Hip Tbl & Beyond Challenge 2018

[YvetteWithJoy]

Someone shared in the long "Random Hair Thought/Thinking" thread a video of hair banding via elastic ribbon, like the kind I purchased from Hobby Lobby.

I love that method! It's basically a chunky African threading. It's much better than creating circular bands with the ribbon. This way, you just band your hair and create a little tie /knot at the end.

I also tried detangling via a flicking method, as discussed in that same thread (a poster said her Devachan stylist says it's better, and that the Wet Brush is damaging). I posted about it in the Detangling Collective Wisdom thread. Photos of hair lost are below. Photos enlarge upon click.

ETA: Whoah, my short fingers look long in that pic! Lol!

 

[Alma Petra]

Warning:Lots of pictures ahead!

A full roller set is one where I do a full head of rollers. I shampoo then deep condition under the dryer. I use a comb to detangle and smooth my hair so it takes about an hour to set and another 2 1/2 hours to dry. I save this for length checks only because it is an extremely long and tiring process. The curls need to dry 100% in order for this to work.
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I can also wrap it overnight to gauge my length. Of course it's never 100% straight since I didn't use direct heat...but close enough.

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A cheat roller set is one where I do most of the work in the shower. I do a treatment pre-wash, cleanse, quick condition and use the water flow to put my hair in 2 ponytails. Get out the shower and just roll the length of the ponytails. This process takes around 15 minutes. I finger comb only because the goal is stretched hair not super smooth hair. Sit under the dryer for one hour. If it's not fully dry, it's cool. I can just smooth the hair in one big Bantu knot or use the dampness to work in my favor and move right into braiding.

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@Alma Petra

OMG your hair

I'm not sure I was ready for this beauty! It's so drool-worthy

Thank you so much for the detailed reply. Your sets are everything!

 

[Damaris.Elle]

I also tried detangling via a flicking method, as discussed in that same thread (a poster said her Devachan stylist says it's better, and that the Wet Brush is damaging). I posted about it in the Detangling Collective Wisdom thread. Photos of hair lost are below. Photos enlarge upon click.

ETA: Whoah, my short fingers look long in that pic! Lol!

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It sounds like the detangling method I've been using is similar to the flicking method...when I get to a tangle I use short strokes with the comb on the tangle instead of pulling the comb through in a long stroke. I also make sure I'm holding my ends while detangling so that the section of hair doesn't move around and tangle more. I lose less hair doing this.

I had a nice, easy wash day yesterday...I dusted about 1/4 an inch off my ends. I seem to be retaining well even without taking my vitamins, but I really should get back to taking Beautifully Bamboo. I think I'll order a bottle today.

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

OMG your hair

I'm not sure I was ready for this beauty! It's so drool-worthy

Thank you so much for the detailed reply. Your sets are everything!

Lady, I feel the same way about YOUR hair.

 

[Saludable84]

@NaturalShe94

TGIN Honey Masque (?) is good OTG.
Carols Daughter Black Vanilla Smoothie

Online:
Darcy's Botanicals Pumpkin Seed Conditioner
Bee Mine Bee-U-Ti-Ful
Naturelle Grow Madder Root and Shea
Annabelle's Perfect Blends Ultra Conditioning Souffle, Island Kiwi, Blueberry Cheesecake (not a fan but probably good if you have HiPo hair)

 

[NaturalShe94]

@NaturalShe94

TGIN Honey Masque (?) is good OTG.
Carols Daughter Black Vanilla Smoothie

Online:
Darcy's Botanicals Pumpkin Seed Conditioner
Bee Mine Bee-U-Ti-Ful
Naturelle Grow Madder Root and Shea
Annabelle's Perfect Blends Ultra Conditioning Souffle, Island Kiwi, Blueberry Cheesecake (not a fan but probably good if you have HiPo hair)

What does OTG stand for lol?? And I used it that one last night, the TGIN, it was really moisturizing.

 

[Saludable84]

What does OTG stand for lol?? And I used it that one last night, the TGIN, it was really moisturizing.

On the ground.

I liked the TGIN. My only issue was the cone and not using a sulfate based shampoo; I get i build up quick.

 

[Alma Petra]

Lady, I feel the same way about YOUR hair.

Awww my hair is very grateful to you for your kind uplifting words! Much needed since my poor hair is going through a phase of self-doubt and hairorexia


Love you sis

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

Awww my hair is very grateful to you for your kind uplifting words! Much needed since my poor hair is going through a phase of self-doubt and hairorexia


Love you sis

What? Giiiiiiiirl! If I had your hair, it would be utterly RIDICULOUS how much I would be swinging it around and feeling myself.

You have great hair, trust me, and by the beginning of next quarter you will be yet another step closer to your dream length/state.

 

[NaturalShe94]

On the ground.

I liked the TGIN. My only issue was the cone and not using a sulfate based shampoo; I get i build up quick.

Just shampoo twice, thats what I do. I use to have to use a sulfate poo to get rid of bad buid up, but, then I realize shampooing twice with my sulfate free shampoo works very well in cleansing.

 

[Alma Petra]

What? Giiiiiiiirl! If I had your hair, it would be utterly RIDICULOUS how much I would be swinging it around and feeling myself.

You have great hair, trust me, and by the beginning of next quarter you will be yet another step closer to your dream length/state.

Awww thank you! You're a total blessing! I really hope that both of us are going to keep inching closer to our goals

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

Awww thank you! You're a total blessing! I really hope that both of us are going to keep inching closer to our goals

Aw, thanks. Me, too.

I'm starting to accept that my hair is going to feel short to me for a while -- like perhaps for years.

Also . . . I feel I look better with my face framed, so I don't want big, dense hair (which mine is!) I prefer "undense" hair that falls and frames the face. But it's not going to happen. God saw fit to give me big, dense hair that grows out, so I need to change my focus when it comes to my hair. I've been feeling more at ease about my hair since making that shift in perspective.

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

Hello, ladies.

How did April 2017 fare for you, hair-wise and health-wise? What are your plans for May 2017?

 

[Alma Petra]

Aw, thanks. Me, too.

I'm starting to accept that my hair is going to feel short to me for a while -- like perhaps for years.

Also . . . I feel I look better with my face framed, so I don't want big, dense hair (which mine is!) I prefer "undense" hair that falls and frames the face. But it's not going to happen. God saw fit to give me big, dense hair that grows out, so I need to change my focus when it comes to my hair. I've been feeling more at ease about my hair since making that shift in perspective.

Oh we have similar issues it seems. Since I am hoping to go natural, I know that shrinkage is going to be real and that if I retain length it will not be immediately or fully apparent unfortunately. But believe it or not a part of the reason I want to transition is because I am dreaming of bigger hair that grows up and out lol. Now my hair is flat on top and just falls down limply without significant root lift. But sadly it doesnt frame my face due to the lack of edges. Another trick to consider to gain big hair is to cut layers. It is said that shorter curls tends to be more able to defy gravity.

But you know, we should consider stretching our hair every now and then for example via rollersets to try and enjoy any retention that we achieve.

 

[Alma Petra]

@YvetteWithJoy,

Combing out a roller set can also help you bring your hair to where it can frame your face. Other than a rollerset, you can also utilize bantu knots for that purpose. Tomorrow I will show you a photo of a very simple style that I did with them with good results.

Going to go to bed now. Good night and have sweet dreams!

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

@YvetteWithJoy,

Combing out a roller set can also help you bring your hair to where it can frame your face. Other than a rollerset, you can also utilize bantu knots for that purpose. Tomorrow I will show you a photo of a very simple style that I did with them with good results.

Going to go to bed now. Good night and have sweet dreams!

Oooo! Looking forward to it! Thanks, @Alma Petra. Sleep well!

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

Hello, ladies.

How did April 2017 fare for you, hair-wise and health-wise? What are your plans for May 2017?

​

April 2017 Health/Weight Summary​

The can-be-improved: I did not exercise consistently (to be fair, I was finishing up my master's thesis and traveling a bit). I was very inconsistent with taking my iron pills. My weight fluctuated. My water intake was inconsistent. I lost a little tone from lack of consistent exercise.

The good-great: I ate pretty healthily. I drank my morning ACV-ginger-etc. detox drink 3-5 mornings a week. I did the 7-Day Cabbage Soup Diet twice with good results.

The plan going forward for May 2017: EVER NIGHT: Take my iron pill with apple cider (for the Vitamin C, which aids in iron uptake). Gradually reintroduce exercising: Start with crunches and weights twice a week. EVERY DAY: Drink at least one full water bottle of water (32 ounces) by noon.

April 2017 Hair Summary​

Technique:

Continue (1) flicking method to reduce stress on ends during detangling, (2) starting wash day by sectioning hair into 8 sections using the Kimmaytube-recommended updo barrettes/clips; (3) using elastic ribbon strips (not ties) when banding​

Styling:

The not-so-good: I tried the crimper curlers (results weren't good enough for the effort). I installed two deep wave curlformers, and it looked nice but pulling the hair through the curlformers was very damaging, and the curl had no hold at all (I documented via photos in my media album).

The good-great: I did my first flexirod set. Results were very good and hair received lots of compliments. I greatly improved my twist out results (detailed method documented in the April Styles 2017 thread) and received lots of compliments. I finally found a great banding/stretching method: Use of elastic ribbon STRIPS (not TIES), that are then knotted at the bottom of the hair. Awesome!

The plan going forward for May 2017: Something like the following . . . Set Thursday evening as the week's full wash day. On wash day, do not do involved styling: Detangle, treat scalp, mud poo, and either (1) do a wash-and-go and dry it under the HairFlair attachment and then band it overnight or (2) install 8 red flexirods. Wear the banded wash-and-go on Friday. Install a braid-out or twist-out Friday night. Wear the braid/twist out Saturday and pineapple it Saturday night. Wear the braid/twist out Sunday and pineapple it Sunday night. Wear the braid/twist out Monday, and ponytail it or high puff it on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.​

Products:

The not-so-good: Camille Rose Naturals (CRN) Ginger Rinse (poo) works well and smells good and I can detangle with it (though I prefer to detangle with conditioner). However, it undefines my curls. Uncle Funky's Daughter's gel gives me hold but dries out my hair a bit. The Eden Body Works natural mousse does not work at all for my hair: Leaves it dry and tacky.

The good-great: The Sheaterra Mud-Poo is the business. Leaves my hair clean yet moisturized lightly with oil, and very defined! Re-discovery: Annabelle PerfectBlends Ultra Conditioning Souffle and Bekura Y.A.M. are two of the very few protein-free DCs I own. CRN Coconut Water DC is the moist moisturizing DC I have used to date. CRN Coconut Water "Style Setter" is WONDERFUL on my hair. Curl Prep gel does my hair great, as does CRN Curl Maker.

The plan going forward for May 2017:

Use Colorful Neutral Protein Filler as a protein treatment around May 24th to see if it suffices instead of the non-OTG Komaza one; get at trim; do a modified max hydration method using:

SM hipo masque or Soultanicals Hair Glide as prepoo; Cantua ACV Root Rinse for scalp care; Sheaterra Mud-Poo as strands cleanser; Mielle DC or CRN Coconut Water DC or APB Ultra Conditioning Souffle as DC; CurlyProverbz DIY hair growth oil as scalp, ends, edges, and strands oil; AVJ as liquid; CRN Coconut Water "Style Setter" as butter/sealant; CRN Curl Maker or Curl Prep Around the Way gel as styler.​

 

[NaturalShe94]

Hello, ladies.

How did April 2017 fare for you, hair-wise and health-wise? What are your plans for May 2017?

April is my birthday month and so as a few of my close friends so I just about partied all month lol! Anywho, during the week at work I have kept my hair in a style with my ends tucked and weekend when I was going out, I did a WNG or twist out. In April I realized I needed to cut back on the protein products in my hair. After using my leave in (SM JBCO) and my Olive Miracle Strengthing Moisturizer, I realized my hair started to feel, not straw like, but stiff-ish just after applying the product. So I did a strand test on 4 different parts of my hair to check the protein/moisture balance. My hair snapped immediately. I knew I needed more moisture at that point, so I used the SM Low -Po Protein Free poo/con with the TGIN Hair Masque then the SM protein-free leave in and my hair feels so much better and soft again.
For May 2017 I will be using moisturizing products to tame the protein in my hair for a little bit. The strengthening products I have been using brought my hair back to life again and great health, but,too much of one thing isn't good so I have to take protein out of my regimen for a few weeks to keep my hair balanced it seems. That is my May regimen.

Health wise, great! Drinking a veggie and fruit smoothing mix daily, exercise when I can. Not very easy to exercise because of my job, however, at work, I am on my feet and moving around all day, I intake a lot of water and my meals are small portions of carbs, fiber and proteins. And I drink a cup of tea in the middle of the day with no sugar added (I love tea). I drink twice as much tea on my day off.

 

[Fotchygirl]

For the first time ever I will be taking time off from work to pamper myself. I am going to a spa all alone, my friends have always done this and I have never understood it but this year I'm also doing it. I'll be having a facial, massage, manicure, pedicure etc... DH's plans are always announced on the day of my birthday so I'll see since this year it falls on a Friday.

 

[Alma Petra]

Oooo! Looking forward to it! Thanks, @Alma Petra. Sleep well!

Here is a photo of the style that I wanted to show to you:

This was the take down of 4 super quick chunky bantu knots, one on each quadrant of my head. I had washed and applied my products the same way I described before to shorten the drying time as much as possible. Got a lot of root lift! And the hair is more stretched than the usual WnG. It was a one time thing. I never did the style again. But I was hoping that it can come in useful to you regarding your desire to have the hair frame your face more as an alternative to fully straightened hair.

The problem I face with my hair in general since it's texlaxed with damaged ends is that it is very frizz prone. Even my WnG frizzes very quickly and I'm always on the look out for more hold. But out styles frizz even more quickly for me, so I don't do them often. The smaller bantu knot outs are the only ones that can last a whole day and maximally 2 days. I was hoping to ask you about the Style Setter, and whether it gives any extra hold or fights frizz in any significant way.

 

[mayoo]

April 2017 update!

Hey everyone! I've been away for a really long time. I'm sorry
my year abroad in Japan has been occupying me a lot

Health:
I've really been taking care of my health over the past few months. I've been going to the gym regularly and eating healthily. I'm also down 12lbs.

Hair:
I haven't been very good with hair practises to be honest. I haven't stayed on my regimen consistently at all and I'm ready to get back on the straight and narrow. I've been thinking back to my old hair journey and how committed I was back then and feeling annoyed with myself to be honest. I really need to get back on track with deep conditioning because I haven't done so since like January :/
Finally, my favourite deep conditioner has come back onto the market (Aubrey Organics white camellia conditioner) so I've ordered it.

Plans for May 2017

Hair products haven't changed much and will remain as the following:
22nd Century Woman shampoo bar
Raw shea butter
Grapeseed OR olive oil
Aubrey Organics White Camellia Conditioner (used as dc)

I will be washing 1x weekly and setting in a braid-out. re-braiding every night
I will probably be wearing my hair out 1-2x a week.
I'll also come back 1x weekly to update on how I'm doing.

 

[ElevatedEnergy]

Welp it's the weekend so I get to wear my hair out today! Woot Woot!

I'm finding that washing and setting my hair on Thursday or Friday makes for great weekend hair. I washed yesterday and set my hair in 4 braids and will wear a light and fluffy braidout today.

I may rebraid it in 2 braids tonight until wash day or just wear it up some way. I've been doing a French twist clipped up with a claw clip or my hair all pulled back with a silk scrunchie. I basically pull it back as if I'm making a ponytail, but don't loop it all the way through. My ends are exposed to the elements for both styles but I keep them extra lubed with oil and at least they are not rubbing against my clothes. No tension headaches for any of these styles either!

 

[beauti]

Don't really have much of an update. My plan for May? Fight to get at least an inch! How do I plan on doing this?

•continue inversion method
•continue applying growth oil
•start doing scalp massages daily
•hide my ends
•greenhouse effect 3x a week

Let's grow!

 

[CheChe1881]

Update:

I finally purchased the joico moisture recovery balm. When I used it as a DC I loved the way it controlled my curls and made them look.

So today I decided to use it as a leave in. At first I was going to try a wash and go using the prayer hands motion to apply product, but I decided to do finger coils. I'll probably pull them apart later today.

I like the way they came out for the most part.

 

[CheChe1881]

Okay I think I found my new go to low maintenance (protective?) style...

Finger coils that I turned into an updo. Was originally supposed to be a taken apart but I liked it as is.

 

[MileHighDiva]

@CheChe1881
You're SLAYING those finger coils, lady!

 

[NaturalShe94]

Okay I think I found my new go to low maintenance (protective?) style...

Finger coils that I turned into an updo. Was originally supposed to be a taken apart but I liked it as is.
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Loving the finger coils!

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

Gorgeous, @CheChe1881! I love it!

 

[CheChe1881]

@CheChe1881
You're SLAYING those finger coils, lady!

Loving the finger coils!

Gorgeous, @CheChe1881! I love it!

Thanks so much ladies... thanks to your help I found a product that's an amazing leave in for me (joico m.r. Balm) <3

 

[CheChe1881]

UPDATE:

Today marks one month since my first journey pic.

And ummmmm.... I've gained 2 inches between April 8th and May 8th.

I'm still in shock. If I didn't have the pics I wouldn't have believed it.

Routine:
The only thing I do is put surge in my hair once or twice a day (missed around total 6 days).
I wear wigs and wet my hair a lot.

Hair:
In first pic (April 8th) was in a flexi rod set.
In the update (May 8th) I just flexi rod the back section to measure.
I wanted to keep it all consistent so I can have reliable results.

Anyways, here are the pics. Lemme know if I'm crazy or not lol