Grow It Long 2025 Challenge!

[pikkonoloidlee]

I won't be doing anything official length check wise for at least a few more months but this is where one of the braids at the nape of my neck is currently.

I was washing my hair 2-3x per week but of course right after I decide to do that I start having big allergy issues and now I'm tired all the time. Currently washing 1x per week but moisturizing my ends as needed throughout the week.

 

[MizzBFly]

I’m back! After many, many years. Life took over,
Divorced after 13 yrs. Turned 40 years young this year and I’m about to graduate cosmetology school in June. Whew! I’ve colored my hair,
Reached my hair goal of waist length. Cut it in layers and now wear it mostly straight but I still have my curls!

Give me the DETAILS:
Natural, Relaxed, Texlaxed: Natural
Current Length: past bra strap
Goal Length: waist
Plan to reach goal length: treatments for moisture/ protein balance. Keeping on stretched in a myriad of ways.
Regimen: keep it stretched
Protective Styles: n/a
Staple Products: Olaplex, Chi, Kenra, DE, etc… trying new products: K18
1st pic 2/9/25 blowdried
2nd pic 2/23/25
3rd pic before layered cut 12/2024

Starting Pic: REQUIRED

 

[faithVA]

I won't be doing anything official length check wise for at least a few more months but this is where one of the braids at the nape of my neck is currently.

I was washing my hair 2-3x per week but of course right after I decide to do that I start having big allergy issues and now I'm tired all the time. Currently washing 1x per week but moisturizing my ends as needed throughout the week.

Nice!

 

[GettingKinky]

I deep conditioned with the Cecred reconstructing mask. I’m not sure I like it, it has zero slip so I couldn’t detangle while I had it in. Once I rinsed I had to condition again so I could detangle and even though it’s only been 3 days since I last washed sooo much hair came out. I will give this one more try in a few months and make a final decision about it.

 

[ItsMeLilLucky]

@MizzBFly Welcome back! Life do be lifing lol

You iz FINE girl!

 

[snoop]

View attachment 502730View attachment 502736View attachment 502732
The first LC the neck line is a little off from where I'm measuring now. I put the first pic where the neck line is consistent with where I'm measuring now

Seems like hair is growing and daily co washing/hydrating is beneficial for accelerated hair growth. Other things that are key in helping with hair growth for me is scalp massages with growth aids. Have been consistent with Flaxseed Growth Gel, +5 Weeks Infused Growth Oils/Pomade, Tee Tree/Peppermint/Rose Mary EOs, and daily massages

I'm debating if I should keep my nape out in KBs (Knotless Braids) or not, since I'm not sure if I'll get the same growth without daily Co Washing

Will continue to post LCs weekly in Summer Braid & Hydrate until weekend 5.24.25 for the 75 Day Challenge. Glad I'm doing it, it makes me stick to my regimen and see that all the effort does reap good benefits

It looks like your hair is growing FAST! That's amazing!

 

[snoop]

So I've just looked a little deeper at the marshmallow root and slippery elm.

Marshmallow Root Pros:
Detangling, provides slip
Moisturising
Soothes scalp, antibacterial and antioxidants inflammatory properties
Strengthens hair, contains amino acids
Promotes growth
Reduces frizz, dryness and breakage.
Rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants

Slippery Elm Pros:
Improves elasticity
Moisture retention
Detangling properties
Increased shine
Reduced shedding
Contains amino acids and calcium

I don't think the so called cons would affect me as I've definitely used products with these ingredients in them before without any allergic reactions or skin irritations. I also won't be ingesting them, so I doubt it would have any contraindications with any meds I take.

These two ingredients offer everything I'm looking for.... I think I'll try them as I mentioned in my previous post as well as mixing with a conditioner too just to see which way works best for me. The two items would probably work well together with water and no other ingredients too.

I'm looking forward to making and trying this out. I think using a product with slip to detangle will definitely help with hair loss and length retention.

I haven't used these in a while, but I found that they made my hair hard/rough. I have some left over that I'll eventually figure out a way to use, but I'm not a fan.

Fresh aloe vera gel is good for slip
I haven't tried flaxseed gel in a while, but that might be another one
Okra
Coconut oil (or whatever oil of your choice) BLENDED into your fav conditioner. This one use to work for me. If you mix, the oil remain separate from your conditioner. You can even add KCKT to all of that as well (also a product I'm not really a huge fan of -- maybe because of the marshmallow root and slippery elm)

That said, I haven't tried detangling with any of these lately because I finger detangle and it takes forever. I feel like they would just dry on my hair, though I guess if I were working in small sections it wouldn't be a problem.

 

[snoop]

@MizzBFly Welcome back! You've been busy, but somehow managing to stay FIRE!

 

[Angel of the North]

I haven't used these in a while, but I found that they made my hair hard/rough. I have some left over that I'll eventually figure out a way to use, but I'm not a fan.

Fresh aloe vera gel is good for slip
I haven't tried flaxseed gel in a while, but that might be another one
Okra
Coconut oil (or whatever oil of your choice) BLENDED into your fav conditioner. This one use to work for me. If you mix, the oil remain separate from your conditioner. You can even add KCKT to all of that as well (also a product I'm not really a huge fan of -- maybe because of the marshmallow root and slippery elm)

That said, I haven't tried detangling with any of these lately because I finger detangle and it takes forever. I feel like they would just dry on my hair, though I guess if I were working in small sections it wouldn't be a problem.

I've never tried the KC range, I've heard mainly very good things about it though. I tend to stay away from strengthening products and ingredients where possible, coconut oil dries my hair out. My 4 ultimate hair oils in order grapeseed, avocado papaya and sunflower (not from the kitchen). I would mix with avocado and sunflower oils.

I'm hoping they won't dry out my hair, especially since they are supposedly moisturising, I think the ratios will impact this as well.

 

[snoop]

I washed my hair with yucca root and realized after that I've had these twists in long enough since I'm not able to get rid of the sebum and oil build up and other junk at my roots with my hair twisted. This weekend coming would have marked 11 weeks. I wanted to stretch out their wear until June, but I think enough's enough.

First panel -- I obviously am not making sure everything is cleanly parted because these two twists have grown out together with no chance of separation. I'm not even sure how that's possible.

Second panel -- Front of my hair

Third panel -- Nape



From the end of my thumb to the first knuckle is 1 inch so I've gained a bit more than that since I installed them.

 

[JuiceMobsta]

Natural, Relaxed, Texlaxed: Natural
Current Length: Hip/Tailbone? (barely )
Goal Length: Classic? Not sure about that one.
Plan to reach goal length: Protective styling, keeping scalp clean and hair strengthened/moisturized
Regimen: Wash 1-2x monthly, protein treatments, moisturize and put in back in plaits
Protective Styles: Covered Celie plaits
Staple Products: Revisiting older brands like ORS/Aphogee, Naturelle grow prepoo, DIY leave in, etc. My scalp is very picky.

 

[snoop]

Natural, Relaxed, Texlaxed: Natural
Current Length: Hip/Tailbone? (barely )
Goal Length: Classic? Not sure about that one.
Plan to reach goal length: Protective styling, keeping scalp clean and hair strengthened/moisturized
Regimen: Wash 1-2x monthly, protein treatments, moisturize and put in back in plaits
Protective Styles: Covered Celie plaits
Staple Products: Revisiting older brands like ORS/Aphogee, Naturelle grow prepoo, DIY leave in, etc. My scalp is very picky.
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View attachment 503042View attachment 503044View attachment 503046

We might have to bring back the Classic length challenge.

(All kidding aside, I'll do this later today.)

 

[GettingKinky]

@JuiceMobsta my jaw dropped when I saw all that beautiful hair. How long have you been growing it out?

 

[JuiceMobsta]

@JuiceMobsta my jaw dropped when I saw all that beautiful hair. How long have you been growing it out?

@GettingKinky Thank you! I would say my hair was somwhere between APL-BSL in the middle of 2020 and it's gradually grown out since then.

 

[yaya24]

@yaya24 or other short hair gals (SL or shorter) should start a challenge or support thread for short tresses I would but have hands full with two threads and detailed regimen

I'll have to sit that out..but I will cheer yall on in the spirit.

One hair challenge is plenty for me

Yaya likes K.I.S.S (Keep It Simple Sista) in all areas of life. I get more done, and my nervous system is at peace that way.

 

[faithVA]

@yaya24 or other short hair gals (SL or shorter) should start a challenge or support thread for short tresses I would but have hands full with two threads and detailed regimen

I asked in December of last year and I didn't get any takers. For years we have had an SL/APL thread. This is the first year we didn't have one.

 

[faithVA]

Awww, that's unfortunate, totally would have joined. If you still want to make it, I'll join. Understand if you want more people to participate

You need st least 5 people for a hair thread to stand a chance. So many people fall off. By the end of the last one I think I was the only one that posted much at the end.

I think the current hair threads will work for most people.

 

[Angel of the North]

I want to make a leave on spray for when I get my braids done. I'll be in the sun (hopefully), and that can dry out my hair.

I have aloe vera juice, distilled water and oils, to hand. I also have conditioners that I could add if needed.

Anybody got any recipes or recommendations? Please add the ratios for each ingredient if possible.... TIA

 

[yaya24]

I want to make a leave on spray for when I get my braids done. I'll be in the sun (hopefully), and that can dry out my hair.

I have aloe vera juice, distilled water and oils, to hand. I also have conditioners that I could add if needed.

Anybody got any recipes or recommendations? Please add the ratios for each ingredient if possible.... TIA

I've been experimenting with fenugreek & clove water plus EOs. No aloe vera, but I found these threads below with some good looking recipes.

Hopefully others chime in with some goodies.

Thread 'Homemade moisturizing spritz links. Recipes please.' https://longhaircareforums.com/threads/homemade-moisturizing-spritz-links-recipes-please.258467/

Thread 'Natural Heads: My Homemade Leave-In Spray, Whats Yours?' https://longhaircareforums.com/threads/natural-heads-my-homemade-leave-in-spray-whats-yours.351701/

Thread 'Umm..So How Do I Make This Glycerin Moisture Mix?' https://longhaircareforums.com/threads/umm-so-how-do-i-make-this-glycerin-moisture-mix.267019/

 

[MzSwift]

I want to make a leave on spray for when I get my braids done. I'll be in the sun (hopefully), and that can dry out my hair.

I have aloe vera juice, distilled water and oils, to hand. I also have conditioners that I could add if needed.

Anybody got any recipes or recommendations? Please add the ratios for each ingredient if possible.... TIA

I'm super old school so my braid spray mix is usually: 90% water + 10% Infusium 23 + a squirt of a cheapie coneless moisturizing condish + a squirt of EVOO or Grapeseed oil + 10-20 drops of Lavender EO.

I have substituted half of the water with an Ayurvedic tea mix before.

I don't want to add too many things that could possibly lead to extra build up at the base where the braiding hair meets my hair.

 

[Angel of the North]

I've been experimenting with fenugreek & clove water plus EOs. No aloe vera, but I found these threads below with some good looking recipes.

Hopefully others chime in with some goodies.

Thread 'Homemade moisturizing spritz links. Recipes please.' https://longhaircareforums.com/threads/homemade-moisturizing-spritz-links-recipes-please.258467/

Thread 'Natural Heads: My Homemade Leave-In Spray, Whats Yours?' https://longhaircareforums.com/threads/natural-heads-my-homemade-leave-in-spray-whats-yours.351701/

Thread 'Umm..So How Do I Make This Glycerin Moisture Mix?' https://longhaircareforums.com/threads/umm-so-how-do-i-make-this-glycerin-moisture-mix.267019/

I've used fenugreek before and really liked it, I feel like anything that is supposed stop shedding might contain protein. So I want to avoid those ingredients. The cloves are a good shout, that's supposed to help with growth. Thank you for the links

 

[Angel of the North]

I'm super old school so my braid spray mix is usually: 90% water + 10% Infusium 23 + a squirt of a cheapie coneless moisturizing condish + a squirt of EVOO or Grapeseed oil + 10-20 drops of Lavender EO.

I have substituted half of the water with an Ayurvedic tea mix before.

I don't want to add too many things that could possibly lead to extra build up at the base where the braiding hair meets my hair.

That sounds good! I feel like this is a good opportunity to not only keep my braids moist but to assist my scalp health simultaneously as it will be exposed.

I may make a couple to take with me, one for moisture during the day and one for growth at night. I like the look of your recipe, although I might swap out the lavender for rosemary and the Infusium23 for the aloe vera juice.

On a side, I went to type in the Infusium23, it was in my dictionary.... I've never typed that before, yet the auto correct when I'm on this site be adding letters to words or completely changing my words lol.

 

[MzSwift]

On a side, I went to type in the Infusium23, it was in my dictionary.... I've never typed that before, yet the auto correct when I'm on this site be adding letters to words or completely changing my words lol.

Lol, how weird!

 

[Angel of the North]

Lol, how weird!

I know, I thought so too

 

[Angel of the North]

I want to make a leave on spray for when I get my braids done. I'll be in the sun (hopefully), and that can dry out my hair.

I have aloe vera juice, distilled water and oils, to hand. I also have conditioners that I could add if needed.

Anybody got any recipes or recommendations? Please add the ratios for each ingredient if possible.... TIA

I checked out some recipes and I'm thinking of going with these. I think they are pretty simple and shouldn't be too much for my hair and scalp.....

Moisture spritz
Distilled water, aloe vera juice, grapeseed oil, glycerin and Vitamin e oil

Scalp spritz
Rosemary, mint and cloves steeped in boiled distilled water

Scalp oil
Sunflower oil infused with mint, cloves, rosemary and a couple of drops of vitamin e oil

Detangler spritz
Distilled water boiled with marshmallow root and slippery elm powders - boiled and drained, glycerin and avocado oil

Hair gel
Flaxseeds boiled with marshmallow root and slippery elm and glycerin

I don't feel like I will need any conditioner mixed into the spritz at this time, as I'm not looking for anything creamy.

I want to start infusing the scalp oil now, I intend to make a few batches, one I will try out when I get back, the others,I want to leave to infuse for longer so that I can test the different strengths. (I just have to remember that they are there), I know some people infuse their oils for weeks before using.

The detangler, I will try at a later date after I have used up the Komaza vitamin reign, and the flaxseed gel, will also be later down the line when I'm intending to do WAG's.

I'd like some critique on my intended recipes. Do you think they look okay? Is there something I could add to the sprays/gel to give them longer life? TiA

 

[SmilingElephant]

 

[GGsKin]

@Angel of the North just a tip- if you want the mucilage from the marshmallow root, just steep it in the distilled water overnight then strain, rather than boil it.

 

[faithVA]

Colored my hair tonight, dried with the revair and then trimmed 1/2 inch with my SplitEnder.

Comparing my blow dried hair to my straight hair is not helpful. I will take the same shots for my next two check ins.

 

[Angel of the North]

@Angel of the North just a tip- if you want the mucilage from the marshmallow root, just steep it in the distilled water overnight then strain, rather than boil it.

Thank you

 

[ItsMeLilLucky]

@Angel of the North just a tip- if you want the mucilage from the marshmallow root, just steep it in the distilled water overnight then strain, rather than boil it.

Does this work for the powder as well?