FROM BC TO WAIST LENGTH! Natural growth and health CHALLENGE. Spinoff for 09 BC.

[Missjae09]

Right now I have flat twist.. I have just added Hemp oil to the other that I use for maintenance and conditioning and I think my hair seems to like it. It was pretty soft. I plan to slowly, carefully and gently incorporate a little bit of protein into my regimen.

 

[Mocha5]

Alright, ladies. I've been told I'm in the wrong thread. I'm obviously a lil slow. Lol. Happy growing, ladies!

 

[Aggie]

Ok, it has been 4 days since my BC, I chopped again yesterday; my hair is now .5 inch. I still don't know what I'm doing in terms of regimen/care, but I did a protein pack yesterday, followed by cowash, spritz(water/rosemary oil) cantu leave in and sealed with coconut oil.

I want to get a quick weave on the cap in 3 weeks, do you think this will stunt my growth since I will not be able to moisturize daily??

Hmm, now is your hair a half of an inch or 5 inches in length after your BC Speakingeasy/ Because if it is a half of an inch then you may want to join the other thread for shorter hair than 4 inches or less. Still though, happy growing.

 

[moore.1506]

I had twists about a week ago (before I got my camera) they were helpful with retaining moisture. I really liked them they blended well and almost everyone thought they were my natural hair. I really want to keep my hair cornrowed the majority of the week, but I don't know how to part really good. So far my products are still the same as before but I am really curious what types of hair products I will be able to find in China. I leave on Saturday for a year

How did you guys learn to make straight parts?
Did you need a mirror?

 

[Loves Harmony]

Just wanted to share a picture of my hair with you guys. It is growing....

 

[Platinum]

I've been using my MN/Sulfur mix for a few weeks and I'm noticing some good growth. I wish I had thought about taking pics but since we're coming into a new month, I'll try to take pics so I can do month to month comparison. Also, I'm thinking about going back to Megatek as well.

I think I'm going to continue doing Henna treatments every 2 weeks. I love how it makes my hair feel so strong with zero breakage.

Keep up the good work, Ladies!

 

[Missjae09]

I just received my silk peptide and can't wait to condition with it... I've heard good things about it so I'm excited!

 

[Uniquely Blessed]

My hair is 4b and uneven. It ranges from about 6"-9". The crown is noticeably shorter than the sides. i put my hair up in braid extensions in early June and I got good growth from the low manipulation, DE, African Formula Hair Oil, and consistency. I am still tweaking my reggie, but so far what I'm working with is:

shampoo/cowash weekly - if shampoo, I focus on the scalp
weekly DC - right now with ORS Replenishing Pak
moisturizing with ORS Olive Oil
oiling scalp with African Formula

I take DE and Ultra Hair vitamins and hair shake.

Forgive me for not yet posting pics but i hope to be able to do so in a few days.

 

[Missjae09]

I did a bentonite clay treatment on my hair for the first time today.. I'm pleased with results so far. My hair felt nice and soft afterward, no dryness. I also received my JBCO in the mail today.. after the bentonite I cornrowed my hair for a braidout and rubbed the jbco on my parts. I've heard so many good things about jbco I can't wait to see the end result.

 

[Platinum]

PRODUCT/TECHNIQUE/STYLE FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST

The Product I chose is: Henna

- Why Henna? I chose it because it's a natural, multipurpose product used for coloring hair as well as conditioning purposes. I personally use it for it's strengthening and conditioning properties (I'm not really concerned about color). Henna bonds to the hair and fills in the weak spots on the hair strands. Natural henna usually stains the hair a rich red brown, however results may vary depending on brands, origin, or freshness of the henna. I would not advise using Henna brands that offer different colors (black, blonde, burgundy, etc) as these are not 100% natural henna. Anyone looking to color their hair black should consider Henna, followed by Indigo or mixing natural indigo and henna together.

- Technique. I prefer to use Henna with the least amount of additives as possible so I can get the full effects of the treatment. I have read many threads and checked out fotkis of other ladies and I have noticed that a lot of their henna mixes contain many ingredients. The last 2 times I've henna'd, I have used: 1 box of Reshma Henna, some olive oil, a few tablespoons of Brahmi powder and Maka powder. I don't know the exact measurements of the oil and powders, I just usually "eye ball" them. I don't wait for color release, I just apply it on damp, clarified hair for about 2 hours. I then rinse with cheapie conditioners until water runs clear. After the henna process, I DC with a good moisturizing DC (I like Silk Elements Moisturizer Treatment from Sallys). I baggy with curl moisturizer and seal with castor oil. Usually the following day, my hair is very soft. A word of caution, your hair may feel a little stiff or dry after a Henna session(similiar to the feel of your hair after a hard protein treatment), but that feeling usually goes away after a good DC.

-Henna Gloss. Some ladies usually add conditioner to their Henna mix. This helps to add softness and shine to the hair after a henna session. Our very own Aggie has a great henna gloss recipe in her fotki.

Style (Low Mani)
I have been on a Personal low-manipulation style challenge. Usually wear my hair in a picked out afro with a headband. I have not used any heat on my hair since before I BC'd in April and I believe my hair has thrived because of that. I plan to try different styles this month (twists, flat twists, cornrows-front only, etc).

ETA: I forgot to mention that I did a Fro-Hawk a few days ago. I was a little self consious about it but after the 2nd day, I liked it. I wish I had take pics. I'll try this style again sometime this week and take pics.

 

[ZkittyKurls]

Your twists look great. I promised myself that I am going to work on twist skills before this winter is up My biggest problem is I get sooo tiredI start off good then the closer I get to the front the bigger/sloppier they get. Maybe i just need to take some breaks but i find that i want to get my hair done in one setting and not have to come back to finish it

Just a thought...why dont you try startin them from the front and so when you get tired and eager to finish at least you wont have to worry about pepl noticing that you have imperfect parts.

 

[funkycoils]

I'm in!!!! 8 inches!

 

[winona]

Thanks when I return home I will be checking into it! I have 2 daughters (one wl and the other one apl)... this would help me out alot!

@ Aggie your braids look nice too!

I cant wait to see all the beautiful styles you will create

 

[winona]

Just a thought...why dont you try startin them from the front and so when you get tired and eager to finish at least you wont have to worry about pepl noticing that you have imperfect parts.

I apologize for the the late response I have been on vacation. I will maybe try this next weekend

 

[Missjae09]

Just checking in... I have recently incorporated WGO and Hemp seed oil into my regi. I've heard good things about these oils so I hope it helps me along in my journey to healthy waist length hair.

 

[Platinum]

Just checking in... I have recently incorporated WGO and Hemp seed oil into my regi. I've heard good things about these oils so I hope it helps me along in my journey to healthy waist length hair.

Where did you find the Hemp Seed Oil?

 

[Missjae09]

Where did you find the Hemp Seed Oil?

I bought mine at Whole Foods and I bought my WGO at a neighborhood natural foods store. I love the way my hair feels with it!

 

[Aggie]

I am still in my extension braids and massaging black castor oil with some essential oils on my scalp every other night mostly and sometimes every 3 nights when I'm too tired to do them more often. I sure love this oil as a scalp oil. It leaves my hair at the roots so incredibly soft and my scalp suck it up like water.

 

[Platinum]

I am still in my extension braids and massaging black castor oil with some essential oils on my scalp every other night mostly and sometimes every 3 nights when I'm too tired to do them more often. I sure love this oil as a scalp oil. It leaves my hair at the roots so incredibly soft and my scalp suck it up like water.

I Black Castor Oil! I'm thinking about adding some to my Megatek. I still plan to use it as a scalp oil and a sealer as well. I like that it doesn't leave my hair feeling greasy the next day like other oils.

 

[Aggie]

I Black Castor Oil! I'm thinking about adding some to my Megatek. I still plan to use it as a scalp oil and a sealer as well. I like that it doesn't leave my hair feeling greasy the next day like other oils.

I noticed the bolded as well and I like that about BCO and I feel it will be in my oil rotation for a looooooong while.

 

[HennaRo]

This is the perfect challenge for me right now!

4a hair is about 6-7 inches
4b hair is about 5 inches

Shampoo: use cv bars once a week with an acv rinse after
Cowash: daily or every other day with Tresemme Naturals or Renpure My pretty hair parched-finger detangle
DC: at least once a week with AOIN or AOJA
Protein DC: with Tigi Oatmeal and Honey once a month
Detangle: weekly with bed head moisture maniac
Leave in: with Garnier Fructis Sleek and shine or Triple nutrition
Moisturize: with either Mozeke WAC or Qhemet
Seal: with castor oil
Henna: bi weekly

Will come back with new pics!

I can already see this might change lol!

ETA: added pics

 

[manter26]

Tomorrow is my nappyversary, aka 1 year natural! Sometimes it feels like my hair has always been natural and sometimes I can't believe it's been a year.

I'm in braids right now and focusing on retention. I've started baggying every night. I have baby fine hair that gets over-moisturized very easily. To avoid this I make sure the product(s) I use have protein in them. Right now I spray with Eqyss Rehydrant mixed with water and a little castor and jojoba oils. I also started sealing, mostly with grease I had in my stash for years. If I'm going out I use Vatika Frosting because it smells so yummy.

 

[Platinum]

I should be home this weekend so I'm trying to decide if I want to Henna again or try a blow out for an acurate length check. I did a length check the other day but the shrinkage is a beast. Excuse the wild hair and crazy look.

 

[winona]

Just a thought...why dont you try startin them from the front and so when you get tired and eager to finish at least you wont have to worry about pepl noticing that you have imperfect parts.

Hey Sis,

I tried the twist thing again this weekend. Started from the back but took breaks, did them alittle bigger than normal and I do believe they came out decent. Now all I have to do is get some more length. I will try to remember to post pics tomorrow as it is 1145PM GN

 

[Platinum]

Hey Sis,

I tried the twist thing again this weekend. Started from the back but took breaks, did them alittle bigger than normal and I do believe they came out decent. Now all I have to do is get some more length. I will try to remember to post pics tomorrow as it is 1145PM GN

How did the twists turn out? I may try twists this weekend.

 

[winona]

They actually turned out way better than they have been but to me they only looked decent which says something about how they normally look As I took them down yesterday for a twistout they tangle alittle on the ends in the back (probably bc I didnt use any oil). I think what I mistakenly thought was thick tough hair when relaxed is just fine(meaning not dense) coarse hair I have been playing around with quicker PSing lately to prepare for the winter. So I probably wont be doing twists for at least a month.

Ooops forgot to take pics. Sorry

 

[Platinum]

I'm thinking about changing my regimen a little. Right now I'm cowashing about 3-4 week or more and wearing wash and go afro with a headband. I still baggy every night as well. But I'm thinking about going back to Ayurvedic cowashes instead of doing the regular cowashes. I have also started back on Megatek. Hopefully I will see some extra growth by the end of the year.

 

[Aggie]

I'm thinking about changing my regimen a little. Right now I'm cowashing about 3-4 week or more and wearing wash and go afro with a headband. I still baggy every night as well. But I'm thinking about going back to Ayurvedic cowashes instead of doing the regular cowashes. I have also started back on Megatek. Hopefully I will see some extra growth by the end of the year.

We're thinking alike Platinum. I was thinking about using more ayurveda powders for cowashing when I take these braids out as well. I was planning on adding my conditioners to them though and leaving them on my hair for at least 30 minutes before washing them out.

I have about 3 to 4 more weeks in my extension braids then it's on with ayurveda cowashes for a couple of weeks before braiding it again. I might get it braided again in time for my birthday in October or shortly after. I'll update on what I decide.

 

[Shay72]

I'm thinking about changing my regimen a little. Right now I'm cowashing about 3-4 week or more and wearing wash and go afro with a headband. I still baggy every night as well. But I'm thinking about going back to Ayurvedic cowashes instead of doing the regular cowashes. I have also started back on Megatek. Hopefully I will see some extra growth by the end of the year.

We're thinking alike Platinum. I was thinking about using more ayurveda powders for cowashing when I take these braids out as well. I was planning on adding my conditioners to them though and leaving them on my hair for at least 30 minutes before washing them out.

I have about 3 to 4 more weeks in my extension braids then it's on with ayurveda cowashes for a couple of weeks before braiding it again. I might get it braided again in time for my birthday in October or shortly after. I'll update on what I decide.

I'm thinking of the same thing. I'm thinking of adding teas vs. the actual powders to my conditioners to cut out the mess. Or tea rinse then follow up with a cowash.

 

[Aggie]

I'm thinking of the same thing. I'm thinking of adding teas vs. the actual powders to my conditioners to cut out the mess. Or tea rinse then follow up with a cowash.

Good idea Shay. IDK, I really like all the rich thickness of the powders in my hair. I like to feel it with my hands too, weird huh? That's why I leave them in my hair for a while before washing them out, almost like a deep cowash.