Grow It Long 2025 Challenge!

[snoop]

I just saw that you use "fresh aloe"

Maybe you should experiment again to see if it is the quality of aloe or what it's mixed with? Coconut oil is used in combination with aloe in many products

The only aloe I used is Organic +99% fresh pressed aloe that keeps some of the enzyme activity

Nah. I'm good for now. I only buy raw oils and other ingredients from wholesalers, not the grocery store. It's much more cost effective for me and I don't have to worry about it being blended with anything.

I've tried aloe juice (was ok as a final rinse, but completely unnecessary), aloe oil (nope), haven't tried aloe butter. I've used aloe powder and it's ok, I guess. I have some that I need to use up, but it won't be on any future re-purchase lists unless I have a recipe that I really want to try. As I mentioned, I gave up store bought products with aloe pretty early in my journey. I also gave up products with coconut oil and shea butter. This is why I make my own hair lotions.

Instead of coconut, I use babassu. My hair much prefers it. Although I might try coconut MTC (again -- I tried it about 10 years ago). I've been following someone on re.d.dit who used MTC to chelate their hair before switching to distilled water. If I can figure out how to make distilled water work with masks I might make the switch as well.

I also do not use shea. Both shea and coconut oil harden my hair, but I think that shea is worse. I've tried different raw brands and different products. Not worth it. I prefer tallow to shea and it's changed my hair for the better.

 

[yaya24]

Ok I think @snoop our hair NOs are twins.

My hair does not like aloe vera juice, shea butter or coconut oil.

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Nah. I'm good for now. I only buy raw oils and other ingredients from wholesalers, not the grocery store. It's much more cost effective for me and I don't have to worry about it being blended with anything.

I've tried aloe juice (was ok as a final rinse, but completely unnecessary), aloe oil (nope), haven't tried aloe butter. I've used aloe powder and it's ok, I guess. I have some that I need to use up, but it won't be on any future re-purchase lists unless I have a recipe that I really want to try. As I mentioned, I gave up store bought products with aloe pretty early in my journey. I also gave up products with coconut oil and shea butter. This is why I make my own hair lotions.

Instead of coconut, I use babassu. My hair much prefers it. Although I might try coconut MTC (again -- I tried it about 10 years ago). I've been following someone on re.d.dit who used MTC to chelate their hair before switching to distilled water. If I can figure out how to make distilled water work with masks I might make the switch as well.

I also do not use shea. Both shea and coconut oil harden my hair, but I think that shea is worse. I've tried different raw brands and different products. Not worth it. I prefer tallow to shea and it's changed my hair for the better.

Wow you are really in tune with your hair which is great! Never heard someone say Shea Butter hardens their hair

I created a homemade pomade with tallow and coconut oil last year since I like health benefits of tallow. I use tallow for a variety of things and had not heard of anyone use it for hair. Surprised you use tallow too

Im just now using the pomade since joining LHCF. I was thinking for the next pomade to add Shea Butter since I recently got some for DCs, but after what you said I probably stick to tallow and coconut oil. Shea butter seems to work well for DCs so far

 

[snoop]

Ok I think @snoop our hair NOs are twins.

My hair does not like aloe, shea butter or coconut oil.

And unfortunately, those three ingredients are in EVERYTHING.

 

[yaya24]

So, right now -- and I'm not sure if I'm doing it right or if I'm just wasting products -- I just add hydrolyzed proteins straight into my ayurvedic clay masks. Depending on what I feel inspired to use, I'll add a combination or none of the following:

- hydrolyzed jojoba, quinoa, lupine, rice, baobab or bamboo liquid extract.

In terms of what will make the cut each time

- amino acids (methionine, cystine, cysteine), hydrolyzed keratin, silk amino acid (SAA)

Sometimes, I will add a tsp of ACV to the mix, because I read somewhere that proteins should be in an acidic base, but I also use goat's milk powder which seems to drop the pH of the clay. It might be a redundant step.


@yaya24 ETA I would just add the above to a store bought conditioner. I don't know if you recognize any of those hydrolyzed proteins, but I snatched them from the Komaza ingredient list.

I still have SAA in my stash that I use for my DIY skin oil mix.

Before I started rebuilding my hair products for 2025, for protein I would add neutral protein filler or duotex (what I have left of it) to whatever mositurizing conditioner I have on hand. This works fine.

I still have those products in my cabinet.

Really loved the Komaza protein, and a little goes a long way but don't want to be sol when I really need it.

 

[yaya24]

And unfortunately, those three ingredients are in EVERYTHING.

Very true

 

[snoop]

Wow you are really in tune with your hair which is great! Never heard someone say Shea Butter hardens their hair

I created a homemade pomade with tallow and coconut oil last year since I like health benefits of tallow. I use tallow for a variety of things and had not heard of anyone use it for hair. Surprised you use tallow too

Im just now using the pomade since joining LHCF. I was thinking for the next pomade to add Shea Butter since I recently got some for DCs, but after what you said I probably stick to tallow and coconut oil. Shea butter seems to work well for DCs so far

Really?! There are a LOT of us out here who can't use it without feeling that effect.

I LOOOOOVVVEEE tallow. I usually mix it with glycerine, but this batch that I'm using now I've added batana oil to. It's even more buttery. I'm not sure that it'll be a long term staple, but I have enough that I should be able to make this recipe at least to the end of the year. I've never tried cooking with tallow, so that'll be something to source and try.

Do you add melted shea to your DC? How do you use it as a DC?

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Really?! There are a LOT of us out here who can't use it without feeling that effect.

I LOOOOOVVVEEE tallow. I usually mix it with glycerine, but this batch that I'm using now I've added batana oil to. It's even more buttery. I'm not sure that it'll be a long term staple, but I have enough that I should be able to make this recipe at least to the end of the year. I've never tried cooking with tallow, so that'll be something to source and try.

Do you add melted shea to your DC? How do you use it as a DC?

Yes, there's a lot of people who have no issues with SeaMoisture. I like their products and hair feels moisturized why I'm surprised. I've used the original moisturizing shampoo and conditioner with no issues and the argan oil head to toe with no issues. Now that I Prepoo, I use other shampoos I like for different reasons

I use tallow to cook. It's one of the healthies options. If you do try it, it's best to have grass fed tallow packaged in a glass jar

On low heat, melt about 1 TBSP mixed with other ingredients. It's not the main ingredient but when it was added, I don have any negative effects. Ive used it twice in DCs so far. I got Shea Butter for its vitamin E

I just looked up the benefits again and will add it to my next pomade, I forgot Vitamin E is why I got it. I don't put pomade on my hair, only my scalp

 

[faithVA]

Ok I think @snoop our hair NOs are twins.

My hair does not like aloe, shea butter or coconut oil.

This sounds like my hair. I've tried so many ways. I have to add flax to this list.

 

[yaya24]

This sounds like my hair. I've tried so many ways. I have to add flax to this list.

I never even tried flax bc I figured it would probably be a no

 

[faithVA]

I never even tried flax bc I figured it would probably be a no

Back in the day I tried several flax gels and as soon as they dry they flake. Never stood a chance. This is before I know what would work.

 

[snoop]

This sounds like my hair. I've tried so many ways. I have to add flax to this list.

I was thinking about flax. Again, this is something that I tried YEARS ago. I feel like it might be a no. Someone out here mentioned chia, so I'll have to remember to try it when I take my twists down.

Cloves are another trend that dried out my hair.

 

[snoop]

Nah. I'm good for now. I only buy raw oils and other ingredients from wholesalers, not the grocery store. It's much more cost effective for me and I don't have to worry about it being blended with anything.

I've tried aloe juice (was ok as a final rinse, but completely unnecessary), aloe oil (nope), haven't tried aloe butter. I've used aloe powder and it's ok, I guess. I have some that I need to use up, but it won't be on any future re-purchase lists unless I have a recipe that I really want to try. As I mentioned, I gave up store bought products with aloe pretty early in my journey. I also gave up products with coconut oil and shea butter. This is why I make my own hair lotions.

Instead of coconut, I use babassu. My hair much prefers it. Although I might try coconut MTC (again -- I tried it about 10 years ago). I've been following someone on re.d.dit who used MTC to chelate their hair before switching to distilled water. If I can figure out how to make distilled water work with masks I might make the switch as well.

I also do not use shea. Both shea and coconut oil harden my hair, but I think that shea is worse. I've tried different raw brands and different products. Not worth it. I prefer tallow to shea and it's changed my hair for the better.

I was about to do another DIY, but with coconut milk and decided to update that this ingredient is a coconut exception for my hair.

 

[yaya24]

I use a DIY mix with MCT oil as the base on my scalp with no issues.

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

This sounds like my hair. I've tried so many ways. I have to add flax to this list.

Flaxseed too?! Guys are you sure??... I'm jk

I have been thinking of making a "growth" flaxseed gel for so long

Now I'm curious to see how my hair will respond to flaxseed gel and will finally make it

This video makes the process seem simple


@GettingKinky hopefully your hair is not allergic to flaxseed. If you're not, this would be cost effective hair gel if you cowash daily

 

[faithVA]

I was thinking about flax. Again, this is something that I tried YEARS ago. I feel like it might be a no. Someone out here mentioned chia, so I'll have to remember to try it when I take my twists down.

Cloves are another trend that dried out my hair.

I know you can blend chia smooth but I jus pictured my hair with cha cha chia growing out of it I'm going to pass on that one

 

[snoop]

I know you can blend chia smooth but I jus pictured my hair with cha cha chia growing out of it I'm going to pass on that one

Listen, at the end of the year when I use those green sprouts to gain the last two inches, I'll remind you of this conversation.

 

[yaya24]

I eat chia seeds almost every day. I know about other health benefits..let me look into the benefits for hair growth.

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

I tried to make some flaxseed gel like the video, but the holes of the strainer I had were a bit too big. I had to use a stocking

What seemed like forever only managed to produce this small amount

Hopefully when I get the right strainer it will be a lot easier

Going to apply this tonight and see how my hair feels tomorrow

 

[MzSwift]

Ok I think @snoop our hair NOs are twins.

My hair does not like aloe vera juice, shea butter or coconut oil.

Triplets!

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Triplets!

I feel so left out

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

This sounds like my hair. I've tried so many ways. I have to add flax to this list.

Thanks for bringing up flaxseed! I'm adding growth flaxseed gel to my regimen

I boiled the flaxseed with Fenugreek and Rose Mary. Added a dash of Caster Oil + Tee Tree, Rose Mary, and Peppermint EOs

 

[faithVA]

Listen, at the end of the year when I use those green sprouts to gain the last two inches, I'll remind you of this conversation.

You may not have to when I see that sexy fro.

 

[faithVA]

Thanks for bringing up flaxseed! I'm adding growth flaxseed gel to my regimen

I boiled the flaxseed with Fenugreek and Rose Mary. Added a dash of Caster Oil + Tee Tree, Rose Mary, and Peppermint EOs

Enjoy!

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Thanks for bringing up flaxseed! I'm adding growth flaxseed gel to my regimen

I boiled the flaxseed with Fenugreek and Rose Mary. Added a dash of Caster Oil + Tee Tree, Rose Mary, and Peppermint EOs

Forgot to mention, in the vid the ratio is 1:4. I think since I used Fenugreek seeds it was not as thin as in the video and ended up using ratio 1:6

Since I'm leaving the remainder until I get a strainer, I added some more water for it to swell some more, not sure what the new ratio is. When I make it again, I'll use 1:6 with about 1-1.5 TBSP of Fenugreek seeds

 

[VarieYvette]

1. Heat. My hair gets easily damaged by heat. So much that my hair length remained stagnant in 2024 because I got my hair blowdried monthly to get knotless braids
Sorry to hear that, since I love Knotless Braids too!
Was it the heat or the manipulation (combing through the hair) of blow drying? Did the stylist blow dry or did you blow dry yourself? Traditional blow drying with a comb attachment or paddle brush really depends on technique (detangling, leave ins, handling of combs/paddle brush, etc) to prevent damage to your ends

It was both the heat and the over manipulation with the comb attachment. My hair hates heat, and combined with the comb attachment, instant death. There's a time I flat ironed my hair once for a length check in '15, and I had horrific damage even though I had prepped my hair thoroughly and used minimal passes/lowest heat setting

2. Protective styles like knotless braids make me neglect my hair, so it gets weak
Maybe reserve Knotless Braids for Holidays and wear them for 3 to 4 weeks Max

I used to keep them in for 4 weeks, but it didn't help. I need at minimum weekly deep conditioning for optimal hair health. So if I do braids, I do them myself, and keep them in for 2 weeks max.

3. Hard water. We have hard water, but recently installed a water softening system so hopefully this helps
Malibu C has the best shampoo for removing hardwater. Makes your hair feel so soft! They are on the pricey side, but its worth it! Here's the link to their shampoo I have used (https://malibuc.com/products/hard-water-wellness-shampoo?variant=31714228731967)

I can't find a lot of products here, so I have to make do with what I get

4. Laziness. I get so lazy I neglect my hair
Lets stay connected to stay motivated to reach our goals

Sounds like a plan, I would love to have healthy MBL hair by my 40th birthday


5. Letting my hair shrink. This causes knots that are a nightmare to detangle, and I get impatient. But since @Chicoro put me onto shea butter, the knotting is minimal, and only happens when I do not use a butter
Interesting about the butter, glad it's working for you! I don't use butter, how are you using it?
Other people I've heard that had issues with knots, their solution was keeping their hair "stretched". You can braid/twist your hair after washing and let it air dry stretched or you can use whatever preferred method to "stretch" your hair to reduce knots. I think I saw earlier that you are "threading" your hair which is better than braiding/twists for stretching the hair. Do you have issues even when you "thread" your hair? I might have "thread" wrong but that's all I can think to call it right now

With the butters, I use them to seal in my leave in after my wash day, and sometimes apply a bit on my edges during the week. There are times when I may be found massaging a small amount into my scalp. I think it helps with sealing the hair cuticle and reducing frizz as well as hair strand friction against other strands. The African threading is definitely my go to for stretching hair. It's easy and quick. Only problem you can have is if you use too much tension, I made that mistake once, and had breakage and my scalp was angry at me. I definitely wont use that much tension again

 

[snoop]

It was both the heat and the over manipulation with the comb attachment. My hair hates heat, and combined with the comb attachment, instant death. There's a time I flat ironed my hair once for a length check in '15, and I had horrific damage even though I had prepped my hair thoroughly and used minimal passes/lowest heat setting

I used to keep them in for 4 weeks, but it didn't help. I need at minimum weekly deep conditioning for optimal hair health. So if I do braids, I do them myself, and keep them in for 2 weeks max.

I can't find a lot of products here, so I have to make do with what I get

With the butters, I use them to seal in my leave in after my wash day, and sometimes apply a bit on my edges during the week. There are times when I may be found massaging a small amount into my scalp. I think it helps with sealing the hair cuticle and reducing frizz as well as hair strand friction against other strands. The African threading is definitely my go to for stretching hair. It's easy and quick. Only problem you can have is if you use too much tension, I made that mistake once, and had breakage and my scalp was angry at me. I definitely wont use that much tension again

Can you describe your hair strands, please? I ask because I went to a stylist a few years ago. I found her on Instagram and she does amazing silk presses. We agreed that we'd only do a blow out on my hair and she said that my hair couldn't handle heat and if I came back she probably wouldn't even do a blow out on my hair. In 12 years, I only tried pressing my hair once and that was really early on. I let my mom do it, but I was so paranoid that she didn't have good hair practices and it turned out pretty bad. (My fault.) I went to Great Clips for them to trim my ends. It was years later that I went to the Instagram stylist and that was the second and only other time that I can remember going to a stylist for my natural hair. Since then, I haven't used any heat on my hair other than a heating cap for DCs.

My strands are fine/medium and on the cottony side. I'm curious if our textures are the same any what would make hair not deal with heat properly.

As for the hard water, is it possible to source citric acid? I managed to find some the other day at my local bulk store in the baking section. I'm going to try using it and see what happens. You're supposed to only use a tiny amount in the water. I can't remember how much, but I know that there are older posts that talk about it. We're talking fractions of a teaspoon to gallons of water, tiny. Some people will also do a final vinegar rinse to help.

As for the threading, I saw a video where a lady braided her roots and threaded her ends. It was so pretty and looked just as neat. A variation of that could be an option for you. If I can find it, I will post here for you.

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

It was both the heat and the over manipulation with the comb attachment. My hair hates heat, and combined with the comb attachment, instant death. There's a time I flat ironed my hair once for a length check in '15, and I had horrific damage even though I had prepped my hair thoroughly and used minimal passes/lowest heat setting

I used to keep them in for 4 weeks, but it didn't help. I need at minimum weekly deep conditioning for optimal hair health. So if I do braids, I do them myself, and keep them in for 2 weeks max.

I can't find a lot of products here, so I have to make do with what I get

With the butters, I use them to seal in my leave in after my wash day, and sometimes apply a bit on my edges during the week. There are times when I may be found massaging a small amount into my scalp. I think it helps with sealing the hair cuticle and reducing frizz as well as hair strand friction against other strands. The African threading is definitely my go to for stretching hair. It's easy and quick. Only problem you can have is if you use too much tension, I made that mistake once, and had breakage and my scalp was angry at me. I definitely wont use that much tension again

"It was both the heat and the over manipulation with the comb attachment. My hair hates heat, and combined with the comb attachment, instant death. There's a time I flat ironed my hair once for a length check in '15, and I had horrific damage even though I had prepped my hair thoroughly and used minimal passes/lowest heat setting"
I'm sorry I had to laugh at "instant death" Have you tried roller setting? I believe my hair is shorter than yours. I'm going to experiment this weekend with RevAir and roller setting only the ends. I want to roller set the ends to keep them protected during this challenge and only flat iron the roots. When my hair is likely at APL I'll try roller setting all my hair under a bonnet dryer. There are a lot of naturals that roller set their hair - short and long - that have beautiful results

"I used to keep them in for 4 weeks, but it didn't help. I need at minimum weekly deep conditioning for optimal hair health. So if I do braids, I do them myself, and keep them in for 2 weeks max."
Two weeks max sounds great! I plan to do my own Knotless Braids too when it gets long enough. I have a goal of 2 weeks, 3 weeks Max. Plan is to use growth oil and aloe spray while they are in. I'll be straightening my hair for my KBs, therefore I won't be washing them. I'll be treating my hair like it's "silk pressed" by not getting them wet in KBs. I'm going to clarify, moisture DC, and use a heavy cream (not sure which one yet) for ends when braiding KBs to help retain the moisture in my hair while they are in KBs. Will let you know how it goes if I remember

" I can't find a lot of products here, so I have to make do with what I get"
You can get it on Amazon. They sell the big bottles (33oz) that last a long time

"Sounds like a plan, I would love to have healthy MBL hair by my 40th birthday"
That would be amazing to achieve that goal! Let's make 2025 and beyond years of continual discipline of healthy hair growth and length retention!

"With the butters, I use them to seal in my leave in after my wash day, and sometimes apply a bit on my edges during the week. There are times when I may be found massaging a small amount into my scalp. I think it helps with sealing the hair cuticle and reducing frizz as well as hair strand friction against other strands. The African threading is definitely my go to for stretching hair. It's easy and quick. Only problem you can have is if you use too much tension, I made that mistake once, and had breakage and my scalp was angry at me. I definitely wont use that much tension again"
Interesting! I might try to use Shea Butter for my ends when braiding KBs. I also have tallow. Maybe I'll do half on one side and half on the other to see which one works best to keep hair moist when taking down KBs. So glad African threading is working out for you

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Can you describe your hair strands, please? I ask because I went to a stylist a few years ago. I found her on Instagram and she does amazing silk presses. We agreed that we'd only do a blow out on my hair and she said that my hair couldn't handle heat and if I came back she probably wouldn't even do a blow out on my hair. In 12 years, I only tried pressing my hair once and that was really early on. I let my mom do it, but I was so paranoid that she didn't have good hair practices and it turned out pretty bad. (My fault.) I went to Great Clips for them to trim my ends. It was years later that I went to the Instagram stylist and that was the second and only other time that I can remember going to a stylist for my natural hair. Since then, I haven't used any heat on my hair other than a heating cap for DCs.

My strands are fine/medium and on the cottony side. I'm curious if our textures are the same any what would make hair not deal with heat properly.

As for the hard water, is it possible to source citric acid? I managed to find some the other day at my local bulk store in the baking section. I'm going to try using it and see what happens. You're supposed to only use a tiny amount in the water. I can't remember how much, but I know that there are older posts that talk about it. We're talking fractions of a teaspoon to gallons of water, tiny. Some people will also do a final vinegar rinse to help.

As for the threading, I saw a video where a lady braided her roots and threaded her ends. It was so pretty and looked just as neat. A variation of that could be an option for you. If I can find it, I will post here for you.

I just searched "African Threading" and this was the first vid that popped up. Look at the volume!


When my hair is past APL I might try this


@VarieYvette how do you safely take down the threading at the roots and the ends. The thread is black which can make it hard to see. That would be my only concern with threading

 

[snoop]

@25InchesStarting'25 @VarieYvette Roller setting natural hair also works with air drying. I've done it without using any styling lotions.