Official: For Short Haired Ladies...APL by Dec'09!

[SCarolinaGirl]

Just wanted to show some of my progress.. I still think its taking too long


taken november at the start of my hair journey

taken today

You have definite progress! Keep it up!

 

[ajacks]

Here is my March update. I gained some length but unfortunately I suffered a setback as well. I tried Henna the night before my appointment for my sew-in. My Henna mix included water, AO Conditioner and a tbsp of Olive Oil. I kept it in for 4-hours , shampoo with AO HSR and DC w/ Banana Brulee, JBCO and EVCO(with heat). I air dried over night in bantu knots and in the morning my hair looked like this I had some breakage in the middle and sides of the hair. Look how brittle and rough the hair looks. It looks like a bird's nest It felt like straw and was extremely dry.

I am currently in a sew-in and in serious pamper mode. I'm taking the sew-in out in four weeks to re-evaluate the situation. I know I am going to need a trim b/c of the amount of damage, but hopefully it won't be too bad. With all that being said I should hopefully still make APL by August. :crossfingers:

 

[msdevo]

Sorry to hear about your setback. Was this your 1st time doing henna?? I have done henna, cassia and indigo. I know you have to moisturize and condition like crazy because it can be very drying. I would take extra care of the hair underneath and not just the scalp.

Here is my March update. I gained some length but unfortunately I suffered a setback as well. I tried Henna the night before my appointment for my sew-in. My Henna mix included water, AO Conditioner and a tbsp of Olive Oil. I kept it in for 4-hours , shampoo with AO HSR and DC w/ Banana Brulee, JBCO and EVCO(with heat). I air dried over night in bantu knots and in the morning my hair looked like this I had some breakage in the middle and sides of the hair. Look how brittle and rough the hair looks. It looks like a bird's nest It felt like straw and was extremely dry.

I am currently in a sew-in and in serious pamper mode. I'm taking the sew-in out in four weeks to re-evaluate the situation. I know I am going to need a trim b/c of the amount of damage, but hopefully it won't be too bad. With all that being said I should hopefully still make APL by August. :crossfingers:

 

[SouthernStunner]

Thanks sista girl My hair has been shedding a lil and I don't know what its from. I started my garlic supps again the other day so hopefully that'll help. Later on today I'm gonna get some alter ego hot oil with garlic. Imma use that once a week with the garlic shampoo. Im hoping that I won't get garlic overload lol

At least you will smell like pizza (ohhhh now I am hungry)

 

[msdevo]

And my hair will be nice and soft lol

At least you will smell like pizza (ohhhh now I am hungry)

 

[ajacks]

Sorry to hear about your setback. Was this your 1st time doing henna?? I have done henna, cassia and indigo. I know you have to moisturize and condition like crazy because it can be very drying. I would take extra care of the hair underneath and not just the scalp.

Yes, it was my first time and obviously I did it all wrong....lol Hopefully my hair will bounce back quickly.

 

[msdevo]

Im am sure it will. Just stay on top of that sew in. Your 2nd time will be the charm

Yes, it was my first time and obviously I did it all wrong....lol Hopefully my hair will bounce back quickly.

 

[Jaxhair]

Finally got to DC!

I pre-treated with homemade ayurveda oil and MT for 3-4 hours as I went about my day. Rinsed well with warm water then washed with ayurvedic tea and rhassoul clay - this mix really clarified and left my hair feeling so clean and yet not at all stripped! I made my tea with a tsp each of amla, shikakai and brahmi in a cup of warm water, left for a few hours, (I believe 20 mins would be sufficient but I didn't need it till later) strained and mixed rhassoul clay with the tea. It was kinda runny so used a jug and to pour this on my hair, catching it in a bowl and repeating the process till my hair was all covered. I also used it to clease my face neck etc - my whole head basically. Let it sit for 7-10 minutes as I gently massaged my scalp and patted my hair. Rinsed thoroughly, till water run clear (couldn't get over how clean my hair felt, yet soft!!!), then I applied my beloved AO HSR and saturated every single strand of hair on my head. Covered in plastic and a warm towel and a showercap, let sit and marinate for 3-4 hours then rinsed off, finished with a herbal tea and ACV rinse (been reading about porositi control), moisturised and sealed. Hair today feels strong yet moisturised, thank God. i was scared I might have overdone the protein etc but it feels good. I wish it was loose so I could feel it better but I'm happy with it for now. So, no protein for 2 weeks other than MT on the roots.

Looking to stick with ayurveda and moisture DC 2-3x/wk to help me get to APL (or close to it, lol).

Hope all are fab today!

Ms Devo, Ajacks, hang in there chicks!

 

[Nya33]

Hey ladies fallen off the wagon of late, i still moisturise but my routine has slacked due to work commitments and a new man!

I took my braids out after 3 weeks and didn't take any pics as i didn't want to length check right now. I have put my hair in a weave and just M-teked on the tracks.

I haven't been taking my supplements as i'm forgetting, i feel really bad!!!

I have two days off right now so i will make sure i dc, moisturise and get back on it.

Laters

 

[CubanMorena]

I think my hair grows about 4 to 5 inches per year because in June I don't expect to have more than 10 inches of hair in the sections I've been able to retain the most length. I've been trying growth aids but I honestly don't think they've worked for me - vitamins, biotin (my nails are long and beautiful tho, so I'm glad), MTG (gave me a major setback, made my edges thin and fall out and I'm STILL trying to grow them back), Surge gave me scabs , and I've been using Mega Tek for about four months without any growth spurts. Boundless Tresses may have worked for me but I got caught in the rain one day I was going to teach an SAT class, and my students kept on asking "did someone leave the gas on?" - that was when I knew I couldnt continue with it lol. MSM made my hair super soft, and I am back on that faithfully since it is the only thing I can say made a difference in my hair. Pitifully, I bought Ovation and frankly this is it. If Ovation doesn't work, I won't be buying anything else. I've actually mixed all of the products, with Ovation in the highest concentration to get rid of them. And I will say that this morning my scalp and the hair just growing out of my scalp feels very, very smooth and moisturized so maybe there is hope. Maybe my hair just doesnt like growth aids. I also need to just be thankful for my 4 to 5 inches. I would really like to have 6 inches for this year and the next. I'm starting to grow doubtful I'll reach full APL since I'm going to have to cut some bad ends.

I've had braids since the first week in february and right now they look a mess lol. I've started to take some of the braids out in preparation for takeout in the next two weeks. Pic of length below, looks about the same as January to me but we'll really see when I take them all down i guess.erplexed

 

[msdevo]

Thanks, Im better today.

Don't you just love DCing. I get excited every 3 days when I know its time. Out of my entire journey I would say DCing is my fav.

Finally got to DC!

I pre-treated with homemade ayurveda oil and MT for 3-4 hours as I went about my day. Rinsed well with warm water then washed with ayurvedic tea and rhassoul clay - this mix really clarified and left my hair feeling so clean and yet not at all stripped! I made my tea with a tsp each of amla, shikakai and brahmi in a cup of warm water, left for a few hours, (I believe 20 mins would be sufficient but I didn't need it till later) strained and mixed rhassoul clay with the tea. It was kinda runny so used a jug and to pour this on my hair, catching it in a bowl and repeating the process till my hair was all covered. I also used it to clease my face neck etc - my whole head basically. Let it sit for 7-10 minutes as I gently massaged my scalp and patted my hair. Rinsed thoroughly, till water run clear (couldn't get over how clean my hair felt, yet soft!!!), then I applied my beloved AO HSR and saturated every single strand of hair on my head. Covered in plastic and a warm towel and a showercap, let sit and marinate for 3-4 hours then rinsed off, finished with a herbal tea and ACV rinse (been reading about porositi control), moisturised and sealed. Hair today feels strong yet moisturised, thank God. i was scared I might have overdone the protein etc but it feels good. I wish it was loose so I could feel it better but I'm happy with it for now. So, no protein for 2 weeks other than MT on the roots.

Looking to stick with ayurveda and moisture DC 2-3x/wk to help me get to APL (or close to it, lol).

Hope all are fab today!

Ms Devo, Ajacks, hang in there chicks!

 

[msdevo]

Im sorry but I had to laugh at the bolded.

Your right growth aids arent for everyone. Hopefully you have found what you needed in mixing them with the OCT.

Considering minor setbacks and trims, 4-5 inches is great for a year.

I think my hair grows about 4 to 5 inches per year because in June I don't expect to have more than 10 inches of hair in the sections I've been able to retain the most length. I've been trying growth aids but I honestly don't think they've worked for me - vitamins, biotin (my nails are long and beautiful tho, so I'm glad), MTG (gave me a major setback, made my edges thin and fall out and I'm STILL trying to grow them back), Surge gave me scabs , and I've been using Mega Tek for about four months without any growth spurts. Boundless Tresses may have worked for me but I got caught in the rain one day I was going to teach an SAT class, and my students kept on asking "did someone leave the gas on?" - that was when I knew I couldnt continue with it lol. MSM made my hair super soft, and I am back on that faithfully since it is the only thing I can say made a difference in my hair. Pitifully, I bought Ovation and frankly this is it. If Ovation doesn't work, I won't be buying anything else. I've actually mixed all of the products, with Ovation in the highest concentration to get rid of them. And I will say that this morning my scalp and the hair just growing out of my scalp feels very, very smooth and moisturized so maybe there is hope. Maybe my hair just doesnt like growth aids. I also need to just be thankful for my 4 to 5 inches. I would really like to have 6 inches for this year and the next. I'm starting to grow doubtful I'll reach full APL since I'm going to have to cut some bad ends.

I've had braids since the first week in february and right now they look a mess lol. I've started to take some of the braids out in preparation for takeout in the next two weeks. Pic of length below, looks about the same as January to me but we'll really see when I take them all down i guess.erplexed

 

[Minnie]

Finally checking in. I had to cut about an inch. I have been wearing plaits under a wig for the 3 weeks. On Saturday, I will be back in kinky twist for 6 weeks. I can't seem to get the pikistrip at the bottom. I will continue to work on it to show update pictures.

 

[ChemistryGirl]

Hi Ladies,
I have some progress pics! I will be updating at the end of march as well, but I just wanted to share some progress so far. It's not as much growth as I want but it looks healthier, so that's something . I think I have hairnorexia, because I really thought my hair was going nowhere until I looked at the pics side by side. I started using MT on 02/14/2009 so hopefully my update pics at the end of march after my relaxer will be more impressive. Thanks for all the support ladies!

PS. Sorry they are not very good angles, but they are all I have and you can see the general comparison. Oh and sorry for the stupid expressions on my face, I took these late at night.

 

[Hot40]

Checking in I have been lazy for the last three weeks not deep conditioning.
My schdule is all screwed up. But I am determined to get APL
I have strted the drinking my way to waist length challange.
1K of Bitotin, Any additions Ideas ?????

 

[Jaxhair]

Oooh, Nya... new man, huh? Train him from the beginning - your hair gets priority some days and he has to get used to being a 'hair widower' as my hubby calls himself when I'm doing my hair, lol.

CubanMorena, your hair looks like it's grazing APL to me? I'm sure even if you trim an inch you may get there! I'm not even SL yet but I remain optimistic, lol!

 

[Jaxhair]

Glad you feel better MsDevo! Mood changes can mess us up in a tick, lol!

ChemGirl, your hair shows fabulous progress! You've gained length as well as thickness and it looks good. Had to smile at the wig in the first pic... Hairnorexia - what a term! I think I have that too sometimes, but I'm not discouraged - just keep taking pics so you can see the progress you're making!

I'm switching from braids to twists right now and I'm happy to report I see some progress but not taking progress pics till end of March. I pray it's worth reporting on then, lol.

Keep growing ladies... APL, here we come!!!

 

[Nya33]

Oooh, Nya... new man, huh? Train him from the beginning - your hair gets priority some days and he has to get used to being a 'hair widower' as my hubby calls himself when I'm doing my hair, lol.

CubanMorena, your hair looks like it's grazing APL to me? I'm sure even if you trim an inch you may get there! I'm not even SL yet but I remain optimistic, lol!

Lol, Jaxhair i think hes starting to realise how important my hair is and the regimen i have is meticulous!
You will soon be sl then bring on apl!

 

[lawyer2be371]

Can I still join

 

[NuBraveHeart]

just texlaxed last night, and still not using heat to do any length checks. school's got my schedule out of whack. but still DCing and bunning, hoping to hit our mark ladies...

 

[ChemistryGirl]

Glad you feel better MsDevo! Mood changes can mess us up in a tick, lol!

ChemGirl, your hair shows fabulous progress! You've gained length as well as thickness and it looks good. Had to smile at the wig in the first pic... Hairnorexia - what a term! I think I have that too sometimes, but I'm not discouraged - just keep taking pics so you can see the progress you're making!

I'm switching from braids to twists right now and I'm happy to report I see some progress but not taking progress pics till end of March. I pray it's worth reporting on then, lol.

Keep growing ladies... APL, here we come!!!

Thanks girl
I'm mad you spotted the wig in the first pic I was trying to crop it out but it would have cropped out my hair. I hang it on my bedpost when I take it off I learned the term hairnorexia from the board, lol.

 

[The Princess]

Just checking in....This week has been ruff for me, I Deep Condition on Sun and didn't co wash or anything until Thursday...However in between I been moisturizing my hair and keeping it bunned up. I washed Thurday with CON(Old Version) Green label and conditioned with Mizani Moisturfuse.

I also been using my Global Goddess Alma Revitilizing Oil this week as well. I really like it alot. It makes my hair shinny, and it look very sleek, I was impressed. I wouldn't mind purchasing it again. But not at 45 dollars. But if it was 4.50 dollars all the time, I would make it my stable. Overall pretty good.

 

[RosesBlack]

Checking in. I just went and got myself a really nice paddle brush and oh wow does my hair love it. It's making bunning far easier.

Also my bun has gotten a bit bigger. I am pretty sure I'll make it to APL this year barring disaster.

My hair feels so good right now though, I don't know what I did this week but it's just silky and buttery. I wish I could remember what exactly I've been doing.

 

[topnotch1010]

You go girl!!

Hey ladies fallen off the wagon of late, i still moisturise but my routine has slacked due to work commitments and a new man!

I took my braids out after 3 weeks and didn't take any pics as i didn't want to length check right now. I have put my hair in a weave and just M-teked on the tracks.

I haven't been taking my supplements as i'm forgetting, i feel really bad!!!

I have two days off right now so i will make sure i dc, moisturise and get back on it.

Laters

 

[apemay1969]

I flatironed to do a length check. I'll search for my camera tomorrow and take pics. I'll try to post soon thereafter. Next week is spring break so I'll get a little time to catch up on some stuff at home.

 

[SouthernStunner]

I am 26 weeks post and I am having a hard time detangleing my hair. I am so glad that I am getting my braids back in on Saturday. Other then that I am trying a twist out. I twisted my hair and tomorrow I will get to see how it looks. If I hate it then I always have my trusty wig.

I dont know if I can make it an entire year without a relaxer, I lost alot of hair trying to detangle. If anyone has any tips for me please PM me.

SouthernStunner

 

[Ganjababy]

I am 26 weeks post and I am having a hard time detangleing my hair. I am so glad that I am getting my braids back in on Saturday. Other then that I am trying a twist out. I twisted my hair and tomorrow I will get to see how it looks. If I hate it then I always have my trusty wig.

I dont know if I can make it an entire year without a relaxer, I lost alot of hair trying to detangle. If anyone has any tips for me please PM me.

SouthernStunner

Have you tried roux porosity control? I have had a big bottle sitting in my cupboards for a year now because I thought I could not use it on my natural hair. I decided to start using it on my natural hair after seeing a thread on ph and porosity and it really worked for me. I have so much more slip leading to less breakage and it lasts so I use it once every 1-2 weeks.

 

[asummertyme]

Checking in. I just went and got myself a really nice paddle brush and oh wow does my hair love it. It's making bunning far easier.

Also my bun has gotten a bit bigger. I am pretty sure I'll make it to APL this year barring disaster.

My hair feels so good right now though, I don't know what I did this week but it's just silky and buttery. I wish I could remember what exactly I've been doing.

good for you! u will make it, i can see length from ur siggys..if you keep bunning u will be there in no time girly!

 

[asummertyme]

I am 26 weeks post and I am having a hard time detangleing my hair. I am so glad that I am getting my braids back in on Saturday. Other then that I am trying a twist out. I twisted my hair and tomorrow I will get to see how it looks. If I hate it then I always have my trusty wig.

I dont know if I can make it an entire year without a relaxer, I lost alot of hair trying to detangle. If anyone has any tips for me please PM me.

SouthernStunner

dont have any tips because i have never stretched that long..hopefully when you get your briads you wont have too touch your hair for a while..

 

[The Princess]

I am 26 weeks post and I am having a hard time detangleing my hair. I am so glad that I am getting my braids back in on Saturday. Other then that I am trying a twist out. I twisted my hair and tomorrow I will get to see how it looks. If I hate it then I always have my trusty wig.

I dont know if I can make it an entire year without a relaxer, I lost alot of hair trying to detangle. If anyone has any tips for me please PM me.

SouthernStunner

Have you tried Advocado Conditioner. When I was doing my stretch to 12 weeks, this helped me out alot.