NEWBIE CHALLENGE ends today! Post updates here!!

[preciousjewel76]

All right ladies, your Newbie Challenge is over! For me, that's one challenge down, and about a billion more to go...

So, how did you do? The original challenge rules are attached. Please post an update pic if you wish! I personally can't do that, because I'm on the "Hide You Hair Until April 1" challenge . But I'm sure you all did great!

*******************************************************
The Newbie Challenge rules were:

1. No direct heat! Put those flatirons away! Use of a bonnet or hood dryer is allowed.
EDIT: You are *only* allowed to use direct heat (blowdryer, flat iron) immediately following a touch-up, so you can check your length.

2. Moisture, moisture, and MORE moisture! Be sure to moisturize your ends and the rest of your hair AT LEAST once a day. Remember, a good moisturizer will list water as the first ingredient (basically, grease is NOT a moisturizer, LOL). And don't forget to seal in your moisturizer with an oil.

3. Protective styling - maintain your ends. If possible, wear protective styles as much as you can. Buns, twists, ponies (real or phony), braids, braidouts, twistouts, etc. are your FRIEND!

4. If you relax your hair, try to stretch for one week past your usual touch up time. Try to stretch even longer if you think you can, but keep in mind that you will have to really take care of your hair once you have a mix of new growth and relaxed ends.

5. Drink AT LEAST six cups (48 ounces) of water each day. If you don't like water, try flavoring it with some Crystal Light drink mix. Hydration is important for your entire body, not just your hair.

6. Step up your physical activity. If you're not already exercising, an easy way to get started is to take a 30 minute walk every day. You can break it up into segments (walk in the AM, walk at lunch, walk after dinner). Just get moving! And find an activity that you like....if you hate running, PLEASE don't go out and try to train for a marathon! Find a "workout buddy" if you think that will help. We need to aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on 5 or more days of the week. Moderate activity = activity that makes your heart rate go up and causes light-moderate sweating.

7. Grow AT LEAST ONE INCH of hair by 2/14/07! I know we can do this!

8. Most Important: Be positive! We're new to this board, so we're still learning how to take care of our hair. Don't set your goals too high. Give it time. Don't obsess over the length of your hair. Just try to get it HEALTHY!!
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Don't forget to let me know how you did!

 

[anherica]

I think I did pretty good on this challenge. I stuck to the rules, except I think I could have been more active. This challenge was a great idea!

Here's my progress picture. Top pics are November and December. Bottom are January and February. There are more pictures in my album.

 

[preciousjewel76]

I think I did pretty good on this challenge. I stuck to the rules, except I think I could have been more active. This challenge was a great idea!

You definitely got some great growth, congrats!

So, what's your regimen? Spill it!

 

[preciousjewel76]

Bumping for responses.....

 

[anherica]

Thanks preciousjewel
Regimen for the challenge, which is now pretty much my normal because it works great:

No direct heat! - I don't use any heat at all. I've been tempted a few times, but I don't trust myself.

Moisture, moisture, and MORE moisture!-I moisturize my hair at least once a day with my own spritz mixture (rosewater with a little conditioner mixed in). I sealed with coconut oil.

Protective styling-I wear twists 99% of the time.

Drink AT LEAST six cups (48 ounces) of water each day.-I drink two liters of water each day. I don't feel "right" if I don't drink plenty of water daily now.

Step up your physical activity.- ah yeah.

Grow AT LEAST ONE INCH of hair by 2/14/07!- I did! I did!

In addition to following the challenge rules, I also added some supplements to my diet. Daily, I take a multivitamin, Omega 3 (I think that's what it's called), 6000 mg MSM, and silica.

 

[dlewis]

bumping......................

 

[septemberbaby]

Oh how I wish I joined these boards when this challenge first started.

Will there be a Newbie Challenge: Round 2?

 

[baglady215]

Great progress anherica!

 

[brigets]

Oh how I wish I joined these boards when this challenge first started.

Will there be a Newbie Challenge: Round 2?

Same here!

 

[amwcah]

The Newbie Challenge rules were:

1. No direct heat! Put those flatirons away! Use of a bonnet or hood dryer is allowed.
EDIT: You are *only* allowed to use direct heat (blowdryer, flat iron) immediately following a touch-up, so you can check your length.

My grade A+

I airdried most of the time, but occassionally used a hood dryer for drying and deep conditioning.


2. Moisture, moisture, and MORE moisture! Be sure to moisturize your ends and the rest of your hair AT LEAST once a day. Remember, a good moisturizer will list water as the first ingredient (basically, grease is NOT a moisturizer, LOL). And don't forget to seal in your moisturizer with an oil.

A+

I moisturized twice per day in the morning and night. I used S-Curl when I had braids and for bunning. For the mane, I used Hollywood Beauty Carrot Creme and ORS Olive Oil followed by Profectiv Health Ends for my ends.

3. Protective styling - maintain your ends. If possible, wear protective styles as much as you can. Buns, twists, ponies (real or phony), braids, braidouts, twistouts, etc. are your FRIEND!

A+

I wore phony ponies, braids, and a 27 piece wig.

4. If you relax your hair, try to stretch for one week past your usual touch up time. Try to stretch even longer if you think you can, but keep in mind that you will have to really take care of your hair once you have a mix of new growth and relaxed ends.

A+

I am on my 12th week of stretching.

5. Drink AT LEAST six cups (48 ounces) of water each day. If you don't like water, try flavoring it with some Crystal Light drink mix. Hydration is important for your entire body, not just your hair.

A+

I drink 64 plus ounces of water per day and no other liquids.

6. Step up your physical activity. If you're not already exercising, an easy way to get started is to take a 30 minute walk every day. You can break it up into segments (walk in the AM, walk at lunch, walk after dinner). Just get moving! And find an activity that you like....if you hate running, PLEASE don't go out and try to train for a marathon! Find a "workout buddy" if you think that will help. We need to aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on 5 or more days of the week. Moderate activity = activity that makes your heart rate go up and causes light-moderate sweating.

D-

I worked out maybe 1 time per week if at all

7. Grow AT LEAST ONE INCH of hair by 2/14/07! I know we can do this!

A+

I have at least one inch of new growth.

8. Most Important: Be positive! We're new to this board, so we're still learning how to take care of our hair. Don't set your goals too high. Give it time. Don't obsess over the length of your hair. Just try to get it HEALTHY!!

A

I have been keeping it healthy. It gets kind of overwhelming with all the products everyone raves about. I find myself trying this and that and the other. I'm getting confused typing this. Okay (regaining my composure)! Still trying to find my regimen and learn my hair likes and dislikes.

 

[WonderfullyMade]

Oh how I wish I joined these boards when this challenge first started.

Will there be a Newbie Challenge: Round 2?

Ooh... me too! I just officially joined a couple of weeks ago.

 

[Royal Glory]

I completed the challenge and stuck to all but one of the rules:

Rule #1 The "No direct heat!" rule. Sorry 'bout that one.

2. But I kept moisture balanced
3. Did some protective styling - maintain your ends.
4. Tried to to stretch for one week past your usual touch up time.
5. Drink AL LEAST six cups (48 ounces) of water each day. I drank 64 ounces a day.
6. Step up your physical activity. I'm pretty active, but I could have reved it up a bit.
7. Grow AT LEAST ONE INCH of hair by 2/14/07! Yes.
8. I stayed positive and my hair is HEALTHY and responding nicely!!

Yay. I completed my first challenge! Updates in album.

 

[Empress Yahudah]

I missed the newbie challenge ..will there be another??....Great progress ladies that awsome for just that short time keep up the good work

 

[Radianthealth]

Congratulations Newbies!!!

I wanna see more photos

 

[growinstrong]

will there be another challenge? If so, I would love to join.

 

[Blackoutzangel05]

Another challenge would be great! I am a newbie as well.....

 

[preciousjewel76]

When did all of you ladies post updates? I thought only 1 or 2 people responded to this thread when I originally created it. My lil' feelings were hurt and everything.

But seriously, I'm glad so many of you had success! Anybody can feel free to start up a "Round 2" Challenge, but I have enough challenges on my plate (see siggy) to deal with right now.

Happy hair growing, ladies!