Grow It Long 2025 Challenge!

[VarieYvette]

You've got some nice hang time on that ponytail. Congratulations on your progress.

TYSM!!! After the cut, I felt like she had cut my hair way too short. But after a week of the silk press, it's a length I can live with. However, I am so excited for wash day this weekend, I can't wait to see how my fully natural hair looks after all this time texlaxed

 

[Angel of the North]

Finally, sharing starting pictures for the challenge. Sigh, still not BSL and not sure if I have made much progress. (My hair grows super slow) I have been stuck in purgatory for years trying to grow my hair to BSL, so at least my hair looks to be past APL at last. The pictures are from my hair flat ironed after some search and destroy on the ends.

I'm not actually sure what to do to retain length. My ends always have bubble splits and is too weak to detangle while wet in the shower. I haven't had any fun with my hair in a long while, plus, with stress from everything going on I have wanted to either relax it or shave it off. (It's me being impulsive. I don't want to actually do either option.)

Lately, I wash my hair once a week, blow dry it with the RevAir, and put it in some not so cute braids and keep it that way until I was it again the following weekend. I have been horrible at keeping up with moisturizing my hair during the week, so I know I need to be better about that. Maybe time to give the blow driers a break too. Thinking about having to finger detangle makes me weep because detangling my hair is the least fun thing in the world but it might be worth trying for a bit too.

All that to say, even though I haven't been the best at keeping up with a hair routine I am happy for each centimeter of progress I am making. I have never had hair this long before in my life so that's something to be cheery about.

Note: This might be BSL on some other ladies, but for me I'm considering the top of my bras trap (which does sit a bit lower on my body) to be BSL.

Your hair looks great and healthy. Congratulations on your growth so far, I'm looking forward to your updates.

 

[Chicoro]

@Meritamen

said, "I have never had hair this long before in my life so that's something to be cheery about."

Congratulations on arriving at the longest hair that you have ever had in your life! That is a HUGE MILESTONE!

 

[Meritamen]

Your hair looks great! Nice to meet another RevAir gal

How long have you been using your RevAir?

Have you ever done small to smedium Knotless Braids? It can give you a break for a month or so at a time from your hair

Have you tried bunning? That could be an easy way to moisturize your ends nightly or every other night

Hello!!! I have had the old version of the RevAir for a few years now and really like it. It's my fave out of all the blow dryers I have - I have FHI and Pattern Beauty blow dryers too. I'm saving up for the newer version.

I've had smedium knotless braids before which I really liked. I might try that size or the medium size in the future if I can save up enough for it. I am having the hardest time parting my own hair so even doing two-strand twists on myself is not working out. I wish I could find a stylist who is willing to do smedium. two-strand twists with no added hair but I haven't been able to find that in my area. I even asked the braider I go to for the knotless braids and she turned me down. Sigh.

Bunning, I haven't tried mostly because I'm nervous my hair will mat. Well... I put my braids up in a bun but I haven't tried it on loose hair.

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Hello!!! I have had the old version of the RevAir for a few years now and really like it. It's my fave out of all the blow dryers I have - I have FHI and Pattern Beauty blow dryers too. I'm saving up for the newer version.

I've had smedium knotless braids before which I really liked. I might try that size or the medium size in the future if I can save up enough for it. I am having the hardest time parting my own hair so even doing two-strand twists on myself is not working out. I wish I could find a stylist who is willing to do smedium. two-strand twists with no added hair but I haven't been able to find that in my area. I even asked the braider I go to for the knotless braids and she turned me down. Sigh.

Bunning, I haven't tried mostly because I'm nervous my hair will mat. Well... I put my braids up in a bun but I haven't tried it on loose hair.

You should sell your old one to add to the payment of your new one, I'm sure there are many HC gals that would appreciate a discounted RevAir

You should join Summer Braid & Hydrate challenge if you get KBs or Twists I put a playlist of a gal who does her own KBs here if you want to do them yourself and not rely on a stylist

You can see how a three-way mirror from Amazon can make parting much easier. Your hair will thank you for doing them yourself!

Link for KB tutorial [https://longhaircareforums.com/thre...d-hydrate-2025-challenge.857192/post-26011526 ]

If you're straightening your hair with RevAir weekly, you shouldn't have an issue with matting since it's straight. Maybe you should try it and see how it goes. You have a nice length to have secured buns

Here's some blow dried hairstyles that can help you LCO/LOC nightly or every other night or so

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Bunning, I haven't tried mostly because I'm nervous my hair will mat. Well... I put my braids up in a bun but I haven't tried it on loose hair.

Here's another one where your hair is a little longer than hers and she puts her hair in a single bun, HTH

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

I started "Water Rinsing" my KBs for the past few days and really like the results
Since I'll be Water Rinsing daily, there isn't a need to keep my nape out for Co Washing

I'll be redoing my KBs this month, therefore, this will cut my weekly progress photos for the 75 Days Challenge to 35 Days Challenge
Glad I committed past a month; 30 days is usually all you need to see if something is effective or not

 

[Angel of the North]

I'd like to make my own detangler to use before I wash my hair. I've been looking at recipes but most of them contain coconut oil, which my hair doesn’t like. It doesn't need to be creamy, I'm just wanting the slip to make detangling easier and keep my hair whete it belongs on my head.

I prefer cowashing my hair and clarifying once evey 4 - 6 weeks depending on how my hair is feeling or responding, so I'd prefer something that would rinse out easily. I'm thinking distilled water with vera juice/gel, conditioner mixed together. I don't like ingredients that act as proteins, my hair doesn’t like or require much protein, but it loves silk amino acids.

I was struggling to find the old DIY recipe thread, does anyone have any recipes or recommendations that might help me to create my perfect detangler? .

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

I'd like to make my own detangler to use before I wash my hair. I've been looking at recipes but most of them contain coconut oil, which my hair doesn’t like. It doesn't need to be creamy, I'm just wanting the slip to make detangling easier and keep my hair whete it belongs on my head.

I prefer cowashing my hair and clarifying once evey 4 - 6 weeks depending on how my hair is feeling or responding, so I'd prefer something that would rinse out easily. I'm thinking distilled water with vera juice/gel, conditioner mixed together. I don't like ingredients that act as proteins, my hair doesn’t like or require much protein, but it loves silk amino acids.

I was struggling to find the old DIY recipe thread, does anyone have any recipes or recommendations that might help me to create my perfect detangler? .

I haven't tried this, but have always wanted to use these ingredients. Might try this when hair gets past BSL. These two ingredients are great for detangling from what I've read. HTH

 

[Angel of the North]

I haven't tried this, but have always wanted to use these ingredients. Might try this when hair gets past BSL. These two ingredients are great for detangling from what I've read. HTH

Thank you for this! I like that it's a simple recipe, I've got Marshmallow root and slippery elm powders in my Amazon basket (along with a lot of other stuff relating to hair),. I wanted to get them because as you said, they are known to provide a lot of slip. I would probably leave out most of the oils as I'm wanting to use it as a prepoo detangler and not a leave in. I might add a few drops of an essential oil or the vitamin e oil as a preservative though.

 

[Angel of the North]

So I've just looked a little deeper at the marshmallow root and slippery elm.

Marshmallow Root Pros:
Detangling, provides slip
Moisturising
Soothes scalp, antibacterial and antioxidants inflammatory properties
Strengthens hair, contains amino acids
Promotes growth
Reduces frizz, dryness and breakage.
Rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants

Slippery Elm Pros:
Improves elasticity
Moisture retention
Detangling properties
Increased shine
Reduced shedding
Contains amino acids and calcium

I don't think the so called cons would affect me as I've definitely used products with these ingredients in them before without any allergic reactions or skin irritations. I also won't be ingesting them, so I doubt it would have any contraindications with any meds I take.

These two ingredients offer everything I'm looking for.... I think I'll try them as I mentioned in my previous post as well as mixing with a conditioner too just to see which way works best for me. The two items would probably work well together with water and no other ingredients too.

I'm looking forward to making and trying this out. I think using a product with slip to detangle will definitely help with hair loss and length retention.

 

[ScorpioLove]

So I've just looked a little deeper at the marshmallow root and slippery elm.

Marshmallow Root Pros:
Detangling, provides slip
Moisturising
Soothes scalp, antibacterial and antioxidants inflammatory properties
Strengthens hair, contains amino acids
Promotes growth
Reduces frizz, dryness and breakage.
Rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants

Slippery Elm Pros:
Improves elasticity
Moisture retention
Detangling properties
Increased shine
Reduced shedding
Contains amino acids and calcium

I don't think the so called cons would affect me as I've definitely used products with these ingredients in them before without any allergic reactions or skin irritations. I also won't be ingesting them, so I doubt it would have any contraindications with any meds I take.

These two ingredients offer everything I'm looking for.... I think I'll try them as I mentioned in my previous post as well as mixing with a conditioner too just to see which way works best for me. The two items would probably work well together with water and no other ingredients too.

I'm looking forward to making and trying this out. I think using a product with slip to detangle will definitely help with hair loss and length retention.

There’s also the shea moisture detangler that has both of those ingredients. It’s marketed towards kids but I used it a ton when I went through a long time without a proper wash (I.e coming out of a sew-in)

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

@yaya, I'm taking down my KBs, my hair is definitely shorter than yours in some areas or the same length. My hair will be growing in layers

My hair seems longer because I'm straightening it

 

[Angel of the North]

I decided to order some distilled water, marshmallow root and slippery elm powder, vitamin e oil and As I Am so much moisture last night. The main ingredients won't get here till either 17th or 18th, I shall wait impatiently......

I looked up some recipes for flaxseed gels and whipped butters. I'm going to order the flaxseeds next month, as I seriously need to exercise some discipline! My intentions are to try the new products I've recently purchased, then use up my stash.

I will probably start experimenting with making my own products during that period, I'm hoping to have perfected my recipes by the time I've used up my moisturisers and stylers. I intend to continue purchasing my poos and conditioners though.

 

[GettingKinky]

This is my week for my protein DC. I’m debating if I should try the Cecred reconstructing mask I have or just do my tried and true Don’t Despair Repair mask. Decisions, decisions….

 

[GGsKin]

Natural, Relaxed, Texlaxed: Natural

Current Length: APL

Goal Length: Waist length

Plan to reach goal length: I want to say I’ll wash my hair once a week but I’m currently in PS mode, so it’ll probably be more like every two weeks-once a month, drinking lots of water, scalp massage, regularly moisturising my hair. Regular trims. Consistency.

Regimen: Protective Style Mode for me means using added hair to braid or twist my hair away for long periods of time- usually more than 4 months. Redoing individual braids as required. I’ve previously used and enjoyed Ayurvedic ingredients, but currently mainly using shop-bought products. Staying up on my trims. My hair is prone to splits so I can’t go without trims for too long.

Protective Styles: Fairly low tension. Ends hidden away.

Staple Products: I also have a good few products I flit between, but I am currently enjoying the Hydro line by Amika.

Starting Pic: REQUIRED

I think I’ve been hanging out here since day 1 but I’ve not filled this out. Adding my pic, since I finally took my braids out today, after more than a year in PS.

 

[Angel of the North]

Wash day today....

I found an unopened bottle of Komaza vitamin reign at the back of my stash. It's probably about 8-9 years old, possibly older. It didn't look separated so I shook it up and sprayed it into my palm, it looked and smelt just as I remember it. I used this to detangle my hair, lost hardly no hair, the equivalent of maybe 5-6 strands. I wouldn't use it as a leave in but it's fine before shampoo.

I used sukin hydrating shampoo, followed with a cowash using Alberto Balsam raspberry kisses or whatever it's called these days.

I DC'd with As I Am Hydration Elation, last wash day was my first time using this, I was a lot stingier on first use than I would normally be. I want to test its mettle so to speak so used the minimal amount. Today, I went in heavy, to see if it made any difference, but still not the amount of slip I like. It definitely hydrates, but I need my DC's to give slip. The tub is so small, I've only used it twice and there's about a third of the tub left. I will mix oil into the rest of it but, I doubt I will repurchase.

I moisturised (LCO), in sections by wetting, using Cantu creamy hair lotion (my last bootle), and grapeseed oil. I applied avocado butter to the ends, I'm now Air drying in 6 plaits. This week, I will wear a bun.

 

[pikkonoloidlee]

I won't be doing anything official length check wise for at least a few more months but this is where one of the braids at the nape of my neck is currently.

I was washing my hair 2-3x per week but of course right after I decide to do that I start having big allergy issues and now I'm tired all the time. Currently washing 1x per week but moisturizing my ends as needed throughout the week.

 

[MizzBFly]

I’m back! After many, many years. Life took over,
Divorced after 13 yrs. Turned 40 years young this year and I’m about to graduate cosmetology school in June. Whew! I’ve colored my hair,
Reached my hair goal of waist length. Cut it in layers and now wear it mostly straight but I still have my curls!

Give me the DETAILS:
Natural, Relaxed, Texlaxed: Natural
Current Length: past bra strap
Goal Length: waist
Plan to reach goal length: treatments for moisture/ protein balance. Keeping on stretched in a myriad of ways.
Regimen: keep it stretched
Protective Styles: n/a
Staple Products: Olaplex, Chi, Kenra, DE, etc… trying new products: K18
1st pic 2/9/25 blowdried
2nd pic 2/23/25
3rd pic before layered cut 12/2024

Starting Pic: REQUIRED

 

[faithVA]

I won't be doing anything official length check wise for at least a few more months but this is where one of the braids at the nape of my neck is currently.

I was washing my hair 2-3x per week but of course right after I decide to do that I start having big allergy issues and now I'm tired all the time. Currently washing 1x per week but moisturizing my ends as needed throughout the week.

Nice!

 

[GettingKinky]

I deep conditioned with the Cecred reconstructing mask. I’m not sure I like it, it has zero slip so I couldn’t detangle while I had it in. Once I rinsed I had to condition again so I could detangle and even though it’s only been 3 days since I last washed sooo much hair came out. I will give this one more try in a few months and make a final decision about it.

 

[ItsMeLilLucky]

@MizzBFly Welcome back! Life do be lifing lol

You iz FINE girl!

 

[snoop]

View attachment 502730View attachment 502736View attachment 502732
The first LC the neck line is a little off from where I'm measuring now. I put the first pic where the neck line is consistent with where I'm measuring now

Seems like hair is growing and daily co washing/hydrating is beneficial for accelerated hair growth. Other things that are key in helping with hair growth for me is scalp massages with growth aids. Have been consistent with Flaxseed Growth Gel, +5 Weeks Infused Growth Oils/Pomade, Tee Tree/Peppermint/Rose Mary EOs, and daily massages

I'm debating if I should keep my nape out in KBs (Knotless Braids) or not, since I'm not sure if I'll get the same growth without daily Co Washing

Will continue to post LCs weekly in Summer Braid & Hydrate until weekend 5.24.25 for the 75 Day Challenge. Glad I'm doing it, it makes me stick to my regimen and see that all the effort does reap good benefits

It looks like your hair is growing FAST! That's amazing!

 

[snoop]

So I've just looked a little deeper at the marshmallow root and slippery elm.

Marshmallow Root Pros:
Detangling, provides slip
Moisturising
Soothes scalp, antibacterial and antioxidants inflammatory properties
Strengthens hair, contains amino acids
Promotes growth
Reduces frizz, dryness and breakage.
Rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants

Slippery Elm Pros:
Improves elasticity
Moisture retention
Detangling properties
Increased shine
Reduced shedding
Contains amino acids and calcium

I don't think the so called cons would affect me as I've definitely used products with these ingredients in them before without any allergic reactions or skin irritations. I also won't be ingesting them, so I doubt it would have any contraindications with any meds I take.

These two ingredients offer everything I'm looking for.... I think I'll try them as I mentioned in my previous post as well as mixing with a conditioner too just to see which way works best for me. The two items would probably work well together with water and no other ingredients too.

I'm looking forward to making and trying this out. I think using a product with slip to detangle will definitely help with hair loss and length retention.

I haven't used these in a while, but I found that they made my hair hard/rough. I have some left over that I'll eventually figure out a way to use, but I'm not a fan.

Fresh aloe vera gel is good for slip
I haven't tried flaxseed gel in a while, but that might be another one
Okra
Coconut oil (or whatever oil of your choice) BLENDED into your fav conditioner. This one use to work for me. If you mix, the oil remain separate from your conditioner. You can even add KCKT to all of that as well (also a product I'm not really a huge fan of -- maybe because of the marshmallow root and slippery elm)

That said, I haven't tried detangling with any of these lately because I finger detangle and it takes forever. I feel like they would just dry on my hair, though I guess if I were working in small sections it wouldn't be a problem.

 

[snoop]

@MizzBFly Welcome back! You've been busy, but somehow managing to stay FIRE!

 

[Angel of the North]

I haven't used these in a while, but I found that they made my hair hard/rough. I have some left over that I'll eventually figure out a way to use, but I'm not a fan.

Fresh aloe vera gel is good for slip
I haven't tried flaxseed gel in a while, but that might be another one
Okra
Coconut oil (or whatever oil of your choice) BLENDED into your fav conditioner. This one use to work for me. If you mix, the oil remain separate from your conditioner. You can even add KCKT to all of that as well (also a product I'm not really a huge fan of -- maybe because of the marshmallow root and slippery elm)

That said, I haven't tried detangling with any of these lately because I finger detangle and it takes forever. I feel like they would just dry on my hair, though I guess if I were working in small sections it wouldn't be a problem.

I've never tried the KC range, I've heard mainly very good things about it though. I tend to stay away from strengthening products and ingredients where possible, coconut oil dries my hair out. My 4 ultimate hair oils in order grapeseed, avocado papaya and sunflower (not from the kitchen). I would mix with avocado and sunflower oils.

I'm hoping they won't dry out my hair, especially since they are supposedly moisturising, I think the ratios will impact this as well.

 

[snoop]

I washed my hair with yucca root and realized after that I've had these twists in long enough since I'm not able to get rid of the sebum and oil build up and other junk at my roots with my hair twisted. This weekend coming would have marked 11 weeks. I wanted to stretch out their wear until June, but I think enough's enough.

First panel -- I obviously am not making sure everything is cleanly parted because these two twists have grown out together with no chance of separation. I'm not even sure how that's possible.

Second panel -- Front of my hair

Third panel -- Nape



From the end of my thumb to the first knuckle is 1 inch so I've gained a bit more than that since I installed them.

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

It looks like your hair is growing FAST! That's amazing!

Thank you for creating this motivating thread!
I'm switching to all KBs this weekend (no nape out to Co Wash) Hopefully the growth will continue at the same rate with my KB regimen

 

[JuiceMobsta]

Natural, Relaxed, Texlaxed: Natural
Current Length: Hip/Tailbone? (barely )
Goal Length: Classic? Not sure about that one.
Plan to reach goal length: Protective styling, keeping scalp clean and hair strengthened/moisturized
Regimen: Wash 1-2x monthly, protein treatments, moisturize and put in back in plaits
Protective Styles: Covered Celie plaits
Staple Products: Revisiting older brands like ORS/Aphogee, Naturelle grow prepoo, DIY leave in, etc. My scalp is very picky.

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Natural, Relaxed, Texlaxed: Natural
Current Length: Hip/Tailbone? (barely )
Goal Length: Classic? Not sure about that one.
Plan to reach goal length: Protective styling, keeping scalp clean and hair strengthened/moisturized
Regimen: Wash 1-2x monthly, protein treatments, moisturize and put in back in plaits
Protective Styles: Covered Celie plaits
Staple Products: Revisiting older brands like ORS/Aphogee, Naturelle grow prepoo, DIY leave in, etc. My scalp is very picky.
View attachment 503036View attachment 503038View attachment 503040

View attachment 503042View attachment 503044View attachment 503046

I think you need to start a "Keep" It Long thread Beautiful hair, thanks for the motivation