Luscious Healthy Ends Challenge 2025

[Chicoro]

for @MzSwift



They keep their clients weaved up for 3 months and bring the clients back in and take down their hair. Very much like Reniece's process.



Edited: The second video is about the women who style the hair and they explain their processs, which what Reniece was doing 20 years ago.

 

[MzSwift]

 

[faithVA]

Thanks for sharing those videos @Chicoro Such beautiful luscious hair.

 

[faithVA]

My hair does so well the first 5 days of my twist, I'm always like Oh, I can wear these for 2 weeks. Then by day 6, my gray hair starts acting up and saying nah, you better put some water on me (lol). So, I'm going to stick to my Friday, Saturday reset day.

I bought a Camille Rose conditioning spray and sprayed my scalped with that twice this week for this dry weather. And I put some in my hands and worked it down my twist. She still feels good but it is best to give her a full water soak to help her along.

 

[IDareT'sHair]

@keranikki
Your Hair looks grea!

Really healthy & shiny. It looks nice and even too.

 

[keranikki]

@keranikki
Your Hair looks grea!

Really healthy & shiny. It looks nice and even too.

Thank you!

 

[Chicoro]

@MzSwift
Actually, the process that they are doing from a home care stand point, is exactly what you and @GGsKin doing and were doing. That is keeping the hair braided and covered for extended periods of time, while washing, conditioning and moisurizing it of course.

I am starting to thing this the universal way to retain ALL and as MUCH as your hair as possible. Again, the details of HOW to do it for one's own individual head of hair determines how successful one can be.

 

[MzSwift]

@MzSwift
Actually, the process that they are doing from a home care stand point, is exactly what you and @GGsKin doing and were doing. That is keeping the hair braided and covered for extended periods of time, while washing, conditioning and moisurizing it of course.

I am starting to thing this the universal way to retain ALL and as MUCH as your hair as possible. Again, the details of HOW to do it for one's own individual head of hair determines how successful one can be.

EXACTLY!
I've actually been doing a modified version of this method since 2010, when I finally had enough hair to braid. This is pretty much my whole hair journey minus a couple times when I was back sliding. lol

I started rocking curly wigs and pixie cut wigs (for easy daily styling). I would rock the wigs during the winter months to protect my hair from the cold and then rock mini braids from late spring to fall as a safe way of enjoying my "loose" hair. I retained pretty much all of my growth (I'm a slow grower) and I only dusted my ends once a year.
And I LOVE looking at these sorts of progress videos and pix bc they provide me with inspiration to keep at it. My progress isn't as profound as theirs but I count it a success bc it's way healthier and longer hair than I've ever had in my life.

*** PIC HEAVY ***

This is me natural 4b/a, alternating wigs and twist/braid extensions Oct-Apr and then mini braids May-Sept for 4.5 years. Using my Ayurvedic mixes for most of my daily and weekly hair care steps and using ONLY my fingers for 95% of my hair care:

Start ---------------- 1.5 years -------------------- 2.5 years


Then my hair got long enough for me to grab from the back, lol

2 years ------------------------------ 3 years -------------------------- 4 years --------------------------



And finally reached WL 4.5 years after starting with a Ceasar. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined it!!




In 2018, after backsliding, I did a chop on texlaxed hair and alternated crochets (instead of wigs) and extension twists with mini braids/twists to grow my hair back to WL. BUT this time, I incorporated more end care into the routine when my hair was "loose" in mini braids. And my hair ended up even better!! That's when I knew that giving special attention to my ends was gonna be PARAMOUNT to me reaching longer lengths. Not only was my hair long again but it was even more supple than it was the first time! I didn't think that would be possible!

Jan 2018 chop -------------------------March 2019 -------------------------------Nov 2019 (back to WL)



So now I'm back on this journey again, starting from SL this time. I'm alternating cornrowed hair under a satin cap (instead of wigs or crochet styles) with scarves/bandannas and mini braids/twists (which I'm also keeping under a satin cap/scarves and bandannas). And I'm confident that I'm gonna reach WL again bc this technique works for me! I hope many others also find success! The more of us walking around with luscious hair, the better!

 

[Chicoro]

EXACTLY!
I've actually been doing a modified version of this method since 2010, when I finally had enough hair to braid. This is pretty much my whole hair journey minus a couple times when I was back sliding. lol

I started rocking curly wigs and pixie cut wigs (for easy daily styling). I would rock the wigs during the winter months to protect my hair from the cold and then rock mini braids from late spring to fall as a safe way of enjoying my "loose" hair. I retained pretty much all of my growth (I'm a slow grower) and I only dusted my ends once a year.
And I LOVE looking at these sorts of progress videos and pix bc they provide me with inspiration to keep at it. My progress isn't as profound as theirs but I count it a success bc it's way healthier and longer hair than I've ever had in my life.

*** PIC HEAVY ***

This is me natural 4b/a, alternating wigs and twist/braid extensions Oct-Apr and then mini braids May-Sept for 4.5 years. Using my Ayurvedic mixes for most of my daily and weekly hair care steps and using ONLY my fingers for 95% of my hair care:

Start ---------------- 1.5 years -------------------- 2.5 years
View attachment 500594 View attachment 500596 View attachment 500598

Then my hair got long enough for me to grab from the back, lol

2 years ------------------------------ 3 years -------------------------- 4 years --------------------------

View attachment 500604 View attachment 500600 View attachment 500602

And finally reached WL 4.5 years after starting with a Ceasar. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined it!!

View attachment 500606


In 2018, after backsliding, I did a chop on texlaxed hair and alternated crochets (instead of wigs) and extension twists with mini braids/twists to grow my hair back to WL. BUT this time, I incorporated more end care into the routine when my hair was "loose" in mini braids. And my hair ended up even better!! That's when I knew that giving special attention to my ends was gonna be PARAMOUNT to me reaching longer lengths. Not only was my hair long again but it was even more supple than it was the first time! I didn't think that would be possible!

Jan 2018 chop -------------------------March 2019 -------------------------------Nov 2019 (back to WL)

View attachment 500608 View attachment 500610 View attachment 500612

So now I'm back on this journey again, starting from SL this time. I'm alternating cornrowed hair under a satin cap (instead of wigs or crochet styles) with scarves/bandannas and mini braids/twists (which I'm also keeping under a satin cap/scarves and bandannas). And I'm confident that I'm gonna reach WL again bc this technique works for me! I hope many others also find success! The more of us walking around with luscious hair, the better!

I love pictures and I love progress! It gives so many of us hope and encouragement. Thank you for the detailed post with all these fabulous pictures!

 

[GettingKinky]

@MzSwift Thank you for sharing your progress pictures! Your progress is so inspiring. I have been trying for so long to get to waist length, but I was also trying to wear my hair out in a wash n go every day.

I think I have finally decided that those two things may not be compatible. I hope that bunning can get me the same results that you have with twists/braids.

 

[MzSwift]

I love pictures and I love progress! It gives so many of us hope and encouragement. Thank you for the detailed post with all these fabulous pictures!

Thank YOU!! You keep the thread positive, engaging and very educational with your questions, contributions and straight forward advice!

@MzSwift Thank you for sharing your progress pictures! Your progress is so inspiring. I have been trying for so long to get to waist length, but I was also trying to wear my hair out in a wash n go every day.

I think I have finally decided that those two things may not be compatible. I hope that bunning can get me the same results that you have with twists/braids.

Thinking back on all of the ladies who grew to WL and beyond early on on this board, many of them used bunning to get there. You can absolutely do it!! You've got a lot of options. Maybe even combining your love of WNGs with bunning to incorporate regular wet bunning - which a lot of them did. Stay on top of your moisture-protein balance, heavy seal those ends and I don't see why you can't get there quickly with your starting length. I'm rooting for you too!

 

[Chicoro]

Thank YOU!! You keep the thread positive, engaging and very educational with your questions, contributions and straight forward advice!




Thinking back on all of the ladies who grew to WL and beyond early on on this board, many of them used bunning to get there. You can absolutely do it!! You've got a lot of options. Maybe even combining your love of WNGs with bunning to incorporate regular wet bunning - which a lot of them did. Stay on top of your moisture-protein balance, heavy seal those ends and I don't see why you can't get there quickly with your starting length. I'm rooting for you too!

You're welcome.

Thank you!

I've got a tingling in my toes. I can feel it. I feel something.
This year is feeling different. I think people in this thread are going to be hitting new milestones they've never hit before.

 

[Chicoro]

I think the key to the shine on my hair is water (I have a water filter on my shower) and keeping my hair moisturized with scalp spray (water-based). I also rinse my hair with cold water to smooth my cuticles.

I believe I got the idea of squeezing water into my hair from @GettingKinky during my shampoo and conditioning session. I noticed my hair feels its heaviest during my conditioning session as I squeeze/scrunch water into my hair and finger-detangle. Once the conditioner is rinsed out my hair feels fluffy, but not frizzy.

Placing oil directly on my scalp tends to cause moderate to severe itching, so I use a water- based spray to keep my scalp moisturized in between washes. The weave creates a GHE, yet allows my hair to dry overtime. A scalp spray with aloe, peppermint, and rosemary kept any odor and bacteria at bay. I know oil is not moisturizing, but it does soothe a dry scalp and is a staple when wearing a protective style.

My hair vacillates between high and normal porosity, depending on my moisture/protein balance at the time of styling. Rinsing with cold water ensures my cuticles are closed, regardless of whether my hair is balanced or not. Rinsing with warm/hot water dries my hair out over time, since my cuticles aren’t closed.

Lastly, Kenra’s styling products also help, lol.

Now that the weave is gone, I need to figure out a new protective style for the winter.

AHA!
Another Devil is in the details small but significant point.

I started doing this. I just considered it taking my time, squeezing the water in to ensure it was wet from root to tip. Great to know it was @GettingKinky who brought this point to the light and put it center stage. I have found it is NOT ENOUGH to wet hair. You have to 'WORK' in the water.

Here again, @keranikki is showing the practical results and dividends a technique she is doing which @GettingKinky brought to the table here on the site.

SQUEEZE in, WORK in that water or water based moisturizer when you are doing your hair. I think I am going to put this in the first post.

 

[Chicoro]

Simple, cute, protective bun style for ends:

 

[Chicoro]

I was watching a video screen-shotted above. She was trying use coffee filters to filter her oil. Then she showed this lovely
mesh filter strainer.


I have NEVER seen such a thing. So, I went to Amazon and lo and behold there it was. There is a mesh to go with it. Now, I can filter my oil and I saw in the video the oil passes through this very quickly.

It is washable and reusable, unlike a coffee paper filter.

I ordered one today!

 

[Chicoro]

Oil Macerated/soaked for 10 days. Decanted on Saturday, January 11th, 2025, Not fltered

After ten (10) days of macerating my fresh rosemary, sprouted fenugreek seeds and dried cloves, all of which I ground and put in oil on low heat in a double boiler for a few hours, I finally decanted it.

I tried to filter it with paper coffee filters but it was not only slow, the filters were absorbing my PRECIOUS oil. Hence, the aforementioned post directly above about being excited to find the mesh filter.

My oil is cloudy but filled with goodness! This batch of oil is unfiltered. We'll see how it goes.

 

[Chicoro]

My natural hair is wiry and hard, especially after using shampoo or when I need to re-moisturize. The sprouted fenugreek, fresh rosemary leaves and dried clove oil I use makes my hair soft like kitten fur. My hair just lays down as if it were relaxed.

I decanted my oil right on time today because I used it tonight. I usually stay in on Sunday and I grease my hair and cover it with plastic Saturday evening and leave it on until Monday morning. On Monday I undo the bantu knots and braid it and roll the ends for the week (3 days usually).
My hair is super super soft when I take off the plastic bag Monday morning. I LOVE IT!

 

[GGsKin]

@MzSwift Thank you for sharing your progress pictures! Your progress is so inspiring. I have been trying for so long to get to waist length, but I was also trying to wear my hair out in a wash n go every day.

I think I have finally decided that those two things may not be compatible. I hope that bunning can get me the same results that you have with twists/braids.

For my texture, I’m in agreement with the bolded. I was trying to attempt the exact same thing @GettingKinky, because I enjoy wearing my hair out. I was in no rush. I just I wanted to see if my hair could achieve much longer lengths without hiding or binding it. Now, in this UK climate I feel my hair grows slower than it would in a place that is consistently warm. It also grows slower when not consistently watered so I have to help myself lol. I know my natural texture likes to be protected, but in the past I haven’t liked the way my hair looks in single braids or twists with just my hair, due to my density and uneven length.

Before joining this board I’d only I’d worn extensions twice in my life- first as a teen in boxer canerows, and the second time was with human hair pick n drop, to grow out a pixie cut. That instance, I managed to grow my hair to in APL in a year, but I started wearing it out, and it broke off. It was dry and I didn’t know how to care for it properly. Now I’m focussed on evening my length (while hiding my hair), as I think this will help my retention to take off.

 

[faithVA]

Simple, cute, protective bun style for ends:

I'm looking forward to that length. I love a good updo.

 

[faithVA]

Today is my reset day.

This morning, I used some conditioner and covered my twist and my ends before taking out my twist.
I used Kitsch rosemary oil on my scalp and then worked out.
I pulled my hair into 5 sections and held each section with a claw clip
I rinsed each section thoroughly and then used my wide tooth comb to remove shed hair
I applied Madison Reed shampoo to the scalp in each section and then shampooed each section and rinsed
I applied Biosilk conditioner to each section and then add water to work it in
I used a shampoo brush and detangled and removed shed hair and rinsed

I used Mielle leave-in on each section and added some water to work it in
Then finished each section with KCCC with water and put it into 5 bantu knots

It took me about 2 hours to twist it up which isn't too bad.

Previously, I spent a lot of time trying to make sure my hair was free of shed hairs at each step. Now I'm just combing before shampoo and after conditioner and denying my compulsion to finger detangle at other times. This made my wash day go much faster.

I'm almost out of KCCC so I need to decide whether I am going to buy a new jar or use one of the gels I bought for my curly sets. I don't like having extra products around the house so I will probably see if one of my other gels will work.

This regimen is doable for longer term. I just need to get my mind ready to spend 2 hours twisting each weekend.

Since it is winter time I'm trying a few things to help with growth and retention
1. Rosemary oil prior to shampoo and leaving it in while I workout
2. Taking Vitamin D daily
3. Trying a hair, nail, skin vitamin which got great reviews
4. Cleansing my scalp weekly is a must for me. I have better retention but my hair is also denser when I cleanse more often
5. Do some type of movement for 30 minutes a day
6. Going to start tracking my protein

 

[Chicoro]

Today is my reset day.

This morning, I used some conditioner and covered my twist and my ends before taking out my twist.
I used Kitsch rosemary oil on my scalp and then worked out.
I pulled my hair into 5 sections and held each section with a claw clip
I rinsed each section thoroughly and then used my wide tooth comb to remove shed hair
I applied Madison Reed shampoo to the scalp in each section and then shampooed each section and rinsed
I applied Biosilk conditioner to each section and then add water to work it in
I used a shampoo brush and detangled and removed shed hair and rinsed

I used Mielle leave-in on each section and added some water to work it in
Then finished each section with KCCC with water and put it into 5 bantu knots

It took me about 2 hours to twist it up which isn't too bad.

Previously, I spent a lot of time trying to make sure my hair was free of shed hairs at each step. Now I'm just combing before shampoo and after conditioner and denying my compulsion to finger detangle at other times. This made my wash day go much faster.

I'm almost out of KCCC so I need to decide whether I am going to buy a new jar or use one of the gels I bought for my curly sets. I don't like having extra products around the house so I will probably see if one of my other gels will work.

This regimen is doable for longer term. I just need to get my mind ready to spend 2 hours twisting each weekend.

Since it is winter time I'm trying a few things to help with growth and retention
1. Rosemary oil prior to shampoo and leaving it in while I workout
2. Taking Vitamin D daily
3. Trying a hair, nail, skin vitamin which got great reviews
4. Cleansing my scalp weekly is a must for me. I have better retention but my hair is also denser when I cleanse more often
5. Do some type of movement for 30 minutes a day
6. Going to start tracking my protein

I was going to ask why you were detangling more than once in your regimen. Then I noted you said the two times were LESS than your usual. To me, that’s good analysis and understanding of your previous actions and good decision making on your part due to that analysis. Bravo!

Again, that’s a seemingly small change that could potentially reap huge dividends for you and your hair as you move forward on your 2025 hair journey. We just never know what might shift us in the direction we want. A change, a relatively small change could gently nudge us where we want to go. Or, that same small change could be a huge shove that helps us leap to the finish line. Keep going @faithVA. Intuitively, I feel like where you are now, and the cumulative experiences and knowledge that you have cultivated thus far, up until now, are coalescing and moving you forward on your hair journey at an exponentially and rapid pace.

Gimme some of that!

 

[Chicoro]

I'm looking forward to that length. I love a good updo.

Based upon your current trajectory, I believe you will get there.

 

[Chicoro]

@MzSwift Thank you for sharing your progress pictures! Your progress is so inspiring. I have been trying for so long to get to waist length, but I was also trying to wear my hair out in a wash n go every day.

I think I have finally decided that those two things may not be compatible. I hope that bunning can get me the same results that you have with twists/braids.

As @GGsKin noted in sharing an aspect of her personal journey to highlight that she came to the same conclusion as you, she helped to illuminate something I clearly missed.

You have come to a critical crossroads in your journey. And you have made the decision, after much thoughtful deliberation and assessment based on theory and practical experience, to take another and different path.

You know how hard it is to change direction? Do you know how much solid, correct analysis one needs? Do you know how much courage and trust in self it takes to select the best decision? A LOT! And you have it all.

Good for you!

It’s still the beginning of January 2025. But I can already tell right now that by December 2025 we are going to be seeing lengths and thickness that may have eluded many of us for years.

I’m salivating because I can just TASTE all the hair lusciousness that inevitably is COMING!

 

[faithVA]

I was going to ask why you were detangling more than once in your regimen. Then I noted you said the two times were LESS than your usual. To me, that’s good analysis and understanding of your previous actions and good decision making on your part due to that analysis. Bravo!

Again, that’s a seemingly small change that could potentially reap huge dividends for you and your hair as you move forward on your 2025 hair journey. We just never know what might shift us in the direction we want. A change, a relatively small change could gently nudge us where we want to go. Or, that same small change could be a huge shove that helps us leap to the finish line. Keep going @faithVA. Intuitively, I feel like where you are now, and the cumulative experiences and knowledge that you have cultivated thus far, up until now, are coalescing and moving you forward on your hair journey at an exponentially and rapid pace.

Gimme some of that!

You might not remember in last years post that I struggle to remove shed hairs. I cannot go through my hair once and remove them. It doesn't matter what tool I use. I kept it to 2 in the shower but still had to go through it again when I twisted it up.

I haven't resolved the issue but just deciding to be more OK with it and hope it works out

 

[faithVA]

You are a great host @Chicoro

 

[faithVA]

Subscription price increase. Not sure if anyone else saw this but the subscription price increased from 6.99 to 10.99 per year or 1.99 a month. It says that I can see like 11 of # of forums but not all. I renewed in November so I have until November 2025to renew. Maybe the notice is a way to get more people to join versus just being guest. If it works and the board becomes more active I may pay the increased membership but if it is the same in October, I will probably just pay the 1.99 a month to get me to the end of the year. Just sharing here because the majority of the people I talk to are here

Since it is a long ways off for me I will reassess at the end of the summer.

 

[Chicoro]

LOOK at the ENDS of her hair!! I asked her if she still uses Shea butter and she said yes!

 

[GettingKinky]

Subscription price increase. Not sure if anyone else saw this but the subscription price increased from 6.99 to 10.99 per year or 1.99 a month. It says that I can see like 11 of # of forums but not all. I renewed in November so I have until November 2025to renew. Maybe the notice is a way to get more people to join versus just being guest. If it works and the board becomes more active I may pay the increased membership but if it is the same in October, I will probably just pay the 1.99 a month to get me to the end of the year. Just sharing here because the majority of the people I talk to are here

Since it is a long ways off for me I will reassess at the end of the summer.

I just saw this. My memebership is up in a few days so I’m planning to renew for a year vs the monthly fee. But it won’t let me do the yearly renewal today so I guess I have to wait until my current one expires first.

 

[faithVA]

LOOK at the ENDS of her hair!! I asked her if she still uses Shea butter and she said yes!


View attachment 500672

Yes it looks nice. For us non-butter and oil ladies, are there any alternatives for our ends? What about conditioner? Do you think that would work?

 

[faithVA]

I just saw this. My memebership is up in a few days so I’m planning to renew for a year vs the monthly fee. But it won’t let me do the yearly renewal today so I guess I have to wait until my current one expires first.

Cool. I'm just being snippy. As long as I have a few active ladies to hang out with I will be here. Right now I'm in 5 threads and honestly that is all I have time for I need to spend the rest of my time getting my life in order.