2025/2026 - Journey to SL/APL/BSL Challenge

[Rocky91]

I need to join this challenge. 2025 is my year of being back on the boards and joining all the challenges. I'm just gonna embrace it.

What length are you now? I think that I am full SL or maybe approaching CBL.

What is your length goal for 2025 ? I want to be approaching APL. It's kind of unclear to me where that is on the shirt I'm using because it looks like that would be all the way down at the #7. Hey, put it this way...I need that hair to at least start touching the darn numbers on the shirt If it gets to the #3 line by the end of the year, I'll be ecstatic. This picture is from April 18th.

What's your plan/regimen to reach your goal? Actually sticking to low manipulation and embracing way more buns than I ever have in the past. Shampoo and deep condition twice a week, maybe some cowashing in the summer. Going to ONE stylist that I trust for a silk press and trim every three months. This might honestly be the most important change I've made this year. I used to hop around from chair to chair for my trims, and that isn't the way to retain length, at least for me.

How will you celebrate/reward yourself when you reach your goal? If I reach my hair and weight loss goals this year, I'm going to go re-pierce my belly button like I'm a young hot 21-year-old again, maybe even wear some crop tops to show it off.

How can we support you in reaching your goal? I just love the community of striving for something together. I feel a little lonely being somebody who has been on this board for so long and doesn't have WSL or even BSL length hair to show for it due to constantly getting in my own way, so it's nice to gather with other ladies who are striving for lengths that others might consider short, but heck...it'd be an accomplishment for me.

 

[Rocky91]

I'm serious about my goals this year, so I'm actually embracing buns. That's a new one for me because I've been stubbornly resisting protective styling forever, but I'm so busy right now, I don't even have the extra time for my usual low manipulation styles.

Here's the bun I'm wearing today, just a simple middle part tucked ends bun, no bobby pins necessary. I was inspired by this video from Hairlicious. Her bun videos are beautiful and since my stretched out natural hair gets close to resembling her airdried relaxed hair, I love getting ideas from her. I know it looks kinda tight, but that's just the edge control/gel.

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

I need to join this challenge. 2025 is my year of being back on the boards and joining all the challenges. I'm just gonna embrace it.

What length are you now? I think that I am full SL or maybe approaching CBL.

What is your length goal for 2025 ? I want to be approaching APL. It's kind of unclear to me where that is on the shirt I'm using because it looks like that would be all the way down at the #7. Hey, put it this way...I need that hair to at least start touching the darn numbers on the shirt If it gets to the #3 line by the end of the year, I'll be ecstatic. This picture is from April 18th.

What's your plan/regimen to reach your goal? Actually sticking to low manipulation and embracing way more buns than I ever have in the past. Shampoo and deep condition twice a week, maybe some cowashing in the summer. Going to ONE stylist that I trust for a silk press and trim every three months. This might honestly be the most important change I've made this year. I used to hop around from chair to chair for my trims, and that isn't the way to retain length, at least for me.

How will you celebrate/reward yourself when you reach your goal? If I reach my hair and weight loss goals this year, I'm going to go re-pierce my belly button like I'm a young hot 21-year-old again, maybe even wear some crop tops to show it off.

How can we support you in reaching your goal? I just love the community of striving for something together. I feel a little lonely being somebody who has been on this board for so long and doesn't have WSL or even BSL length hair to show for it due to constantly getting in my own way, so it's nice to gather with other ladies who are striving for lengths that others might consider short, but heck...it'd be an accomplishment for me.

Looks like APL is number 3 or 4. Glad you joined, let's grow!

 

[faithVA]

I need to join this challenge. 2025 is my year of being back on the boards and joining all the challenges. I'm just gonna embrace it.

What length are you now? I think that I am full SL or maybe approaching CBL.

What is your length goal for 2025 ? I want to be approaching APL. It's kind of unclear to me where that is on the shirt I'm using because it looks like that would be all the way down at the #7. Hey, put it this way...I need that hair to at least start touching the darn numbers on the shirt If it gets to the #3 line by the end of the year, I'll be ecstatic. This picture is from April 18th.

What's your plan/regimen to reach your goal? Actually sticking to low manipulation and embracing way more buns than I ever have in the past. Shampoo and deep condition twice a week, maybe some cowashing in the summer. Going to ONE stylist that I trust for a silk press and trim every three months. This might honestly be the most important change I've made this year. I used to hop around from chair to chair for my trims, and that isn't the way to retain length, at least for me.

How will you celebrate/reward yourself when you reach your goal? If I reach my hair and weight loss goals this year, I'm going to go re-pierce my belly button like I'm a young hot 21-year-old again, maybe even wear some crop tops to show it off.

How can we support you in reaching your goal? I just love the community of striving for something together. I feel a little lonely being somebody who has been on this board for so long and doesn't have WSL or even BSL length hair to show for it due to constantly getting in my own way, so it's nice to gather with other ladies who are striving for lengths that others might consider short, but heck...it'd be an accomplishment for me.

I've been here as long as you shooting for the same lengths. Hoping this is a wonderful year for the both of us.

One of the things I noticed is the distance from our crown to APL is really long. It's probably 16 to 20 inches. On some ogf the other ladies that MBL or WL so it makes getting to those layers take more time. But the distance from APL to thexrest of them is about 4 inches each.

So getting to APL is longer and then hopefully faster from there. We shall see. One step at a time.

Happy Growing

 

[pikkonoloidlee]

One of the things I noticed is the distance from our crown to APL is really long. It's probably 16 to 20 inches. On some ogf the other ladies that MBL or WL so it makes getting to those layers take more time. But the distance from APL to thexrest of them is about 4 inches each.

So getting to APL is longer and then hopefully faster from there.

This reminded me of a conversation I had with a friend not too long ago that one of the bonuses of us being short is that once you get to a certain point you start hitting length goals back to back because it doesn't have much back to travel down.

 

[Bette Davis Eyes]

Yup. I have a long way from crown to APL but I always get to APL and then Below Shoulder Blade and do something drastic.

Cut chunks of hair out when taking my crochet out. I’ve did it like five times, LOL.

Dah well. Like @Rocky91 I’m super busy and I have insane work commute. I’m living in crochet braids and I think this might be the best at getting to waist length once I get BSL.

 

[ItsMeLilLucky]

@Rocky91
Me too girl. I always used to cut my hair off.

 

[faithVA]

I'm serious about my goals this year, so I'm actually embracing buns. That's a new one for me because I've been stubbornly resisting protective styling forever, but I'm so busy right now, I don't even have the extra time for my usual low manipulation styles.

Here's the bun I'm wearing today, just a simple middle part tucked ends bun, no bobby pins necessary. I was inspired by this video from Hairlicious. Her bun videos are beautiful and since my stretched out natural hair gets close to resembling her airdried relaxed hair, I love getting ideas from her. I know it looks kinda tight, but that's just the edge control/gel.

It looks beautiful. Do you sleep in it or take it down at night?

 

[faithVA]

Reset my hair for work.
Rinsed, conditioned, added edition leave in, water and the gel.

I put in two flat twist while in the shower. My hair is going to be wet all night. Will try to get it done earlier next time.

 

[Rocky91]

It looks beautiful. Do you sleep in it or take it down at night?

Thank you! I take it down at night and loosely braid or twist so the hair stays stretched.

 

[ItsMeLilLucky]

Yup. I have a long way from crown to APL but I always get to APL and then Below Shoulder Blade and do something drastic.

Cut chunks of hair out when taking my crochet out. I’ve did it like five times, LOL.

Dah well. Like @Rocky91 I’m super busy and I have insane work commute. I’m living in crochet braids and I think this might be the best at getting to waist length once I get BSL.

Dang girl you gots to be more careful lol

 

[B_Phlyy]

What length are you now?

Past SL

What is your length goal for 2025 ?

Full APL

What's your plan/regimen to reach your goal?

Mini braids/twists and cornrows that I wash, DC, and moisturize frequently. 2-3x per week massages with oil. Redo braids every 6 weeks with 1-2 weeks off.
Trim and color as needed. Continue to follow up with my dermatologist and PCP regarding nutrition and supplements


How will you celebrate/reward yourself when you reach your goal?

Probably buy more oil and conditioner

How can we support you in reaching your goal

Encouraging words as well as recommendations for any corrections if needed. Product reviews, links to articles/videos on techniques.

 

[VarieYvette]

Hi!!! Joining in since these are my length goals for 2025/2026

What length are you now?

Full neck length, waiting a bit before claiming SL

What is your length goal for 2025 ?

Full APL

What's your plan/regimen to reach your goal?

Wash, DC and coat hair in a butter or grease every 2 weeks since I'm now in winter. Protective style using braids, I'm doing the old fashioned braids that have the knot at the root, I find these last a bit longer and look neater without using gels/jams


How will you celebrate/reward yourself when you reach your goal?

Not sure, probably buy a tymo straightener

How can we support you in reaching your goal

just seeing people's posts makes me less lazy and more motivated

Starting pic (April 2025)

 

[faithVA]

Hi!!! Joining in since these are my length goals for 2025/2026

What length are you now?

Full neck length, waiting a bit before claiming SL

What is your length goal for 2025 ?

Full APL

What's your plan/regimen to reach your goal?

Wash, DC and coat hair in a butter or grease every 2 weeks since I'm now in winter. Protective style using braids, I'm doing the old fashioned braids that have the knot at the root, I find these last a bit longer and look neater without using gels/jams


How will you celebrate/reward yourself when you reach your goal?

Not sure, probably buy a tymo straightener

How can we support you in reaching your goal

just seeing people's posts makes me less lazy and more motivated

Starting pic (April 2025)
View attachment 503702

Welcome! Glad to have you.

Where are you that it is winter?

I think we are close in hair lengths and hair goals. I also have a shirt like yours. I just need to find it. Looking forward to us reaching and passing that first line.

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Hi!!! Joining in since these are my length goals for 2025/2026

What length are you now?

Full neck length, waiting a bit before claiming SL

What is your length goal for 2025 ?

Full APL

What's your plan/regimen to reach your goal?

Wash, DC and coat hair in a butter or grease every 2 weeks since I'm now in winter. Protective style using braids, I'm doing the old fashioned braids that have the knot at the root, I find these last a bit longer and look neater without using gels/jams


How will you celebrate/reward yourself when you reach your goal?

Not sure, probably buy a tymo straightener

How can we support you in reaching your goal

just seeing people's posts makes me less lazy and more motivated

Starting pic (April 2025)
View attachment 503702

Glad to see you in this challenge!

 

[VarieYvette]

Welcome! Glad to have you.

Where are you that it is winter?

I think we are close in hair lengths and hair goals. I also have a shirt like yours. I just need to find it. Looking forward to us reaching and passing that first line.

I'm in the Southern hemisphere, Zimbabwe to be exact.

I got the shirt years ago so its a bit raggedy, maybe my reward will be a new one

 

[Bette Davis Eyes]

I’ll be in and as soon as I make it back home I’ll fully post my starting details.

Saving my spot.

What length are you now?

I’m APL in the back and my bangs are collar bone.

What is your length goal for 2025 ?

Full BSL in the back and APL in the front.

What's your plan/regimen to reach your goal?

Crown and glory every 4 weeks in crochet braids.

How will you celebrate/reward yourself when you reach your goal?

Probably buy some products

How can we support you in reaching your goal

Post your thoughts and revelations during your hair journey

Starting Pic:

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Good Morning
Hope everyone is having a nice start to their weekend!
This is a video I watched for my daily scalp massage today
Hope it inspires some of you

 

[keranikki]

Yoooooo…..I just realized I never officially joined the challenge.

What length are you now? Between SL and CBL.

What is your length goal for 2025 ? APL

What's your plan/regimen to reach your goal? HIDE MY ENDS AND BAGGY! In all seriousness, I plan to hide my hair for the rest of the year. They are currently in twist extensions.
-Current regimen w/extensions:
—Moisten scalp daily with Yerba Mate concentrate
—Moisten hair with braid spray or diluted Infusium 23
—Cleanse scalp weekly with shampoo and a warm rag.

-Current regimen w/o extensions:
—Cowash every other day
—shampoo 1x/month
—DC every wash
—tuck ends into bun
—baggy ends daily
—wear mini braids



How will you celebrate/reward yourself when you reach your goal? I’m undecided.

How can we support you in reaching your goal? By posting your journey

Starting Pic:

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Good Morning
Hope everyone is having a nice start to their weekend!
This is a video I watched for my daily scalp massage today
Hope it inspires some of you

I thought this was a great vid because she shares what got her from NL to almost BSL in less than a year!

• Trim your hair before you start your HCJ (I wouldn't keep trimming after that, I would trim once goal is reached. If you are keeping your ends moisturized with little to no manipulation, you won't have to trim your hair more than once a year or until your goal is reached)
• DC routinely or Keep moisture in your hair in protective styles
• Make your own growth oils (I notice people who have fast hair growth make their own growth oils)
• Consistent with a regimen
• Keep scalp cleansed with moisturizing shampoos (may be better to make DIY, she makes her own Black Soap Shampoo)
• Little to no heat (she flat irons 2x a year)
• Protective styling to prevent over manipulation/breakage of the hair
• Be patient and don't compare yourself with others

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Watched this video during daily scalp massage
Hope it inspires some of you

Collar Bone Length to Hip Length

 

[faithVA]

I'm in the Southern hemisphere, Zimbabwe to be exact.

I got the shirt years ago so its a bit raggedy, maybe my reward will be a new one

I love that about this board. That we can meet and share with sisters all around the world.

Your shirt looks just fine. The lines work so no need for a new one

 

[faithVA]

What length are you now?

I’m APL in the back and my bangs are collar bone.

What is your length goal for 2025 ?

Full BSL in the back and APL in the front.

What's your plan/regimen to reach your goal?

Crown and glory every 4 weeks in crochet braids.

How will you celebrate/reward yourself when you reach your goal?

Probably buy some products

How can we support you in reaching your goal

Post your thoughts and revelations during your hair journey

Starting Pic:

After so many years on the board, I swear this is the first time I've seen your hair

Thank you for joining!

 

[faithVA]

Yoooooo…..I just realized I never officially joined the challenge.

What length are you now? Between SL and CBL.

What is your length goal for 2025 ? APL

What's your plan/regimen to reach your goal? HIDE MY ENDS AND BAGGY! In all seriousness, I plan to hide my hair for the rest of the year. They are currently in twist extensions.
-Current regimen w/extensions:
—Moisten scalp daily with Yerba Mate concentrate
—Moisten hair with braid spray or diluted Infusium 23
—Cleanse scalp weekly with shampoo and a warm rag.

-Current regimen w/o extensions:
—Cowash every other day
—shampoo 1x/month
—DC every wash
—tuck ends into bun
—baggy ends daily
—wear mini braids



How will you celebrate/reward yourself when you reach your goal? I’m undecided.

How can we support you in reaching your goal? By posting your journey

Starting Pic:
View attachment 503782View attachment 503784

Welcome and thank you for officially joining

 

[faithVA]

I had hoped to reset my hair mid-week last week but the week got away from me. I didn't end up redoing my hair until last night so I kept it simple.
Rinsed, detangled, 1 shampoo, conditioned, detangled, rinsed. Applied leave-in and then applied gel like I was going to do a wash and go. Then twisted it up into 2 flat twists.

I will definitely try to rinse and reset Wednesday or Thursday.

I looked through my stash and there is too much stuff that I want to get rid of. I went through bottles that were mostly used and combined them together. Since I plan to do my hair twice a week, I should be able to get rid of a lot of stuff by the end of June. Then I can start looking for replacement products.

 

[Bette Davis Eyes]

After so many years on the board, I swear this is the first time I've seen your hair

Thank you for joining!

I post pictures all the time. You been missing out. I’ve posted them all over. The washngo thread. The braidout thread. Lolol @faithVA

 

[faithVA]

I post pictures all the time. You been missing out. I’ve posted them all over. The washngo thread. The braidout thread. Lolol @faithVA

I just can't remember ever seeing it. I don't know where I've been or what I've been doing. Blame it on the alcohol

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Posting for accountability - will be posting Length Check for August and December

 

[Rocky91]

Lately, I've been splitting my week in half: half buns, half "out" style. I think I am going to retire the rod sets as my "out" set for now because they're just not holding up to my workouts. So perhaps I'll do a twistout or wash and go instead for my Wednesday shampoo tonight. Either way, the challenge, which is my eternal struggle lol, is to minimize my manipulation.

 

[25InchesStarting'25]

Lately, I've been splitting my week in half: half buns, half "out" style. I think I am going to retire the rod sets as my "out" set for now because they're just not holding up to my workouts. So perhaps I'll do a twistout or wash and go instead for my Wednesday shampoo tonight. Either way, the challenge, which is my eternal struggle lol, is to minimize my manipulation.

Would you consider braids or twists for the summer to minimize manipulation?