Luscious Healthy Ends Challenge 2025

[Chicoro]

I finally took my braids down, after having my hair braided up all of last year and four months into this one. I started last night and finished this morning. Even though I’ve been consistently trimming my ends- cutting away heat damage in my crown, as well as allowing my shorter layers to catch up by trimming my longest lengths down, I was so eager to see how my hair was coming along overall because I haven’t seen it all loose for so long (as I type, I just realised that I forgot to DC with my DC!) I did use the standard con from the Amika Hydro line, and got so steamy in the shower that my smoke alarms went off .

My hair looks and feels much healthier than when I began this routine. My shrinkage is back to pre-henna days. I trimmed today, after one pass with my ceramic flat iron at 199°C. I am happy with my progress.View attachment 502916View attachment 502918

Your hair is gorgeous! You can see all the love and care you put into your hair. It is super thick, full, rich in color and long.



Question: What did you mean about the shrinkage is like your pre-henna days? Does henna change your hair?
Does it make your natural hair straighter?
And if it does change your natural texture in any way, do you still consider henna good for your hair?

@GGsKin is

FINE as WINE, too!

Look at those beautiful, defined arms and shoulders that taper down to a cinched in tiny waist,
with a body to rival any 1990's Runway Model Icon.

I see that stunning, chiseled cheekbone peeking out of your photo. You are so magnificently
made, from Head to Toe, that
YOU look like a sculpture created by Da Vinci the, Great Renaissance Incarnate artist himself,
a priceless masterpiece,
an artifact that was stolen from a museum and
who
has now come to life.

With hair to match!

Congratulations on your one-year protective style journey!
The results and fruit of your labor are magazine ready, beautiful, healthy hair.
Bravo!




​

 

[GGsKin]

Thank you @ScorpioLove

Your hair is gorgeous! You can see all the love and care you put into your hair. It is super thick, full, rich in color and long.



Question: What did you mean about the shrinkage is like your pre-henna days? Does henna change your hair?
Does it make your natural hair straighter?
And if it does change your natural texture in any way, do you still consider henna good for your hair?

@GGsKin is

FINE as WINE, too!

Look at those beautiful, defined arms and shoulders that taper down to a cinched in tiny waist,
with a body to rival any 1990's Runway Model Icon.

I see that stunning, chiseled cheekbone peeking out of your photo. You are so magnificently
made, from Head to Toe, that
YOU look like a sculpture created by Da Vinci the, Great Renaissance Incarnate artist himself,
a priceless masterpiece,
an artifact that was stolen from a museum and
who
has come alive.

With hair to match!

Congratulations on your one-year protective style journey!
The results and fruit of your labor are magazine ready, beautiful, healthy hair.
Bravo!




​

@Chicoro As well as that beautifully scientific brain of yours, you are so poetic with your observations. Thank you for the compliments. You do know how to make someone blush.

I only started using henna after I joined this board. I actually love henna, and the colour it gives my hair, but after using it consistently for a few years, and wearing my hair in a wash and go for the majority of my natural hair journey, I noticed that I never had extreme shrinkage in my wash n go- which is unusual for my hair type. My ends in my crown and towards the front of my hair started to appear less coily and more flattened out in a wash n go. I always squished BAQ henna into my hair- research here made me mindful that too much smoothing could alter my curl pattern. At the time I also had crazy splits that weren’t apparent in my natural state, so it’s possible it was having that straightening effect on hair that was already compromised. I straightened my hair a few years ago, and discovered a large hole in my hemline. If I had access to those pics right now, I would re-post here. I did post somewhere on this forum at the time. I was heartbroken because I was doing so much- including trimming! The only thing I wasn’t doing was moisturising frequently.

I stopped henna use for a while so that I could focus on giving my hair moisture, and get to the root of my hair issues. In daylight, I can still see a couple of inches of henna on my ends. Henna likely helped keep my mangled ends attached to my head far longer than they would’ve been without it. I still have a henna stash and don’t see it as a bad thing.

 

[Angel of the North]

I finally took my braids down, after having my hair braided up all of last year and four months into this one. I started last night and finished this morning. Even though I’ve been consistently trimming my ends- cutting away heat damage in my crown, as well as allowing my shorter layers to catch up by trimming my longest lengths down, I was so eager to see how my hair was coming along overall because I haven’t seen it all loose for so long (as I type, I just realised that I forgot to DC with my DC!) I did use the standard con from the Amika Hydro line, and got so steamy in the shower that my smoke alarms went off .

My hair looks and feels much healthier than when I began this routine. My shrinkage is back to pre-henna days. I trimmed today, after one pass with my ceramic flat iron at 199°C. I am happy with my progress.View attachment 502916View attachment 502918

Your hair looks full, healthy and pretty You're doing great! Lol at the smoke alarms going off

 

[Chicoro]

Thank you @ScorpioLove

@Chicoro As well as that beautifully scientific brain of yours, you are so poetic with your observations. Thank you for the compliments. You do know how to make someone blush.

I only started using henna after I joined this board. I actually love henna, and the colour it gives my hair, but after using it consistently for a few years, and wearing my hair in a wash and go for the majority of my natural hair journey, I noticed that I never had extreme shrinkage in my wash n go- which is unusual for my hair type. My ends in my crown and towards the front of my hair started to appear less coily and more flattened out in a wash n go. I always squished BAQ henna into my hair- research here made me mindful that too much smoothing could alter my curl pattern. At the time I also had crazy splits that weren’t apparent in my natural state, so it’s possible it was having that straightening effect on hair that was already compromised. I straightened my hair a few years ago, and discovered a large hole in my hemline. If I had access to those pics right now, I would re-post here. I did post somewhere on this forum at the time. I was heartbroken because I was doing so much- including trimming! The only thing I wasn’t doing was moisturising frequently.

I stopped henna use for a while so that I could focus on giving my hair moisture, and get to the root of my hair issues. In daylight, I can still see a couple of inches of henna on my ends. Henna likely helped keep my mangled ends attached to my head far longer than they would’ve been without it. I still have a henna stash and don’t see it as a bad thing.

Thank you for the detailed response to my inquiry about the henna.

I appreciate the compliments as well. Oooo weee! I have a beautifully scientific brain AND I am poetic, too? Hair book writing and publishing, I am coming!!!!

 

[GGsKin]

Your hair looks full, healthy and pretty You're doing great! Lol at the smoke alarms going off

Thank you @Angel of the North

 

[Angel of the North]

I can’t do thick products on my scalp either, I posted pictures in the scalp care thread but my follicles do not want to be more clogged than they naturally get. I definitely would do a scalp spray but for now I am using water based scalp serums I can just buy.

I love using lotion crafters for raw ingredients when I am more in the mood for mixology so perhaps check if some of the items you want are there.

Be sure to share some of your recipes when you get back on making your own products

Thank you for the recommendation, unfortunately they are in they USA, I'm in the UK. There are quite a few suppliers available over here, obviously the quality of the products is important, I like to buy organic and unrefined responsibly sourced raw ingredients where possible too.

 

[Angel of the North]

@Chicoro Your posts have given me joy and laughter this weekend, thank you

 

[Chicoro]

Oksy, I FINALLY got around to making my Aubrey Organics Tofu inspired amino acid hair mask.

I found on lone box of tofu in my stash, because this town where I live does NOT have tofu in stock. Anyway, I used amino acids from my stash. I added Vodka to put the powdered amino acids in suspension, added shea butter, aloe vera, flax seed oil powdered vitamin B5. I'm trying to use up stuff, too. Put it in the blender.

I applied it to DRY, DIRTY hair. I am letting it sit now. I stopped doing this just because I fell off the wagon. I haven't done one of these masks with tofu and amino acid in YEARS. Got off track with fancy products in the store.

I'm going to rinse it out and do a pre-poo with glycerin, oil and aloe vera. Wash with @ snoop Clay Mix and then deep condition and put some essential oil in
my conditioner so my hair is left smelling pretty and fresh.

Process for today:

1. Tofu amino acid mask on dry, dirty hair. Leave on for 30 minutes​
2. Prepoo with oil, glycerine and aloe vera to detangle and cleans scalp.​
3. Wash with @snoop Clay Mix.​
4. Deep condition​
5. Braid and roll up ends.​

 

[Chicoro]

I'm scheduled to blow out and trim my hair at the end of April.

I extended my trim from three (3) months to four (4) months, which will fall at the end of April.


Thus far, I have not noticed any significant breakage or whiteness or weathering on my ends.

One part of me, like a fiending addict

whispered,

'Don't trim. Wait until three more months. Do it around end of July."


But in the words of Taylor Swift,

I had to

I'm trimming at the end of April. Period.

My hair had such an incredible turnaround due to the five (5) trims I did in 2024. No more trimming every four (4) years for me.


I am tired of being the Set Back Queen. The only Queen related to hair of which I choose to associate myself is Queen Shea. As effective as Shea butter can be on hair, she shines and works optimally within an effective, already working hair care routine.

I think I am washing weekly until the end of April. So, that's about three washes, including this weekend.

 

[pikkonoloidlee]

I thought this was a bit unusual (at least for me.) I had a hair that shed today with two knots within 2" from the root.

I usually only see them towards the ends so I thought it was interesting to see them so high up.

 

[Angel of the North]

Wash day today....

I found an unopened bottle of Komaza vitamin reign at the back of my stash. It's probably about 8-9 years old, possibly older. It didn't look separated so I shook it up and sprayed it into my palm, it looked and smelt just as I remember it. I used this to detangle my hair, lost hardly no hair, the equivalent of maybe 5-6 strands. I wouldn't use it as a leave in but it's fine before shampoo.

I used sukin hydrating shampoo, followed with a cowash using Alberto Balsam raspberry kisses or whatever it's called these days.

I DC'd with As I Am Hydration Elation, last wash day was my first time using this, I was a lot stingier on first use than I would normally be. I want to test its mettle so to speak so used the minimal amount. Today, I went in heavy, to see if it made any difference, but still not the amount of slip I like. It definitely hydrates, but I need my DC's to give slip. The tub is so small, I've only used it twice and there's about a third of the tub left. I will mix oil into the rest of it but, I doubt I will repurchase.

I moisturised (LCO), in sections by wetting, using Cantu creamy hair lotion (my last bootle), and grapeseed oil. I applied avocado butter to the ends, I'm now Air drying in 6 plaits. This week, I will wear a bun.

 

[keranikki]

This past Friday, I washed and microtrimmed my hair. My process was as follows:
-Prepoo w/ APB Hair oil, diluted Infusium 23, and Queen Helene Cholesterol.
-Clarified w/Kristin Ess followed up w/ Obia Moisturizing Shampoo
-I did a new thing by adding Henna to my Adwoa Baomint DC. It turned the moisturizing DC into a protein-like DC. My hair responded nicely to it. I followed up w/ APB Cholesterol.
-I used foam to place four Bantu knots and let my hair air dry to about 80% dry, then blowdried my hair. I did have some splits, which I believe were from my WNGs. After I got rid of the splits, my hair felt dry in some parts; so I slathered my ends in Shea butter, baggied my ends, and tied my hair up.

Overall, I’m happy with my progress, but I believe I can do better. I will keep my ends tucked for the rest of the year. I purchased some satin hair ties to make my buns. I will only blow dry my hair to trim and will mold my hair into a bun using foam.

I will come back and post pictures. My current photos look to grainy when miniaturized.

EDIT: I decided to post the pictures I have. They look grainy, but the growth is visible.
The first three photos are before I trimmed and the last photo is after.

 

[Chicoro]

I thought this was a bit unusual (at least for me.) I had a hair that shed today with two knots within 2" from the root.

I usually only see them towards the ends so I thought it was interesting to see them so high up.

Shed hairs are not anchored to the scalp by the root. So, they have free rein to move. It’s possible that that shed hair got knotted after it shed. I think it knotted before it became a shed hair. Knots on a hair strand mess up the coefficient of friction on the hair strand ( a calculation - which I do not know how to do) So, a knotted hair is far more likely to be combed out sooner than a hair that is not knotted. This is just a long convoluted reiteration to say knots on hair strands make a strand vulnerable.

 

[snoop]

I thought this was a bit unusual (at least for me.) I had a hair that shed today with two knots within 2" from the root.

I usually only see them towards the ends so I thought it was interesting to see them so high up.

Do you wear your hair in wash and goes?

 

[snoop]

Oksy, I FINALLY got around to making my Aubrey Organics Tofu inspired amino acid hair mask.

I found on lone box of tofu in my stash, because this town where I live does NOT have tofu in stock. Anyway, I used amino acids from my stash. I added Vodka to put the powdered amino acids in suspension, added shea butter, aloe vera, flax seed oil powdered vitamin B5. I'm trying to use up stuff, too. Put it in the blender.

I applied it to DRY, DIRTY hair. I am letting it sit now. I stopped doing this just because I fell off the wagon. I haven't done one of these masks with tofu and amino acid in YEARS. Got off track with fancy products in the store.

I'm going to rinse it out and do a pre-poo with glycerin, oil and aloe vera. Wash with @ snoop Clay Mix and then deep condition and put some essential oil in
my conditioner so my hair is left smelling pretty and fresh.

Process for today:

1. Tofu amino acid mask on dry, dirty hair. Leave on for 30 minutes​
2. Prepoo with oil, glycerine and aloe vera to detangle and cleans scalp.​
3. Wash with @snoop Clay Mix.​
4. Deep condition​
5. Braid and roll up ends.​

Oooh! I'll admit, I haven't tried your recipe with the tofu, I just place them in my clay masks. I know he originally called for the fatty acids, but I did try it with BTMS, but I'm not sure it did anything more than what it is doing the way that I use it.

I might buy some tofu and try it your way, though. At least once. I guess, I'll just have to make sure it's blended REALLY well so that it doesn't get stuck in my hair. Do you think that the tofu alone creates a strengthening effect? I've tried using DIY Ethiopian whipped butter (essentially, whipped milk solids) and it was strengthening. As I type this I realize that one is milk and one is soy, but I'mma ask anyway.

 

[pikkonoloidlee]

Do you wear your hair in wash and goes?

Not all the time (or as much as I used to) but last year I did do more wash and goes than I had in recent years so it could definitely be related.

 

[snoop]

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.

Do you know if it was a recent video? I ask, because it's something that I said on Insta years ago (re: one nail breaking) and for sure said recently on YT (at least in regards to trimming vs filing). I generally don't watch YT (hair or otherwise) so I'm pretty sure that I haven't heard that theory elsewhere. I say that because I try to give credit where credit is due, but I'd love to find someone else who has been saying the same thing and see what other gems they might want to drop.

If you ever remember or come across that content again, feel free to bump with that information.

 

[snoop]

@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.

@MzSwift I might have to stalk your whole posting history. Legit it sounds like we have very similar hair and hair routine.

 

[snoop]

@keranikki Congratulations!!!!! This is amazing!!!

 

[snoop]

Am I old or not living in the right part of the continent? What is this boots on the ground and when was this happening? I feel like I need to walk with a fan this summer.

 

[snoop]

@ScorpioLove Congratulations! Wishing you a happy and healthy 9 months.

 

[snoop]

I missed trimming my hair with the moon last week so I'm going to wait until next month.

While I was washing my hair today I took a look at my ends and they still looked blunt from my last micro trim and I didn't notice any weathered ends or knots. This is a plus.

I plan on taking down my twists this week (my roots are looking gross) and so I'll be able to see what my ends look like with my hair is loose.

 

[Lylddlebit]

Do you know if it was a recent video? I ask, because it's something that I said on Insta years ago (re: one nail breaking) and for sure said recently on YT (at least in regards to trimming vs filing). I generally don't watch YT (hair or otherwise) so I'm pretty sure that I haven't heard that theory elsewhere. I say that because I try to give credit where credit is due, but I'd love to find someone else who has been saying the same thing and see what other gems they might want to drop.

If you ever remember or come across that content again, feel free to bump with that information.

It was an older YouTube video... circa 2014. I guess great minds think alike! I have seen your pretty face and it was a different lady, but that was the analogy she used same assessment. If I can find the original video I will be sure to add it.

 

[mzteaze]

This has been a busy few weeks hair wise for me.

While I'm not in a "major" shed right now, I have to wait until June to ensure I'm out of danger zone. Thank goodness my last two shampoos had a limited amount of hair combing out during detangling. However, my overall hair looks and feels like I've had a big shed.

I've also noticed that my ends have felt a little crispy. So I've started adding a little daily hair moisturizer on the ends to combat the dryness. Now I'm planning to shampoo at night so that I can twist the ends with Shea butter to keep them moist. Next week, I'm scheduled to get a trim so I'm hoping it's not too severe.

On Thursday I have my first microneedling session with my dermatologist. I'm hoping it will be helpful and not a huge waste of money. I have to go with clean hair blown straight. This means I get to use my RevAir for the very first time.

 

[mzteaze]

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]

I had another aha about my hair!

Once I 'think' I'm on track with my hair, I start [dangerously] experimenting and changing products and processes unconciously, without realizing I am experimenting.

I caught myself trying to put 'just a conditioner' in my hair and some other product.

Anything can mess up my current hair trajectory, anything.

I had to check myself and make sure I was staying with my same products.

At this point in my hair journey, I cannot personally AFFORD to experiment with my hair.

No bonding products. No new styling tools. No new styling hair accessories.

Just keep on doing what I am doing.


I cannot get complacent or relaxed in my process.

Sadly, I have to stay vigilant against myself.

 

[MzSwift]

Whew! All caught up!!

I know I'm gonna forget something but I'll get these out.

OMG, Congratulations @keranikki !! That's fantastic! DH is in IT (non cyber security) and I'm always talking to him about the lack of Black faces in the field. I'm even more ecstatic that there's another Black WOMAN entering that type of field where we are so sorely underrepresented! I hope you have a wonderfully fulfilling career! May any roadblocks turn into stepping stones. Break barriers and dazzle them with your skills!! All the while, looking fabulous rocking your curls and braids.

@GGsKin
It's such a rare occasion that I get to see your hair!! It's so pretty, so full and fluffy looking! You're on the right track with repairing and evening things out like you wanted. HYH is definitely paying off! I can't wait to see where you are at your next hair reveal! I'm rooting for MBL or WL!

@snoop
I already know we're hair cousins!! *Color Purple hand clap*
I need to get off of my butt and get on to the more natural mixes like you but it's just so easy for me to keep using cheapie condishes as bases. The way Suave is doing with shrinkflation though, I'm ready to give it up. I bought bulk sized no name-brand "moisturizing conditioner" to start trying to use as the base for my mixes last year but it's not gonna work out.

@Chicoro
That's right. Step away from the hair experiments, Sista Scientist!
I'm too excited for you to be sitting on your hair already!!
Sooo, that means we're getting some end of April trim and braids update pix, yes??
I just need to know so that I can grab my lawn chair.

 

[keranikki]

@MzSwift Thank you!

 

[Chicoro]

" That's right. Step away from the hair experiments, Sista Scientist!
I'm too excited for you to be sitting on your hair already!!
Sooo, that means we're getting some end of April trim and braids update pix, yes??
I just need to know so that I can grab my lawn chair. "

@MzSwift

I am trying to not experiment. Sometimes, I do something, look up and realize that I just compromised my hair due to thoughtlessness and doing things on autopilot.

I HOPE to have end of April right on the front of May photos. December 2024 was a triumphant hair month because it confirmed for me that I was squarely out of the break cycle and that my process was working and hair was on track.

I must admit that stress and life changes are eating me up, including exhaustion, so I've not been as consistent with appying oil and covering my head as before.

The one thing I DO know for sure is I have eliminated 95% of tangling and tearing of my ends. I keep the ends of my hair greased up and balled up and secured with a coated rubber band. That alone has paid dividends.

So here's the rub or the fear.....

My hair started turning around from January 2024 and the turnaround was VERY apparent in my June 2024 and Sept 2024 photos.
BUT
I did not START balling up my ends until AFTER or close to the Sept 2024 photos. So, the I don't believe the balling up and greasing of those ends are what contributed to my length retention for the time period of January 2024 to September 2024. The balling up of the hair ends was done from September to December 2024.

However, what I have been consistent with are trims and using protein, specifically Aphogee 2 Step, after a blowout and trim. I can say I am consistent in 2025 with those things because I am scheduled to do the first blow out and trim and Aphogee 2 Step at the end of April 2025. The ONLY caveat is the change in timing which is I am doing the trim/blowout/protein at a 4 month interval in 2025 instead of a 3 month interval like in 2024.

 

[MzSwift]

" That's right. Step away from the hair experiments, Sista Scientist!
I'm too excited for you to be sitting on your hair already!!
Sooo, that means we're getting some end of April trim and braids update pix, yes??
I just need to know so that I can grab my lawn chair. "

@MzSwift

I am trying to not experiment. Sometimes, I do something, look up and realize that I just compromised my hair due to thoughtlessness and doing things on autopilot.

I HOPE to have end of April right on the front of May photos. December 2024 was a triumphant hair month because it confirmed for me that I was squarely out of the break cycle and that my process was working and hair was on track.

I must admit that stress and life changes are eating me up, including exhaustion, so I've not been as consistent with appying oil and covering my head as before.

The one thing I DO know for sure is I have eliminated 95% of tangling and tearing of my ends. I keep the ends of my hair greased up and balled up and secured with a coated rubber band. That alone has paid dividends.

So here's the rub or the fear.....

My hair started turning around from January 2024 and the turnaround was VERY apparent in my June 2024 and Sept 2024 photos.
BUT
I did not START balling up my ends until AFTER or close to the Sept 2024 photos. So, the I don't believe the balling up and greasing of those ends are what contributed to my length retention for the time period of January 2024 to September 2024. The balling up of the hair ends was done from September to December 2024.

However, what I have been consistent with are trims and using protein, specifically Aphogee 2 Step, after a blowout and trim. I can say I am consistent in 2025 with those things because I am scheduled to do the first blow out and trim and Aphogee 2 Step at the end of April 2025. The ONLY caveat is the change in timing which is I am doing the trim/blowout/protein at a 4 month interval in 2025 instead of a 3 month interval like in 2024.

Absolutely understand! No pressure on the pix ((HUG)). I'm just happy anytime you give us a glimpse of your gorgeous mane.

Sounds like you may be a bit apprehensive about what you'll see with this check in. But I'm gonna call it for you! You're gonna see MORE progress, despite the neglect you feel you've given your hair.

You said you've stayed consistent with your protein and trims (even though this is the first trim of 2025, I believe) so I bet your hair will let you know that "it's all good" when you check in with her. Also, we're in this thread bc we KNOW that caring for our ends is crucial for retention. They're the oldest parts of our hair and you've been treating them very well by keeping them bound, baggied and detangled. They're gonna reward you by hanging on and helping you reach new goals. I'm sure of it!

Take your time. You've recently learned the trick for a healthier blowout for you. It's gonna turn out great! Enjoy your check in and I'm sure you'll give us an update - with or without pix!