Luscious Healthy Ends Challenge 2023

[Chicoro]

I'm worried.

This length is my hair DANGER ZONE!​

I am in the zone of my BREAK POINT. My break point is between waist length and tailbone length. I am about two inches passed waist length right now. I am sticking with the clay because my hair is as gentle as a kitten when I use it.

This Queen Helene conditioner makes my hair lubricated and easier to manage.

I KNOW my Ends Routine is working because of the state of my ends so I shall continue with the Shea butter and Vaseline rolled up in coated rubber bands with a baggie.

The matting happens when I let my hair get dry at the roots and when I don't cover with a scarf. In fact, the covering of my head keeps my hair moist.

I am getting antsy and nervous at this point because THIS is the ZONE and LENGTH when and where the breakage ENSUES, for different reasons.


Here I go.


I'm trying to shore up all the problem areas I discovered over the 6 to 7 years. My biggest Aha's were:

• Addition of Shea butter to my routine. (circa 2016)
• Using clay to cleanse instead of shampoo. (circa 2023)
• Using Shea and Vaseline on my ends with a baggie. (circa 2023)
• Deep conditioning with heat cap using doctored Queen Helene Cholesterol
• Using light protein every wash day.
• Incorporating Aphogee 2 Step every 8 weeks
• Trimming and straightening at least 2x per year.
• Keeping hair covered at night
• Wearing a baggie and keeping my pony moist.

I hope I am finally prepared and ready for this danger zone.


I HOPE.​

i

 

[GettingKinky]

I’ve found that using both Epres bond builder and a protein conditioner makes my hair looks a bit stiff and strange after I diffuse. For now I’m going back to only using the protein conditoner on my ends for my regular weekly wash.
Maybe I will use the protein conditioner on the full length of my hair periodically maybe when I clarify every 6-8 weeks.

 

[Lylddlebit]

Salutations!

Currently traveling for work and just realized I forgot my scarf. It’s too late in the evening to make a Target run. Le sigh.
My hair is back in twists, but chunkier. Current hair notes:
1) The left side of my head has a lower density than the right. I think it’s due to muscle tension.
2) My ends are very frizzy, but aren’t split. I’m perplexed. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong or if I’m doing anything wrong.
3) The nape is now shoulder length. My crown is at the bottom of my neck. My lower sides are just touching collarbone. The front is down to my chin. Overall, my hair is growing very well.
4) I’m going through a curl pattern change and I’m unprepared. My sides refuse to hang. As the hair grows, the curls are getting tighter, like a pen spring. This is the only area that’s doing this. My bang curls better now, though it is nowhere near as tight as the sides.

It doesn't sound like you are doing anything wrong. Consistent growth is indicative of a good regimen, whereas frizzy ends are conditional. The heat and humidity are showing out this year. Your hair sounds solid.

 

[Mapleoats]

I need a hair break for my own sanity. As in, protective styling braids/ faux locs etc for 3 months with takedown and restyle every 4-6 weeks. But the last time I did this (roughly 1 year ago) I feel like it contributed to my ends breaking off. Does anyone have recommendations for how to safely take a 3 month hair hiatus?

 

[GettingKinky]

I need a hair break for my own sanity. As in, protective styling braids/ faux locs etc for 3 months with takedown and restyle every 4-6 weeks. But the last time I did this (roughly 1 year ago) I feel like it contributed to my ends breaking off. Does anyone have recommendations for how to safely take a 3 month hair hiatus?

I don’t have any experience with protective styles, but what about a low effort style like bunning?
You still have to interact with your hair, but it’s quick and easy.

 

[Lylddlebit]

In the condensed version: I am a fan of braids. Your ends can maintain very well in them if you keep your braids moisturized, have a gentle install, and have a gentle take down. I wore braids the size of chopsticks and they maintained my hair within them well with a regular wash and condition routine. They were practical to keep in for up to three months while only redoing the perimeter every month when I only wanted them for 2-3 months or constantly redoing a few rows at a time each month if I wanted to wear them for long windows of time and keep them looking fresh. You can maintain good ends within braids with a gentle install, keeping them moisturized and then gently unraveling them with the same intention that it took to put them in. Most ends damage occurs during the takedown but can be prevented by keeping them moisturized during the entire style and unraveling them gently before taking the time to gently detangle, them after you take them out.

 

[snoop]

I micro trimmed my hair yesterday.

I feel like I've stopped retaining but can't tell if I'm losing length. After using the gloss bar a few weeks ago my hair hasn't fully recovered. My strands were soooo tight out felt like I had lost length. And I think that the water at my parents' house may be a bit harder than mine. It'll be a few more weeks before I think I can get my hair to relax, again.

That said, I learned that hard, tight hair feels different that strengthened and/or shrunken hair. The difference isn't something that I can fully articulate but it feels different.

 

[Chicoro]

I've heard it twice (2x) now. What?

@Lylddlebit said something to the effect of noticing when your hair starts to get matted, or starts to get dry and then try to get ahead of it to avoid it in the future. I had mentioned that my hair was matted on one of my wash days. She suggested that I try to identify about 'when' the matting starts to occur. Once I did that, then try to get in front of the matting and maybe moisturize or do what I needed or make a change BEFORE the matting starts.

This lady says something similar @3:29 in her video.

My Top Tips for Natural Hair Growth and Length Retention​

by Ashlynn Ellesse

She mentioned that a stylist asked her when her hair starts to feel dry. The lady in the video said around day #4. Her then stylist said then add moisture around day #3. She goes on to briefly explain how she adds moisture and what's her process.


The POINT of this post is to show how it is important to be mindful of small changes. "Notice" at which point in time the hair starts to get matted or starts to become dry is a 'SMALL' thing to do. BUT, the impact of getting in front of that matting and dryness is HUGE.

It's the 'little' tweaks and modifications in your routine that may pay huge dividends down the road.

 

[Chicoro]

I'm back in Los Angeles and managed to get my hands on some Xtreme gel. It still is the BEST gel for my hair. I am going to the post office to mail the 5 jars to myself back in France. They are too heavy to carry in my luggage. I have enough to last me about 1 year, I think!

I bought three Cake Cutter Combs, too! These things are great for detangling my hair

 

[GettingKinky]

It’s been 14 weeks since my last trim and my next one is in 2 weeks. I think 16 weeks may be a bit too long. I should aim for every 12-14 weeks.

 

[Chicoro]

Back in France. I didn’t mail my five jars of Xtreme gel. Turns out I got a text from the airlines saying the flight was full and that I could check my hand baggage for free.

So I stuffed all five jars in my carry on bag, which I checked in for free. Those things weigh 1 kilogram each.

I had to leave my two giant Queen Helene Cholesterol conditioners with my mom as I had absolutely no space in my luggage. I can get a close dupe of Queen Helene in France.

 

[ItsMeLilLucky]

Back in France. I didn’t mail my five jars of Xtreme gel. Turns out I got a text from the airlines saying the flight was full and that I could check my hand baggage for free.

So I stuffed all five jars in my carry on bag, which I checked in for free. Those things weigh 1 kilogram each.

I had to leave my two giant Queen Helene Cholesterol conditioners with my mom as I had absolutely no space in my luggage. I can get a close dupe of Queen Helene in France.

Can your mom ship your jars later?

 

[Chicoro]

Can your mom ship your jars later?

Hey Lovely Lady,

My mother can send them but it is not worth it. It will cost a minimum of 45 to 65 dollars using those flat rate boxes at the post office. Then you have to complete customs paper work, usually in triple - a copy for sender, post office and the receiver-which requires you to stand in line where at least 6 people are ahead of you in the line. Then you GET the papers and then you have to step aside away from the service window to fill them out, then you have to go back to the window. That’s at least 45 minutes. So, for me, it’s just not worth it to ask family to send it.
If I plan well, I pack stuff and send it myself to myself a couple of days before I return to France. It takes the package about 2 weeks or 14 days to arrive. But customs usually opens and leaves the top off at least one of my products and it is either completely wasted or half spilled. And if I send more than two boxes, sometimes boxes number 3 + are returned back to the US marked undeliverable!

 

[ItsMeLilLucky]

@Chicoro that is unfortunate Humans makes things so complicated sometimes. Sorry you couldn't bring everything that you wanted home.

 

[Chicoro]

@Chicoro that is unfortunate Humans makes things so complicated sometimes. Sorry you couldn't bring everything that you wanted home.

Aww, that’s sweet of you. Thank you. It’s okay. I’m used to having to leave things behind. When I left the United States for France, my entire life was packed in two large bags. I had to leave the rest. Thus, leaving behind two jars of conditioners is nothing in comparison to having to let go of and leave behind so many things that were dear to me.

 

[ItsMeLilLucky]

@Chicoro I can't imagine doing that. I hope to be half as brave as you.

 

[Chicoro]

@Chicoro I can't imagine doing that. I hope to be half as brave as you.

 

[Napp]

@Chicoro I wish you had a Sally’s or something like it in France. Cholesterol deep conditioner have become my staple DC. I hope you can find something close.

 

[Chicoro]

@Chicoro I wish you had a Sally’s or something like it in France. Cholesterol deep conditioner have become my staple DC. I hope you can find something close.

Oh, thank you so much.


This is what I can find in the black beauty supply houses. One lady looked at it and turned up her nose and said,"That's cheap". I DO NOT CARE. This is the closest thing to Queen Helene Cholesterol. It works like Queen Helene, too. Sometimes I can find it and sometimes I can't. It's super greasy and lubricating like Queen Helene.
It is only $6.00 dollars here, too.


What I absolutely CANNOT get here is Xtreme Gel. Hence, I stuffed the five (5) kilogram jars in my bag. They are worth their weight in gold to me while abroad here in France.

@Napp when did Queen Helene Cholesterol conditioner become a staple for you? I don't remember you mentioning it before, not that I know everything you use!


I am going back to Queen Helene/Hollywood Beauty. I've been away too long.

 

[Chicoro]

Uh oh! I just see that iHerb.fr carries Queen Helene Cholesterol Conditioner. Well, well, well! Looky here: The price is covered over by the drop down box. It's about 8 Euros. It looks like it is out of stock but soon to be available. It's on Amazon.fr too. I prefer to buy it directly from the store, on the ground. It looks like I got some options here in France, my Pretty Folks!

 

[Lylddlebit]

Oh, thank you so much.
View attachment 490857

This is what I can find in the black beauty supply houses. One lady looked at it and turned up her nose and said,"That's cheap". I DO NOT CARE. This is the closest thing to Queen Helene Cholesterol. It works like Queen Helene, too. Sometimes I can find it and sometimes I can't. It's super greasy and lubricating like Queen Helene.
It is only $6.00 dollars here, too.


What I absolutely CANNOT get here is Xtreme Gel. Hence, I stuffed the five (5) kilogram jars in my bag. They are worth their weight in gold to me while abroad here in France.

@Napp when did Queen Helene Cholesterol conditioner become a staple for you? I don't remember you mentioning it before, not that I know everything you use!


I am going back to Queen Helene/Hollywood Beauty. I've been away too long.

Don't you just love it when your hair loves practical and easy-to-find products? That right there is hair favor lol!

 

[Chicoro]

Do you just love wit when your hair loves practical and easy-to-find products? That right there is hair favor lol!

Yes, absolutely! Simple products and most stuff I can get anywhere are things that work for me.

Now, I have to stay consistent and do my part and be a great caretaker of my hair.

If I want my hair to thrive, I cannot have my hair on auto pilot. I got to re-start putting in the work again. Simple products that are readily available help one to focus on being a good hair caretaker.

 

[Napp]

Oh, thank you so much.
View attachment 490857

This is what I can find in the black beauty supply houses. One lady looked at it and turned up her nose and said,"That's cheap". I DO NOT CARE. This is the closest thing to Queen Helene Cholesterol. It works like Queen Helene, too. Sometimes I can find it and sometimes I can't. It's super greasy and lubricating like Queen Helene.
It is only $6.00 dollars here, too.


What I absolutely CANNOT get here is Xtreme Gel. Hence, I stuffed the five (5) kilogram jars in my bag. They are worth their weight in gold to me while abroad here in France.

@Napp when did Queen Helene Cholesterol conditioner become a staple for you? I don't remember you mentioning it before, not that I know everything you use!


I am going back to Queen Helene/Hollywood Beauty. I've been away too long.

I have been hooked on silk elements cholesterol since I tried it. I apply my regular conditioner for two minutes and then the cholesterol for 5 and it turns my hair into butter

 

[ckisland]

Update!!
After a few trims, here's my new starting length. I hope to be back to BSL by the end of the year.

 

[Mapleoats]

Thank you @Lylddlebit for the braids tips! I have an appointment next Friday to get some installed. I will keep posted how my ends fair.

 

[Chicoro]

So, I went into Lyon today to buy me some hair products. Next week I start back to work. I went looking for the Hollywood Olive Oil Cholesterol conditioner that I have seen. I went to four (4) of the beauty supplies.

NOTHIN'.

For whatever reason, I decided to enter into a beauty supply across the street that I HAVE NEVER set foot in. One main reason is because they always have MEN in the front soliciting you off the street for a hair cut or to come into the store. I HATE THAT! This store has been here at least five years.

I cannot tell you what made me stop and look at it and go in. But go in I did. I scoured the shelves for Hollywood cholesterol.


I looked up, RIGHT on eye level and guess what I saw?


I found one, single, dusty, unopened, last jar of Queen Helene Cholesterol Conditioner. I wasn't even looking for it! I couldn't believe it!!!



This is the shop. You can see a guy sitting outside. I AVOID these shops like the plague.
But I guess Spirit led me around and through and there was my beloved jar of Queen Helene.



The guy inside said he might be able to order it for me in the future and to give him
a call to see if he has it in. Then, come and pick it up. It cost 7 instead of 5 but that's
okay. SheaMoisture and Keracare and the rest of the other popular stuff cost 12 to 28 dollars.

I got me one jar of Queen Helene for now. It should last me about 4 to 6 washes. What a blessing!!!

 

[Lylddlebit]

@Chicoro I'm not even gone lie. Every time I move to a new city I find the hood beauty supply before my utilities switch over lol . I don't always need to shop there for my must-haves I just have to know where it is for when I need it. I am glad the one near you has what you need. My main one now has people hanging outside of it all the time too and looks really rough. It is the type that has a salon/barbershop next door but is huge like a warehouse and I love it because it has EVERYTHING.

 

[Chicoro]

@Chicoro I'm not even gone lie. Every time I move to a new city I find the hood beauty supply before my utilities switch over lol . I don't always need to shop there for my must-haves I just have to now where it is for when I need it. I am glad the one near you has what you need. My main one now has people hanging outside of it all the time too and looks real rough. It is the type that has a salon/barbershop next door but is huge like a warehouse and I love it, because it has EVERYTHING.

Yes! Also, there are at least 10 beauty supplies on this street and about 30 in the whole area, within a 2 block radius. There are barbershops and beauty shops upstairs, inside and next door, too just like in your area.

 

[ItsMeLilLucky]

Yes! Also, there are at least 10 beauty supplies on this street and about 30 in the whole area, within a 2 block radius. There are barbershops and beauty shops upstairs, inside and next door, too just like in your area.

That sounds like love
*sings "So This is Love"*

 

[Chicoro]

That sounds like love
*sings "So This is Love"*

Yes, if they are clean, well-stocked and brightly lit!