Luscious Healthy Ends Challenge 2025

[Angel of the North]

@Chicoro I'm sorry that you're going through stuff that's got you feeling troubled. I'm a big believer in two things, 1. that everything happens for a reason, and 2. That God never gives us more than we can handle. Sometimes things that initially present as a negative can have a silver lining or even be a whole blessing in disguise. I hope you can find peace and understanding for the relevance of this situation in your journey and get through it with minimal negative impact to you, your health and your hair journeys.

To answer your question, I think I have 3 stages with my hair when I'm not feeling okay.

1. I will give my hair the full works. I will take my time, enjoy every step and really appreciate my hair. This makes me forget about the matter that got me feeling discombobulated. It makes me feel good, and lifts my mood.

2. Auto pilot, where I will do what is necessary, a wash, DC, moisturise and seal. At this point I am somewhat detached from my hair and the care I would take in the usual sense and will only do what I have to with minimal fuss.

3. I'm completely detached. I will procrastinate wash day, sometimes to the point of 3 - 4 weeks. When I finally get round to wash day, I will follow number 2 but, I will not DC for longer than 10 - 15 minutes.

The kind of circumstances that could trigger me to fall into one of the above hair states could vary. Sometimes, something minor will trigger stage 3 and something major could trigger stage 1, and vice versa.

 

[Chicoro]

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. Doingmy hair puts me in a related an 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 wiithout issues. This allows me and frame more frequent wash days like "I can't wait to try this new hair product" or "I need a wash day day" and link them a treat that I look forward to and priority.

Thank you for responding.

If I am understanding correctly, you are someone who does your hair to uplift yourself when life becomes challenging.

And equally interesting is that you put a BUFFER in your hair process. Meaning that you have learned to moisturize and condition your hair in such a way that IF you are not able to get to your hair on your usual schedule, your hair can be left alone and do fine for about a month or 30 days. That 30 days is like a kind of buffer, in the event you just can’t get to your hair.

Is my understanding of this correct?

Thank you for the wishes of peace. I appreciate you.

 

[Chicoro]

@Chicoro I'm sorry that you're going through stuff that's got you feeling troubled. I'm a big believer in two things, 1. that everything happens for a reason, and 2. That God never gives us more than we can handle. Sometimes things that initially present as a negative can have a silver lining or even be a whole blessing in disguise. I hope you can find peace and understanding for the relevance of this situation in your journey and get through it with minimal negative impact to you, your health and your hair journeys.

To answer your question, I think I have 3 stages with my hair when I'm not feeling okay.

1. I will give my hair the full works. I will take my time, enjoy every step and really appreciate my hair. This makes me forget about the matter that got me feeling discombobulated. It makes me feel good, and lifts my mood.

2. Auto pilot, where I will do what is necessary, a wash, DC, moisturise and seal. At this point I am somewhat detached from my hair and the care I would take in the usual sense and will only do what I have to with minimal fuss.

3. I'm completely detached. I will procrastinate wash day, sometimes to the point of 3 - 4 weeks. When I finally get round to wash day, I will follow number 2 but, I will not DC for longer than 10 - 15 minutes.

The kind of circumstances that could trigger me to fall into one of the above hair states could vary. Sometimes, something minor will trigger stage 3 and something major could trigger stage 1, and vice versa.

Thank you for responding! Thank you for the support, too.

It looks like a possible pattern is emerging. I see that you are not forgetting your hair when there is a challenge. But that you have a minimal process, an indulgent process and a standard process. You have something in place, a routine that correlates with and runs parallel to life happenings.

I never looked at it his way. Both you and @Lylddlebit have processes in place. Almost like one has money in place for an emergency. Absolutely fascinating.

 

[GettingKinky]

@Chicoro your ponytail is so luscious. That is my goal wash n go ponytail.

I’m sorry to hear that you have been feeling burdened and I’m so happy that you are starting to feel less so with your recent actions.

Aside from when I’m out of town I’m very consistent about doing my hair even when I’m stressed out. The entire process is only an hour even when I wear it out and less than 20 minutes when I’m bunning so it doesn’t feel burdensome.

On the other hand my evening skin care routine which is less than 10 minutes gets skipped when I’m not feeling it, and I’m not sure why. I guess I see it as an obstacle to going to bed and if I’m stressed I just want to go to bed. Maybe I should do my evening skin care as soon as I get home from work…

 

[GettingKinky]

Duplicate post

 

[Chicoro]

@Chicoro your ponytail is so luscious. That is my goal wash n go ponytail.

I’m sorry to hear that you have been feeling burdened and I’m so happy that you are starting to feel less so with your recent actions.

Aside from when I’m out of town I’m very consistent about doing my hair even when I’m stressed out. The entire process is only an hour even when I wear it out and less than 20 minutes when I’m bunning so it doesn’t feel burdensome.

On the other hand my evening skin care routine which is less than 10 minutes gets skipped when I’m not feeling it, and I’m not sure why. I guess I see it as an obstacle to going to bed and if I’m stressed I just want to go to bed. Maybe I should do my evening skin care as soon as I get home from work…

Thank you for responding and for the support!


It sounds like your routine has very little variation and is automated for you and a solid habit in your life. Thus, it does not alternate for you. It's like brushing your teeth. You just do it no matter what.

Is your skin routine newer than your hair routine? Have you updated or changed your skin routine? Does your skin routine change more than your hair routine?

 

[Angel of the North]

Thank you for responding.

If I am understanding correctly, you are someone who does your hair to uplift yourself when life becomes challenging.

And equally interesting is that you put a BUFFER in your hair process. Meaning that you have learned to moisturize and condition your hair in such a way that IF you are not able to get to your hair on your usual schedule, your hair can be left alone and do fine for about a month or 30 days. That 30 days is like a kind of buffer, in the event you just can’t get to your hair.

Is my understanding of this correct?

Thank you for the wishes of peace. I appreciate you.

Reading this made me realise that I subconsciously moisturise my hair during the times that I'm doing the bare minimum, I think that is what saved my hair over the last 5 years.

I wasn't physically or mentally able to deal with my hair head on, or on a regular basis, but she got what she needed and survived, I could even go as far as to say she flourished.

WL is not to be scoffed at after years of the bare minimum. It makes me wonder where I'd be at with length if I'd have been actively taking care of my hair over those years.

ETA: All of that also makes me go back to the theory that everything happens for a reason. I could have ended up with neck length hair, I could have had my hair fall out, that WL hair could have been full of SSK/mid shaft splits. It worked out perfectly in the end.

I took off 2 inches, I could have gotten away with 1 inch, but I wanted to take off the extra to ensure better health of my ends, I've always been quality over quantity type of person, especially when it comes to my hair.

I would choose healthy SL over thin, scraggly HL hair all day everyday. Thinking about all of the above, definitely gives me a different level of appreciation for my hair. Looking at your pics, your hair is both beautiful and amazing, it seems you have some form of buffer too.

 

[GettingKinky]

Thank you for responding and for the support!


It sounds like your routine has very little variation and is automated for you and a solid habit in your life. Thus, it does not alternate for you. It's like brushing your teeth. You just do it no matter what.

Is your skin routine newer than your hair routine? Have you updated or changed your skin routine? Does your skin routine change more than your hair routine?

My skin care routine is newer than my hair routine, but it’s very stable and easy and it + brushing and flossing is less than 10 minutes. But I find myself skipping the whole thing many times (including the brushing and flossing :-0 ). I think the thought of being in bed is more appealing and so I can’t make myself do this last 10 minutes of my day unless I’m in a good mood and not feeling stressed.

 

[Chicoro]

Reading this made me realise that I subconsciously moisturise my hair during the times that I'm doing the bare minimum, I think that is what saved my hair over the last 5 years.

I wasn't physically or mentally able to deal with my hair head on, or on a regular basis, but she got what she needed and survived, I could even go as far as to say she flourished.

WL is not to be scoffed at after years or the bare minimum. It makes wonder where I'd be at with length if I'd have been actively taking care of my hair over those years.

ETA: All of that also makes me go back to the theory that everything happens for a reason. I could have ended up with neck length hair, I could have had my hair fall out, that WL hair could have been full of SSK/mid shaft splits. It worked out perfectly in the end.

I took off 2 inches, I could have gotten away with 1 inch, but I wanted to take off the extra to ensure better health of my ends, I've always been quality over quantity type of person, especially when it comes to my hair.

I would choose healthy SL over thin, scraggly HL hair all day everyday. Thinking about all of the above, definitely gives me a different level of appreciation for my hair. Looking at your pics, your hair is both beautiful and amazing, it seems you have some form of buffer too.

But you WERE actively taking care of your hair over those years. What you thought you SHOULD do was NOT what you NEEDED to do. You did what you needed to do and you even said your hair flourished and your at waist length.

Thank you for the compliment. Yes, you are right!

I have discovered the buffer for my hair. Keep it braided and moist, detangle and above all keep the ends lubricated with butter and rolled and protected!

Intuitively, I knew there was something to what we do with our hair when we have other priorities. You all never fail to disappoint. All kinds things of significance have popped up and jumped out to me just from three responses. Three well thought out and detailed responses. Thank you.

 

[Angel of the North]

My skin care routine is newer than my hair routine, but it’s very stable and easy and it + brushing and flossing is less than 10 minutes. But I find myself skipping the whole thing many times (including the brushing and flossing :-0 ). I think the thought of being in bed is more appealing and so I can’t make myself do this last 10 minutes of my day unless I’m in a good mood and not feeling stressed.

I can completely relate to this! For me it is sometimes fatigue, I cannot muster the energy to drag myself to the bathroom after a certain time, sometimes I'll fall asleep before it's even a thought.

I've thought about what I can do to overcome these hurdles, and I've come up with doing these things earlier in the day. I rarely will have a need to step out by the time I finish my dinner, it's also unlikely that I will eat anything after that either.

I'm intend to start my night time routines within 30 minutes of my last meal. That will hopefully fix the issues. Sometimes my last meal could be late, but if I get onto the routines within 30 minutes, I don't think I will have stopped for long enough to fatigue or fall asleep.

 

[Lylddlebit]

Thank you for responding.

If I am understanding correctly, you are someone who does your hair to uplift yourself when life becomes challenging.

And equally interesting is that you put a BUFFER in your hair process. Meaning that you have learned to moisturize and condition your hair in such a way that IF you are not able to get to your hair on your usual schedule, your hair can be left alone and do fine for about a month or 30 days. That 30 days is like a kind of buffer, in the event you just can’t get to your hair.

Is my understanding of this correct?

Thank you for the wishes of peace. I appreciate you.

You're welcome! Your understanding is correct:

• I enjoy wash days. They generally uplift and relax me.
• Once deposited, moisture is sustained within my hair for weeks at a time that typically exceed a month. My hair's hydration dissipates like a "slow leak" and typically will not show any signs of dryness until around week 5-6...if I push it that far. There are outliers like a frigid month during the winter, being in a scorching heatwave during the summer, or trying a bad product that will dry my out faster, but typically, my hair has no signs of dryness when I wash it the weekend follwing or aligning with the 4-week mark.

That makes weekly washes optional for me and feel more like a treat than anything else when I choose them. As long as I prevent natural shrinkage from locking my hair and don't have shedding related to health imbalances, once-a-month washes work pretty well for me. Generally, my scalp stays residue-free and my strands stay supple all month long. So, when I wash more frequently than once a month, a signal from my hair told me to, or that wash was purely for fun/enjoyment. Being able to do this based on the condition and qualities of my hair is useful when I have other priorities. I the habit of always looking forward to wash day when I do have one.

 

[Lylddlebit]

But you WERE actively taking care of your hair over those years. What you thought you SHOULD do was NOT what you NEEDED to do. You did what you needed to do and you even said your hair flourished and your at waist length.

Thank you for the compliment. Yes, you are right!

I have discovered the buffer for my hair. Keep it braided and moist, detangle and above all keep the ends lubricated with butter and rolled and protected!

Intuitively, I knew there was something to what we do with our hair when we have other priorities. You all never fail to disappoint. All kinds things of significance have popped up and jumped out to me just from three responses. Three well thought out and detailed responses. Thank you.

@Angel of the North I second this.

I had a wash day during the COVID years where I went all out on my hair when it had severe shedding and matting. Got so mad during the process that I ripped half of it out lol (so much for enjoyment lol) and I posted the picture in this thread showing the devastation lol. I point that out so you can consider the perspective of how the minimum can sometimes save us from getting frustrated and "doing too much" lol. I think you got it right.

 

[Angel of the North]

@Angel of the North I second this.

I had a wash day during the covid years where I went all out on my hair when it had severe shedding and matthing. Got so mad during the process that I ripped half of it out lol (so much for enjoyment lol) and I posted the picture in this thread showing the devestation lol. I point that out so you can consider the perspective of how the minimium can sometimes save us from getting frustrated and "doing too much" lol. I think you got it right.

Thank you I remember you sharing the story. I have had many frustrating encounters with my hair, I've had many a day when she just won't cooperative. I'm very glad to see that you have recovered from that setback.

I'm a bit like you in the sense that my hair can stay moisturised for long periods of time, and that we're good as long as the hair is in a stretched state. Once a month would be fine for wash days for me too, I also never have product build up or a flakey scalp, except for two times, which were caused by the actual products I used at the time.

The main thing I learnt over those 5 years, is that I can have the most simple regimen. I really enjoy taking care of my hair, having extended wash days, and trying new products in the search of my HGs

This chapter of my HHJ is predominantly focused on hair products. I've gone full throttle into product junkie mode, but at least this time around, it's with a purpose. The next chapter will be to make my own products. I love all the new information I'm soaking up, I'm grateful to everyone for their contributions and recommendations too.

Much of the the practices that will be incorporated into my regimen are add ons, like a mid week cowash or, a monthly prepoo. I do intend to keep things very simple.

 

[faithVA]

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'm glad your burdens have eased up some. I was just thinking about you. I hope things continue to improve.

 

[faithVA]

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

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

I reset my hair every week or two no matter what. The only time I may have to extend that is if I'm sick. I can't remember the last time I went more than 2 weeks. I think it was around the time I stopped wearing extensions...so probably 10 years.

But I haven't had anything really big or stressful happening in my life in the past 15.

 

[Chicoro]

I reset my hair every week or two no matter what. The only time I may have to extend that is if I'm sick. I can't remember the last time I went more than 2 weeks. I think it was around the time I stopped wearing extensions...so probably 10 years.

But I haven't had anything really big or stressful happening in my life in the past 15.

This says a whole lot. You don't let anyone or anything disturb your peace. This is an incredible place to be.

 

[faithVA]

This says a whole lot. You don't let anyone or anything disturb your peace. This is an incredible place to be.

Well I wish I were there but not yet. But I meditate regularly to help me manage or to get back to a manageable state.

But I have things that have caused waves.

I know you will come out of this with some powerful insights.

 

[faithVA]

It is unusually quiet in this thread. I hope all is well with everyone. Stay uplifted whatever you are going through.

 

[faithVA]

I've relegated any type of length checks to the end of each quarter. I'm pretty sure I'm retaining something but right now I can't tell whether I am making progress with my lower layers. And I really don't want to get obsessive about it. Instead of doing length checks, I've decided to measure progress in other ways, like being able to do 2 Bantu Knots in the back instead of the 4 I currently do. This makes more sense, because what I really ant is to be able to do certain styles with my hair.

I don't do much with my hair once I put it up for the week. I put on my cap at night and take it off in the morning. That is about it. But if I wear a barrette or banana clip to hold my twists, I may or may not take it out in the evening.

Last night I took out my barrette while sitting on the coach watching television. I was just playing around with the twist and thought, hmm, let me braid these all together. So I have 10 or so twists that I braided together and then was able to tuck the ends under. That is definitely progress because I know 6 months ago I could not do that. The braid is about 4 inches long.

I wouldn't wear it out or anything but it was nice to see that I can do that.

I don't know if I will make it this year but my 2 goals are
1. To be to just put in 2 strand twist and pull them all up into a bun. If I can get to even just the majority of the twist in a bun with leaving the front that would be a good milestone as well. But this would allow me the opportunity to rinse in twist.

2. Styling my flat twist all towards the back and then able to pull them together whether into a twist or braid or barrette and tuck them under.

Looking forward to what my hair achieves in the next 5 months.

 

[faithVA]

I really love the Prose products. They work so well on my hair. I wish their sizes made sense though. I like to have big bottles of things that last months.

I have enough shampoo, conditioner and leave in to make it through August. But I will need to go on the hunt for new conditioner and leave-in soon.

I'm going to have to spend some time in Ulta, Sephora and Sally's to see if I can come up with something.

 

[keranikki]

I’m hanging in there. Times and people are trying to the spirit and I’m trying not to be affected.
I’m currently still at CBL and my ends are still breaking off in little bits. I thought it was the Skala DCs that were adding too much protein to my hair, but it was my Aloe Hibiscus Rinse that is the culprit. The hibiscus is drying my hair out. I stopped using the DCs and used the rinse as a daily refresher, which is how I was able to finally deduce that it was the rinse not the DC.
I have now stopped using the rinse and I’m back to using diluted Infusium 23. My hair looks healthier with my new black hair, but I know I’m going to have to cut my hair at some point. For now I’m babying my ends and will keep my hair hidden in protective styles for the rest of the year. I’m not going to participate in silk press season this year.

 

[ItsMeLilLucky]

@faithVA Life has certainly been lifing, but I give it to the LORD. I just been keeping it simple.

 

[faithVA]

I’m hanging in there. Times and people are trying to the spirit and I’m trying not to be affected.
I’m currently still at CBL and my ends are still breaking off in little bits. I thought it was the Skala DCs that were adding too much protein to my hair, but it was my Aloe Hibiscus Rinse that is the culprit. The hibiscus is drying my hair out. I stopped using the DCs and used the rinse as a daily refresher, which is how I was able to finally deduce that it was the rinse not the DC.
I have now stopped using the rinse and I’m back to using diluted Infusium 23. My hair looks healthier with my new black hair, but I know I’m going to have to cut my hair at some point. For now I’m babying my ends and will keep my hair hidden in protective styles for the rest of the year. I’m not going to participate in silk press season this year.

Remember, this too shall pass. Take care of yourself and take time to pamper yourself and de-stress if you can.

 

[faithVA]

@faithVA Life has certainly been lifing, but I give it to the LORD. I just been keeping it simple.

Sounds like a good plan.

 

[Angel of the North]

For those of you that wear WAGs, are you doing anything specific to take care of your ends? I never really focused on my ends while wearing WAGs, I used to baggy my ponytail, which meant that the length and ends were extremely moisturised everyday. Now I am no longer doing this, I'm thinking about ways to take care of my ends while in WAG.

Although I have had this current WAG in for 6 days, no refresh, my hair still feels moisturised. I do think that I was a little slap dash when I applied my leave in, so I'm definitely going to ensure I do it properly on my next wash day. This should increase the moisture levels throughout the next week.

I'm due a trim at the end of this month, I'm planing to just dust, hopefully I don't need to take off much. I've found a gel that gives me great definition, virtually frizz free, that lasts all week (The Doux Big Poppa), so this will mean minimal manipulation going forward as I will only have to do my hair once per week, without needing to refresh it anymore.

ETA: I am currently using silk bonnets and silk/satin Pillowcases, so ends are somewhat protected at night. I have tied my ponytail higher to keep my hair off my shoulders and stop it from rubbing against any fabric. Healthy ends = Better length retention so I'm trying to do whatever I can to help that along.

 

[Angel of the North]

While I was rinsing out my DC today, I noticed a little breakage. It looked like it came from split ends, the pieces where about a cm long, there were about 3 of them.

I'm guessing that this is to do with the over manipulation from the 5 - 6 weeks of refreshing my ponytail WAG daily. I'm glad I've got a way of drastically reducing the level of manipulation now that I've got products that make my WAG go last the whole week.

I will have to assess the situation a bit closer when I get round to my trim. I may have to take off more than a light dusting and have a proper trim.

I'm thinking that my splitendender could come in very useful if I want to just get rid of the splits, which would eliminate the need for a full trim.

@faithVA I vaguely remember the direction that the splitender should be used on clean straight hair. I think I used to blow dry and sometimes straighten with one pass before using it. How are you using yours? Do you straighten before using or can you use it with a blow dry?

I'm wondering if I can get away with using my GHD heated brush, then chase a comb with the splitender in small tresses. I would rather not blow dry, or use straighteners.

 

[faithVA]

While I was rinsing out my DC today, I noticed a little breakage. It looked like it came from split ends, the pieces where about a cm long, there were about 3 of them.

I'm guessing that this is to do with the over manipulation from the 5 - 6 weeks of refreshing my ponytail WAG daily. I'm glad I've got a way of drastically reducing the level of manipulation now that I've got products that make my WAG go last the whole week.

I will have to assess the situation a bit closer when I get round to my trim. I may have to take off more than a light dusting and have a proper trim.

I'm thinking that my splitendender could come in very useful if I want to just get rid of the splits, which would eliminate the need for a full trim.

@faithVA I vaguely remember the direction that the splitender should be used on clean straight hair. I think I used to blow dry and sometimes straighten with one pass before using it. How are you using yours? Do you straighten before using or can you use it with a blow dry?

I'm wondering if I can get away with using my GHD heated brush, then chase a comb with the splitender in small tresses. I would rather not blow dry, or use straighteners.

When I used it in June, I just blow dried and used it on the bottom half of my hair. I only straighten because of my end of year check-in because I was going to straighten anyway.

Use your brush and try it on one section and see how it works for you. And then decide if you need to straighten.

 

[Angel of the North]

When I used it in June, I just blow dried and used it on the bottom half of my hair. I only straighten because of my end of year check-in because I was going to straighten anyway.

Use your brush and try it on one section and see how it works for you. And then decide if you need to straighten.

Thank you, that's a good suggestion. I'm thinking I could get away with focusing on the ends like you've described, it really is only the ends that I'm concerned about.

On a more positive note, I was able to detangle my whole head in around 5 minutes, with minimal hair left in my comb and brush.

I'm thinking of giving myself a stronger protein treatment, it's been a long time. I might try the Affirm reconstructor, I read a post saying it gave similar results as the Aphogee 2 step without the mess,.which I welcome.

 

[faithVA]

Thank you, that's a good suggestion. I'm thinking I could get away with focusing on the ends like you've described, it really is only the ends that I'm concerned about.

On a more positive note, I was able to detangle my whole head in around 5 minutes, with minimal hair left in my comb and brush.

I'm thinking of giving myself a stronger protein treatment, it's been a long time. I might try the Affirm reconstructor, I read a post saying it gave similar results as the Aphogee 2 step without the mess,.which I welcome.

Affirm huh? Where do you get it? I could use some protein.

 

[Chicoro]

It is unusually quiet in this thread. I hope all is well with everyone. Stay uplifted whatever you are going through.

I am doing well. I am super busy. I am doing some de-cluttering at my place and some much needed deep cleaning, too. I finally broke down and went through my hair care products. I am a Hair Product Hoarder and decided to relinquish that title and threw away lots of things that I have had for YEARS and did not use.