Luscious Healthy Ends Challenge 2025

[Angel of the North]

I just had a thought about some of the conversations earlier in the thread and I wonder if the protein as well as how light it is in the hair is part of the reason why it works so well for heat styling.

It's a possibility, I know I don't like too much products in my hair, it makes it feel weighed down, needs washing more frequently and generally adds no value for me. It can also make it more difficult to make my hair do what I want it to if there's too much products in it. So I will always be on the lookout for light or weightless products (except for DC's).

When I blow dry or use straighteners, my main goal is to protect my hair. I use a serum or spray, preferably light ones, and try to ensure it is thoroughly spread on and through my hair. I would normally use leave in/moisturiser/oil after heat. I feel like too much products before a blow dry or using straighteners makes me feel like I'm cooking my hair and

I've used protein conditioners before and after using heat, mainly to strengthen my hair and try and counter anything negative that may have occurred during the process, but I can't remember this making any difference to how straight my results have been.

8 out of 10 times, I would follow a protein DC with a moisturising DC, sometimes I'll mix the two types of DC together or use a balancing DC which would have both protein and moisturising properties.

I do intend to test out the theory at some point, I very rarely use heat though so not sure when I'll get round to it. My favorite protein products are the Aphogee 2 min, the Aphogee green tea reconstructor and the Aphogee 2 step (3 - 4 times a year for this one). I have a couple of hair mayionnaises too, which does the job without protein overload.

I do feel that the Aphogee products are nice and light both in their consistencies and how the feel on my hair. As others have said in the thread, techniques are also important, I agree that the more times you do it, the better you get.

 

[ItsMeLilLucky]

I had such a hard time figuring out how to angle the blow dryer/concentrator so that the air was blowing in the same direction as my strands. Looking in the mirror and trying to figure how to move my hands was so confusing. I felt soooo uncoordinated.

Girl me too lol I just don't look in the mirror.

 

[GGsKin]

I had such a hard time figuring out how to angle the blow dryer/concentrator so that the air was blowing in the same direction as my strands. Looking in the mirror and trying to figure how to move my hands was so confusing. I felt soooo uncoordinated.

One of my colleagues was just complaining to me about the same thing. She was asking how I do my own hair using mirrors. I’ve been doing my hair using two mirrors since I was a teen, so it just comes naturally now, but I totally get it. It is hard for me to explain in a way that makes it easier, as I think this just takes practice seeing everything mirrored. But it definitely helps to move slower. Positioning the hair within the brush first, then applying adjusting the angle of the dryer as required (before adding heat). I make sure that the nozzle is in a position that the airflow always hits my hair regardless of the position of the blow dryer. Perhaps angling everything downwards also helps, but don’t beat yourself up, because that part of the process is not easy.

 

[Angel of the North]

One of my colleagues was just complaining to me about the same thing. She was asking how I do my own hair using mirrors. I’ve been doing my hair using two mirrors since I was a teen, so it just comes naturally now, but I totally get it. It is hard for me to explain in a way that makes it easier, as I think this just takes practice seeing everything mirrored. But it definitely helps to move slower. Positioning the hair within the brush first, then applying adjusting the angle of the dryer as required (before adding heat). I make sure that the nozzle is in a position that the airflow always hits my hair regardless of the position of the blow dryer. Perhaps angling everything downwards also helps, but don’t beat yourself up, because that part of the process is not easy.

When blow drying my hair I hold the nozzle opposed to the handle to get that downward movement that my stylist uses, it makes a big difference and also prevents me from touching the buttons or switching it off.

I only use one mirror, but like yourself, I've been doing that since my tweens and it's worked fine for me. Doing the back of my hair is more about feeling than looking. I do have to turn the dryer on before focusing on any particular areas though.

 

[GGsKin]

When blow drying my hair I hold the nozzle opposed to the handle to get that downward movement that my stylist uses, it makes a big difference and also prevents me from touching the buttons or switching it off.

I only use one mirror, but like yourself, I've been doing that since my tweens and it's worked fine for me. Doing the back of my hair is more about feeling than looking. I do have to turn the dryer on before focusing on any particular areas though.

I have a main standing mirror, but then a handheld mirror that I use to see the back of my head for straight parting etc, so I know what you mean about going by the feel and using just one mirror. I used to press my own hair with the stove pressing comb, with the same use of mirrors lol. I was offering @GettingKinky a suggestion to get comfortable with the positioning of her hands etc before feeling discombobulated whilst applying heat lol, I just don’t think I’m good at explaining it

 

[Chicoro]

When blow drying my hair I hold the nozzle opposed to the handle to get that downward movement that my stylist uses, it makes a big difference and also prevents me from touching the buttons or switching it off.

I only use one mirror, but like yourself, I've been doing that since my tweens and it's worked fine for me. Doing the back of my hair is more about feeling than looking. I do have to turn the dryer on before focusing on any particular areas though.

How do you hold that HOT nozzle without burning your hand? Do you use heat protective gloves?

 

[Chicoro]

I have a main standing mirror, but then a handheld mirror that I use to see the back of my head for straight parting etc, so I know what you mean about going by the feel and using just one mirror. I used to press my own hair with the stove pressing comb, with the same use of mirrors lol. I was offering @GettingKinky a suggestion to get comfortable with the positioning of her hands etc before feeling discombobulated whilst applying heat lol, I just don’t think I’m good at explaining it

Now,

for a correction, too?


saying you don't explain well.
That's not true. You explain very well.

 

[GGsKin]

Now,

for a correction, too?


saying you don't explain well.
That's not true. You explain very well.

Thanks @Chicoro, I’m happy it’s coming across clearly enough.

 

[Angel of the North]

I have a main standing mirror, but then a handheld mirror that I use to see the back of my head for straight parting etc, so I know what you mean about going by the feel and using just one mirror. I used to press my own hair with the stove pressing comb, with the same use of mirrors lol. I was offering @GettingKinky a suggestion to get comfortable with the positioning of her hands etc before feeling discombobulated whilst applying heat lol, I just don’t think I’m good at explaining it

It was definitely a good suggestion, it just made me think about how I do it. I don't think I've put a blow dryer through my hair in 2 or 3 years, hair straighteners I think it's been 4 years. As I said before, I have no clue when I might use heat to stretch my hair, I am planning to use a diffuser or hood dryer to dry my wash and goes in the near future. Any tips on reducing or eliminating frizz would be much appreciated. Frizz is my main issue, I'm hoping the Miche products will help with this though

 

[Angel of the North]

How do you hold that HOT nozzle without burning your hand? Do you use heat protective gloves?

It doesn't actually feel hot, even when using at the highest temperature. I hold it at the middle of the nozzle. ETA: just above where the comb is attached.

When I had Wahl blow dryers, I would hold it but a little lower down to try and keep the comb on, it was always flying off. That used to get a little hot at times

 

[GettingKinky]

@GGsKin I like your suggestion to orient everything before turning the dryer on.

I was also finding that I had to hold the brush in the bristle area in order to get the tension I wanted and then the hot air was blowing on my hand.

I definitely need practice. I used to curl my hair with a curling iron looking in the mirror EVERY day (a huge no no) but I stopped that way back in 2012 when I started my HHJ so now all my hair tool skills have deteriorated.

 

[Lylddlebit]

I really like this as a milder protein boost, it doesn't give me protein overload.

Oldie but goodie!

 

[Lylddlebit]

@GettingKinky @Angel of the North @GGsKin @ItsMeLilLucky

Your mention of mirrors brought back some memories for me. These days, I mostly style my hair blindly (relying on muscle memory and the feel of my hair and scalp) since I've been doing it for so long. However, I appreciate being sandwiched between two mirrors that face one another, especially when I have a three-way mirror set up. Using facing mirrors begins to feel natural once you get the hang of it. It just takes a little time and practice to get there.

When I need a more precise view, I'll stand in front of my bathroom mirror and open the door so that the mirror on the back of the door is positioned behind me. This setup gives me a complete view of everything.

I just face the bathroom mirror, and when I open the bathroom door, it has a mirror hanging that faces the back of me. Like a full-length or 3-way mirror on the bathroom door, like below:

https://www.amazon.com/OLIBUY-Cutting-Tri-fold-Adjustable-Haircut/dp/B09F5SJXLR/ref=sr_1_4_sspa?crid=2HLG7ACJ0UAQX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.PUk545UZTc7QKjowzVJCt-e7zC5HAIdZTL_URJnCgxu7ddUZhouX4UFM1RzT9NbggJpirCoIPVld9-ZcW-SgglqrLi_s4N-qFe3YAyFYoCXYD_HweYsVuDk5i1IdPA_6cCbPOawAnDdMMp62D-lFno3wpPJPEUAHEnnaf1Tf9R0j9TXCvnb4p9NpYVT49t4M-Ibs7dI-38d57Rv198daVd3zqZF2oQVeAkBFGbxCexZGsBR3ob8uRSRPnjv90zot95tugtVGjhVIvWYPmRxr1hZkKek-Og95UOITI7JexYg._R3ZFSAiLJoaKfIqFFTRjsoxm8c_35Ui24aUqzQij_E&dib_tag=se&keywords=triple%2Bmirror%2Bdoor&qid=1746135581&sprefix=tripple%2Bmirror%2Bdoor%2Caps%2C115&sr=8-4-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/SCWF-GZ-Hanging-Rectangle-Dressing-Bathroom/dp/B0CNKH47T7/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=2BPI2XVIISBTQ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.PtptvEEQ1zZTfQ7Z1-AD4t3nLYTuGrr5LfIMFDt9sCIVs9rebFx2hTZOI0bd1AGquLSE--up9qFuFvnvCTXFyiNNXuN_9-Njl3BctuadDRjD56Z1xvN5Cg9lwVsoyxgjkB4tahoraGZyHyWLnVV6GabblTZ7K5wfpY3tw7NM2CITMK7VXQUKltcMqVWW25NNJxjg6ZzQafPkUayZCEMeAMf_SkOOF4FkAADkQOrdP1frbgtVQyj-D-GTBFhMLx5TufJkb1IV58bKHaFchKTgtJUZMEFcz6_wgoLsQX-bGVM.QeSinJqBpDAhTAxAayhyhUTBIrnturerg92I6JCZDIQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=full%2Blength%2Bdoor%2Bmirror&qid=1746136280&sprefix=full%2Blength%2Bdoor%2Bmirror%2Caps%2C116&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

 

[Lylddlebit]

It was definitely a good suggestion, it just made me think about how I do it. I don't think I've put a blow dryer through my hair in 2 or 3 years, hair straighteners I think it's been 4 years. As I said before, I have no clue when I might use heat to stretch my hair, I am planning to use a diffuser or hood dryer to dry my wash and goes in the near future. Any tips on reducing or eliminating frizz would be much appreciated. Frizz is my main issue, I'm hoping the Miche products will help with this though

How are you styling your hair? Using tension when you air dry will reduce frizz while styling.

 

[Lylddlebit]

@GGsKin I like your suggestion to orient everything before turning the dryer on.

I was also finding that I had to hold the brush in the bristle area in order to get the tension I wanted and then the hot air was blowing on my hand.

I definitely need practice. I used to curl my hair with a curling iron looking in the mirror EVERY day (a huge no no) but I stopped that way back in 2012 when I started my HHJ so now all my hair tool skills have deteriorated.

It will come back like riding a bike lol…watch.

 

[ItsMeLilLucky]

The takedown. We have been working on this very sporatically since I first mentioned it.

 

[Chicoro]

Had another aha for my hair...documenting for myself...

I started putting Shea butter on my braid, at the ends, after I finished braiding it up. I used to put my Shea butter mix throughout my hair section BEFORE I braided it up. This coats the hair more thoroughly. I am returning to coating entire section in Shea butter and/or my Shea butter mix, THEN braiding it up.

This will work better now because I ball up the ends of my hair and keep it off my clothes. So, I should not have a greasy STAIN on my clothes from the saturated, Shea butter braid.

 

[keranikki]

Muscle tension? I'm not sure what you mean.

Yes, you are correct. I DO believe the bobby pins did cause tension and break my hair!

Muscle tension: I have noticed on myself that places on my scalp that have muscle tension has lower density of hair and grows slower versus parts of my scalp that are not tense. For this reason, I’m trying to be more consistent in massaging my scalp and doing yoga.

 

[larry3344]

Just reading through this thread.

 

[keranikki]

Wooo…I finally caught up! This week was a trying hair week. I decided at the last minute on Sunday that my mini braids were not ideal for travel to my BIL’s college graduation. I decided to twist my hair with extension hair.
First mistake was not ensuring that the color matched/ blended well together. I purchased T27 (honey blonde and off black mix) and 27 (ginger). In the store they looked similar, but at home I could tell the different. Insert face plant. Second mistake was not ensuring that they were exactly the same texture, even though both colors were from the same brand.
The learning curve for twisting my hair was frustrating, especially since my hair is so soft and the texture I chose was also soft. Needless to say it took me 4 days to finish my hair. I had a nice rhythm on the fourth day.
I will post pictures tomorrow.

 

[Chicoro]

Just reading through this thread.

We are glad to have you! You are welcome in any capacity you wish to show up. If you have a question, at any time, about anything, please be sure to let us know!

The Collective in this thread often feels like they are ‘all-knowing’. So, if you have a question, they have an answer.

 

[Chicoro]

Muscle tension: I have noticed on myself that places on my scalp that have muscle tension has lower density of hair and grows slower versus parts of my scalp that are not tense. For this reason, I’m trying to be more consistent in massaging my scalp and doing yoga.

This is my assessment and unsolicited opinion and advice:

I would agree there is muscle on the head. I also think that the tension you are noticing is in the skin, not the muscle. I believe you have indicated that your hair is very fine. I am not sure if it were you who mentioned this, but some women with braids and twists indicate that the end result looks 'scalpy'. That is to say, a lot of the scalp is exposed due to the twist or braid style.

As a result, the scalp can be more exposed to the sun than if it were not braided up or twisted.

My suggestion would be to start to wear a hat and cover your head when you are out and about. I have severe melasma that is triggered by the sun. So, I have to wear a hat, sunscreen and glasses. Facial skin is skin. The scalp is skin.

What I do is wear a doo-rag, or an inexpensive scarf under my floppy, cotton, hat and it protects my hair and my scalp.

I believe the tension on your scalp that you are experiencing may be from sun damage from prolonged exposure to UVA and UBA rays. Simply being out and about for short bursts of time can cause sun damage to an already sensitive and vulnerable scalp.

My suggestion would be to continue with the massages and in addition, to start protecting your scalp when you go outside by using a hat. Protect the hair underneath the hat by using a scarf over it before putting on your hat.

 

[keranikki]

This is my assessment and unsolicited opinion and advice:

I would agree there is muscle on the head. I also think that the tension you are noticing is in the skin, not the muscle. I believe you have indicated that your hair is very fine. I am not sure if it were you who mentioned this, but some women with braids and twists indicate that the end result looks 'scalpy'. That is to say, a lot of the scalp is exposed due to the twist or braid style.

As a result, the scalp can be more exposed to the sun than if it were not braided up or twisted.

My suggestion would be to start to wear a hat and cover your head when you are out and about. I have severe melasma that is triggered by the sun. So, I have to wear a hat, sunscreen and glasses. Facial skin is skin. The scalp is skin.

What I do is wear a doo-rag, or an inexpensive scarf under my floppy, cotton, hat and it protects my hair and my scalp.

I believe the tension on your scalp that you are experiencing may be from sun damage from prolonged exposure to UVA and UBA rays. Simply being out and about for short bursts of time can cause sun damage to an already sensitive and vulnerable scalp.

My suggestion would be to continue with the massages and in addition, to start protecting your scalp when you go outside by using a hat. Protect the hair underneath the hat by using a scarf over it before putting on your hat.

Will do and thank you!

 

[keranikki]

My twists:

Assessment: I would do these again. I may rotate them in all summer. I will keep these twists until the end of May.

 

[Chicoro]

My twists:
View attachment 503726
Assessment: I would do these again. I may rotate them in all summer. I will keep these twists until the end of May.

These are very neat and pretty looking twists and flattering on you. I like the color for summer as it will go nicely with your sun kissed, summer skin!

 

[MzSwift]

Totally agree! They look fantastic, @keranikki !!

 

[GettingKinky]

You look great @keranikki

 

[keranikki]

Thanks you guys! @Chicoro @MzSwift @GettingKinky

 

[Angel of the North]

@GettingKinky @Angel of the North @GGsKin @ItsMeLilLucky

Your mention of mirrors brought back some memories for me. These days, I mostly style my hair blindly (relying on muscle memory and the feel of my hair and scalp) since I've been doing it for so long. However, I appreciate being sandwiched between two mirrors that face one another, especially when I have a three-way mirror set up. Using facing mirrors begins to feel natural once you get the hang of it. It just takes a little time and practice to get there.

When I need a more precise view, I'll stand in front of my bathroom mirror and open the door so that the mirror on the back of the door is positioned behind me. This setup gives me a complete view of everything.

I just face the bathroom mirror, and when I open the bathroom door, it has a mirror hanging that faces the back of me. Like a full-length or 3-way mirror on the bathroom door, like below:

https://www.amazon.com/OLIBUY-Cutting-Tri-fold-Adjustable-Haircut/dp/B09F5SJXLR/ref=sr_1_4_sspa?crid=2HLG7ACJ0UAQX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.PUk545UZTc7QKjowzVJCt-e7zC5HAIdZTL_URJnCgxu7ddUZhouX4UFM1RzT9NbggJpirCoIPVld9-ZcW-SgglqrLi_s4N-qFe3YAyFYoCXYD_HweYsVuDk5i1IdPA_6cCbPOawAnDdMMp62D-lFno3wpPJPEUAHEnnaf1Tf9R0j9TXCvnb4p9NpYVT49t4M-Ibs7dI-38d57Rv198daVd3zqZF2oQVeAkBFGbxCexZGsBR3ob8uRSRPnjv90zot95tugtVGjhVIvWYPmRxr1hZkKek-Og95UOITI7JexYg._R3ZFSAiLJoaKfIqFFTRjsoxm8c_35Ui24aUqzQij_E&dib_tag=se&keywords=triple%2Bmirror%2Bdoor&qid=1746135581&sprefix=tripple%2Bmirror%2Bdoor%2Caps%2C115&sr=8-4-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/SCWF-GZ-Hanging-Rectangle-Dressing-Bathroom/dp/B0CNKH47T7/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=2BPI2XVIISBTQ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.PtptvEEQ1zZTfQ7Z1-AD4t3nLYTuGrr5LfIMFDt9sCIVs9rebFx2hTZOI0bd1AGquLSE--up9qFuFvnvCTXFyiNNXuN_9-Njl3BctuadDRjD56Z1xvN5Cg9lwVsoyxgjkB4tahoraGZyHyWLnVV6GabblTZ7K5wfpY3tw7NM2CITMK7VXQUKltcMqVWW25NNJxjg6ZzQafPkUayZCEMeAMf_SkOOF4FkAADkQOrdP1frbgtVQyj-D-GTBFhMLx5TufJkb1IV58bKHaFchKTgtJUZMEFcz6_wgoLsQX-bGVM.QeSinJqBpDAhTAxAayhyhUTBIrnturerg92I6JCZDIQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=full%2Blength%2Bdoor%2Bmirror&qid=1746136280&sprefix=full%2Blength%2Bdoor%2Bmirror%2Caps%2C116&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

I like that tri-fold mirror, I'd have to hang it in the bathroom hallway over the airing cupboard door or the toilet door though, the bathroom door is a bi-fold.

 

[Angel of the North]

How are you styling your hair? Using tension when you air dry will reduce frizz while styling.

II don't do much at all these days, I normally just put it in a single plait and then a bun. I sometimes wear a ponytail leaving the ponytail out and curly, this often has a mix of great curl definition and frizzy curls. I haven't worn my hair down in years and I'm looking for things that may help to preferably eliminate the frizz or at the very least reduce it