Luscious Healthy Ends Challenge 2024

[Chicoro]

The bold has me mind blown. I've never heard this before.

No, I totally get that it's not a 100% thing. I've been wearing essentially the same style for the past 8 years. But your rational made so much sense.

Yeah. This isn't to say if someone wears their hair the same way all the time they are automatically going to have a hair issue, because that isn't the case. However, I do have more visibility and areas to gauge the full condition of my hair when I alter its condition. When I wear it in the same state for extended periods that is when a not-so-pleasant surprise can sneak up on me. When I alter it every few months, I can catch stuff in one state that I didn't notice in the state that preceded it.

This makes me even more committed to get my blow out hair cuts every 3-4 months because the rest of the time my hair is curly.

Yes to all of this. I leave my hair in the same style forever and paid a hefty price with breakage. I just learned this lesson from a practical sense in 2024. Better late than never. The micro trims require I straighten my hair and that gives a different view of my hair health than my natural hair.

@Lylddlebit Your hair looks soooo soft and pretty! It's beautiful.

 

[Chicoro]

After detangling hair in the shower, I gently brush hair back into a ponytail.(Unbrush) Then I apply leave in and cream to the hair for moisture, making sure all strands are coated. I I smooth it down like when After that I apply generous amount of gel on the outer part only and smooth back with my hands. Then I loosely put it up in a claw clip or barrette and let it air dry. I get nice deep waves from doing it this way. And now I don’t have to over manipulate my hair for that super slick look I like

@Napp

Thank you for this!

 

[Lylddlebit]

This makes me even more committed to get my blow out hair cuts every 3-4 months because the rest of the time my hair is curly.

I believe you will like that pace.

 

[Carrie A]

No, I totally get that it's not a 100% thing. I've been wearing essentially the same style for the past 8 years. But your rational made so much sense.

DP. @Lylddlebit Thanks for the detailed advice!

 

[GGsKin]

The point made above by @Lylddlebit, and highlighted by @snoop, is why I prefer to trim my hair in a well-stretched state- either blow dried, or straightened. For years, I wore my hair only in a wash n go. I'd regularly dust and trim coil by coil, and while my hair looked ok, even good at times, there were numerous splits accumulating.I just can't see them when my hair is coily and clumped.

With my fine strands, I can't go too long between trims without collateral damage- which makes me want to focus on upping my moisture, but it's no help to my hair if I'm not taking all (most) of the damage in the process. Altering it's state allows me to really assess my ends and the true condition of my hemline, and spot split ends clearly.

 

[GGsKin]

On Friday, I took down my extensions (after 8 months), and mainly finger detangled the shed hair from the past 4 or 5 weeks. I loaded up with a cheap, mild protien rinse-out con- Dikson Daily Frequent, and twisted up overnight under a baggie.

Saturday morning, I washed with the Super energy poo from the same brand. I used Ouidad Ultra Nourishing Cleansing Oil for a 2nd cleanse, and followed with a combination of Garnier Banana + Shea Hair food and the Daily con. Let this steam while I showered.

After rinsing, I smoothed in a little Olaplex no.6, and some Chi serum, and sectioned. Followed with a blow dry with a Denman brush- used more for tension than to repeatedly brush through my hair. I thorougly trimmed, maybe 1-2 inches. The unevenness from my heat damage incident has almost all grown out/ been trimmed away and my hair is looking fuller all round. I forgot to take pics because I was sick and just powering through.

Then spent about 2 and a half days putting in goddess braids- moisturising each section, and sealing with raw Shea and grease. I was off sick for a few days, so thankfully I had the energy to do all of this after a couple of days of much needed rest.

 

[snoop]

@Carrie A highlighted for emphasis

1. I am a huge proponent of keeping my hair semi-stretched to prevent knots. Even when I wash it I allow the stream of water to naturally stretch it and utilize bantu knots so it will not fully draw up or knot while coily. Stretched/frozen hair has less opportunity to coil around itself to form a ssk
2. Hair that retains lubrication and moisture once dried glides and slips before it locks in a knot. So I make sure I use products that keep my hair moisturized for days to weeks at a time. If I use a product that has to be reapplied every 1-2 days or else my hair is dry then that product doesn't meet the standard to stay in my regimen. To me, a good moisturizer is applied on wash day and keeps my hair supple for a week, at a minimum.
3. I also like styles that last from days to weeks at a time. (see https://longhaircareforums.com/threads/the-enjoying-our-hair-thread.854985/). Hair that can look nice or only needs minimal maintenance will take longer to dry out and knot.
4. Frequent searches and destroys prevent ssks from taking healthy hair with it.
5. I also advocate alternating the states of my hair. Hair worn in the same state all the time hides things.
   1. Hair mostly shrunken hides knots and splits.
   2. Hair mostly straight hides losses in tensile strength/heat damage.
   3. Hair that is always stretched may not have the tensile strength to hold a natural or barrel curl anymore.
   4. Hair that straightens efficiently, reverts efficiently, holds a curl when heat-styled, and retains moisture/strength balance after wash day will indicate overall health.
6. I intentionally weigh my natural hair down with heavy products or a heavy hair accessory to prevent knots that will naturally form on tight coils.

Sorry more than @Carrie A
Sorry a bit redundant @Chicoro @snoop: Healthy heads of hair think alike!

I need to pay even closer attention to my hair now. I've been spinning this around like a rubix cube in my mind.

One thing that I have noticed, is that I tend to wear my two strand twists parted down centre. If I put my hair in a pony, I maintain that centre part. I need to correct that bad habit. It's something that I've wanted to do for a while, but rarely put effort into. If I wear my hair in a bun/pony I need to be cognizant of how I'm doing it and make sure that all of the hair is swept back first. There's no point in stressing out my crown in this way.

 

[Chicoro]

@GGsKin
Feel better soon.

 

[Lylddlebit]

The point made above by @Lylddlebit, and highlighted by @snoop, is why I prefer to trim my hair in a well-stretched state- either blow dried, or straightened. For years, I wore my hair only in a wash n go. I'd regularly dust and trim coil by coil, and while my hair looked ok, even good at times, there were numerous splits accumulating.I just can't see them when my hair is coily and clumped.

With my fine strands, I can't go too long between trims without collateral damage- which makes me want to focus on upping my moisture, but it's no help to my hair if I'm not taking all (most) of the damage in the process. Altering it's state allows me to really assess my ends and the true condition of my hemline, and spot split ends clearly.

Yep. If I want to do damaging things to my hair because it is cute and I love the style despite the damage then that is one thing. I will pick a cost-benefit analysis that is worth it. There ain't no way I'm wearing my hair in buns or twists 48 weeks out of the year in exchange for more damage that I get wearing it in styles I love year-around and experiencing hair freedom. So I like the balance and freedom altering it gives me. It is both fun and functional.

 

[Lylddlebit]

I need to pay even closer attention to my hair now. I've been spinning this around like a rubix cube in my mind.

One thing that I have noticed, is that I tend to wear my two strand twists parted down centre. If I put my hair in a pony, I maintain that centre part. I need to correct that bad habit. It's something that I've wanted to do for a while, but rarely put effort into. If I wear my hair in a bun/pony I need to be cognizant of how I'm doing it and make sure that all of the hair is swept back first. There's no point in stressing out my crown in this way.

And that's really it: finding ways to make the things you love doing to your hair less damaging. You do that and you enjoy your hair.

 

[newgrowth15]

I am loving the discussions about the various ways of caring for our hair.

I have been wearing my hair in two strand twists with the roots braided for security since March. I wash and condition in the twists weekly or every two weeks (depending on the weather and how my scalp feels) and then retwist with my whipped Shea butter, EcoStyler Argan Oil Gel and a braiding gel at the roots for hold. I still use Nexxus shampoo and conditioner, Garnier Leave-in and my fenugreek, rosemary and clove oil mix on a regular basis. I can tell this low manipulation routine is working because my ends are splendid and my twists are getting longer. I will have to henna soon, because my grays are really standing out as well.

 

[Chicoro]

I am loving the discussions about the various ways of caring for our hair.

I have been wearing my hair in two strand twists with the roots braided for security since March. I wash and condition in the twists weekly or every two weeks (depending on the weather and how my scalp feels) and then retwist with my whipped Shea butter, EcoStyler Argan Oil Gel and a braiding gel at the roots for hold. I still use Nexxus shampoo and conditioner, Garnier Leave-in and my fenugreek, rosemary and clove oil mix on a regular basis. I can tell this low manipulation routine is working because my ends are splendid and my twists are getting longer. I will have to henna soon, because my grays are really standing out as well.

Splendid ends??!!!!!! Hey, that make wanna dance. um hmm, yea.

ea


Hair, twists getting longer you say? Uhn, that sound good.

Grays standing out? Length retention showing out? Girl, you touching my 'Hair Soul' with this post.

​

 

[Napp]

 

[snoop]

I trimmed my ends on Saturday for the full moon. I've also been wearing my hair up more and keeping my ends moisturized.

 

[Carrie A]

Wash weekend coming up and I'm hoping for positive experience.

 

[Napp]

I plan on doing a length check tonight. I also feel like cutting my hair in a bob. It was easier to deal with that type of cut

 

[newgrowth15]

I plan on doing a length check tonight. I also feel like cutting my hair in a bob. It was easier to deal with that type of cut

@Napp, please post pictures of your length before you cut (if you decide to cut).

 

[Napp]

@Napp, please post pictures of your length before you cut (if you decide to cut).

My hair reverted no matter what I did lol. It looked like a blowout that got caught in the rain. I cut off like 2-3 inches and it looks so much fuller now especially when loose. I will probably stay in a wash and go for the rest of the summer. I think I cut off most of my keratin treated ends as well so my hair looks a little different

 

[faithVA]

Lifes been busy but I'm trucking along. I'm going to try to stay in 2 strand twists until the end of October and then I will do my trim.

 

[Napp]

Here is what my hair looks like after a little over 2 years transitioning. I am finally able to do the rake and smooth method without looking crazy.
I used Curl Origins leave in and weightless gel. I really like the full look i get from this combo. I will be experimenting a little more now that my wash days and style are much quicker now. I was really struggling to keep my length!

I also have the zuvi halo dryer which i really love. its perfect for wash and goes and My hair doesn't feel dry or crispy like my dyson hair.

 

[IDareT'sHair]

@Napp

Your Hair is Lusciously Gorgeous and Oh So Healthy!

That Combo is really working for you!

KUTGW!

 

[Napp]

@Napp

Your Hair is Lusciously Gorgeous and Oh So Healthy!

That Combo is really working for you!

KUTGW!

I am really enjoying my curl origin products!

 

[IDareT'sHair]

I am really enjoying my curl origin products!

@Napp
Well....they are really working for you, Sis!

 

[Chicoro]

I am soaking some fenugreek seeds in preparation for making oil. I have some oil left from the last batch which should last me until the end of next week. I have not used my oil in about a month and a half.

I filtered the oil I had left through some natural coffee filters. The oil is so pretty and I love the faint, sweet scent it has.

I washed my hair last night after not having washed it for a month.

I did an aloe vera /olive oil/glycerine/essential oils as a pre- poo. That broke down the product build up in my hair, which was mostly gel and Scurl. Then I washed with the @snoop clay mix recipe she gave. Then I conditioned with a cheap conditioner and finger combed, sectioned hair, put in some Scurl and oiled scalp with the fenugreek oil mix and covered head with a plastic cap for bed.

Trims:
January 2024-Completed
March 2024- Completed
June 2024- Completed
September 2024
December 2024

I will have had 5 trims in 2024. They are micro trims. I do an Aphogee 2 Step Treatment immediately after straightening and trimming.

Once I got a good blow dryer with a comb attachment, I was able to do these trims on my blow dried hair. I personally have to divide my hair in about 12 to 24 sections to get it straight enough to where I feel confidant enough to give myself a good trim.

The second and most vital thing is to RESTRAIN myself when I trim. This is so I don’t cut off too much.

It feels good to finally be able to trim my hair with confidence and get a good result.

I’ve two more trims left in 2024: End of September and end of December.

In 2025 I will have 4 trims and not 5. That is because I plan to do my first trim of 2025 in March, and not in January. This year was the first year I did consistent micro trims.

I plan to continue because my ends look better. They feel better, too.

 

[snoop]

I have straight up been neglecting my hair. Too much going on right now, for me to feel comfortable focusing on hair care.

I took down my mini twists last night and dusted my ends this morning. I think that I'll install and wear medium twists for the next month.

 

[Chicoro]

I have straight up been neglecting my hair. Too much going on right now, for me to feel comfortable focusing on hair care.

I took down my mini twists last night and dusted my ends this morning. I think that I'll install and wear medium twists for the next month.

I’ve got a lot of nerve to be asking this in light of you communicating you got a lot going on, but I’m going to be selfish and self centered and ask, ‘Can I get a pic of loosened strand, stretched out from root to tip?’ That would be a super rare treat because you don’t often have that beautiful hair of your loosened. I can withstand a ‘no’ , response but it can’t hurt to ask!

 

[ItsMeLilLucky]

@snoop

 

[Chicoro]

@newgrowth15

Like Usher, I have a confession.

I am ashamed to admit this

but, every batch of fenugreek/rosemary/clove oil I've made thus far was bubbling like this:

And I still used it.



BUT only after I doused it with grapefruit seed extract and killed all the breathing critters inside my brew. THEN I put it in my hair.

This confession is coming because THIS time I am DRYING out the sprouts on a plate in front of the window before putting them in the oil. My first two batches I put my sprouts straight from the sprouting jar into the oil. Heated the oil and the other ingredients and let it sit in the dark for a few days. When I took it out the dark it was BUBBLING both times. After I doused it with the grapefruit extract the bubbling disappeared immediately. Perhaps, luckily for me, I didn't have any issues with my first two batches.

Let's see if drying the sprouts prevents bubbling oil.

-------
Guess what?!!!!



As I was looking for an image to post of the grapefruit seed extract, I saw this next to the image:

"A completely natural antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal product – excellent to use during the soaking process when sprouting seeds, legumes or beans for parrots, finches or other soft-bills. A few drops of GSE in the soaking water helps eliminate the growth of any bacteria or fungus which may be present. If you’re new to sprouting GSE will give you peace of mind."


I am not a parrot, finch

or soft bill, but this is a GREAT idea! The next batch of fenugreek seeds I use, instead of putting this in my FINISHED oil, I will put the Grapefuit seed extract in my SPROUTING water!

It's good to confess, because it can lead to progress!

 

[newgrowth15]

@newgrowth15

Like Usher, I have a confession.

I am ashamed to admit this

but, every batch of fenugreek/rosemary/clove oil I've made thus far was bubbling like this:

And I still used it.



BUT only after I doused it with grapefruit seed extract and killed all the breathing critters inside my brew. THEN I put it in my hair.

This confession is coming because THIS time I am DRYING out the sprouts on a plate in front of the window before putting them in the oil. My first two batches I put my sprouts straight from the sprouting jar into the oil. Heated the oil and the other ingredients and let it sit in the dark for a few days. When I took it out the dark it was BUBBLING both times. After I doused it with the grapefruit extract the bubbling disappeared immediately. Perhaps, luckily for me, I didn't have any issues with my first two batches.

Let's see if drying the sprouts prevents bubbling oil.

-------
Guess what?!!!!

View attachment 498256

As I was looking for an image to post of the grapefruit seed extract, I saw this next to the image:

"A completely natural antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal product – excellent to use during the soaking process when sprouting seeds, legumes or beans for parrots, finches or other soft-bills. A few drops of GSE in the soaking water helps eliminate the growth of any bacteria or fungus which may be present. If you’re new to sprouting GSE will give you peace of mind."


I am not a parrot, finch

or soft bill, but this is a GREAT idea! The next batch of fenugreek seeds I use, instead of putting this in my FINISHED oil, I will put the Grapefuit seed extract in my SPROUTING water!

It's good to confess, because it can lead to progress!

@Chicoro, I'm glad the grapefruit seed extract worked for you. This is good to know for future reference. Thank you for sharing. I have never experienced any bubbling because I let my sprouts air dry completely before ever adding them to the oil mix.

 

[Chicoro]

@Chicoro, I'm glad the grapefruit seed extract worked for you. This is good to know for future reference. Thank you for sharing. I have never experienced any bubbling because I let my sprouts air dry completely before ever adding them to the oil mix.

Yes, I always remember that you strongly emphasized the idea to let the sprouts dry out completely before placing them in the oil. I forget too that I only need a teaspoon of dried seeds. I used a 1/2 cup this time. Eventually, I am going to find the perfect balance for this process. No matter what, the process consistently results in a vibrant, pretty oil with a faint lovely, sweet scent which effectively fortifies and strengthens my hair. Thank you again!