Hair Care Consistency Challenge 2018

YvetteWithJoy

YvetteWithJoy

On break
This thread is for those who need to emphasize CONSISTENCY.

What all do you want to be consistent about in 2018? List it, and report back every week, two weeks, or month, as appropriate.

Possible format:
  1. I will deep condition every wash day--that is, each Thursday.
    I will report back each Thursday to indicate whether I deep conditioned or not.
  2. I will wash in twists every wash day.
    Every time I wash my hair, I will report whether I washed in twists or not.
  3. I will do wash day in twists, dry my hair in twists, and retwist my hair at night.
    I will report when I DON'T do this, why, and how to increase the likelihood next time.
Ideas:
  • Spending no more than $30 month on hair related items
  • Deep conditioning every _____ (week, two weeks, etc.)
  • Covering hair every night
  • Purchasing a hair product only to replace empties
  • Always cutting out SSKs that won't budge, versus snapping them off
  • Scalp massaging 3 times a week
  • Chelating once a month
  • Wearing a protective style for 2 weeks, wearing hair out for 1 week . . . repeat
  • Henna treatment once a month
  • Trim once every 3 months
  • Search and destroy every wash day
  • Finger detangle for 3 out of 4 wash days
  • Etc.
 
FREE RESOURCE
Habit Tracker​

If you have a habit tracker -- say, on your phone -- and it's working awesome for you, no need to read further. :smile: If you could use a habit tracker spreadsheet (either an Excel sheet or a PDF version), please read on! :smile:

Excel Sheet and PDF Habit Tracker Form
I have made my own version of Finally Fiona's Habit Tracker (see below) in both spreadsheet and PDF form. I did this for two reasons: (1) I don't like having to give people my email address all of the time. (2) I have made available the original Excel spreadsheet of the one I made, so that folks can type onto the Excel spreadsheet if they like.

Here they are:

PDF: https://blossomingfitnatural.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/habittrackermyversion1-5.pdf
Excel sheet: https://blossomingfitnatural.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/habittracker1-5.xlsx

Here's how it works:
  • Use the file digitally (in Excel on your computer or phone) and never print it . . . OR type in some stuff on the Excel sheet and then print it to use by hand . . . OR simply print the PDF and use it by hand.
  • Check of what month it is.
  • Fill in the days of the week beneath the dates.
  • List the habits you are building in the first column (you can type these on the Excel sheet and then print if you like, or type them on the Excel sheet and never print and simply use the file on your computer).
  • If you like, shade in or box the days you intend to do certain habits that are not DAILY habits. The shading/boxing of an empty box will indicate that you intend to do the activity/action on that day.
  • As the days go by, place a checkmark or "x" in the appropriate boxes.
If you print it out, you can tape it on the inside of your pantry, kitchen cabinet, etc. where you will frequently see it.

If you aren't into doing things on paper by hand, you can open the Excel file on your phone, or you can snap a picture of the print paper and simply use it as a reminder.

Here's what it looks like.

(Image enlarges upon click.)
HabitTracker1.5ExampleCheckMarksAdded.PNG​

Finally Fiona's On-Paper Habit Tracker
As I mentioned, Finally Fiona offers a free PDF Habit Tracker. Even though it is a printable (and not a digital resource), it might be helpful. To receive it, you submit your email address to her site, and then after activating a "subscription" to her site, she then emails you a free copy of the Habit Tracker.

Here is where you can get Fiona's Habit Tracker: http://www.finallyfiona.com/free-printables-to-smash-your-goals/.
​
Many blessings, all!
 
So here is what I want to be consistent with:

1. Washing at most once every 7 days. Goal is 10-14 days
2. Combing at most once every 2 months. Finger detangling on all other wash days
3. Moisturising and sealing at least every other day
4. Oil rinsing on every wash day
5. Buying products only to replace empty ones.

I will keep coming back here to give myself stars for consistency.
 
I'm in. Some of my goals are the same as @Alma Petra.

  • Washing at most once a week. Goal is to stretch to every 2 weeks.
  • Moisturize and seal my ends daily.
  • Moisturize and seal my length 2x a week
  • Apply scalp serum 2x a week
  • Prepoo before every wash
  • No new products, just repurchase staples.

I'll report in once a week.
 
Nightingale said:
I'm in. Some of my goals are the same as @Alma Petra.

  • Washing at most once a week. Goal is to stretch to every 2 weeks.
  • Moisturize and seal my ends daily.
  • Moisturize and seal my length 2x a week
  • Apply scalp serum 2x a week
  • Prepoo before every wash
  • No new products, just repurchase staples.

I'll report in once a week.
Click to expand...

We almost have the same goals. Let's keep each other motivated. Long hair here we come!
 
YvetteWithJoy said:
Ha!

Thanks!

If someone could just help me with follow through, I'd be good to go!
Click to expand...
I’m with you on that! That’s why I can’t join this thread! Lol I don’t even know where to begin! I started using a journal to track what I’m doing, and to see how it’s working before I commit to consistency. Like I’m trying cowashing once a week.
I just like how your mind works! I think it’s very cool!
 
I will join, but first I want to take the rest of January and likely the month of February to trial product combinations. I don't need to PURCHASE any new-to-me products (thank you, Lord!!! :headspin:), but I do need to test various product combinations.

I'm going to try the wash day cleanse-DC-and-style routine below. I'll aim to stick with it for 3 weeks--unless it becomes obviously clear that it's just not a good regimen.

NOTE: Regimen last revised on January 14th, 2018

upload_2018-1-14_2-31-36.png
 

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    2018BeginningHairRegimen.png
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Nightingale said:
I'm in. Some of my goals are the same as @Alma Petra.

  • Washing at most once a week. Goal is to stretch to every 2 weeks.
  • Moisturize and seal my ends daily.
  • Moisturize and seal my length 2x a week
  • Apply scalp serum 2x a week
  • Prepoo before every wash
  • No new products, just repurchase staples.

I'll report in once a week.
Click to expand...

Checking in!

  1. I did wash no more than once a week. It has been 10 days since my last wash and I plan on washing tomorrow. I could have stretched to 14 days, but I need my scalp toner for that (see #4)
  2. I did not moisturize my ends daily, but I did every other day.
  3. I did moisturize and seal 2x a week (3x in 10 days)
  4. I did not apply my scalp toner, but I had a good reason. I'm out. My reorder was supposed to arrive last week, but shipping got pushed back, so I expect it tomorrow.
  5. I will prepoo right now for my next wash.
  6. I really want to purchase a new product. It isn't new new since I used it years ago, but I want to rebuy. I'll give it a few weeks and if I still want it, I'm going to :giveup: and just buy it. It will be my last purchase, I swear!
 
Nightingale said:
Checking in!

  1. I did wash no more than once a week. It has been 10 days since my last wash and I plan on washing tomorrow. I could have stretched to 14 days, but I need my scalp toner for that (see #4)
  2. I did not moisturize my ends daily, but I did every other day.
  3. I did moisturize and seal 2x a week (3x in 10 days)
  4. I did not apply my scalp toner, but I had a good reason. I'm out. My reorder was supposed to arrive last week, but shipping got pushed back, so I expect it tomorrow.
  5. I will prepoo right now for my next wash.
  6. I really want to purchase a new product. It isn't new new since I used it years ago, but I want to rebuy. I'll give it a few weeks and if I still want it, I'm going to :giveup: and just buy it. It will be my last purchase, I swear!
Click to expand...

:lol: at the bolded. We understand! :yep: But it still made me :lachen:to read that.

I love your accountability list.
 
YvetteWithJoy said:
I will join, but first I want to take the rest of January and likely the month of February to trial product combinations. I don't need to PURCHASE any new-to-me products (thank you, Lord!!! :headspin:), but I do need to test various product combinations.

I'm going to try the wash day cleanse-DC-and-style routine below. I'll aim to stick with it for 3 weeks--unless it becomes obviously clear that it's just not a good regimen.

View attachment 421043
Click to expand...

First wash day of January 2018 is complete. I did the following.

upload_2018-1-10_5-12-3.png

  1. YES: Jumbo Rake and fingers ONLY

    I did only use my fingers and the Magic Star Jumbo Rake. Admittedly, it was a little easier to feel like I didn't need to use my Tangle Buster brush because my hair had been straight before I washed it, and pretty much tangle free. Still, though: I resisted the urge to detangle further after using my fingers and the rake. :yep: I did it!!! :smile: Woo! I hope this Shea butter regimen keeps tangles at bay. I really, really do.

  2. NO: HairPrint Chelating Shampoo

    I did not use the HairPrint Chelating Shampoo because I ran out! I won't repurchase unless/until I run out of the Malibu C Hard Water Shampoo and decide I want to replace it with going back to the HairPrint Chelating Shampoo.

  3. NO: Shea Moisture Manuka Honey masque and Green Beauty Real Protein

    I trialed the new-to-me Mane Choice mask.

  4. NO: Hairveda Red Tea Serum on ends

    I did not do ends care because I had just returned from a trip, had not yet unpacked, and could not find the ends care serum. I finally found it, but by then my hair was already twisted up.

  5. NO: DIY CurlyProverbz Hair Tea

    I did not use the DIY CurlyProverbz Hair Tea because I forgot: I had put a ton of glycerin in mine (experimenting). I thus needed to have made a new batch. Once I realized I didn't have a glycerin-free version, it was too late: Time to twist. Next time! :smile:
 
I’ve been wanting to join, but I’ve been too lazy to type out everything. Anyways, here I go:

I would like to continue to wash my hair every 2-3 weeks. Once a week is too much manipulation for my strands, and only doing it once a month leaves my hair too soft—I’ll explain why this is as I go along. My hair is kept in 13 sections and each section is given its own attention throughout wash and when I am remoisturising.

I will try to deep condition every wash day with a DC that contains Hydrolyzed keratin or SAA. If the DC does not have either of the two (or they are too low on the ingredient list), I will use one egg mixed in.
Additionally, I will only deep condition for a maximum of 30 mins (unless using henna)— anything over this is too much moisture for me ( I’ll explain as I go along).

My leave in will consist of Infusium and SCurl; Xcel 21 will be added if I need a bit more strength. I will then proceed to slather on a Shea butter based product, whether it be my own mix, or a commercial mix (like the MC Hair Dressing). I need to be sure that I am slathering my butter on, the greasier the better.

I will then braid my hair tautly (keeping those same 13 sections) and set the ends on rollers. Once dry or semi dry, I will Bantu knot the end of each braid and baggy each individual section/braid.

Each braid will ONLY ever be undone and remoisturized ONE time (if that) in between wash days.

Because I use the baggy method as my protective style and means for retaining length, my hair never gets dry — it is always moisturized— even on the rare occasion that I stop baggying, my hair can stay moisturized for up to 2 weeks (Yep).
I don’t ever HAVE to remoisturise my hair between washes, I just choose to so that I won’t get lazy. This is also the reason I try not to keep my hair baggied for 4 weeks straight, or deep condition for too long— It risks me having over-moisturized hair.

Side note: This is nothing new to me. I have been baggying 24/7 for weeks at a time since December 2016. It has been only recently that I have had to up my protein. I believe this is also because of a new product addition (S Curl), which gives my hair so much moisture. The moisture it gives me can be too much for my hair at times which is why I mix it with a product containing SAA. I’ve been able to retain upwards of 13 inches (could be more if I could leave the scissors) in 2.5 years, which lets me know that this is what my hair enjoys: constantly wet, stretched and greasy hair.

Other additions: 1. I will use henna on my entire head at least once every 4 months. However, I will henna the crown section of my hair at least every two months. I just recently made this decision. I haven’t been treating the crown of my head with as much tlc as the nape and front,but in 2018 I plan to change that.

2. On the rare occasion that I am re-moisturizing, I will do twists instead of braids. My hair is pretty much very stretched after being braided on wash day,especially with the heavy application of Shea butter, so I have no need to rebraid.

I’ll edit if I remember anything.
 
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Reporting:

1. Washing at most once every 7 days. Goal is 10-14 days
Done. I co-washed on day 13

2. Combing at most once every 2 months. Finger detangling on all other wash days
Done. I haven't combed yet since the start of the year

3. Moisturising and sealing at least every other day
Done, every other day, without disturbing the bun.

4. Oil rinsing on every wash day
Done. I co-washed on the 11th and I used a castor oil mix to oil rinse

5. Buying products only to replace empty ones.
Haven't bought anything yet

I give myself the full mark. Yay! :cup:
 
Alma Petra said:
Reporting:

1. Washing at most once every 7 days. Goal is 10-14 days
Done. I co-washed on day 13

2. Combing at most once every 2 months. Finger detangling on all other wash days
Done. I haven't combed yet since the start of the year

3. Moisturising and sealing at least every other day
Done, every other day, without disturbing the bun.

4. Oil rinsing on every wash day
Done. I co-washed on the 11th and I used a castor oil mix to oil rinse

5. Buying products only to replace empty ones.
Haven't bought anything yet

I give myself the full mark. Yay! :cup:
Click to expand...

Excellence!!!
 
I would love to join this thread. The Habit Tracker is such an amazing tool :evilbanana:When I get stressed, I tend to organize my life, so I am in major organization mode these days as I'm busy at work. Hoping to incorporate it into other parts of my life as well.

I will DC 2x a week - Tuesdays & Sundays. I will report back after each DC
I will protect my hair nightly - I will report back at the end of the week to indicate nights when I don't tie my head
I will wash my hair 1x per week on Sundays (wash day) and will pre-poo with oil before each wash. I will report back on Sundays
I will moisturize and seal my ends daily. I will report back 1x per week on my progress (this will be a challenge...so lazy at night)
I will not buy any hair products in January & February 2018. This will be my biggest challenge. In fact, I need to avoid the hair section at the drugstore altogether.
 
Here are the products I'll be using for the year.

Shampoos
Ion clarifying shampoo
Keracare hydrating detangling shampoo

Protein treatment
Dudley's DRC 28

Moisturizing deep conditioner
Joico moisture recovery balm

Leave in
silk amino acids
Neutral protein filler

Styling products
Lottabody setting lotion

The only thing I may be switching up this year is my relaxer.
 
Yesterday I predetangled with and prepooed with Shea Moisture hipo masque.

Tonight the plan is to implement my regimen above (in post #10, I believe) with the products in the photo below.

I'm excited to try Curl Junkie Repair Me dc for the first time. It'll also be my first time using the Taliah Waajid Protective Mist Bodifier (my "SCurl"). :smile:

(ETA: Photo enlarges upon click.)
WP_20180118_007.jpg
 
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I'm 11 days post wash and think I can make it to 14 days this time.

I've had minimal itching which I believe is due to the glycolic scalp toner I've been using. My hair is still moist, shiny, and neat in the 6 braids I installed last wash. I could probably skip moisturizing today, but I won't.
 
Update:

I have been wearing my hair in chunky twists slathered with Shea Moisture hipo mask for days and days. I've been wearing my long straight wig on top. This was a godsend while we were under the weather.

All I had to do was spray my hair with water, and it was easy to detangle (I love that SM hipo mask). Every 4 weeks I do a full detangle, and this was that week. I used my fingers to unfurl and elongate, then the Magic Star Jumbo Rake, followed by the KareCo Tangle Buster Brush, the wider side of my Kent 16t seamless comb, and finally the narrow side of that comb. (Please see photo for amount of shed hair.)

I washed out the SM hipo mask with Malibu C Hard Water Shampoo. I applied an ends serum to my ends, Taliah Waajid Protective Mist Bodifier (my "Scurl") to my length, and Jakeala Shea Amla Parfait to my length and ends. I installed twists and banded them. Currently air drying. The whipped shea butter allowed me to brush through my hair (it had been a very long while). I had VERY little hair in the brush. :yep:.

Banded twists (photo enlarges upon click):
WP_20180128_021.jpg

WP_20180128_005.jpg
 
I have been busy with work recertifications for the last two weeks and have been so focused this last week, that I didn't have the time or energy to wash or moisturize my hair (I'm 18 days post wash, 6 days post moisturizing). But today is the day I finally take care of myself. I'm planning a spa day including a professional brazilian wax and full body massage. For my hair: demi permanent color, shampoo, henna, heat cap DC, and back to buttered braids.
 
Nightingale said:
I have been busy with work recertifications for the last two weeks and have been so focused this last week, that I didn't have the time or energy to wash or moisturize my hair (I'm 18 days post wash, 6 days post moisturizing). But today is the day I finally take care of myself. I'm planning a spa day including a professional brazilian wax and full body massage. For my hair: demi permanent color, shampoo, henna, heat cap DC, and back to buttered braids.
Click to expand...

Ooooo! Enjoy!
 
Time for a report:

1. Washing at most once every 7 days. Goal is 10-14 days
Done. The first time I washed on day 13. The second time on day 16. I want to include my twa in this and style it less often. I need it to retain. It already grows slower than the rest of my hair. At the same time I want to experiment on it so as to learn my natural hair. Maybe I'll do it maximally one time per week.

2. Combing at most once every 2 months. Finger detangling on all other wash days
Done. I haven't combed yet since the start of the year

3. Moisturising and sealing at least every other day
Not done. I did not moisturize and seal as frequently, and for that reason my bun was not as neat and juicy towards the end. But it was wash day today and all was well. No increased dryness, breakage or tangling.

4. Oil rinsing on every wash day
Done. I co-washed today and I used a castor oil mix to oil rinse.

5. Buying products only to replace empty ones.
Done. I bought oils to replace the ones I have used up. Nothing else was purchased.

Did I earn my :cup:?
 
Alma Petra said:
Time for a report:

1. Washing at most once every 7 days. Goal is 10-14 days
Done. The first time I washed on day 13. The second time on day 16. I want to include my twa in this and style it less often. I need it to retain. It already grows slower than the rest of my hair. At the same time I want to experiment on it so as to learn my natural hair. Maybe I'll do it maximally one time per week.

2. Combing at most once every 2 months. Finger detangling on all other wash days
Done. I haven't combed yet since the start of the year

3. Moisturising and sealing at least every other day
Not done. I did not moisturize and seal as frequently, and for that reason my bun was not as neat and juicy towards the end. But it was wash day today and all was well. No increased dryness, breakage or tangling.

4. Oil rinsing on every wash day
Done. I co-washed today and I used a castor oil mix to oil rinse.

5. Buying products only to replace empty ones.
Done. I bought oils to replace the ones I have used up. Nothing else was purchased.

Did I earn my :cup:?
Click to expand...

Lol! Yes, you did, chica. This deserves a certificate! Give me 24 hours!
 
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