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Spring Into Summer Braid & Hydrate | 2025 Challenge

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Scalp Tx
ACV (1:1)
All Hair QTip Dab On Scalp
Nape - Massaged Scalp
*No longer spray hair to prevent treatment getting on hair and saves a lot of product! :)

**I will be doing ACV almost daily. The idea is to clean scalp for each new treatment (Rice Water & Hair Growth Oil/Pomade) and not to have pores clogged since I'll be wearing braids longer that 2-3 weeks

DC
Nape Only
Dropped heating cap and its no longer working. If anyone has good suggestions for a new one, let me know!
Using Saran Wrap + Caps for more than a hour to help with DC until getting new heating cap

Today's DC - Avocado Mayo, Herb Infused Glycerin from 2.2.25, Rose Mary/Tee Tree/Peppermint EOs

*When I say "Nape" that includes all hair left out of braids
 
Last edited:
Internal Growth Aids
Country Life Vitamin D3 5,000 IU ( No Seed Oils, Bovine Capsules)
Doctor's Best MSM 1,000mg (OptiMSM, No Fillers, Gelatin Capsule)
 
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Topical Growth Aids
Flaxseed Growth Gel -Nape Hair
DIY Growth Pomade -Nape Hair
Rice Water- Q-Tip Dab All Hair

Hydration
Misted braids a few times with aloe spray
 
Last edited:
AM Consistency Wins:yahoo:

Scalp Tx
ACV (1:1)
Braids - QTip Dab Scalp
Nape - Spray & Massage Scalp

Hydration
Aloe Spray - All Hair
Real Roots Biotin Co Wash - Nape Hair

Topical Growth Aids
Flaxseed Growth Gel -Nape Hair
DIY Hair Growth Oil (Castor + Amla) - Infusion start date 2.2.25, oil is still in mason jar infusing - Braids

Internal Growth Aids
Country Life Vitamin D3 5,000 IU ( No Seed Oils, Bovine Capsules)
Doctor's Best MSM 1,000mg (OptiMSM, No Fillers, Gelatin Capsule)
 
Last edited:
PM Consistency Wins :sleep2:

Hydration
Aloe Spray - All Hair

Topical Growth Aids
DIY Growth Pomade - Nape Hair

Satin Scarf :heart3:
 
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AM Consistency Wins :sunshine:

Scalp Tx
ACV (1:1)
Braids - QTip Dab Scalp
Nape - Spray & Massage Scalp

Hydration
Aloe Spray - All Hair
Real Roots Biotin Co Wash - Nape Hair

Topical Growth Aids
Flaxseed Growth Gel -Nape Hair
Rice + Fenugreek Water - All Hair

Internal Growth Aids
Country Life Vitamin D3 5,000 IU ( No Seed Oils, Bovine Capsules)
Doctor's Best MSM 1,000mg (OptiMSM, No Fillers, Gelatin Capsule)
 
Last edited:
AM Consistency Wins:yahoo:

Scalp Tx
ACV (1:1)
Braids - QTip Dab Scalp
Nape - Spray & Massage Scalp

Hydration
Aloe Spray - All Hair
Real Roots Aloe Co Wash - Nape Hair
*Forgot to use DIY Co Wash yesterday

Topical Growth Aids
Flaxseed Growth Gel -Nape Hair
Rice + Fenugreek Water - Braids (Plan to do nape in the evening)

Internal Growth Aids
Country Life Vitamin D3 5,000 IU ( No Seed Oils, Bovine Capsules)
Doctor's Best MSM 1,000mg (OptiMSM, No Fillers, Gelatin Capsule)
 
@25InchesStarting'25
They are looking great. I didn’t realize you were putting in extensions. How long have you been braiding so far?

I think I’m going to put some in April. I have to do my next trim first. I’m planning to keep them in eight weeks at a time, until the end of the year. I’m just hoping that I don’t hate the look. I used to try to wear twists when I was a natural and it just looked… Rough. lol I’m hoping that I can make it look a bit more chic with the mini braids.
 
Theresamonet said:
@25InchesStarting'25
They are looking great. I didn’t realize you were putting in extensions. How long have you been braiding so far?

I think I’m going to put some in April. I have to do my next trim first. I’m planning to keep them in eight weeks at a time, until the end of the year. I’m just hoping that I don’t hate the look. I used to try to wear twists when I was a natural and it just looked… Rough. lol I’m hoping that I can make it look a bit more chic with the mini braids.
Click to expand...
Thank you! You should get some :)

I'm not sure how to answer your question since I don't braid hair often. I haven't worn my hair like this in awhile. I learned how to braid from my mom, not sure exactly when

That would be awesome if you do! We can grow together, and hope you'll share some pics :)

If I wasn't focused on growing my hair to APL as quick as possible, I would probably do 8 weeks with you. I think Deep Conditioning and Co Washing helps accelerate hair growth. I don't wash my braids, therefore, I need to take them down to "Hydrate" my hair and scalp. I do spray my hair with aloe (hydration) then tie it down which keeps my hair from frizzing. I also use ACV to keep the scalp clean. My hair has been itching more than it's ever have before. This is my first time using ACV, Rice Water, and aloe spray with braids. Is it "accelerated" growth?:think:
If I miraculously hit APL by the end of summer, I could do every 8 weeks with you for winter

I hope you find a good stylist. If you ever have some free time, you should try to do them yourself. If you do not know how to braid already, you can learn, its not that hard. Here is a girl with great tutorial(s) to do your own Knotless Braids



As a precaution, ask the braider in advance what products do they use. If they say "Shine n Jam" run:roadrunner:
I used little to no product when braiding my hair. They shouldn't use the "Shine n Jam" on your roots or scalp, if it's on your ends, it shouldn't be a problem. This is important because it can take some or a lot of hair out when taking down the braids. Aloe spray absorbs into the hair and does not cause build up and can be cleansing to the scalp. Another precaution is to make sure they don't put too much added hair per section or that can cause breakage at the root over time. If the braider gets irritated when asking questions run :roadrunner:
Also look at many of their client pictures (you can ask them to send you some) to decide if they braid too tight or use to much product at the roots

To have the neatest look, I recommend only blow drying if you're relaxed/texlaxed. If you're natural, blow dry and light to medium flat iron

I wore mine in a professional setting and received compliments. Hope you love them when you get them! :heart3:
 
Last edited:
AM Consistency Wins:yahoo:

Scalp Cleanse
ACV (1:1)
KBs - QTip Dab Scalp
Nape - Spray & Massage Scalp

Hydration
Aloe Spray - KBs Only
Real Roots Biotin Co Wash - Nape Hair

Topical Growth Aids
Flaxseed Growth Gel -Nape Hair
Jojoba Growth Oil (Infusion Start Date 2.2.25)- KBs only

Internal Growth Aids
Country Life Vitamin D3 5,000 IU ( No Seed Oils, Bovine Capsules)
Doctor's Best MSM 1,000mg (OptiMSM, No Fillers, Gelatin Capsule)
 
Last edited:
25InchesStarting'25 said:
Thank you! You should get some :)

I'm not sure how to answer your question since I don't braid hair often. I haven't worn my hair like this in awhile. I learned how to braid from my mom, not sure exactly when
Click to expand...

I meant, how long have you been working on this current set of braids?

25InchesStarting'25 said:
That would be awesome if you do! We can grow together, and hope you'll share some pics :)

If I wasn't focused on growing my hair to APL as quick as possible, I would probably do 8 weeks with you. I think Deep Conditioning and Co Washing helps accelerate hair growth. I don't wash my braids, therefore, I need to take them down to "Hydrate" my hair and scalp. I do spray my hair with aloe (hydration) then tie it down which keeps my hair from frizzing. I also use ACV to keep the scalp clean. My hair has been itching more than it's ever have before. This is my first time using ACV, Rice Water, and aloe spray with braids. Is it "accelerated" growth?:think:
If I miraculously hit APL by the end of summer, I could do every 8 weeks with you for winter
Click to expand...

I plan to wash and deep condition my hair while in braids, taking care of them the same way I normally care for my hair. I’ve decided to stay away from extensions for now. These braids will be to help reduce manipulation and stress on my individual strands as I work on thickening my ends and growing my hair beyond waist length. As long as the takedown isn’t too crazy, this will be my routine until I reach my goals. Oh, and as long as I don’t end up looking like somebody’s son. I can’t be out here looking ugly. Lol.

25InchesStarting'25 said:
I hope you find a good stylist. If you ever have some free time, you should try to do them yourself. If you do not know how to braid already, you can learn, its not that hard. Here is a girl with great tutorial(s) to do your own Knotless Braids



As a precaution, ask the braider in advance what products do they use. If they say "Shine n Jam" run:roadrunner:
I used little to no product when braiding my hair. They shouldn't use the "Shine n Jam" on your roots or scalp, if it's on your ends, it shouldn't be a problem. This is important because it can take some or a lot of hair out when taking down the braids. Aloe spray absorbs into the hair and does not cause build up and can be cleansing to the scalp. Another precaution is to make sure they don't put too much added hair per section or that can cause breakage at the root over time. If the braider gets irritated when asking questions run :roadrunner:
Also look at many of their client pictures (you can ask them to send you some) to decide if they braid too tight or use to much product at the roots

To have the neatest look, I recommend only blow drying if you're relaxed/texlaxed. If you're natural, blow dry and light to medium flat iron

I wore mine in a professional setting and received compliments. Hope you love them when you get them! :heart3:
Click to expand...


I’m not sure where you got the idea that I’m going to a stylist. I don’t fool with those people like that anymore. I’ll be doing my own hair. I’ve been braiding my whole life and have done knotless braids for myself and others. I just don’t enjoy braiding, or doing anything that’s too time-consuming. I’m psyching myself up by reminding myself that if I invest a few days into doing these braids, I’ll have a super easy routine for the next two months.
 
Theresamonet said:
I meant, how long have you been working on this current set of braids?
Click to expand...
Oooh! :laugh: I wasn't planning on braiding the sides initially and finished in one day. Took about 10 hours. Going to continue to time myself to improve speed. I also twist the ends and braid them at the very end

I was planning to keep the sides out until they were redone, but I wanted to save more time in the mornings with hair routine
Theresamonet said:
I plan to wash and deep condition my hair while in braids, taking care of them the same way I normally care for my hair. I’ve decided to stay away from extensions for now. These braids will be to help reduce manipulation and stress on my individual strands as I work on thickening my ends and growing my hair beyond waist length. As long as the takedown isn’t too crazy, this will be my routine until I reach my goals. Oh, and as long as I don’t end up looking like somebody’s son. I can’t be out here looking ugly. Lol.
Click to expand...
:laugh:, I hope it turns out just the way you want! Would be awesome if you can keep this as your routine. @MzSwift says she's in them greater than 90% of the time. I just saw some of her progress photos at the end of the 2013 challenge by @SmilingElephant and they are so inspirational :love3:I'm sure you'll reach your goals too :)

Theresamonet said:
I’m not sure where you got the idea that I’m going to a stylist. I don’t fool with those people like that anymore. I’ll be doing my own hair. I’ve been braiding my whole life and have done knotless braids for myself and others. I just don’t enjoy braiding, or doing anything that’s too time-consuming. I’m psyching myself up by reminding myself that if I invest a few days into doing these braids, I’ll have a super easy routine for the next two months.
Click to expand...
I wasn't sure, I mentioned it in case you were. It will be useful for people who need to go to a stylist

If you've been braiding your whole life you definitely got this! Stay braid strong:strong:

That's what this challenge is for, to keep us on track to our goals!

You can do it! Come here whenever you need support. Have patience, braid up and take down will be so worth it when you reach your goal. As you are braiding or taking down, envision your hair at goal length:heart3:
 
Last edited:
25InchesStarting'25 said:
Oooh! :laugh: I wasn't planning on braiding the sides initially and finished in one day. Took about 10 hours. Going to continue to time myself to improve speed. I also twist the ends and braid them at the very end

I was planning to keep the sides out until they were redone, but I wanted to save more time in the mornings with hair routine

:laugh:, I hope it turns out just the way you want! Would be awesome if you can keep this as your routine. @MzSwift says she's in them greater than 90% of the time. I just saw some of her progress photos at the end of the 2013 challenge by @SmilingElephant and they are so inspirational :love3:I'm sure you'll reach your goals too :)


I wasn't sure, I mentioned it in case you were. It will be useful for people who need to go to a stylist

If you've been braiding your whole life you definitely got this! Stay braid strong:strong:

That's what this challenge is for, to keep us on track to our goals!

You can do it! Come here whenever you need support. Have patience, braid up and take down will be so worth it when you reach your goal. As you are braiding or taking down, envision your hair at goal length:heart3:
Click to expand...
Here's the link to @MzSwift 's phenomenal success!

MzSwift

Post in thread 'Waist Length 2013'

OK, so my last post was a little hasty. I made my goal of bottom rib bone but I didn't make WL this year :( I think I have another 2 inches until I get to my belly button and then 2 more from there will be HL for me!

Here are my EOTY comparison pix:

29-Dec-12
12292012Length-vi.jpg


22-Dec-13
12222013LengthCheckMom-vi.jpg


At first I was super bummed. I've been wearing my hair out more and I'm still going through personal things. Then I realized that...
  • Like
  • Love
 
Last edited:
AM Consistency Wins:yahoo:

Scalp Cleanse
ACV (1:1)
KBs - QTip Dab Scalp

Hydration
Aloe Spray - KBs Only
Real Roots Aloe Co Wash - Nape Hair

Topical Growth Aids
Flaxseed Growth Gel -Nape Hair
Rice + Fenugreek Water - All Hair

Internal Growth Aids
Country Life Vitamin D3 5,000 IU ( No Seed Oils, Bovine Capsules)
Doctor's Best MSM 1,000mg (OptiMSM, No Fillers, Gelatin Capsule)
 
Theresamonet said:
I plan to wash and deep condition my hair while in braids, taking care of them the same way I normally care for my hair. I’ve decided to stay away from extensions for now. These braids will be to help reduce manipulation and stress on my individual strands as I work on thickening my ends and growing my hair beyond waist length. As long as the takedown isn’t too crazy, this will be my routine until I reach my goals. Oh, and as long as I don’t end up looking like somebody’s son. I can’t be out here looking ugly. Lol.
Click to expand...

Ma'am.. :lachen:

There's no universe where YOU would look like a boy!! lol
I've found that the smaller I make them, the more feminine they look. The smaller ones also show more of my length too. The only drawback is that the the roots more easily try to marry bc the parts are closer together. That's easy to prevent though by going through with your fingers once a week or so and seeking them out to gently pull them apart. Also, if you aren't washing often, they shouldn't marry as quickly. I drench mine almost daily with my homemade spray and I've had less issues with marrying. It's just not the same as wetting/cleansing them in the shower often.

Also, refreshing the perimeter every 4 weeks or so (as some ladies do in extensions) helps to stretch the style longer. My crown and middle part of my head mat the worst so I refresh my whole head (one braid at a time) every 3-4 weeks. You might be able to get away with just redoing your perimeter. Also, braids seem to be able to go longer between refreshes than twists for me, I'm not sure why. Maybe it's the tension.

The takedown is a beast BUT if you do it in sections, over a few days, that'll make it easier. I've started my takedown both in the front and in the back and either way, I'm able to pull my hair into a nice bun if I have to leave the house without having finished the takedown. And you definitely have enough hair to pull that off!
 
25InchesStarting'25 said:
Here's the link to @MzSwift 's phenomenal success!

MzSwift

Post in thread 'Waist Length 2013'

OK, so my last post was a little hasty. I made my goal of bottom rib bone but I didn't make WL this year :( I think I have another 2 inches until I get to my belly button and then 2 more from there will be HL for me!

Here are my EOTY comparison pix:

29-Dec-12
12292012Length-vi.jpg


22-Dec-13
12222013LengthCheckMom-vi.jpg


At first I was super bummed. I've been wearing my hair out more and I'm still going through personal things. Then I realized that...
  • Like
  • Love
Click to expand...

Aww, you're so super sweet! Thank you! :kiss:

I haven't seen those posts in so long. I definitely needed that inspiration myself!! Hoping that this is the year I get to update my avi pic.:pray:
 
MzSwift said:
Ma'am.. :lachen:

There's no universe where YOU would look like a boy!! lol
I've found that the smaller I make them, the more feminine they look. The smaller ones also show more of my length too. The only drawback is that the the roots more easily try to marry bc the parts are closer together. That's easy to prevent though by going through with your fingers once a week or so and seeking them out to gently pull them apart. Also, if you aren't washing often, they shouldn't marry as quickly. I drench mine almost daily with my homemade spray and I've had less issues with marrying. It's just not the same as wetting/cleansing them in the shower often.

Also, refreshing the perimeter every 4 weeks or so (as some ladies do in extensions) helps to stretch the style longer. My crown and middle part of my head mat the worst so I refresh my whole head (one braid at a time) every 3-4 weeks. You might be able to get away with just redoing your perimeter. Also, braids seem to be able to go longer between refreshes than twists for me, I'm not sure why. Maybe it's the tension.

The takedown is a beast BUT if you do it in sections, over a few days, that'll make it easier. I've started my takedown both in the front and in the back and either way, I'm able to pull my hair into a nice bun if I have to leave the house without having finished the takedown. And you definitely have enough hair to pull that off!
Click to expand...
Great tips for take down once my hair is as long as yours, totally can't pull that off now :laugh:

Will be in KBs for awhile :)
 
MzSwift said:
Ma'am.. :lachen:

There's no universe where YOU would look like a boy!! lol
I've found that the smaller I make them, the more feminine they look. The smaller ones also show more of my length too. The only drawback is that the the roots more easily try to marry bc the parts are closer together. That's easy to prevent though by going through with your fingers once a week or so and seeking them out to gently pull them apart. Also, if you aren't washing often, they shouldn't marry as quickly. I drench mine almost daily with my homemade spray and I've had less issues with marrying. It's just not the same as wetting/cleansing them in the shower often.

Also, refreshing the perimeter every 4 weeks or so (as some ladies do in extensions) helps to stretch the style longer. My crown and middle part of my head mat the worst so I refresh my whole head (one braid at a time) every 3-4 weeks. You might be able to get away with just redoing your perimeter. Also, braids seem to be able to go longer between refreshes than twists for me, I'm not sure why. Maybe it's the tension.

The takedown is a beast BUT if you do it in sections, over a few days, that'll make it easier. I've started my takedown both in the front and in the back and either way, I'm able to pull my hair into a nice bun if I have to leave the house without having finished the takedown. And you definitely have enough hair to pull that off!
Click to expand...

Thank you, friend!

I will definitely be implementing these techniques. You are the mini braids/twists Queen in these parts, so l’ll be combing through your old posts this weekend. :bookworm::brainy:
 
BH-Henna3.29.25.jpg
Henna Application 3.29.25.jpg
Doing weekly henna tx until weekend of May 24th. I did weekly henna before and noticed hair was growing faster. I don't know if it was the henna or because it was fall season. Going to see if it helps, also a good heat protectant :)
 
Last edited:
AM Consistency Wins:yahoo:

Scalp Cleanse
KBs
ACV (1:1) - QTip Dab Scalp

Nape
Pre-Poo Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Suave Daily Clarifying Cleansing Shampoo - 1x
Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Shampoo -1x

Hydration
Aloe Spray - KBs Only
Wash Day -Nape

Topical Growth Aids
Henna - Nape (Henna + Amla + Aloe)
Jojoba Growth Oil (Infusion Start Date 2.2.25)- KBs only

Internal Growth Aids
Fasting
 
Last edited:
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