Grow It Long 2020 Challenge

[SmilingElephant]

Same, same!

Im surrounded by ppl who want to keep talking about it and I feel like the danger of the situation is causing me to become manic (I have Bipolar). I'm doing what I can to stay leveled.

So...I went yesterday and found some green Xtreme Wetline Gel. It's okay, but I prefer EcoStyler (the clear one).

I also have been using the Doo Gro oil for stimulating the scalp and I think it's been working. Along with my hsn vitamins.

I can't wait to do another comparison pic in June

 

[apple_natural]

im here because i'm bored to death. no one else seems as bored as I am. plus, i always get obsessed with my hair in spring and fall.

 

[SmilingElephant]

im here because i'm bored to death. no one else seems as bored as I am. plus, i always get obsessed with my hair in spring and fall.

Same!! I'm so happy to have more time to socialize here on LHCF!

What are your hair plans for this Spring/Summer

 

[snoop]

I mentioned in one of the off topic challenges that the boards feel abandoned since the new year started. I find myself hanging on the hair side more... it's a lot merrier here.

In hair news, my hair doesn't seem to be shedding as much as it was at the beginning of the year. I do get some breakage, but nothing that seems out of the ordinary. However, the lack of shedding now is less than I feel like I've been getting ever, so I'm wondering if I have a breakage problem but just don't recognize it because this amount is my "normal".

I think my hair my hair is getting longer, again.

 

[apple_natural]

Same!! I'm so happy to have more time to socialize here on LHCF!

What are your hair plans for this Spring/Summer

well now! i'm happy you asked. i'm happy to have this forum too!! cute swimming pool gif thing

this spring/summer i am going to be wearing my own hair out since I actually like it now. i've been a i'm a hide-your-hair natural, but not anymore. i'm going to wear it out in protective styles with my own hair and just some twist outs, braids outs, perm rods. i really hope perm rods work for me, that inspired the whole thing.

i'm going to actually put it into a fancy other-than-everyday style at least twice, but up to 4 times. i will likely use extensions during those times (up to a week each max)

i'm doing my weekly hair care regimen and taking my vitamins. hopefully I end up with longer hair, but I really want it to be strong, hydrated hair!

what about you!!?

 

[SmilingElephant]

I mentioned in one of the off topic challenges that the boards feel abandoned since the new year started. I find myself hanging on the hair side more... it's a lot merrier here.

In hair news, my hair doesn't seem to be shedding as much as it was at the beginning of the year. I do get some breakage, but nothing that seems out of the ordinary. However, the lack of shedding now is less than I feel like I've been getting ever, so I'm wondering if I have a breakage problem but just don't recognize it because this amount is my "normal".

I think my hair my hair is getting longer, again.

Niiiiice!

 

[apple_natural]

I mentioned in one of the off topic challenges that the boards feel abandoned since the new year started. I find myself hanging on the hair side more... it's a lot merrier here.

In hair news, my hair doesn't seem to be shedding as much as it was at the beginning of the year. I do get some breakage, but nothing that seems out of the ordinary. However, the lack of shedding now is less than I feel like I've been getting ever, so I'm wondering if I have a breakage problem but just don't recognize it because this amount is my "normal".

I think my hair my hair is getting longer, again.

Your braids are beautiful! Happy to hear the good news! Goodbye shedding! Hello length! As for breakage, hopefully not especially because youre also seeing length. is it particular areas you feel could be breaking?

 

[SmilingElephant]

well now! i'm happy you asked. i'm happy to have this forum too!! cute swimming pool gif thing

this spring/summer i am going to be wearing my own hair out since I actually like it now. i've been a i'm a hide-your-hair natural, but not anymore. i'm going to wear it out in protective styles with my own hair and just some twist outs, braids outs, perm rods. i really hope perm rods work for me, that inspired the whole thing.

i'm going to actually put it into a fancy other-than-everyday style at least twice, but up to 4 times. i will likely use extensions during those times (up to a week each max)

i'm doing my weekly hair care regimen and taking my vitamins. hopefully I end up with longer hair, but I really want it to be strong, hydrated hair!

what about you!!?

Lol "pool gif thing" Gurrrlll I've been part of this board for so long, I still remember how to use the little c" for them to pop up!

I am so happy to hear that you will be wearing your own hair out now! The more love you give it, the more it will respond in your favor

My plans for this Spring/Summer is to co-wash like crazy. At least every other day, and then shampoo every week or two followed by a deep conditioner.

That's the main thing that has helped me recover quickly from a set back, as well as making sure I use oil on my hair and scalp.

 

[snoop]

Your braids are beautiful! Happy to hear the good news! Goodbye shedding! Hello length! As for breakage, hopefully not especially because youre also seeing length. is it particular areas you feel could be breaking?

No. It's generally from all over, but not a lot. Since the beginning of the year, I've come to realize that I'm not as gentle with my hair as I thought, so I'm learning to style my hair more slowly. Some of what I loose is from shed hair getting caught and knotted in the length, so I have to trim them out. Something as simple as massaging my hair can lead to me loosing hair on my front edges so I try not to massage -- shed hair and it doesn't matter how gentle I am. I did a light protein treatment on the weekend, but I'll have to do a heavier one soon.

 

[water_n_oil]

Does anyone else come here to escape the madness that's going on right now in the world? Like, I just want to talk about hair and growing it and products and stuff to keep my mind away from everything.

I'm around but not doing much to my hair so not much to share lol.

 

[apple_natural]

No. It's generally from all over, but not a lot **WHEW!**. Since the beginning of the year, I've come to realize that I'm not as gentle with my hair as I thought, so I'm learning to style my hair more slowly. Some of what I loose is from shed hair getting caught and knotted in the length, so I have to trim them out. Something as simple as massaging my hair can lead to me loosing hair on my front edges so I try not to massage -- shed hair and it doesn't matter how gentle I am. I did a light protein treatment on the weekend, but I'll have to do a heavier one soon.

ME TOO x2

hopefully we both can see note that there was a turn around by the end of this year... less broken hairs and healthy edges. I know that I have a TON TON TON of broken hairs right now. So much that I feel like I actually wouldn't be exaggerating to say that half of my hair is broken and not reaching the end of its section. For this, I hope my weekly dc help condition and make it easier to detangle more gently.

Lol "pool gif thing" Gurrrlll I've been part of this board for so long, I still remember how to use the little c" for them to pop up!

I am so happy to hear that you will be wearing your own hair out now! The more love you give it, the more it will respond in your favor

My plans for this Spring/Summer is to co-wash like crazy. At least every other day, and then shampoo every week or two followed by a deep conditioner.

That's the main thing that has helped me recover quickly from a set back, as well as making sure I use oil on my hair and scalp.

Well, it must work. Your hair is lovely!! I'm definitely using this as encouragement to not hold back from a cowash or two midweek. Also, you're reminding me to oil my scalp.

 

[Mapleoats]

So nice to read all the updates from you ladies! My braid appointment got cancelled, along with everything else lol. So looks like I’ll be doing my hair more next month than originally planned. I don’t really mind, I am working from home so I can deep condition all day and I’m not too worried if my hair starts looking crazy lol. Did a twist out last week with mielle pomegranate and honey cream and my hair is so soft still! But super frizzy cus I’ve just been wearing it in a bun and sleeping on it .

When this whole thing is over I might just get my hair professionally straightened. I haven’t had it straightened professionally in over a year and I’m kinda worried it’s growing wonky/uneven.

How are you ladies treating your hair during this time? Are you abandoning it cus you ain’t gotta be anywhere (me, kinda lol) or taking extra time to care for it cus you have more time? And if you still have to go out in all this craziness, I salute you!

 

[Mapleoats]

So nice to read all the updates from you ladies! My braid appointment got cancelled, along with everything else lol. So looks like I’ll be doing my hair more next month than originally planned. I don’t really mind, I am working from home so I can deep condition all day and I’m not too worried if my hair starts looking crazy lol. Did a twist out last week with mielle pomegranate and honey cream and my hair is so soft still! But super frizzy cus I’ve just been wearing it in a bun and sleeping on it .

When this whole thing is over I might just get my hair professionally straightened. I haven’t had it straightened professionally in over a year and I’m kinda worried it’s growing wonky/uneven.

How are you ladies treating your hair during this time? Are you abandoning it cus you ain’t gotta be anywhere (me, kinda lol) or taking extra time to care for it cus you have more time? And if you still have to go out in all this craziness, I salute you!

Okay hold up my hair is SO SOFT. I’ve used the mielle cream before and never had these amazing, long lasting results. I was pretty unimpressed with it the first few times I used it. Prior to twisting my hair I DC’ed over night for the first time in YEARS (I stopped because the Internet said it would give me moisture overload) and wow I am shocked. Just goes to show don’t listen to the internet, do what works for YOUR hair. I will definitely do a dc overnight again!

 

[GettingKinky]

I’m still doing my normal wash n gos. Still trying to improve my technique. Last time I spent more effort on smoothing and I really like the results, but for some reason my part won’t stay in place. I think I diffused my hair in the wrong position.

 

[water_n_oil]

So nice to read all the updates from you ladies! My braid appointment got cancelled, along with everything else lol. So looks like I’ll be doing my hair more next month than originally planned. I don’t really mind, I am working from home so I can deep condition all day and I’m not too worried if my hair starts looking crazy lol. Did a twist out last week with mielle pomegranate and honey cream and my hair is so soft still! But super frizzy cus I’ve just been wearing it in a bun and sleeping on it .

When this whole thing is over I might just get my hair professionally straightened. I haven’t had it straightened professionally in over a year and I’m kinda worried it’s growing wonky/uneven.

How are you ladies treating your hair during this time? Are you abandoning it cus you ain’t gotta be anywhere (me, kinda lol) or taking extra time to care for it cus you have more time? And if you still have to go out in all this craziness, I salute you!

Meeee lol. Not neglecting entirely though. Washing as needed and doing braids while in the shower with a little oil on the ends.

 

[SmilingElephant]

I’m still doing my normal wash n gos. Still trying to improve my technique. Last time I spent more effort on smoothing and I really like the results, but for some reason my part won’t stay in place. I think I diffused my hair in the wrong position.

Are you creating your part in the shower? Or after you get out the shower? If you part your hair during the shower while you detangle and everything and apply your products, the part will stay put.

 

[SmilingElephant]

ME TOO x2

hopefully we both can see note that there was a turn around by the end of this year... less broken hairs and healthy edges. I know that I have a TON TON TON of broken hairs right now. So much that I feel like I actually wouldn't be exaggerating to say that half of my hair is broken and not reaching the end of its section. For this, I hope my weekly dc help condition and make it easier to detangle more gently.



Well, it must work. Your hair is lovely!! I'm definitely using this as encouragement to not hold back from a cowash or two midweek. Also, you're reminding me to oil my scalp.

Thank you! Yes, I have had numerous setbacks and the current one from 2018-2019 has been the worse since I've been natural since 2011; but the one thing that has been my best friend in each setback is co-washing regularly and use oils. I have been a part of this board since 2008 when I was relaxed, and even then, co-washes jumpstarted my hair growth.

I use regular degular conditioners for co-washing. I don't necessarily buy co-wash products because cowashing was never a product to buy, its a method to enhance the moisture in your hair while very gently cleansing the scalp. And I use a regular degular shampoo to wash my hair every 1-2 weeks. I used to be a natural nazi about silicones, sulfates, that kind of thing...I just have to use what works and that I can afford and my hair still grows from it. Yes, I love natural hair products, but if all I can get is my $5 jug of Aussie conditioner, then that's what's up.

My hair personally LOVES co-washing! So, I co-wash daily during the Summer, put in a leave-in, an oil, and a styler and keep it up in a bun most days (most days it NEEDS to be in a bun bc I don't like it all in my face! ) or I will wear a curly ponytail like my profile pic.

Most of us with very long hair and the tendency to grow it very long have very simple regimens. Just make sure your hair is moisturized, has enough strength to it, and just put it up and throw some oil on it.

 

[GettingKinky]

Are you creating your part in the shower? Or after you get out the shower? If you part your hair during the shower while you detangle and everything and apply your products, the part will stay put.

I parted my hair in the shower but I blew my hair towards the back of my head when I was drying it. I think that was my mistake.

 

[water_n_oil]

Thank you! Yes, I have had numerous setbacks and the current one from 2018-2019 has been the worse since I've been natural since 2011; but the one thing that has been my best friend in each setback is co-washing regularly and use oils. I have been a part of this board since 2008 when I was relaxed, and even then, co-washes jumpstarted my hair growth.

I use regular degular conditioners for co-washing. I don't necessarily buy co-wash products because cowashing was never a product to buy, its a method to enhance the moisture in your hair while very gently cleansing the scalp. And I use a regular degular shampoo to wash my hair every 1-2 weeks. I used to be a natural nazi about silicones, sulfates, that kind of thing...I just have to use what works and that I can afford and my hair still grows from it. Yes, I love natural hair products, but if all I can get is my $5 jug of Aussie conditioner, then that's what's up.

My hair personally LOVES co-washing! So, I co-wash daily during the Summer, put in a leave-in, an oil, and a styler and keep it up in a bun most days (most days it NEEDS to be in a bun bc I don't like it all in my face! ) or I will wear a curly ponytail like my profile pic.

Most of us with very long hair and the tendency to grow it very long have very simple regimens. Just make sure your hair is moisturized, has enough strength to it, and just put it up and throw some oil on it.

Amen to not caring anymore. I picked up some Aussie today. It's funny in the beginning 99% of was regular ol' drugstore products then I somehow decided I needed the more expensive all natural stuff even though my hair was just fine prior. A lot of stuff has gotten harder to find now that the more expensive brands have taken over the shelves of drugstores and Target.

 

[I Am Number Four.]

Amen to not caring anymore. I picked up some Aussie today. It's funny in the beginning 99% of was regular ol' drugstore products then I somehow decided I needed the more expensive all natural stuff even though my hair was just fine prior. A lot of stuff has gotten harder to find now that the more expensive brands have taken over the shelves of drugstores and Target.

I strangely ended up doing the same thing, but I doubt that I would have even bought "natural hair" products if Tresmee Naturals was not discontinued. Albeit I need copious, expendable conditioner to detangle my hair, so the switch back was inevitable.

 

[water_n_oil]

I strangely ended up doing the same thing, but I doubt that I would have even bought "natural hair" products if Tresmee Naturals was not discontinued. Albeit I need copious, expendable conditioner to detangle my hair, so the switch back was inevitable.

Absolutely! I think that was the same time I started looking at other stuff. I loved that conditioner so much. I followed MahoganyCurls heavily back then and she only used that and eco. So simple.

 

[nyeredzi]

So nice to read all the updates from you ladies! My braid appointment got cancelled, along with everything else lol. So looks like I’ll be doing my hair more next month than originally planned. I don’t really mind, I am working from home so I can deep condition all day and I’m not too worried if my hair starts looking crazy lol. Did a twist out last week with mielle pomegranate and honey cream and my hair is so soft still! But super frizzy cus I’ve just been wearing it in a bun and sleeping on it .

When this whole thing is over I might just get my hair professionally straightened. I haven’t had it straightened professionally in over a year and I’m kinda worried it’s growing wonky/uneven.

How are you ladies treating your hair during this time? Are you abandoning it cus you ain’t gotta be anywhere (me, kinda lol) or taking extra time to care for it cus you have more time? And if you still have to go out in all this craziness, I salute you!

I have not been neglecting, nor doing more work than I would otherwise. Things only really started closing here less than 2 weeks ago, so I've only had 1 or 2 wash cycles anyway, and I've kept them. What I am doing today, though, is wearing a style I would not wear at work, which is just 2 large twists or blow dried hair, just hanging down. If I had 10 big twists like this, I'd at least put in a ponytail or bun or something. I'm embracing the full Celie.

 

[CurliDiva]

I've been hanging out in the loc thread just because I'm bored and knew nothing about dreadlocks! This lead me to watching loc videos on YouTube.... Anyhoo, all of this has inspired me to BRAID my hair!

I will start tonight after the baby goes to sleep. I want mini (not micro) braids and can hopefully finish before the weekend - not that I have any where to go!

 

[NaturalShe94]

My hair has definitely grown! My starting pic was taken in December 2019, this pic is my hair today! It has been about 3 months since I took a picture of my hair in a ponytail and I am sooooo happy to see the swift results!

Nice progress!

 

[NaturalShe94]

@NaturalShe94 @snoop @Mapleoats @everyone

Ladies, I need your help! Please let me know if you have any advice! Any advice would be good right now!

So after the protein overload debacle last week, I used the dollowing products :

Shampoo: usual shampoo bar
Conditioner: Suave coconut conditioner (first time using)
DC: Shea moisture manuka honey
Leave in: Beautiful textures tangle taming leave in conditioner (first time using), shea butter, olive oil

So as soon as I began applying the DC, I knew that something was wrong. My hair just felt sticky and odd. It even felt like weird when I was detangling with my conditioner in the shower.

Fast-forward to styling and I am applying the products and my hair just feels wet and SUPER DRY and my curl pattern had basically disappeared. I powered through and braided up my hair as usual. Ladies, this was Monday... ITS THURSDAY NIGHT... and my hair is still not dry.... It feels soggy, like wire and super tangled.

I guess my question is... Is this protein overload? Or is this something else? If it is protein overload, what do I do?

I don't think my shampoo bar is gonna cut it this time, so I guess I need a clarifying shampoo?

Anything I need to do afterwards? How do I know when my hair is better?

Please help

This is what I get for experimenting... You were right @NaturalShe94

Clarify TWICE. That's how my hair feels after skipping too many shampoo's and piling on products hoping "water washing" will be enough 3 weeks in a row. (I know, terrible)

 

[guyaneseyankee]

So after straightening I’m disappointed to say that breakage and dyeing my hair didn’t help in this challenge. It grew but not for the time since 12/27. I trimmed my ends between this time but only a little. My ends don’t feel bad and back into twists I go

 

[NaturalShe94]

Still reading through all the updates. COVID19 has me so busy at work. We've been having an outrageous amount medical supplies and equipment being shipped. So I've been working a ton. My job finally cut their hours and days so now I'm finally getting in some relaxation lol.
Haven't done anything quite special with my hair, but I noticed some breakage and I can bet it's due to lack of moisture. I'll be Hot oil treating, DC-ing, moisturizing, sealing and the whole nine yards tmrw.

 

[MzSwift]

So after straightening I’m disappointed to say that breakage and dyeing my hair didn’t help in this challenge. It grew but not for the time since 12/27. I trimmed my ends between this time but only a little. My ends don’t feel bad and back into twists I go

It certainly looks like you've made GREAT progress to me! You can esp see it in the side/profile pic. Your layers were more pronounced and now it looks like it's grown out. They look even. Great job! KUTGW!

 

[GettingKinky]

@guyaneseyankee Your hair definitely looks longer, and it’s so thick and beautiful!!

 

[nyeredzi]

I realize I don't remember if I've been measuring my hair dry or wet for this challenge. Let's just do dry-ish measurements from now on. Done on essentially dry hair, but I have to dampen and oil a little just to be able to manipulate it and stretch it for the measurement. My hair measurement comes out longer on wet hair, so let's do (mostly) dry.

Part of starting post:

Alright, I'm in. I don't see a HL 2020 challenge, so I guess this is the one for me.

Natural, Relaxed, Texlaxed: natural

Current Length: MBL, ~16" root to tip

Goal Length: HL ~20" root to tip

Plan to reach goal length: follow, mostly regimen below, and stop trimming so often. No more than 2 times in the year.

...(clipped here)

So starting length was ~16". 1st quarter check in is ~17". I'm not doing a comparable update pic, because my hair was flat ironed in the starting pic and it's not now. I'm not sure when the next time I flat iron will be. But I'll do a pic of a section of hair measured, which is actually how I track my progress (or lack of) anyway.