I'm going to hold off. This time of year my hair is really temperamental (and PCOS doesn't help at all...) so I figure that I'll do 2-4 fully/partially straightened length checks next year.

 

[longhairdreaming]

Hey ladies, just checking in. Still have my kinky twists in and will have them in for another 2-3 weeks, just enough time for me to get home and get my shipment of hair supplies from my sister yay!

Those who have gone from natural to relaxed...did you use a protein treatment before you first relaxer? I'm planning for my end of January relaxer.

 

[Firstborn2]

I haven't been wet bunning lately since it's been raining a lot, but I am still bunning and at night doing the GHE.

 

[KaramelDiva1978]

KaramelDiva1978

Thank you for the suggestions. I didn't know ORS Mayo had such a heavy protein base. Should I just use ORS as a monthly protein treatment instead? Also, can I use any DC as a co-wash or should I get a separate co-wash and moisturizing deep conditioner?

I'm so sorry I'm just getting back to you. If your hair doesn't need a lot of protein once a month is fine. That's the challenging part, finding out your hair needs. As for the conditioner for co-washing you will find most ladies have different preferences, but most of them use different conditioners for their deep conditioning and co-wash needs. I also do. My co-wash condish is an over the counter cheapie. My deep conditioner is a better quality that I add an oil to and sit under the dryer. Like I may use a HE Long Term Relationship for co-wash and a Cream of Nature Moisturizing conditioner.

As a natural I used Giovanni shampoo and conditioner and then moisturizes with Giovanni Direct leave in and castor oil. Daily I would spritz with water, oil, and a little conditioner in a spray bottle. Look through the naturals forum too for lots of great ideas.

 

[LadyRaider]

I am an APL 2012 failure, but I'm moving on with my class anyway!

~Current hair length - Almost APL (sigh)
~Relaxed/Natural/Texlaxed/Loc'd - Natural
~BSL goal month - December
~Current Reggie and styling choices - mostly braidouts
~What do you plan on changing (if anything) to make it to BSL? - Frequent co-washing
~Post a beginning picture

 

[lamaria211]

I am an APL 2012 failure, but I'm moving on with my class anyway!

~Current hair length - Almost APL (sigh)
~Relaxed/Natural/Texlaxed/Loc'd - Natural
~BSL goal month - December
~Current Reggie and styling choices - mostly braidouts
~What do you plan on changing (if anything) to make it to BSL? - Frequent co-washing
~Post a beginning picture

You're not a failure! Slow n steady wins the race

 

[ImanAdero]

Need a little bit of help:

I'm having a hard time keeping my hotline moisturized! Oddly enough, my ends feel GREAT! But my hairline feels like straw!

Any tips to keep hairline moisturized? This usually isn't a problem except for the last week or so.

As for me: been wearing a twist out these last few days. I think I'll no braid for NYE and Pon them up into a style.

I think I might add henna to my regimen in the new year, if only for the slight color it'll give me. I'm also looking to seriously protective style and not just lazily doing buns. I need to get my braid/flat twist game right! (Or get a side hustle so I can afford someone else doing it lol).

I WILL get to some hair goals this year!

 

[Miss AJ]

^^ImanAdero Do you seal after you moisturize? What moisturizer do u currently use?

 

[Miss AJ]

This has nothing to do with anything but I've been tempted to go lighter with my hair color...then I saw LeobodyC5's YT channel and her looking like an Egyptian Queen with that long, black, beautiful hair...and I have begun to have second thoughts lol.

 

[Evolving78]

i guess i will wash my hair again, since i treated it like crap for the past day or so. i don't wanna look like i'm on my death bed tomorrow.

 

[isawstars]

i guess i will wash my hair again, since i treated it like crap for the past day or so. i don't wanna look like i'm on my death bed tomorrow.

haha. I know the feeling!

Ugh I had the WORST blow dry results today. I used the tension method but my hair was still curly. I think I air dried in too many braids and I didn't do small enough sections. I guess I will bun tomorrow for Christmas and rewash my hair next week instead of my usual 2.

I'm starting to regret procrastinating trimming. It's gotten to where I am terrified I will have a set back because of it.

 

[ImanAdero]

ImanAdero[/USER]"]^^ImanAdero Do you seal after you moisturize? What moisturizer do u currently use?

I use what I can. Usually I use Shea Radiance, but I'm away so I'm using mixed chicks kids (a sample). But yeah, I didn't seal like I normally do didn't even think of that. .

I just took some olive oil from my grandma's kitchen lol. So I'll keep you updated!

 

[Miss AJ]

I use what I can. Usually I use Shea Radiance, but I'm away so I'm using mixed chicks kids (a sample). But yeah, I didn't seal like I normally do didn't even think of that. .

I just took some olive oil from my grandma's kitchen lol. So I'll keep you updated!

lol ok, love your hair by the way

 

[daae]

~Current hair length
Between SL and APL

~Relaxed/Natural/Texlaxed/Loc'd
Natural

~BSL goal month
December 2013

~Current Reggie and styling choices
Wash every 2 weeks.
Condition twice a week
moisturise with triple silk moisturiser or water
seal with jojoba oil and soon to be hemp oil
dust every 8 weeks
PS will be cornrows or braids

~What do you plan on changing (if anything) to make it to BSL?
Will review reggie every 2 months

~Post a beginning picture

 

[Lovingmywaves12]

Im in!!!

~Current hair length APL???
~Relaxed/Natural/Texlaxed/Loc'd Natural
~BSL goal month April
~Current Reggie and styling choices Washing & DC'ing once a week. Then I moisturize and put it in a bun.
~What do you plan on changing (if anything) to make it to BSL? I need to become consistent with taking my vitamins.
~Post a beginning picture

 

[KaramelDiva1978]

I am so so so in love with what WEN Vanilla Mint has done for my hair in today's co-wash. Idk if its because I use Vanilla Mint and grapeseed oil as a daily moisturizer, but my hair is so smooth, soft, moisturized and yummier than I remember in a while. I'm sorry I've been skipping out on the co-washes lately. About to wash out my deep conditioner for the last two to three hours.

NikkiQ--- I'm so loving the bun!! Hope you made it back in the city safely!!

 

[bosswitch]

Could be BSL already. pretty sure but not certain since im too lazy to straighten my hair

 

[Evolving78]

haha. I know the feeling!

Ugh I had the WORST blow dry results today. I used the tension method but my hair was still curly. I think I air dried in too many braids and I didn't do small enough sections. I guess I will bun tomorrow for Christmas and rewash my hair next week instead of my usual 2.

I'm starting to regret procrastinating trimming. It's gotten to where I am terrified I will have a set back because of it.

isawstars
it might not be that bad. when was the last time your had a trim?

 

[lamaria211]

So I think I may be in need of some Roux PC. I've DC'd x3 this week and my hair still feels crispy n dry. Hopefully I can keep my hair under control till Saturdays wash day. Cause I'm actually tired of DCing

 

[Phaer]

Here are my starting pics for this challenge. I am giving myself all of 2013 to reach bsl because I still need to resolve my shedding/breakage issues.

My current length- maybe an inch from full apl?
I believe I will be full apl in about two months.

I just have to figure out how to keep the hair I grow on my head. So I will be doing more protein treatments, finger detangling, tea rinsing ect. I've been slacking on working out since Thanksgiving, so I got to get back on it next week.

 

[alanaturelle]

Hello, I straightened my hair yesterday for Christmas and was very surprised to see the length of it and it made me think whether I should join BSL 2013. I signed up for APL 2013 which I'm hoping to be by July 2013. I believe that I can make BSL by December. Here is the picture:



So do you think, I could realistically make BSL by December 2013, ? For reference, BSL is a the mark #6 on the t-shirt and is 3" from APL.

Thank you,

 

[MyAngelEyez~C~U]

Flatironed and got 3/4" cut to even things up (had some breakage in November). So here is my starter pics for this 2013 BSL challenge.











~Current hair length: APL/near BSB layered
~Relaxed/Natural/Texlaxed: Natural
~BSL goal month April-June 2013
~Current Reggie and styling choices Washing & DC'ing once a week. Keeping hair stretched.
~What do you plan on changing (if anything) to make it to BSL? Get my body healthy, I think my hair will follow...

 

[MyAngelEyez~C~U]

Hello, I straightened my hair yesterday for Christmas and was very surprised to see the length of it and it made me think whether I should join BSL 2013. I signed up for APL 2013 which I'm hoping to be by July 2013. I believe that I can make BSL by December. Here is the picture:

So do you think, I could realistically make BSL by December 2013, ? For reference, BSL is a the mark #6 on the t-shirt and is 3" from APL.

Thank you,

Yes alanaturelle, you can make it in 2013