SHOULDER LENGTH 2011 CHALLENGE!

[Fyne]

faithVA
ZeeontheGrow
I dont know what they are officially called, but I use something similar I call them hair comb clips.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Brown-Ring-Comb-Pony-Tail-Hair-Clip-Fashion-Accessory-/180637098724?pt=UK_Jewellery_Watches_CostumeJewellery_CA&hash=item2a0ecf62e4

I remove the gold plates on the side and use them to create buns as they really grip my hair well and when I remove them theres no hair loss with them.

Messy Bun:

 

[Retro]

I didn't know we were talking about buns! That's all I wear. My hair's too thin, so my bun isn't thick though
I got my relaxer today. I went to a Dominican Salon for the first time. I thought I was making progress with my hair but the lady kind of gasp when she got into my hair saying how damaged it was. I try to stretch my relaxers but she said I shouldn't do that because it causes breakage. The only reason I was doing it was because that's what I read everyone else does, so now I'm kind of confused. I know that at about 9 weeks it starts getting hard for me to comb through my hair & there's lots of hair left in the comb.
I did like how my hair turned out. It moves and sways and that's so crazy to me haha. Right now it's the longest its ever been. Is shoulder length at the line that I drew?

 

[Fyne]

^^^^ Retro

The key is to find your magic number some ladies have tried long stretches like 26wks+ only to get set backs due to the breakage...Say next time stretch for 10weeks if your hair is ok then 11weeks next time and so on. I've learnt that 12weeks is my maximum, having said that im noticing alot of breakage due to a growth spurt so relaxing over the weekend at 10weeks post - listen to your hair

As for combing you need to be more and more gentle and light handed as the weeks progress - at 10weeks for me I no longer wrap at night or over manipulate I just pull back into a loose ponytail n baggy then cover with a silk scarf and bun during the day.

As for your hair it looks very healthy to me and I would be claiming SL I'm sure it will thicken as you gain length. Well done on your progress

 

[Missjae09]

hang in there! your hair probably doesn't grow as slow as you think it does, and besides that, I'm sure you have heard over and over that a watched pot never boils! Maybe you are watching the pot.
I know exactly how you feel. I have vented in here about my nape issues and I have recently decided that more than likely I will have to reach my hair goals without the help of my nape. Honestly if it weren't for my problematic nape I would have made SL by now, but instead I'm still chasing! So cheer up! you're in good company! To grow long hair I think the secret formula is a good regi and a TON of patience.

HHG!!

I need to vent.... I am soooo sick of my slow growing hair... I probably get 0.3 inches a month...

I did a mini-cut on 4/15 and have really began tending to my hair since then by washing, cowashing, and deep conditioning in braids and sealing the length and ends of my hair with oil.

I also take the time to baby my hair. I am going for a blow out on 5/19, because I'm going out of town so I hope to see some sign of hope. I do think my hair is getting thicker... I can definitely tell in my afro that I wear out daily.

I may have to join the SL in 2012 challenge... So I'm just giving myself a heads up...

 

[Missjae09]

Hi ladies, i'm checking in... I have run out of styles for my hair, I am all braidout-out! I think it's time for me to revisit some styles i haven't done in a while.

And while the jury is still out, I think I have decided my brush is the devil! I'd been wearing my hair up and using my brush to smooth my hair in the back...yes, my (not so nice word) nape.. well I recently discovered that it seems like the few normal strands I had back there are gone! now I'm not tripping about the strands because more than like I will have to trim them anyway, but on the other hand, I am tripping a little bit because I can't afford to loose ANYTHING back there. However, I will say that the broken patches are filling in.

I have mixed feelings about whether or not its possible to thicken up your hair but just for good measure I have began oiling my scalp with JBO as well as rosemary EO. If it gets thicker, GREAT! if not i'm ok with my medium density hair.

Hope all is well with everyone!

 

[faithVA]

Thanks ZeeontheGrow, Chelleypie801, Fyne - I will save this info for future reference when I am ready to try some buns. Hopefully I will be bun ready before the end of the summer.

 

[faithVA]

listen to your hair

Definitely listen to your hair.

And I believe there is a stretching challenge or thread which will give you some tips on keeping it soft, manipulating it and styling it. I am sure there is a lot of information in there to help you even if you don't decide to stretch.

 

[faithVA]

So cheer up! you're in good company! To grow long hair I think the secret formula is a good regi and a TON of patience. HHG!!

I agree completely. We are here with you taking it one step at a time.

Maybe having some different goals while you are waiting to reach the length goal may help distract.

For example I have the following goals
1. to nail my regimen
2. to use up my stash
3. to get all my back and side twists into a pony tail
4. maintaining mid week moisture

These help to give me something to think about other than length. Maybe a semi-goal would help make it not feel soooo long. hth

 

[faithVA]

I have mixed feelings about whether or not its possible to thicken up your hair but just for good measure I have began oiling my scalp with JBO as well as rosemary EO.

I'm not sure if it is possible either but I am hoping so. My crown is too thin. I have been massaging my scalp with a blend of oils and EO but for only about 1.5 weeks. It's too early to tell if it is working. But when I try to find my bald spot, it is harder to find. I know my chunky twists looked better.

I don't have any conclusions yet. I will give an update at the end of the month.

 

[Phaer]

Keep doing it JBCO is a miracle oil imo. For my bald spots (and everytime after I take out my Kinky twist, I massage my hairline with) I use JBCO and Aloe, I might add some Rosemary oil to it.

I'm not sure if it is possible either but I am hoping so. My crown is too thin. I have been massaging my scalp with a blend of oils and EO but for only about 1.5 weeks. It's too early to tell if it is working. But when I try to find my bald spot, it is harder to find. I know my chunky twists looked better.

I don't have any conclusions yet. I will give an update at the end of the month.

 

[sarathu]

how i've been wearing my hair as of late.
http://youtu.be/i9tQ9YyL1VU

Thanks for that vid! I didn't think I could make a bun with my hair but I did it! Thanks to you!! Yay! (can you tell I'm really happy?)

 

[AvaSpeaks]

Okay ladies, I need some help here! What is the proper way to flat iron my kinda SL hair?! Should I just go to a professional this one time?

FYI, it's longer now than it is in the pic. And that's how my hair looked a day after I blow dryed and flat ironed my hair

 

[Retro]

^^^^ @Retro

The key is to find your magic number some ladies have tried long stretches like 26wks+ only to get set backs due to the breakage...Say next time stretch for 10weeks if your hair is ok then 11weeks next time and so on. I've learnt that 12weeks is my maximum, having said that im noticing alot of breakage due to a growth spurt so relaxing over the weekend at 10weeks post - listen to your hair

As for combing you need to be more and more gentle and light handed as the weeks progress - at 10weeks for me I no longer wrap at night or over manipulate I just pull back into a loose ponytail n baggy then cover with a silk scarf and bun during the day.

As for your hair it looks very healthy to me and I would be claiming SL I'm sure it will thicken as you gain length. Well done on your progress

Yeah, each stretch has been 9 weeks. And by week 7/8 is when I start to see it being really hard to comb through and hair on the comb, which is probably me causing breakage in my hair.

Also, I'm confused about wrapping. The lady looked at me crazy when I said I don't wrap my hair and she said I need to do it every night. I just put a satin bonnet on and let my hair hang lose. I thought wrapping your hair effected your edges? I have issues with my edges and didn't want to set them back any further.

And me SL? really? That's so crazy to me!

 

[Fyne]

Yes SL Girl claim it....cos your neck aint as long as the line you drew! LOLOLOL.
I know it feels wonderful to reach a hair goal, cant wait to see more progress in the months/years to come!

ETA: Sometimes the person that knows the best for your hair is yourself I've learned the hard way - my stylist is not always right, hence why you see threads on self relaxing and trimming and the reason why I only go to my stylist once a year (Scissor happy) - Having said that it is possible to find a stylist that understands and appreciates your HHJ!

As for wrapping yes it can cause breakage for some ladies due to the tension, especially on one side - Same for me before my journey one side of my hair was thinner and my edge on the right side was wayy to thin. Ladies combat this by alternating sides e.g wrap towards the right every other night and trying different methods:

Pin Curl:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9AxFcydOeo
(Love this one!)

Flexi rod set:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xbZzOx62q8&NR=1&feature=fvwp
(I'm on a no heat challange so I curl the rods in and keep them in overnight-same results)

Crosswrap:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMHDfpv8gzA
(Alternative to wrapping?)

I use a combination so im not stressing my hair one particular way and towards the end of my stretch I dont wrap at all too much breakage and hair in the comb that should be on my head I bun during the day and take out the hair grip at night, smooth my edges in the morning and repeat, I've been finger combing haven't actually combed my hair in 7days!

For stretching I know this thread is long but reading though it you can pick up some tips for stretching:
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=356989

Once again congrats + HHG!

 

[Missjae09]

I have found that it is easier to section the hair off into 4 or even 6 sections and flat iron small sections at a time, especially if you are using a really low heat setting you want to make sure your sections aren't too big. Also don't forget your heat protectant, but don't use too much product because it will weigh your hair down. ​

Hope this helps! ​

Okay ladies, I need some help here! What is the proper way to flat iron my kinda SL hair?! Should I just go to a professional this one time?

FYI, it's longer now than it is in the pic. And that's how my hair looked a day after I blow dryed and flat ironed my hair

 

[Missjae09]

Yeah, or just focusing on having the healthiest hair possible will distract you and indirectly help with rentention.

Just a side note, if you are like me and have NEVER had hair past your shoulders so you have no idea what your growth potential is like... Scientifically if your hair grows 1/2 inch per month (the avg rate) and in your growth phase lasts 3 years (which is one of the shorter growth phases) your hair can grow to be 18 inches long and even longer if your growth rate is a bit more than 1/2 inch per month or if your growth phase lasts longer. Since I've never had hair past my shoulders I would be happy with hair that is 18 inches (or 15 inches after trims)!! I use that thought for motivation to be patient and to focus on babying my ends to try to retain every inch possible.

I agree completely. We are here with you taking it one step at a time.

Maybe having some different goals while you are waiting to reach the length goal may help distract.

For example I have the following goals
1. to nail my regimen
2. to use up my stash
3. to get all my back and side twists into a pony tail
4. maintaining mid week moisture

These help to give me something to think about other than length. Maybe a semi-goal would help make it not feel soooo long. hth

 

[Fyne]

Missjae09 Your advice is always sound and uplifting

 

[Missjae09]

aaaHHH, Thank you!!!!!!

@Missjae09 Your advice is always sound and uplifting

 

[Retro]

Yes SL Girl claim it....cos your neck aint as long as the line you drew! LOLOLOL.
I know it feels wonderful to reach a hair goal, cant wait to see more progress in the months/years to come!

ETA: Sometimes the person that knows the best for your hair is yourself I've learned the hard way - my stylist is not always right, hence why you see threads on self relaxing and trimming and the reason why I only go to my stylist once a year (Scissor happy) - Having said that it is possible to find a stylist that understands and appreciates your HHJ!

As for wrapping yes it can cause breakage for some ladies due to the tension, especially on one side - Same for me before my journey one side of my hair was thinner and my edge on the right side was wayy to thin. Ladies combat this by alternating sides e.g wrap towards the right every other night and trying different methods:

Pin Curl:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9AxFcydOeo
(Love this one!)

Flexi rod set:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xbZzOx62q8&NR=1&feature=fvwp
(I'm on a no heat challange so I curl the rods in and keep them in overnight-same results)

Crosswrap:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMHDfpv8gzA
(Alternative to wrapping?)

I use a combination so im not stressing my hair one particular way and towards the end of my stretch I dont wrap at all too much breakage and hair in the comb that should be on my head I bun during the day and take out the hair grip at night, smooth my edges in the morning and repeat, I've been finger combing haven't actually combed my hair in 7days!

For stretching I know this thread is long but reading though it you can pick up some tips for stretching:
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=356989

Once again congrats + HHG!

LOL omg you're so right about it being past my neck. So I guess I am SL!
I'm still gonna stay in this thread though b/c you guys are so helpful. Thanks so much!

I'm going try the Pin Curling thing and wrapping. I've been liking wearing my hair down now that since I got it done. But obviously want to do so without heat.

 

[faithVA]

Ok I tried my 1st bun today. Was late to work trying to fool with it.

I tried 1st with the panty hose and elastic band but found that the banana clip is easier. I have a lot of hair to try to get into it. And it draws up fast.

I am hoping it looks better in person than it does in the pictures. It is already starting to fuzz as my hair does even though I gelled it. I didn't comb the hair so it was hard turning it under. It's a start. I will keep working on it.
, ,

 

[ZeeontheGrow]

Ok I tried my 1st bun today. Was late to work trying to fool with it.

I tried 1st with the panty hose and elastic band but found that the banana clip is easier. I have a lot of hair to try to get into it. And it draws up fast.

I am hoping it looks better in person than it does in the pictures. It is already starting to fuzz as my hair does even though I gelled it. I didn't comb the hair so it was hard turning it under. It's a start. I will keep working on it.
View attachment 115591, View attachment 115593, View attachment 115595

Pretty!! Looks good from here...


Sent from my iPhone using LHCF

 

[NikkiQ]

WTG faithVA! Making a bun is totally a milestone. At least in my eyes it is. Wait until you hit full SL and see how amazing that bun is gonna look.

 

[faithVA]

Pretty!! Looks good from here.../QUOTE]
Thanks ZeeontheGrow

WTG @faithVA! Making a bun is totally a milestone. At least in my eyes it is. Wait until you hit full SL and see how amazing that bun is gonna look.

Thanks NikkiQ. It is a milestone for me as well. I am actually happier about it than hitting SL. Being able to do a bun means I can try cowashing, WNGs and shampoo my hair mid week :woohoo:

 

[NikkiQ]

^^Yay!! The bun dance!

 

[Fyne]

faithVA your rocking that bun already and it will only get better from here! WOOO!

 

[Rossy2010]

faithVA thats a very cute bun and congrats on hitting SL. I have been lurking and not sure i read that you had claimed SL. i will have to read all the posts much better after my vacation

 

[labelleroxcii]

is this challenge still open?

 

[Meritamen]

It's my one year post-relaxer day, thought I would leave you all with a better pic update.
First picture is from back on Dec. 2nd, 2010 and the second is from today May 13th, 2011. Apologies for the greasy scalp (it's clean I just used some Qhemet amla pomade) and fluffy cornrows.

ETA: I'm jealous of all you ladies who can make a bun/puff already. I still can't make one yet! *tear*

 

[faithVA]

@faithVA thats a very cute bun and congrats on hitting SL. I have been lurking and not sure i read that you had claimed SL. i will have to read all the posts much better after my vacation

Thanks Rossy2010. You didn't miss it. I didn't officially claim it. I was in a "whatever" mood that weekend. There's no way I'm going to straighten anytime soon to do a recheck so I figure this is close enough to SL for me.

 

[faithVA]

It's my one year post-relaxer day, thought I would leave you all with a better pic update.
First picture is from back on Dec. 2nd, 2010 and the second is from today May 13th, 2011. Apologies for the greasy scalp (it's clean I just used some Qhemet amla pomade) and fluffy cornrows.

ETA: I'm jealous of all you ladies who can make a bun/puff already. I still can't make one yet! *tear*

Nice growth and retention. Your hair looks healthy and has a nice shine.

I'll trade my bun for your cornrows I had it in all of 6 hours and I was done.