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Grow It Long 2025 Challenge!

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@snoop, @GettingKinky, @VarieYvette if you want to opt out as well, no worries! :)

If everyone chooses to opt out, I will continue posting in the Braid & Hydrate thread until weekend of May 24th, then once monthly until August in the Braid & Hydrate thread. Will post here on the designated months for Grow It Long Challenge

My hair is the shortest out of everyone and on a mission to grow my hair out as fast as possible, my ambition is motivating me to stick to this daily co washing regimen despite everything else I have on my plate. It's like lifting weights. It's seems extremely challenging in the beginning, then gets easier with time and practice
 
25InchesStarting'25 said:
@snoop, @GettingKinky, @VarieYvette if you want to opt out as well, no worries! :)

If everyone chooses to opt out, I will continue posting in the Braid & Hydrate thread until weekend of May 24th, then once monthly until August in the Braid & Hydrate thread. Will post here on the designated months for Grow It Long Challenge

My hair is the shortest out of everyone and on a mission to grow my hair out as fast as possible, my ambition is motivating me to stick to this daily co washing regimen despite everything else I have on my plate. It's like lifting weights. It's seems extremely challenging in the beginning, then gets easier with time and practice
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I can go either way. Aside from 2 weeks from now when I’ll be on vacation I can post weekly pictures. But if no one else wants to do it, I’m fine dropping it and sticking to just taking pictures when I do my blowout trims.
 
I'm not hard and fast with my picture taking. I prefer to take pictures when there's something I need to note. I don't think my hair changes so much in two weeks to warrant a picture unless I'm changing the sizes of my twists.

I'm still living in my mini twists so it may be another week or so before I take another pic of my hair unless I keep my twists in even longer.
 
@GettingKinky since you're indifferent, I'm going to continue posting in the Summer Braid & Hydrate thread, that will make life more easy on me with all that I'm trying to keep up with

@snoop you made me think I was going crazy, you are wearing "mini" twists :laugh: I totally understand wanting to take pictures when you feel the need

@VarieYvette Since you're threading, you can post in Summer Braids & Hydrate thread if you wish to continue there

As the shortest gal in the group, I look up to you all! Working diligently to catch up :)
 
25InchesStarting'25 said:
For me the Bobby Pins work perfect! I don't experience any tension. I was experiencing some tension with wet bunning, that's why I'm glad I made the switch

I like these Bobby Pins because the tips are very thick and glide effortlessly off and on the hair. I do make sure I open the pin when taking them off. When my hair gets longer, not sure if they'll be able to hold the hair anymore. For short hair they work great! :)

View attachment 501893
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When the Bobby Pins are no longer smooth all over, they need to be thrown away. I use them while wet and in the shower, so the life time of them are shortened. In the pic you can see the shiny black finish is eroding
ThrowAwayBobbyPin.jpg
 
Something that I constantly forget, but remind myself after a month of wearing my twists is that I have to be careful when dealing with my roots. Since I don't have clean parts, it's easier to cause breakage at the roots while moisturizing, washing, massaging, styling, etc. This weekend will mark 2 months of having my twists in. If I can wait until the Easter weekend, that will be 1 week short of 3 months. I try to give myself event milestones for taking down my hair to keep me distracted.
 
Took out my knotless braids and deep a clarify wash and deep condition. I only had enough heat protectant for a blow dry so no flat ironing. And my greys are rearing their forsaken strands and must be banished.

My quarterly length check will probably be next week.
 
faithVA said:
I know I said I would participate but I'm going to opt out of this particular challenge so I can focus on all that I already have on my plate. My apologies. I knew I had too much going on already when I said yes.
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It can be hard to keep up with multiple challenges, especially with all the things we have going on in life outside of our hair care. I'm going to miss you on this one.
 
@Angel of the North, same here, I joined many challenges at once and it's too much to keep up with a busy schedule, had to drop quite a few and focus primarily on a few

I'm going to be posting my accountability weekly here until the end of Summer [ https://longhaircareforums.com/threads/spring-into-summer-braid-hydrate-2025-challenge.857192/ ]

Su - S-CW
M- S-CW
T - S-CW - Forgot to use Homemade Co Wash, Going to do away with Homemade Co Wash and use Store Bought all week
W - S-CW
R - S-CW
F - S-CW
S - W

This is what I plan to be posting weekly in the "Spring Into Summer Braid & Hydrate" challenge, if I'm able to update it weekly with ease. I didn't complete this for last week since it was taking too much time to back track, but should be filled out for next week in "Spring Into Summer...."
HCJWeek3.23.25.png
 
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25InchesStarting'25 said:
@Angel of the North, same here, I joined many challenges at once and it's too much to keep up with a busy schedule, had to drop quite a few and focus primarily on a few

I'm going to be posting my accountability weekly here until the end of Summer [ https://longhaircareforums.com/threads/spring-into-summer-braid-hydrate-2025-challenge.857192/ ]

Su - S-CW
M- S-CW
T - S-CW - Forgot to use Homemade Co Wash, Going to do away with Homemade Co Wash and use Store Bought all week
W - S-CW
R - S-CW
F - S-CW
S - W

This is what I plan to be posting weekly in the "Spring Into Summer Braid & Hydrate" challenge, if I'm able to update it weekly with ease. I didn't complete this for last week since it was taking to much time to back track, but should be filled out for next week in "Spring Into Summer...."
View attachment 502510
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How long have you been on your HC journey? Have you tried out many products/processes to get to this regimen?
 
Angel of the North said:
How long have you been on your HC journey? Have you tried out many products/processes to get to this regimen?
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I unexpectedly cut my hair at the end of last year, and was on a desperate search on how to grow it back as fast as possible :laugh:

I looked up product ingredients and their reviews before purchase. Also looked at people's HCJ and compared common variables of their success to help me decide what I wanted to do for my HCJ. Things that are new for me in hair care is RevAir, DIY Growth Oil/Pomade, and daily Co Washing. I like them all. I started HCJ Jan/Feb 2025. I've been fortunate to have all products work out well that I have purchased for the first time this year in Jan and haven't bought anything since then :)
 
25InchesStarting'25 said:
I unexpectedly cut my hair at the end of last year, and was on a desperate search on how to grow it back as fast as possible :laugh:

I looked up product ingredients and their reviews before purchase. Also looked at people's HCJ and compared common variables of their success to help me decide what I wanted to do for my HCJ. Things that are new for me in hair care is RevAir, DIY Growth Oil/Pomade, and daily Co Washing. I like them all. I started HCJ Jan/Feb 2025. I've been fortunate to have all products work out well that I have purchased for the first time this year in Jan and haven't bought anything since then :)
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Congratulations on starting your HCJ ❤️

I think documenting how your hair reacts to products/ingredients/processes is very useful. I kept a journal and it made it easy for me to figure out what worked, what didn't or anything that may have caused any setbacks.

Over the years I found many different combinations of products and ingredients that worked well for me, now that I am getting back to my HCJ, I will create a regimen that I know will be very simple but also effective.

I'm starting with a simple clarifying poo, DC and trim. I've ordered my hairs favourite oils (grapeseed and avocado) and favourite butters (mango and avocado). I have a few moisturisers, other than the S-Curl, I don't particularly love them, but they are easy to pick up off the shelf and I suppose they do their job.

I am a reformed PJ:lachen:I'm planning to try out some new moisturisers, hopefully, I can find THE one. That was the intention of moisturiser thread I stated in 2020, I was trying to get back into my HCJ, but fell off rather quickly due to health reasons. I need to keep things simple and achievable. I'm happy that thread got revived, I'm hoping to get some great recommendations ☺️
 
Angel of the North said:
Congratulations on starting your HCJ ❤️

I think documenting how your hair reacts to products/ingredients/processes is very useful. I kept a journal and it made it easy for me to figure out what worked, what didn't or anything that may have caused any setbacks.

Over the years I found many different combinations of products and ingredients that worked well for me, now that I am getting back to my HCJ, I will create a regimen that I know will be very simple but also effective.

I'm starting with a simple clarifying poo, DC and trim. I've ordered my hairs favourite oils (grapeseed and avocado) and favourite butters (mango and avocado). I have a few moisturisers, other than the S-Curl, I don't particularly love them, but they are easy to pick up off the shelf and I suppose they do their job.

I am a reformed PJ:lachen:I'm planning to try out some new moisturisers, hopefully, I can find THE one. That was the intention of moisturiser thread I stated in 2020, I was trying to get back into my HCJ, but fell off rather quickly due to health reasons. I need to keep things simple and achievable. I'm happy that thread got revived, I'm hoping to get some great recommendations ☺️
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Thank you! Likewise:heart3:

My hair is really short so I feel like I'm in the Olympics right now to grow it as fast as possible:laugh: I'll likely simplify it when a decent amount of hair is at APL or BSL

What type of moisturizer are you looking for? Leave-In or Deep Conditioner?

My hair loves Aloe Vera in hair products. My hair also does well with shea butter in hair products. Do you have issues with either of these ingredients? There were a number of people in this thread who mentioned that their hair could not tolerate these two ingredients. If you like these ingredients, I can make a recommendation :)
 
25InchesStarting'25 said:
Thank you! Likewise:heart3:

My hair is really short so I feel like I'm in the Olympics right now to grow it as fast as possible:laugh: I'll likely simplify it when a decent amount of hair is at APL or BSL

What type of moisturizer are you looking for? Leave-In or Deep Conditioner?

My hair loves Aloe Vera in hair products. My hair also does well with shea butter in hair products. Do you have issues with either of these ingredients? There were a number of people in this thread who mentioned that their hair could not tolerate these two ingredients. If you like these ingredients, I can make a recommendation :)
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My hair likes both of these ingredients ☺️ I'm hoping it won't be something I have to import :giggle:

ETA: I'm looking for something creamy maybe, but light/not too thick for my fine strands. LCO works very well for my hair, so I guess I'm looking for the 'C'. I don't use moisturisers with cones or parabens etc.there are 2 or 3 conditioners I like that have cones, outside of them, I don't play with the "nasties ".

I want to try moisturisers from As I am, Shea Moisture and maybe Afrocenchix.
 
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Angel of the North said:
My hair likes both of these ingredients ☺️ I'm hoping it won't be something I have to import :giggle:

ETA: I'm looking for something creamy maybe, but light/not too thick for my fine strands. LCO works very well for my hair, so I guess I'm looking for the 'C'. I don't use moisturisers with cones or parabens etc.there are 2 or 3 conditioners I like that have cones, outside of them, I don't play with the "nasties ".

I want to try moisturisers from As I am, Shea Moisture and maybe Afrocenchix.
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I've used these two and really like both. I like As I Am a little better because it's light weight. You can use SheaMoisture as a DC or Leave In. I have SheaMoisture right now and will repurchase As I Am when my hair is longer and wearing it out more
As I Am Hydrating Leave In.pngSheaMoistureLeaveIn.png
 
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Angel of the North said:
My hair likes both of these ingredients ☺️ I'm hoping it won't be something I have to import :giggle:

ETA: I'm looking for something creamy maybe, but light/not too thick for my fine strands. LCO works very well for my hair, so I guess I'm looking for the 'C'. I don't use moisturisers with cones or parabens etc.there are 2 or 3 conditioners I like that have cones, outside of them, I don't play with the "nasties ".

I want to try moisturisers from As I am, Shea Moisture and maybe Afrocenchix.
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I just saw you edit: As I Am is on the thinner side. Shea Moisture is creamy. As I Am is lightweight and hair feels moisturized at the same time. If you're looking for the "C" SheaMoisture might be better

I wanted to buy this in January but it was out of stock and still out of stock. The ingredients are great and seems to be creamy and not too heavy. The website says it coming back soon
Melanin.png
Melanin2.pngMelanin3.pngMelanin4.png
 
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25InchesStarting'25 said:
I just saw you edit: As I Am is on the thinner side. Shea Moisture is creamy. As I Am is lightweight and hair feels moisturized at the same time. If you're looking for the "C" SheaMoisture might be better

I wanted to buy this in January but it was out of stock and still out of stock. The ingredients are great and seems to be creamy and not too heavy. The website says it coming back soon
View attachment 502520
View attachment 502522View attachment 502524View attachment 502526
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I like the concept of the lighter As I Am, the SheaMoisture that I'm thinking of is probably lighter than the one you posted as it's a milk and not a cream. I'm not sure what the exact consistency will be as I'm yet to try it. I would be willing to try something creamier, as long as it doesn't do what the Cantu does.

I've seen the Melanin products around, they look great! Unfortunately, I'm no longer willing to spend money on expensive hair products. I've made a conscious effort to find reasonably priced products that work for me. £30 ($38.82 according to the current exchange rate), is the most I am willing to spend on any single product, and I will usually stock up on the things I like when there are discounts/promotions.

On average the products I use are between £7- £15. I'm willing to buy the Miche products as I'm expecting great results and although I have to order the items online, the suppliers are UK based. The products I'm interested in are £23 and £27 both being below my maximum price cap.

ETA I've just looked a little more closely at that Melanin conditioner, I see it can be used 7 different ways.... I might have to look out for it on when it's on offer. I like the idea of having one multi purpose product, if it worked for me, I could probably justify purchasing it.

ETA: Space NK uk are selling it for £20, very reasonable, but it's out of stock, Ive put a notification alert on it for when it comes back in stock.a few other websites are selling but would have to import, pay ridiculous amount for shipping and taxes. Somewhere between the 3 I'm going to try, I'm hoping for some magic. Thanks for the recommendations :)
 

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After putting in my flat twist, was able to braid all of my twist together and tuck them under into a little mini bun. That means I'm making a little progress because I can do it without using pins or a hair barrette. Hopefully by the end of the year they will be long enough to have a low bun or to wear without tucking them under at all and just letting them hang.
 
Angel of the North said:
I like the concept of the lighter As I Am, the SheaMoisture that I'm thinking of is probably lighter than the one you posted as it's a milk and not a cream. I'm not sure what the exact consistency will be as I'm yet to try it. I would be willing to try something creamier, as long as it doesn't do what the Cantu does.

I've seen the Melanin products around, they look great! Unfortunately, I'm no longer willing to spend money on expensive hair products. I've made a conscious effort to find reasonably priced products that work for me. £30 ($38.82 according to the current exchange rate), is the most I am willing to spend on any single product, and I will usually stock up on the things I like when there are discounts/promotions.

On average the products I use are between £7- £15. I'm willing to buy the Miche products as I'm expecting great results and although I have to order the items online, the suppliers are UK based. The products I'm interested in are £23 and £27 both being below my maximum price cap.

ETA I've just looked a little more closely at that Melanin conditioner, I see it can be used 7 different ways.... I might have to look out for it on when it's on offer. I like the idea of having one multi purpose product, if it worked for me, I could probably justify purchasing it.

ETA: Space NK uk are selling it for £20, very reasonable, but it's out of stock, Ive put a notification alert on it for when it comes back in stock.a few other websites are selling but would have to import, pay ridiculous amount for shipping and taxes. Somewhere between the 3 I'm going to try, I'm hoping for some magic. Thanks for the recommendations :)
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My pleasure! Hope you find something you love :)
 
We made it to the End of March .. Q1 is officially over :weird:
Looking forward to the next leg of our 2025 journey.

Tomorrow marks 3 weeks on this set of cornrows & I'll finally do a shampoo / quick condition.

I will post my 1st update at the end of April when I take down these cornrows.
 
OMG, this is the first update and length check I've done in probably 8-10 years! Please be patient with me as this will be long (my posts generally are). Wash day ended up being today..... I forgot it was Mother's Day yesterday in the UK.

I sectioned my hair in 4, applied the As I Am curl clarity poo to the roots and left it in there for about 10-15 minutes to do its work. I then wet hair and worked it through the res of the hair and rinsed. I was happy with the results as my hair and scalp were both clean.

I was about to cowash, then remembered an errand I had to run, left the Alberto Balsam in my roots, pulled my hair into a ponytail, half bun. The errand took much longer than intended. When I finally got back, I completed the cowash and applied the As I Am Hydration Elation to hair, I parted in 4 because that tub was so small. The conditioner had good coverage, I wasn't overwhelmed by it as the slip was mediocre. I do feel it served the purpose of a moisturising DC though.

I parted my hair in two and used the bobble method to trim my hair. I cut from above the bands, so I took about 2 inches off. I updated my hair length to I think BSL without a length check when I resubscribed, I think it must have been longer because, when I did the length check, my hair is roughly MBL. I had a crop top on and not a proper bra, although I don't think it would make the biggest difference. I took zoomed into the photo to give a better view.

I applied Camille Rose curl love, curl maker and then gummy hair gel. I don't rate the Camille Rose products tbh. I like the consistency of the products, however the products do not hold the definition of my curls and I end up with frizz. The gummy gel gives awesome definition but drys very hard, one application can last days just by adding water.

Well that's all from me for now, I'm hoping to get a wash day in next Sunday. I'm surprised by how many products I still have in my stash (unused, semi used) and on checking, the efficacy still seems in tact.
 

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