I have heard that gelatin is as effective as Aphogee 2-step. I bought it to try. Aphogee 2 step has wheat germ oil so I'll mix my gelatin with it if i can find some... It also has silk protein... Ah well. I'll use gelatin and wheat germ oil or vitamin e.
 
What are your current staples that your hair isn't responding well too? Also, how is your hair not responding well?

I typically do Camille Rose's Lavendar Leave-In paired with their Curl Maker or Uncle Funky's Daughter Curly Magic. Lately I haven't been able to get my hair to hold a twist out. It just turns into a fro the first day tho it has been softer than usual.
 
I'm trying to reach a first-time length, so I'm joining to help me focus.


Natural, Relaxed, Texlaxed: Natural

Current Length:
BSL-ish at longest layer

Goal Length: WSL

Plan to reach goal length:
  • Continue:
    • Keeping the scissors out of my hair
    • Current wash day regimen
    • Hair vitamins (Sugarbear Hair gummies)
  • Stop:
    • Sleeping on cotton pillowcase
    • Going to bed with hair every which way
  • Start:
    • New cute updos - protect ends
    • Silk pillowcases and hair scrunchies
    • Maybe a growth aid (will explore)
    • Tracking hair growth monthly
Regimen:
  • I've been wearing my hair straightened 90% of the time because I find it simpler to deal with on a daily basis
  • I wash 2-3 times a month with roughly these steps:
    • Clarify
    • Treat
    • Shampoo
    • Deep condition
    • Blow dry
    • Flat iron
  • I put a jet black or blue black rinse in it every blue moon when the mood strikes.
  • Moisturize ends every couple days or so if needed.
Protective Styles:
  • Standard bun or folded under pony - I want to learn some new ways to make it look like I put in some effort.

Staple Products:
These are my "Holy Grail" products that I'm stocking up on and won't be changing this year:
  • Shampoo
    • Redken Clean Maniac Cleansing Cream -- Clarifying/chelating shampoo. Saved my hair when it was crunchy no matter what I did (turns out we had ridiculous amounts of chlorine in our water!). We have a filtering system for the whole house now, but I still use this shampoo with almost every wash because it cuts through product buildup so well.
  • Conditioner
    • Redken Extreme Lengths Primer -- This is my main conditioner whether for quick conditioning or deep conditioning with heat, and I love it with my whole heart. Great mix of strength and moisture.
  • Treatment
    • Olaplex #3 - I just started using this last year and it has become a regular step in my wash day routine. I really like how it keeps my ends smooth. I'm considering testing out the #1/#2 to see if I benefit from more of the active ingredient.
  • Moisturizers/Daily maintenance
    • Kerastase Nutritive Creme Magistral -- Smells divine and moisturizes like nobody's business. I use this as my hair starts to get "old" before my next wash and I don't plan on wearing it down (can cause some reversion if you use too much)
    • Frederic Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Cream -- This is sort of my secret weapon for maintaining straightened hair and I've been using it for years. Works magic for making your hair polished and glossy (just like it promises).
    • Both of these need to be used very sparingly but they work great.
  • Straightening products
    • Redken Anti-Snap - Classic strengthening leave-in used before blow drying
    • Kerastase Oleo Relax serum - I've tried a number of their serums and this one is definitely the best for my hair. Used before blow drying (after anti-snap) and a bit more on ends before flat ironing.
Other products in rotation:
  • Redken Extreme Shampoo
  • Redken All Soft Conditioner
  • Kerastase Initialiste and Extensioniste scalp serums
  • Kerastase 8H Magic Night Hair serum
  • Kerastase Discipline Fluidissime
Starting Pic:
Over Christmas my family all commented on how long my hair is getting :weird:
My mom sent me some pictures she had snapped during the week showing my hair and I was surprised to see that I actually think my hair is looking long now. Also, I was patting myself on the back over my flat ironing job that looks about as straight as my sister's relaxed hair (I'm in the red sweater).

My hair is dirty and gross now and I'll be washing it in the next couple days to take real pictures and measurements. But for now here's what it looks like. By the end of the year I want my hair to be hanging around where the bottom of this sports bra is (which is just above my waist), so it will need to be at least full WSL when I'm pulling on it.

20191229_155023.jpg 20191229_155206.jpg IMG_4035.jpg


I'm also hoping that as I work on my diet and exercise and drink lots of water this year for my health and body goals, this will benefit my hair as well!
 
I decided to join after realizing I was lurking in this thread a little bit too much. I became a stalker, lol.

Natural, Relaxed, Texlaxed: Natural, but color-treated; fine, soft hair

Current Length: Neck length in crown, SL on sides, APL in nape (on straight hair)


Goal Length: Full APL

Plan to reach goal length: NO DIRECT HEAT, NO SALON TRIMS, wash with gloved hands, finger detangle mainly, fully detangle only once a month (with denman), slather with Queen Shea

Regimen:
Weekly- Cowash, Protein, DC (moisture) w/steam, Leave-in, Queen Shea
Monthly- Clarify, no protein, DC (moisture) w/steam, Leave-in, Queen Shea


Protective Styles: Bunning- consists of a braid rolled into a bun (may add hair to prolong bun), maybe wigs (depends on my edges)

Staple Products:
Sirod Naturals- Soapnut shampoo (clarify), Rice water leave-in
Shescentit- Tahiti Cowash, Marumallow DC (moisture)
Mizani- Kerafuse (hard protein)
OGX- Keratin Oil conditioner (mild protein)
Annabelle's Perfect Blends- various conditioners, curl puddings (her products make great creamy leave-ins to layer under Shea butter)
DIY Shea mix


Starting Pic: 20191225 Length Check photo (2).jpg
 
I feel you!! I would try to grow my hair out a little more, but I would start chopping too!

Yep. I tried to let it keep going but it was getting ridiculous. My ends were getting thinner and thinner. I also didn’t properly know how to self trim so I just got fed up and starting chopping lol.
 
I typically do Camille Rose's Lavendar Leave-In paired with their Curl Maker or Uncle Funky's Daughter Curly Magic. Lately I haven't been able to get my hair to hold a twist out. It just turns into a fro the first day tho it has been softer than usual.

Camille Rose Lavender has glycerin as a main ingredient which is why your hair may be frizzing instantly especially if it’s dry outside. Not too familiar with Uncle Funkys. Try clarifying your hair. When products start to stop working, clarifying usually helps.
 
I decided to join after realizing I was lurking in this thread a little bit too much. I became a stalker, lol.

Natural, Relaxed, Texlaxed: Natural, but color-treated; fine, soft hair

Current Length: Neck length in crown, SL on sides, APL in nape (on straight hair)


Goal Length: Full APL

Plan to reach goal length: NO DIRECT HEAT, NO SALON TRIMS, wash with gloved hands, finger detangle mainly, fully detangle only once a month (with denman), slather with Queen Shea

Regimen:
Weekly- Cowash, Protein, DC (moisture) w/steam, Leave-in, Queen Shea
Monthly- Clarify, no protein, DC (moisture) w/steam, Leave-in, Queen Shea


Protective Styles: Bunning- consists of a braid rolled into a bun (may add hair to prolong bun), maybe wigs (depends on my edges)

Staple Products:
Sirod Naturals- Soapnut shampoo (clarify), Rice water leave-in
Shescentit- Tahiti Cowash, Marumallow DC (moisture)
Mizani- Kerafuse (hard protein)
OGX- Keratin Oil conditioner (mild protein)
Annabelle's Perfect Blends- various conditioners, curl puddings (her products make great creamy leave-ins to layer under Shea butter)
DIY Shea mix


Starting Pic: View attachment 454157

Bout time! Lol!


Question for everyone -- how much breakage do you consider acceptable? I know some amount of breakage can't be avoided but I'm still not sure how much to consider normal vs a red flag.

If you’re noticing you’re filling up the sink or tub or its more than a just a few little hairs. Honestly if i see more than 4 or 5, I’m like :cantlook:.
Here’s a small example though
D2677DDD-5E62-4651-AC7A-4355AEE84D1B.jpeg
 
I'm trying to reach a first-time length, so I'm joining to help me focus.


Natural, Relaxed, Texlaxed: Natural

Current Length:
BSL-ish at longest layer

Goal Length: WSL

Plan to reach goal length:
  • Continue:
    • Keeping the scissors out of my hair
    • Current wash day regimen
    • Hair vitamins (Sugarbear Hair gummies)
  • Stop:
    • Sleeping on cotton pillowcase
    • Going to bed with hair every which way
  • Start:
    • New cute updos - protect ends
    • Silk pillowcases and hair scrunchies
    • Maybe a growth aid (will explore)
    • Tracking hair growth monthly
Regimen:
  • I've been wearing my hair straightened 90% of the time because I find it simpler to deal with on a daily basis
  • I wash 2-3 times a month with roughly these steps:
    • Clarify
    • Treat
    • Shampoo
    • Deep condition
    • Blow dry
    • Flat iron
  • I put a jet black or blue black rinse in it every blue moon when the mood strikes.
  • Moisturize ends every couple days or so if needed.
Protective Styles:
  • Standard bun or folded under pony - I want to learn some new ways to make it look like I put in some effort.

Staple Products:
These are my "Holy Grail" products that I'm stocking up on and won't be changing this year:
  • Shampoo
    • Redken Clean Maniac Cleansing Cream -- Clarifying/chelating shampoo. Saved my hair when it was crunchy no matter what I did (turns out we had ridiculous amounts of chlorine in our water!). We have a filtering system for the whole house now, but I still use this shampoo with almost every wash because it cuts through product buildup so well.
  • Conditioner
    • Redken Extreme Lengths Primer -- This is my main conditioner whether for quick conditioning or deep conditioning with heat, and I love it with my whole heart. Great mix of strength and moisture.
  • Treatment
    • Olaplex #3 - I just started using this last year and it has become a regular step in my wash day routine. I really like how it keeps my ends smooth. I'm considering testing out the #1/#2 to see if I benefit from more of the active ingredient.
  • Moisturizers/Daily maintenance
    • Kerastase Nutritive Creme Magistral -- Smells divine and moisturizes like nobody's business. I use this as my hair starts to get "old" before my next wash and I don't plan on wearing it down (can cause some reversion if you use too much)
    • Frederic Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Cream -- This is sort of my secret weapon for maintaining straightened hair and I've been using it for years. Works magic for making your hair polished and glossy (just like it promises).
    • Both of these need to be used very sparingly but they work great.
  • Straightening products
    • Redken Anti-Snap - Classic strengthening leave-in used before blow drying
    • Kerastase Oleo Relax serum - I've tried a number of their serums and this one is definitely the best for my hair. Used before blow drying (after anti-snap) and a bit more on ends before flat ironing.
Other products in rotation:
  • Redken Extreme Shampoo
  • Redken All Soft Conditioner
  • Kerastase Initialiste and Extensioniste scalp serums
  • Kerastase 8H Magic Night Hair serum
  • Kerastase Discipline Fluidissime
Starting Pic:
Over Christmas my family all commented on how long my hair is getting :weird:
My mom sent me some pictures she had snapped during the week showing my hair and I was surprised to see that I actually think my hair is looking long now. Also, I was patting myself on the back over my flat ironing job that looks about as straight as my sister's relaxed hair (I'm in the red sweater).

My hair is dirty and gross now and I'll be washing it in the next couple days to take real pictures and measurements. But for now here's what it looks like. By the end of the year I want my hair to be hanging around where the bottom of this sports bra is (which is just above my waist), so it will need to be at least full WSL when I'm pulling on it.

View attachment 454151 View attachment 454153 View attachment 454155


I'm also hoping that as I work on my diet and exercise and drink lots of water this year for my health and body goals, this will benefit my hair as well!

:goodpost: Your hair is beautiful! I appreciate you sharing how you use your products and how they work. I haven't heard of the majority of them so its nice to see what's out there.
 
Bout time! Lol!




If you’re noticing you’re filling up the sink or tub or its more than a just a few little hairs. Honestly if i see more than 4 or 5, I’m like :cantlook:.
Here’s a small example though
View attachment 454177
Ohh that graphic clears it up, thank you! I think I am somewhere close to level 2, definitely not level 3, but I mostly get little tiny pieces of breakage from the ends :(

I’m going to be more mindful of my m/p balance.
 
OOOOHHHH, I've found my new thread to lurk!!

Resident Lurker here.
a20817e51d33cdc279e702e81ab5afb3.gif


I wish I could join but I keep things way too simple. I won't be able to check in as often as required :( But if it's ok, I'd like to join in the convo and learn from you ladies as well. :blush2:
 
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Hi! Thank you for welcoming me to the challenge & Merry Christmas!
I am unsure, what MBL is ... (mid back length?) I haven't worn a bra in almost a year lol. Around our April update, I will make sure to throw one on and see. Please don't mind the handmade length shirt, I could't find any online at the time :nono: My next TRUE length check wont be until around July 24th, with my birthday being on the 25th; I'll treat myself to a relaxer & wash and set. So I'll post 2 updates that month since July 1st is our second check in. My last relaxer was in October, and I'm going to make my next one stretch to July which isn't a problem for me since my hair will remain in protective styles for the remainder of my stretch. I personally like stretching my perms because I like the surprise of how much it grows. Do you have any recommendations on a good relaxer aside from ORS. I currently use ORS, but I want to try a different one that might make my hair a bit more silky!

<-- Jealous!!

Your regi sounds like mine. I also relax 2, maybe 3 times per year and keep my hair in a PS most of the time. I also like the big surprise at relaxer day.
 
Natural, Relaxed, Texlaxed: natural

Current Length: I'm not really sure. I think if I had a professional silk press, it would be in the middle of my back. But I'm not trying to burn the heck out of my hair to see if I'm right. So I will safely claim BSL

Goal Length: WL or as long as it will grow and I can maintain

Plan to reach goal length: Protective styling for all of 2020 with quarterly passes to wear hair out for a week's time

Regimen: Weekly washing and deep conditioning and style for the week, I'm going to try to finish the vitamins that I have but I'm not consistent, so this challenge will keep me accountable.

Retaining length and only trimming depending on the health of my ends. I'm going to attempt at keeping my ends protected heavily with shea butter.


Protective Styles: Buns and 2-strand twists

Staple Products: I'm currently using Kreyol Essence's haircare line ( I'm loving it, but when that is finished I'm going back to my reliable Shea Moisture Low Porosity Protein free Baobab & Tea Tree Oil shampoo and conditioner and deep conditioning with the Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen and restorative masque

Starting Pic: FA4A0CBF-3F54-432F-816B-4E728F76F7B5.jpegE9B652EA-6D49-4956-A8FA-1EA0835AF414.jpegDF63BF3B-B951-490C-A451-55800176B8AD.jpeg
 

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Natural, Relaxed, Texlaxed: natural

Current Length: I'm not really sure. I think if I had a professional silk press, it would be in the middle of my back. But I'm not trying to burn the heck out of my hair to see if I'm right. So I will safely claim BSL

Goal Length: WL or as long as it will grow and I can maintain

Plan to reach goal length: Protective styling for all of 2020 with quarterly passes to wear hair out for a week's time

Regimen: Weekly washing and deep conditioning and style for the week, I'm going to try to finish the vitamins that I have but I'm not consistent, so this challenge will keep me accountable.

Retaining length and only trimming depending on the health of my ends. I'm going to attempt at keeping my ends protected heavily with shea butter.


Protective Styles: Buns and 2-strand twists

Staple Products: I'm currently using Kreyol Essence's haircare line ( I'm loving it, but when that is finished I'm going back to my reliable Shea Moisture Low Porosity Protein free Baobab & Tea Tree Oil shampoo and conditioner and deep conditioning with the Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen and restorative masque

Starting Pic: View attachment 454197View attachment 454181View attachment 454193


Those two are my favorite from the Shea Moisture Line. The LowPo line just has a strong smell but its so moisturizing.
Eta: I didnt see your starting pic before, your hair is beautiful and so voluminous.
 
Those two are my favorite from the Shea Moisture Line. The LowPo line just has a strong smell but its so moisturizing.
Yes, I love it I'm on my third purchase. I'll even go so far as to say those are my holy grail products. I'm still a Product Junkie, and I did like the Kreyol Essence products ALOT but I'm not going to repurchase at those prices unless there's a sale.
 
Your hair def looks MBL btw. So beautiful. Do you trim often? Your ends look really good as well.

Thank you. no I don't trim often. Only as needed. But I did get a professional trim in September 219 and she only cleaned up my ends which was appreciated.
I'm pretty lazy with my hair.

You really think I'm MBL? Cool. On my way!!!!
 
Bout time! Lol!




If you’re noticing you’re filling up the sink or tub or its more than a just a few little hairs. Honestly if i see more than 4 or 5, I’m like :cantlook:.
Here’s a small example though
View attachment 454177

I know it, lol! Thank you for the hair shedding tidbit! It just confirmed that I was right to trim my ends today. I'm excited for 2020. I have a lot going on and I feel all of this positive energy in my spirit! Every year is a great year, but this year is definitely going to be an abundant year!
 
I know it, lol! Thank you for the hair shedding tidbit! It just confirmed that I was right to trim my ends today. I'm excited for 2020. I have a lot going on and I feel all of this positive energy in my spirit! Every year is a great year, but this year is definitely going to be an abundant year!

To be so honest girl, myself as well! I'm looking so forward to 2020. It feels different. Can't quite put my finger on it, but it's a positive, uplifting energy. I'm super excited.
 
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.

Regimen: detangle thoroughly once every 3 washes, wash every 7-10 days. blow dry with attachment that detangling wash, and the other two don't. one of them, finger detangle. protein treatment once every 1-2 cycles deep condition every 1-2 washes. apply at least oil, maybe leave-in + oil, after every wash, and reapply oil every 3-4 days.

Protective Styles: medium twists 2 of the 3 wash cycles. twist out the last.

Staple Products: Trader Joe's Nourish Spa shampoo and conditioner, KCNT, coconut oil, castor oil, some sort of butter (right now it's QB cocoa tree detangling ghee). some sort of protein treatment, i don't have a staple yet, but have used Aveda Damage Remedy and Aphogee 2 minute.

Starting Pic: This is right before a small trim I gave myself. But it's close enough to what it is now. I told myself I wasn't going to trim, but did it anyway. :/


20191222_215110.jpg
 
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I would love to be in!!!

Natural, Relaxed, Texlaxed: Natural

Current Length: APL

Goal Length: My long term goal is hip length;

Plan to reach goal length: Protective styling, no heat, only finger detangling

Regimen: in 2020, i'm revamping my hair regimen but I will keep the wash at every two weeks

Every month: clarify and do an Aphogee 2 step protein treatment

Every two weeks:
  • Prepoo: Ayurvedic hot oil
  • Wash: mix of Rhassoul clay + African black soap
  • Deep condition: Moringa Honey Deep Conditioner
  • Rinse out conditioner: Hisbiscus conditioner
  • Leave in conditioner (liquid): Mango leave in conditioner
  • Leave in conditioner (cream): Matcha tea leave in
  • Braid: Chebe hair butter
I will rebraid using LCO method every five days in between wash but the oil part will be the Chebe hair butter

Protective Styles: Single braids under a wig or two strand twists

Starting Pic:

Dec 19 Hair Length Check 1.jpg
 
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