Grow It Long 2020 Challenge

faithVA said:
It definitely can stretch your roots. How many sections are you doing?
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Honestly I can't remember how many sections. Probably just small enough to fit in the thing. I recall that 1-2inches of roots were still damp/not reached, and it took just as long to do as a regular dryer. I much prefer the results I got from the revlon 1step, which takes like 30 minutes to do my whole head
 
Mapleoats said:
Honestly I can't remember how many sections. Probably just small enough to fit in the thing. I recall that 1-2inches of roots were still damp/not reached, and it took just as long to do as a regular dryer. I much prefer the results I got from the revlon 1step, which takes like 30 minutes to do my whole head
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Ok. The revair isn't going to be faster. Its selling point is to be less drying and to use less heat. Those two things make it feasible to use it weekly without a lot of concern.

Lots of ladies have success with the Revlon. Some of us it's too drying and leads to breakage so the Revair works better.

It will stretch and dry the roots. It's just a matter of technique after using it a few times.
 
faithVA said:
Ok. The revair isn't going to be faster. Its selling point is to be less drying and to use less heat. Those two things make it feasible to use it weekly without a lot of concern.

Lots of ladies have success with the Revlon. Some of us it's too drying and leads to breakage so the Revair works better.

It will stretch and dry the roots. It's just a matter of technique after using it a few times.
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True, I probably gave up on it too soon! I'll definitely be revisiting it this year
 
Mapleoats said:
Can you share a little more how you use your revair? I have one but rarely use it as I didn't really like the way my hair came out the few times that I've used it.

What heat/tension settings are you using it on? Are you worried about damage when using it weekly? How do you style your hair after using it? The main thing I didn't like about it is that it doesn't stretch my roots at all. I knew this when I purchased it but didn't realize it would be such a deal breaker to me until I used it. Lovely hair BTW.
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I've only used it a few times, so I'm not sure how helpful my responses will be, but here goes.

1. I used tension 7 with low and high heat, on damp hair. The high heat made my hair a little smoother than using low, but I'll likely use low heat from now on.
2. I'm not currently worried about heat damage at low heat, but will assess my hair at a later date to see if damage has occurred.
3. The only styles I've done so far are a single braid and buns. I planned on trying flexirods for a beach wave look, but after the cut I'm focusing on protective styles rather than down styles.

I didnt have any issue getting my roots stretched with the device, so long as I work front to back on damp hair. Some areas had a little wave to them, but they were definitely stretched.

The problem area for me are my ends. They arent getting as smooth as the length and feel a bit rough. I'm going to start drying them first and test out different settings. If they're still rough, I may need to trim a little more off.

I hope this helps.
 
Natural, Relaxed, Texlaxed: Natural

Current Length: APL - Roughly 14"

Goal Length: 18"

Plan to reach goal length: Trim every 4 months, Oil Mix

Regimen: Wear cornrows 6-8 weeks at a time while I wear a wig, apply my oil mix which consists of: Castor Oil, Olive Oil, Avocado Oil and Amla.

*Listed from highest to lowest.

If my hair is out / not styled / in a bun I seal my ends with dax vegetable pomemade.

Supplements: [Daily]
5,000 mcg - Liquid Biotin
5,000 mcg - MSM
450 mcg - Colloidal Silica
Drink Bamboo Leaf Tea (Silica) [I typically consume the tea 3x a week]. I use the Uncle Lee Hibiscus Flavoured one as hibiscus is also great for hair and it taste better than the BB one.

Protective Styles: Cornrows with different 360 wig variations.

Staple Products: Castor Oil, I may add Miconazole Nitrate back into the mix.

Starting Pic:20200201_175050.jpg
 
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MzSwift said:
Do you mean braid extensions? If so, you don't have to take them out in order to add protein.

I'm in extensions now as well and I've always used my own spray mix of 90% water, a squirt of condish, drops of EOs for scent/stimulation (peppermint included) and fill the rest with Infusium 23 protein leave in. I've been using that spray mix since 2009 with very little buildup at take down. My hair always feels nicely conditioned but I always clarify and do a protein-moisture DC after take down just to be careful.

Oh, this year I started regularly using an ayurveda tea mix as half of my "water" and I love it! My hair has been shinier using the tea.

Maybe something like that could work for you too?
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I was just thinking of all the damage and set backs I've had over this issue of improper moisture protein balance. I will leave the braids in. Thanks for the encouragement. I retain length so well in braids.

I'm also using ayurvedic tea in my diy herbal spray! I use it every few days. I started like a week ago though lol. Hopefully that is helping to protect... I didn't add a protein to it though... you know instead of replacing these braids one by one, I will just take a section out and put the aphogee on that section. I'll do the front and top tomorrow.
Each side, middle, and back on other days

My little routine us really getting set! I just have to keep fighting the urge to change it without a need. Plus I'm excited by all the people in this challenge hopefully I get longer hair by electronic osmosis (I just made that up)
 
I'd be at my current goal length if i hadnt neglected my hair due to a broken heart back in 2018. That doesnt matter now, because it is in the past. :) I am looking forward to the future!

Natural, Relaxed, Texlaxed:
Natural

Current Length:
BSL

Goal Length:
WL

Plan to reach goal length:
I'm going to set reminders on my phone to help me stay consistent with scalp messages, moisturizing and sealing. And i'm sticking to the products that have been faithfully good to me.

Regimen:
daily scalp massages, water and oil hair then seal the ends with shea butter
hot oil treatment (pre-poo) or oil rinse (as needed)
biweekly shampoo and dc (+1 tsp of henna) with heat
protein treatment (once a month)
trim every 3-4 months

Protective Styles:
braids/twists w/ extensions, wigs, crochet

Staple Products:
homemade water spray (mixed with a few drops of acv & oil)
aphogee keratin & green tea restructurizer
homemade scalp oil (ayurvedic oil, peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus essential oil, sulfur)
argan oil, avocado oil, sunflower oil
shea butter (whipped with fenugreek, kalpi tone, henna, amla infused sunflower oil)
wild growth hair oil (to detangle)
earthtones naturals moisturizing shampoo
live clean argan oil restorative conditioner
shea moisture manuka honey mafura mask
live clean fresh water hydrating conditioner (protein treatment)
dabur vatika coconut oil (hot oil treatment)

Starting Pic:
BSL-63a80624$9c86$4449$b35d$18d1d3ee55c8_3456_4608_1577630386397.png
 
NaturalShe94 said:
thank you and yeah so I figured. This is my actual hair washed with no product in it. And it’s not even 100% dry lol! Amazing how the difference in hormones can affect our hair.
(sometime in early 2018)
View attachment 454363
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Omg .. Your hair is beautiful either way !


syrk said:
I usually wear it out. Haven't tried a SM DC in a while though, I probably have a whole different head of hair now and it's worth trying again. Have you tried the TGIN Honey Miracle Mask? It makes my hair so buttery soft. Even after the recent formula change it's probably the best DC I've ever used.
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No I haven't! I just looked up the reviews though and everyone seems to really love it so its definitely a purchase I'll be making before I take my braids out. Thank you for recommending it, hopefully its the miracle I'm searching for. Have you ever blow dried your hair after using it, do you find that its made a difference on your hair even after applying heat? Because if this product works really well for me, this is what I would take with me to the salon to sit under the dryer with. I do roller sets & then a blow out if that makes a difference.
 
Rhealthyhair said:
Omg .. Your hair is beautiful either way !




No I haven't! I just looked up the reviews though and everyone seems to really love it so its definitely a purchase I'll be making before I take my braids out. Thank you for recommending it, hopefully its the miracle I'm searching for. Have you ever blow dried your hair after using it, do you find that its made a difference on your hair even after applying heat? Because if this product works really well for me, this is what I would take with me to the salon to sit under the dryer with. I do roller sets & then a blow out if that makes a difference.
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I don't think I've blow dried after using it, but I pretty much alway sit under the dryer with it in, which is what I think gets my hair nice and soft and buttery. I do also sit under the dryer to dry my twists for a twist out after rinsing the DC and my hair always comes out nice and soft after drying as well.

Let me know how it goes if you do end up using it and following up with a blowdry, would be interested in hearing.
 
syrk said:
I don't think I've blow dried after using it, but I pretty much alway sit under the dryer with it in, which is what I think gets my hair nice and soft and buttery. I do also sit under the dryer to dry my twists for a twist out after rinsing the DC and my hair always comes out nice and soft after drying as well.

Let me know how it goes if you do end up using it and following up with a blowdry, would be interested in hearing.
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Oh absolutely... this challenge board will be the first place I come to with my results. It won't be for some time though because I only put heat on my hair when I relax, which isn't until July lol. I will be using it for deep conditioning though in the meantime. I'm interested in the results as well!
 
@long.hair.dont.care You're going to be at WL in no time :clap:

Protective styles aren't my thing, but having my hair not straight means that styles don't last more than a day or two. Having to reset my hair at night is kinda annoying and I don't want to be manipulating my hair a ton. I also need to figure out where these bumps near my hairline are coming from :mad: . I wore my bonnet for the first time in close to a year, and hated having it on. I wore my scarf the 2 days after and now I have all of these bumps!! I'm going back to sleeping with my hair loose!
 
ckisland said:
@long.hair.dont.care You're going to be at WL in no time :clap:

Protective styles aren't my thing, but having my hair not straight means that styles don't last more than a day or two. Having to reset my hair at night is kinda annoying and I don't want to be manipulating my hair a ton. I also need to figure out where these bumps near my hairline are coming from :mad: . I wore my bonnet for the first time in close to a year, and hated having it on. I wore my scarf the 2 days after and now I have all of these bumps!! I'm going back to sleeping with my hair loose!
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do you sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase?
 
I use a satin pillow case & silk scarf..I’m currently PS in the back and I have a side swoop.

Happy Hair Growing!
 
I'm in


Natural, Relaxed, Texlaxed: Natural

Current Length:

Goal Length: unknown

Plan to reach goal length: low manipulation and no trims

Regimen: once a week ...
Shampoo, DC with thermal cap, moisturize and seal and twist
Acv to clarify as needed
Protein treatment as needed
 
My hair made it one more day! I'm washing tomorrow, but I need to figure out how I'm going to where my hair. I may do a bun on damp hair. Hmm. . . .
 
nyeredzi said:
I think that's a good plan. I have my doubts about how much one can retain having a stylist trim your hair every 3 months. Almost all of them over trim, saying you "need" it. What does need even mean for hair, which is dead? If your hair was not causing you problems before and it looked okay to you before, who's to say that your hair "needed" several inches trimmed off. Needed for what? Definitely assess again after the first trim.
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This was my number 1 set back for the last two years. And it finally clicked when I went for my last trim. I was like why is my hair still the same length as last year, when I know it’s been growing a lot and I take good care of it. And it was bc them “professional trims” every three months. Nahh. I’m doing my own trims every 5 months (or as needed) and see how that works. I just hate that it took so long for me to realize. And I kept thinking i was gonna finally see progress bc i thought I was being patient and doing everything right.
 
LonDone said:
@syrk

Vatika Egg Protein is wonderful! It's dark yellow, very thick and smooth and the consistency feels like a balm - it feels so silky going on. It's not a hard protein but enough to get the job done. It's £6 here in the UK so you won't be out of pocket if it doesn't agree with your hair
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I've been eyeing those vatika conditioners since I love vatika oil so much. I may grab a jar next time I'm at the indian store.
 
Updated plaited bun. I can no longer do a loose plaited bun with a scrunchie. My hair is too long, to heavy and with now Shea Butter added, it’s even heavier. The bun either comes undone and I have to redo it multiple times a day or I’ll have to pull the bun tight which I don’t want to result to doing often. I now secure the bun with a long thick bobby pin. @Chicoro thought I’d tag you since the bun I showed you was so long ago.
87B07C4C-52BC-4D2B-AC0F-7A6EAAF08EDE.jpeg
 
Mapleoats said:
I used the ion crystal clarifying treatment on my hair yesterday and after shampooing it out my hair was so soft! Even without conditioner I had minimal frizzing and puffiness at the roots, and my curls clumped as if I had products in. Hard water is definitely a no bueno for my hair
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This is my hair as well after using Aphogee 2-step treatment! Loving it. Hair feeling brand new lol.
 
I meant to post in here at the beginning of the year and forgot!

Natural, Relaxed, Texlaxed: natural

Current Length: between 12 and 12.5 inches on the sides and front, 14 inches in the back, about 15.5 inches at the crown (translates to around bra strap length on me)

Goal Length: retain 6 inches by the end of the year

Plan to reach goal length: protective styling (lazy buns), low manipulation, consistent moisturizing, stop skipping wash days and going 2 weeks between washes

Regimen: wash and condition with Giovanni smooth as silk once per week, deep condition every other week, alternating with bentonite clay treatment every other week. After wash, use a creamy leave in. Seal with Shea butter. Spritz with rose water every other day. Re-apply Shea as needed.

Protective Styles: buns

Staple Products: Giovanni smooth as silk shampoo and conditioner, Shea butter, rose water, Shea moisture manuka honey DC. Everything else is meh.

Starting Pic: REQUIRED

*ETA: I'll try taking better pics this weekend
 

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periwinklepeach said:
I meant to post in here at the beginning of the year and forgot!

Natural, Relaxed, Texlaxed: natural

Current Length: between 12 and 12.5 inches on the sides and front, 14 inches in the back, about 15.5 inches at the crown (translates to around bra strap length on me)

Goal Length: retain 6 inches by the end of the year

Plan to reach goal length: protective styling (lazy buns), low manipulation, consistent moisturizing, stop skipping wash days and going 2 weeks between washes

Regimen: wash and condition with Giovanni smooth as silk once per week, deep condition every other week, alternating with bentonite clay treatment every other week. After wash, use a creamy leave in. Seal with Shea butter. Spritz with rose water every other day. Re-apply Shea as needed.

Protective Styles: buns

Staple Products: Giovanni smooth as silk shampoo and conditioner, Shea butter, rose water, Shea moisture manuka honey DC. Everything else is meh.

Starting Pic: REQUIRED

*ETA: I'll try taking better pics this weekend
Click to expand...

Where are you buying Giovanni products? I wanted to try their Shampoo & Conditioner but a Sallys employee told me they're discontinued neither can I find their products at Walmart nor Target.
 
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