NATURALS: SL to APL Hump

[loolalooh]

NL to SL crept up on me. It was fast and easy ... I thought I had it all figured out. (Who did I think I was.)

... SL to APL is another story. Some of the things I used to do are no longer working. (No more washing in loose ponytails -- now I have to plait my hair. No more wearing my hair out for 5 days at a time; now it's a max of 2-3 days. Etc.). Last night, I got frustrated as I did a length check. I've pushed my APL deadline back from December to February to now March. It's still a decent deadline but I don't want to slip up anymore. It's a hump I desperately want to get over. I need to hear from those of you who made it to APL and what you did. Help.

How did you get over it? What made the difference?

What are some tips?

What are some DON'Ts?

 

[glamazon386]

I'm at this stage too... BUMP

 

[DMJ's Mom]

I think that I really depends on your hair. I've never had a problem getting to APL natural or relaxed. The main thing I do is just leave my hair alone. The first time around as a natural I washed and blow dried my hair weekly and greased it daily. The second time around was cowashes and cornrows weekly. This time around its daily cowashes and buns (right now I'm on a break with my hair in cornrows because I felt the itch to cut creeping up on me again). Another thing that really helped me was doing overnight DC with ORS hair mayo 3 or more nights a week (my hair really loves protein). Overnight seemed to work better on my hair than just an hour or 2.

 

[TCatt86]

I'm at this stage now. So tips would be appreciated.

 

[Sarahh.]

I will be at this stage soon too..
so bump bump.

 

[Black Hoya Chick]

well i am transitioning. but i hope i can shed some insight anway...

How did you get over it? What made the difference?
co-washing was a major factor. keeping that hair moisturized created a great environment for growth. moisture and seal. and protective styles that keep the hair up and away from the elements. buns/pinned up ponytails. low manipulation and little to NO HEAT. I have avoided heat for 3 months now

What are some tips?
LOL i guess i answered this above. but one good thing is once you have a products and regimen that work for you, try and stick to it. bandwagons can cause setbacks or no results at all. consistency has worked great for me. and oh DEEP CONDITION at least once a week

What are some DON'Ts?
don't let that hair drag and snag on clothes. you will retain no length. and don't stare at it daily. lol you will never see a difference. let it be. hide it if need be.

 

[JustKiya]

I'm on that path, now - I'm hoping moisture and protective styles will allow me to creep on to it....

 

[bludaydreamr]

I'm on that path, now - I'm hoping moisture and protective styles will allow me to creep on to it....

After a lot of consideration, I came to the same conclusion.

 

[Dee Raven]

I had that problem getting to BSL, I got stopped at APL for a couple months. So I just kept my hair up, kept it simple, and went on with my life, and I noticed a couple weeks ago that my hair has been thriving. I just needed to let it go. You'll get there. Just try not to get too discouraged.

 

[msa]

I'm on that path, now - I'm hoping moisture and protective styles will allow me to creep on to it....

That's exactly how I feel.


I think if I keep my hair moisturized and my ends stretched out I'll be able to make it. That means no more wash-n-go's...which is what I've been doing lately. It's easy, fast, and I feel more confident when I wear my real hair as opposed to a wig...but it's not the best thing for my ends.

My biggest hurdle will definitely be keeping my diet healthy. When I eat healthfully I see a big difference in my skin and hair. And, I have no scientific proof but I swear that working out actual makes my hair grow (it's probably the scalp stimulation). So, in '09 my focus will be on being healthy.

Hopefully, this time next year I'll be full APL.

 

[SouthernTease]

I am almost there...
I think I could have been APL had I not done the BC in July...
as of October... I had 2" to go... I will not check again until Jan '09...

I can only tell you what worked for me and what I learned from
women who are BSL+ that I admire...

• loose protective styles (southerntease bun)
• daily co-washing
• no shampoo EVER!!!
• low manipulation (no brushes, no fine tooth combs, no detangling dry hair)
• detangle under shower
• deep conditioning 2-3 times per week
• baggy ends nightly
• satin pillow cases, satin scarves
• washing in sections
• herb tea & ACV rinses
• STAY AWAY FROM STYLIST ( No stylist for me in 2 years)
• No trimming!
• Low to No Heat (I use direct heat 1-2 per month if that)

 

[a_ caribbean_dream]

How did you get over it? What made the difference?
This was my biggest hurdle I believe- the SL to APL..after APL i breezed to BSL and now I am stuck around there (I think I'm about to start a stuck at post BSL length thread lol!!)
I was setback on my hair journey at the end of 2006 with a blunt shoulder length cut from a scissor happy stylist. I became very frustrated with my hair and didn't want to deal with it.

I put my hair away for awhile avoiding heat and trying out new protective styles such as twistouts, braidouts, and strawsets.

I started implementing the shampoo technique for natural hair on growafrohairlong.com I believe this made the difference and has changed my whole hair care process allowing me retain a lot of length. I swear by this technique and I have never turned back since.


What are some tips?

At this length, you will want to be VERY mindful of the styles you choose because a lot of styles leave ends unprotected brushing against your clothing. I was really OCD at this length about my ends. And I believe that was critical and getting over the "hump" between SL and APL

Low manipulation is also key. In your original post, you mentioned that you now leave your hair out for 2-3 days instead of 5. May I ask why and what is your defintion of leaving your hair "out"?

Listen to your hair. Each time I settled down to wash my hair I tried to see what my hair needed most -usually it was a good balance between protein and moisture.

What are some DON'Ts?

Don't check length all the time-it will drive you crazy and you will swear your hair isn't growing. Just do what you have to do to protect those ends and maximize retention. (Also try baggying here and there, it will make a difference)

 

[SEMO]

In my opinion, at this stage protecting your ends (physically and by sealing in moisture with oil) becomes even more important. You need to protect against breakage from physical rubbing of the hair on clothes, dryness, and tangles.

 

[lawyer2be371]

I'm there too...What I'm realizing is my hair is thickening up way faster than its growing downward...but I'm happy...I also pushed my deadline from Aug 08 to Dec 08, and now I'm back at March 2009....I have a long wide back so um...yeah its going to take a while to get there...As well as my hair is super thick

 

[Lucky's Mom]

Dryness will KILL your progress.......

I have learned that I MUST keep ends moisturized.....
No matter what.

 

[Candycane044]

How did you get over it? What made the difference?
I have been natural since Dec. 2005 and I just made APL in Nov. I felt that it took me an extremely long time to get from SL to APL. I think that my issue was wearing braids (with extensions) ALL the time, and not moisturizing my hair well enough. I've noticed that since I've stopped with the braids my hair has taken off. It has gotten much thicker and it just feels healthier. Additionally, as soon as I stopped freaking out about length, it seems APL snuck up on me.

What are some tips?
Like many other ladies have said, keep your hair off your shoulders. Also, make sure your hair is moisturized...if not it'll just break. Try limiting your shampoo usage or using shampoos that are natural. I officially don't use shampoo anymore and my hair has been thriving!

What are some DON'Ts?
Don't wear braids without moisturizing consistently. Make SURE that your actual hair is getting moisturized, not just your scalp. Definitely don't dwell on how long it may or may not be taking. It'll come I promise!

 

[loolalooh]

I think that I really depends on your hair. I've never had a problem getting to APL natural or relaxed. The main thing I do is just leave my hair alone. The first time around as a natural I washed and blow dried my hair weekly and greased it daily. The second time around was cowashes and cornrows weekly. This time around its daily cowashes and buns (right now I'm on a break with my hair in cornrows because I felt the itch to cut creeping up on me again). Another thing that really helped me was doing overnight DC with ORS hair mayo 3 or more nights a week (my hair really loves protein). Overnight seemed to work better on my hair than just an hour or 2.

Very true and true. I'm taking notes. Thanks!

 

[loolalooh]

well i am transitioning. but i hope i can shed some insight anway...

How did you get over it? What made the difference?
co-washing was a major factor. keeping that hair moisturized created a great environment for growth. moisture and seal. and protective styles that keep the hair up and away from the elements. buns/pinned up ponytails. low manipulation and little to NO HEAT. I have avoided heat for 3 months now

What are some tips?
LOL i guess i answered this above. but one good thing is once you have a products and regimen that work for you, try and stick to it. bandwagons can cause setbacks or no results at all. consistency has worked great for me. and oh DEEP CONDITION at least once a week

What are some DON'Ts?
don't let that hair drag and snag on clothes. you will retain no length. and don't stare at it daily. lol you will never see a difference. let it be. hide it if need be.

I'm on that path, now - I'm hoping moisture and protective styles will allow me to creep on to it....

So one key thing I'm hearing is moisturizing and protective styling. I need to quit being stubborn and protective style more. Thanks!

 

[loolalooh]

I had that problem getting to BSL, I got stopped at APL for a couple months. So I just kept my hair up, kept it simple, and went on with my life, and I noticed a couple weeks ago that my hair has been thriving. I just needed to let it go. You'll get there. Just try not to get too discouraged.

Oooh-wee. I've heard about the APL to BSL hump, too.

As for keeping the hair up, I need to do more of that and quit playing. Thanks for the encouragement!

 

[loolalooh]

I am almost there...
I think I could have been APL had I not done the BC in July...
as of October... I had 2" to go... I will not check again until Jan '09...

I can only tell you what worked for me and what I learned from
women who are BSL+ that I admire...

• loose protective styles (southerntease bun)
• daily co-washing
• no shampoo EVER!!!
• low manipulation (no brushes, no fine tooth combs, no detangling dry hair)
• detangle under shower
• deep conditioning 2-3 times per week
• baggy ends nightly
• satin pillow cases, satin scarves
• washing in sections
• herb tea & ACV rinses
• STAY AWAY FROM STYLIST ( No stylist for me in 2 years)
• No trimming!
• Low to No Heat (I use direct heat 1-2 per month if that)

Thanks so much for all the info! (Whipping out notepad again.) I've definitely gotta toss out my fine tooth comb ... I feel like I'm trimming my hair every time I use it. I've also been bad about washing in sections until recently.

P.S. You're very close to APL! You'll reach it in no time.

 

[kadej]

That's exactly how I feel.


I think if I keep my hair moisturized and my ends stretched out I'll be able to make it. That means no more wash-n-go's...which is what I've been doing lately. It's easy, fast, and I feel more confident when I wear my real hair as opposed to a wig...but it's not the best thing for my ends.

My biggest hurdle will definitely be keeping my diet healthy. When I eat healthfully I see a big difference in my skin and hair. And, I have no scientific proof but I swear that working out actual makes my hair grow (it's probably the scalp stimulation). So, in '09 my focus will be on being healthy.

Hopefully, this time next year I'll be full APL.

How do you *stretch* your ends?? TIA!

 

[loolalooh]

How did you get over it? What made the difference?
This was my biggest hurdle I believe- the SL to APL..after APL i breezed to BSL and now I am stuck around there (I think I'm about to start a stuck at post BSL length thread lol!!)
I was setback on my hair journey at the end of 2006 with a blunt shoulder length cut from a scissor happy stylist. I became very frustrated with my hair and didn't want to deal with it.

I put my hair away for awhile avoiding heat and trying out new protective styles such as twistouts, braidouts, and strawsets.

I started implementing the shampoo technique for natural hair on growafrohairlong.com I believe this made the difference and has changed my whole hair care process allowing me retain a lot of length. I swear by this technique and I have never turned back since.


What are some tips?

At this length, you will want to be VERY mindful of the styles you choose because a lot of styles leave ends unprotected brushing against your clothing. I was really OCD at this length about my ends. And I believe that was critical and getting over the "hump" between SL and APL

Low manipulation is also key. In your original post, you mentioned that you now leave your hair out for 2-3 days instead of 5. May I ask why and what is your defintion of leaving your hair "out"?

Listen to your hair. Each time I settled down to wash my hair I tried to see what my hair needed most -usually it was a good balance between protein and moisture.

What are some DON'Ts?

Don't check length all the time-it will drive you crazy and you will swear your hair isn't growing. Just do what you have to do to protect those ends and maximize retention. (Also try baggying here and there, it will make a difference)

Thanks much! (Still taking notes.) I'll check out that shampoo method that you mentioned ... sounds interesting.

When I leave my hair out, it's usually a twistout puff. I used to get away with that when my hair was little shorter, but now I can't. After 5 days of wearing the puff, my ends are a wreck; so now I just do it for 2-3 days. I'm still not comfortable with wearing twists (don't like the way they look on me at this length) but I guess I've gotta suck it up if I want to retain more length.

I'm glad you mentioned "listening to my hair" ... I'm been bad at that lately.

Thanks again!

 

[NikStarrr]

I'm at SL now--hopefully it's not as much of a struggle for me to reach APL as some say...

 

[loolalooh]

In my opinion, at this stage protecting your ends (physically and by sealing in moisture with oil) becomes even more important. You need to protect against breakage from physical rubbing of the hair on clothes, dryness, and tangles.

Thanks! This is true ... I can run away from protective styling anymore.

 

[loolalooh]

I'm there too...What I'm realizing is my hair is thickening up way faster than its growing downward...but I'm happy...I also pushed my deadline from Aug 08 to Dec 08, and now I'm back at March 2009....I have a long wide back so um...yeah its going to take a while to get there...As well as my hair is super thick

We better make it in March 2009!

 

[loolalooh]

Dryness will KILL your progress.......

I have learned that I MUST keep ends moisturized.....
No matter what.

Thanks, SJ! You know, I have to admit. I need to re-evaluate my moisture balance. So far, I moisturize 1x a week ... maybe I'll step it up.

 

[loolalooh]

How did you get over it? What made the difference?
I have been natural since Dec. 2005 and I just made APL in Nov. I felt that it took me an extremely long time to get from SL to APL. I think that my issue was wearing braids (with extensions) ALL the time, and not moisturizing my hair well enough. I've noticed that since I've stopped with the braids my hair has taken off. It has gotten much thicker and it just feels healthier. Additionally, as soon as I stopped freaking out about length, it seems APL snuck up on me.

What are some tips?
Like many other ladies have said, keep your hair off your shoulders. Also, make sure your hair is moisturized...if not it'll just break. Try limiting your shampoo usage or using shampoos that are natural. I officially don't use shampoo anymore and my hair has been thriving!

What are some DON'Ts?
Don't wear braids without moisturizing consistently. Make SURE that your actual hair is getting moisturized, not just your scalp. Definitely don't dwell on how long it may or may not be taking. It'll come I promise!

Thanks! I'm glad you mentioned your experience with braid extensions. I'm getting braids this weekend, but now I'll be extra careful. Also, I was thinking about getting back to back braids for protective styling ... but now I'll rethink that.

 

[loulou82]

Great post Loo! I don't plan on making it to APL as a natural until late next year and I don't want any setbacks. Most of the naturals I've seen with tight coils who make it utilize protective styles, minimize heat, and keep their hair hydrated with DC's and moisturizers. I plan to follow suit.

 

[winnettag]

I didn't have (or notice) a hump because I kept my hair in individuals, twists or cornrows (I realize a lot of ladies want to wear their hair loose, so this isn't a great option for some). On top of that I spritzed it with moisturizing and/or strengthening leave-ins almost everyday.

 

[loolalooh]

I'm at SL now--hopefully it's not as much of a struggle for me to reach APL as some say...

OT: I'm lovin' your puff!