Home Stretch APL Challenge - 03/01/08 - 03/03/08 Second Group Update

[Nicole1976]

Hello Ladies,

It's time to do our Second check-in.
The following questions were taken from the participants:

1. Are you relaxed, natural or texlaxed? And what are your reasons for choosing this option?

2. Do you all have a set regimen -- if so, please share?

3. What growth aid gives you the most growth and does not smell like funk juice?

4. What is the one thing that keeps you motivated towards your goal?

5. I want to know if anyone is stretching their relaxer?

6 Is full APL important to you or just having any strands reach it?

Home Stretcher's please remember the rules
Here's the link from the first check-in: http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=199795

*************************************************
If you are not part of this challenge,
please feel free to answer the questions
and share your knowledge.
*************************************************

Passing Challengers of Original 25 (To see most current list of challengers
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=199795

1. stinastina
2. runrunrunner
3. almondjoi85
4. Jazzy413
5. mwedzi
6. Valerie
7. motherx2esq
8. SUNSHINE BABY
9. DivaRox
10. BronxJazzy
11. Aggie
12. Galadriel
13. ClueLessaka


Note:
Next check-in will occur March 15-18.
A picture of your favorite protective style will be requested (preferrably a picture of your hair).

 

[Galadriel]

1. Are you relaxed, natural or texlaxed? And what are your reasons for choosing this option?

I am texlaxed. I actually started off accidentally textlaxed and then decided to stay with it. However, after a few months of being texlaxed, I'm not sure if there is any obvious benefit so I am seriously considering just transitioning back to natural.

2. Do you all have a set regimen -- if so, please share?

I wash 2x weekly
I deep condition once a week
I co-wash 2-3x per week
I moisturize and seal daily
I wear protective styles

I'm currently using: CON shampoo, Freeman Sea Kelp Moisturizing Conditioner, African Pride moisturizing leave-in hair spray, coconut oil, and NTM leave-in. Also in rotation are Oyin burnt sugar pomade, castor oil, and Nature's Gate daily herbal conditioner.

3. What growth aid gives you the most growth and does not smell like funk juice?

The only growth aid I'm using is the scented BT

4. What is the one thing that keeps you motivated towards your goal?

Taking pictures to monitor progress really does work! Knowing where I started from and now seeing where I am is the greatest motivation. Last year I started off with chin-length, severely damaged hair. Now my hair is an inch above APL and is thick and healthy.

5. I want to know if anyone is stretching their relaxer?

When I texlax, I stretch for about 12 wks.

6 Is full APL important to you or just having any strands reach it?

Full APL for sure! But I just know it's going to be tempting to claim APL once a little bit of hair hits there

 

[stinastina]

1. Are you relaxed, natural or texlaxed? And what are your reasons for choosing this option?

Natural. My hair was thinning from relaxing. Plus my mom's hair is really thin and I figured that if I stopped putting chemicals on it, I may have a chance to keep my hair from falling out.

2. Do you all have a set regimen -- if so, please share?

Co-washes, shikakai soap, henna for gray, deep conditioning, less manipulation, coconut oil, shea butter.

3. What growth aid gives you the most growth and does not smell like funk juice?

I used to use Wild growth Oil but that was stinky in a good way.

4. What is the one thing that keeps you motivated towards your goal?

Seeing all the beautiful heads of hair on LHCF.

5. I want to know if anyone is stretching their relaxer?

N/A

6 Is full APL important to you or just having any strands reach it?

Full is very important, but I will probably claim APL as soon as I get some strands there !!

 

[youwillrise]

1. Are you relaxed, natural or texlaxed? And what are your reasons for choosing this option?

i am natural. i just like it. haha.

2. Do you all have a set regimen -- if so, please share? right now i'm in protectives (twists). i'll be in protectives all year. i try to deep condition as often as possible...and i've been using grapeseed oil which my hair loves. i use shampoo sparingly and hardcore protein when i feel the need.

3. What growth aid gives you the most growth and does not smell like funk juice? no growth aids

4. What is the one thing that keeps you motivated towards your goal? i dunno...i just...try to stay posi about it!

5. I want to know if anyone is stretching their relaxer? ---

6 Is full APL important to you or just having any strands reach it?

no, because i'll never be "full" anything. i'll always be one place in one spot and somewhere else in another. i have no intentions on "evening" my hair up either. the back might get to APL, but the front is chin length and my sides are collarbone.

 

[almondjoi85]

1. Are you relaxed, natural or texlaxed? And what are your reasons for choosing this option?

I'm relaxed/texlaxed (my hair is not str8 when wet or when it dries but I do have a relaxer) I like the options of being relaxed and it makes it easier for me, esp since I prefer to wear my hair str8 mostly.

2. Do you all have a set regimen -- if so, please share? Yes. Click here for it

3. What growth aid gives you the most growth and does not smell like funk juice? I just started using Doo Gro hair oil, the scent is great. BUT i'm not noticing any difference in my hair.

4. What is the one thing that keeps you motivated towards your goal? Proving my boyfriend wrong and also Candy_C's hair.

5. I want to know if anyone is stretching their relaxer? Not exactly, I get one about every 10 weeks. Longer than I use to go, but not a stretch in my eyes.

6 Is full APL important to you or just having any strands reach it? Full APL is important to me, I feel wrong claiming it if just a few strands are touching.

 

[Jazzy413]

1. Are you relaxed, natural or texlaxed? And what are your reasons for choosing this option?

Texlaxed, but it was my first attempt after my first stretch which lasted 8 months. I was inititally transitioning but my lifestyle has been way too hectic to maintain my natural hair but I still wanted the body/thickness i had while transitioning -- I think my texlax was way too underprocessed so I may process a bit longer next time.

2. Do you all have a set regimen -- if so, please share?

*Ayurvedic oils/powders(Twice a week for 3 weeks - Wednesdays& Saturdays)
Pre-poo with Amla oil/Brahmi oil/Vatika Oil
Rinse w/ 2:1 ratio of Amla powder& Shikaiki powder
DC w/ Suave Humectant or Elucence MB
*4th week clarify with Suave Clarifying poo/Condish w/ Elucence MB
*Daily Mositure - Sunsilk Hydra TLC mixed with avocado butter/Seal with coconut oil or Vatika Olive Oil
*Protective styling

3. What growth aid gives you the most growth and does not smell like funk juice?

No growth aids at this point, unless Ayurvedic oils & powders count. May start MN for the month of March to maximize growth

4. What is the one thing that keeps you motivated towards your goal?

Seeing other's progress, documenting my own, getting compliments on my hair

5. I want to know if anyone is stretching their relaxer?

Yes, 1st stretch was 8 months b/c I was trying to transition. On 2nd stretch, currently at 13 weeks, aiming for 16.

6 Is full APL important to you or just having any strands reach it?

Full APL would be nice, but I had layers so the top/front of my hair will have to catch up. I think it might look nice that way. I would definitelylike the backand sides to be full APL, and will claim it tentatively when some strands reach it

 

[anon123]

Hello Ladies,

It's time to do our Second check-in.
The following questions were taken from the participants:

1. Are you relaxed, natural or texlaxed? And what are your reasons for choosing this option?

I am natural. I hate the hair straightening process. It costs money, takes a lot of time, and what's worse, it hurts like hell. I figure, nothing's wrong with my natural hair, so why do this to myself?

2. Do you all have a set regimen -- if so, please share?

Not yet. Maybe in the future.

3. What growth aid gives you the most growth and does not smell like funk juice?

I don't take any growth aids. Unless you count water. I drink a lot of water, and 95% of what I drink is water. It's free! And good for you! And doesn't smell like funk juice! Oh, I try to take a multivitamin, but sometimes I forget. Good reminder, I haven't taken one today.

4. What is the one thing that keeps you motivated towards your goal?

I'm lacking motivation. In fact, I decided I'm going to cut my hair. But not until after this challenge.

5. I want to know if anyone is stretching their relaxer?
Yes, I am approximately 640 weeks post. okay, i'll stop being silly.

6 Is full APL important to you or just having any strands reach it?

yes, full APL is important. when any part of my hair reaches apl, i'll say that i've satisfied this challenge. then i'll cut it. when i cut my hair, i'm going to cut it even. or at least more even. maybe put it in braids. then join the other apl challenge on the board.

Answers are in purple.

 

[anon123]

6 Is full APL important to you or just having any strands reach it?

no, because i'll never be "full" anything. i'll always be one place in one spot and somewhere else in another. i have no intentions on "evening" my hair up either. the back might get to APL, but the front is chin length and my sides are collarbone.

Hey, that's just like my hair! Except my fronts are a little below chin, my sides are shoulder, and my back is near apl. I think it's what happens when you cut your hair into an all-around even 'fro. All the hair is the same length, so the hair at the top falls higher than the hair at the bottom. I don't like my extreme layering, though. After I finish this challenge, I'm going to cut off at least an inch (non-stretched) in the back.

 

[phyl73]

I'm out!!! I cut off about 4 inches. I'm back to shoulder length, but it looks sooooo much better!

Hello Ladies,

It's time to do our Second check-in.
The following questions were taken from the participants:

1. Are you relaxed, natural or texlaxed? And what are your reasons for choosing this option?

2. Do you all have a set regimen -- if so, please share?

3. What growth aid gives you the most growth and does not smell like funk juice?

4. What is the one thing that keeps you motivated towards your goal?

5. I want to know if anyone is stretching their relaxer?

6 Is full APL important to you or just having any strands reach it?

Home Stretcher's please remember the rules
Here's the link from the first check-in: http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=199795

*************************************************
If you are not part of this challenge,
please feel free to answer the questions
and share your knowledge.
*************************************************

Passing Challengers (To see most current list of challengers
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=199795

Note:
Next check-in will occur March 15-18.
A picture of your favorite protective style will be requested (preferrably a picture of your hair).

 

[Valerie]

1. Are you relaxed, natural or texlaxed? And what are your reasons for choosing this option?
I am natural.

2. Do you all have a set regimen -- if so, please share?
I wash my hair with Asian herbs such as amla, brahmi, egg, castor oil and olive oil and condition my hair with aloe vera gel, castor oil, olive oil, MSM, egg, gelatine, which is mixed into a smooth paste and left on for at minimum of 15 to 20 minutes, which is covered with a plastic bag, then my hair is rinsed off and I comb and style it into twists. I also rinse daily with a mixture of MSM, aloe vera gel, rosewater, glycerine, conditioner, which I put in a 50ml bottle and I add water to it and shake it vigourously, then I cover my hair with a stocking and pour the mixture of my hair. Afterwards I cover my hair with a towel so that excess moisture can be absorbed.

3. What growth aid gives you the most growth and does not smell like funk juice?
Castor oil mixed with aloe vera gel, plus my own oil mix, with is brahmi, amla, sulphur, MSM and castor oil, plus I massage daily.

4. What is the one thing that keeps you motivated towards your goal?
Looking at other natural and non-natural ladies who have got tremendous growth in year and a half to two years, while I have been lazy for a long time. So this year 2008, I had to take action to get results.

5. I want to know if anyone is stretching their relaxer?
n/a

6 Is full APL important to you or just having any strands reach it?
Yes, it is very important, because I should have reached it over two years ago, but I have been very lazy. My laziness has been due to the fact that although I would wash and condition weekly and rinse my hair daily. I rarely ever deep conditioned my hair, or massaged. I have been doing deep conditioning treatments and it has started to make a difference.


*************************************************
If you are not part of this challenge,
please feel free to answer the questions
and share your knowledge.
*************************************************

Passing Challengers (To see most current list of challengers
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=199795

Note:
Next check-in will occur March 15-18.
A picture of your favorite protective style will be requested (preferrably a picture of your hair). [/QUOTE]

 

[motherx2esq]

1. Are you relaxed, natural or texlaxed? And what are your reasons for choosing this option?
I am relaxed. I have been relaxed for over 20 years and I like being relaxed.

2. Do you all have a set regimen -- if so, please share?
I preepoo the night before my wash day. I shampoo with Dove Moisturizer Shampoo and conditioner once a week. I cowash once or twice a week. I only use heat every other wash day and never when I cowash. I wear protective styles all the time. Wigs, sew ins, buns, roller sets or whatever keeps my ends protected. I baggy also.

3. What growth aid gives you the most growth and does not smell like funk juice?
I use WGO and MTG neither smells bad to me.

4. What is the one thing that keeps you motivated towards your goal?
I cannot wait until the day I can have a roller set and my hair hangs real low and swings! That is my motivation!

5. I want to know if anyone is stretching their relaxer?
I stretch my relaxer. Actually I do not remember the last time I relaxed. I think I will relax in May.

6 Is full APL important to you or just having any strands reach it?
Yes I would like full APL.
​

 

[PureSilver]

Hello Ladies,

It's time to do our Second check-in.
The following questions were taken from the participants:

1. Are you relaxed, natural or texlaxed? And what are your reasons for choosing this option?
I'm relaxed, i really prefer a straight look. Texlax gives a fuller look with more body and curls which i sometimes like but i like my hair really straight.

2. Do you all have a set regimen -- if so, please share?
Not really, my best technique is listening to my hair which usually gives me the best results

3. What growth aid gives you the most growth and does not smell like funk juice?
I would say MTG & VITS

4. What is the one thing that keeps you motivated towards your goal?
I would say the fotkis of members of LHCF who have long beautiful relaxed hair and the ladies who started out with very short hair and have managed to reach BSL & MBL

5. I want to know if anyone is stretching their relaxer?
Yes i am stretching right now trying to do a 6mths stretch

6 Is full APL important to you or just having any strands reach it?
Yes full APL is very important to me because i intend to get beyond APL and on my way to BSL by the end of this year.

Home Stretcher's please remember the rules
Here's the link from the first check-in: http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=199795

*************************************************
If you are not part of this challenge,
please feel free to answer the questions
and share your knowledge.
*************************************************

Passing Challengers (To see most current list of challengers
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=199795

Note:
Next check-in will occur March 15-18.
A picture of your favorite protective style will be requested (preferrably a picture of your hair).

Looking forward to the next challege update. I thought this update would have been the picture one, (thank heavens it's not because i haven't had the chance to replace my camera yet)

 

[Nicole1976]

I'm out!!! I cut off about 4 inches. I'm back to shoulder length, but it looks sooooo much better!

I'm out too....LOL

I will be getting a major cut today, it will leave me with inch or two pass SL

My layers and my hair's uneven growth has caused me to do this. I will still continue to run this Challenge however

I really want to see how the rest of you ladies are going to do!

Good Luck to the remaining ladies!!!

 

[Galadriel]

I'm out too....LOL

I will be getting a major cut today, it will leave me with inch or two pass SL

Noooooooooooooo!!!!!!
Well if I don't make it, I think I'll get a little bit of a trim myself. I have uneven hair and layers as well erplexed

 

[DivaRox]

Hello Ladies,

It's time to do our Second check-in.
The following questions were taken from the participants:

1. Are you relaxed, natural or texlaxed? And what are your reasons for choosing this option? Relaxed-I haven't had any awful experiences being relaxed. I think I initially relaxed because my grandmother was no longer able to press my hair.

2. Do you all have a set regimen -- if so, please share? Not really other than frequent shampooing and deep conditioning, using a leave in every time and paying attention to my moisture/protein balance as well as I can. I use a plethora of products because my first year on the board I just had to try EVERYTHING

3. What growth aid gives you the most growth and does not smell like funk juice? I'd say mn gave me good growth when my hair was creeping along but now I mix it with eos and it smells really herbally.

4. What is the one thing that keeps you motivated towards your goal? Seeing my hair progress
5. I want to know if anyone is stretching their relaxer? Yes, 12 weeks min

6 Is full APL important to you or just having any strands reach it? Umm, full apl is important but for the purpose of this challenge, I'm going to be happy that my v point is just about there. Full apl, as in front and sides is still several months away-maybe July. It really makes a difference though. I remember when I reached shoulder in the back before my sides caught up. It looks so much better now that my sides are past shoulder

Home Stretcher's please remember the rules
Here's the link from the first check-in: http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=199795

*************************************************
If you are not part of this challenge,
please feel free to answer the questions
and share your knowledge.
*************************************************

Answers are above

 

[VictoriousBrownFlower]

1. Are you relaxed, natural or texlaxed? And what are your reasons for choosing this option? I just recently relaxed bone straight because i like wearing my hair in straight styles and texlaxed required too much heat.

2. Do you all have a set regimen -- if so, please share? I'm a big supporter of K.I.S.S. I wash once a wk put a leave in oil to seal and let it air dry. I then keep it in a bun all wk.

3. What growth aid gives you the most growth and does not smell like funk juice? I've only used Mn straight no chaser. It worked well but I've recently given it up.

4. What is the one thing that keeps you motivated towards your goal? Every month I see progress and it gets me excited to see where i will be next month. So the monthly progress keeps me inspired to keep going.

5. I want to know if anyone is stretching their relaxer? I just finished a 3 month stretch and am planning on doing another 3 month stretch.

6 Is full APL important to you or just having any strands reach it? I really want full armpit but even a couple of hairs touching would excite. If I dont get full armpit by the end of this challenge it wont bother me too much because I know I'll get there eventually.

 

[Aggie]

1. Are you relaxed, natural or texlaxed? And what are your reasons for choosing this option?
I texlaxed with my last relaxer because my hair is fine and I love how thick my looks when I texlax it.

2. Do you all have a set regimen -- if so, please share?
I don't really have one at the moment as I am still trying many products and working my way out of PJism. I do however have a few staple products that I can't do without. I just started using ayurvedic hair powders and oils and I must say I already love the benefits of thickness and strength they give my hair. I will be trying henna next.

3. What growth aid gives you the most growth and does not smell like funk juice?
I like my MN mix I put together with added essential oils, moisturizer and carrier oils which I try to use about 3 times a week.

4. What is the one thing that keeps you motivated towards your goal?
I'd say it is my own very strong desire to get to MBL, besides even God has said the beauty of a woman is her hair. So I strongly desire long hair - Finally at this stage in my life. Hopefully, this is one of the things in my life that would be pleasing to Him.

5. I want to know if anyone is stretching their relaxer?
Yes. I feel that stretching my relaxer not only aid in added thickness and prevents over-processing, but helps to keep my hair strands strong and healthy. I try to stretch at least 14 weeks minimum and this time I'm aiming for a 7 month stretch. I am currently 11 and a half weeks and plan to relax around July 17th or 24th.

6 Is full APL important to you or just having any strands reach it?
Yes indeed it is. I am currently at APL, in fact I reached APL about 3 weeks ago but the real reason I am continuing with this thread is because I want to reach full APL on March 30th, 2008. It's not over until it's over so I will complete this challenge.

HAPPY HAIR GROWING EVERYONE!

 

[Nicole1976]

Noooooooooooooo!!!!!!
Well if I don't make it, I think I'll get a little bit of a trim myself. I have uneven hair and layers as well erplexed

Yep, I'm definitely not going to make it erplexed

I just got back from having my hair cut and it looks fabulous, but it's only an inch past my shoulders, I would need another 2 inches or so to make it

I'm looking at June now (My hair grows like a snail)

 

[almondjoi85]

NICOLE! NOOOO! I was looking forward to seeing your progress! I'm mad @ you! There are only a few of us left now!

Well happy growing to everyone! Can't wait to see the pictures!

 

[Aggie]

Yep, I'm definitely not going to make it erplexed

I just got back from having my hair cut and it looks fabulous, but it's only an inch past my shoulders, I would need another 2 inches or so to make it

I'm looking at June now (My hair grows like a snail)

Well Nicole, I can't say I'm not disappointed about this because I am. But you know, only you know what your hair needs and if you felt it was in your hair's best interest to have it cut then I support you no matter what. Good luck on growing it all back honey.

Please understand that you're not entirely off the hook because you are the OP of this thread and we still expect you to lead this thread and complete the updates. In fact, you are still in charge of seeing us to the finish line on March 30th, 2008, right girls?

 

[Nicole1976]

NICOLE! NOOOO! I was looking forward to seeing your progress! I'm mad @ you! There are only a few of us left now!

Well happy growing to everyone! Can't wait to see the pictures!

I'm really sad about it...trust me

I'm looking at June or July now for APL. Can you believe that

I'm excited to see who's going to get it also!

 

[Nicole1976]

Well Nicole, I can't say I'm not disappointed about this because I am. But you know, only you know what your hair needs and if you felt it was in your hair's best interest to have it cut then I support you no matter what. Good luck on growing it all back honey.

Please understand that you're not entirely off the hook because you are the OP of this thread and we still expect you to lead this thread and complete the updates. In fact, you are still in charge of seeing us to the finish line on March 30th, 2008, right girls?

Of Course, I will be monitoring the challenge still! I cant wait to see who's gonna get it.

I am however sad that I wont be in with the finalist

 

[Nicole1976]

3 Hours left....not many left standing...(including myself)!

 

[sweetpeadst]

when is this challenge over?

 

[Nicole1976]

Hi SweatPeast

The last day of this challenge is March 31st

We just have Group Update rules. The last day for the second group update is today midnight.

 

[sweetpeadst]

oh ok well i hope the best for everyone in this challenge left standing!

 

[Lynnerie]

1. Are you relaxed, natural or texlaxed? And what are your reasons for choosing this option?

I'm relaxed. I'm closer to my goal being relaxed. My hair does well with relaxers, never have had any issues thanks be to God.

2. Do you all have a set regimen -- if so, please share?
I wash twice a week. once to rollerset, the other time i may do a braidout or airdry and rock a phony pony.

3. What growth aid gives you the most growth and does not smell like funk juice?
I take vitamins, drink knox geletin, occasional MN user.

4. What is the one thing that keeps you motivated towards your goal?
The Ladies here and wanting to be able to wear my hair in more styles.

5. I want to know if anyone is stretching their relaxer?

I stretch 10 to 12 weeks.

6 Is full APL important to you or just having any strands reach it?

Full is important. I need more length from the top too. I want my front to be longer not just the back

 

[ChocolateSoda]

Hello Ladies,

It's time to do our Second check-in.
The following questions were taken from the participants:

1. Are you relaxed, natural or texlaxed? And what are your reasons for choosing this option? Lightly Relaxed (I keep a lot of curl definition - don't know if this is considered texlaxed)

2. Do you all have a set regimen -- if so, please share?
Yes. I co-wash 3 times a week & Amla oil rinse, moisturize with water sealed with oil(castor & EVOO), Apogee leave in conditioner (protein) when I need it, deep condition 1x a week, MN mixed w/castor, coconut oil & Sublimed sulfur 2-3x a week. Sunsilk Hydra TLC when styling wash n go.

3. What growth aid gives you the most growth and does not smell like funk juice?

MN mix mentioned above, smells faintly of coconuts

4. What is the one thing that keeps you motivated towards your goal?

Just wanting to achieve healthier hair, the growth is a bonus

5. I want to know if anyone is stretching their relaxer?

Yes, last relaxer was Jan 13 and I plan to stretch until May (birthday)

6 Is full APL important to you or just having any strands reach it?

I would like full APL.

Trying to get there. I have such a horrible camera. Hopeing to borrow one by the next check in.