Hip–Tailbone Length (HL–TBL) 2014 Challenge!

[pre_medicalrulz]

^^^ I've been in buns the past 2 weeks for work. Next week...hmm...still thinking that one out.

 

[rawsilk]

And you're relaxed right? (Think I remember that from somewhere above.) This is why I am seriously questioning whether I need to take the full-on relaxer plunge -- think it's easier to retain length if you aren't constantly "fighting" your hair.

^^^ I've been in buns the past 2 weeks for work. Next week...hmm...still thinking that one out.

 

[pre_medicalrulz]

And you're relaxed right? (Think I remember that from somewhere above.) This is why I am seriously questioning whether I need to take the full-on relaxer plunge -- think it's easier to retain length if you aren't constantly "fighting" your hair.

Yes ma'am.

 

[Jewell]

rawsilk

I wear my hair in a bun week to week. I never use direct heat and I only air dry. I wash 1-3 times a week on average...a shampoo and dc and maybe one or 2 cowashes thrown in during the week. I only comb and detangle when my hair is wet and coated with conditioner (wash days). I'm like an inch or so from HL so I should make that by the end of July and TBL or scraping TBL by Dec. 2013.

As for me, I retain length better mildly relaxed/texlaxed versus being fully natural. When I was natural, I had to constantly worry about SSK's...which led to more trimming than I have to do relaxed. I never really straightened my hair while natural due to the time it took and reversion...and I rarely wore it in stretched styles. It was always curly...hence the knots. I also have thicker, heavier hair being relaxed than wearing straightened natural hair.

I prefer being relaxed...natural hair is gorgeous, and I love the whole idea except for the tremendous amount of work involved having 3c/4a ultra thick hair. My ponytail diameter when natural was 4" (iii thickness hair) so if you can imagine that in 'fro mode, it was a lot to deal with! I might go natural again later when I have more time to devote to dealing with my hair in its natural state.

 

[Whimsy]

rawsilk buns a whole variety of buns and updos.

 

[AlliCat]

Just curious -- what is everyone doing during week (i.e., to go to work and look "professional") in order to combat humidity. I love my texlax curly look on weekends which allows for a lot of oils, low manipulation, etc. but now that I have to go into the office on a regular basis, not crazy about it. I am using more heat (to smooth and pull back into a bun) than I want to -- only on wash day but I feel like that is still too much. Since you all have CLEARLY figured out how to win the humidity/retention battle, please share. I looked through a lot of regimes but wonder if it would be an imposition to just ask all those with HL in sight (or beyond) to take a roll call and share how you're wearing your hair right now -- especially if you are in the swamplands uh, I mean the Southeast United States. If you are doing heat on the regular, please share details re how often, protective products, etc.

Other notes to share: (a) I just started taking Viviscal and while it's too early to comment on length, I will say that as supplements go, I think it's a good one -- no stomach upset, I feel good and have more energy overall, skin/eyes look bright. (b) On the advice of stylist who chopped off a bunch of crazy (post weave) ends, I'm using Nioxin system 5 and was surprised by how much I like the conditioner -- great slip, hair feels soft, silky but strong -- keeper. I was planning to just use it on scalp and use DE on rest of hair but I actually like the Nioxin conditioner better than anything I've ever used.

rawsilk I do buns & ponytails. If I'm feeling fancy I'll do flexi curls in a half-up half-down style or just clip the curls up for a textured updo.

 

[pre_medicalrulz]

That's actually what I'm going to try next week for work - curls pinned up.

 

[Aireen]

Gosh I feel so dumb. It finally clicked. Coconut oil is concentrated. DUH. When people say only use a couple drops they mean it. I thought because my hair was relaxed the more coconut oil the better. I guess mixing 1 full spritz in each dollop of serum I may use is more than enough.

 

[BostonMaria]

Gosh I feel so dumb. It finally clicked. Coconut oil is concentrated. DUH. When people say only use a couple drops they mean it. I thought because my hair was relaxed the more coconut oil the better. I guess mixing 1 full spritz in each dollop of serum I may use is more than enough.

I made that mistake in the past. I walked around with some greasy a** hair for days LOL

Sent from my iPhone using LHCF

 

[rawsilk]

Thanks for the feedback -- more convinced than ever that best way for me to get my length back is to go back to being even more relaxed. Also, big surprise: bunning and low heat are the way to go. My goal is to be able to airdry and put in a (presentable/sleek) bun and I'm starting to realize that being texlaxed (more curly than not) is not going to get me there. So glad I joined this challenge -- I'm getting more and more inspired.

Observation: the ladies in this thread seem much more laid-back, settled in their routines -- I guess that's what happens when you've reached significant hair goals.

 

[rawsilk]

Being able to airdry is key -- thanks for reminding me. The other thing I'm noticing is that when your hair is HL or longer, there's not too much styling that you have to do -- right? Okay, that's even more motivation.

rawsilk

I wear my hair in a bun week to week. I never use direct heat and I only air dry. I wash 1-3 times a week on average...a shampoo and dc and maybe one or 2 cowashes thrown in during the week. I only comb and detangle when my hair is wet and coated with conditioner (wash days). I'm like an inch or so from HL so I should make that by the end of July and TBL or scraping TBL by Dec. 2013.

As for me, I retain length better mildly relaxed/texlaxed versus being fully natural. When I was natural, I had to constantly worry about SSK's...which led to more trimming than I have to do relaxed. I never really straightened my hair while natural due to the time it took and reversion...and I rarely wore it in stretched styles. It was always curly...hence the knots. I also have thicker, heavier hair being relaxed than wearing straightened natural hair.

I prefer being relaxed...natural hair is gorgeous, and I love the whole idea except for the tremendous amount of work involved having 3c/4a ultra thick hair. My ponytail diameter when natural was 4" (iii thickness hair) so if you can imagine that in 'fro mode, it was a lot to deal with! I might go natural again later when I have more time to devote to dealing with my hair in its natural state.

 

[pre_medicalrulz]

I need to see some progress pics up in this thread for some motivation. *yummy*

I'm relaxing on my bday next month or my graduation the following month. Either way, I will do an update progress length check for this challenge.

I'm so nervous though....

 

[rawsilk]

I left conditioner on and put my hair in a (kind/padded) banana clip today and felt extremely cute. Please tell me this isn't bad. (Read somewhere about people using reg. conditioner as leave-in with no problem. But I also remember a stylist at some point warning not to.) Y'all are my experts so ..... whaduyathink?

 

[Aireen]

I left conditioner on and put my hair in a (kind/padded) banana clip today and felt extremely cute. Please tell me this isn't bad. (Read somewhere about people using reg. conditioner as leave-in with no problem. But I also remember a stylist at some point warning not to.) Y'all are my experts so ..... whaduyathink?

Do whatever works for you. If you left the conditioner in and liked it, keep doing it and just watch how your hair responds. People advise to do all kinds of things but ultimately, it's what works for your hair.

 

[melahnee]

Length check, what do u girls think, have i retained a good amount? How much more until mbl? First pic is from late april, second pic is today.

 

[bebezazueta]

melahnee I only see one pic lady.

 

[pre_medicalrulz]

Length check, what do u girls think, have i retained a good amount? How much more until mbl? First pic is from late april, second pic is today.

Yup! Your retention is good!

 

[melahnee]

@melahnee I only see one pic lady.

bebezazueta fixed!!

 

[melahnee]

Yup! Your retention is good!

yay. thank you!!! i believe i have the hair anorexia because I can't really see/feel much difference and it sucks

 

[pre_medicalrulz]

yay. thank you!!! i believe i have the hair anorexia because I can't really see/feel much difference and it sucks

You look close to MBL if you aren't already. Its hard for me to tell cause you don't have on a bra to measure against. Lol

 

[bebezazueta]

bebezazueta fixed!!

Thanks! Yes I see a difference in thickness & length. Congrats. I assume the first pic is flat ironed hair.

OT: I stopped flat ironing my hair 2 years ago and my hair has thickened up nicely.

I think you are MBL because it really represents the middle of your back or halfway between the nape & TBL but that's how I see it. Or some see it relative to the distance between BSL & WL. where MBL will be 2-3 inches past BSL but not quite WL. Hope this makes sense.

Keep up the great work!

 

[bebezazueta]

Back to monthly henna! My hair immediately has no breakage and less shedding. I got one strand from my edges caught in something & thought for sure it would rip it out. It didn't but my scalp hurt from pulling it though. I quit because the longer my hair got the more hassle it was. My hubby helped me rinse it out. He volunteered to help me with my hair journey cause I promised that when I reached TBL, I will use my hair as lingerie for him!

I will also go back to Ayurvedic powders in the form of teas & oil infusions! It's been 18 months since I stopped Ayurveda and I haven't retained much since.

TBL here I come!

 

[melahnee]

You look close to MBL if you aren't already. Its hard for me to tell cause you don't have on a bra to measure against. Lol

Thanks! Yes I see a difference in thickness & length. Congrats. I assume the first pic is flat ironed hair.

OT: I stopped flat ironing my hair 2 years ago and my hair has thickened up nicely.

I think you are MBL because it really represents the middle of your back or halfway between the nape & TBL but that's how I see it. Or some see it relative to the distance between BSL & WL. where MBL will be 2-3 inches past BSL but not quite WL. Hope this makes sense.

Keep up the great work!

Thank u both so much, my day has been made! Lol! If i made mbl in two months hopefully WL is possible by the end of the year. This is such a big accomplishment in my life i believe i have fine hair so i always feel like im losing more hair than i should. The fact that you said u can see the difference in thickness in 2 months is sooooo great to me!!!! Soon ill be in yall's boat too!!

 

[LovingLady]

@Aireen

Hi ladies, I hope you don't mind if I join you.

My natural hair is currently at bra strap length.

The regimen that I am using consists of prepooing with coconut oil and then using apple cider vinegar to rinse. I deep condition every week with a protein and moisturizing conditioner, and then finger detangle on semi dry hair.

My final goal length is tailbone , which I am projected to meet by December of 2014.

In order to meet this goal I am going to wear my hair in twist and then bun it to protect the ends.

 

[MileHighDiva]

Back to monthly henna! My hair immediately has no breakage and less shedding. I got one strand from my edges caught in something & thought for sure it would rip it out. It didn't but my scalp hurt from pulling it though. I quit because the longer my hair got the more hassle it was. My hubby helped me rinse it out. He volunteered to help me with my hair journey cause I promised that when I reached TBL, I will use my hair as lingerie for him!

I will also go back to Ayurvedic powders in the form of teas & oil infusions! It's been 18 months since I stopped Ayurveda and I haven't retained much since.

TBL here I come!

He'll probably be helping you with scalp massages, too and won't complain when the UPS man delivers overpriced boutique condish to your residence!

 

[bebezazueta]

He'll probably be helping you with scalp massages, too and won't complain when the UPS man delivers overpriced boutique condish to your residence!

LOL! And you're right!

This should probably go in the marriage forum but if you want your hubby to do or buy you something. Find a way to connect it to sex! I love shoes & if you wear them in the bed he won't have no problems making sure you get them! LOL! "Baby won't these shoes look good wrapped around your back?" Him: Buy them as he pulls out his card!

 

[cherishlove]

pre_medicalrulz If you don't flat iron your hair what do you do to make it presentable?

 

[pre_medicalrulz]

pre_medicalrulz If you don't flat iron your hair what do you do to make it presentable?

Lol everything else! Buns, wigs, braidouts, twistouts, pin curls pinned up, etc.

 

[LovingLady]

I found a waist length youtuber (Modern Mrs. Huxtable) who is also on a hair growth journey to tailbone length. So far she has videos about henna, straightening and blow drying natural hair, as well as the products and tools she uses for her hair.

Off Topic: Just based on the few videos I have seen she displays feminine traits in her own unique way. It is a joy to watch her.

 

[Aireen]

I'm 2 months post tomorrow. I've become too dependent on relaxing on the 3 month mark so I hope I can go back to 4 months post or further. Crossing my fingers to be able to stretch to sometime between August and October lol.