SmilingElephant's Hip-Tailbone Challenge 2026

[SmilingElephant]

Look at y'all showing out!

@MzSwift your hair is gorgeous! I think we're around the same length. My torso is short too!

@JoyBloom I love your locs!

 

[SmilingElephant]

Co Washed with Tressemme Bouncy Curls conditioner. I was so eager to try it!


Ehhh...it got the job done

 

[SmilingElephant]

Thread Question: What's the Most Expensive Brand or Product You've Ever Bought? Would You Buy It Again?

 

[Napp]

But why? I have them on my Amazon wish list

None of Redken conditioners were moisturizing enough for me

 

[MzSwift]

Thread Question: What's the Most Expensive Brand or Product You've Ever Bought? Would You Buy It Again?

Probably Joico K-pak both the reconstructor and the hydrator. I bought them both in 2018, really large bottles, and used them up by 2020. I thought about repurchasing some last year and priced them out again. Now the bottles are only 5 oz and they're the same price!! $25 for 5 oz? No, thank you! So, nope, probably will not repurchase. I bought some silk amino acid powder and Panthenol and I plan to add them to Queen Helene cholesterol or another DC to give my hair what it needs.

The other product is the Moremo water treatment. It was around $30 for a tiny squirt bottle the first time I tried it. I did repurchase it until I learned that L'oreal had a water tx too - bigger bottle and lower price. So I use that now. I'd repurchase the Moremo if L'oreal discontinues their water tx.

 

[ScorpioLove]

None of Redken conditioners were moisturizing enough for me

Generally agree here but the abc line and dark blue extreme mask are outliers.

I was very disappointed with the all soft line and felt lied to. My hair was not “all soft” after that mask

 

[Angel of the North]

Starting pic, as promised. Taken yesterday, 7-Apr-25.
I'm MBL and my hair is at my bottom rib bone.
I tied my hoodie around my "waist" to give me an idea of how far I have until WL so my torso looks extra short. lol


View attachment 502794

You're almost there

 

[SmilingElephant]

@Napp @ScorpioLove I'm curious as to what your hair types are? Texture, curl, etc. if you don't mind me asking

 

[Angel of the North]

Thread Question: What's the Most Expensive Brand or Product You've Ever Bought? Would You Buy It Again?

I would probably have to say Qhemet and Komaza as I had to pay for international shipping plus taxes, which definitely cranks up the cost a lot.

Redken, Keracare, Mizani and Kerastraight are probably the most expensive products I've bought off the shelf.

I feel that many brands are more accessible now, which brings down the cost. I also think that you can buy great products without having to spend big money. I also get that sometimes, that HG might just be pricey, if I find a product that works for me, I'm happy to pay the price, that doesn't mean I'd not be willing to try cheaper products that may give me the same results.

 

[Angel of the North]

@Napp @ScorpioLove I'm curious as to what your hair types are? Texture, curl, etc. if you don't mind me asking

I am probably 4a/3c as my curls get looser with length, I think I've got a mix of everything between a 1 - 4a, however, I would say 4a, with fine strands, but a lot of hair. If I held up a single strand of my hair, you probably wouldn't be able to see it.

When I find the products that will define my hair with no frizz, that doesn't leave my hair hard, I'll have a better gauge of it.

 

[ScorpioLove]

@Napp @ScorpioLove I'm curious as to what your hair types are? Texture, curl, etc. if you don't mind me asking

I’m recently texlaxed for almost 1 year but natural hair is 4a with 90-95% shrinkage in the bulk of my hair (edges have always had some heat damage). I’m currently 5.5 months post and I can see how a product works on both textures.

I still have that mask bottle but I just need to mix it in with other things to make it work.

Edit: hair is naturally fine, medium density

 

[SmilingElephant]

The most expensive products I ever bought, if I can remember, are DevaCurl.

I used to LOVE their One Condition, No Poo, and Super Cream! But then in 2018 my hair fell out and I had really bad cystic acne and I believe the products were the culprit...because when I stopped using it everything started to get better.

I am now TERRIFIED of DevaCurl

 

[Napp]

@Napp @ScorpioLove I'm curious as to what your hair types are? Texture, curl, etc. if you don't mind me asking

I have spongy 4a hair but now I am texturized to like a 3c. My hair was natural when I tried Redken products

 

[Angel of the North]

Wash day today.... (Copied and pasted to the 3 challenges, apologies if you see this post multiple times).

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.

 

[SmilingElephant]

I just bought and received my big tub of Miss Key 10 en 1 Súper Conditioner. I've been using this stuff off and on for over 10+ years and it always gets me right!

It's a Dominican treatment.

I plan on doing my wash day today if I get the energy.

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Thread Question: What's the Most Expensive Brand or Product You've Ever Bought? Would You Buy It Again?

I can only think of Malibu C right now, I would buy again

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

I love that you make your own products That is one of my biggest goals. Ingredients are so easy to obtain these days.

I was going to wash today, however,, the products I ordered will arrive tomorrow. I missed my oil and butter delivery by 7 minutes because I decided to take myself to work yesterday, even though I'm on annual leave till Tuesday but forgot. I clocked in 3 minutes before the start of my shift, within 8 minutes, I was back in my car driving myself back home.

I want to mix some avocado oil with the As I Am Hydration Elation DC, although I liked it for moisture, ther was not much slip. Mixing oil in with conditioners that lack slip has usually helped.

I love that I could potentially create my own version of the hydrate DC. I'm looking forward to trying it out, but I'm also looking forward to potentially creating my own version.

I don't know how I missed the first 2 ingredients! I don't have these or Babassu Oil, but all the other natural ingredients minus the gums/chems. I looked up the ingredients again to make my own version, but won't be able to make this for awhile

I have so many ingredients, when I run out of most things, I will have to replenish with Marshmallow Root, Slippery Elm. Not sure about Babassu Oil, but might to make an exact copy. If I don't, likely to replace with Argan Oil

 

[Angel of the North]

I don't know how I missed the first 2 ingredients! I don't have these or Babassu Oil, but all the other natural ingredients minus the gums/chems. I looked up the ingredients again to make my own version, but won't be able to make this for awhile
View attachment 502944
I have so many ingredients, when I run out of most things, I will have to replenish with Marshmallow Root, Slippery Elm. Not sure about Babassu Oil, but might to make an exact copy. If I don't, likely to replace with Argan Oil

I've used products with babassu oil in them but not the oil in its neat form. I'm not a fan of castor oil, but it's usually okay mixed in conditioner, I would probably just substitute that with avocado oil.

I have a long way to go to build a decent DIY ingredient stash, I'm trying to buy a few things a month, hoping that I will have all I need to start making my own products.

I haven't used the indulge yet but I may try it for the wash before my braid install. If I like it, I will definitely want to try recreating it.

ETA: The products I used that contained Babassu oil were always really good.

 

[Angel of the North]

Thread Question: What's the Most Expensive Brand or Product You've Ever Bought? Would You Buy It Again?

Another couple of brands I've used that was on the pricey side that I'd completely forgotten about, were phyto organics and the L'Oreal professional line before they made their prices more reasonable.

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

I've used products with babassu oil in them but not the oil in its neat form. I'm not a fan of castor oil, but it's usually okay mixed in conditioner, I would probably just substitute that with avocado oil.

I have a long way to go to build a decent DIY ingredient stash, I'm trying to buy a few things a month, hoping that I will have all I need to start making my own products.

I haven't used the indulge yet but I may try it for the wash before my braid install. If I like it, I will definitely want to try recreating it.

ETA: The products I used that contained Babassu oil were always really good.

You should join Summer Braid & Hydrate Challenge since you're getting braids! Good idea to build your stash, you'll be happy you did
[ https://longhaircareforums.com/threads/spring-into-summer-braid-hydrate-2025-challenge.857192/ ]

 

[Angel of the North]

You should join Summer Braid & Hydrate Challenge since you're getting braids! Good idea to build your stash, you'll be happy you did
[ https://longhaircareforums.com/threads/spring-into-summer-braid-hydrate-2025-challenge.857192/ ]

I'm only going to be in braids for 4 -5 weeks, I'm mainly only braiding to be able to not have to worry about my hair or take multiple products with me while I'm on my holiday.

I got myself a little box, I'm filling it with my DIY stash, it feels satisfying watching it fill up I may have to come to you for some ingredient advice.

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

I'm only going to be in braids for 4 -5 weeks, I'm mainly only braiding to be able to not have to worry about my hair or take multiple products with me while I'm on my holiday.

I got myself a little box, I'm filling it with my DIY stash, it feels satisfying watching it fill up I may have to come to you for some ingredient advice.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday! I'm a newbie at DIY, will help as best I can

 

[Angel of the North]

I hope you have a wonderful holiday! I'm a newbie at DIY, will help as best I can

Thank you You may be a newbie at the DIY, I've not even started yet, so you are more than qualified to share some tips and experiences with ingredients. I look forward to it.

 

[SmilingElephant]

I'm looking forward to these DIY products. I would love to one day be able to create my own liter bottle of conditioner

I use a LLLLLLLOOOOTTTTT of conditioner!

 

[SmilingElephant]

Do y'all know I just been sitting here and still ain't did my wash day?

I need some motivation

 

[SmilingElephant]

Finally did it!

I shampooed and conditioned/detangled with TIGI Bed Head Honey & Oatmeal

Deep Conditioned with the Miss Key 10 en 1 while I showered...had my hair feeling like butta

Styled my curls with Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie and Super Wet gel

 

[SmilingElephant]

Not the best angle, but this is my ponytail today

After I did my regimen last night, I air-dried and stuffed my hair into my long bonnet and went to sleep.

All I did was spray water in it this morning to revive the curls and slicked it back in a ponytail/puff/thingy.

 

[Angel of the North]

Do y'all know I just been sitting here and still ain't did my wash day?

I need some motivation

That's one for the confession thread

Come on girl, you've got this!

Think about the feeling of getting that conditioner in there, the feeling of freshly washed and moisturised hair....

Once you've done it, it extends the time till you need to do it again.....

Your hair will thank you.....

I was in the same position until yesterday, I got a sense of satisfaction once I'd completed wash day. Another step in the roght direction, I am meetimg my hair regimen goals and that makes me feel like I've achieved something. Albeit it's still baby steps for me at this point.

I hope this post can give you a gentle nudge into the bathroom

 

[Angel of the North]

Finally did it!

I shampooed and conditioned/detangled with TIGI Bed Head Honey & Oatmeal

Deep Conditioned with the Miss Key 10 en 1 while I showered...had my hair feeling like butta

Styled my curls with Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie and Super Wet gel

I was late with my reply At least you've done it now

 

[Napp]

Finally did it!

I shampooed and conditioned/detangled with TIGI Bed Head Honey & Oatmeal

Deep Conditioned with the Miss Key 10 en 1 while I showered...had my hair feeling like butta

Styled my curls with Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie and Super Wet gel

I want to join but I’m still ballheaded