~~TBL 2012 Challenge~~

[NJoy]

I went to see Diana Ross in concert last night and tried to do a twist out. My straight ends ruined the effect so I ended up putting my hair in a big, juicy bun. This is the first time that I've had my hair out of Celie braids or twists in a minute. But, because of a really good moisturizing DC, my hair is so friggen soft, fluffy and manageable now.

Check out my basic bun (with no forms, fillers or clip tricks):

Taking my hair out of those twists after that DC (I did use Joico Kpak before the overnight DC), my hair looked so full and amazing! That's enough to keep me stretching. Yeah, I'm pretty sure this is a transition. It seems to be going very well right now.

I noticed that my bonelaxed ends like to tangle with my texlaxed/natural textures so, I Crisco, after adding my moisturizers, all of the bonelaxed portion. My hair after airdrying slides right out of any tangles. I'm so happy that I'm finally finding what works for me during this transition. I've always been so apprehensive about detangling. Now I know that even when it looks crazy wet, it'll still be a'ight if I use Crisco.

 

[FoxxyLocs]

NJoy - Isn't crisco great? I love that stuff.

I used some raw honey and water to slick my edges back for a braidout. That stuff has hold like you wouldn't believe! I used about a dime sized about and my hair feels like a helmet. It looks good, no flaking, but it feels like I used a handful of that thick black gel from back in the day. I think it's a keeper, but I will definitely use less next time.

 

[Ms. Tiki]

NJoy Love the pic of you and hubby! Awww! I have yet to try Crisco.

 

[NJoy]

My hair has been in 4 plaits since that night. My allergies have me in bed feeling like I have the flu. I desperately need to break these plaits down into more and better braids. And I guess I should moisturize too. But I just don't feel like it.

 

[FoxxyLocs]

Oh and my hair did fine with leaving the conditioner in. I got soft hair and a nice braidout for church. If I'm going to leave conditioner in my hair, I'd it be AO, but I don't want to waste that by using it to detangle.

 

[Dee Raven]

So I washed and bunned today, and ever since my neck has been killing me. I think I might have really hit my length limit. Uggh. I will definitely be keeping tabs on this for the next few weeks.

 

[WyrdWay]

So I washed and bunned today, and ever since my neck has been killing me. I think I might have really hit my length limit. Uggh. I will definitely be keeping tabs on this for the next few weeks.

Your neck might strengthen up

 

[NJoy]

So I washed and bunned today, and ever since my neck has been killing me. I think I might have really hit my length limit. Uggh. I will definitely be keeping tabs on this for the next few weeks.

Dee Raven

So wayment. Your neck hurts trying to hold up all that hair? Wow! Now that's a lot of hair! Now I gotta go digging for you last length check pic. Very interesting. Oh, my bad. And I hope your neck feels better.

 

[NJoy]

My hair has been taking a back seat to my health lately. I've been suffering with allergies for the past week and a half. My voice finally gave up the ghost last night so I went in to Dr today. Sinusitis, pharyngitis, acute upper respiratory infection, fever and elevated blood pressure. Um.. stick a fork in me. I'm done.

Needless to say, I haven't been taking any supplements or doing anything to my hair lately. I really feel like I need to cowash or SOMEthing but, I'm just not feeling it. I'm so glad this Crisco seems to be keeping my hair moisturized. But, I have a new 32 oz jar of EVCO that I want to crack open. Ah well...maybe this weekend.

Since I can't talk, I've been in bed checking out my fave hair boards but uh...it sho is quiet around here. Anyone have any random pics you want to post? I'm bored.

 

[Dee Raven]

@Dee Raven

So wayment. Your neck hurts trying to hold up all that hair? Wow! Now that's a lot of hair! Now I gotta go digging for you last length check pic. Very interesting. Oh, my bad. And I hope your neck feels better.

It doesn't seem like it's long enough to cause the problem, but when it's sopping wet, I don't know. Hopefully it was something else because I'm getting closer to figuring how to get my curls to pop, and I was counting on the weight to help pull them down. See pic below.

 

[NJoy]

It doesn't seem like it's long enough to cause the problem, but when it's sopping wet, I don't know. Hopefully it was something else because I'm getting closer to figuring how to get my curls to pop, and I was counting on the weight to help pull them down. See pic below.

Yeah, hopefully that wasn't what was causing the pain. Your curls look lovely. I'd love to see that at your length. Get it, curly girl!

 

[FoxxyLocs]

I got my twists redone and I'm bunning again. I'm kind of bored with it, but I don't have anything special going on right now and no time to deal with my hair anyway. The goal is to keep these in for 4 weeks.

I had planned to straighten next month, but now I'm thinking I may do another flexi-rod set instead.

 

[Vintagecoilylocks]

Dee Raven

Please be careful, you need that neck to hold all that beautiful long hair to come.

 

[Vintagecoilylocks]

I have been CW for years but just this past year took the plunge and started leaving greater amounts of conditioner in. After seeing 1Ballarina and Terri La Flesh I let my fears of stiff hair go by the wayside. I still feel I am a modified CG/TG. Pick up some good pointer from Terri though.

So Yesterday I had some time and tried her curl definition technique. At first I could not get what she meant about grabbing the individual curls but once I tried it, it was pretty clear. I don't wear my hair out but it did give more definition and when I put in the twists they were neater and less frizz.

No very long ringlets or anything but my hair was easier to manage to separate for twists.

Since I finger detangle I just did the process at the same time. So it did not take too much more time.

So I will say that this is probably a new addition to my regimine. I am waiting to see if it reduces tangles the next wash since the curls are clumped more uniformly.

 

[Allandra]

I don't have any updates. I plan on getting my hair flat ironed later this month and will update the pic in my siggy.

I hope everyone is doing well.

 

[baladi0822]

FoxxyLocs, NJoy, Thank you ladies... I'm transitioning to natural but going for the length first. My last relaxer was Dec 2009 and I started my HJ in October 2010. I wear my hair up mostly and stay away from heat. It's been working out really well for me. Can't wait to see everyone's progress at the end of the challenge!

 

[Allandra]

baladi0822

Awesome siggy pic.

 

[NJoy]

Checking in.


Just measured and found that I've gained 4 inches in 16 wks. I measured from the last time that I indigo'd my hair. I measured the gray portions of 2 different previously indigo'd strands to see how much growth and whether both areas were growing similarly. My last henna/indigo was 11/23/11. That's 16 wks 1 day ago.


I knew the 2" of scraggly bonelax ends cut seemed to grow back fast. :reddancer:

 

[Lucia]

It doesn't seem like it's long enough to cause the problem, but when it's sopping wet, I don't know. Hopefully it was something else because I'm getting closer to figuring how to get my curls to pop, and I was counting on the weight to help pull them down. See pic below.

The wet hair pic looks like a good start. Depending on whether your curls are loose thick, wild, silky, coarse, tightly coiled, spirals, botteccelli or waves different products work for different people as always.

Here's some tips that have helped me to finally get my curls to pop and stay defined with minimal frizz.

Detangle in the shower with conditioner, and try not to disturb the curls once they are detangled and rinsed. you can use a clip to keep the sections separated.

start with damp or wet hair, you have to have the curl pattern there before any products are added.

The products you choose have to "set" your curls and lock them in place. Break each section into smaller sections (don't have to do Terri's method, way too small takes too much time IMO) use a good leave in that doesn't react with you gel, curling creme or curling custard.

Most important if you have to detangle use your fingers and re wet and smooth down the section. Also arrange your hair to where you want it while it's still wet.
Now once you've put in product, and arranged/styled,LEAVE YOUR HAIR ALONE, even if you diffuse don't disturb it. Empressri/Richeau has a YT tutorial where she diffuses without disturbing the curl patten.
Once your hairs dry or almost dry you can stretch your curls using the diffuser. I've done it works great. HHG

 

[Dee Raven]

The wet hair pic looks like a good start. Depending on whether your curls are loose thick, wild, silky, coarse, tightly coiled, spirals, botteccelli or waves different products work for different people as always.

Here's some tips that have helped me to finally get my curls to pop and stay defined with minimal frizz.

Detangle in the shower with conditioner, and try not to disturb the curls once they are detangled and rinsed. you can use a clip to keep the sections separated.

start with damp or wet hair, you have to have the curl pattern there before any products are added.

The products you choose have to "set" your curls and lock them in place. Break each section into smaller sections (don't have to do Terri's method, way too small takes too much time IMO) use a good leave in that doesn't react with you gel, curling creme or curling custard.

Most important if you have to detangle use your fingers and re wet and smooth down the section. Also arrange your hair to where you want it while it's still wet.
Now once you've put in product, and arranged/styled,LEAVE YOUR HAIR ALONE, even if you diffuse don't disturb it. Empressri/Richeau has a YT tutorial where she diffuses without disturbing the curl patten.
Once your hairs dry or almost dry you can stretch your curls using the diffuser. I've done it works great. HHG

Thanks, Lucia! I'm definitely going to be trying this.

 

[NJoy]

Well, the pollen outside has me trapped in the house today so, sounds like a good time for a moisturizing DC w/steam.

I hope you ladies are njoy'g the beautiful Saturday.

 

[Vintagecoilylocks]

Checking in.


Just measured and found that I've gained 4 inches in 16 wks.

I knew the 2" of scraggly bonelax ends cut seemed to grow back fast. :reddancer:

I was greatful to find I gained that much in a yearWOW!

 

[Vintagecoilylocks]

Update on my modified TC method. I CW yesterday and tangles were minimal . Yeah. I sorta got the hang of it and it went faster. I did notice that my hair stayed very nice the whole week-end which was very busy. THere were two lenten services Friday and Saturday, Sunday Liturgy, and a Memorial service for my Bishop Sunday evening. I never worried about how my hair was looking. That was nice. The definition was very pretty.

 

[ChristmasCarol]

Vintagecoilylocks

*peeks in*

Your new siggy pic is absolutely gorgeous!

*carry on, long-hairs*

 

[SmilingElephant]

My hair has been taking a back seat to my health lately. I've been suffering with allergies for the past week and a half. My voice finally gave up the ghost last night so I went in to Dr today. Sinusitis, pharyngitis, acute upper respiratory infection, fever and elevated blood pressure. Um.. stick a fork in me. I'm done.

Needless to say, I haven't been taking any supplements or doing anything to my hair lately. I really feel like I need to cowash or SOMEthing but, I'm just not feeling it. I'm so glad this Crisco seems to be keeping my hair moisturized. But, I have a new 32 oz jar of EVCO that I want to crack open. Ah well...maybe this weekend.

Since I can't talk, I've been in bed checking out my fave hair boards but uh...it sho is quiet around here. Anyone have any random pics you want to post? I'm bored.

Awww...NJoy I hope you feel better by now mama!

It doesn't seem like it's long enough to cause the problem, but when it's sopping wet, I don't know. Hopefully it was something else because I'm getting closer to figuring how to get my curls to pop, and I was counting on the weight to help pull them down. See pic below.

Dee Raven don't tell me this! I'm barely even BSL right now and my hair is HEAVY wet....but when it dries it's not very heavy at all...i was looking forward to growing my hair to where i was satisfied with it both staright and curly....looks like i'll be poppin Advil after every shower!

Just thought i'd stop by

 

[Mz.MoMo5235]

WHEN DID THIS CHALLENGE START?!?!? This is where everyone's been? I've been in the old one farting around all by my self cause you guys were here?!?!?

Feelings are hurt!

 

[NJoy]

Awww...@NJoy I hope you feel better by now mama!

Just thought i'd stop by

Thanks girl. I wish. Pollen count is well over 9000 now and getting worse. This is the highest in history for Georgia. Um, I think average is in the low hundreds. I can't even leave my house. Tried it. Got my butt kicked by that thug, pollen.

WHEN DID THIS CHALLENGE START?!?!? This is where everyone's been? I've been in the old one farting around all by my self cause you guys were here?!?!?

Feelings are hurt!

Bring your farting over here, girl. We luhs ya.

 

[regina07]

Hey ladies - just checking in. Had a wonderful weekend in Paris for my 50th birthday with my best friend. Lots of champagne, delicious food, shopping.

My hair suffered tho' ... I didn't DC before I left and the messy bun I wore on the plane caused my hair to dry out like the sahara! I'm dealing with post-traumatic breakage right now ... haven't seen so many little hairs in my sink since Aug/Sep 2011.

Have AOHSR and AOGBP in my hair today for an overnight treatment. Heading to UK this weekend but will baggy it. It needs TLC right now.

 

[NJoy]

Happy Belated 50th Birthday regina07. Sorry about the hair drama but, glad you had a fabulous time in Paris. Oo la la!


As for me, I don't know what to think about my hair. I haven't been doing much of anything with it lately since my allergies have had me either hacking up a lung or in a medicated snooze.

Right now my hair is in random Celie braids (yeah, again) and my ng feels rough. I don't know if it's extreme shrinkage that's causing my hair to feel like it's dreading and needs to be stretched or if it's that Suave Keratin Conditioner that I used a week or so ago. Whatever, it doesn't feel nice at all.

I'm planning to do a DC with yogurt and coconut cream to try to loosen the ng but, I have to get around to doing it. Meantime, I cover my hair with a decorative scarf, leaving about 3 inches of the front of my head showing so that you see my part and my hair looking smooth and flat. It looks like I may actually have a nice, orderly bun under this scarf. If they only knew what lurks beneath.

So yeah, I'm 48 weeks post now. Uh.... something's gotta give. No offense but, I'm not trying to run around here looking like Kizzy in the Spring and Summer (yeah I said it. ). I need to really start taking care of my natural hair and see if I can whip up some waves, sheen, shine, SOMETHING. Because avoiding it is not the business. I repeat, NOT the business.

 

[Vintagecoilylocks]

Hey ladies - just checking in. Had a wonderful weekend in Paris for my 50th birthday with my best friend. Lots of champagne, delicious food, shopping.

My hair suffered tho' ... I didn't DC before I left and the messy bun I wore on the plane caused my hair to dry out like the sahara! I'm dealing with post-traumatic breakage right now ... haven't seen so many little hairs in my sink since Aug/Sep 2011.

Have AOHSR and AOGBP in my hair today for an overnight treatment. Heading to UK this weekend but will baggy it. It needs TLC right now.

Happy birthday! Your hair is fabulous