Weave It Up Challenge 2017 (6 Month Edition)

[bluenvy]

Bringing back this challenge that's been missing in the forum.
I'm new to sew ins and like to keep it up for the rest of the year.
Length retention be banging!
If you like to join copy, paste and answer starting questions.

Copied from previous sew in challenges thank you to @virtuenow
@Rocky91 and all other ladies that previously set this challenge into play!

Weave It Up Challenge 2017
(June 1 2017- December 31, 2017 for 6 month participants)

Weaving your hair is one of the ultimate protective styles for retaining hair length. I’m starting this challenge for those ladies who want to braid it up, then weave it, and leave it alone. The benefit of the challenge is to allow your hair to rest while avoiding heat, over-manipulation and overall damage. By leaving your hair alone it has nothing to do but RETAIN LENGTH!​

The Rules:​

1. Install your weave (it can be full or partial/ curly, kinky, or straight; may include a braided perimeter)

2. Shampoo hair at least once every 2 weeks

Instructions on how to shampoo hair while in a weave.

Take an applicator bottle and dilute your shampoo with water. Lift each track and squirt the shampoo under the weave. It will create an almost instant lather, then GENTLY massage your scalp in between the track to loosen dirt, debris, and build up. Rinse.)

3. Moisturize your braided hair at least 2-3x a week

Instructions on how to moisturize hair.

Lightly mist your favorite watery moisturizer or leave in and apply to braided hair or;
Create your own moisturizer by diluting a light conditioner and spritzing your braided hair or;
Use an applicator bottle filled with your preferred moisturizer and apply to braided hair.

Product suggestions include African Royale Braid Spray, Infusium 23, Aphogee Pro-Vitamin Leave In Conditioner, or a mix of part water/conditioner (VO5 or Suave)/ aloe vera juice/ and/or oil.

4. Keep trimming to a bare minimum. You can dust your ends for knots and splits before each installation.

5. Leave your weave in for an appropriate amount of time. Up to two to three months max is ideal. Disclaimer: Trying to push the install beyond four months increases the likelihood of matting and tangles. However, there are members who have done so successfully.

6. Shampoo and Deep Condition your hair after each removal and before each installation.

7. Re-install weave within 1-3 weeks upon removal.

8. Check in regularly, motivate, discuss, and post pictures of your beautiful hair and installs.


9. Post your regimen and staple products!

Helpful Links (Updated 5.13.12):

​

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=298353

http://www.reniece.com/faqs.html

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=394732&highlight=

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=427816

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=410454

http://www.brownskin.net/hairweaves.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_2126309_care-hair-weave.html

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=425084

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=280739

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=325543

http://forum.blackhairmedia.com/the-ultimate-bohyme-brazilian-post_topic139617_page1.html

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=423524

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=110644

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=72478&page=14

THIS IS A 6 MONTH CHALLENGE; You may extend at your own leisure. Please have your weave installed by June 1, 2017.​

Optional: a starting picture of your own hair
Required: an ending picture--preferably comparison pictures of your start and finish.
I will buzz everyone to post at the end of challenge. Where's the fun if we cannot see the results? Everyone is highly encourage to post pictures of their installs, new growth, progress, etc. in order the keep the thread interesting and informative.
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=423524 (copied & modified-- giving credit to the source)​

****Starting Questions (copy & paste):

How Long are you wearing sew-ins (total):

Why are you wearing sew-ins:

Regimen:

Weave style/install hair:

Products you are using for your own hair and for your weave:

End of challenge goal:

Your top weave tip: (any insights you want to share if you've successfully retained length with weaves in the past)

Post a starting length picture; or describe starting length/condition:
__________________

Participants (will regularly add names through June):

Rocky91
bluenvy
NCHairDiva
brownb83
leona2025
melisandre
ThatJerseyGirl
Pygmy_puff
jasmyne14
Kiadodie
topnotch1010

 

[bluenvy]

****Starting Questions (copy & paste):

How Long are you wearing sew-ins (total): Keep installs in 6-8 weeks. Rest for 2 weeks, then reinstall.

Why are you wearing sew-ins:
Protecting ends to retain more length. Switching up styles. And rock short pixie hair.

Regimen: Wash and condition biweekly, style with flat iron, moisturize weekly, tie down nightly.

Weave style/install hair: Pixie, 27 piece hair.

Products you are using for your own hair and for your weave: TGIN products, KCKT leave in, SSI products, Olive oil mousse.

End of challenge goal: Waist Length hair.

Your top weave tip: (any insights you want to share if you've successfully retained length with weaves in the past) Really take my time taking down install. Throughly detangle with oils before washing hair.

Post a starting length picture; or describe starting length/condition: Currently in a 5 week sew in. This is when I installed and my hair length at the time. I'm taking this down soon for new install.

First pic is pixie sew in
Second is my hair

 

[Rocky91]

I'm gonna come back and join!
I'm back in sew-ins because I cut my hair off again might as well be in a challenge to grow it out

 

[bluenvy]

Glad you are joining @Rocky91
I will add you to the list.

Sew ins grows my hair out like no other.

If you rocking or soon to be rocking long term protective styles sew ins or crochets.

This is the place to be.
Come in and share your experiences, grow that hair, and show off them beautiful heads of hair and your weaves.

 

[bluenvy]

I washed and deep conditioned, applied leave in, setting mousse and now sitting under this hot dryer.

I'm at week 5 with 3 more to go.
My braids shift up and down from new growth.
I want to take it down, but want to reap the benefits of more growth in the next 3 weeks.

 

[NCHairDiva]

I washed and deep conditioned, applied leave in, setting mousse and now sitting under this hot dryer.

I'm at week 5 with 3 more to go.
My braids shift up and down from new growth.
I want to take it down, but want to reap the benefits of more growth in the next 3 weeks.

Im with you on that. Im counting down the weeks to taking my braids as well. Right now Im looking for a reggie to combat shedding. Once I have that in place I will be all set for the rest of the year. Im doing up for 6 to 8 weeks and then take down, a good deep condition, steam, shedding treatment and maybe a little protein treatment..... Then braid it right back up..... I am praying this works to get me to WL by my wedding day 2018!!! I want to wear my own hair on my special day and it be a surprise to my spouse!!! Now, lets get growing!

 

[bluenvy]

Yay! How often/much are you shedding? @NCHairDiva

Tell me more what's going on with your current hairstyle. Are you in an install?

Your reggie looks good. Are you experiencing shedding after take down as well?

Come back and join

 

[brownb83]

Imma Join be back with details

 

[bluenvy]

Congrats on your soon to be marriage @NCHairDiva

I'm sure everyone else will be surprised too. Hubby gone rob you like you stole something on your special night

 

[bluenvy]

ladies
@NCHairDiva and @brownb83

Adding you two to the list.

 

[NCHairDiva]

Congrats on your soon to be marriage @NCHairDiva

I'm sure everyone else will be surprised too. Hubby gone rob you like you stole something on your special night

Lmbo, I sure hope so.... No one will see my hair until that special day!
My hair growing back means sooo much to me. It was BSL 2014 however went to Dominican salon for a blow out and they added a perm to my hair and set me under a dryer. All my hair melted off the same day... They simply said sorry.... My fiance almost died when I came home with my hair falling off my hair.... So I have to make this happen..

 

[NCHairDiva]

Yay! How often/much are you shedding? @NCHairDiva

Tell me more what's going on with your current hairstyle. Are you in an install?

Your reggie looks good. Are you experiencing shedding after take down as well?

Come back and join

I have my corn rolls in. I wear them for 4 to 6 weeks at a time. I dont like the amount of shed hair Im getting. Even after 2 days of the braids being down I still have lots of shedding. So now Im looking for ways to cut down on the shedding.

 

[bluenvy]

@NCHairDiva
That's not cool, sorry you experienced that horror at that salon.

How often do you incorporate protein/moisture?

I shed a lot at times too, especially changing seasons, with spring time taking the whole cake.

What helps me my number
1. Washing and conditioning once weekly, if I skip this I will have more shed hairs for sure.

Then keeping protein and moisture balanced.
Also caring for the ends, when my ends get raggedy it effects my whole head. I'm working on dusting ends when needed.

 

[leona2025]

I want to try this. I have never had a weave. Any of those links contain hair reviews?

 

[bluenvy]

Hi and welcome @leona2025

I'm working on having an moderater fix "Helpful Links" so that it will reflect previous thread I copied it from. here is the thread
https://longhaircareforum.com/posts/15918145/

I found all links helpful.
This one has helpful info on hair brands
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=325543

I seen good reviews about Goddess Remi hair.
Sorry can't comment on hair, I'm new to sew ins.
I started this thread so we can have heavy info pouring in.

I will report back any info I find.

 

[bluenvy]

What style are you interested in @leona2025
Long/short weaves, curly/straight hair?
Where are you going to get your hair done?
You want a stylist that will braid your hair under snug, not too tight because you risk losing your edges.

 

[melisandre]

I'd like to join!

How Long are you wearing sew-ins (total):
~ 8 wks at a time

Why are you wearing sew-ins:
I'm going back to school and won't have much time to deal with my loose hair. I also finally found a stylist in my area that can do a good sew in.

Regimen:
Shampoo and moisturize weekly.

Weave style/install hair:
Full sew in with closure installed 5/18. Wavy hair. 16, 18, 20 ins.

Products you are using for your own hair and for your weave:
Creme of Nature / ORS shampoos and conditioners.

End of challenge goal:
Healthy hair and intact edges.

Your top weave tip: (any insights you want to share if you've successfully retained length with weaves in the past)
N/A. This is my first install in yearsss. So, it's basically new to me.

Post a starting length picture; or describe starting length/condition:
Around BSL and probably in need of a trim.

 

[bluenvy]

Welcome @melisandre
Wishing you successful studying

Adding you and @leona2025

Where did you get wavy hair from? We need hair recommendations in here.

Here's one I located on the board
https://www.herhaircompany.com/
I believe they are black owned company.

 

[melisandre]

Welcome @melisandre
Wishing you successful studying

Thanks!

Where did you get wavy hair from? We need hair recommendations in here.

I got the raw, Indian wavy hair from Melanin Doll hair. It's a black owned company. They sell lots of different hair textures, including the 4s. The hair I received is very soft and holds a curl extremely well. I've only worn it for a couple of weeks though, so I can't speak to the longevity. I plan to use it for multiple installs though.

https://www.instagram.com/melanindollhair/?hl=en

 

[bluenvy]

Wow this hair is gorgeous! Thank you @melisandre

I gotta price check it when their site is back up and running.

 

[leona2025]

I had decided on Herhaircompany.com too, but then all the reviews seem to be good by those sponsoring the hair and not do much by regular customers. The Curly and straight hair had great all around reviews. It was the wavy texture with bad reviews. I'm getting a hair cut Sunday and an assessment of my hair she then the following week a weave.

 

[ThatJerseyGirl]

You know what? I should join. I just had my weave installed a month ago. Let me answer these questions.


How Long are you wearing sew-ins (total): I have kept my weave in for three months with no problem.

Why are you wearing sew-ins: Because it is extremely hot and humid where I live and I refuse to spend so much time on my hair when I can spend time at the beach!

Regimen: I wash every two weeks and make sure I condition the hair and rinse very well.

Weave style/install hair: Extensions Plus Zig Zag Curly with the closure. All of my hair is weaved up!

Products you are using for your own hair and for your weave: I use the Hydratherma Naturals Follicle leave in spray on my scalp only. I use Nu Gro oil on my edges. I have full edges and I'd like to keep it that way.

End of challenge goal: Not sure. I am mid back length now. All healthy. I've had a good trim before my install so no worries there. I plan to wear it for at least two years because I just don't feel like doing my hair. It's too thick and too much work for me at this time.

Your top weave tip: (any insights you want to share if you've successfully retained length with weaves in the past) Always invest in good hair. Extensions Plus hair is not cheap, but I invested well and have been a customer of EP for YEARS!

I will eventually post a pic later.

If I have missed anything, let me know.

 

[leona2025]

What style are you interested in @leona2025
Long/short weaves, curly/straight hair?
Where are you going to get your hair done?
You want a stylist that will braid your hair under snug, not too tight because you risk losing your edges.

I have a consultation with a new stylist this weekend. Im going to let her do my natural hair and see how it goes. I'm 1 year into transitioning to natural and have cut most of my relaxer away. Im not sure if I want to do leave out or a closure, but leaning toward closure. I want to start with straight hair, but I want to be able to curl it. These are the styles I will want to try.

 

[bluenvy]

I had decided on Herhaircompany.com too, but then all the reviews seem to be good by those sponsoring the hair and not do much by regular customers. The Curly and straight hair had great all around reviews. It was the wavy texture with bad reviews. I'm getting a hair cut Sunday and an assessment of my hair she then the following week a weave.

I was eyeing the wavy hair too as well as curly. Thank you for the heads up.
I'm going to purchase from Melanindoll.com for an future install.

 

[bluenvy]

Yes you should join, and welcome! @ThatJerseyGirl

You tell no lies, investing in quality hair is best.
I just took out 27 piece hair purchased from BSS, and it did not look good at that back where I rest my head.

 

[bluenvy]

@leona2025 Hope you have an pleasant experience at your appointment this weekend.
Those hairstyles you plan to get is laid beautifully.
I like the length too, it's perfect.

If you decide to leave hair out.
Take extra care of it, don't let it get dry, and minimize heat used if you using an flat/curling iron.

 

[Pygmy_puff]

I love this thread already! It came at just the right time. I just got my first sew in EVER installed this past weekend. I'll come back later tonight and post my stats.

 

[Rocky91]

Here to answer the questions now!

How Long are you wearing sew-ins (total):
I will definitely be wearing them the whole summer, or maybe until the end of the year.

Why are you wearing sew-ins:
At first I was just growing my hair out just to get back to my length prior to buzzing my hair off again last summer (almost APL), but now that I'm engaged, I just want it as long as possible before my wedding in 2018!

Regimen:
I wash and DC at least once weekly.
I cowash every two days or whenever I need to restyle (I'm wearing curly hair).

Weave style/install hair:
I have a really flat install that allows me to pull the hair up in high ponytails and also wear nice flat buns. I am wearing an Indian curly hair that I've already installed at least three times before. I buy it from my stylist, and she doesn't reveal her vendor.

Products you are using for your own hair and for your weave:
Shampoo-Whatever is around the shower, usually Pantene
DC-Shea Moisture manuka honey masque, I have to finish it!
Stylers-Design Essentials coconut gel, hicks edge control for blending

End of challenge goal:
Neck length at least, but to be honest i don't quite know exactly what my length is. i shaved my head about a year ago, and i think it should be near neck length now.

Your top weave tip: (any insights you want to share if you've successfully retained length with weaves in the past)
Longer than 4 months is pushing it, but 3 months is easily doable.
Wash and set can go a long way at reviving a weave when you're tired of the style.
I like hitting up my stylist at about the 2 month mark to get it tightened up.
Make sure to get under the weave and DC/oil your own hair! My hair always feels soft and strong after takedowns because it is well cared for while in the weave.

Post a starting length picture; or describe starting length/condition:
I have no idea, I haven't really seen my hair out in a while. I think i am approaching or near neck length, but i do know i have a medium sized fluffy fro. I can come back and post in a few months when I flatiron for a length check.

 

[Rocky91]

one of my top tips is to leave those edges out! even if it's just a sliver, leave them out. it saves them.

 

[bluenvy]

Welcome @Pygmy_puff

Sew ins are fun. I'm already looking forward to my next install.