Hip–Tailbone Length (HL–TBL) 2015-2016 Challenge!

[melahnee]

My hair just doesn't seem to be growing very much
It looks and feels the same as it has for months. It's very discouraging.
I've been trying for over a year and I can't seem to get past this MBL stage. when I'm "grazing WL", my ends don't look happy and healthy, so I must do a dusting or maybe even a trim. I don't know what I'm doing wrong. It gets manipulated I guess a lot(every day)m but straight hair gets so messy and I hate it so I redo my ponytail like every day I don't leave it natural because I have fine hair and that is like a recipe for disaster for me I still comb it everyday because it gets so messy..and it gets more tangled when natural so I pretty much always end up losing more hair.

 

[melahnee]

How did you ladies get past BSL and MBL?? was it hard, or did you already have things down by this point? There are so many fast growing heads of hair on this board, so maybe I'm overthinking, but it doesn't feel like it.

 

[LaFemmeNaturelle]

My hair just doesn't seem to be growing very much
It looks and feels the same as it has for months. It's very discouraging.
I've been trying for over a year and I can't seem to get past this MBL stage. when I'm "grazing WL", my ends don't look happy and healthy, so I must do a dusting or maybe even a trim. I don't know what I'm doing wrong. It gets manipulated I guess a lot(every day)m but straight hair gets so messy and I hate it so I redo my ponytail like every day I don't leave it natural because I have fine hair and that is like a recipe for disaster for me I still comb it everyday because it gets so messy..and it gets more tangled when natural so I pretty much always end up losing more hair.

How did you ladies get past BSL and MBL?? was it hard, or did you already have things down by this point? There are so many fast growing heads of hair on this board, so maybe I'm overthinking, but it doesn't feel like it.

Hi melahnee merry christmas! I'm sorry you are feeling discouraged. The only way I was able to get past BSL (and the only way I think I'll be able to get to hip length) was by protective styling. I wore a wig probably 90% of the time and was able to meet all of my hair goals from apl-wl by my goal dates. I've been at WL for a year (well I grew to hip but had to trim alot due to thin ends) and it's probably because I've been wearing my hair out nearly every single day along with almost daily manipulation and occasional neglect. I'm getting ready to go back to half wigs mostly because that's what works for me.

I know in the beginning of my journey, heat was my downfall so staying away from heat allowed me to flourish. Do you mind sharing your reggie for when you keep your hair natural? I have fine hair as well and it get's VERY tangled but I guess I managed that by not wearing it out too much and keeping it in a stretched state.

 

[LaFemmeNaturelle]

I'm rocking that very style now and it has been my fav but I can't get it to last an entire week before the twists start looking flat. What's your secret? On straight hair, I can get maybe 2 days out of it...and 3 to 4 days on roller set hair since the hair is a little more juicy. I tried it once on my curly hair straight out the shower and I prefer the look on my straighter hair...looks a bit more polished. It frizzed up something serious before that day way out. lol

lulu97 I unpin the twists at night and put a scarf and bonnet over it. It does get a little frizzy by day 3 so I just take the twist down, rub some oil on it and redo the twists. Takes less than 5 minutes and I don't really count it as manipulation since I'm not really bothering the ends much. I've never tried it on stretched hair. That may last even longer for me.

 

[melahnee]

Hi @melahnee merry christmas! I'm sorry you are feeling discouraged. The only way I was able to get past BSL (and the only way I think I'll be able to get to hip length) was by protective styling. I wore a wig probably 90% of the time and was able to meet all of my hair goals from apl-wl by my goal dates. I've been at WL for a year (well I grew to hip but had to trim alot due to thin ends) and it's probably because I've been wearing my hair out nearly every single day along with almost daily manipulation and occasional neglect. I'm getting ready to go back to half wigs mostly because that's what works for me.

I know in the beginning of my journey, heat was my downfall so staying away from heat allowed me to flourish. Do you mind sharing your reggie for when you keep your hair natural? I have fine hair as well and it get's VERY tangled but I guess I managed that by not wearing it out too much and keeping it in a stretched state.

Thank you, LaFemmeNaturelle !
when I keep it natural, I try to go by the "do the least" rule. I tend to keep it in some type of bun all the time. I wash it weekly or biweekly dc at least once a month, put my leave-in every single time, and oil daily(this has helped--i think my hair is weak or something..very easily damaged)..i always inspect my ends for bad ones..i always cut the ones that look even a little bit bad. I cut the least I feel like I can get away with, but i always cut bad ends cause I like shorter hair better if it's healthier..looks somewhere around the same length if I only cut half an inch or so anyway.

honestly, that's it. I just oil and bun. water helps to detangle it, but there are times I've been natural and didn't wanna detangle my hair so I took it down, felt through it, think to myself, "wow, i actually thought it was moisturized & sealed correctly but I guess not..I'll fix it later ".. rebun and by the time I get to detangling it, it's pretty much a mess but it was inevitable because I would lose all the same hairs detangling it every day anyway
In simple terms...I have a natural tangle issue that I cannot seem to resolve

 

[melahnee]

My hair does better when I wash the conditioner out and apply more when styling. Yes, regular conditioner as a leave-in. It's that bad. it's very very very fine and used to look very scraggly back when i was scared to trim

 

[krissyhair]

My hair does better when I wash the conditioner out and apply more when styling. Yes, regular conditioner as a leave-in. It's that bad. it's very very very fine and used to look very scraggly back when i was scared to trim

Sry, I'm not a part of this challenge. But I completely agree with you on rising the conditioner out and applying more later. My scalp gets itchy if I leave it all in.

 

[ElevatedEnergy]

lulu97 I unpin the twists at night and put a scarf and bonnet over it. It does get a little frizzy by day 3 so I just take the twist down, rub some oil on it and redo the twists. Takes less than 5 minutes and I don't really count it as manipulation since I'm not really bothering the ends much. I've never tried it on stretched hair. That may last even longer for me.

LaFemmeNaturelle OK that makes perfect sense. I'll try that technique next week to see if that will help the style last longer. I'm on the 3rd day of the style now and I'm gonna push it one more day before I take it down. A juicy french braid is calling my name for my next style. I'll keep that in for 3-4 days then wash.

 

[ElevatedEnergy]

How did you ladies get past BSL and MBL?? was it hard, or did you already have things down by this point? There are so many fast growing heads of hair on this board, so maybe I'm overthinking, but it doesn't feel like it.

I left my hair alone for the most. I still do the same routine to this day. Wash, steam, roller set and I stick to styles that require the least amount of manipulation for up to 2 weeks. Out of the 2 weeks I wear my hair down maybe twice in a banana clip ponytail or all down. When I truly want to wear my hair down, I straighten and whip it real good for 2-3 weeks....but this doesn't happen that often.

I see so many Ladies wash and going daily, deep conditioning every 2-3 days...just doing a lot and I couldn't do that if I wanted to keep hair on my head. I don't even M&S daily. Moisturize one good time, style and leave it alone for 3-4 days then repeat until wash day. High manipulation equals slower progress towards long hair in my opinion. I came on this board in Aug 2013 with around APL hair and just over a year later, I'm WHIP. That's all thanks to low manipulation.

 

[DoDo]

I left my hair alone for the most. I still do the same routine to this day. Wash, steam, roller set and I stick to styles that require the least amount of manipulation for up to 2 weeks. Out of the 2 weeks I wear my hair down maybe twice in a banana clip ponytail or all down. When I truly want to wear my hair down, I straighten and whip it real good for 2-3 weeks....but this doesn't happen that often.

I see so many Ladies wash and going daily, deep conditioning every 2-3 days...just doing a lot and I couldn't do that if I wanted to keep hair on my head. I don't even M&S daily. Moisturize one good time, style and leave it alone for 3-4 days then repeat until wash day. High manipulation equals slower progress towards long hair in my opinion. I came on this board in Aug 2013 with around APL hair and just over a year later, I'm WHIP. That's all thanks to low manipulation.

Yep. I had to learn that the hard way recently. I am going back to what works.

 

[KinksAndInk]

I know that I need to straighten my hair to give it a proper trim and to see what my ends look like before I get serious about this tbl journey but I'm too lazy. I know I can trim and all that with my hair curly but I plan on straightening my hair twice a year starting next year so I'd rather start to get rid of extremely see through ends before I get over this mbl hump. I'd hate to make tbl then have to chop six or seven inches off because of see through ends. I can't stand raggedy chopped up ends which I know I probably have due to having layers before cutting my heat damaged ends and I didn't even try to even my hair up. I just cut the limp ends 2 years ago and let it be lol. Can't imagine what my hair will look like straight. I want nice healthy V or U shaped tbl hair.

 

[ElevatedEnergy]

I always do 2 long term protective styles each year. This past year, I did 2 stints in braids for 8 weeks each. In 2015, I'll do braids and a sew-in. I've been craving a bob for about a year and it ain't no way in heyal I'm cutting my hair...I don't even trim so ya know I ain't cutting! lmbo I may do the braids in the summer and the sew-in next winter. The last time I had a bob sew-in was the beginning of last year and I was able to leave some hair out in the crown because I had layers. Now my layers are too long and would be wayyyyyyyy longer than the bob, so I may need a closure. Sometimes long hair problems ain't so bad y'all! These are the styles I want. The Lady in the bob has a closure and it doesn't look all the way fake. lol

 

[SmilingElephant]

I've been super lazy about my hair lately.

 

[KinksAndInk]

I'm trying to come up with a semisolid regimen for 2015. I know that I want to try mn for growth and do more protective styles for length retention and changing my diet and exercise habit but other than that I have no clue what to do. I keep going back and forth between weekly and biweekly washing. Clay washes or cowashes or low-poo washes. The only thing I'm committed to is prepooing before each "normal" wash day, chelating/clarifying every 8 weeks and doing Aphogee 2step once a month (my hair loves protein). Beyond that I'm at a loss.

 

[vmerie]

I'm in ladies! Marking my spot to update later.

Aireen Update:
• Current length: Hip Length

• Regimen: Same as before.
DCing at least once a month
LOC (Liquid, Oil, Cream) method
Limit use of sulfates and cones.
Protective and low maintenance styling

• Exact goal length: TBL

• Exact goal date: I don't know.

• Tools + plans to help reach final goal: Nothing special just a lot of TLC.

• Maintenance + plans once goal is achieved: Trimming

 

[Aireen]

Loving all the updates ladies! The challenge is about to start, are y'all ready?!~

Okay so I did the "corrective relaxer" 2 days ago, it didn't help much but at least my hair isn't as puffy. I'm going to try to leave it as is for now. I don't know why my hair is so resistant... maybe it's the vitamins I'm taking? My hair just doesn't want to straighten at all. It's both good and bad – I want my hair bone-straight, but at least I know that the new growth appears strong?

My hair is 1" away from WL, actually, it may even be closer than that but I'll say 1" for good measure. SO GLAD I RECOVERED FROM THAT SETBACK WITH MY PREVIOUS HAIRDRESSER. I knew I would, but at the time I was obviously discouraged because I've had at least 3 setbacks and NEVER thought I'd even have 1. Anyway, that was quick! It only took about 4-6 months to recover! DIY is the way to go! I didn't trim, I love my length right now too much but I'll keep it in mind that I need to slightly clip the ends.

In January or February, I should have new vitamins to kick start this push for TBL. I'm so excited! The recovery from my setback has me really pumped, my hair isn't 100% but it's on its way. SOOO EXCITEDDDD~

 

[KinksAndInk]

Loving all the updates ladies! The challenge is about to start, are y'all ready?!~ Okay so I did the "corrective relaxer" 2 days ago, it didn't help much but at least my hair isn't as puffy. I'm going to try to leave it as is for now. I don't know why my hair is so resistant... maybe it's the vitamins I'm taking? My hair just doesn't want to straighten at all. It's both good and bad – I want my hair bone-straight, but at least I know that the new growth appears strong? My hair is 1" away from WL, actually, it may even be closer than that but I'll say 1" for good measure. SO GLAD I RECOVERED FROM THAT SETBACK WITH MY PREVIOUS HAIRDRESSER. I knew I would, but at the time I was obviously discouraged because I've had at least 3 setbacks and NEVER thought I'd even have 1. Anyway, that was quick! It only took about 4-6 months to recover! DIY is the way to go! I didn't trim, I love my length right now too much but I'll keep it in mind that I need to slightly clip the ends. In January or February, I should have new vitamins to kick start this push for TBL. I'm so excited! The recovery from my setback has me really pumped, my hair isn't 100% but it's on its way. SOOO EXCITEDDDD~

I'm ready!!!

 

[SmilingElephant]

Idk if I'm ready. I've been in a real funk lately.

I just Co washed and dc'd last night and detangled...after days of not touching it at all.

 

[SmilingElephant]

Dbl post

 

[vmerie]

Happy New Year ladies and happy hair growing. I will be trimming my hair tomorrow. My hair is screaming for it.

 

[KinksAndInk]

I need to stay off of YouTube. I'm discouraged by my lack of growth after seeing people hit waist length from shoulder length in a year. I know I've done some trims and had periods where I neglected my hair and I don't drink enough water and my diet sucks so my hair and nails don't get the necessary vitamins and minerals but dang...I want waist length hair this year. I'm only about 4inches away. I need to get my life together.

Ok. I'm done. Rant over.

 

[DoDo]

This year I am doing what works for me, even if it's not popular in the natural hair care community.

I think I have learned how to protect my hair from damage when using heat. I am certain that my hair does better when it is stretched. I am also certain that keeping my routine simple is the path to length retention.

I am hoping to cut down on spending this year when it comes to products. I have my favorites. It is now time to phase out the rest.

 

[Aireen]

Washed mah huuurrr!~ It smells good~ I finally have a picture but don't be too harsh, I know I need a trim and I will do sometime between now and my next relaxer which will probably be in 3-3.5 months, I really don't feel like going through any long stretches right now and I kind of like the tapered look. I've been getting a lot of compliments on my hair lately, which is AWESOME~

Happy new year everyone! The challenge has started! Let's hope for growth spurts and strong ends in the new year!

 

[KinksAndInk]

Washed mah huuurrr!~ It smells good~ I finally have a picture but don't be too harsh, I know I need a trim and I will do sometime between now and my next relaxer which will probably be in 3-3.5 months, I really don't feel like going through any long stretches right now and I kind of like the tapered look. I've been getting a lot of compliments on my hair lately, which is AWESOME~ Happy new year everyone! The challenge has started! Let's hope for growth spurts and strong ends in the new year!

Gorgeous hair

 

[LaFemmeNaturelle]

So I washed and DC'd with Shea Moisture Moisture Retention and whatever the DC is called. Then I used the conditioner as my leave in/styling aid and did a braidout. I love these products because my hair doesn't get tangled and always feels amazing when it's dry. The only thing I don't like is that my fair feels really wiry and weird while it's wet. Does this happen to anyone else? It may be from product build up and I may have to work the sulfate shampoo into my regimen sooner than planned.

I wonder if rebraiding my hair at night will be too much manipulation or if I can still retain length as long as I'm tending to my hair weekly.

I'll post my starting pic for the year later this evening or tomorrow.

 

[ILuvCurls]

@Aireen Thank you for this challenge, please count me in.

• Current length: Between BSL and MBL

• Regimen: DC every week with both protein/moisture, air dry hair until slightly damp then smooth it out with a cool blow dryer. I keep hair stretched by sleeping in 2 twists. No harsh chemicals or high heat, and low manipulation. I trim often to maintain thickness. I'm currently trying Nioxin System 3 for fine hair, but the shampoo is too drying for me.

• Exact goal length: HL would be great, but only IF I can achieve the length and not sacrifice fullness/thickness, especially the ends.

• Exact goal date: December 31st, 2016.

• Tools + plans to help reach final goal: Take better care of my scalp, oil my ends regularly, and try to stay away from the scissors!

• Maintenance + plans once goal is achieved: Return to my normal regimen of trimming every 2 to 3 months to keep the ends thick.

 

[Beachy]

Aireen
I have been basically lurking on this board since 2011 joined in 2012 but have yet to OFFICIALLY participate in a hair challenge. So I figure I am long overdue.

•Current length: Waist length natural

•Regime: Weekly overnight DC with Shea moisture purification mask used as my all in one pre poo, DC, and cowash. Recently added Shea Moisture Superfruit Complex 10 in 1 hair Mask as my DC (LOVE). Followed by kimmaytube leave-in mixture, KCCC and Ecostyler then bunned for the week. I spray/moisturize my hair @ 2x a week. I will blow dry my hair about four times a year for a braided cornrow style or 1-2 flat irons per year.

•Exact goal length: Tailbone

•Exact goal date: December 31,2015

•Tool+plans to help reach final goal: Strictly finger detangling (no combs or brushes not even for buns)

•Maintenance + plans once goal is achieved: stick with my regimen but incorporate more roller sets and curlformer sets.

Pic to follow this weekend (as soon as I figure out how)

 

[ItsMeLilLucky]

Beachy I was the same as you lol. You grow girl.

 

[SmilingElephant]

I have been using this to deep condition and as a regular conditioner for the past few days and my hair LOVES this stuff! It was only 2.99 at my Target



I'm finding that I don't have to buy all the super expensive products...my hair isn't super picky. I just make sure that the product does have some "good stuff" in it and I'm pretty good with that.

I'm finding too that my hair really loves honey.

I myself REALLY love honey!

 

[Aireen]

Gorgeous hair

KinksAndInk, thank youuuu!