Luscious Healthy Ends Challenge 2024

[GettingKinky]

I have been bunning daily for 9 weeks now. I hope my ends are appreciating it. I will know when I get a blow out in early January. I’m giving my stylist one last chance to trim my hair without removing too much.

I have to do my job and remind her that I want the crown to reach to the same spot as the back so that she doesn’t cut too much from the top

 

[MzSwift]

I'm still in cornrows and I plan to do my EOTY flat iron sometime between Christmas and NYE. I plan to dust the first week of the new year and then go back into cornrows. I plan to keep my hair fully protected this winter.

 

[Chicoro]

Clove oil: Hair life extender!




@newgrowth15 ........Where you at?

*Me looking through this thread trying to find her.

Because I just found out that clove oil has the HIGHEST

Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC). This is fancy speak that means it is one of strongest Antioxidants. Means, it helps limit free-radicals damage.

Caveat: ORAC was abandoned and stopped being used in 2012 and they have other forms they use, BUT I DON'T care because clove oil rates high on them other scales/measurements, too.


So clove oil has a rating of 1,078,700 with ORAC and in contrast, the food 'gold standard' which is goji berries is 30,300!


So, I'm saying that the more I learn, the more I am realizing that the sprouted fenugreek, clove and rosemary oil is THE ELIXER of Hair Life Extension.


Why?

Hair weathers which means it gets 'worn out' over time, like fabric or clothes get worn out over time. One huge culprit for wear and tear on the hair is the environment, specifically the sun.

The sun creates free radicals by changing the molecular and chemical make-up on the hair strand resulting in damage. So, clove oils (in vitro-in a test tube), theoretically absorbs the impact of those free radicals BEFORE they can get to the hair strand and do damage.

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!

I think the dried cloves are necessary. But, you can add clove essential oil AFTER the oil is ready to use. I put about 20 drops into a small bottle of the oil. Be careful because clove oil can burn the skin.

I personally have been using the oil ONLY with the dried cloves, up until today, December 8th, 2024. That oil has made an incredible difference in my hair.


By minimizing free radical damage, you can extend the life of a hair because you are minimizing the damage on the actual hair strand. Remember though, a hair strand has a specific length of time for its life expectancy. That 'hair life' ends when the root of the hair comes out the hair follicle.

The clove oil, in the way I am referencing it, positively impacts the health of the hair strand, while it is securely embedded in the hair follicle. So, clove oil helps the hair to remain beautiful and healthy while it is on your head.

 

[Chicoro]

I have been bunning daily for 9 weeks now. I hope my ends are appreciating it. I will know when I get a blow out in early January. I’m giving my stylist one last chance to trim my hair without removing too much.

I have to do my job and remind her that I want the crown to reach to the same spot as the back so that she doesn’t cut too much from the top

It is so amazing when you stick to a process AND reap positive rewards. WATCH that stylist like a HAWK. Don't let her cut off more than you want. Good luck!

Where will we be able to see your results in January? In the Grow It Long thread?

 

[Chicoro]

I'm still in cornrows and I plan to do my EOTY flat iron sometime between Christmas and NYE. I plan to dust the first week of the new year and then go back into cornrows. I plan to keep my hair fully protected this winter.

I am soooooooo looking forward to seeing your End of The Year Flat Iron Results!!!!

 

[Chicoro]

I plan to blow dry my hair and do my 5th and last trim for 2024. I have NEVER trimmed my hair so frequently EVER in my life.

Trim 1: January 2024
Trim 2: March 2024
Trim 3: June 2024
Trim 4: September 2024
Trim 5: December 2024 (upcoming)


Next year, I will only do 4 trims per year and for the rest of my life. Why? I will no longer need to trim in January. My trims will begin in March, thus, having only 4 trims per year.

 

[Chicoro]

To recap, the changes to my routine I have implemented [to get out my 12 year break cycle ]

1. My pre-poo
2. Snoop Clay Mix to wash hair
3. Deep condition with dollop of Shea butter
4. My Leave in liquid protein mix (DIY)
5. Scurl/Shea Butter on Braids
6. Sprouted Fenugreek Oil Mix weekly from NewGrowth15
7. Hair braided and ends greased and rolled up and secured with coated rubber bands (Started in Sept 2024)
8. Cover hair with plastic bag and scarf at night
9. 3 Month Trim from @keranikki
   • Clarify by putting shampoo on dry hair (using @Lylddlebit method)
   • Follow up with more moisturizing shampoo.
   • Light conditioner
   • Blow dry on high heat and high air (learned this the hard way)
   • Trim in three sections with sharp hair scissors
   • Wash again after wearing hair and do Apogee 2 Step Treatment

What I think helped to get me out of the 12 Year Break Cycle in 2024

1. Stopped using shampoo on weekly basis.
2. Eliminated ALL Bonding Products (Olaplex, Defense )
3. Used a leave in protein mix in hair weekly.
4. Trimmed every three months.
5. Used sprouted fenugreek oil 1 to 3x per week
6. Covered head at night.
7. Used Apogee 2 Step every three months.

 

[newgrowth15]

Clove oil: Hair life extender!




@newgrowth15 ........Where you at?

*Me looking through this thread trying to find her.

Because I just found out that clove oil has the HIGHEST

Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC). This is fancy speak that means it is one of strongest Antioxidants. Means, it helps limit free-radicals damage.

Caveat: ORAC was abandoned and stopped being used in 2012 and they have other forms they use, BUT I DON'T care because clove oil rates high on them other scales/measurements, too.


So clove oil has a rating of 1,078,700 with ORAC and in contrast, the food 'gold standard' which is goji berries is 30,300!


So, I'm saying that the more I learn, the more I am realizing that the sprouted fenugreek, clove and rosemary oil is THE ELIXER of Hair Life Extension.


Why?

Hair weathers which means it gets 'worn out' over time, like fabric or clothes get worn out over time. One huge culprit for wear and tear on the hair is the environment, specifically the sun.

The sun creates free radicals by changing the molecular and chemical make-up on the hair strand resulting in damage. So, clove oils (in vitro-in a test tube), theoretically absorbs the impact of those free radicals BEFORE they can get to the hair strand and do damage.

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!

I think the dried cloves are necessary. But, you can add clove essential oil AFTER the oil is ready to use. I put about 20 drops into a small bottle of the oil. Be careful because clove oil can burn the skin.

I personally have been using the oil ONLY with the dried cloves, up until today, December 8th, 2024. That oil has made an incredible difference in my hair.


By minimizing free radical damage, you can extend the life of a hair because you are minimizing the damage on the actual hair strand. Remember though, a hair strand has a specific length of time for its life expectancy. That 'hair life' ends when the root of the hair comes out the hair follicle.

The clove oil, in the way I am referencing it, positively impacts the health of the hair strand, while it is securely embedded in the hair follicle. So, clove oil helps the hair to remain beautiful and healthy while it is on your head.

@Chicoro, I am still here. I haven't had much going on with my hair since my last trim in September. I will get my last time of the year some time this month. I have been wearing my hair in two strand twists with braided roots for most of this year and plan to keep wearing this style going forward.

I wish everyone a successful hair journey and I hope you all enjoy this happy, holiday season.

 

[newgrowth15]

With regards to cloves, thank you for the detailed information @Chicoro. I used to use clove water, but it was too messy and stained everything. I wanted to maintain the benefits of cloves, so I put them in my oil mix instead.

 

[GettingKinky]

It is so amazing when you stick to a process AND reap positive rewards. WATCH that stylist like a HAWK. Don't let her cut off more than you want. Good luck!

Where will we be able to see your results in January? In the Grow It Long thread?

I haven’t been doing a good job of documenting my hair growth pictorially. Between the “strength” of my blowouts varying each time I get them to me not taking my picture the exact same way it’s so hard for me to see progress. But I will post a picture here after my trim in mid January.

 

[Lylddlebit]

I braided my hair for the first time since 2013 or 2014, and already women have been stopping me to ask who did my hair and if I can braid theirs. I really wish I had more time for that, but I had to steal away while my husband and little one were occupied to get mine done. It took me six days to finish my braids because I only worked on them a few hours each Saturday and Sunday. If I had braided all day, I could have completed them in a day or two. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t have the time to be away or invite someone over for a full day of uninterruped braiding.

It would be good money, especially since I love braiding and find it very relaxing. Back in college, I made quite a bit of money from it, and I could charge significantly more now while still being below the standard prices that people are charging for mediocre work.

In any case, I will be wearing these braids with touch-ups until I use up the leftover hair, which should last for months of low maintenance. This style really protects my ends since I keep my hair moisturized within the braids.

 

[Chicoro]

With regards to cloves, thank you for the detailed information @Chicoro. I used to use clove water, but it was too messy and stained everything. I wanted to maintain the benefits of cloves, so I put them in my oil mix instead.

I use clove oil too!

 

[Chicoro]

I braided my hair for the first time since 2013 or 2014, and already women have been stopping me to ask who did my hair and if I can braid theirs. I really wish I had more time for that, but I had to steal away while my husband and little one were occupied to get mine done. It took me six days to finish my braids because I only worked on them a few hours each Saturday and Sunday. If I had braided all day, I could have completed them in a day or two. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t have the time to be away or invite someone over for a full day of uninterruped braiding.

It would be good money, especially since I love braiding and find it very relaxing. Back in college, I made quite a bit of money from it, and I could charge significantly more now while still being below the standard prices that people are charging for mediocre work.

In any case, I will be wearing these braids with touch-ups until I use up the leftover hair, which should last for months of low maintenance. This style really protects my ends since I keep my hair moisturized within the braids.

Ahm,
You would be ideal to braid hair. Besides the fact that your braids and hair choices are quality, you’re focus on hair health first adds 1000% to the value of your service.

I hear you about the time and the value of preferring to spend with your family.

Have you thought of doubling or tripling the price AND adding on a braid take down service for an additional 100? You would only receive your ideal customer at your ideal price point and you could plan way in advance for that. Just some thoughts.

 

[Chicoro]

I haven’t been doing a good job of documenting my hair growth pictorially. Between the “strength” of my blowouts varying each time I get them to me not taking my picture the exact same way it’s so hard for me to see progress. But I will post a picture here after my trim in mid January.

It’s been good enough for me to follow. You’re building a new process, bunning and being more cognizant about trims. That takes time and tweaking. You are much farther and further with it today than you were at the beginning of the year. That counts for a whole lot.

 

[Lylddlebit]

Ahm,
You would be ideal to braid hair. Besides the fact that your braids and hair choices are quality, you’re focus on hair health first adds 1000% to the value of your service.

I hear you about the time and the value of preferring to spend with your family.

Have you thought of doubling or tripling the price AND adding on a braid take down service for an additional 100? You would only receive your ideal customer at your ideal price point and you could plan way in advance for that. Just some thoughts.

I definitiely did think it over. The lady didn't flinch at the price I quoted lol, but when I thought of the logistics it just isn't feasible in this season. It was tempting though.

 

[Chicoro]

I definitiely did think it over. The lady didn't flinch at the price I quoted lol, but when I thought of the logistics it just isn't feasible in this season. It was tempting though.

Understood!

 

[VarieYvette]

I hate to admit that after my last trim, my breakage has definitely slowed down. I may end up doing another trim before the end of the year so I can start 2025 on a clean slate. My hair is easier to detangle now, and it definitely looks healthier. The only second thoughts I get for not trimming further are because it will be harder to style my hair unless if I do braids consistently to grow it out. But if my scissors do come in, I will just do a trim and get rid of the damage.

 

[snoop]

I'm passing on the cloves. I've tried it before, but I found it drying for my hair.

I'm just now coming out of the mini twists that I set in October. I'm not sure what my ends look like. I could have been taking better care of them, but I don't think that they suffered too much.

 

[Napp]

I decided to start trimming every quarter when I touch up my roots. I blunt cut my hair and called it a day. Everything is so easy with my lil curly bob. People say it suits me better than the slick backs I have been wearing out of frustration/laziness. I love the look! My bf used to tell me my slick backs made me look like a librarian lol

 

[pikkonoloidlee]

Randomly decided to do mini twists yesterday

 

[Chicoro]

Randomly decided to do mini twists yesterday

That's a lot of thick, healthy, pretty hair! Those hair ends look spectacular.

 

[pikkonoloidlee]

That's a lot of thick, healthy, pretty hair! Those hair ends look spectacular.

Thank you

They're not perfect but they really have improved a lot over the course of this year.

 

[Chicoro]

My hair has been looking 'funny' to me since I washed it on Sunday. Then I realizeed what it was.

I use shampoo when I plan to blow ou and trim my hair. I used shampoo on Sunday because I didn't have a lot of time. Usually, I use the @snoop
clay mix. This time I washed with shampoo and left my hair natural and did my standard, braided style.

My hair looks thin and feels so dry. I absolutely just cannot use shampoo in my hair. It really, really does traumatize hair. There is an incredible difference and contrast in the end result of my hair when I compare using shampoo with the clay. There is a visible difference and feel for me.

I am so glad that I have made the conscious decision to use the clay mix for 90% of my hair wash sessions.

 

[MzSwift]

My hair has been looking 'funny' to me since I washed it on Sunday. Then I realizeed what it was.

I use shampoo when I plan to blow ou and trim my hair. I used shampoo on Sunday because I didn't have a lot of time. Usually, I use the @snoop
clay mix. This time I washed with shampoo and left my hair natural and did my standard, braided style.

My hair looks thin and feels so dry. I absolutely just cannot use shampoo in my hair. It really, really does traumatize hair. There is an incredible difference and contrast in the end result of my hair when I compare using shampoo with the clay. There is a visible difference and feel for me.

I am so glad that I have made the conscious decision to use the clay mix for 90% of my hair wash sessions.

Me too! Shampoo leaves my hair looking and feeling odd to me.

I don't use it most of the time either, except when I plan to use heat.

When I don't cleanse my hair with a powder mix of some sort, I use Dr Woods Liquid Black Soap every once in a while. I find it to be a gentler cleanser than shampoo. I've been planning to try using that instead of a sulfate poo with my next blow out and flat iron next week.
Your post was the confirmation I needed to go ahead and do that. Thanks!

 

[Chicoro]

Me too! Shampoo leaves my hair looking and feeling odd to me.

I don't use it most of the time either, except when I plan to use heat.

When I don't cleanse my hair with a powder mix of some sort, I use Dr Woods Liquid Black Soap every once in a while. I find it to be a gentler cleanser than shampoo. I've been planning to try using that instead of a sulfate poo with my next blow out and flat iron next week.
Your post was the confirmation I needed to go ahead and do that. Thanks!

Thank YOU for YOUR comment and confirmation. Sometimes I think I over do it with my observations and focus on my hair. You help me to feel that I AM being reasonable. I appreciate you and your comment very much. Thank you!

 

[snoop]

@Chicoro @MzSwift I've not gone down this road yet, but I'm contemplating if/how to start...but have you tried a shampoo bar? I'm thinking of trying an african black soap recipe... I think that there were a few on this board.

There were a few DIY threads back in the day that I loved!
Here are a couple of posts:

https://longhaircareforums.com/threads/diy-product-experiments.799437/post-24001815

@ElevatedEnergy had some of the best DIY posts, but I can't find the others.

 

[MzSwift]

@Chicoro @MzSwift I've not gone down this road yet, but I'm contemplating if/how to start...but have you tried a shampoo bar? I'm thinking of trying an african black soap recipe... I think that there were a few on this board.

There were a few DIY threads back in the day that I loved!
Here are a couple of posts:

https://longhaircareforums.com/threads/diy-product-experiments.799437/post-24001815

@ElevatedEnergy had some of the best DIY posts, but I can't find the others.

I remember her! I was in a challenge with her and LOVED her posts with her mini fridge full of hair stuff.
She put me on the simplicity of rocking a top knot bun and then letting it down for nice waves.

Back in 2009 I bought this shikakai soap bar:



I didn't like the way it made my hair feel. And I personally found it more difficult to use a bar for shampoo, but I'll do that in a pinch. Also, I know some ladies break off a piece, put it into a bottle with warm water and shake to dissolve and create a cleanser but I've just had so much success with what I've been doing. I prefer to use powders mixed with condish and Castile soap to make a creamy, liquid cleanser that is also gentle and conditioning. I guess it's more of a cleansing conditioner but it works so much better than just cowashing or just adding baking soda to a condish.

 

[Chicoro]

@Chicoro @MzSwift I've not gone down this road yet, but I'm contemplating if/how to start...but have you tried a shampoo bar? I'm thinking of trying an african black soap recipe... I think that there were a few on this board.

There were a few DIY threads back in the day that I loved!
Here are a couple of posts:

https://longhaircareforums.com/threads/diy-product-experiments.799437/post-24001815

@ElevatedEnergy had some of the best DIY posts, but I can't find the others.

For me, bars have a similar effect. I love that powder mix you taught me. The more I experience, the more I realize what a valuable life saver that clay powder recipe really is. I'm good. I'm sticking with the @snoop clay mix.

 

[Chicoro]

@MzSwift , Baby Girl, what does shampoo do to your hair?

For me, it seems to tremendously reduce the volume of my hair while simultaneously making it hard and frizzy. In retrospect, shampoo has always made my hair look and feel bad right after I wash it.

I was just too ignorant to realize the detrimental impact shampoo was and has always had on my poor hair. It seems to dehydrate my strands and remove all the water or moisture from my hair, resulting in less volume. But technically, I don't know what it is doing except messing up my hair in some way unbeknownst to me, except that I recognize my hair looks and feels weird after a shampoo application.

I don't notice it if I wash and blow it straight. I will not be washing with shampoo and letting my hair dry naturally, anymore. Nope. I hate the way my hair is feeling right now.

 

[MzSwift]

@MzSwift , Baby Girl, what does shampoo do to your hair?

For me, it seems to tremendously reduce the volume of my hair while simultaneously making it hard and frizzy. In retrospect, shampoo has always made my hair look and feel bad right after I wash it.

I was just too ignorant to realize the detrimental impact shampoo was and has always had on my poor hair. It seems to dehydrate my strands and remove all the water or moisture from my hair, resulting in less volume. But technically, I don't know what it is doing except messing up my hair in some way unbeknownst to me, except that I recognize my hair looks and feels weird after a shampoo application.

I don't notice it if I wash and blow it straight. I will not be washing with shampoo and letting my hair dry naturally, anymore. Nope. I hate the way my hair is feeling right now.

Yes! If I use shampoo and then allow my hair to dry with no heat, then my hair feels hard and rough and my fine strands seem more fly away. Even if I use my regular condish afterwards. It feels almost similar to using too much protein. My baseline hair is very soft and cloudy when I airdry, whether natural or texlaxed. But it's also usually coated in something due to my powder mixes. I do prefer the squeaky clean before I flat iron bc, in my mind, I don't want to bake anything into my strands when I flat iron. So I'm hoping the liquid black soap will remove enough residue to be able to use heat. I only flat iron once a year anyway so I have been tolerating the shampoo for that. But sometimes, I want to increase my blow dry use and I want to find a cleanser to make that easier.

And when you described your hair appearing flatter/having less volume, that's exactly what I experience as well. So most of my HHJ, I've not used shampoo bc I prefer fuller hair. I have primarily used my (Ayurvedic) powder cleanser mix.