Hair Plans For 2017 & What Did You Learn In 2016?

[coolhandlulu]

Clip ins are MY true holy grail. My aging fragile hair has bloomed since Ive been using them. I work the hair pieces in with my hair. I also think the Xcel products have given me the edge. Im gonna keep doing this. This is the best way to leave me hair alone while maintaining moisture.

 

[movingforward]

• What did you learn about your hair this year? What worked and what didn't

I learned that my hair likes to be washed at least twice a week. Also, keep my procedures simple - hot oil treatment, wash, protein and deep conditioner. I do need to detangle every two to three days and on damp hair.

• What was your biggest improvement with your hair? Any setbacks?

Biggest improvement was going back to texlaxing. I can easily manipulate my hair so much better. No setbacks!

• What products will you continue using? Which will you dump?

I will continue to use shea moisture product line and annabelle's products as well. My hair isnt, from what i noticed "product sensitive" its more so about my methods to take care of my hair. I definitely do need to KISS.

• What are your hair plans/goals for next year?

I plan to dust my ends monthly. The only thing I noticed is that i sometimes get SSKs on my ends, which is probably stumping my hair growth.

• Anything else....

NOPE! Just continue doing what I'm doing. I havent figured out a way to keep my hair straight. Im thinking on a quarterly basis go to Huetiful to have them straighten my hair.

 

[JudithO]

- That deep conditioning is an absolute must for me (I've always known this, but for a few months I got lazy and just did a rinse out to save time and my hair hated me for it).

- I was reminded how precious coconut oil in my regimen is. Using it for overnight prepoos prior to wash day, and as an oil rinse strengthens my fine hair like no other.

- That although I love washing my hair every week, stretching it out to two weeks helps me retain the most hair, while keeping my scalp sane.

Other than that... no other changes... should reach WL by the end of 2017 or MBL with a nice trim.

 

[Chicoro]

How tall are you and where does your 22 inches of hair lay? Im 4'10 and my hair is 21-22 inches. It is between MBL (18 inches) and WSL (about 23-24 inches). My goal is 29 inches which I think should be tailbone length on me. Im just wondering bc you are one of my hair idols

Hi @myhairgrowstoo,
Congratulations on gaining up to 24 inches of hair! That's a lot of length.

I'm about 5'0 or so. I just posted a photo of my current length in the thread below (post # 60).
My hair hits my body at about 2 inches below my natural waist. Also, I measure my hair in bantu knot sections. If I were to measure my hair from a top middle part, which runs from my hairline to my nape, that would put my hair length at about 25 inches but that is not how I measure my hair at this stage in my hair journey. From the top part of each bantu knot section to the tip, they measure between 21 -22 inches.

https://longhaircareforum.com/threads/12-inches-in-12-months-2017.804951/page-2#post-23401271

 

[Chicoro]

I finger detangled exclusively, did a monthly hard protein treatment and kept my hair in boxed braids ( no hair added) 95% of the time

@nubiangoddess3 ,
I have three questions for you. Would you mind sharing which hard protein treatment you used monthly, please? Also, did you give up combs and/or brushes completely in 2016? Or did you finger tangle exclusively just for your washing sessions?

 

[BrownSkinPoppin]

• What did you learn about your hair this year? What worked and what didn't?

I think I learned that I lose too much hair when I do small beehive braids under my wig. I've switched to cieley braids and will compare shed hair.

• What was your biggest improvement with your hair? Any setbacks?

Rentained a lot of length usiing protective styles and vitamins. My setback was being lazy when detangling my hair after behive braids. I would just cut pieces out if I didn't feel like taking the time to detangle. Sigh.

• What products will you continue using? Which will you dump?

Idk. Trying to switch to all homemade stuff in 2017.

• What are your hair plans/goals for next year?

Thicken my hair and grow out my top layers so all of my hair can be one length.

 

[nubiangoddess3]

@nubiangoddess3 ,
I have three questions for you. Would you mind sharing which hard protein treatment you used monthly, please? Also, did you give up combs and/or brushes completely in 2016? Or did you finger tangle exclusively just for your washing sessions?

I used Colorful Neutral Protein Filler( 1part protein filler, 2 part water)spray it on my hair, put on my shower cap, and sit under the dryer for 20 min then follow up with a deep conditioner.

I didn't use any combs or brushes. I only used my fingers to detangled my hair

 

[Chicoro]

I used Colorful Neutral Protein Filler( 1part protein filler, 2 part water)spray it on my hair, put on my shower cap, and sit under the dryer for 20 min then follow up with a deep conditioner.

I didn't use any combs or brushes. I only used my fingers to detangled my hair

Thank you for the response!

 

[lindseyerinc]

What did I learn about my hair this year?
My scalp is very sensitive to products and must be cleansed at least once a week.
That my hair thrives on a very simple regimen.
My hair doesn't need protein
My hair needs as much moisture as it can get.
I don't need combs at all.
My hair hates coconut oil
My hair loves natural products.
Shea butter is my best friend.
I don't need a conditioner and I don't need to co-wash

Biggest improvement?
I have finally established a solid regimen that I believe will help me reach my health and length goals.

What products will I continue using? What will I dump?
I have dumped every product that I had that had protein in it and every other product with chemicals in it.

i will be using
22nd Century Shampoo bar
22nd Century deep conditioner (without protein)
Oil
Shea Butter

Thats it

Hair goals and plans for next year?

• Inch closer to a vegan lifestyle
  
• Stick to my regimen
• Reach waist length by end of 2017

Can you give a review on the 22nd century conditioner?

 

[KiWiStyle]

Whew, it just might be easier to say what I didn't learn in 2016, lol.

My hair plans for '17 is to continue doing exactly what I'm doing now and grow health, thick and longer hair!

I've learned so much this year and my hair is thanking me with beautiful hair.

So far...
..I learned to stop trying to make defined coils with wng's. I can get them but manipulation is damaging

..I learned my hair is course and not fine.

..I learned my hair is normal porosity and not low or high. Well it's high on the damaged ends.

..I learned my hair doesn't require steam, in fact steam DC damaged my hair. A plastic cap with body heat is enough.

...I learned my hair is medium density. course (thick strands) hair, normal porosity with medium density, I can't wait until my hair grows up!

..I learned my city's hard water also damaged my hair and made it nearly impossible to have soft and hydrated hair. I did a hard water makeover and bought a shower filter. No more hard water in my body or hair!

..I learned my iron levels are low which negatively impacted the healthe of my body and hair.

..I learned to never cut my hair in its shrunken state, I'm still trying to grow my bangs while having to trim away damaged ends. It's getting there slowly but surely.

..I learned my hair isn't really reddish brown. It's really a very dark color, the reddish brown was damage. Who would have thunk it?!

..I learned to leave the coconut oil, castor oil and shea butter on the shelves at the store. Build up and Dry hair city!

..I learned to only use products that have water soluble ingredients with botanical and natural ingredients.

..I learned my hair can't be clarified too infrequently or too frequently. My happy median seems to be a monthly clarifying session.

...protein is good to temporarily mend my damaged ends before they're completely cut off but I learned my hair doesn't require regular protein treatments.

I think that's all, lol.

 

[mayoo]

Can you give a review on the 22nd century conditioner?

Sure~
I got the deep version with no protein.
I guess I'll start with how I use it...
I usually leave it in for a few hours or over night before washing it out. When I do wash it off I never get 100% of it out.
It leaves my hair very oily. I like this because my regimen is very simple so it means that I don't have to add anymore products to my hair (except a little Shea butter on the ends) for the whole week before washing my hair again. I've seen a rapid decrease of short strands falling out when I style my hair.
Things to look out for...
-wouldnt recommend putting any products on top of it
-might not be for you if you hate leaving oil marks everywhere with your head lol
-leaves your hands oily when you touch your hair (then again, this may depend on how much of the deep conditioner you leave in your hair after you wash it out)
-its not the type of deep conditioner that you need to use after every wash. The moisture lasts a looonnggg time
Once every 4 or so washes would probably do the trick (depending on your hair of course)
-a little goes a long way

Hope this helps~
Let me know if you have any questions

 

[naturalmanenyc]

I learned that I've been doing too much all these years. I haven't relaxed since 2007 and was fully natural by 2009 with no big chop. I am still at APL due to trying too many "protective styles" and manipulating my hair often with braid outs and twist outs.

DH has 46.5" of hair and he literally does nothing to it. We both have 4a tight curls but he deals with a dry scalp. He goes to the salon for washing and retwisting but does little to no maintenance at home in between.

My hair is fine, fragile and grows slowly. It loves protein but not manipulation or being in braids for too long. I've cut more this year than in years past due to leaving in braids for 12-13 weeks at a time and not being patient when taking them out.

For 2017 I am trying crochet braids for 8 weeks at a time only and I am not changing up products. Otherwise, I am doing wash & go styles using detangler each wash day, which is a new addition for 2016.

I've been using Curl Junkie since August and plan to keep the line in rotation for shampoo, conditioners and treatments. I don't like their stylers.

 

[lindseyerinc]

Sure~
I got the deep version with no protein.
I guess I'll start with how I use it...
I usually leave it in for a few hours or over night before washing it out. When I do wash it off I never get 100% of it out.
It leaves my hair very oily. I like this because my regimen is very simple so it means that I don't have to add anymore products to my hair (except a little Shea butter on the ends) for the whole week before washing my hair again. I've seen a rapid decrease of short strands falling out when I style my hair.
Things to look out for...
-wouldnt recommend putting any products on top of it
-might not be for you if you hate leaving oil marks everywhere with your head lol
-leaves your hands oily when you touch your hair (then again, this may depend on how much of the deep conditioner you leave in your hair after you wash it out)
-its not the type of deep conditioner that you need to use after every wash. The moisture lasts a looonnggg time
Once every 4 or so washes would probably do the trick (depending on your hair of course)
-a little goes a long way

Hope this helps~
Let me know if you have any questions

So you're slowly washing away the conditioner each week? And then you recondition it when your hair is less "oily" that sounds really interesting. I might have to try this conditioner out

 

[EzrasNumberOneFan]

Oh! I forgot. I also want to:

Learn how to flat twist.
Find a dry-shampoo so I can stretch wash day farther.
Regularly incorporate tea/coffee.
Figure out the gentlest way to remove shed hairs.

 

[mayoo]

So you're slowly washing away the conditioner each week? And then you recondition it when your hair is less "oily" that sounds really interesting. I might have to try this conditioner out

Yeah I guess you can say this! It's something that I've never tried before and I'm kinda enjoying it. Only down side is the super oiliness after the initial condition.
My hair seriously isn't breaking at all though

 

[mayoo]

I forgot another HUGE thing that I've learned this year.

To. Stay. Away. From. Braids. Wigs. Weaves and any other 'long time protective style'.

I had braids four times from September 2015- August 2016 and I basically ruined my hair guys. Every strand of hair of mine has gotten thinner.

Plus, I had so much breakage and my hair is nowhere as thick as it was when I first cut my hair short.

I'm nursing my hair back to health now but I know that I will probably never have braids again.

I feel like the chemicals in the hair do soooo much damage to my hair. As well as the fact that it makes it hard for me to cleanse my scalp, I get headaches from the tightness and lose some of my hairline.

All in all I hate fake hair lol

 

[trclemons]

• What did you learn about your hair this year? My hair does not like being left alone for more than 1 week. What worked and what didn't? My weekly regimen continues to work, but washing in braids does not work.

• What was your biggest improvement with your hair? Daily buttering my ends has significantly reduced knotting. Any setbacks? No

• What products will you continue using? I have so many products, I will continue rotating all of them. Which will you dump? J. Monique's Naturals Bentonite & Rhassoul Mask. I didn't like the consistency.

• What are your hair plans/goals for next year? I plan to continue my hair regimen and incorporate a healthier life style. I hope to reach HL in 2017.

• Anything else....This year, I was finally comfortable enough to wear my natural hair.

 

[Sharpened]

All in all I hate fake hair lol

You are not alone in that area. Do you have problems with braids without extensions? That is what I plan to do when I get sick of my hair. Hopefully, doing that will not mess up my hair.

 

[Chicoro]

• Anything else....This year, I was finally comfortable enough to wear my natural hair.

Congratulations, @trclemons ! This is so important, not just for the hair journey, but for a joyful life journey.

 

[mayoo]

You are not alone in that area. Do you have problems with braids without extensions? That is what I plan to do when I get sick of my hair. Hopefully, doing that will not mess up my hair.

I don't usually have a problem with braids without extensions but I don't usually go for them as I prefer to have edgier hairstyles that go with my clothes, if they makes sense lol

I did braids on my own hair during my first hair journey a couple of times. I liked them but I get impatient during the take-down process and they take too long to put in

Also, braids with my own hair never feel thick enough for me for some reason :/

But I didn't see much breakage or damage with them which is great

 

[Aggie]

Okay let me answer the questions from the original post.

What did you learn about your hair this year?

-I learned that my hair needs weekly deep conditioning - it thrives better this way. It is also the time I use to gently detangle it under running water or with a oily pre-poo with a wide-tooth detangling comb. I never got used to the finger detangling thing.
-I learned that my hair loves protein and silicones and breaks when I don't give it a timely dose of each.
-I learned that my hair loves natural and commercial products
-My hair also loves shampoo and sudsy shampoos at that.

What worked and what didn't

-Clarifying my hair once every 3-4 weeks with a sudsy clarifying shampoo that is sulfate-free, works wonders on my hair. I use Elucence Volume Clarifying Shampoo and Keracare 1st Lather Shampoo. Right now looking into adding Inahsi Naturals Clarifying poo to my regimen since I've heard wonderful things about the line.

-Creamy shampoos and cleansing cremes have been a no go for my hair - it never felt clean.

What was your biggest improvement with your hair? Any setbacks?

-Inversions have definitely helped to considerably improve my hair's growth rate
-Henna treatments gave my hair weight and shine
-Scalp massages has also helped with speedy hair growth and circulation

-As far as setbacks, I have not experienced any this year but I did experience heat damage the year before using a product called Chi Enviro - I will never do one of those again.

What products will you continue using?

-I will continue to use Annabelle's Perfect Blends Leave-ins and Deep Conditioners, Naturelle Grow Deep Conditioners, Kerastase Deep Conditioners, Redken Shampoos and Deep Conditioners, She Scent It Stylers, Leave-ins, and Deep Conditioners, Dudley's DRC 28 Protein Treatment and now adding Inahsi Naturals Shampoos and Deep Conditioner.

Which will you dump?

-Most likely dumping Soultanicals since I am not impressed with it's performance on my hair, Bel Nouvo, Biolage, Brocato, Tigi Bedhead, and Nioxin.

What are your hair plans/goals for next year?

-My hair goals for next year is to keep it really simple, and wearing wigs as my go-to hair style over braided hair for the entire year.
-No fussy complicated regimen will work for me because I get tired of them very easily and just stop doing them. If they are simple, I can keep going for as long as it takes.
-Grow my hair to BSL and believe me, that's enough for me to handle at my age.

Anything else....that's it for now.

 

[naturalmanenyc]

I learned that I've been doing too much all these years. I haven't relaxed since 2007 and was fully natural by 2009 with no big chop. I am still at APL due to trying too many "protective styles" and manipulating my hair often with braid outs and twist outs.

DH has 46.5" of hair and he literally does nothing to it. We both have 4a tight curls but he deals with a dry scalp. He goes to the salon for washing and retwisting but does little to no maintenance at home in between.

My hair is fine, fragile and grows slowly. It loves protein but not manipulation or being in braids for too long. I've cut more this year than in years past due to leaving in braids for 12-13 weeks at a time and not being patient when taking them out.

For 2017 I am trying crochet braids for 8 weeks at a time only and I am not changing up products. Otherwise, I am doing wash & go styles using detangler each wash day, which is a new addition for 2016.

I've been using Curl Junkie since August and plan to keep the line in rotation for shampoo, conditioners and treatments. I don't like their stylers.

Quoting myself since I learned more after visiting with a new stylist.

I trim too often. My hair doesn't need trims more than every 4 - 6 months since it does not grow that fast. I've been trimming every 3 months and didn't see any additional length in 2016.
I need to stop washing my crochet braids every few days and instead just clean my scalp with a product like witch hazel. I also should not use S-Curl and Infusium but instead light weight oils since those products only cause build up when it's time to remove the braids.

 

[Smiley79]

Okay let me answer the questions from the original post.

What did you learn about your hair this year?

-I learned that my hair needs weekly deep conditioning - it thrives better this way. It is also the time I use to gently detangle it under running water or with a oily pre-poo with a wide-tooth detangling comb. I never got used to the finger detangling thing.
-I learned that my hair loves protein and silicones and breaks when I don't give it a timely dose of each.
-I learned that my hair loves natural and commercial products
-My hair also loves shampoo and sudsy shampoos at that.

What worked and what didn't

-Clarifying my hair once every 3-4 weeks with a sudsy clarifying shampoo that is sulfate-free, works wonders on my hair. I use Elucence Volume Clarifying Shampoo and Keracare 1st Lather Shampoo. Right now looking into adding Inahsi Naturals Clarifying poo to my regimen since I've heard wonderful things about the line.

-Creamy shampoos and cleansing cremes have been a no go for my hair - it never felt clean.

What was your biggest improvement with your hair? Any setbacks?

-Inversions have definitely helped to considerably improve my hair's growth rate
-Henna treatments gave my hair weight and shine
-Scalp massages has also helped with speedy hair growth and circulation

-As far as setbacks, I have not experienced any this year but I did experience heat damage the year before using a product called Chi Enviro - I will never do one of those again.

What products will you continue using?

-I will continue to use Annabelle's Perfect Blends Leave-ins and Deep Conditioners, Naturelle Grow Deep Conditioners, Kerastase Deep Conditioners, Redken Shampoos and Deep Conditioners, She Scent It Stylers, Leave-ins, and Deep Conditioners, Dudley's DRC 28 Protein Treatment and now adding Inahsi Naturals Shampoos and Deep Conditioner.

Which will you dump?

-Most likely dumping Soultanicals since I am not impressed with it's performance on my hair, Bel Nouvo, Biolage, Brocato, Tigi Bedhead, and Nioxin.

What are your hair plans/goals for next year?

-My hair goals for next year is to keep it really simple, and wearing wigs as my go-to hair style over braided hair for the entire year.
-No fussy complicated regimen will work for me because I get tired of them very easily and just stop doing them. If they are simple, I can keep going for as long as it takes.
-Grow my hair to BSL and believe me, that's enough for me to handle at my age.

Anything else....that's it for now.

We have a LOT of similarities with our hair!

 

[Smiley79]

I used Colorful Neutral Protein Filler( 1part protein filler, 2 part water)spray it on my hair, put on my shower cap, and sit under the dryer for 20 min then follow up with a deep conditioner.

I didn't use any combs or brushes. I only used my fingers to detangled my hair

I keep reading about these protein fillers. I need to look into that. It seems interesting and beneficial.

 

[vevster]

• What did you learn about your hair this year? What worked and what didn't?
  • Using different stylers for Wash n Gos vs Twistouts/Braidouts etc.
• What was your biggest improvement with your hair? Any setbacks?
  • No setbacks; just a few bad hair days.
• What products will you continue using? Which will you dump?
  • I'm phasing out a lot of just OK products... Shea Moisture... I'm talking to YOU
• What are your hair plans/goals for next year? Achive Longer hair, minimize shedding, slowly improving my technique..... with the twisting, braiding.... and maintenance....more of the same, learning cute styling techniques, keep it healthy.
  
• Optimize protein / moisture balance
  • In 2017 experiment more with silicones to see how they fit in to my hair regimen.
• Anything else....

Love my hair!!!

 

[Prettymetty]

This year I learned how to properly shampoo my hair. Cleansing conditioners and cowashes just don't work for me.
I learned how to apply my own bkt and how to blowdry like a pro.
I found a new way to apply leave ins and it's a lot better for my ends (I dab the moisturizer on my ends and I use my hands like a sponge)
I stopped being a product tester (waste of time, strands and coins)

Next year I will keep up with keratin treatments.
I will shampoo and dc weekly.
I'll trim every 3 months on the Equinoxes and Solstices.
I don't have a specific length goal for 2017, but I want to retain 4 inches and thicken my hemline.

 

[Smiley79]

This year I learned how to properly shampoo my hair. Cleansing conditioners and cowashes just don't work for me.
I learned how to apply my own bkt and how to blowdry like a pro.
I found a new way to apply leave ins and it's a lot better for my ends (I dab the moisturizer on my ends and I use my hands like a sponge)

Next year I will keep up with keratin treatments.
I'll trim every 3 months on the Equinoxes and Solstices.
I don't have a specific length goal for 2017, but I want to retain 4 inches and thicken my hemline.

I'm so glad you brought that up. I have noticed a difference since applying my leave-in the same manner. Dab the ends first and then apply leavein like a sponge method to my hair. I love it. This way the product really penetrates my hair.

 

[long.hair.dont.care]

• What did you learn about your hair this year? What worked and what didn't?
  While my hair is in cornrows, by watering + oiling my hair everyday I finally retained a significant amount of length for the first time ever. I've always hoovered a little past SL/APL. I'm now at BSL.
• What was your biggest improvement with your hair? Retention Any setbacks? SSK
• What products will you continue using? Water, olive oil, virgin hair fertilizer, SM honey and manuka mask Which will you dump? After a 10-week trial monistat
• What are your hair plans/goals for next year? Keep growing & retaining
  
• Anything else.... I'm excited to get to a length that allows me to easily be in a protective style that I like/doesnt take long to do/doesn't require hair that I gotta buy

Lets make 2017 another great year for our hair! Cheers to that!

 

[prettybyrd]

What did you learn about your hair this year? What worked and what didn't
My hair loves being straight! I have had my hair straight most of the time for last few months and I love it. I retained length because I wrapped it or curled it at night, and my shedding has decreased quite a bit. It is so great finally knowing what I can do with these fine strands to retain length. What didn't work - working out with straight hair. Still trying to find a way to ease the puff factor after cardio.

What was your biggest improvement with your hair? Any setbacks?
I noticed improved retention, continued regrowth in the crown and edges - especially my edges. I had a set back from a trim turned haircut after I got sick in July, but other than that, it was a pretty uneventful year in the life of my hair.

What products will you continue using? Which will you dump?
I'm not 100% - but I'm pretty sure I'm going to keep all salon/professional products and dump store brands. My hair looks great and I think I can attribute a lot of that to the salon products my stylist uses. I use Mizani at home, and I think she uses Mizani and Design Essentials. I would like to find a professional brand that does not have parabens and dmdm hydantoin or other nasties.

What are your hair plans/goals for next year?
Continue to grow it out. I may even experiment with some protective styles in 2017. The only PS I've tried is braids, but I am giving a weave some consideration.

Anything else....
I was a die-hard, no-salons DIYer, but I am sold on going to a great salon with great beauticians. I don't think I'll be DIYing much in 2017. I don't really have the patience anymore.

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

My full answers to all of the questions are here: https://blossomingfitnatural.com/2016/12/21/hair-2016-year-in-review-revisited-revised-lhcf-thread/.

Below are a few excerpts.
-----------------------------------
What worked and what didn't?
Works: For longer-lasting moisturization, instead of L-O-C or L-C-O, my naturally highly porous hair requires a little more, namely WS-L-MSjO. That's (1) water saturation, (2) leave-in conditioner (on hair's shaft only because NetWurks custard goes on the hair's end), and then (3) a mixture of a curl-enhancing moisturizer, styler (gel or twisting butter), and jojoba oil. This is basically a variant of the LCO.

What was your biggest improvement with your hair?
Tie: (1) detangling and (1) moisture-protein balance. In third place, nailing down an effective regimen and styling routine.

What are your hair plans/goals for next year?

• Maintain luscious ends
• DIY textured hair clip-ins protective styling project
• To learn how to do and then master an awesome African thread-out. Note: Particularly helpful YouTube tutorials are here (SUPER clear, "explain-it-to-my-like-I'm-in-kindergarten" demo using easily seen green and black yarn as teaching tools), here (nice results!), and here (using two threads per section for easy knot-tying at the ends).
• Develop a DIY detangler to match or surpass Soultanicals Hair Glide. (Will start out with trying LavishlyNatural's Fenugreek Smoothie, treating it as a "base," and seeing what adding marshmallow root, maybe a little dissolved-in-water MSM, etc. does. )
• Invest in my hair's health by purchasing healthy and/or organic foods and supplements and so forth instead of putting money toward trialing a lot of products and tools. The plan for limiting product purchasing is to recognize that a regimen needs to be trialed for awhile, to select a short list of products I'm excited about for good reason, and to have another use for the money . The limit-product-purchases plan:
  • January: Design, trial, and hone a Jakeala-centric max hydration method hair care regimen
  • February: Design, trial, and hone a 22nd Century Natural woman -centric max hydration method hair care regimen
  • March: Design, trial, and hone a The Mane Choice Ancient Egyptian line -centric max hydration method hair care regimen
  • April: Participate in Use Up The Stash and use my January-March hair care notes to decide on an optimal product combination to trial and hone for April and onward.
  • April/May - December: Keep the mind freed from concerns about product purchasing/trialing/assessing and stick with now tested and true product combinations. Continue to keep hair elongated, do protective styling consistently, and take consistent care of ends, scalp, and edges. Enjoy and learn from my chosen challenge threads.

Other?
Just that I'm ever so grateful for my hair, for help, for all I've learned, for progress, for access and means to obtain tools and products, and for my health. Thank you, LHCF, for all of the help. It's mainly all "ups" now with very few "downs," and I'm having a blast with my hair and fitness journeys.