Luscious Healthy Ends Challenge 2025

[faithVA]

I was unable to trim my ends today due to a massive headache. I may try to trim tomorrow, but if I’m unable I will just trim next year in January. Gosh time is flying!

OAN, I already knew that my hair does not like coconut oil, but I never considered how coconut oil derivatives could affect my hair. I just found out that they react the same way as coconut oil, in that they react like a protein. Coconut oil makes my hair so hard and dry, which is why I refrain from products that have coconut oil. I have to thank @Lylddlebit for this revelation. Her post in another thread led me down this rabbit hole.

So, I researched shampoos that do not have coconut oil or its derivatives and settled on Verb Ghost Shampoo. In an effort to save money, I headed to TJ Maxx, but picked Verb Glossy Shampoo and Conditioner instead. Yo, you guys, my hair is so soft man. Like it’s soft and hydrated. I washed my hair yesterday with these products and my hair still feels good. Typically I would feel the need to M&S, especially with this cold weather, but there is no need. I’m very pleased with the results. I was looking forward to blow drying and trimming my hair, but all I could muster was two buns in satin scrunchies.

Now, I have to inventory all of my products and donate the ones that have coconut oil/derivatives in them.

Im glad you found something that is working wonderfully. The one thing I have learned over the past few years is getting that shampoo and conditioner step right is crucial. The following steps are unlikely to fix what has happened in the first step. Still learning.

That softness and feeling hydrated is amazing isn't it.

 

[Lylddlebit]

I was unable to trim my ends today due to a massive headache. I may try to trim tomorrow, but if I’m unable I will just trim next year in January. Gosh time is flying!

OAN, I already knew that my hair does not like coconut oil, but I never considered how coconut oil derivatives could affect my hair. I just found out that they react the same way as coconut oil, in that they react like a protein. Coconut oil makes my hair so hard and dry, which is why I refrain from products that have coconut oil. I have to thank @Lylddlebit for this revelation. Her post in another thread led me down this rabbit hole.

So, I researched shampoos that do not have coconut oil or its derivatives and settled on Verb Ghost Shampoo. In an effort to save money, I headed to TJ Maxx, but picked Verb Glossy Shampoo and Conditioner instead. Yo, you guys, my hair is so soft man. Like it’s soft and hydrated. I washed my hair yesterday with these products and my hair still feels good. Typically I would feel the need to M&S, especially with this cold weather, but there is no need. I’m very pleased with the results. I was looking forward to blow drying and trimming my hair, but all I could muster was two buns in satin scrunchies.

Now, I have to inventory all of my products and donate the ones that have coconut oil/derivatives in them.

'Strand Epiphanies' (yep I just made that up in this moment ha) are one of lifes true rewards lols. I am glad you had a hair breakthrough!

 

[keranikki]

Im glad you found something that is working wonderfully. The one thing I have learned over the past few years is getting that shampoo and conditioner step right is crucial. The following steps are unlikely to fix what has happened in the first step. Still learning.

That softness and feeling hydrated is amazing isn't it.

Yes, the softness and hydration is amazing. I’m literally amazed.

 

[keranikki]

'Strand Epiphanies' (yep I just made that up in this moment ha) are one of lifes true rewards lols. I am glad you had a hair breakthrough!

Thank you!

 

[Chicoro]

November 2025 Update:
Posted December 11th, 2025

The pool heater broke so I didn't go swimming two weeks in November. Plus, I stayed with my cousin for six days.

I sprouted fenugreek seeds to make my oil but my mother's apartment flooded and I had to vacate it for six (6) days while staying with my cousin and I did not bring my sprouts. They did well but I just didn't have the time to complete the process, so I threw them out. I will try again to get my oil started.

I bought a stick of cocoa butter from the beauty supply and made me some Shea/Cocoa butter for my ends. I like the firmness and stiffness of the butter, even though I whipped it. I like to put it on the ends of my braids.



How are you progressing?
I keep my hair braided and the ends oiled and rolled up, per usual. I undo the braids to re-moisturize. I have not trimmed it since June. Caregiving is eating me UP.

What are those ends looking like?
My ends need a trim but they are moisturized for now and rolled up/balled up and protected.

Have you had any epiphanies?
I used to take MSM for my melasma on my face. But have not used in it over a year. I have my MSM ready to go and use because it's a good time to address it in Winter. I remember that MSM sometimes adds a bit in lengthening my hair growth.

Have you set bolder goals?
No. Went back to my monthly wash schedule.

Have you pulled back on some goals?
No, not really. Just a re-affirmation to stick with clay cleansing and keeping my hair braided so it does not get matted.

Have you had any realizations about your hair or your hair care practices?
I think my braids are beautiful. I enjoy them and they fit right in my current lifestyle.

How is your consistency?
I am quite consistent in keeping my hair protected. I use my fingers to detangle when I re-do my braids. I don't keep my hair covered at night and I want to go back to that. I also want to go back to oiling my hair at night. Got to get back to my fenugreek oil. I really like that oil. It feels good and smells good in my hair and it creates an opportunity for me to enjoy my hair and make time for me.

Extending grace to you?
Most times.