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Summer Braid & Hydrate | 2025 Closed

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I'm currently wearing individual braids, which were initially installed in November 2024. I refreshed the entire head in January and have been doing touch-ups since then. To keep them looking fresh, I redo several braids each week in rotation. I plan to take them all down at the end of this month to give my hair a rest before an Easter Sunday press. When I remove the braids, the oldest ones will have been in for eight weeks since their last touch-up.

I've been monitoring my new growth monthly during my touch-ups, and it's progressing well, remaining soft, moisturized, and growing as expected. Shedding has been minimal during these retouches. The natural hair inside each braid still feels supple when I remove and replace the braiding hair. Only one braid had a bit of matting near the perimeter and had more hair loss than normal. Overall, I anticipate a good outcome when I take my braids down in a few weeks.

I don't co-wash my braids. Instead, I do a detox soak once a month, similar to how people cleanse locs, which effectively keeps my hair and scalp very clean. This works well because I experience minimal-to-no scalp sweat and prevent product buildup.

Every two to three days, I assess my hair's moisture level. If the braids still feel moisturized and have a sheen, I leave them alone. I drench my braids with a water-based moisturizer every two to three days. Usually, I'd moisturize daily, but my hair has been retaining moisture exceptionally well this time, so I haven't needed to remoisturize as often. Each time I remoisturize, it takes a few days for my braids to dry. For this set, I've mainly used African Royale Braid Spray (which I've used since the '90s with consistently good results) and Aphogee Pro-Vitamin Leave-In Spray.

I did a deep condition before the install and plan to deep condition and treat my hair again after taking the braids down, but I don't deep condition while my hair is braided. By the time you all start, I will be finished with my set, but I look forward to watching you all and can't wait to see pics. Happy braiding.



Touch up <side ... 2-3 weeks of new growth > side...Last touch up 2 weeks ago when I ran out of braiding hair.
1000014943.jpg

How my current braids fall.
1000014944.jpg
 
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I'm in the Southern Hemisphere, so its Autumn/Winter for us. I would definitely be threading more as we get into colder weather and doing mini braids to wear under a wig, but I'm haven't decided on my washday frequency yet from May to July (our coldest season).

Will lurk, and join later once I have made a decision
 
25InchesStarting'25 said:
Thank you for stopping by and sharing pics!:love3:

While braiding my hair today, I was thinking of doing almost exactly your process you described bc I didn't want to do this every 3 weeks :laugh:

The challenge is to hydrate the entire head with co washes and/or DCs which I think will accelerate growth. I don't drench my braids in water and have to wait until they are taken down to do my Hydrate Regimen

I'm sure your hair is a lot longer than mine. I need to stay disciplined to catch up with you! Keep up you regimen that is working and hope you reach your hair goals soon :)
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Your regimen will work. It's a good plan and as long as your are taking care of your hair it won't matter whose hair is longer than your right now because yours is on its way to where you want want to be. I will definitely be peeking in this thread:curtain:
 
@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 said:
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
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I meant, how long have you been working on this current set of braids?

25InchesStarting'25 said:
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?:think:
If I miraculously hit APL by the end of summer, I could do every 8 weeks with you for winter
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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.

25InchesStarting'25 said:
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:roadrunner:
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 :roadrunner:
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! :heart3:
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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.
 
Theresamonet said:
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.
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Ma'am.. :lachen:

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!
 
25InchesStarting'25 said:
Here's the link to @MzSwift 's phenomenal success!

MzSwift

Post in thread 'Waist Length 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
12292012Length-vi.jpg


22-Dec-13
12222013LengthCheckMom-vi.jpg


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...
  • Like
  • Love
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Aww, you're so super sweet! Thank you! :kiss:

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.:pray:
 
MzSwift said:
Ma'am.. :lachen:

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!
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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. :bookworm::brainy:
 
25InchesStarting'25 said:
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
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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 said:
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?
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It's really hard to say bc I've only used the oils at the same time that I've used the glosses and teas. BUT I do feel really good applying the infused oils to my hair bc, the way I see it, any extra nutrition I can provide is a good thing.

Actually, I started infusing oils for a scalp tonic and I can say that I like the infused oils on my scalp better than other scalp growth aid I've tried over the years. Again, I feel like they give great nutrition and conditioning to my scalp and strands. My strands are naturally shiny now whereas before, I had a natural sheen.
 
25InchesStarting'25 said:
Thank You!:heart3:

Today was my first time water rinsing KBs. Scalp felt amazing! Must have been thirsty :laugh:

Going to see if I can get away with daily water rinses with KBs without hair looking frizzy

Pics from 1 day of Water Rinse
View attachment 502812View attachment 502814
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Yes, water rinses are magical! Lol. I love them!

But I'm not sure about doing them every day with extensions. There's a reason why us "old heads" talk about drenching our extensions using a spray bottle multiple times a week. Wetting them daily in the shower could lead to issues with mildew. With the spray bottle, you can focus on wetting your scalp and then lightly moisturize the length of your hair more easily. That will allow your hair to dry more quickly in between wetting sessions. Also, with spraying, there's usually less rubbing involved which will reduce any frizz. Drenching your scalp and hair and then tying it down with a satin/silk scarf would help to maintain neatness and the thin scarf fabric allows for air to move through and reduce mildew. Maybe that could help with any dryness?
 
25InchesStarting'25 said:
@Angel of the North I was thinking of the Miche Conditioner when making this, then turned into something different, I don't think I can get away from using Ayurvedic ingredients :laugh:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Castor Oil
Raw Honey
Organic Glycerin (coconut derived)
DIY Fenugreek Growth Cubes x2
Coconut Milk Cube
Organic Aloe Vera Juice with EO Trio in it
Shea Moisture Deep Moisturizing Conditioner
Aveeno Fresh Greens Conditioner Refresh & Thicken (Did not buy, using it up from someone else who bought it, like ingredients)
Organic Amla Powder
Henna Sooq Organic Cassia Powder

Applied mask in Bantu Knots, Saran Wrap, leaving in for +2-3 hours
View attachment 502954View attachment 502956View attachment 502958View attachment 502960
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Definitely got half an indulge going on there, and that DC looks wholesome! :lol: If those ingredients work for you, it's all good, that I think is one of the best things about DIY products. You can give your what it needs and what it likes. I really wish I could find the thread I'm thinking of, I don't think it's any of the ones that came up when I searched. I also don't want to trawl through thousands of pages.
 
25InchesStarting'25 said:
@MzSwift I tried to change name and moderator has to approve it. It's been a few days and no change. I measured shortest layer in the front to WHIP goal, I have to grow about 27-28 IN. I'm fine with keeping my name now :laugh:

When do you claim your length goal? When any section of hair hits goal?
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Yeah, I think the name sounds pretty good.
I'm usually pretty conservative about claiming goals - it just helps with my psyche. lol

I wait until my back layers hit the milestone before I claim it. But I don't measure so I have no idea how many inches that's gonna take. Lol.
 
Current mini braids. I put them in a ponytail right after I finished braiding which is why they aren't falling correctly.

I'll start my daily washing routine in today *Wednesday*
 

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