Grow It Long 2025 Challenge!

[snoop]

My Q1 update:

So, I try to wear my hair in a loose bun. The idea for me is to put less stress on my crown area.




I think I posted on Jan 31 that I'd finished installing these two-strand mini twists. They're still in. Don't mind the messy look below, because I took the above bun down and this was the result. I washed my hair yesterday and put it in this bun to stretch it while it dried, but the bun was still damp. You can see white stuff in my hair and that's the tallow that didn't sink into my strands, yet.

I'm getting close to my goal of having my two strand twists hang to APL. I set this goal for myself years ago, back when I thought that it was an impossible, but fun to try and achieve goal. Now, my twists are actually grazing WL when I stretch them. NO WAY. I can't remember what year I started on this site, but THANK YOU ALL for your help in getting here!!!





My goal is to nurse the shorter strands, which I think are from my crown area, to get past SL and maybe even APL.

 

[B_Phlyy]

I'm about to color my hair so my pics should be up later tonight or first thing in the morning.

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Notion.com

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

My Q1 update:

So, I try to wear my hair in a loose bun. The idea for me is to put less stress on my crown area.

View attachment 502626


I think I posted on Jan 31 that I'd finished installing these two-strand mini twists. They're still in. Don't mind the messy look below, because I took the above bun down and this was the result. I washed my hair yesterday and put it in this bun to stretch it while it dried, but the bun was still damp. You can see white stuff in my hair and that's the tallow that didn't sink into my strands, yet.

I'm getting close to my goal of having my two strand twists hang to APL. I set this goal for myself years ago, back when I thought that it was an impossible, but fun to try and achieve goal. Now, my twists are actually grazing WL when I stretch them. NO WAY. I can't remember what year I started on this site, but THANK YOU ALL for your help in getting here!!!


View attachment 502624


My goal is to nurse the shorter strands, which I think are from my crown area, to get past SL and maybe even APL.

Congratulations!

Will post pics on the weekend

 

[faithVA]

My Q1 update:

So, I try to wear my hair in a loose bun. The idea for me is to put less stress on my crown area.

View attachment 502626


I think I posted on Jan 31 that I'd finished installing these two-strand mini twists. They're still in. Don't mind the messy look below, because I took the above bun down and this was the result. I washed my hair yesterday and put it in this bun to stretch it while it dried, but the bun was still damp. You can see white stuff in my hair and that's the tallow that didn't sink into my strands, yet.

I'm getting close to my goal of having my two strand twists hang to APL. I set this goal for myself years ago, back when I thought that it was an impossible, but fun to try and achieve goal. Now, my twists are actually grazing WL when I stretch them. NO WAY. I can't remember what year I started on this site, but THANK YOU ALL for your help in getting here!!!


View attachment 502624


My goal is to nurse the shorter strands, which I think are from my crown area, to get past SL and maybe even APL.

Very nice. Sounds like you are easing your way into your goals.

 

[faithVA]

My updates won't be until the end if the month.

I will color, blow dry, trim and take pics. I have no idea at this point what progress I'm making.

 

[HealthyHair2020]

I'll also give a full update in a couple weeks but I got braids last month and have been enjoying them so much! Have been enjoying them so much and just gave them a wash. I will take them out in 2-3 weeks so I'll blowdry afterward and give a better update on length and health.

After having these braids in, I'm thinking to myself why did I stop doing my mini twists that used to last me for 3 weeks? I think with me exercising 4-5 times a week, I need something that can withstand that and I think that twists will come into play there. My braids are looking good a month in so I might just have the same stylist twist them for me.

 

[B_Phlyy]

There was so much going on in my life this first quarter of 2025 so consistency was some times hard. But I did try to shampoo and deep condition at least once a week as well as clarifying twice per month. I was mostly in many mini braids with my own hair though I did add some extension hair this past month.


For the length check
Colored with the CHI Ion color line. I'm supposed to be using henna for hair coloring but I'm too impatient to wait for dye release. Shampooed with Pureology Sheer Volume shampoo and followed up with the Briogeo Honey Deep Conditioner. Pantene Miracle Repair leave-in (the smell took me back to my college dorm) and It's A 10 Heat Protectant spray.

Used my Dyson dryer with the comb attachment and blowdried straight. Waited until my hair completely cooled down then applied L'Anza Healing Oil Treatment Oil. Flat ironed with my 1" flat iron. I probably did 1/2 inch sections to get my hair as flat as possible.

I personally don't see as much change in length but I can tell my hair is fuller. In the initial pic (left side), I can see my thin areas trying to peak through at the crown. It's much more full in the after. And yes, I am going to clean up those end. They are not necessarily knotty right now but I can see them causing problems in the future if I don't fix them.

*also, I finally cleaned my mirror.

 

[snoop]

@B_Phlyy I agree with your observations. Your hair has grown a little and it does look fuller! Gains!

 

[yaya24]

Happy Friday ladies ☆☆☆

I will post my update photos for this challenge at the end of April when I take down my cornrows.

I've scheduled my salon appointment for June 2nd. I'll be getting my 1st trim since shaving my head and re-starting my hair care journey.

My June appointment should be straight forward and I'll likely only go once a year for a treat and trim or 2xs a year at most if I feel lead to do so.. until my hair is at APL.

*Planning to dust at home (as needed) in between appointments and once my hair is long enough, do my own trims.

I'm still really surprised at what these salons are charging these days (I'll be paying $230 for my appointment before tip), but her reviews/skills are good, and her personality seems like one I'll like.

Back when I would go to salons periodicallywhile natural, max for something like this (with really good reviews) was $125 before tip. If it was a lesser known stylist, it would be around $85 before tip.

Here is her description for the appointment-

• A full consultation
• Scalp treatment and hair cleansing
• Intensive steam hydration treatment
• Blowout, trim (done on stretched hair), and textured styling
• A full hair regimen provided during the first appointment
• The emphasis is on natural hair care, hydration, and styling.

I'm planning on leaving with flat twists or straight back cornrows..

 

[Angel of the North]

Hey ladies!

April 1st has rolled around and time for hair updates! Let's see some Q1 pics!

How has your hair been doing? Are you getting closer to your 2025 hair goals?

@GettingKinky
@HealthyHair2020
@faithVA
@VarieYvette
@Chicoro
@MzSwift
@pikkonoloidlee
@B_Phlyy
@newgrowth15
@Kells
@Meritamen
@Bette Davis Eyes
@CoiledOrchids
@25InchesStarting'25
@SmilingElephant
@yaya24
@GGsKin
@KidneyBean86
@Angel of the North

The picture I posted was taken on the 31st, I will be using that as my Q1 pic as I have only just restarted my HH Journey. My hair was freshly washed, DC'd and trimmed so, I think it makes a good update pic.

I'm looking so forward to my first official update

 

[SmilingElephant]

Wait...it's time for updates!?

*checks first post*

 

[SmilingElephant]

I think I'm going to wait until June in my Hip Length-TBL challenge...it's too soon for me

I hope that's okay

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

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

 

[SmilingElephant]

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 you stick to my regimen and see that all the effort does reap good benefits

Wow! Look at all that growth!

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Wow! Look at all that growth!

You're a big part in heading me in the right direction, thank you!

 

[faithVA]

There was so much going on in my life this first quarter of 2025 so consistency was some times hard. But I did try to shampoo and deep condition at least once a week as well as clarifying twice per month. I was mostly in many mini braids with my own hair though I did add some extension hair this past month.


For the length check
Colored with the CHI Ion color line. I'm supposed to be using henna for hair coloring but I'm too impatient to wait for dye release. Shampooed with Pureology Sheer Volume shampoo and followed up with the Briogeo Honey Deep Conditioner. Pantene Miracle Repair leave-in (the smell took me back to my college dorm) and It's A 10 Heat Protectant spray.

Used my Dyson dryer with the comb attachment and blowdried straight. Waited until my hair completely cooled down then applied L'Anza Healing Oil Treatment Oil. Flat ironed with my 1" flat iron. I probably did 1/2 inch sections to get my hair as flat as possible.

I personally don't see as much change in length but I can tell my hair is fuller. In the initial pic (left side), I can see my thin areas trying to peak through at the crown. It's much more full in the after. And yes, I am going to clean up those end. They are not necessarily knotty right now but I can see them causing problems in the future if I don't fix them.

*also, I finally cleaned my mirror.

Your hair is definitely longer and it appears that maybe your right side grows faster than you left. Great progress!

 

[faithVA]

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 you stick to my regimen and see that all the effort does reap good benefits

Great progress! Congratulations!

 

[VarieYvette]

I had a trim on the 2nd to get rid of the rest of the damage and texlaxed hair. I am back to where I started at the beginning of the year. However, I do feel if I lock in, I can get to APL by the end of the year

 

[GettingKinky]

Your hair is looking good @VarieYvette

 

[VarieYvette]

Your hair is looking good @VarieYvette

Thank you so much!!!

 

[faithVA]

I had a trim on the 2nd to get rid of the rest of the damage and texlaxed hair. I am back to where I started at the beginning of the year. However, I do feel if I lock in, I can get to APL by the end of the year


View attachment 502772View attachment 502774View attachment 502776

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

 

[Chicoro]

This is the thread with the good pictures!

 

[yaya24]

I made a new batch of clove water.
This time I also added fenugreek seeds and let them all sit and soak for 24 hours before draining and adding to a spray bottle, then mixing in EOs and some MSM powder.

Lets see this goes.

 

[Angel of the North]

Great progress ladies.... I'm looking forward to more updates

 

[Angel of the North]

Great progress ladies.... I'm looking forward to more updates

 

[GettingKinky]

There is a a HUGE difference between washing every 3-4 days and waiting 10 days. Detangling was so much more tedious and the amount of shed hair was huge. I felt like maybe I was going bald, those 50-100 shed hairs per day add up quickly.

 

[GettingKinky]

Duplicate post

 

[Meritamen]

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.

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

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! 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