Full & Healthy Crown & Edges Challenge 2012

[Minty]

Just to update what I've been doing. - My edges are slowly coming back. I was just as surprised as I was when I noticed they were thinning out.

Shampoo everyday - (*Yup - I shampoo TWICE) everyday with Revita (I use one pump for each wash) cleanse the scalp and follow the instructions on the bottle.

Co-wash with Alter Ego Garlic (this is also my detangler)

Every other day apply Revita.Cor conditioner to the scalp and co-wash with Alter Ego. Leave that on for 15 minutes (massage & rinse)

Apply Minoxidil 3% to edges and certain spots in the crown 2x/day (I was getting this from Perfect Image on Amazon, but they're no longer selling the product - This sucks!)

Apply castor oil to mid-lengths and ends, edges and the center line down of the crown and press - not massage.

"Onion juice" - juice a wedge of onion, 1 clove garlic, 1 capful apple cider vinegar and a few sprinkles of cayenne pepper - apply with applicator bottle and set for 30 minute before shampoo. 1x every 3 days. (I'm only using it on my edges and crown - not a full head application)

That's it, and all I can keep consistent.

Y'all know Minty doesn't do pictures but this is working for me.
HHG

 

[Minty]

Also..

I've changed my diet for more juicing and green powders. I take Nattokinase and Nature's Bounty HSN vitamin along with my regular supplement reggie

But the juicing and green powders consistently is what I'm working on.

My hair is APL, and I'm 7 months post.

 

[IDareT'sHair]

Did a Creamy Hairitage Hydrations Creamy Horsetail Butter & Hairitage Castor Oil Infusion Combo massage on Nape, Crown & Edges

 

[discodumpling]

Still using my oil mix and getting slow but good results. Just finished an ayuervedic paste & blow dry. Gonna vigorously massage my scalp and relax a bit before bed.

Scalp recovery imo is a slow process. It's all about finding the right combination of products to get the hair growing and keep it growing and patience. Consistencey is key.

 

[IDareT'sHair]

discodumpling

I Agree. It is an incredibly slow process.

Yep. You definitely have to stay committed to whatever regimen you are using to make it better.

 

[reeko43]

massaged with oil for quite a while. If nothing else at least my scalp feels great

 

[faithVA]

Still applying my coffee castor oil blend to my scalp and edges at least 2x a week. I tried daily but it makes my scalp itch. So going to try every other day.

Last night I applied the oil and gave myself a scalp massage, applied my DC and sat under my heat cap for 30 minutes. I want to do the oil + heat cap at least 2x a week and then the third time just a light application.

When I wash this weekend I want to make sure I take updated pictures.

 

[IDareT'sHair]

Massaged in some Pumpkin Seed Oil (for DHT) and also ButtersNBars Extra Conditioning Hair Butter on Crown, Nape, Edges

 

[gvin89]

Still babying my edges and nape

 

[Minty]

keep it up ladies. I'm off to shampoo and DC.

 

[faithVA]

I applied my coffee castor oil to my edges and crown this morning. No massage but did rub it in slightly. I may do the edges again tonight.

 

[IDareT'sHair]

Massaged in ButtersNBars Extra Conditioning Hair Butter

 

[AKA-Tude]

This is after using Glovers cream for the past couple of months.

Slight improvement! YAY!!



I have made my own pimento oil and
am using that instead of Glovers
To see what happens next.



ETA: I smell like cloves when I use this,
but it fades after a while.

 

[PrettyinPink001]

I'm going on almost two weeks, I'll update soon!

 

[faithVA]

View attachment 135993 View attachment 135997 View attachment 135995

This is after using Glovers cream for the past couple of months.

Slight improvement! YAY!!



I have made my own pimento oil and
am using that instead of Glovers
To see what happens next.

View attachment 135999 View attachment 136001

ETA: I smell like cloves when I use this,
but it fades after a while.

Very nice. Glad that you are seeing some results.

 

[faithVA]

Oiled my scalp with my coffee castor oil blend this morning and did a brief scalp massage. I think I see some progress in my edges but don't want to get excited yet. I am going to coincide my progress pics for my crown and edges with my length checks for my other challenges. That will give me enough time to truly see if there is progress. 30 days isn't long enough for me to truly tell and still feel motivated.

I can tell my crown is doing much better even without the pics. That's good news. With some length I thin I will be able to just wear my twists down. By January of next year, I should have a full, healthy head of hair And I am willing to be patient and do the work until then.

 

[Carrie A]

I think I'm going crazy. The right temple area seems like it's getting thinner the longer I stay in the challenge. I'm not sure what's going on. I used the Claudie's but IDK I still feel really self conscious about the sulfur smell. I can still smell it despite the perfume. I'm going back to castor oil.

 

[faithVA]

I think I'm going crazy. The right temple area seems like it's getting thinner the longer I stay in the challenge. I'm not sure what's going on. I used the Claudie's but IDK I still feel really self conscious about the sulfur smell. I can still smell it despite the perfume. I'm going back to castor oil.

I think that is a good idea. Give something else a try to get a good comparison. Sometimes we have more success with one product versus another.

 

[Minty]

Yes I'm still doing the daily shampoo and co-washing but my line of demarcation can't stand it. I mean it really doesn't like this at all. LOL

...but the scalp comes first.

I haven't come up with a solution for this yet. I'm washing in braids, but being 7 months post is becoming a pain in the butt. Really, the relaxed hair just can't take it.

I would cut it, but then I wouldn't be able to wash in braids.

le sigh.

 

[faithVA]

So DH said a few days ago he thought it'd be better to wash the scalp daily and oil the hair than to go so long without washing.

Yes I'm still doing the daily shampoo and co-washing but my line of demarcation can't stand it. I mean it really doesn't like this at all. LOL

...but the scalp comes first.

I haven't come up with a solution for this yet. I'm washing in braids, but being 7 months post is becoming a pain in the but. Really, the relaxed hair just can't take it.

I would cut it, but then I wouldn't be able to wash in braids.

le sigh.

Sorry if you stated this before. What was your wash schedule before? And why did you decide to do it daily? I know DH stated this but what was going on that you needed a change?

Maybe you can go longer than 1 day but shorter than what you were doing before?

 

[IDareT'sHair]

AKA-Tude

Great Progress Lady!

That Oil Sounds nice. Is it Hot? I know someone was using the "Strong Roots Pimento Oil" and said it burned her scalp. :heated:

So, I've been scared to try it.

What I did get however, was the JBCO w/Pimento Oil (Blend).

How does the home-made version feel?

 

[Minty]

faithVA - Its just a continuation of my previous post about my reggie - I'm using Revita Shampoo everyday. Its not a stripping shampoo at all, but even the light daily manipulation creates tangles if I wash it semi-loose.

Sorry I didn't refer back to my last post.

Right now my hair is in plaits. I wash in braids and take then down to replait (moisturize and seal with castor oil on dry hair) every 3 days or so to keep the tangles down.

 

[AKA-Tude]

AKA-Tude

Great Progress Lady!

That Oil Sounds nice. Is it Hot? I know someone was using the "Strong Roots Pimento Oil" and said it burned her scalp. :heated:

So, I've been scared to try it.

What I did get however, was the JBCO w/Pimento Oil (Blend).

How does the home-made version feel?

@ IDareT'sHair:

THANX!!

No burning, tingling, etc.
It is just thick because of the castor.

I have some 'brewing' now in Vitamin E oil...
A bit lighter oil...
It should be ready mid-February.
We'll see what it does.

 

[gvin89]

Well, I'm still babying my edges by doing oil massages. I use JBCO and castor mainly. Every now and again I use a sulfur product. The dermatologist recommended Rogaine for men and/or Temovate. I've yet to try either one...I think I can do this without those prescriptions.

 

[IDareT'sHair]

Still keeping up with the Coffee Rinses and the Extra Oil & Product in Problem Areas to keep them nice & Moisturized.

Keeping thangs Buttered & Oiled Up.

 

[discodumpling]

Hi Ladies quick check in & update. It's just about that TOM and as usual my scalp is whispering to me. Woke up this morning with a pimple dead center on my crown. I get this pimple along with scalp tenderness and irritation EVERY month. This year i'm watching it closely because I want to figure out if something i'm doing is causing this or is it simply something i'll have to deal with because TOM visits every month.

My plan is always to protect that area with tons of moisture and complete protection during this time. I also try to sweat even more during exercise in the hope that i'm realeasing whatever toxins in my body cause this reaction. Even with all this i'm sure to shed some hair See y'all on the other side!

 

[gvin89]

My edges have always been an issue. I got a big boost while transitioning, but not much since then. They're not bald, but definitely still see through thin. I'm trying to baby them by massaging my temples and keeping it moisturized. I'm researching growth aids. Tried Dr. Miracles and it agitated the mess out of my scalp. BT worked during my transition, but that product isn't available anymore. So, I'm just waiting...

 

[Minty]

made up a mix of coconut oil, biotin, bamboo extract, & msm with hibiscus and green tea. I gave myself a HOT on the scalp, massaged and baggied overnight.

This is my first treatment in the past few days.

 

[discodumpling]

@given89 watchu waitin' for? Growth aide choices abound girlfriend...this is LHCF!!

My latest growth aide is working quite well. the addition of Linden Floower leaves seems to have amped up the potency. My scalp seems satisfied with oiling every 3 or so days right before a wash. Truthfully i know it's a combo of things that i'm doing right now. Daily exercise...keeps "bad" toxins from accumulating on my scalp. Daily exercise means daily rinsing or co-washing. Remembering to take my vitamins EVERYDAY.

faithVA.. do we have a mandatory update for this thread?

 

[faithVA]

@given89 watchu waitin' for? Growth aide choices abound girlfriend...this is LHCF!!

My latest growth aide is working quite well. the addition of Linden Floower leaves seems to have amped up the potency. My scalp seems satisfied with oiling every 3 or so days right before a wash. Truthfully i know it's a combo of things that i'm doing right now. Daily exercise...keeps "bad" toxins from accumulating on my scalp. Daily exercise means daily rinsing or co-washing. Remembering to take my vitamins EVERYDAY.

@faithVA.. do we have a mandatory update for this thread?

discodumpling, the only update required is the check-in you agreed to as part of your original joining post. Although progress pictures would be nice, I know that hair loss and thinning are very sensitive subjects and everyone would not feel comfortable showing pictures.

So as long as we check in for support and to support others on a regular basis, that is all I ask. Hopefully people will feel more comfortable showing their victory pictures as they make progress.