Luscious Healthy Ends Challenge 2023

[Chicoro]

@Nightingale
Thank so much for proffering and proposing the summary of your analysis as to why wash and go’s are effective for retaining length.

In addition, thank you for taking the time to write the details of your process for us. It is very much appreciated.

 

[Lylddlebit]

Yo...I am really about to try a wash and go after I wash this press out in a week or 2 lol.

 

[GettingKinky]

@Nightingale you described the process in such great detail.

I think one of the key things you mentioned is getting the hair super wet before even starting the shampoo step. This makes a big difference in the outcome.

My process is almost exactly the same as yours but I’m down to conditioning in 2 sections (but I detangle in 4 sections)
And I use alligator clips to section my hair, but sometimes they snag so maybe I should switch to twisting them idols you instead.

 

[Chicoro]

Yo...I am really about to try a wash and go after I wash this press out in a week or 2 lol.

Let us know how it ‘go’s’.
(Pun intended. You see that? ‘Go’s instead ‘goes’ )

 

[Chicoro]

@Nightingale you described the process in such great detail.

I think one of the key things you mentioned is getting the hair super wet before even starting the shampoo step. This makes a big difference in the outcome.

My process is almost exactly the same as yours but I’m down to conditioning in 2 sections (but I detangle in 4 sections)
And I use alligator clips to section my hair, but sometimes they snag so maybe I should switch to twisting them idols you instead.

Pssssssssssssssssst….So, ahm, are you going to write down this new, small change in your notebook?

 

[GettingKinky]

Pssssssssssssssssst….So, ahm, are you going to write down this new, small change in your notebook?

I have a set of very detailed instructions for my wash n go and getting the hair super wet before shampoo is in there - I just don’t always remember to do it.
I used to read my list every week before I washed my hair, but now I’m on autopilot and sometimes I forget to do some of the items on the list.
Every step in the process has an effect on the outcome. I’m at the point now where if I don’t do something “perfectly” I’m still happy with the results. But I have a set of measuring spoons I keep in the shower so I can use the same amount of conditioner and styler every time.

 

[ckisland]

@Nightingale Thanks for sharing your wash day with so much detail! Fascinating!

Your and Dee Raven's routines have me wondering if I really need to be dcing for 45 mins every week .

I'm also trying to decide if it's better to wash every 4 days or just once a week. I'm trying to balance manipulating my hair with making sure it doesn't get dry or tangled. I wash once a week like 90% of the time, so I kinda want to see what washing twice a week will do. @GettingKinky has me curious about whether I'm over shampooing. I shampoo every week and clarify when I use certain products. Should I try cowashing more and shampooing less?

I do know that the next time I do my wash n'go, I'm going to avoid raking to see if I can get larger clumps. This challenge has me really thinking!

 

[GGsKin]

@Nightingale Thanks for sharing your wash day with so much detail! Fascinating!

Your and Dee Raven's routines have me wondering if I really need to be dcing for 45 mins every week .

I'm also trying to decide if it's better to wash every 4 days or just once a week. I'm trying to balance manipulating my hair with making sure it doesn't get dry or tangled. I wash once a week like 90% of the time, so I kinda want to see what washing twice a week will do. @GettingKinky has me curious about whether I'm over shampooing. I shampoo every week and clarify when I use certain products. Should I try cowashing more and shampooing less?

I do know that the next time I do my wash n'go, I'm going to avoid raking to see if I can get larger clumps. This challenge has me really thinking!

Its funny @ckisland because I prefer to wash my hair at least twice week, but when my work situation and schedule changed, I had to make a compromise down to once a week- i just didn't have the time, energy or access to my favourite products. When I was in the throws of MHM (Maximum Hydration Method) I was so excited I would sometimes wash my hair 4 times a week (with clay and water rinsing- no shampoo) and I noticed that my growth rate was a lot faster with the additional washes. It could also be down to all the head massaging I was doing as a consequence lol. Maybe you could cowash, clay rinse, used a diluted shampoo or simply water rinse as an alternative to shampooing so often, if you are concerned about over-using shampoo?

 

[ckisland]

Its funny @ckisland because I prefer to wash my hair at least twice week, but when my work situation and schedule changed, I had to make a compromise down to once a week- i just didn't have the time, energy or access to my favourite products. When I was in the throws of MHM (Maximum Hydration Method) I was so excited I would sometimes wash my hair 4 times a week (with clay and water rinsing- no shampoo) and I noticed that my growth rate was a lot faster with the additional washes. It could also be down to all the head massaging I was doing as a consequence lol. Maybe you could cowash, clay rinse, used a diluted shampoo or simply water rinse as an alternative to shampooing so often, if you are concerned about over-using shampoo?

When I was first natural, I would rinse or wash my hair multiple times a week, but I hadn't found my holy grail products yet! I think that my growth rate (or retention) was faster back then. You may be right about the scalp massage factor. But! But my hair also suffered from hygral fatigue from me over wetting my hair. I think I would wash/wet my hair twice a week max. My hair loves protein, but I noticed that this time around I don't need protein treatments like I used to.

 

[GGsKin]

When I was first natural, I would rinse or wash my hair multiple times a week, but I hadn't found my holy grail products yet! I think that my growth rate (or retention) was faster back then. You may be right about the scalp massage factor. But! But my hair also suffered from hygral fatigue from me over wetting my hair. I think I would wash/wet my hair twice a week max. My hair loves protein, but I noticed that this time around I don't need protein treatments like I used to.

I had a similar issue with the hygral fatigue, but I was also consistently baggy-ing (GHE) for long periods, 100% airdrying, as well as using baking soda, ACV, and clay far too often. I would love to try washing more frequently these days, if it wouldn't cost me an arm and a leg for my gel. Of all that I have tried, KCCC is still my HG and it costs so much over here, especially now. Plus, I only buy the large tubs for a 'decent' price and those are scarce.

 

[ckisland]

I had a similar issue with the hygral fatigue, but I was also consistently baggy-ing (GHE) for long periods, 100% airdrying, as well as using baking soda, ACV, and clay far too often. I would love to try washing more frequently these days, if it wouldn't cost me an arm and a leg for my gel. Of all that I have tried, KCCC is still my HG and it costs so much over here, especially now. Plus, I only buy the large tubs for a 'decent' price and those are scarce.

I wasn't baggying, but I was trying my hand at homemade/diy hair care and it tore my hair up!!! I feel you on wanting to preserve hair products!! The cost adds up quick!

 

[GettingKinky]

I was at my stylist to get my gray colored and it reminded me of something. When she washes/ conditions my hair my hair drips after she’s finished. When I wash and condition my hair it doesn’t drip. I think it’s because I use the “squish to condish” technique and that helps the hair hold water.

 

[Chicoro]

I was at my stylist to get my gray colored and it reminded me of something. When she washes/ conditions my hair my hair drips after she’s finished. When I wash and condition my hair it doesn’t drip. I think it’s because I use the “squish to condish” technique and that helps the hair hold water.

That dripping is the sign of healthy hair. Your technique to squish is good, too!

 

[GettingKinky]

That dripping is the sign of healthy hair. Your technique to squish is good, too!

Why do you say that dripping is a sign of healthy hair?
To me it seems like the water hasn’t been “worked” into the hair with the conditoner and so it’s just leaving the hair rapidly.

 

[Chicoro]

Why do you say that dripping is a sign of healthy hair?
To me it seems like the water hasn’t been “worked” into the hair with the conditoner and so it’s just leaving the hair rapidly.

Hydrophobicity.

Hydrophobicity is the measurement of the amount or quantity of remaining protective [natural oil] coating on the uppermost part of your hair surface, on the cuticles. The hair beads on the hair and drips off. That is because the [NATURAL] surface oils or lipids are in place. They are not missing. The natural, protective oil on the hair strand, specifically on the hair cuticles, has not been removed.

The layer of natural lipids on the surface of your hair repel water. That is because this layer is hydrophobic. Hydrophobic means something that does not like/it repels water. So when the water gets on your hair, because the oil repels water, the water 'curls up/folds up' onto itself and forms a bead. The water rolling has to do with chemical bonds and polarity/non-polar compounds and positive and negative charges of ions and molecules.

This bead of water forms on your hair strand, then drips off the hair strand as opposed to absorbing into the hair quickly. Another way to say this is, if there is super fast absorption of water into the hair, there is [probably] missing lipids on the hair. Lipids are defined here as those oils that are a natural part of the hair strand/structure, not oil you put onto the hair.

If water absorbs into the hair quickly, it is most likely damaged hair. Re-absorption time is one way scientists measure if the levels of natural oils are present on your hair strand. The less natural oil remaining on the hair, within the hair structure, the less time it will take for water to absorb into the hair.

Your hair sounds like the structure is intact. Thus, it seems to me based upon this description that your hair is super healthy. Based upon the visuals and photos I have seen, I KNOW your hair is very healthy.

Hair reflects a dichotomy, or duality. The bulk of the hair absorbs water well. That's why it gets wet when we wash it. But, on an individual strand basis, the strand itself has a mechanism built into its structure to repel water, to help to hold in moisture and block out stuff, including blocking out too much water or moisture.

I have some pictures of this very subject in Post #132 of this thread!

 

[Chicoro]

"Hair is NOT rocket science. In fact, hair is far MORE complex."
~~~~~Chicoro~~~~~







​

 

[Chicoro]

I am currently taking down my braids to get ready to wash. I have very little breakage or shedding. No lint stuck in my hair. No tearing of ends.

Note for my notebook:

• I rolled up my ends of my braids.
• I noticed that the ends were inside the braid, like threading the eye of a needle inside the braid. So, I patiently and gently pushed the hair back through.

My hair likes to tangle in as many ways as possible. This is another way I lose length. Keeping my hair ends oiled and rigid is working. I was able to quickly see the threaded through the braid ends and pushed it back through with no hair lost.

My ends were nice and moist when I undid my braid:

 

[GettingKinky]

Hydrophobicity.

Hydrophobicity is the measurement of the amount or quantity of remaining protective [natural oil] coating on the uppermost part of your hair surface, on the cuticles. The hair beads on the hair and drips off. That is because the [NATURAL] surface oils or lipids are in place. They are not missing. The natural, protective oil on the hair strand, specifically on the hair cuticles, has not been removed.

The layer of natural lipids on the surface of your hair repel water. That is because this layer is hydrophobic. Hydrophobic means something that does not like/it repels water. So when the water gets on your hair, because the oil repels water, the water 'curls up/folds up' onto itself and forms a bead. The water rolling has to do with chemical bonds and polarity/non-polar compounds and positive and negative charges of ions and molecules.

This bead of water forms on your hair strand, then drips off the hair strand as opposed to absorbing into the hair quickly. Another way to say this is, if there is super fast absorption of water into the hair, there is [probably] missing lipids on the hair. Lipids are defined here as those oils that are a natural part of the hair strand/structure, not oil you put onto the hair.

If water absorbs into the hair quickly, it is most likely damaged hair. Re-absorption time is one way scientists measure if the levels of natural oils are present on your hair strand. The less natural oil remaining on the hair, within the hair structure, the less time it will take for water to absorb into the hair.

Your hair sounds like the structure is intact. Thus, it seems to me based upon this description that your hair is super healthy. Based upon the visuals and photos I have seen, I KNOW your hair is very healthy.

Hair reflects a dichotomy, or duality. The bulk of the hair absorbs water well. That's why it gets wet when we wash it. But, on an individual strand basis, the strand itself has a mechanism built into its structure to repel water, to help to hold in moisture and block out stuff, including blocking out too much water or moisture.

I have some pictures of this very subject in Post #132 of this thread!

I saw your post before. I guess the fact that my hair drips after my stylist (who isn’t a wash n go stylist) finishes point to the fact that she got my hair very clean and the conditioner she uses doesn’t hold onto the water very well.
When I wash my hair and then “marry the conditioner with the water” the humectants in the conditioner keep the water from dripping. I much prefer this because my hair stays hydrated longer after this process. When my stylist does my hair it’s fairy dry one day later.

 

[Chicoro]

I saw your post before. I guess the fact that my hair drips after my stylist (who isn’t a wash n go stylist) finishes point to the fact that she got my hair very clean and the conditioner she uses doesn’t hold onto the water very well.
When I wash my hair and then “marry the conditioner with the water” the humectants in the conditioner keep the water from dripping. I much prefer this because my hair stays hydrated longer after this process. When my stylist does my hair it’s fairy dry one day later.

Understood! This shows why knowing your own hair is so important. The stylist's process leaves your hair dry and your process leaves more hydrated hair for longer.

Another small change amplified here that may make a huge, positive impact on the health of someone's hair in the future. Thank you for sharing and clarifying.

 

[Chicoro]

I got a feeling that we are going to be hitting some length and health personal best records in 2023. My Spidey senses are tingling.

​

 

[ckisland]

I mentioned that I lose a lot of hair (in my opinion), so I took some pictures. I actually lost all the hair during wash and detangling process, and didn't lose any while styling!! This is after having my hair clipped up for 4-5 days.

 

[ckisland]

I am currently taking down my braids to get ready to wash. I have very little breakage or shedding. No lint stuck in my hair. No tearing of ends.

Note for my notebook:

• I rolled up my ends of my braids.
• I noticed that the ends were inside the braid, like threading the eye of a needle inside the braid. So, I patiently and gently pushed the hair back through.

My hair likes to tangle in as many ways as possible. This is another way I lose length. Keeping my hair ends oiled and rigid are working. I was able to quickly see the threaded through the braid ends and pushed it back through with no hair lost.

My ends were nice and moist when I undid my braid:

View attachment 486149View attachment 486151

Oh my gosh!! Your hair is soooooo healthy! Curls just juicy!!

 

[Chicoro]

I mentioned that I lose a lot of hair (in my opinion), so I took some pictures. I actually lost all the hair during wash and detangling process, and didn't lose any while styling!! This is after having my hair clipped up for 4-5 days.

View attachment 486161View attachment 486163

Okay, this can be your baseline amount. What can you do differently to get that ball of hair smaller?

 

[ckisland]

Okay, this can be your baseline amount. What can you do differently to get that ball of hair smaller?

That's a good question! The first thing that comes to mind is working on my detangling method. I think that finger detangling may not be helpful for my hair. I'm also going to switch out my detangling brush to my tangle teaser brush because I noticed less hair when using that brush today. Smoothing instead of raking product through my hair should help as well! I'm also taking MSM, so I'm curious if that's going to make a difference.

 

[Chicoro]

Oh my gosh!! Your hair is soooooo healthy! Curls just juicy!!

Thank you for the lovely compliment, @ckisland!

 

[Chicoro]

That's a good question! The first thing that comes to mind is working on my detangling method. I think that finger detangling may not be helpful for my hair. I'm also going to switch out my detangling brush to my tangle teaser brush because I noticed less hair when using that brush today. Smoothing instead of raking product through my hair should help as well! I'm also taking MSM, so I'm curious if that's going to make a difference.

When you detangle, is it a wet detangle process? Or, is it a dry detangle process?
What are you using to lubricate the hair when you handle it, to gently remove shedded hairs?

 

[ckisland]

When you detangle, is it a wet detangle process? Or, is it a dry detangle process?
What are you using to lubricate the hair when you handle it, to gently remove shedded hairs?

My hair is wet and coated with either conditioner or slippery cowash. When detangle today, I had a very easy time getting through my hair with my fingers and with my brush, which was great.

 

[luvableladii]

@luvableladii
Welcome! I see you are new to LHCF.

It’s interesting you mentioned mid-shaft splits. I was thinking just yesterday that I no longer have those. My hair used to be full of them. My hair used to be chronically dry. I also used use bobby pins a lot.

Are you using anything to pull your up, to pin your hair back? Any claw combs, etc?

Have you ever added extensions or used extensions in your hair or twists/braids?

Thank you for the welcome!
I’ve been lurking in these streets since about 2012, but I FINALLY, got myself an account

My regular water rinses and moisturizing with shea butter have helped a lot with dryness.
I don’t use Bobby pins, but use those fake ficcare clips I found on Amazon. I don’t use them often though.
I also haven’t braided my hair with extensions since Oct 2020.

ETA: it just hit me- I use claw clips to section my hair during wash day and for re-moisturizing. Also, I use a tangle teezer (or bootleg tangle teezer) every 1-2 months to detangle and dust my ends. All other times, I exclusively finger detangle.

 

[Chicoro]

Thank you for the welcome!
I’ve been lurking in these streets since about 2012, but I FINALLY, got myself an account

My regular water rinses and moisturizing with shea butter have helped a lot with dryness.
I don’t use Bobby pins, but use those fake ficcare clips I found on Amazon. I don’t use them often though.
I also haven’t braided my hair with extensions since Oct 2020.

ETA: it just hit me- I use claw clips to section my hair during wash day and for re-moisturizing. Also, I use a tangle teezer (or bootleg tangle teezer) every 1-2 months to detangle and dust my ends. All other times, I exclusively finger detangle.

Okay! Here's my 2 cents

If you have any length on your hair, meaning your hair is longer than jaw length, your hair strands are at least 2 years old, if not older. Thus, even if you have stopped using extensions since 2020, the possibility exists that the damage imparted by the hair extensions is still on your hair strands.

Everyone's hair has different sensitivities. Perhaps you may be someone who finds that using the clips, on already dry hair, exacerbates the fragility of your hair and makes your hair more prone to mid shaft splits.

Based upon the little I know about your hair history, and having not seen your hair, I think you are on track. My guess is that although you may have some mid shaft splits, the quantity and frequency of them are diminishing. You are seeing less and less. If that is correct, then as your new hair grows in and you cut away the ends of older hair, the newer strands will more likely not have mid shaft splits.

So, I would suggest you get rid of ALL clips, stop using them completely and find another way to pull up your hair. Continue to stay away from all extensions, especially synthetic hair because that can really break hair. Lastly, if you can avoid using the tangle teaser do so. But, if you use it, go slowly and gently with it and pay attention to the amount of pressure you apply. Listen to the sounds your hair makes when you use it and pay attention to how much you have to 'snatch' it through the hair and the amount of pressure you apply to 'snatch' it through. Snatching it through tangles is a tremendous amount of force. It destroys hair ends. I personally think it rips out hair ends but I've not had direct experience with tangle teasers so I don't really know.

Don't forget to document your hair findings in writing and in pictures. It is tedious to do, but so worth it. Good luck!

 

[Chicoro]

Snoop's Clay Mix Recipe:

I use what I have which is activated charcoal powder, goat milk, green French clay, red French clay and yellow French clay. The 1 tablespoon of honey is not pictured.

It's just so pretty!


@snoop