Luscious Healthy Ends Challenge 2025

[Angel of the North]

@Lylddlebit Your hair is beautiful! I'm loving your pics, I'm excited for your next length goal

 

[GettingKinky]

@Lylddlebit your hair is so long and lush. One day I hope to get where you are.

 

[Lylddlebit]

Thank you
@faithVA
@Chicoro
@Angel of the North
@GettingKinky
And all the other ladies!

I have been keeping my hair around my hip for a while to cut away holes, thinning, and damage I had from the end of 2021 when hormonal shedding due to discontinuing birth control that yielded severe shedding, matting, and breakage. I made things worse when I got frustrated during the detangle session at the end of 2021. Although it felt good at the time to beat my hair up for acting up I completely wrecked my hair in anger. In any case, I enjoy my hair THROUGH setbacks. I enjoy using heat and a variety of hairstyles that don't quit, even if my hair is in bad shape and I need to camouflage the condition before it is back "in effect". So I decided to share my example that, barring a medical condition or a physiological one, a person is fully capable of enjoying their hair like it is already where they want it to be, THROUGH setbacks.


Here are a few more photos for transparency. My hair was wrecked in 2020 and 2021, but has been getting closer to my baseline length and thickness each year.
Blue dress with hair hanging over my butt: When my thinning first became noticeable in 2020 but my hair was still to the the bottom of my butt/classic length.
Red tank: When my hair broke off/thinned out severely (believe it or not, it was MUCH WORSE at the beginning of my setback, December 2021, but I did not photograph it).
Yellow jumpsuit: Lots of holes and thinness while I was growing my hair back out.
Olive Tunic: Hair same week as the yellow with all the severe thinness and holes, but an example of how I camouflaged the damage so I could enjoy wearing it down and styled the way I desired to wear it regardless of the condition.
Back out: Now(yesterday). Raw ends no tricks
Blue dress again with hair just past my elbows: Now (yesterday evening). Raw ends no tricks

Basically, I am growing it back past my butt but with the thickness of yesterday's example(since that is my normal, freshly hard-pressed thickness when my hair is at baseline)...even if I just cut it back to the hip once I get there(because I do like this length). I usually stop tracking my hair when it gets past my hip, but this time I am documenting it better. It does take a bit longer to keep hair at a baseline length while gradually cut off damage compared to a big chop, but as long as hair is well cared for, it will get to a good place in time and it can look good when styled the entire time. I hope this is helpful and a reminder to enjoy your hair while reaching those luscious ends. There are numerous ways to get your hair where you want it to be. Gon' head and stay cute throughout the journey!

 

[Lylddlebit]

@Lylddlebit your hair is so long and lush. One day I hope to get where you are.

You will!

 

[Chicoro]

@Lylddlebit
Gimme that hair, Gul.

 

[Lylddlebit]

@Lylddlebit
Gimme that hair, Gul.

@Chicoro you know yours is just as good!

 

[Chicoro]

@Chicoro you know yours is just as good!

With yours, I'll have DOUBLE the amount! Gimme!

 

[Lylddlebit]

With yours, I'll have DOUBLE the amount! Gimme!

Haha. Never too much!
...when it comes to a head full of healthy hair.

 

[VarieYvette]

I haven't posted in a while, but hello ladies.

I had my hair in a protective style (flip over fulani braids) since the 5th. I took them out last night, and can't wait to have a god wash and DC session. When I got the style done, the stylist was talking about how I have split ends. But she was assessing that by how easily my hair (natural, but stretched a bit) can pass through a fine tooth comb. I do have doubts over her method, so I will sit down this week and take a look at my ends to see what's going on. I will also be taking a break from long term styles for a bit, so I can DC my hair weekly. I did note I didn't have much breakage when I combed my hair, just the usual shedding, so I do think her assessment is incorrect.

 

[Angel of the North]

@VarieYvette That method seems off to me too. I'm sure there's many heads of hair that would struggle to pass a fine tooth comb through them. She's lucky you allowed her to use that comb in your hair

 

[Meritamen]

This month I had a hair straightening treatment done and major haircut that was much needed. My hair looks like a long bob resting on my shoulders. My hair was in pretty bad shape, had splits that were traveling up the hair shaft so a good few inches had to go. (Didn't get any layers since I wanted a thick hemline.) I have to start all over again, but at least I have a nice haircut that I like and can still put my hair up in a bun so I'm not upset about it.

I also finally found a hairstylist who I feel comfortable with. Her services are pricey and she is totally worth it! She is knowledgeable and considerate of what I wanted. I will book with her again for treatments on my regrowth and future trims.

With the hot humid summer and working out more regularly, I wash my hair and blow dry it at least twice a week. The treatment has made wash day and detangling much much faster for me, plus, I still have some texture to my hair.

I have started using the K18 treatment on my hair. It seems to be helping so I am going to buy another bottle before the one I have runs out. I will be much better about keeping up with getting my hair trimmed (I'm not sure how often I need trims though, maybe every 2-4 months?)

I'm trying to keep things simple with my routine. I enjoy the hobby of taking care of my hair but, sadly, I don't have a lot of time for it anymore. I still hope to one day grow it to BSL... maybe one day.

 

[pikkonoloidlee]

How are you progressing? What are those ends looking like?
Things are pretty good I think. My ends could be better butI'm just glad they're not worse. I'm still reaping damage from some poor choices last year but I've been able to keep it from completely halting progress.

Have you had any epiphanies?
I stopped washing my hair twice a week for a bit but once summer got into full force my scalp started acting up so I've been washing my hair twice a week and that's been going well.

Have you set bolder goals?
No bolder goals I'm just trying to hang in there.

Have you pulled back on some goals?
I don't think so I'm keeping things going.

Have you had any realizations about your hair or your hair care practices?
I have continued to enjoy putting a wax based product on my end and that's something I plan on keeping up.

How is your consistency?
So far so good.

Extending grace to you?
Always.

 

[Meritamen]

Here are pictures from my hair appointment. I had the Qiqi smoothing treatment done which permanently straightens the hair. The process is similar to keratin treatments. I choose it because it is ok to do on color-treated hair, plus, my hair does not do well with relaxers. She didn't do the max number of passes on my hair so my still has texture. The pictures are before the treatment, after the treatment, and of my hair after the cut and styled.

 

[faithVA]

How are you progressing? What are those ends looking like?
My progress is steady. My ends are slightly better. I'm not expecting any fast turn arounds. I'm looking for each quarter my ends to be better than the previous quarter. I will reassess in September.

Have you had any epiphanies?
No

Have you set bolder goals?
No

Have you pulled back on some goals?
No

Have you had any realizations about your hair or your hair care practices?
No

How is your consistency?
My consistency is good. I cleanse my hair weekly and put it up in either flat twist or 2 strands. I don't touch it until the follow week. I would still love to refresh midweek but I need the back to grow out first so I can put it up easily.

Extending grace to you?
Yes, just staying consistent and being patient.

 

[faithVA]

Since I decided to trim every 3 months, I decided this weekend was the best time so I could have my holiday free.
I kept it simple. I cleansed twice. Then I tried Chi Color Conditioner to see if I could extend my permanent color application. Not sure if it will work on my hair but will try it a few times. I put my hair into Bantus and let the water work into my strand for 30 minutes. I put in the leave-in.

I used some Mane Choice products before I used the Rev-Air to dry my hair. Then I applied more leave-in and hair milk and dried it some more.
I used my SplitEnder and maybe took off 1/2"

This day was about improving my ends and not really a length check. I did blow dry but I didn't bother trying to get it any straighter.

Since March, I don't think my nape has grown very much. Most of my growth I believe is my crown and middle layers growing down to my nape. I think this is my growth pattern. September will tell.

I was tired by the time I finished trimming and didn't really feel like being bothered with pictures. It is a horrible picture but

My nape comes down to the 1st line or to the bottom of my finger. APL is at line 4. So I need 3 inches to reach APL.

 

[Chicoro]

Since I decided to trim every 3 months, I decided this weekend was the best time so I could have my holiday free.
I kept it simple. I cleansed twice. Then I tried Chi Color Conditioner to see if I could extend my permanent color application. Not sure if it will work on my hair but will try it a few times. I put my hair into Bantus and let the water work into my strand for 30 minutes. I put in the leave-in.

I used some Mane Choice products before I used the Rev-Air to dry my hair. Then I applied more leave-in and hair milk and dried it some more.
I used my SplitEnder and maybe took off 1/2"

This day was about improving my ends and not really a length check. I did blow dry but I didn't bother trying to get it any straighter.

Since March, I don't think my nape has grown very much. Most of my growth I believe is my crown and middle layers growing down to my nape. I think this is my growth pattern. September will tell.

I was tired by the time I finished trimming and didn't really feel like being bothered with pictures. It is a horrible picture but

My nape comes down to the 1st line or to the bottom of my finger. APL is at line 4. So I need 3 inches to reach APL.

We are happy for and appreciate the photo! It Thank you for thinking of us! I thought your hair looked super full on the top and your post confirms it. Progress is progress!

 

[Lylddlebit]

@faithVA

Yep progress is progress and tha is a really good length check tank top!

 

[faithVA]

Thank you @Chicoro, @Lylddlebit,

I think she has gotten fuller and is evening out a bit. There is progress.

And Lylddlebit, my goal was to get a picture with the length check shirt, so I am ready in September.

Come on #4

 

[keranikki]

June Update:

How are you progressing? What are those ends looking like?
-I have protein overload from the overuse of two Skala conditioners that I was using to cowash my hair daily on loose hair and weekly on braided hair. I had so many small broken hairs that it was essentially a dusting. I still trimmed my ends, then rewashed my hair and followed up with a cholesterol treatment. My hair felt better, but I’m not out of the woods. On a more positive note, my hair has thickened, but only from crown to nape. My front is struggling a bit.

Have you had any epiphanies?
-I really should have clarified weekly during my daily cowashing phase.

Have you set bolder goals?
-Nope

Have you pulled back on some goals?
-Not yet. I think I can recover.

Have you had any realizations about your hair or your hair care practices?
-I truly believe that having my hair tucked away, even the unfinished bits, saved my hair from a possible catastrophe. At most I trimmed an half inch. The longest layers are still on their way to reaching APL in December, but the front is another story. I’m in a moisturizing phase right now. I’m installing mini braids again, but without extensions.

How is your consistency?
-So so, I didn’t finish my last install…I’ll do better.

Extending grace to you?
-Always and forever

 

[Angel of the North]

June Update:

-I have protein overload from the overuse of two Skala conditioners that I was using to cowash my hair daily on loose hair

Which Skala conditioners were you using for your cowashing?

I still trimmed my ends, then rewashed my hair and followed up with a cholesterol treatment.

I've always put these in the protein category, I've found that most of them have muliple types of protein in the ingredients list.

I'm a bit curious as to why you feel you should have used a clarifying shampoo weekly while you were cowashing? I'm interested in how you feel that step would have been beneficial for you.

 

[Angel of the North]

June Update:

How are you progressing? What are those ends looking like?
Since removing my braids, I can see my ends are not looking as smooth, it doesn't seem like anything too major though. I've been wearing WAG/WAG ponytail, I've looked at how my ends sit within their curls, and everything seems to sit okay, I don't think it looks like I need to trim it or anything. I struggle with catering to my ends during a WAG, I do baggy my ends a couple of times a week to add extra moisture though. If I stock with a 4 month trim cycle, I'll be due a trim at the end of July, I will only need to do a light dusting by the looks of things.

Have you had any epiphanies?
I am thinking that I have different porosities going on within a single strand. My roots seem to be very low porosity, my mid shaft to ends are possibly on the medium to low side. I'm thinking this because, I struggle with frizz, I find that products absorb better from mid strand to end, and I have puffy roots syndrome going on. I get great definition, and then the roots will frizz, but still look defined and the rest of the Curl will be extremely defined. When this happens, I go over some curls with more product to enhance the definition of Curl clumps.

Have you set bolder goals?
No, sticking with my original goals.

Have you pulled back on some goals?
No, my goals are still the same.

Have you had any realizations about your hair or your hair care practices?
I can incorporate regular cowashes as the weather is hot enough to allow for quick drying.

How is your consistency?
I think I'm pretty consistent, at the moment. Regular wash days, refreshing my ponytail with moisture every couple of days.

Extending grace to you?
Most definitely

 

[keranikki]

Which Skala conditioners were you using for your cowashing?


I've always put these in the protein category, I've found that most of them have muliple types of protein in the ingredients list.

I'm a bit curious as to why you feel you should have used a clarifying shampoo weekly while you were cowashing? I'm interested in how you feel that step would have been beneficial for you.

I had product buildup from the conditioners along with protein overload. The clarifying shampoo removed some of the buildup, but I ended up washing my hair again with a detox shampoo bar; which removed the rest of the buildup. My hair felt so much better.

I was using the Maracuja and the Divino Potao. I’m going to give the Maracuja to my sister, as it’s a bit too strengthening for me. The Divino works well with my hair type, but I will only use it once a month for now.

 

[keranikki]

Today, I washed my hair with my trusty Obia shampoo bar, then used Skala Divino and APB Cholesterol as my DCs. My hair feels balanced. I could use a bit more elasticity, so I will forgo using Skala until next month and use APB weekly.
Currently, my hair is styled into four Bantu knots using Silk Elements styling foam. My plan is to start braiding my hair tomorrow into brists (braid, then twist).

 

[Angel of the North]

I was using the Maracuja and the Divino Potao. I’m going to give the Maracuja to my sister, as it’s a bit too strengthening for me. The Divino works well with my hair type, but I will only use it once a month for now.

Thank you, this is really helpful as I have 3 of them I'd like to try on my wish list and Divino Potao is one of them. This will help me figure out when and how I use it.

 

[Chicoro]

Off Topic, but since it still hair board related... ya'll didn't hear it from me,

but since we over here supporting @Rocky91 as she moves forward, and celebrated @keranikki on her degree conferment, we got one more:

@fifi134

She just got her Ph.D in Mathematics Education. She over there 'big upping' Rocky91. She got hers while pregnant. Sneak on over and show her some love and support for her incredible achievement:


post # 777

https://longhaircareforums.com/threads/phd-doctoral-students.390914/page-26#post-26026742

 

[fifi134]

That's very sweet of you, thank you @Chicoro!

 

[Angel of the North]

That's very sweet of you, thank you @Chicoro!

Congratulations on your graduation

 

[Chicoro]

King Solomon had African Hair?

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[Chicoro]

Alright, I am deep conditioning my hair prior to washing it. I still have not washed it and hope to do so today. I have been deeply burdened and troubled by some changes in my life.


As a result, I did not touch my hair. I detangled it and kept it braided and protected the ends but that was it.

I started moving forward on a hard decision I made and took some action yesterday. As a result, it seems that the heaviness was lifted. I had no idea I was so burdened. I now have room and time for my hair.


Why is it that when people are troubled, including me, we are not as focused on our hair?

This seems like a simple enough concept. But, my Spidey Senses are going off. I think there is something very key to this.

Do you ladies put off doing your hair when you are troubled and burdened? Why or why not? If you do not do your hair, what do you think is the reasoning, or feelings or decisions behind the choice? I know some women DO their hair, especially when they are troubled! All perspectives welcomed and encouraged.

 

[Lylddlebit]

Alright, I am deep conditioning my hair prior to washing it. I still have not washed it and hope to do so today. I have been deeply burdened and troubled by some changes in my life.


As a result, I did not touch my hair. I detangled it and kept it braided and protected the ends but that was it.

I started moving forward on a hard decision I made and took some action yesterday. As a result, it seems that the heaviness was lifted. I had no idea I was so burdened. I now have room and time for my hair.


Why is it that when people are troubled, including me, we are not as focused on our hair?

This seems like a simple enough concept. But, my Spidey Senses are going off. I think there is something very key to this.

Do you ladies put off doing your hair when you are troubled and burdened? Why or why not? If you do not do your hair, what do you think is the reasoning, or feelings or decisions behind the choice? I know some women DO their hair, especially when they are troubled! All perspectives welcomed and encouraged.



View attachment 505330View attachment 505332

I hope for peace for you and that today's wash day will feel like a "hair treat" experience for you.

To answer your question: I actually wash my hair more when I am stressed out. Wash day feels like a treat to focus on myself and be intentional about relaxing. Doing my hair puts me in a relaxed and hopeful state. I often use them to cheer me up because they require isolated time to take care of myself. It is when I am overly busy that I will "kick the can down the road". Thankfully my baseline is once-a-month wash days and my hair hold moisture very well so, I can usualy prep to wear my hair to hold being put away or styled for a month at a time without issues. This allows me to frame more frequent wash days like "I can't wait to try this new hair product" or "I need a wash day today" and link them to a treat that I look forward to and prioritize.