Super Grow Out Challenge **Update Month 2**

[dontspeakdefeat]

I'm not doing so well. I have super dry hair, could be a number of reasons. I have breaking thin hair in some areas near my face. But the dryness is just incredible. It's still slowly growing though, and the breakage isn't enough to warrant a chop. So I'm hanging in there I guess.

You say your hair is dry. Have you pinpointed exactly why it is dry or what is causing in. It could just be the elements.

I took a look at your album and your hair looks great!

No, not the big chop quite yet! I plan on doing that sometime between April - October of next year. I'm just going to trim off some of these raggedy ends.

So you will be cutting off a few inches. Do that will help you handle the new growth better. I know that transitioning can cause a lot of tangles so have less relaxed hair will help that problem. Good Luck!

Hmm my hair seems to be doing okay... I've posted some new pictures Monister's Updates password: babygirl ...

I currently conrowed my hair myself into about 5 or so because I plan on getting cornrows with extensions sometime this week and it will be easier for my friend who's braiding it to braid with my hair stretched out. I'll take pictures of my hair stretched and the pictures of the finished hair...

I have been consistent with my daily conditioner washes and weekly shampoos and deep conditioning but I slipped up on my vitamins but I'm back on track...

OOh I forgot to mention, I attempted to flat-iron my hair. Basically what I did what run the flat iron over the sections once or twice, so it did get straight but 'straight with body' not bone straight... I discovered that its almost the length of my relaxed hair before cutting (not that my hair was long) but i didnt take pictures .... will take some next time i attempt that...

Monister

Monister, your hair is coming along really well. You have come a very long way. All of the TLC and special attention you are giving your hair will pay off. Keep up the good work.

My hair has been doing great, I just continue to be consistent with my regimen. I keep my hair washed and conditioned every week. I do my light protein once a week and heavy every 6 weeks or so. I don't use heat I just let my hair airdry and then I pin it up. All I think I need to do is get my hair trimmed cause I haven't had it trimmed in about 4 months. But it won't be that much that needs to be trimmed.

Wonderful to hear!! Keep up the good work!

 

[chicamorena]

My hair has been doing good. I've basically been wearing my hair in one braid and leaving it alone. I'm hoping to be close to the bottom of brastrap on my next touchup in April.

 

[Daughter]

not really done anything mch the last 2 weeks... I slacked off on vitamins but left my hair in the same twists for the past 2 weeks. I was surprised how moisturised my hair felt though I've not moisturised in about a week (I know, I know!!!) I've slowly become a fruit juice addict and I think this has helped, plus I'm trying to drink more water.

I've been dusting the ends, I need to put the scissors down, I reach for them every time I see a split end! I'm getting less of them but there's enough to annoy me.

Gonna go back to olive oil as a preshampoo EVERY time and add a bit of coconut/jojoba oil like I used to.

Can't really tell how much length I've retained as there's big time shrinkage and I'm staying away from heat until my wedding in August.

Edited to add:
Whilst in my "dusting ends frenzy" this evening I accidentally cut about 1.5" off a (thankfully small) section of hair! I was aghast!! Then I had to laugh at myself and tell myself to back away from the scissors...

 

[cutebajangirl]

I am still in braids. I will get the edges redone on Friday. I think my growth is good but nothing spectacular. I added daily oiling to my hair underneath the weaved portions to prevent dryness. So it I am jsut still plugging and chugging. I keep having dreams though that instead of growing that my hair is getting shorter and shorter. erplexed

 

[dontspeakdefeat]

Let's see, since the last update I've:

• gotten a touch up, the next one will be 5/13 (13 weeks)
• managed to use very little heat, only when I go to the salon (every 2 wks)
• had a major cut done to even out my ends [ and ]
• realized my hair loves the steamer , so I'm working on buying one

Right now I'm working on:

• retaining length, I had highlights added in December and have noticed more dryness than usual, along with some breakage
• finding a good daily moisturizer and strengthener
• determining why I have seen very little growth and what I can do to improve that besides going back to my beloved sewn-ins
• learning to roller set
• growing out my bangs and sides

Wow! You have been busy. It sounds like you know what works for you and you have also admitted the error of your ways. If a certain thing works for you and works well by all means do it. I am sorry you had to cut your hair but your ends are probably loving you for it!! I love to use my beloved s-curl as my daily moisturizer sealed with oil. My hair loves that stuff. Good Luck to you on your hair growing journey.

Not much to report here either...Iam trying to stretch my relaxer as long as i can but dag its getting hard with my newgrowth....My last relaxer was January 7th...Im trying to at least wait until March 27....

I been wearing a sew in weave, so im not sure how much new growth i have, I know its enough that I keep having to rebraid and sew in my hair every weekend...

Im waiting for my lace front once i get it i will than do the baggie challenge...


good luck everyone!!!!!

Ooooo, your getting a lace front. I am sure you will look great in it! You go girl! Good Luck stretching your relaxer. I know this can be tough. Your hair sounds like it is doing so well. Keep up the good work!!

Well I touched up earlier than scheduled due to my travelling schedule the next 3 weekends. I regret my decision to have my stylist do it. I asked for my usual Motions Oil Moisture relaxer in regular. What I got was a no lye box perm. (I posted about this experience) I know from previous experience that no lye relaxers cause extreme drynes and frizziness in my hair. I'm praying that I don't suffer any setbacks. My next touch up will be right at the 12 week mark and done by ME!

The good news is I'm alot closer to my goal of bra strap. I also purchased a maxiglide this month. I think that was a good investment for me. I posted pics of my maxiglide results.

I still do the baggie method at night and wear a bun during the day. I'm still keeping to my regimen of wash every 2 to 3 days, deep condition weekly and air dry in a ponytail.

Sorry to hear that you had a bad relaxer experience. Shame on your stylist for doing the switch. Just keep doing what you are doing and your hair will be fine. I am very happy that you decided to take your next relaxer into your own hands. You go girl. Congrats on being so close to brastrap. That is great!!

Checking in...

My hair continues to annoy me. It is thick and healthy but its growing slooooowly. I am surging consistently, doing scalp massages and drinking protein shakes so hopefully I will see the results of all of that soon. The only set back that I have are my annoying frizzy ends, they arent split at all there just frizzy...I have no idea what to do about them. I cut my ends all the time yet they are still frizzy...whatever erplexed

but I am still confident that I will be brastrap at least once b4 I die

Remember that our growth rate slows in colder months. I am sure it will pick up when the warm weather kicks in. As for your ends. If you are airdrying they are go to be frizzy, healthy but frizzy. You may want to try sealing your ends to see if that helps the situation out a little. HHG

 

[dontspeakdefeat]

Here I am:

Not much as changed. I posted new comparsion pictures. My hair is getting thicker, plus it isn't breaking as much.

Touched up with Affrim Moistures Plus myself 1 1/2 week ago. Must say that I really like that relaxe. I think that I am going to back to one wash a week and two CO washes a week. I like my hair and it reacts better to rollersets to wash it every other day instead of every 3 days.

Wonderful to hear that your hair is getting thicker and the breakage has slowed down. You are on your way. Do what your hair likes!! Moisture is our friend.

Checking in....approaching 9 weeks post relaxer...doing fine with my Phyto (I think I'm the only one plus two other people.. )

I had one major tangle incident (saved by NTM Conditioner) and one minor one last weekend...and they both involved protein usage...so the next....I'd say at least three times water meets my head...it will only involve moisturizing conditioner.

Not worried about growth...just worried about retaining right now. Just moisturizing and quick weaving. I will wear my hair down for an occasion in mid march. Not looking to touch up until late April, the earliest, which would be at 16 weeks.

I love me some phyto too!! I am glad you were able to come out of the tangle incidents without any major damage. Hopefully by the time you relax your hair will have had some major growth. HHG

So far soo good! I can't believe that I am now 11 weeks post relaxer. This is the 1st time ever since I've been relaxing my hair that I've gone that long. I normally relax my hair every 8 weeks, but this time around, I've been spraying Sta-Sof Fro on my hair and ends every day (am and pm) and wearing my hair in that boring protective bun or ponytail (w/ the ends tucked in). I did wear my hair down for V-Day. I had gotten a Blow-out and my hair felt soo good. I couldn't keep my hands out of my hair! I hardly have any breakage/shedding which tells me that what I'm doing is working. I CW on the weekends and wash during the week alternating between moisturizing conditioner (Humectress or Salerm Wheat Germ) and AO GPB. I'm getting my relaxer next week so I'll post update pictures then.

Congrats on stretching your relaxing. That's a feat. Good job!! Sounds like your hair is doing really well. Can't wait to see the pics!!

So far so good! wow we are already on month two...
but i havent used ANY heat since February and I am trying to go a full year with no heat...so i havent been straightening my hair to check on my growth, instead i will take pictures of my hair when it is wet to track any growth i might have....Ive been doing DW and greasing the scalp with S8 and glovers everynight as well as my edges...i will continue to do so. I do have a quick question though...
my hair was underprocessed last time i relaxed*Jan 30*...i want to stretch out my relaxer for 6 months or longer but will that be healthy for my hair since i have three different textures currently and i will not be straightening the new growth?

Wow! You are doing well with the no heat! Good for you. As far as the underprocessing is concerned...you have to be eeeeexxxxtra gentle with your hair because of the 3 diffent textures. It is possible to stretch it that long but make sure you have a good detangling spray handy so the comb can glide through your hair. Also try to keep your hair in low or no manipulation hair styles. Good Luck to you!!

It's the 2nd month Already!

My hair is growing but it seems like it's growing slower than usual . I need to start putting my hair in more protective styles so that my ends will have more moisture. I am annoyed with my hair but I am trying to take the best care of that is possible. I think I may be washing too often and need to wash only every 4 days instead of 2.

I am almost 8 weeks post relaxer and will give myself a trim after trying to stretch to 12 weeks.

I'm not sure but when I'm run out of the vitamins I am taking now I want to try GNC Hair Nourisher and and a higher potency of Biotin and B-Complex. Maybe that will give my hair a boost?

It's nothing wrong with switching vitamins to see which ones work best with your hair and body. Remember our growth rate slows in the winter months. By all means if you feel you need to cut back on the washing do it. You know your hair's needs so do what is best!!

 

[candibaby]

I'm doing well, I have switched shampoos and my hair is coming along well. I just entered my 2nd month of transitioning and am planning to get box braids in the near future.

 

[mrslee]

I am seeing some progress! I have been taking my vitamins and recently added flax seed oil and carrot juice to my regimen. I notice my new growth is coming in more thicker and course. I am not sure if that is a good thing! We will see after I have my touch up. I have a lot of new growth and it is becoming difficult to comb. I wanted to wait until April 10, even though I have an appt for March 6th. I am not sure if I can wait another month!

I had a trim done a week ago- almost 1/2 taken off. Still need another 2 inches taken off to get rid of damaged ends and even out hair all around.
Slowly but surely I will get there!
Brastrap in Aug!!!

 

[dontspeakdefeat]

OK second month already whewwwwwwwwwwwwww! Ok I am still in braids my friends have been measuring my new growth she says I have an inch and a half (it is just in the middle b/c I got my edges redone so I am not waking around looking like I have dreads). I was 7 weeks post relaxer when I got my braids as of today I am 18 weeks post relaxer!!!!!!!!! My last perm was October 26,2004. I am very excited to show my progress pics.

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!! I can't wait to see the pics.

Time flies.

Anyhow, the growth seems to be minimal, but I am natural so it is pretty hard to tell. I am experiencing shedding but no breakage. Still wearing plaits under the wig or scarf. The ends are healthy. I will continue to shampoo weekly and keep implementing the baggie method. HHG.

AATH

Sounds good. I am sure the shedding will come to an end soon. HHG

Nothing really new. I've been pretty consistent with the air drying and bunning. My main focus has been on stopping my shedding and it’s slowed down a lot.

Week one I used Dumb Blonde reconstructor
Week two and three I did CPR. This is when the shedding started to slow up.
This past Sunday I did Emergeence so we will see.

I seem to have some nice growth when I checked last week but for the most part I haven’t been focused on that because of the shedding. My hair is still growing and it's thick...weird.

Wonderful to hear!!! Keep up the consistenty wonderful job!!

I touched up 02/22/05 at the salon with Mizani. Less shedding than Affirm, but the shampoo girl RIPPED a lot of hair out. I have no length gains to show for since December because of her.

Time to pump up the growth, as I'll have to trim next touch up.
1. Now I'm back on the protein shakes.
2. I took all my Viviscal and quit biotin. No supplements, but pretty skin.
3. I've added Nioxin Follicle Booster to my routine morning and night. It's too soon to see results besides plastered down and stiff temple hair.

I ought to use LESS product. Fine hair is easy to glue/clump together with too much conditioner. I should also detangle my hair only damp instead of hurrying while it's wet.

Sorry about your bad relaxer experience. Let me go spank that shampoo girl for you I am glad to hear that the Mizani is working for you. Good Luck with your additions to your regime. Remeber less is more!!

Chosen checking in

Things are going fine, I'm having a lot of shedding though
Tomorrow will be 11 wks. post so you can imagine the fun I'm having keeping the new growth manageable. What's been working is ponytail rollersets and pincurls. I also throw a bun in here or there during the week. Frequent washings are also a must. This helps keep my new growth softer and manageable. I haven't measured, but it looks like I have close to an inch of new growth. I just pray that I'm retaining the length I already have. I'm always struggling to keep my ends moist. I believe that my hair will thrive with TLC, and by the grace of God.

Oh, I've recently began taking Biotin so we'll see how that does.

I don't have a camera so I can't post any pics.

Until next month...

Yay!! check out all that newgrowth. The shedding will probably slow down once the warmer months come in. Sounds like you have everything else under control!! Keep up the good work!!

 

[ChocoKitty]

I think I've seen some progress. Since I've fell off the "No Stretch" Challenge a couple of times. I'd said the longest length of my hair is about an inch away from waist... Too bad the rest of my hair isn't same length!

I'm not ever going to put any layers or "V's" in hair again--if I can help it!

 

[dontspeakdefeat]

My hair has been doing good. I've basically been wearing my hair in one braid and leaving it alone. I'm hoping to be close to the bottom of brastrap on my next touchup in April.

Yay!! I am routing for you!!!

not really done anything mch the last 2 weeks... I slacked off on vitamins but left my hair in the same twists for the past 2 weeks. I was surprised how moisturised my hair felt though I've not moisturised in about a week (I know, I know!!!) I've slowly become a fruit juice addict and I think this has helped, plus I'm trying to drink more water.

I've been dusting the ends, I need to put the scissors down, I reach for them every time I see a split end! I'm getting less of them but there's enough to annoy me.

Gonna go back to olive oil as a preshampoo EVERY time and add a bit of coconut/jojoba oil like I used to.

Can't really tell how much length I've retained as there's big time shrinkage and I'm staying away from heat until my wedding in August.

Edited to add:
Whilst in my "dusting ends frenzy" this evening I accidentally cut about 1.5" off a (thankfully small) section of hair! I was aghast!! Then I had to laugh at myself and tell myself to back away from the scissors...

Back slowly away from the scissors before you have no hair left!! I did that thing with cutting a big ole chunk of hair once. I know how you feel! Good Luck on staying away from heat for so long. Congrats on your engagement, if I haven't said so!! I am sure you will look beautiful!

I am still in braids. I will get the edges redone on Friday. I think my growth is good but nothing spectacular. I added daily oiling to my hair underneath the weaved portions to prevent dryness. So it I am jsut still plugging and chugging. I keep having dreams though that instead of growing that my hair is getting shorter and shorter. erplexed

Your dreams will be the opposite in reality. When you take out your braids you will have wonderful growth. Good Luck!!

 

[dontspeakdefeat]

I think I've seen some progress. Since I've fell off the "No Stretch" Challenge a couple of times. I'd said the longest length of my hair is about an inch away from waist... Too bad the rest of my hair isn't same length!

I'm not ever going to put any layers or "V's" in hair again--if I can help it!

Yay!! Waist length here you come!! The rest of your hair will catch up in due time!! HHG

 

[dontspeakdefeat]

I'm doing well, I have switched shampoos and my hair is coming along well. I just entered my 2nd month of transitioning and am planning to get box braids in the near future.

Great to hear!!

I am seeing some progress! I have been taking my vitamins and recently added flax seed oil and carrot juice to my regimen. I notice my new growth is coming in more thicker and course. I am not sure if that is a good thing! We will see after I have my touch up. I have a lot of new growth and it is becoming difficult to comb. I wanted to wait until April 10, even though I have an appt for March 6th. I am not sure if I can wait another month!

I had a trim done a week ago- almost 1/2 taken off. Still need another 2 inches taken off to get rid of damaged ends and even out hair all around.
Slowly but surely I will get there!
Brastrap in Aug!!!

After you get your relaxer done you will have so much length. Congrats!

 

[NYRICAN]

I took out my braids after a month and have a little new growth I pre-pooed my hair this weekend with capilo cinnamon oil mixed with kolestral moisturizer. I then shampooed and airdried. I had a weave put in 3 days after. Ladies this is my second weave but I am a little skeptical because the weave is pretty long the hair( I bought from Lugos in brooklyn) is 18inches . I'm just a little worried about being able to take care of my hair under it since I am currently 10 weeks postrelaxer . Any advice on taking keeping my hair moisturised while being in a weave. I want to keep it in for at least 2 to 3 months.

 

[MissDiva]

Hey Ladies

I've been doing the same things as usual, I'm still in a sewn in weave. I try to moisturize twice a day, but I've been extremely lazy with my hair lately. I haven't done any condition washes in a while. I've been taking my vitamins regularly and trying to get as much protein as possible.

It's freezing around here, so hopefully I'll get motivated to start the condition washes again either this month or next month.

 

[Softresses]

Hi SGO Sisters!

I am doing good on the challenge. I think I may have hit brastrap length but I have not measured. I always use the baggie method and a phoney pony or bun. I am planning to measure/post pics in May or June of this year.



Thanks for all the tips LHCF Ladies!

Softresses

 

[Healthb4Length]

It's going okay for me I'm just alternating between cornrowing and bunning it. I'm keeping it real simple and I plan on getting my texturizer touch-up in about a month or so.

 

[mshoney2u]

I ve been doing pretty good.
*I have tried to drink 2 liter of water a day -doing good with that
*Taking my vitamins -doing good with that
*Exercising- not so good with that (I working on it though I should get my ellipitical machine in 3 wks.)

I dont know how much growth I have obtained because I havent straighten my hair yet. I am doing excellent with "no heat".

*Until next month ..........

H A P P Y G R O W I N G ! ! ! ! !

 

[_lovelyness]

After being in braids for 3 months, I attempted to self relax for the first time this weekend.
Well, it was a HOT MESS !! I give myself a 3 over 10
My hair is clearly underprocessed
I don't know what went wrong. God knows I read Southerngirl's & Londondiva's tips 10 times, and memorized every SINGLE step !
Then I tried the bantu knots to avoid using heat.
Another mess! The lovely flowing curls where nowhere to be found ! My bang came out nicely, but the rest of my hair was just a frizzy puffy mess!
I had to put everything in a bun !!!!!!!!
The only positive thing is that my hair has grown ! But what is the essence of having long hair, if you can't style it yourself ????
You can see the pics of this fiasco in my fotki erplexed
I'm counting the days, until when I can put my beloved braids back. At least, They never fail me !

 

[Growingitlong]

ok so here is my story.
ii have been wearing barids for the past 3 and half weeks and i am about ready to take them down. this weekend i will take them out and deep condition. i am trying my best to stay in braids for a few months so i shall redo them in a week or two. maybe do a weave instead.
i am washing every week and using curl activator on my braids for moisture. so far so good.

 

[bocagirl]

Hey,

I'm doing pretty good. My breakage hasn't stopped but it's reduced considerably, plus I can see how much my hair is growing so that makes me happy.

 

[Cincysweetie]

My hair is doing alright! I have recent pics up in my album for those who haven't yet checked them out. I added the NTM line to my routine. I've been increasing my washes and co washes b/c my hair has been getting dry and my roots also. I am currently looking for a new moisturizer for my ends which are dying for some thirst. I am to relax in 2 weeks, at week 13, and boy am I ready!!! I am interested to see how much growth I've retained, if any. I will surely post pics from my relaxer then. My only set-back is that I flat ironed recently and had little broken hairs (which I ONLY get when I flat iron), so I'm a little nervous about that. I haven't had breakage other than that, and just minimal shedding. Otherwise, all is well!

ETA: I have been HORRIBLE with my vitamins...

 

[keylargo]

keylargo checkin in. Things are going really well. I'm stretching to 12 weeks for the first time ever. I'm currently at 10 1/2 weeks and my hair seems to be very happy about it. I've been focusing on moisturizing conditioners and using light protein conditioners once a week. I love my dominican conditioners. I'm hoping to see significant progress when I finally decide to touch-up.

 

[beloved1]

It's been a good month for me. I'm new to the board and was just trying to get in the swing of things and learn what I should be doing. I think I retained about 3/4" - 1 " so I'm excited! And I've developed a regimen and solidified my products somewhat. I'm even considering no heat styles which I would have never considered before.

Drinking over a gallon of water daily, taking my vitamins, exercising about 15 minutes daily.

 

[lovelymissyoli]

This challenge is going so far so good. Within these past months on this challenge I have relaxed again (couldn't stretch it out any longer), religiously deep conditioned my hair weekly, stuck to protective styling my hair, and I recently got a trim to even out my layers once again; not my decision I might add, but anyways, I’m just happy that my hair is now at my shoulders again. I was stressing out about my current length but what do you know, good ole’ mother new growth is having her way with my hair, and I ain’t mad at her!

Currently I took a rest from braiding up into cornrows and slapping on a phony pony. I’ve been wearing my hair curly (with the help of perm rods of course) and deep conditioning each week. I plan to braid up again but I need to give my hairline a rest for a while. I’m just glad that I’m still getting pretty good growth without the help of braids.

I’ve added pictures to my album of my current length as of January (sorry no February pics), but will post them below as well. I’m trying to refrain for posting hair progress month-to-month, so I hope to check my length once again in April and see just how well this challenge is going.

Best of luck to all of you and happy hair growing ladies!

Hair Pics:

*** Growing so far so good... It grew about 1 1/2 inches ***

*** It's hard to tell how much it's grown because of the trim...***

*** Length as of January...almost back to where I started. ***

​

 

[melodee]

I could use a little encouragement. My hair is extremely dry, and feels like it's very rough in places. I am starting to feel like I want to just cut it short. I don't think my hair is meant to get any longer.

 

[cutebajangirl]

Nooooooooooo Melodee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!What are you using now to combat dryness?

 

[senimoni]

I could use a little encouragement. My hair is extremely dry, and feels like it's very rough in places. I am starting to feel like I want to just cut it short. I don't think my hair is meant to get any longer.

Paging DSD!!!

 

[Sapphire]

Well, nothing new to report. I've been sticking to my regimen really good. I poo twice a week, deep condition w/heat once a week, and light protein condition once a week as well. I moisturize and spray my scalp with a mixture of WGO and Surge daily. I'm getting a little frustrated because I'm not seeing any growth. So, I've decided to not take any update pics until next month. I guess I need to remember that retaining length is whats most important, even if I'm not seeing in growth yet.

 

[YummyC]

Hello everyone,
I have good news to report
I had my touch up done this weekend and my hair grew a lot. I am only three inches from shoulder. I have maintained my routine of washing, conditioning and simple TLC. I also wear a phony pony w/ baggie. At the current rate, I will reach total shoulder way before my Dec. deadline. HHG to ALL