Luscious Healthy Ends Challenge 2025

[Angel of the North]

I think that I asked this question before, now that I come to think of it... but I'm wondering why it works on (my) nails in reverse.

I see a lot of hair cut like the first two images below, but not really any cut like the third. Just looking at this now, I think that a lot of people could preserve their length if their hair was cut like the third (even with layers), without incurring a lot of damage. Or at least this is what my nails tell me.


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(Sorry, this is probably even less clear, but I have to run out and didn't want to wait until tonight or tomorrow to respond.)

If memory serves me right.... Some people's hair naturally grows in a U, V or W shape and depending on the technique used you can create the shape you want.

I'm not a fan of layers for myself, personally prefer a straight cut, I also think my hair is fuller when cut straight, and I use the appropriate method to create that look.

Those pics are all goals

 

[Angel of the North]

How are you progressing?
I'm only just getting started, so far I've only trimmed my ends.

ETA: I've been baggying my ponytail at night, so ends are out of the way and remoisturised every day. That should be helping my freshly trimmed ends.

What are those ends looking like?
I think I cut more than I was required and my ends appear blunt. The grapeseed oil arrived on Wednesday, I was in Paris at the time, I've had to hunt the package down as nobody knew where it was Lol.

The avocado oil and butters will be here tomorrow so I will get started on wash day (Sunday).

Have you had any epiphanies?
Not yet, but I do have good knowledge of what will work for me, bearing in mind that our hair can change and also throw us curve balls.

Have you set bolder goals?
I think my goals are bold, as I'm coming from doing nothing to or for my ends for a long time, except for a few trims, and now I'm going into full, take care of my ends and dust regularly. (6-8 weeks works well for me).

Have you pulled back on some goals?
No, I don't think I have. TBH, this is the first time in probably 8-9 years I'm setting goals for my hair. I don't count my last stint as it barely lasted 5 minutes.

Have you had any realizations about your hair or your hair care practices?
Firstly, I was a lot closer to my current length goal before my trim than I realised.

My hair still maintained good health and length while I was doing nothing to it.

I need to take the best practices, that have been proven to work for me and create a simple regimen. I know I don't need to do 101 steps to get my desired outcome.

How is your consistency?
I've just completed week 1 of being focused on my HH practices. I'm planning on washing with a clarifying shampoo, I may do a moisturising DC folloed by a protein cowash.

At the moment, I'm wearing my hair pulled back in a ponytail and I'm wearing it curly (similar to a pulled back wash and go).. I will probably go back to a single plaited bun on wash day, saying that, I have some Camille Rose products I want to use up, so I may just continue with my curls until my holiday at the end of the month, I plan on getting single braids. I will keep those in for 4 - 5 weeks.

I plan on babying and sealing my ends between 2 - 3 times a week, I will just listen to what my hair tells me.

Extending grace to you?
I'm enjoying my hair in it's curly state, I'm working my way up to a full wash and go. My hair has been good to me even when I've neglected her, I now intend to be good to her. It's all love

 

[faithVA]

Your hair is looking healthy and thick! I loved your parting and the fact that you can protect your twists without any accessories

Thank you. It is definitely getting better. I'm waiting for that length so I can have some big ole Bantu Knots

I am enjoying the increased ease of everything. Looking forward to more easy styles.

 

[pikkonoloidlee]

Thanks for sharing this video. This is basically how I trim my hair, with the exception of trimming my hair back to a certain length. I'm saving that for a future date.

I really should start watching historic hair care videos. I think that's where I lean in terms of my hair care practices.

One thing that she said that I've been thinking about for some time is the idea of having blunt ends/hemline instead of a tapered hairline. I've been cutting my ends bluntly (though I'm sure my hair has some taper to it if I were to stretch it out.) However, I've been growing out my nails and I've noticed two things:

1. Regularly oiling my cuticles and nails helps a LOT. When I say "regularly", I mean every time I wash my hands. I guess this is the same as L-O. I haven't tried LCO, but I should start. My hands might end up looking younger.

2. I've changed from naturally square nails to a rounded almond shape. I think that this has made the biggest difference for being able to retain length.

So this is where I'm at a loss -- and mainly because I refuse to experiment in this way. Why does this rounded shape work on my hands when in theory it shouldn't work on my hair? My hands definitely take much more abuse than my hair does, but this experiment has been eye opening for me.

Has anyone else notice that non-"square" haircuts work better for their hair? Maybe a rounded square as opposed to oval?

My hair has almost always been in layers but I have noticed that sometimes at a certain point the unevenness can cause issues. For me it seems to be a bit more prone to tangling that way.

I do sometimes feel like aesthetics seems to play a part in it too. I don't know that a perfectly blunt cut is really all that necessary either.

 

[Angel of the North]

My hair has almost always been in layers but I have noticed that sometimes at a certain point the unevenness can cause issues. For me it seems to be a bit more prone to tangling that way.

I do sometimes feel like aesthetics seems to play a part in it too. I don't know that a perfectly blunt cut is really all that necessary either.

I've always found that when my hair has been cut into a style and has been layered, everytime I've had it cut/trimmed professionally, they cut it to keep the layers. It took many years for me to grow them out, that's probably why I dislike them for myself so much. I think different hair shapes can be pretty on others, for me a straight cut is just my preference.

ETA: missed word

 

[mzteaze]

This is roughly my first full month using minoxidil. Today was the first day with more than normal shedding since January when I started doing scalp massages. It's expected but I'm glad it seemed to be those mostly very thin hairs. My front part looks a little sparse so I'm hoping this turns the corner quickly.

 

[ScorpioLove]

Currently at my hair appointment and so far so good. I got the treatment and after applying the deep conditioner like a relaxer, I’m just waiting to finish steaming.

The real test is going to be detangling. I’m used to it but I know it’s frustrated every stylist.

On the bright side he said my hair was thick which he was probably really referring to my 5 months post roots.

UPDATE:
Some pros: he was super gentle detangling ( I mentioned that was the main thing I was looking for at our consultation). I don’t think I got any damage from the blow dry. The actual cut post flat iron was really good, and I got the perfect U shape that I can grow out from here. He cut between 2-3” all around and my ends are looking great. I want to keep up with my regimen mainly to maintain my fresh ends
Cons: He definitely wasn’t used to my level of curl and my roots aren’t really straight. I feel like he focused on what he could get straight which are my relaxed ends ( that he had doubts were relaxed). It’s true my relaxed hair has more shrinkage than some naturals but if he thinks that’s pretty curly then yea my roots are on another level. He did way too many passes with the flat iron that was unnecessary and still didn’t get the roots straight. It’s probably fine to do that with yt ppl hair, not ok for me. I assume that’s not his expertise.

All in all the main thing I wanted was a good haircut and the treatment without mechanical damage so I am reasonably happy.

1st pic is when I got home and hubby did not get a straight line shot. 2nd pic is 30 minutes later with roots still getting puffier. The middle section which is my tightest curl honestly wasn’t flat ironed at the roots at all.

 

[faithVA]

Cycling season has started so that will probably impact my regimen. If I have days where I spend hours on the bike, the last thing I feel like doing it spending an hour standing up in the shower with my hands over my head

I was tired and hungry when I got home.
I ate my protein bar while I was in the shower
And I took my twist out in the shower. I skipped that prepoo step.
I detangled after loosening and rinsing all of my twist.
I meant to shampoo twice but I conveniently forgot to do the 2nd shampoo.
I put my hair into 4 sections and conditioned each section.
Then I detangled each section with my Denman.
I then added Mielle leave-in to each section.
I put my hair into a bunch of Bantu Knots while I fixed dinner.

After dinner, I will dry each Bantu Knot.
Going to finish with flat twist but they will be bigger than usual.
I have an event this weekend so I will probably redo my hair Friday. So no need to spend a lot of time with smaller flat twist.

 

[keranikki]

Currently taking a break from WNGs due to webbing at the root. I’m noticing that as my hair gets longer, the roots are starting to web, especially in the crown. This webbing adds to the detangling process, which becomes cumbersome if you are washing multiple times a week.

So I decided to mold my hair into a bun using The Doux Texture foam. I spray my hair with Yerba concentrate to keep my hair moisturized and to maintain the mold. I am paying extra attention to where the ponytail holder touches my hair so as to not cause mechanical damage to that section. I unravel my bun to spray it, then I roll it right back up. I think I’m going to maintain this style for the rest of the month then assess. Graduation is coming up and I’m undecided on how I’m going to wear my hair. Most likely, I will wear a French roll, if I can remember how to do one. YouTube University, here I come, lol.

 

[keranikki]

Current regimen (for record keeping):

Infusium 23 (diluted), Queen Helene Cholesterol, hair oil- Prepoo/detangle
Obia Coco shampoo bar- Moisture shampoo
Adwoa Baomint and APB Cholesterol- DC
Infusium 23 (diluted)- leave in conditioner (my only protein)
The Doux Texture Foam- styler
Yerba Concentrate- growth aid, moisturizer

Kristen Ess Clarifying Shampoo- as needed

At this time, my hair desires moisture over protein. I thought Adwoa Baomint was a protein DC for a long time and just recently found out I was wrong. I don’t remember what gave me the impression that it was a protein DC, but it became a staple until I found APB Cholesterol. I’m just using up the Adwoa Baomint and will not repurchase. I have enough APB to last me the rest of the year.

 

[VarieYvette]

I had a big trim done on the 2nd to get rid of all my damage and texlaxed hair. I am back to where I started at the beginning of this year, but I have a great base to work with now. And it's been kinda fun having straight hair for a bit. But I will wash out the silk press this cming weekend and seriously lock in to get maximum growth by year end

 

[KayZolana]

I think that I asked this question before, now that I come to think of it... but I'm wondering why it works on (my) nails in reverse.

I see a lot of hair cut like the first two images below, but not really any cut like the third. Just looking at this now, I think that a lot of people could preserve their length if their hair was cut like the third (even with layers), without incurring a lot of damage. Or at least this is what my nails tell me.


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(Sorry, this is probably even less clear, but I have to run out and didn't want to wait until tonight or tomorrow to respond.)

Hi Y'all,

I'm new to this thread.

@snoop I agree with the sentiment here. My hair grows in extreme layers. Every time a stylist does a blunt cut on me, not only am I in anguish because months/years worth of progress is gone, but my layers are dramatic. So, cutting my nape to match the length of my crown area will stunt my progress.

I do have a bit of a shameful piece of news to admit...I haven't gotten my ends trimmed altogether (with the exception of individual strands that knotted/tangled up) since February 2022.

In Feb. 2022, I went for a silk press after over a year of no heat, and the stylist cut off 5 inches and gave me heat damage to boot. So, I promised not to straighten it again (a bit dramatic, I know) and not to cut my hair again.

Admittedly, I know I'm overdue for a trim, but I do wonder whether or not certain trimming guidelines/recommendations are arbitrary. I stumbled across this video by PreciousFro and resonated with it:

 

[GGsKin]

I’m a believer of trims, and cutting hair in a blown out or straightened state, and I’ve previously trimmed my own hair coil by coil in a wash n go. From experience, hair in its natural coily state (and even a soft stretch) can look amazingly luscious and still hide a multitude of issues, depending on how coily, and dense the hair is. I believe you can’t truly see the difference between damage vs unevenness on each strand without a good blow-out or press (whether soft or hard). Not everyone goes through the hair meticulously to the evaluate and note the difference.

I agree with the lady in the video regarding how you wear your hair and whether you want evenness, or whether you don’t mind your hair being uneven (with the caveat that is it healthy). A lot of stylists do trim an overall shape for aesthetics, because they are focussed on grooming the hair.

As a hair care enthusiast and someone who does the hair of others, it is all too easy to focus on what I perceive as correct and visually pleasing, but people (me included) would have more trust in stylists in general if they were more open to listening to their client’s requests, discussing hair goals and only trimming an agreed amount- even if it means leaving some damage.

I have a cousin with type 4 coils who has a lot of strands, but they are fine. She wears her hair mostly in bound styles (braids with added hair) and stretched. She hates getting her hair trimmed. I trimmed her hair in October. In February, I assessed her hair and she had a lot of splits. We agreed to trim and while she hated losing length, I her hair was still longer than it was October post trim (I take pics). I asked her to let me assess her hair in April. I didn’t want her to wait as long as 4months again, and I want to see to see how her hair is progressing. I don’t expect her to require a trim (maybe a dusting), but this timeframe allows us to see what is happening sooner. Since her strands are not thick, she has less grace when it comes to the weathering of her hair.

ETA: oh my goodness, I do like to ramble. Sorry for the long post.

 

[ItsMeLilLucky]

@GGsKin I don't consider rambling, I consider it learning

 

[GGsKin]

@GGsKin I don't consider rambling, I consider it learning

@ItsMeLilLucky

 

[MzSwift]

@ScorpioLove , your hair turned out so pretty! It's hard to tell that your roots aren't fully straight!

@GGsKin , IA, you weren't rambling. But you know I'm long winded so, my perception is off. Also, yes to stylists listening to clients.

I'm just not a fan of when stylists (from the 90s-00s) proclaimed that trims make the hair grow. I used to believe that too until I found the hair boards and learned about retention techniques.

Personally, I'm a slow grower and I'm a recovering scissor addict (pre-hair board) so I'm reluctant to trim my hair too often. I've only cut my hair twice since 2009. And I "trim" (aka dust) once every 1-3 years. I take the extra steps of minimizing mechanical damage by keeping my hair bound in low-to-no manipulation styles long term and by not using combs or brushes on my hair except when I blow out or flat iron. I increased my use of combs and brushes when I backslid for a few years and my hair remained the same length that whole time and my ends looked very uneven when straightened. Since I've dropped the tools, my hair has blossomed. So I don't experience stagnation or chewed ends anymore.

Having gone through the journey with others in this thread, I may have to re-evaluate my stance on trims when my hair gets longer. If it begins to hover at a length for too long, I may try incorporating more trims or removing my natural layers.

 

[GGsKin]

@MzSwift thanks for the additional reassurance. The protection and care you give your hair is undeniable. Your styles truly are protective and you hair responds in kind. Long may it continue.

I keep going back and forth in my mind about removing my natural layers because the difference between the shortest part of my hair and the longest part was at least 4 inches, before I braided it up. The bottom part of my hair clearly grows faster than the top. While I like the idea of having even thickness throughout, the idea of cutting away several inches of healthy hair to achieve that makes me pause. It’s been easier to try and get used to the idea while my hair has been hidden away and I’ve been trimming to allow the top layers to catch up. Once I see the condition of my hair overall, I’ll see how I feel lol.

 

[Chicoro]

@keranikki
Did I understand correctly that you will be completing a degree and graduating?

 

[faithVA]

It is time to color my hair. It is getting on my nerves. I will clarify and prep this upcoming Sunday or Monday. And then color the following weekend.

I think I will move to coloring every 12 weeks days instead of 16. Will see. May need to do somewhere between 9 and 12.

 

[Lylddlebit]

I think that I asked this question before, now that I come to think of it... but I'm wondering why it works on (my) nails in reverse.

I see a lot of hair cut like the first two images below, but not really any cut like the third. Just looking at this now, I think that a lot of people could preserve their length if their hair was cut like the third (even with layers), without incurring a lot of damage. Or at least this is what my nails tell me.


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(Sorry, this is probably even less clear, but I have to run out and didn't want to wait until tonight or tomorrow to respond.)

I completely agree with your perspective. It reminds me of an old YouTube video I once saw, where a woman used the analogy of nails and hair to explain a similar concept.

She pointed out that if one nail breaks, it doesn't cause the other nine to break. Filing or cutting the other 9 nails to match the broken one is simply for uniformity, not for health. She then related this to hair, noting that each strand is individual, like a nail. Therefore, cutting all your hair to the length of the most damaged portion is counterproductive if your goal is to retain length since the longest hairs are typically the healthiest and strongest. She advocated for trimming only the split and damaged ends, allowing the longer, stronger hairs to continue growing.

I agreed with her and applied a variation of this to my own regimen. Although I can't find the video now, the practice she described makes sense. I believe strong, supple hair with little to no split ends and knots indicates health far better than the shape of the hemline, and the shape of the hemline is an aesthetical preference. The healthiest hairs on m head are the longest and strongest parts.

That third photo you shared is an excellent example of cleaning up the ends without making them blunt, demonstrating how hair with varying lengths can still be healthy. Many people's hair doesn't naturally grow out bluntly, and it's entirely possible to maintain length and health while cleaning up the natural shape of your hair.

 

[keranikki]

@keranikki
Did I understand correctly that you will be completing a degree and graduating?

Yes, I finally finished my BA in Cybersecurity Administration at Syracuse University. It’s been a long time coming, as I’ve been going to school part-time since 2019. It feels like I have been in school forever. I haven’t decided whether I want to complete my Masters yet.

 

[Chicoro]

Yes, I finally finished my BA in Cybersecurity Administration at Syracuse University. It’s been a long time coming, as I’ve been going to school part-time since 2019. It feels like I have been in school forever. I haven’t decided whether I want to complete my Masters yet.

Well, look AT YOU! Let’s savor and celebrate this incredible accomplishment before you go running off to the next incredible step.

Cybersecurity Administration is fabulous!

Bank of America and Wells Fargo and a whole bunch of others need to be waiting outside your ceremony auditorium so they can snatch you up as soon as that degree touches and is in your little cute, brown hands.

Congratulations to you on obtaining your bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity Administration from Syracuse University!

Bravo to you for sticking with it through working, during Covid and during these current times!

I hope you sit back and sit in how far you’ve come. I hope you really sit and think about this arduous journey you took and relish your hard work and well earned success.

Everybody’can’t’ get into Syracuse University. Everybody’not’ gone be accepted into the ‘Cybersecurity Administration Program’. Lots of folks can’t pass their classes. And many don’t finish their degree for whatever reason. That ain’t you. You did it!!!! You got your degree!

Looking forward to and planning your next educational milestone are important tasks. Yet, taking the time to celebrate this win and appreciate this current educational journey that you have undertaken and done so successfully, under what I would consider extenuating circumstances is important to celebrate long and hard, too. You did it!!!!!


@keranikki
Baby, bravo!!!!

 

[Chicoro]

I’m interested in infrared microscopy as it relates to forensic hair analysis. But, those situations are usually attached to, or come with a dead body and a crime scene attached- figuratively and literally. So, I’m going to stick to blowing up ya’ll pictures on LHCF and analyzing how much growth you got in your progress pictures.

Maybe someday I may work up THE @keranikki courage and implement her gumption, and pursue that forensic interest of mine.

Once again, @keranikki thanks for the inspiration! Congratulations to you!

 

[GGsKin]

Yes, I finally finished my BA in Cybersecurity Administration at Syracuse University. It’s been a long time coming, as I’ve been going to school part-time since 2019. It feels like I have been in school forever. I haven’t decided whether I want to complete my Masters yet.

Congratulations on your accomplishment @keranikki

 

[Chicoro]

Some of you all be tipping in and out of this thread so fast and furiously, I miss your posts.

But eventually...

.

Me and my sexy afro-textured hair are going to swing around and see ya!

 

[Chicoro]

@keranikki
Oh, one more thing. Be sure to share some of them pictures you take so we can see how cutely you look and how cutely you styled your hair for that special day, your graduation day. You know we love some 'pitchas' up in these here hair threads.

 

[keranikki]

Thanks you guys! We really are a community up in here and I love that for us! I’m an introvert by nature. I was forced to be an extrovert by a narcissistic parent in my youth, which caused me to relish in my introverted self now that I’ve healed from the trauma; in that, I feel good being myself. The unfortunate side effects is that I don’t feel comfortable celebrating myself privately or publicly.

@Chicoro Thank you for reminding me that I should celebrate and relish in my accomplishments. I appreciate you guys so much, you don’t even know…

 

[Chicoro]

Thanks you guys! We really are a community up in here and I love that for us! I’m an introvert by nature. I was forced to be an extrovert by a narcissistic parent in my youth, which caused me to relish in my introverted self now that I’ve healed from the trauma; in that, I feel good being myself. The unfortunate side effects is that I don’t feel comfortable celebrating myself privately or publicly.

@Chicoro Thank you for reminding me that I should celebrate and relish in my accomplishments. I appreciate you guys so much, you don’t even know…

We got you! We got your back!

So here's to YOU, @keranikki

I hope you walk down that aisle to pick up your diploma like the STAR that YOU ARE!

 

[Angel of the North]

@keranikki Congratulations and a huge well done to you!

@Chicoro I love those memes, especially the one with the different hair styles

 

[Chicoro]

@keranikki Congratulations and a huge well done to you!

@Chicoro I love those memes, especially the one with the different hair styles

The hair is cute, right!