Luscious Healthy Ends Challenge 2025

[snoop]

My suggestion for you is to look for a specific type of conditioner. I do not know of one on the market today. I am sure after some research you should be able to find one with the suggested ingredients in the formulation. You want to look for a conditioner with two KEY ingredients at the top, or near the top of the ingredients list.
Those two (2) key ingredients are:

• behentrimonium methylsufate or behentrimonium chloride
• dimethicone

It can't be one or the other. BOTH must be present in the formulation.

Why is that?

ETA why does it have to be both? Is that for wash n gos?

 

[Chicoro]

Why is that?

ETA why does it have to be both? Is that for wash n gos?

It helps keep the butter on the hair.

 

[snoop]

I got my funnel a few days back. It is much larger than I anticipated and I like the quality. I bought it so I can strain and decant my oils faster and retain more oil. I don't like paper filters as they suck up too much oil and take forever to work.

I will try this out with my next batch of oil. My current batch will probably last about six (6) months. But we'll see. Thus far, I am glad I came upon this by accident and happy that I purchased it. Of course the real test will be when I use it. I feel confidant that it will be a positive experience, too.


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This funnel seems like a really great idea. Right now I'm using a reusable coffee filter which is made up of the meshing of your filter. It works really well, but I need a new funnel. I might pick up this combo.

 

[snoop]

HEY Everybody,

Do YOU know your hair's growing pattern? If so, what is it?

My hair tends to start the year with a growth spurt in either the left or right side. It alternates each year. The rest of the year the other side will catch up and they finish the year growing together.

The middle appears to grow a bit slower. I'm not sure if it's still trying to catch up from previous damage (maybe it was more severe and has to work harder to recover) or maybe that area grows much slower or maybe it's more delicate and is harder for me to retain there and I haven't noticed.

Not sure what the pattern is for my crown and sides.

 

[snoop]

Wow, that color is FABULOUS and so so pretty!

I'd say you are in a GREAT position as you do KNOW your hair's growing pattern. That is priceless and very valuable information. Now, you can leverage and optimize it.

I have found that I can hold on to the 'mullet' or tail in the back if I don't allow the care to get more than 4 inches longer than the bulk. I 'hold' the longer 'lead hairs' there with trims or micro-trims until the bulk drops down to meet that longer section.

Then, I let that longer section drop down in length again and repeat.

I try to NEVER cut that lead hair off and back up to the bulk. I HOLD it at the longer length and let the bulk COME to that longer section.

Most stylist do the opposite. They trim back those longer lengths, and put those once longer lengths farther up the back, closer to the neck, so that it is cut to the same length of the bulk.

You posted about lead hair years ago and this is how I was able to discover and appreciate my growth pattern. Most stylists, and as a result most people, would see the shorter side as damage and the lead hairs are cut back. Meanwhile, if they'd waited a few weeks the other hairs would have caught up.

I've never had a hair cut since I started my journey so this method works to keep me from getting anxious around scissors. I don't believe you have to have an even hemline to have "healthy" hair. Uneven ends that are trimmed with sharp scissors will figure themselves out eventually.

 

[snoop]

@snoop is this you at 1minute and 46 seconds?

Yes! It is! Good catch! I'll definitely have to comment on this video after I finish watching. Thanks for pointing this out.

I tell people 4c hair isn't hard to take care of, but it's time consuming. Unfortunately, people equate length of time with hard work. This line of thinking sets a lot of people up for disappointment and lack of success -- in life in general.

 

[snoop]

It helps keep the butter on the hair.

I will maybe say "maybe" to this. There are two different kinds of BTMS and unfortunately, most product labels don't tell you which one you're getting in the product.

Here's more info: Humblebee & Me

I don't use cones, so I can't say whether dimethicone helps to keep the oils better on the hair or not, anecdotally, I've found that those BTMS-225 and BTMS-50 act very different on hair. My leave in conditioner recipe basically has stayed the same over the past 10 years in terms of ratio of water to oils and butters. For the first 5 I used BTMS-225 just because it was conditioning and easy to get. I had no problems and my hair was fine. The feel on my hair was more like a lotion, not thick, but protective? Not sure how to describe it. One day, I decided to make the extra effort to hunt down some BTMS-50 and I was blown away! Same recipe, but when I put the lotion on my hair my hair feels WET. I've applied to to my kids dry hair without misting (as a test) and the hair gets wet.

I've purchased products for their hair with BTMS in it, but it doesn't leave their hair wet.

Also, depending on the type of oil that you're using, you can get wildly different results. Even down to the brand of a particular oil.

My point is I'm not sure which of these to BTMSs would help keep the butter on hair, or keep it on hair better. Or if one makes it necessary to use dimethicone and maybe the other does not?

Also, broccoli seed oil is supposed to act like a silicone. It used to be my go-to. It's expensive, but could be worth trying a sample of.

 

[faithVA]

Why is that?

ETA why does it have to be both? Is that for wash n gos?

I don't use cones because I don't use harsh shampoos. But definitely the first ingredient mentioned works well for me.

 

[GettingKinky]

I cowashed yesterday and my bun is much frizzier than normal. This is why I never cowashed when I wore wash n gos, but for buns I’ll just learn to live with the frizz.

I made a schedule for myself that includes DCing and also using up my Cecred products that I’m not a huge fan of.

 

[keranikki]

I washed my hair today with the intention of installing mini-braids. Mini-braid installation was a fail. My hair is too soft and low-density in the front. So, for now, my hair is Shea’ed up in to mini-buns.
I need to figure out another protective style that is aesthetically pleasing to wear outside or in a professional setting. I tried doing two-strand flat twists on damp hair, but it looked horrible. I may have to blow dry my hair straight and try again. Or maybe I will get into roller setting my hair and styling an updo. I will eventually figure it out.

My current regimen as of late:

-Obia Naturals Shampoo Bar: very moisturizing and the best slip ever!
-Combination of: Adwoa Baomint DC (protein) and APB Cholesterol (moisture) OR just APB Cholesterol
-M&S with Diluted Infusium23, APB 3N1 (creamy LI), and APB 4 Butter Blend whipped Shea (heavy cream).

I wash my hair when my scalp gets itchy, which is every 4-5 days. So far, this process is working well for me. My edges are starting to lay better. My ends feel amazing. My hair is so moisturized.

What made me change my regimen is after a review of my regimen over the last few years, I realized the products I was using was drying my hair out. The shampoo was too astringent, which I would then follow up with a protein DC, and then style my hair with gel for a WNG. I would sometimes follow up my protein DC with a moisturizing DC or alternate. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough moisture. Since changing out my shampoo and using more cholesterol than protein, my hair is so much softer and my curls are more defined. I will continue to monitor.

 

[keranikki]

I washed my hair today with the intention of installing mini-braids. Mini-braid installation was a fail. My hair is too soft and low-density in the front. So, for now, my hair is Shea’ed up in to mini-buns.
I need to figure out another protective style that is aesthetically pleasing to wear outside or in a professional setting. I tried doing two-strand flat twists on damp hair, but it looked horrible. I may have to blow dry my hair straight and try again. Or maybe I will get into roller setting my hair and styling an updo. I will eventually figure it out.

My current regimen as of late:

-Obia Naturals Shampoo Bar: very moisturizing and the best slip ever!
-Combination of: Adwoa Baomint DC (protein) and APB Cholesterol (moisture) OR just APB Cholesterol
-M&S with Diluted Infusium23, APB 3N1 (creamy LI), and APB 4 Butter Blend whipped Shea (heavy cream).

I wash my hair when my scalp gets itchy, which is every 4-5 days. So far, this process is working well for me. My edges are starting to lay better. My ends feel amazing. My hair is so moisturized.

What made me change my regimen is after a review of my regimen over the last few years, I realized the products I was using was drying my hair out. The shampoo was too astringent, which I would then follow up with a protein DC, and then style my hair with gel for a WNG. I would sometimes follow up my protein DC with a moisturizing DC or alternate. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough moisture. Since changing out my shampoo and using more cholesterol than protein, my hair is so much softer and my curls are more defined. I will continue to monitor.

On another post, I stated that I wasn’t trying any new products, but the shampoo bar has been in my stash for over 5 years. I just got around to using it and I’m glad I did. The Obia shampoo bar allows me to finger detangle and brush with my Tangle Teazer brush. I’m obsessed!

 

[VarieYvette]

I forgot to take pictures last night, but after my wash day, I realised I am left with about an inch of texlaxed ends in the front. I was itching to cut them off, but I have to stick to my trim schedule for the year. They are not unhealthy, but just boneless compared to the rest of my hair.

Also the Skala deep conditioners are definitely worth the hype. I am generally heavy handed with DC, but I really don't need to use a lot, and it has so much slip. I am definitely going to put in the required effort to restock these DCs

 

[faithVA]

Hair goals

 

[faithVA]

I washed my hair today with the intention of installing mini-braids. Mini-braid installation was a fail. My hair is too soft and low-density in the front. So, for now, my hair is Shea’ed up in to mini-buns.
I need to figure out another protective style that is aesthetically pleasing to wear outside or in a professional setting. I tried doing two-strand flat twists on damp hair, but it looked horrible. I may have to blow dry my hair straight and try again. Or maybe I will get into roller setting my hair and styling an updo. I will eventually figure it out.

My current regimen as of late:

-Obia Naturals Shampoo Bar: very moisturizing and the best slip ever!
-Combination of: Adwoa Baomint DC (protein) and APB Cholesterol (moisture) OR just APB Cholesterol
-M&S with Diluted Infusium23, APB 3N1 (creamy LI), and APB 4 Butter Blend whipped Shea (heavy cream).

I wash my hair when my scalp gets itchy, which is every 4-5 days. So far, this process is working well for me. My edges are starting to lay better. My ends feel amazing. My hair is so moisturized.

What made me change my regimen is after a review of my regimen over the last few years, I realized the products I was using was drying my hair out. The shampoo was too astringent, which I would then follow up with a protein DC, and then style my hair with gel for a WNG. I would sometimes follow up my protein DC with a moisturizing DC or alternate. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough moisture. Since changing out my shampoo and using more cholesterol than protein, my hair is so much softer and my curls are more defined. I will continue to monitor.

I haven't tried Obia shampoo bar but I bought two of a different brand and I definitely like shampoo bars. I also found by just changing the shampoo that it changed the condition of my hair.

Glad you found the adjustments that you needed and that work for you.

 

[faithVA]

I had an invite to take a nature hike today so I chose not to reset today. I headed to Sally's to pick up the Kinky Curly gel. But this gel is not to be found easily on the ground here. CVS was wiped out and so was Sally's. Not sure if everyone wiped the products out for Black Friday and Christmas or if Kinky Curly is having distribution issues. I can find plenty of the leave-in though.

So since I couldn't find the KCCC, I picked up a jar of As I Am curling jelly. I used this over 10 years ago so I don't really remember whether I liked it or not. However, I looked at the ingredients and I liked the ingredients listed. I was considering the Camille Rose gel but it had butters and oils within the first 5 ingredients so I decided on the As I Am.

My twist on day 6 looked at good as my usual day 2 twists. It really did look like I could wear them another week.

I put conditioner on my hair and took my twist out. I will oil my scalp before I work out tomorrow and then hopefully get to resetting my hair early afternoon.

 

[GettingKinky]

Hair goals

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That is a beautiful hair style. I wish I could flat twist.

 

[Chicoro]

That is a beautiful hair style. I wish I could flat twist.

That is such a pretty style.

 

[ItsMeLilLucky]

I forgot to take pictures last night, but after my wash day, I realised I am left with about an inch of texlaxed ends in the front. I was itching to cut them off, but I have to stick to my trim schedule for the year. They are not unhealthy, but just boneless compared to the rest of my hair.

Also the Skala deep conditioners are definitely worth the hype. I am generally heavy handed with DC, but I really don't need to use a lot, and it has so much slip. I am definitely going to put in the required effort to restock these DCs

The word "Boneless" just cracks me up lol. I think of chicken everytime I see it, even though we are in no way shape or form talking about food. Just me over here encouraging you to stick with the trim schedule. In due time your will be full of bones again.

 

[Chicoro]

The word "Boneless" just cracks me up lol. I think of chicken everytime I see it, even though we are in no way shape or form talking about food. Just me over here encouraging you to stick with the trim schedule. In due time your will be full of bones again.

How areYOU and your hair doing?

 

[MzSwift]

I wore my mini braids with the ends loose and all I could think about the whole time was the damage the arctic cold was doing to my ends. Lol

I'm already backsliding on my goal to DC biweekly. As an irregular DCer I have to be generous to myself and not set a goal this ambitious. I will commit to DCing once each calender month. So that gives me 5 more days to get this done.

I HAVE been applying products more generously to my ends before I tuck them away. My braids are almost 4 weeks old and it's time to refresh or transition. I am contemplating transitioning them into 5-7 cornrows that I will wash/DC and refresh every 2-3 weeks as it is an easier style to refresh. I don't have anymore anticipated events coming up for the rest of the winter. Also, that will encourage me to become more regular with my DCing. Even though my hair seems to progress fine without DCing, I've seen my hair look and feel better with regular DCing. My cornrow tails will stay tucked away under my satin cap and scarf or bandana or in a low bun with a headband, if I have to go somewhere.

I've gone from BSB to WL in 8-12 months a couple of times before and I was regularly DCing at the time. I'm trying to replicate those results. My next texlax will be on or around Oct 1st and I want to have some fantastic results at that time. That check in will serve as my one true length check each year.

 

[Chicoro]

I wore my mini braids with the ends loose and all I could think about the whole time was the damage the arctic cold was doing to my ends. Lol

I'm already backsliding on my goal to DC biweekly. As an irregular DCer I have to be generous to myself and not set a goal this ambitious. I will commit to DCing once each calender month. So that gives me 5 more days to get this done.

I HAVE been applying products more generously to my ends before I tuck them away. My braids are almost 4 weeks old and it's time to refresh or transition. I am contemplating transitioning them into 5-7 cornrows that I will wash/DC and refresh every 2-3 weeks as it is an easier style to refresh. I don't have anymore anticipated events coming up for the rest of the winter. Also, that will encourage me to become more regular with my DCing. Even though my hair seems to progress fine without DCing, I've seen my hair look and feel better with regular DCing. My cornrow tails will stay tucked away under my satin cap and scarf or bandana or in a low bun with a headband, if I have to go somewhere.

I've gone from BSB to WL in 8-12 months a couple of times before and I was regularly DCing at the time. I'm trying to replicate those results. My next texlax will be on or around Oct 1st and I want to have some fantastic results at that time. That check in will serve as my one true length check each year.

Details! The frequency ofDCing is the standout detail change I see. Keep us posted! I am looking forward to your updates!

 

[GettingKinky]

For DCing do you ladies think it’s necessary to apply heat from a heat cap/dryer, or do you think the heat from the shower is good enough?

I hate getting in and out of the shower to DC. But if I leave the DC in while I detangle/wash my body I can get a good 10-20 minutes of time for it to marinate.

 

[mzteaze]

For DCing do you ladies think it’s necessary to apply heat from a heat cap/dryer, or do you think the heat from the shower is good enough?

I hate getting in and out of the shower to DC. But if I leave the DC in while I detangle/wash my body I can get a good 10-20 minutes of time for it to marinate.

My fix was - stop shampooing in the shower (I hate that with a passion). I've set up a very unglamous shampoo sink with my utility sink. Hubby bought a $20-ish shampoo wand, add in a soft hair towels and voila - I stand up and shampoo.

Prior to that I kneeled in my tub using a handheld shower wand.

I prefer using my hooded dryer or steamer for DCs. However, on my lazy days I use a hot head cap over a slap cap and plastic cap.

 

[keranikki]

For DCing do you ladies think it’s necessary to apply heat from a heat cap/dryer, or do you think the heat from the shower is good enough?

I hate getting in and out of the shower to DC. But if I leave the DC in while I detangle/wash my body I can get a good 10-20 minutes of time for it to marinate.

It depends on my mood. Typically I DC in the shower using a shower cap for 10-15 minutes. That’s enough time for the conditioner to penetrate my hair and I feel the difference. If I feel like giving myself a spa day, I will DC with heat using a soft bonnet dryer.
Overall, I will say DCing with heat reveals better moisture retention over time, but you must rinse with cool water to help close your cuticle.

 

[mzteaze]

I'm so excited. Today is the first in a while where I could actually count the hairs that came out during the cleaning process.

The two things that have changed in my routine over the last two weeks are daily scalp massages (5 minutes) using hair serum AND 2 or 3 high frequency wand sessions (about 3 minutes) each time.

 

[Chicoro]

For DCing do you ladies think it’s necessary to apply heat from a heat cap/dryer, or do you think the heat from the shower is good enough?

I hate getting in and out of the shower to DC. But if I leave the DC in while I detangle/wash my body I can get a good 10-20 minutes of time for it to marinate.

I say keep your hair routine as pleasant for YOU as possible. If you know you HATE something, don't do it. Figure out an alternative way to accomplish the same goal.
This time period is critical for you right now because you are in flux with your routine as you try to move toward a new goal with new fine tuned aspects to your routine. That's a lot going on. Do you what you like.

 

[Chicoro]

I'm so excited. Today is the first in a while where I could actually count the hairs that came out during the cleaning process.

The two things that have changed in my routine over the last two weeks are daily scalp massages (5 minutes) using hair serum AND 2 or 3 high frequency wand sessions (about 3 minutes) each time.

View attachment 500946

Congratulations!

Those are IMPORTANT details. Please record them somewhere. Those are very significant changes.

 

[pikkonoloidlee]

This just came in today. It came in with tight ringlets so what you're seeing here is after I ran my fingers through them to loosen them up.

I plan to take down my mini twists and blowout my hair to trim it at the two month mark. I'll braid up some of my hair and wear this for a bit until I wash my hair again.

I like the idea of having an additional protective style that won't require much manipulation of my hair.

 

[spacetygrss]

Moisturized, then sealed my ends with my homemade shea-based hair butter.

 

[BeautifulRoots]

I'm so excited. Today is the first in a while where I could actually count the hairs that came out during the cleaning process.

The two things that have changed in my routine over the last two weeks are daily scalp massages (5 minutes) using hair serum AND 2 or 3 high frequency wand sessions (about 3 minutes) each time.

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Please tell me more about this high frequency wand. (I apologize if you already went into detail about it earlier)