Classic Length 2010 Challenge Part I

[Lucia]

Ok Everyone.... I did an unofficial length check on my curly hair.... it stretches into the butt crack. Can I call that Tailbone???

I know time is ticking down to the official June update... I will post a pic at the end of the month!

Cinnamon hair was right... the longer the hair gets the further down the thin part appears... So the thickening is progressing nicely... I am happy about that!

I tell ya.... that butt crack is becoming the official measuring spot...

YES you can! congratz on reaching TL can't wait to see the "official" pics
I'm being patient with the challenges I'll just reach a goal when I reach it, but I'm still doing everything I can to retain max length.

 

[Lucia]

thanks. i'll do it. just gonna be tough with 4 weddings coming up (June, July, August & September!!) that i'm a bridesmaid and they're requiring straightened hair down styles for all but one. so at least once per month i'll be straightening....

what protein do you recommend? and what moisturizers? (right now i'm using amla & olive heavy by QB)

also - how do you ladies feel about damp buns?? so mad cuz i was so close before and now this. i'm considering weaving it for a few months to rest it and grow out but worried my hair isn't strong enough for that and that it'll break my hair and thin in out even more.

ITA w/ Candy please don't straighten you hair at all, actually you won't be able to straighten for a good while like a couple of months, your hair now is very fragile can't handle any heat or pulling, styling etc... now, your hair could literally break off while your having it styled at the salon or doing it yourself.

Just wig it whenever you need to like those weddings and take care of your hair underneath just pick some natural looking styles similar to your pre-damaged real hair. If they say something just tell them your real hair is damaged and it won't take a style at all-they'll understand.

bolded: I don't think weaving is a good idea either if your hair is damaged when it goes up into the weave it will only break off underneath and get much worse and you won't know it until you take it down. I weaved up right after a BKT-really bad idea, Ive bounced back from it but that took months of CW, DC, airdrying and PS.

 

[jupitermoon]

My latest hair toy additions from ebay...seller QueCraft

Very nice, Candy. I like the hair fork.

i hope you ladies don't mind me asking a questions (as a former MBL girl who is now back at BSL...again!) but i saw all of Mz Mo Mo's shedding and...well, that's me everytime I comb my hair! and even worse, i just jumped on a bandwagon - got my hair colored (she used peroxide but it wouldn't "lift" so now its dark brown instead of my natural soft black.) now, it "feels" horrible. it feels kind of stiff and dry like when you have too much gel in it. when the stylist did the color - my hair dreadlocked/matted up. its never done that before! i'm soooo scared that i did something horrible to my hair and that i'll never reach my goal length or get close. oh yeah, and she "cut" it, even though i told her i'd just had it cut (i cut it, using tracy's method) but she said it "felt" horrible and cut me back to BSL with layers! i hate it. i'm so sad. never want to go to a stylist again!

WHAT are the BASICS that i need to be doing to get my hair and scalp in tip top shape, stop the shedding, stop the breakage and retain length?

Wyldcurlz, I'm so sorry to hear about your setback. Peroxide is damaging. I've had so many bad salon experiences....

I agree with Lucia and Candy about not straightening the hair, avoiding shampoo, and being gentle.

Your hair appears fine which is also fragile. Keeping it simple is key to retention. I would avoid shampoo and chemicals such as dye for a while since these can be drying. Try simply water washing and using a cone free conditioner (plus EVOO or some other oil if you want) as a leave in and moisturizer. Finger comb instead of use a regular comb. Simply twist the hair up into an updo with your curls hanging out for a nice simple protective style. I would also try to avoid gels, mousse, and other "stylers" since these can also be drying. So just try conditioner, water, and simple updos for now until the damage from the dye grows out and cut the damage out gradually---like an inches every few months. Less is more for healthy hair.

 

[jupitermoon]

Umm...I'm addicted...I got more Flexi 8's. This is it at least until later this year, I promise.

This is Product # [8-0779] Silver princess tiara from www.lillarose.biz/ custom made in XXL. They do not make XXLs so I ordered this through www.flexi8.com . If you are unable to register on www.lillarose.biz/ (you may need a consultant) simply contact www.flexi8.com with the order number from this site and they will make it for you if possible:

This is Product # [8-0773] Silver soft pink fairy from www.lillarose.biz/ custom made in XXL. I had this made in blue beads instead of the original pink beads:

This is Product # [8-0316] Silver roman stone from www.lillarose.biz/ custom made in XXL:

This is Product # [8-1562] Pearls and Topaz from www.lillarose.biz/ custom made in XXL:

This is Product # [8-0778] Silver antiqued starfish from www.lillarose.biz/ custom made in XXL:

^^^^I ordered all of these through www.flexi8.com. Some of these products like Product # [8-0778] Silver antiqued starfish aren't available on www.flexi8.com but if you give them the product number from www.lillarose.biz/ they will make it for you if possible. You can get other products like headbands and Flexi O-Rings too. The prices are the same and you can use discount code blue-32088 to get 10% off of your order or buy 4 and get a 5th one for free.

 

[Lucia]

Umm...I'm addicted...I got more Flexi 8's. This is it at least until later this year, I promise.

This is Product # [8-0779] Silver princess tiara from www.lillarose.biz/ custom made in XXL. They do not make XXLs so I ordered this through www.flexi8.com . If you are unable to register on www.lillarose.biz/ (you may need a consultant) simply contact www.flexi8.com with the order number from this site and they will make it for you if possible:

This is Product # [8-0773] Silver soft pink fairy from www.lillarose.biz/ custom made in XXL. I had this made in blue beads instead of the original pink beads:

This is Product # [8-0316] Silver roman stone from www.lillarose.biz/ custom made in XXL:

This is Product # [8-1562] Pearls and Topaz from www.lillarose.biz/ custom made in XXL:

This is Product # [8-0778] Silver antiqued starfish from www.lillarose.biz/ custom made in XXL:

^^^^I ordered all of these through www.flexi8.com. Some of these products like Product # [8-0778] Silver antiqued starfish aren't available on www.flexi8.com but if you give them the product number from www.lillarose.biz/ they will make it for you if possible. You can get other products like headbands and Flexi O-Rings too. The prices are the same and you can use discount code blue-32088 to get 10% off of your order or buy 4 and get a 5th one for free.

very pretty clips, nice pics too your hair looks thicker

 

[Lita]

Ok Everyone.... I did an unofficial length check on my curly hair.... it stretches into the butt crack. Can I call that Tailbone???

I know time is ticking down to the official June update... I will post a pic at the end of the month!

Cinnamon hair was right... the longer the hair gets the further down the thin part appears... So the thickening is progressing nicely... I am happy about that!

I tell ya.... that butt crack is becoming the official measuring spot...

Congrats! I cant wait to see it...




Happy Hair Growing!

 

[Lita]

si i had a slight set back yall... apparently that darn skala cond did more harm than i thought

Sorry to hear about your set back...That happened to me this weekend I used a different kind of henna and I had a lot of hair shed and dryness..So I'll just stick with what works for me.

Try Dc,Protein treatments and be very gentle with your hair. In no time your hair will bounce back!





Happy hair Growing!

 

[SmilingElephant]

Congrats Candy on making TAILBONE...WOW!!!:woohoo:

And CelinaStarr....you are not helping my Flexi-8 cravings!! Those are very pretty...i think the next time i order some i'm gonna order some XLs....i like to wear my hair up a lot.

 

[SmilingElephant]

Candy i can't see the hair toys....the link doesn't work for me

 

[Candy828]

Candy i can't see the hair toys....the link doesn't work for me

I don't know how to put the pictures in-line with the message and not as an attachment.... if someone can tell me how to do that, I'll repost them for you...

 

[Candy828]

YES you can! congratz on reaching TL can't wait to see the "official" pics
I'm being patient with the challenges I'll just reach a goal when I reach it, but I'm still doing everything I can to retain max length.

Thanks Lucia, you've been growing along at a steady pace and I know you will get there. Patience is key because I know we all don't grow at the same pace. Retention is the name of the game! and I know you will stay on track! Your Fotki pictures are looking ! As long as we support each other, we all get better at it, and the journey becomes easier.... Each person that reaches a goal is an inspiration to the next person!

 

[Mz.MoMo5235]

WOOOOH!!!! candy, i officially consider butt crack=tlb i cant wait to see the official pix too!

i think i want to wait til mid month to flat iron for my official length check. i was going to flat iron this weekend and take the pix tomorrow.... but with the issues, i opted to wait

I CAN WAIT TO SEE ALL THE PIX!!!

celinastarr, did you post those pix in the flexi 8 thread

 

[Mz.MoMo5235]

OMG!!!! I CANT BELIEVE I ALMOST FORGOT!!!! i had the worst freakin dream last nite guys!!!! i dreamt that the next time i washed my hair more hair was coming out then when i got out the shower and looked in the mirror like 90% of the top of my head was showing, like all my hair fell out and i was like all scalp at the top!!! it was so bald and so shiny!!! and i just started crying. OH! like remember the craft at the end when the black chick looked in the mirror and all her hair on top was gone? it was like that and it was soooo real!!!! i woke up in a panic and literally ran to the bathroom at 3 in the morning to inspect my head!!!!

man! that skala must have messed me up more than i thought

 

[Candy828]

WOOOOH!!!! candy, i officially consider butt crack=tlb i cant wait to see the official pix too!

i think i want to wait til mid month to flat iron for my official length check. i was going to flat iron this weekend and take the pix tomorrow.... but with the issues, i opted to wait

I CAN WAIT TO SEE ALL THE PIX!!!

celinastarr, did you post those pix in the flexi 8 thread

Thanks!

Don't flat iron your hair!!!!!!!!!! Your hair and scalp and hair is still in shock! It's like being in recovery after having a baby.... Give it at least two month's of nursing...... Don't give me a heart attack!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Mz.MoMo5235]

ok lol i'll just do a wet update then.

scalp is doing better... way less itchy and scratchy

 

[schipperchow1]

i hope you ladies don't mind me asking a questions (as a former MBL girl who is now back at BSL...again!) but i saw all of Mz Mo Mo's shedding and...well, that's me everytime I comb my hair! and even worse, i just jumped on a bandwagon - got my hair colored (she used peroxide but it wouldn't "lift" so now its dark brown instead of my natural soft black.) now, it "feels" horrible. it feels kind of stiff and dry like when you have too much gel in it. when the stylist did the color - my hair dreadlocked/matted up. its never done that before! i'm soooo scared that i did something horrible to my hair and that i'll never reach my goal length or get close. oh yeah, and she "cut" it, even though i told her i'd just had it cut (i cut it, using tracy's method) but she said it "felt" horrible and cut me back to BSL with layers! i hate it. i'm so sad. never want to go to a stylist again!

WHAT are the BASICS that i need to be doing to get my hair and scalp in tip top shape, stop the shedding, stop the breakage and retain length?

I'm sorry for your set back. But thank you for posting your experience because I am always tempted to texlax or color or highlight at this time of year. Usually color-treated hair needs a lot of moisture & Candy posted some great recipes...I don't know if you use cone products, but they may help to smooth the cuticle to prevent tangling & matting. I don't know what your hair likes, but try DCing on dry hair, I like AO HSR or a combo of that w/GPB for protein & add some olive &/or coconut oil if your hair likes oils. I would also avoid shampoos & just CW. If your cuticle is damaged, make sure you seal in the moisture w/an oil and/or butter.

Best of luck in your hair recovery:Rose:

 

[Candy828]

Just Info...I have been reading some of the Knee Length and Longer Threads out there and they all seem to sick to the same haircare routines they had when they were BSL except for when a product gets discontinued. They steer clear of salons, they self trim, they wear mainly protective styles to work in order to keep their hair out of harms way, they do scalp massages and S&D more often than trim, and they have healthy hair eatting habits... So this is just affirmation of some of our discussions...

A couple more things that was mentioned...they seem to all agree on letting their hair grow in its natural shape and when they do trim they trim according to the way their hair grows... Some have had their water checked in their home to make sure it is not damaging to their hair and some hair water filters...some even purchase distilled water for rinsing.

 

[Mz.MoMo5235]

i dont do scalp massages... well i have lately cause of the tea tree oil (which is magic by the way) but before that and i'm sure after i wont do it. how many of yall actually do it?

 

[Candy828]

I actually do scalp massages nightly.... it increases blood circulation to the scalp.

 

[BostonMaria]

I actually do scalp massages nightly.... it increases blood circulation to the scalp.

Do you put oil on your scalp before you massage?

They steer clear of salons, they self trim, they wear mainly protective styles to work in order to keep their hair out of harms way, they do scalp massages and S&D more often than trim, and they have healthy hair eatting habits... So this is just affirmation of some of our discussions...

A couple more things that was mentioned...they seem to all agree on letting their hair grow in its natural shape and when they do trim they trim according to the way their hair grows...

OK its good to know I'm doing the right thing. I haven't cut my hair in almost 3 years, but I do bi-weekly S&D. I have been frustrated at how one side seems to grow quicker than the other, but I'm going to just leave my hair alone because it seems I'm cutting in vain, 2 months later my hair is uneven again.

 

[Candy828]

Do you put oil on your scalp before you massage?



OK its good to know I'm doing the right thing. I haven't cut my hair in almost 3 years, but I do bi-weekly S&D. I have been frustrated at how one side seems to grow quicker than the other, but I'm going to just leave my hair alone because it seems I'm cutting in vain, 2 months later my hair is uneven again.

I always massage with oil by putting oil on the tips of my fingers...If my scalp is already oily I don't use more oil... You should never massage on a dry scalp!

Here are the instructions for scalp massage from a previous post I did on the HL Thread:

How to Massage the Scalp for Hair Growth

1. Step 1
Starting at the hairline by your forehead, make small circles with your fingertips. Work your way around to the sides of your head and then to the back, still making the same small circles.

2. Step 2
Once you are at the back of your head, work your way back up to the front, making circles with your fingertips.

3. Step 3
Do this for about 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes at night. (I do 5 minutes each time)

4. Step 4
Be consistent with the scalp massage and you will see results.

As I mentioned in earlier post, I have that problem with uneven hair because I have three different scalp skin types...so I too just leave my hair alone and let it do it's thing. Then I trim once a year and even up... Then my hair is off to do it's own thing again...I do S&D and dusting inbetween the yearly trims.

 

[Lucia]

Just Info...I have been reading some of the Knee Length and Longer Threads out there and they all seem to sick to the same haircare routines they had when they were BSL except for when a product gets discontinued. They steer clear of salons, they self trim, they wear mainly protective styles to work in order to keep their hair out of harms way, they do scalp massages and S&D more often than trim, and they have healthy hair eatting habits... So this is just affirmation of some of our discussions...

A couple more things that was mentioned...they seem to all agree on letting their hair grow in its natural shape and when they do trim they trim according to the way their hair grows... Some have had their water checked in their home to make sure it is not damaging to their hair and some hair water filters...some even purchase distilled water for rinsing.

good info can you post the links?TIA

 

[Lucia]

I actually do scalp massages nightly.... it increases blood circulation to the scalp.

I'm up to 3x/week so far, sometimes I'm just too tired or I forget to do nightly but I'm still trying to get there. My fav oils for massage are Brhami and bringaraj both oils soothes your head and helps you relax and sleep plus they help your hair too. I'm looking for a more natural brand of brahmi though it's practically gone so I won't repurchase the Hesh brand the main ingredient is vegetable oil. Posted links of the exact brands I use

http://www.amazon.com/Hesh-Brahmi-A...UTF8&coliid=IHBWJKWL8CD2N&colid=2CU534GXLI8EO

Hesh Brhami oil ingredients:
ngredients: egetable Oil, Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Centella Asiatica (Brahmi) Extract, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Oil, Phyllanthus Emblica (Amla) Extract, Parfum, Isopropyl Myristate, Evolvulus Alsinoides (Shankapushpi) Extract, Celastrus Paniculata (Malakanguni) Extract, Vitex Negundo (Nirgundi) Extract, Acorus Calamus (Godavaj) Extract, Cyclomethicone, Ethylhexyl (Octyl) Methoxycinnamate, BHT, Cl 47000, Cl61565, Cl 26100


Bringaraj oil
http://www.amazon.com/Banyan-Botani...TF8&coliid=I2UH478MIJTL4S&colid=2CU534GXLI8EO

Banyan botanicals bringaraj oil ingredients:
Sesame oil, Bringaraj

 

[Candy828]

good info can you post the links?TIA

Thanks! This information comes from LHC Knee Length and Longer thread:
http://www.longhaircommunity.com/archive/showthread.php?t=41545

I am reading another Indian Thread and I will post that information shortly...

Ok... here is a link Indian link talking about water and hair...
http://www.indiamike.com/india/chennai-madras-f24/water-and-hair-washing-t58654/

I am still reading other threads.... I will share what I find....

 

[Candy828]

Interesting Fact:

From: http://beauty.iloveindia.com/hair/healthy-hair.html

Healthy Hair

Water: One-fourth of the weight, of a strand of hair, is made up of water. Water makes your hair supple and soft therefore you should have enough water. Do not wait till you are thirsty keep drinking water. If you thirsty it means that you have lost water and your body is asking you to replenish the loss. Water keeps your hair silky and shiny as well.

 

[Candy828]

MzMoMo - I notice with the "hair juice" mix, if I put too much Veg Glycerin the mix it is too heavy and if I put too little it is not enough to keep my hair the way I want it.... Before I make the next batch.... Is there a set amount you use? It is so humid now I sweat through the night as well so I have to put a baggy on my head under my silk bonnet so I don't mess up my pillow and soak the bonnet!

Thanks!

 

[Mz.MoMo5235]

for my spray bottle size i use like a blob, blob and a half. i guess dime to nickel sized??? i dunno!!! i just starts to squirting and shaking lol i'm sorry

 

[Candy828]

for my spray bottle size i use like a blob, blob and a half. i guess dime to nickel sized??? i dunno!!! i just starts to squirting and shaking lol i'm sorry

Believe it or not that actually makes since.... I put a shot glass size in my spray bottle.... No wonder it was too much!!!! That gives me an idea of what to do!

 

[Mz.MoMo5235]

Believe it or not that actually makes since.... I put a shot glass size in my spray bottle.... No wonder it was too much!!!! That gives me an idea of what to do!

OH YEAH!!! THAT'S TOO MUCH!!! though i actually heard of people doing like 75/25 water/glyc. i tried it and it was a hot sticky mess... my hair can only handle a blob lol i think that's why i cant use store bought juice, too much juiciness lol

 

[Candy828]

I am a blender/juicer of raw vegetables for the health benefits…. But when I saw this article I thought to myself…. Hmmm there are probably several reasons responsible for the good hair growth I’ve been getting!

Carrot Juice For Hair Growth | Hair Growth With Carrot Juice
From: http://www.zimbio.com/Alkaline+Acid+Diet+Revealed/articles/RcEX8TlyxM6/Carrot+Juice+Hair+Growth+Carrot+Juice+Hair

Written by Charypravi1 on Dec-15-09 5:53am
From: ehealthyland.com

The bright orange color is a testament of its beta carotene richness. In the body, beta carotene is converted to vitamin A. According to the label on my Bolthouse carrot juice, one 8 oz serving contains 700% of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A. One of the healthy hair benefits of vitamin A is that it helps your scalp to produce sebum, which is the natural oil your scalp produces to keep the hair from drying out. Relaxed hair can benefit greatly from the normal production of these natural oils. As sebum production increases, you should massage your scalp to keep the sebum form clogging the pores on your scalp.


News articles and vegetarian forums rave about the many benefits derived from drinking fresh carrot juice. Raw carrots are a known anti-cancer agent. In a healthy diet, organic carrot juice can help to reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Some regard it as a medicine, which restores the immune system and promotes healthy cell formation. Others question the validity of claims that carrot juice aids in the prevention of hair loss and helps prevent early signs of graying hair.


Another vitamin contained in carrot juice is vitamin E. This vitamin appears in three forms, known chemically as alpha, beta, and gamma tocopherol, and commonly known as the vitamin E complex. In animal experimentation, vitamin E has been found to affect reproduction. When foods bearing this vitamin were fed to animals that had failed to reproduce, their sterility was overcome. Carrots also carry other vitamins such as B, C, D, E, and K, and minerals like calcium, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, and traces of protein. Juicing your carrots will help to promote healthier hair, skin, and nails.

Carrots are natural food sources of: vitamins A, B, and E, sodium, potassium, calcium, iron and sulfur. According to health forums, drinking loads of fresh carrot juice will not result in vitamin A toxicity. However, questions arise as to why your skin becomes jaundiced when you do consume too much. Research suggests that the discolored yellow tone is not harmful, but is a result of toxins being eliminated through the skin.Drinking carrot juice in abundance is not unhealthy as long as you remain aware of the high sugar content. Organic carrot juice is best consumed several hours prior to going to sleep due to the enormous rush of energy that follows.