Spring Into Summer Braid & Hydrate | 2025 Challenge

[25InchesStarting'25]

i'm joining yall in here! i'll be back on tuesday after I get my braids

Welcome! Looking forward to growing together

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

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

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Braiding & Hydrate schedule for the challenge - This should keep on track to take down braids to hydrate in time for re-braiding

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

AM Consistency Wins

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)

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

PM Consistency Wins

Hydration
Aloe Spray - All Hair

Topical Growth Aids
DIY Growth Pomade - Nape Hair

Satin Scarf

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

AM Consistency Wins

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)

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Rice + Fenugreek Water - Surprising how much the rice swelled. It filled only a little portion of the bottom of the mason jar before water was added

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

PM Consistency Wins

Hydration
Aloe Spray - All Hair

Topical Growth Aids
DIY Hair Growth Oil with Castor Oil + Amla - All Hair

Satin Scarf

Notes: Finished braiding sides of hair

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

AM Consistency Wins

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]

Braided the sides of my hair. Nape section is still out or braids would be fuller. Able to hide nape hair with a bun

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

PM Consistency Wins

Hydration
Aloe Spray - All Hair

Topical Growth Aids
Rice + Fenugreek Water - Nape (Braids done in AM)
DIY Growth Pomade - Nape

Satin Scarf

 

[Theresamonet]

@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.

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

@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.

Thank you! You should get some

Edit: It took me about 10 hours

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?
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
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
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!

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

AM Consistency Wins

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)

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

PM Consistency Wins

Hydration
Aloe Spray - All Hair

Topical Growth Aids
DIY Growth Pomade - Nape

Satin Scarf

 

[Theresamonet]

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

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

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?
If I miraculously hit APL by the end of summer, I could do every 8 weeks with you for winter

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.

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
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
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!

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.

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

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

Oooh! 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

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.

, 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 I'm sure you'll reach your goals too

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.

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

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

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Oooh! 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

, 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 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

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

Here's the link to @MzSwift 's phenomenal success!

Post in thread 'Waist Length 2013'

Dec 22, 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

22-Dec-13

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...

• MzSwift

• 
• 

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

AM Consistency Wins

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)

 

[MzSwift]

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.

Ma'am..

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!

 

[MzSwift]

Here's the link to @MzSwift 's phenomenal success!

Post in thread 'Waist Length 2013'

Dec 22, 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

22-Dec-13

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...

• MzSwift

• 
• 

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

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.

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

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

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.

Let it be the year, you're totally capable!

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Ma'am..

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!

Great tips for take down once my hair is as long as yours, totally can't pull that off now

Will be in KBs for awhile

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

PM Consistency Wins

Hydration
Aloe Spray - All Hair

Topical Growth Aids
DIY Growth Pomade - Nape Hair, little bit of KBs

Satin Scarf

 

[Theresamonet]

Ma'am..

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!

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.

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

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

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

AM Consistency Wins

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

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Did henna with no indigo which makes hair look lighter, not a fan of henna color by itself, but 2 Step every week would be too time consuming for me

Notice a tiny bit of growth, like what daily Co Washing is doing for growth

I'm tempted to always keep my nape out in braids, but might braid the nape only next month to see if there is the same amount or growth or less

I need to save on time and have to skip daily posts (hopefully can resume some time later in the year) Will post if I kept to routine or not on weekends and keep up with weekly LCs until weekend of May 24th

 

[MzSwift]

Did henna with no indigo which makes hair look lighter, not a fan of henna color by itself, but 2 Step every week would be too time consuming for me

Notice a tiny bit of growth, like what daily Co Washing is doing for growth

I'm tempted to always keep my nape out in braids, but might braid the nape only next month to see if there is the same amount or growth or less

I need to save on time and have to skip daily posts (hopefully can resume some time later in the year) Will post if I kept to routine or not on weekends and keep up with weekly LCs until weekend of May 24th

I've been using henna regularly since 2010 but not for color, I've used it for conditioning. I don't intentionally let it sit or use other ingredients to increase its color deposit. I still receive the same conditioning benefits from henna. I use it as a tea and as a gloss, mixed with other powders. My mix is Brahmi, Amla and Henna. Because I use it in tea and gloss form, I am able to incorporate it more frequently and more easily. Once I broke that code, my regi got MUCH simpler and my hair hasn't suffered. Maybe you could try that?

The tea, I use as the "water" in my water+condish+oil spray bottle mix. I use that daily as the "L" in my LOC/LCO M&Sing process. I've even used it really diluted with water, probably 90/10 : water/tea, in my homemade braid spray mix for extensions.

The gloss, I mix up once a month and use it as my leave in condish in the shower. I also have another gloss I use as the "C" in my LCO/LOC process.

In addition to using the powders to make teas and glosses, I also use them to infuse oils. And the infused oil is the "O" in my LCO/LOC process.

Another benefit I've found is that my powders last a lot longer this way - not that they're expensive or anything. lol. It's also nice to not have to worry about my staple products being discontinued or reformulated.

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Thank you so much for the advice!

I'm going to do the weekly henna only until the weekend of May 24th for growth and added protection of ends when straightening hair

I will likely do glosses when I'm wearing my hair out. I think I might be in KBs for awhile. In between KBs, I'll likely do full Henna/Cassia treatments to protect my hair
You got me thinking...I need to find a way to infuse Ayurvedic into my aloe spray. My hair hasn't been frizzing with pure aloe. I might experiment when it's almost time to take down KBs

I have some oils that are infusing with powders and herbs in mason jars for the first time. Just started using them this month. Have you noticed a significant difference infusing your own oils?

"Another benefit I've found is that my powders last a lot longer this way - not that they're expensive or anything. lol. It's also nice to not have to worry about my staple products being discontinued or reformulated."

Good point! I do not like running out of Ayurvedic herbs. I only buy from Henna Sooq and they sell out of things when I need it