Luscious Healthy Ends Challenge 2023

[Chicoro]

@MzSwift if you have been lurking, then you know that this is a fly trap thread. Once we know you lurk, then it's time to put in work! Come on and join. We would love to have your EOTY progress pix with the rest of us.

Come on out of lurking and stay!

@MzSwift need to quit playing. She up in this thread so she can casually drop that bun in December showing her 30 inches of growth. We see you, girl!

That's right, tell her @Lylddlebit. We not playing up in here.

Look at @Lylddlebit the poet up in here at the mic:

"Once we know you lurk, then it's time to put in work!"​

 

[Chicoro]

Hi. Lurker here. @Chicoro, your posts are hilarious!

Ladies, I'm looking forward to seeing your EOTY progress pix.

OK, back to lurking

 

[MzSwift]

@MzSwift if you have been lurking, then you know that this is a fly trap thread. Once we know you lurk, then it's time to put in work! Come on and join. We would love to have your EOTY progress pix with the rest of us.

Come on out of lurking and stay!

@MzSwift need to quit playing. She up in this thread so she can casually drop that bun in December showing her 30 inches of growth. We see you, girl!

That's right, tell her @Lylddlebit. We not playing up in here.

Look at @Lylddlebit the poet up in here at the mic:

"Once we know you lurk, then it's time to put in work!"

@Chicoro Right?! She's got bars!!

 

[MzSwift]

Thanks for the warm welcome, ladies! OK, I'm in.

I was lurking this thread bc I know that a key to good retention is babying the ends so that's my goal (I'll go vote too). I'm in the process of growing out my hair after cutting out my locs last year and starting at SL. I've made progress, I believe I'm around APL now.
I plan to stay in minibraids/twists (no extensions), crochet styles and braids under wigs/scarves.That's pretty much been my lifestyle since I had my little one so I'll be consistent w that.
When my hair is in minibraids/twists, I bun baggie at night and throw in a full head baggie/GHE 1-2 times/week.
I use an EVOO/Safflower/Grapeseed oil mix on the bottom half of my hair after moisturizing. Might throw in some Vaseline a few nights a week under my bun baggie. The wigs/scarves and crochets keep my ends fully covered. Hopefully between all of that, I'll see some good retention this year. I believe I only grow about 4 inches a year so I hope to retain all of that.
No trims planned until after my EOTY photo and no real length photos until the EOTY. I'll try to remember to check in monthly to note any observations with my hair.
Oh, I primarily use ayurvedic products. I mix my own ayurvedic cleanser, conditioner and scalp oil using teas and infused oils. I also love doing an amino acid deep conditioner (especially after my relaxer) and a moisturizing salt DC if I use too much protein.

When my hair is in minibraids/twists, I wash with liquid black soap about once a week and then follow with this water tx only on the bottom half of my hair.



My ends immediately feel smoother so I'm going to keep with it.

I'm loving all of the information, tips, updates and progress I'm seeing from the other ladies here - it's so very motivational! Keep up the good work, ladies!

 

[Napp]

I noticed some pieces of my hair are short while some pieces are long. I may need to do a cut to even everything out. I am going to wait until around June to do another end check up and cut some hair then.

 

[Napp]

Back to bunning! Maybe ill feel like trying a wash and go again when it gets warmer. Its still too cold to be walking around with wet hair. I am going to skip the moisturizing cream and go straight to grease to seal my ends and keep them protected! I think the cream is the culprit for the odor that is developing in the baggy. Instead i will use cream under my daily gellings to moisturize the perimeter of my hair, but straight grease on the ends. I may try using shea butter on the ends too.

 

[Chicoro]

Back to bunning! Maybe ill feel like trying a wash and go again when it gets warmer. Its still too cold to be walking around with wet hair. I am going to skip the moisturizing cream and go straight to grease to seal my ends and keep them protected! I think the cream is the culprit for the odor that is developing in the baggy. Instead i will use cream under my daily gellings to moisturize the perimeter of my hair, but straight grease on the ends. I may try using shea butter on the ends too.

Let us know how it turns out. I see you pivoting! That's how you do it. You got to analyze and make the best decision based on the current situation. Go 'head @Napp! Show us how it's done!

 

[VictoriousBrownFlower]

i'm planning on coloring my hair when my stuff comes. Its already purple but i want it more vibrant so I'm lightening and then doing blue with magenta tips.

 

[Chicoro]

i'm planning on coloring my hair when my stuff comes. Its already purple but i want it more vibrant so I'm lightening and then doing blue with magenta tips.

Let us know how it turns out for you!

 

[VictoriousBrownFlower]

Let us know how it turns out for you!

i totally will.... if things work out how i hope i'll post pics

 

[Napp]

Let us know how it turns out. I see you pivoting! That's how you do it. You got to analyze and make the best decision based on the current situation. Go 'head @Napp! Show us how it's done!

So I had to do a midweek wash and I tried the Shea butter before the grease. It stretched my hair beautifully. It usually takes a few days of grease before my hair relaxes and stretches out. It also softened the innards of my bun where I noticed some breakage. Thank you for that tip! I will be Shea buttering and greasing my ends from now on! I feel like I’m going to retain more length this way. I may also go back to washing every two weeks if the odor in the baggy doesn’t develop due to me no longer using cream for the ends.

 

[Chicoro]

So I had to do a midweek wash and I tried the Shea butter before the grease. It stretched my hair beautifully. It usually takes a few days of grease before my hair relaxes and stretches out. It also softened the innards of my bun where I noticed some breakage. Thank you for that tip! I will be Shea buttering and greasing my ends from now on! I feel like I’m going to retain more length this way. I may also go back to washing every two weeks if the odor in the baggy doesn’t develop due to me no longer using cream for the ends.

Thanks for the feedback.

Congratulations on discovering another possible Super Retention Tip that works for your lovely hair!

I am glad to hear that the Shea Butter and Grease combination elongated your hair beautifully. Yes, Shea butter stiffens the hair and the grease on top lubricates the hair reducing friction and breakage. These two are great for buns and protective styling - but this combination is a MESS when placed on parts of the hair that are not covered, like the roots.

 

[Napp]

IDK what is going on but i recently cracked open a jar of wetline and its not holding my hair. I took off my durag today and my hair was frizzy and dull. This is not normal. I wonder if they changed the ingredients yet again!? Now im on the hunt for another cheap yet reliable gel. I dont like ecostyler anymore except the super olive one but at least they don't switch up their formulas they just make different versions.

 

[Chicoro]

IDK what is going on but i recently cracked open a jar of wetline and its not holding my hair. I took off my durag today and my hair was frizzy and dull. This is not normal. I wonder if they changed the ingredients yet again!? Now im on the hunt for another cheap yet reliable gel. I dont like ecostyler anymore except the super olive one but at least they don't switch up their formulas they just make different versions.

Two points. Make sure you get the one with the green top. Secondly, make sure you get the real Wetline. There are some dupes out there with the same look. Worse case scenario, it is the green cap and real Wetline and they did change the formula.

I will say, I used to ship a whole box of Wetline gel to myself every time I was in the US. Then I ran out and had to use Eco Styler because it is in abundance here in France. But Eco Styler NEVER worked for me. Hair was like this ---- > fifteen (15) minutes immediately after application.

Until...
I took the chemical stress off my hair. For me, shampoos were causing the chemical stress. My hair felt and ACTED like velcro on the ends and was wiry and hard. Eco Styler did NOTHING for my hair. But after removing shampoo from my routine, Eco Styler works like Wetline for my hair. It's amazing to me. My hair is super slick and lays down like a baby, now. I use the crystal clear looking Eco Styler but I don't know the exact name of the product.

 

[Napp]

Two points. Make sure you get the one with the green top. Secondly, make sure you get the real Wetline. There are some dupes out there with the same look. Worse case scenario, it is the green cap and real Wetline and they did change the formula.

I will say, I used to ship a whole box of Wetline gel to myself every time I was in the US. Then I ran out and had to use Eco Styler because it is in abundance here in France. But Eco Styler NEVER worked for me. Hair was like this ---- > fifteen (15) minutes immediately after application.

Until...
I took the chemical stress off my hair. For me, shampoos were causing the chemical stress. My hair felt and ACTED like velcro on the ends and was wiry and hard. Eco Styler did NOTHING for my hair. But after removing shampoo from my routine, Eco Styler works like Wetline for my hair. It's amazing to me. My hair is super slick and lays down like a baby, now. I use the crystal clear looking Eco Styler but I don't know the exact name of the product.

I Also remembered that I was using the blue version in small jars while this one is the big clear one. Idk if the formulas were different . I always thought they were the same just with color. I might get a big blue one to compare or just use eco styler for a while before I buy anything new

 

[Chicoro]

I Also remembered that I was using the blue version in small jars while this one is the big clear one. Idk if the formulas were different . I always thought they were the same just with color. I might get a big blue one to compare or just use eco styler for a while before I buy anything new

Yes, the hold is different for each one and the textures are different, too. The blue version may be what your hair prefers. Can you find a small jar of the blue one to compare?

 

[Lylddlebit]

I have straightened my hair.

• Clarified with Rusk Quillaja Shampoo (discontinued)
• Shampoo Shu Umeura Ultimate Remedy Shampoo (...discontinued. I think the Ultimate Reset Line is supposed to be similar. It smells the same and I have products from the new line. I haven't tried them yet)
• Applied K-18 leave in treatment to damp hair
• Detangled hair after applying treatment then put my hair into bantu knots
• Let treatment air dry into my hair overnight.
• Apply Tresemme Heat Tamer heat protectant the next morning.
• Blow Dry with Dyson supersonic Dryer using the comb attachment.
• Straightened hair with FHI Runway 1 pass 370 (tested the Tymo Ring Plus on one small section 410)
• Trimmed to even out all over.

My hair looks a lot thicker than December's photos but its about the same. December was a hard press on 450. This press was on the softer side at 370 with light leave-ins. That is the main difference. I am probably going to add deep waves or curls for Easter and am planning to press again in May. So, I did a softer press to offset the heat that is coming. I apologize for the bad lighting in some of the photos. LO was on ten and it took me way longer to finish my hair than it should have. I wasn't paying close enough attention to how the pictures came out until after I was done. Also, please excuse the different clothing. I was deciding what to wear today while doing my hair.

 

[Chicoro]

I have straightened my hair.

• Clarified with Rusk Quillaja Shampoo (discontinued)
• Shampoo Shu Umeura Ultimate Remedy Shampoo (...discontinued. I think the Ultimate Reset Line is supposed to be similar. It smells the same and I have products from the new line. I haven't tired them yet. )
• Applied K-18 leave in treatment to damp hair
• Detangled treatment into my hair and put in bantu knots
• Let treatment air dry into my hair overnight.
• Apply Tresemme Heat Tamer heat protectant the next morning.
• Blow Dry with Dyson supersonic Dryer using the comb attachment.
• Straightened hair with FHI Runway 1 pass 370 (tested the Tymo Ring Plus on one small section 410)
• Trimmed to even out all over.

My hair looks a lot thicker than December's photos but its about the same. December was a hard press on 450. This press was on the softer side at 370 with light leave-ins. That is the main difference. I am probably going to add deep waves or curls for Easter and am planning to press again in May. So, I did a softer press to offset the heat that is coming. I apologize for the bad lighting in some of the photos. LO was on ten and it took me way longer to finish my hair than it should have. I wasn't paying close enough attention to how the pictures came out until after I was done. ((Please excuse the different clothing I was deciding what to wear today while doing my hair))

I'm hyperventilating from all this luscious, super long, thick, full hair!












Girl, you know folks on LHCF can see around, through and within some
hair photos. No need to apologize for nuthin'.

We is happy to get these pitchas!



Ya'll, in one of them photos here hair is hanging PASSED the doorknob!


You did your job: That job was to grow some luscious hair.
Now leave us in peace to salivate over these photos.

Thank you for posting!

Who needs an Easter Basket
when one can look at hair
like THIS.
Woo!


​

 

[Chicoro]

I had planned to post this. After the excitement of @Lylddlebit in her Hair Glory and gorgeousness, my photo will not be exciting. BUT, it represents
consistency. I wanted to post this for @Napp. I don't put gel on my hair passed my ears which is near where the ponytail holder is so that is fuzzy.

But, I have Eco Styler gel from my forehead hairline to a little past my ears. When I used shampoo, ALL of my hair would have been fuzzy. But since I stopped using shampoo and stressing and traumatizing my hair, Eco Styler lays down my hair now the same way Wet Line Gel used to do.



Edited to add:

I believe my hair is getting thicker since I stopped using shampoo! I especially noticed it around the hair line. Also, it feels like mink! I am just loving the look and feel of my hair since I stopped using shampoo and started using clay in my hair.


consistency!

 

[Chicoro]

@Lylddlebit ,

I HOPE you also do a bun drop in December 2023. But, please do it with caution. If this is where you are at in April and I am hyperventilating, imagine where you will be in December. We may not be able to handle all that fabulousness of your hair in December! Nah, go ahead, with the bun drop. We'll be okay!

 

[MzSwift]

@Lylddlebit


Good job!
And I totally understand how hard it can be to do hair when your LO is taking up your energy resources. LOL

 

[Lylddlebit]

I'm hyperventilating from all this luscious, super long, thick, full hair!












Girl, you know folks on LHCF can see around, through and within some
hair photos. No need to apologize for nuthin'.

We is happy to get these pitchas!



Ya'll, in one of them photos here hair is hanging PASSED the doorknob!


You did your job: That job was to grow some luscious hair.
Now leave us in peace to salivate over these photos.

Thank you for posting!

Who needs an Easter Basket
when one can look at hair
like THIS.
Woo!


​

Thank you, thank you! Sometimes I have to get on my tippy toes to get my hair in the mirror's frame. My hair is a bit past the door knob when when I am flat on my feet without heels, but my hemline doesn't always make it into the frame of the mirrors reflection. I will get it together for the next round of photos. I am glad that my hair is returning to baseline. It never gets old.

***Added an attachment of one of the photos where i was standing flat. The mirror frame will cut it off. So, I usually remember to get on my tippy does or wear heels or something so it will be in the mirror frame. The bottom of the mirror is beveled before the frame my hemline gets cut off in this photo.

 

[Lylddlebit]

I had planned to post this. After the excitement of @Lylddlebit in her Hair Glory and gorgeousness, my photo will not be exciting. BUT, it represents
consistency. I wanted to post this for @Napp. I don't put gel on my hair passed my ears which is near where the ponytail holder is so that is fuzzy.

But, I have Eco Styler gel from my forehead hairline to a little past my ears. When I used shampoo, ALL of my hair would have been fuzzy. But since I stopped using shampoo and stressing and traumatizing my hair, Eco Styler lays down my hair now the same way Wet Line Gel used to do.


consistency! View attachment 488603

Your hair is just as gorgeous and salivate worthy as mine! Probably longer too. You going to clay mask your way to "head, shoulders, knees and toes hair!" Humility doesn't fool me! I am a kid waiting for when momma Chicoro let's Chicoro's hair come out and play agin! Once she comes to play it will b ready!

 

[Lylddlebit]

@Lylddlebit ,

I HOPE you also do a bun drop in December 2023. But, please do it with caution. If this is where you are at in April and I am hyperventilating, imagine where you will be in December. We may not be able to handle all that fabulousness of your hair in December! Nah, go ahead, with the bun drop. We'll be okay!

Lol I am going to have to figure out how to film one of those bun drops lols.

 

[Lylddlebit]

@Lylddlebit


Good job!
And I totally understand how hard it can be to do hair when your LO is taking up your energy resources. LOL

She loves to be the center of attention so I kept stopping, but I would trade it. I laugh all the way through her spunky ways.

 

[Napp]

@Lylddlebit ,

I HOPE you also do a bun drop in December 2023. But, please do it with caution. If this is where you are at in April and I am hyperventilating, imagine where you will be in December. We may not be able to handle all that fabulousness of your hair in December! Nah, go ahead, with the bun drop. We'll be okay!

I agree! I want to see a bun drop! Lol

 

[Chicoro]

Thank you, thank you! Sometimes I have to get on my tippy toes to get my hair in the mirror's frame. My hair is a bit past the door knob when when am flat on my feet without heels, but my hemline doesn't always make it into the frame of the mirrors reflection. I will get it together for the next round of photos. I am glad that my hair is returning to baseline. It never gets old.

***Added an attachment of one of the photos where i was standing flat. The mirror frame will cut it off. So, I usually remember to get on my tippy does or wear heels or something so it will be in the mirror frame. The bottom of the mirror is beveled before the frame my hemline gets cut off in this photo.

Whatever you do, I'm lovin' it!


​

 

[Chicoro]

Your hair is just as gorgeous and salivate worthy as mine! Probably longer too. You going to clay mask your way to "head, shoulders, knees and toes hair!" Humility doesn't fool me! I am a kid waiting for when momma Chicoro lets Chicoro's hair come out and play agin! Once she comes to play it will b ready!

Girl, stop I am not trying to fool nobody. I been told ALL of YA'LL 2023 is the Year of the Bun Drop, for me! I am moving in stealthy silence until December 2023.

Hopefully, no more setbacks for me in 2023. I am hoping and praying for success so I can do a FABULOUS bun drop! Velcro ends and breakage slowed my roll in 2022.

I am determined to get my bun drop in, in 2023!

 

[Chicoro]

Lol I am going to give to figure out how to film one of those bun drops lols.

Reniece's Bun Drop: My all time favorite and inspiration. I told her I'm coming. She told me to let her know when I did mine.

 

[Chicoro]

I agree! I want to see a bun drop! Lol

Sucks teeth with an incredulous, unbelieving attitude:




What you mean YOU want to see a bun drop?

We gone let You SEE a bun drop so YOU can figure out how you are going to do YOUR BUN DROP, which WE want to see! Ya'll be playing too much. @Napp with her 5 inches of growth and retention in 3 weeks-self knows she's one of the main candidate's for a Bun Drop in December 2023.


All I need is for @ckisland to come up in here talking about SHE wants to see a bun drop, too. I know she can't measure. AND, if @ckisland does a bun drop, it is going to hit her waist at minimum. And I am sure she will say, "Please come see my bun drop where my hair might be almost at shoulder length. "





Chile, all this magnificent afro-textured hair up in this thread...