The Mini Twist / Mini Braid Thread

[MzSwift]

Can you expand more on the Fenugreek rinses? I purchased some with the intent to use with henna but it's going to last far beyond that. I need something to do with the extra seeds and the rinses sound promising

Yes, those seeds go a long way, right?!!

Be advised, LOTS of info follows. Take what you need, discard the rest.

I had purchased some seeds in 2023 to grind along with clove buds for a growth potion. But my hand grinder didn't do a good job with the clove buds so the seeds sat for a year until last year. In another thread, we had a really in depth discussion about sprouting the seeds and how the benefits of Fenugreek aren't really realized until the seeds are sprouted.

Post in thread 'Luscious Healthy Ends Challenge 2024'

Mar 15, 2024

@Chicoro, the base for my herbal infused oil is either olive oil or grapeseed oil. I usually make 1 to 2 cups at a time. (I share this oil with my granddaughter.) 1 cup lasts a long time, because I only use a few drops at a time.

1 Tbs. fresh or dried rosemary leaves (I try to use fresh as much as possible, but sometimes my rosemary plant doesn't have enough leaves to yield what I need)

1tsp. whole cloves

1Tbs. fenugreek seeds (fenugreek seeds do not soften in oil, so I put them in 1/2 bottle of water and let them soak overnight. The next day, I drink the fenugreek water [so...

• newgrowth15

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And then Chicoro posted the pictures on how to sprout the seeds and that helped me so much bc I always thought the process would be more daunting.

Post in thread 'Luscious Healthy Ends Challenge 2024'

Mar 17, 2024

Okay, it begins...

Would you believe that this is ONLY 2 TABLESPOONS of dried fenugreek seeds?!!! Amazing !
I thanked the seeds for their gift of life and then placed them in my oil. I had far too much
greenery and herbs. I had to use four (4) cups oil to cover over the seeds and rosemary and
the cloves. I used whole dried cloves but put them in my grinder to grind them down right
before I put them in the olive oil. Also, I placed the oil on the lowest heat on my stove and will let
them warm for thirty (30) minutes.

Soaked overnight Friday, Rinsed Saturday Morning. Used today, Sunday...

• Chicoro

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Also, let me back up. I started this leg of my journey after a lackluster EOTY length check in 2022, where my hair was SL and just MUCH shorter than I'm used to it being since starting my HHJ, I was desperate to get my long hair back quickly. So I was looking to research different growth aid options. Ayurveda has always been a major part of my regi so learning more about Fenugreek was right up my alley. I watched this video in Dec 2022 and then more videos for the first 6 months of 2023 when I finally bought the seeds. The videos primed me for the discussion in the thread I mentioned above.





I just could not figure out how to reuse the rinsing and sprouting water bc I didn't want to drink it. And it was too much to just add to my daily spray bottle. So I decided to just pour it onto my hair over the sink as part of my M&Sing routine. And my hair loved it.

My actual words from that thread-

"I took the drained water and poured it onto my head, focusing on my scalp. Then I lightly scratched my scalp using my nails and applied my herbal scalp tonic (nettle root, burdock root, horsetail leaves and hibiscus petals infused in EVOO + peppermint, lavender EOs). Then I liberally applied my Ayurvedic hair oil and slathered on a cheapie moisturizing condish. I massaged it all in and then squeezed out as much excess water/product as I could and loosely bunned. Covered my head with my mens satin cap and a bandana. My scalp is feeling lovely!"




Just to note, Chicoro also posted some very good info, including a scientific article, in support of ingesting the sprouts.

Post in thread 'Luscious Healthy Ends Challenge 2024'

Mar 19, 2024

@snoop, most of the benefits of fenugreek are in the sprouted seeds. If I recall correctly, about 70% of the benefits can only be attained in the sprouted seeds.

Does tallow act like grease? Is it made from beef fat?

Cytotoxicity of Fenugreek Sprout and Seed Extracts and Their Bioactive Constituents on MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells​

Kholoud K. Khoja,1 Melanie-Jayne R. Howes,2,3 Robert Hider,3 Paul A. Sharp,1 Iain W. Farrell,2 and Gladys O. Latunde-Dada1,*
Salman M. Hyder, Academic Editor


"However, some studies...

• Chicoro

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Post in thread 'Luscious Healthy Ends Challenge 2024'

Mar 22, 2024

Got too many fenugreek sprouts from making your hail oil for your ends and scalp? Here is a possibility


Upgrade Your Diet: Why Sprouted Fenugreek is the New Must-Have Super Sprout

Dr. Shilpa Phd (Medical Nutritionist)
Publié le 20 déc. 2023
+ Suivre
Sprouted fenugreek boasts a range of potential benefits over regular fenugreek seeds, thanks to the germination process, which unlocks essential nutrients and increases bioavailability.
Enhanced Nutrition:

• Increased protein: Sprouting increases protein content by up to 30%, making it a good option for vegetarians...

• Chicoro

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As well as some scientific info on the benefits of Fenugreek oil-

Post in thread 'Luscious Healthy Ends Challenge 2024'

Mar 19, 2024

Int J Trichology. 2022 May-Jun; 14(3): 84–90.
Published online 2022 May 24. doi: 10.4103/ijt.ijt_189_20
PMCID: PMC9231528
PMID: 35755964

Hair Oils: Indigenous Knowledge Revisited​

Venkataram Mysore and Arpita Arghya1
Author information Article notes Copyright and License information PMC Disclaimer

​

Fenugreek oil​

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L) is also known as Greek hay and is known as Bockshornklee in Germany.[28] In India, fenugreek is grown as a...

• Chicoro

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HTH!

 

[MzSwift]

One more thing to note, after re-reading the posts in that thread.

Fenugreek is strengthening. And that was why I didn't add it to my repertoire full time. I tend to place an emphasis on moisture in my regi. From years of observing long-haired ladies on here, I found that increased moisture (and low manipulation) was a common link. Yes, protein is necessary to keep our strands strong but how much the hair requires will vary from person to person and even differently on the same person depending on their needs.

 

[MzSwift]

Alright, just finished washing and now sitting with the DC in. I plan to only DC for 20 mins under my heated cap.
I was almost sold on mini braids but I plan to try things to increase my growth which will require me to refresh my hair more often.
It's so much easier to refresh cornrows or plaits than it is in mini braids. I've seen ladies keep them in for months without refreshing but I'm too terrified of setbacks to take that risk. I'm hoping to have additional new growth. I'll pick my minis back up in the spring, when the weather warms up.

 

[faithVA]

Reset my twist yesterday. Nothing new. Same regimen. Same style.
I took monthly starter pics and will post later. They look the same which is expected.

 

[MzSwift]

Converted my 5 plaits to 10. I still don't know if I'm gonna convert them to mini braids.

 

[B_Phlyy]

I added some braid hair to the end of some of my shorter areas over the weekend. I can still access my scalp and there is no tension on my edges and nape.

My next install will probably be knotless braids. The added length is giving me way more styling options.

 

[CoiledOrchids]

booked my twist appointment for March 21st.

until then, I'll be getting my silk presses at the salon. I don't use any heat on my hair at home.

I'm enjoying wearing my hair out more. I plan on doing a hot oil treatment tomorrow

 

[snoop]

My actual words from that thread-

"I took the drained water and poured it onto my head, focusing on my scalp. Then I lightly scratched my scalp using my nails and applied my herbal scalp tonic (nettle root, burdock root, horsetail leaves and hibiscus petals infused in EVOO + peppermint, lavender EOs). Then I liberally applied my Ayurvedic hair oil and slathered on a cheapie moisturizing condish. I massaged it all in and then squeezed out as much excess water/product as I could and loosely bunned. Covered my head with my mens satin cap and a bandana. My scalp is feeling lovely!"

View attachment 501022 View attachment 501024

So, I'm assuming you do this right after washing. How often would you re-moisturize after? Do you also re-add oils during the process or just hair tea?

 

[MzSwift]

So, I'm assuming you do this right after washing. How often would you re-moisturize after? Do you also re-add oils during the process or just hair tea?

Nope, not after washing. I just do it in my bathroom sink instead of rinsing my hair in the shower. So it's usually done on days after I've taken my shower at night or I plan to take an afternoon or later shower (I don't want my hair soaking wet that late in the day). I still M&S at night before bed. And yes, I seal it all in with oil after slathering on condish over the rinse. I usually bun my hair to keep the moisture in and then take the bun down to dry a few hours before bed.

 

[MzSwift]

I ended up converting those plaits to cornrows on 5 Feb. I'm still in those cornrows 3 weeks later.

We're coming up on March and I'm planning to install some small twists for the transition into Spring.

I'll be texlaxing between the end of March and the middle of April, whenever things align. I only did one texlax in 2024. I'm planning to do two in 2025 - I seem to have more new growth than usual! I plan to be right back in mini twists after I texlax.

 

[snoop]

Nope, not after washing. I just do it in my bathroom sink instead of rinsing my hair in the shower. So it's usually done on days after I've taken my shower at night or I plan to take an afternoon or later shower (I don't want my hair soaking wet that late in the day). I still M&S at night before bed. And yes, I seal it all in with oil after slathering on condish over the rinse. I usually bun my hair to keep the moisture in and then take the bun down to dry a few hours before bed.

Thanks for this breakdown.

 

[B_Phlyy]

Currently redoing some of the mini braids that have a lot of new growth at the roots.

 

[spacetygrss]

Redid my mini-twists. Been loving twists for 24 years now.

 

[snoop]

@Mapleoats is it okay to post Knotless Minis with extensions on here?

@MzSwift @snoop Thanks for all the details on your mini braids/twists regimen! Is there a reason why you don't add hair if you want a little bit more length? I'm thinking that the added hair can protective (ends) and make it easier to take down the hair

I haven't worn "extended hair" since my wedding? So 16.5 years ago? I even had DH cut it out for me on our honeymoon. Maybe once soon after? I find extended hair so itchy. I also find cornrows using my own hair itchy.

When my TWA started growing out, I'd find ways to pat it down and make it look smaller. And square. Like a high top without a fade. I just do things different.

 

[snoop]

Last night I water rinsed and then put my hair into three cornrows to stretch them. I the shower I can pull my nape strands down to/past my waist. I can't even have my twists hang to APL. I cry. I guess some things are meant to remain a secret.

 

[MzSwift]

@Mapleoats is it okay to post Knotless Minis with extensions on here?

@MzSwift @snoop Thanks for all the details on your mini braids/twists regimen! Is there a reason why you don't add hair if you want a little bit more length? I'm thinking that the added hair can protective (ends) and make it easier to take down the hair

I tried starting this leg of my HHJ with extensions in the winter and found that I couldn't properly moisturize my hair. When I took them down, my hair was so dry and hard, even though I sprayed them until soaked almost daily. So I needed access to my hair in order to give it extra moisture.

Usually I don't use extensions unless I'm getting hair lazy and I need a break to not think about hair for a while. I agree, I feel they're a good way to protect my hair and I would definitely install them in the future whenever I need a hair break. OR, when I need to protect my hair. My little one used to be a hair puller so I had to use extension hair and crochet styles in order to protect my hair from him.

The main reason why I don't tend to use them is bc I do all of my hair steps in my minis and I don't want to waste my good hair treatments on the synthetic hair. Also, because I do everything in the braids, inevitably, there's build up when I go to refresh or take them down. I have fine strands and I don't want to risk having a setback due to the added hair getting stuck in the buildup along with my hair. I've seen too many of those kinds of setbacks on the hair boards over the years.

 

[MzSwift]

Update: I'm on Day 2 of my mini twist install. And it's snowing out. But I'm not phased bc we tend to double dutch into Spring here, lots of false starts before jumping in. It's also "get sick" weather bc this Sat will be 38 degrees and next Saturday is projected to be 71 degrees. We just got sick last weekend so having my hair in minis will be so helpful if I'm laid up in bed.

@snoop your hair is such a precious jewel! And I totally understand your frustration. My minis used to be closer to SL when I was a WL natural - shrinkage just wouldn't let me be great!!

 

[MzSwift]

Very informative, thank you!

I plan to use minimal hair when doing Knotless braids. I also will not be doing any treatments in them for exactly what you explained about build up. Plan to wear them for 2 weeks, 3 weeks at the most since I won't be washing them and limit shed hair accumulation. The plan right now is to wear them about 4 times a year

That sounds like a great plan! Three to four weeks is the limit for me too in extensions. And I do a really light protein DC if I'm installing them back to back.

 

[MzSwift]

Hope you get well soon and stay warm!

Thank you!

 

[MzSwift]

Mini twists finished last night! I'll snap a pic after I wash them.

 

[faithVA]

I switch between two strands and flat twist for weeks at a time. Can I post my flat twist weeks in here?

 

[snoop]

At the end of last week, I put my hair into three cornrows to stretch my hair.



I wanted to keep these twists in until June, but I'm looking at them and I'm considering taking them down by the end of this month instead. I don't like that my roots always look so shabby a lot quicker than my length.

 

[MzSwift]

Freshly rinsed twists.
Rinsed with Fenugreek sprout water and covered with cheapie condish. I usually bun it after rinsing but I want to let it get mostly dry in this ponytail before I bun it.



ETA: Forgot to add a pic of my dry ponytail yesterday. I was planning to wear my hair down but I didn't.

 

[snoop]

Freshly rinsed twists.
Rinsed with Fenugreek sprout water and covered with cheapie condish. I usually bun it after rinsing but I want to let it get mostly dry in this ponytail before I bun it.

View attachment 501939

ETA: Forgot to add a pic of my dry ponytail yesterday. I was planning to wear my hair down but I didn't.

View attachment 501941

So let me get this straight: Those pictures are one day apart? Man, hair is amazing!

 

[MzSwift]

So let me get this straight: Those pictures are one day apart? Man, hair is amazing!

Says the lady with the infamous jaw dropping shrinkage!!

Yes ma'am. Crazy, right?!

 

[MzSwift]

@25InchesStarting'25

I honestly don't know how many I have. The only time I've ever counted my individual braids is when I was starting locs. Otherwise, I have no clue. Lol

For take downs, I move at a leisurely pace. I usually try to do it in 3 sections starting in the back. I usually try to stick to one section each day, so maybe 3 days for take downs. Doing it this way, I can pull the front braids/twists back and bun it all together in a low bun. When my hair was shorter, I'd do a middle part and put my unfinished hair into two low buns or I'd just rock a scarves or wigs until I'm finished.

If I have a whole day to do it, then it usually takes me about 6-8 hours to take my hair down. I only use my fingers and I take my time to clear knots and tangles. So that's why it takes me a while.

 

[snoop]

I don't aim for a particular number and I don't count them. I just follow the natural parts in my hair and create the twists accordingto the size that I want.

My takedowns seem to take forever. in my head it will take an hour but I feel like it took me around 3 or more hours. I just put in a good show and take my time.

 

[snoop]

If my calculations are correct, Friday marks 9 weeks since I've installed these twists. They're starting to look a bit ratty, but I keep telling myself that if I were locing my hair, that I'd probably have to go through these same frizzy growing pains.

I put my hair in a bun yesterday after washing it, so that I could stretch my twists. My hair was still damp when I took the bun down to take this photo which is why my twists are "molded" and in weird shapes.

 

[Lute]

I kept my mini braids for 3 months and took it out on March 26th, and unfortunately due to time constraints I had to switch back to twists since installation time is a lot more quicker. Will keep the hair in twists for 2 months and switch back to mini braids.

 

[MzSwift]

Was up late last night finishing this set of mini braids. It's time for me to start doing home projects so I expect that I'll just keep these in and refresh monthly until the fall. I did bigger parts in order to save time but, bc of my density and fine strands, it ended up looking extra scalpy. I will likely split them into smaller parts during my next refresh. These will be covered up for the most part anyway and I'll bun them or something if I have to wear them out.