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Spring Into Summer Braid & Hydrate | 2025 Challenge

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It's really hard to say bc I've only used the oils at the same time that I've used the glosses and teas. BUT I do feel really good applying the infused oils to my hair bc, the way I see it, any extra nutrition I can provide is a good thing.

Actually, I started infusing oils for a scalp tonic and I can say that I like the infused oils on my scalp better than other scalp growth aid I've tried over the years. Again, I feel like they give great nutrition and conditioning to my scalp and strands. My strands are naturally shiny now whereas before, I had a natural sheen.
You're such an inspiration, I strive to keep your consistency with HCJ :)
 
WK3.30.25 HCJ ROUTINE CHECK.pngWK3.30.25 HCJ ROUTINE CHECK_2.png

I don't know how the data cleared for Thursday through Saturday, but the notes stayed. I think it timed out as I was about to take a photo of it. Next time I'll take it on Saturday before the week restarts :)

*Forgot to check +8K Steps on Tuesday, was 7/7 this week
 
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3.9.25 HCJ-LC.jpgHCJ-LC 3.22.25.jpgHCJ-LC 4.6.25.jpg
The first LC the neck line is a little off from where I'm measuring now. I put the first pic where the neck line is consistent with where I'm measuring now

Seems like hair is growing and daily co washing/hydrating is beneficial for accelerated hair growth. Other things that are key in helping with hair growth for me is scalp massages with growth aids. Have been consistent with Flaxseed Growth Gel, +5 Weeks Infused Growth Oils/Pomade, Tee Tree/Peppermint/Rose Mary EOs, and daily massages

Henna Tx yesterday in two Bantu Knots for about 5-6 hours
Henna mixed with a Fenugreek Growth Cube
Will continue weekly henna until weekend 5.4.25. Like it as a heat protectant for flat ironing weekly
Henna 4.5.25.jpg
I'm debating if I should keep my nape out in KBs (Knotless Braids) or not, since I'm not sure if I'll get the same growth without daily Co Washing. Let me know what you guys think! I'm leaning towards keeping the nape out
 
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Thank You!:heart3:

Today was my first time water rinsing KBs. Scalp felt amazing! Must have been thirsty :laugh:

Going to see if I can get away with daily water rinses with KBs without hair looking frizzy

Pics from 1 day of Water Rinse
View attachment 502812View attachment 502814

Yes, water rinses are magical! Lol. I love them!

But I'm not sure about doing them every day with extensions. There's a reason why us "old heads" talk about drenching our extensions using a spray bottle multiple times a week. Wetting them daily in the shower could lead to issues with mildew. With the spray bottle, you can focus on wetting your scalp and then lightly moisturize the length of your hair more easily. That will allow your hair to dry more quickly in between wetting sessions. Also, with spraying, there's usually less rubbing involved which will reduce any frizz. Drenching your scalp and hair and then tying it down with a satin/silk scarf would help to maintain neatness and the thin scarf fabric allows for air to move through and reduce mildew. Maybe that could help with any dryness?
 
Yes, water rinses are magical! Lol. I love them!

But I'm not sure about doing them every day with extensions. There's a reason why us "old heads" talk about drenching our extensions using a spray bottle multiple times a week. Wetting them daily in the shower could lead to issues with mildew. With the spray bottle, you can focus on wetting your scalp and then lightly moisturize the length of your hair more easily. That will allow your hair to dry more quickly in between wetting sessions. Also, with spraying, there's usually less rubbing involved which will reduce any frizz. Drenching your scalp and hair and then tying it down with a satin/silk scarf would help to maintain neatness and the thin scarf fabric allows for air to move through and reduce mildew. Maybe that could help with any dryness?

I was nervous yesterday, since the plan was not to wet hair in KBs. I really feel I need to saturate my scalp in water daily for accelerated hair growth. I was like there is only one way to find out if it will work or not and glad I did! :)

"Wetting them daily in the shower could lead to issues with mildew"

Thank you so much for the warning! :heart3: My scalp loved the water rinse so much, I think I will experiment and see if daily rinses will be beneficial in accelerating hair growth. My nape is reaping the benefits, but will like all my hair to benefit from daily watering of the scalp if possible

"With the spray bottle, you can focus on wetting your scalp and then lightly moisturize the length of your hair more easily"

I water rinse with the majority of my hair in a "Top Knot" - shower cap over "Top Knot" secured with a scrunchie - rinse the scalp only
Afterwards, wrap base of "Top Knot" with scarf to soak up all the excess water
It's been working for 2 days, I'll know if I'll continue this through Summer after a month

"That will allow your hair to dry more quickly in between wetting sessions"

This is a good point. I think what is working for me is that I don't use a lot of added hair per sections like most people do. Hair is very light and doesn't take long to dry

"Also, with spraying, there's usually less rubbing involved which will reduce any frizz"

I don't rub my scalp when water rinsing. I spray my scalp with ACV (1:1) before water rinsing to rinse away what the ACV cleansed with the shower head only

"Drenching your scalp and hair and then tying it down with a satin/silk scarf would help to maintain neatness and the thin scarf fabric allows for air to move through and reduce mildew. Maybe that could help with any dryness?"

Thank you for the suggestion, this is what I do with Water Rinsing :)
I haven't had an issue with dryness. I want to get the most growth possible in a short period of time (since my hair was cut unexpectedly and very short at the moment)
I feel like watering the scalp daily helps with accelerated growth and hoping this will work out for KBs:heart3:
 
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You are making phenomenal progress, @25InchesStarting'25 !! You'll make it to 25 inches before you know it!
You reminded me I had a goal of 25 inches in my name. I finally got a tape measure for the "Drop It" challenge and used it to measure out inches on my LC Tee and on myself - 25 inches is way too long for my goal! I'm going to change my name :laugh:

I measured out approximate 1 inches from the SL mark. The yellow line is approximately 2 inches at the bottom. I have approximately 9 inches to get to MBL. Long term goal is WHIP which is about 15 inches from where I am now at my nape
Inches LC Tee II.jpg
 
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I started "Water Rinsing" my KBs for the past few days and really like the results. Since I'll be Water Rinsing daily, there isn't a need to keep my nape out for Co Washing. Happy about this because I won't have to hide the nape with a bun anymore and get the benefits of daily Water Rinsing :)

I'll be redoing my KBs this month, therefore, this will cut my weekly progress photos for the 75 Days Challenge to 45 Days Challenge
Glad I committed past a month; 30 Days is usually all you need to see if something is effective or not

My "Hydration" week will be a marathon of Masks/DCs. This is the schedule I plan to adhere to

Sat - Clay Detox - Moisture Shampoo
Sun - Moisture Mask - Co Wash
Mon - Clay Detox - Co Wash
Tues - Strength Mask - Co Wash
Wed - Clay Detox - Clarifying Shampoo - Henna Overnight
Thur - Water Rinse Henna - Indigo Overnight
Fri - Water Rinse Indigo - Pre Part for KBs
 
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I started "Water Rinsing" my KBs for the past few days and really like the results. Since I'll be Water Rinsing daily, there isn't a need to keep my nape out for Co Washing. Happy about this because I won't have to hide the nape with a bun anymore and get the benefits of daily Water Rinsing :)

I'll be redoing my KBs this month, therefore, this will cut my weekly progress photos for the 75 Days Challenge to 45 Days Challenge
Glad I committed past a month; 30 Days is usually all you need to see if something is effective or not

My "Hydration" week will be a marathon of Masks/DCs. This is the schedule I plan to adhere to

Sat - Clay Detox - Moisture Shampoo
Sun - Moisture Mask - Co Wash
Mon - Clay Detox - Co Wash
Tues - Strength Mask - Co Wash
Wed - Clay Detox - Clarifying Shampoo - Henna Overnight
Thur - Co Wash Henna - Indigo Overnight
Fri - Water Rinse Indigo - Pre Part for KBs
Have had KBs in for 3 weeks (yesterday) and still look good, but ready to take them down today to re braid with nape braided. Will start "Hydration" week tomorrow :)
 
Took down KBs last night to start

Hydration Week
Sat 4/12 - Clay Detox - Moisture Shampoo
Sun 4/13 - Moisture Mask - Co Wash
Mon 4/14- Clay Detox - Co Wash
Tues 4/15- Strength Mask - Co Wash
Wed 4/16- Clay Detox - Clarifying Shampoo - Henna Overnight
Thur 4/17- Water Rinse Henna - Indigo Overnight
Fri 4/18- Water Rinse Indigo - Pre Part for KBs

BH Hydration WK 4.12.25.jpg
*First month was Level I since KBs were only in for 3 Weeks. Likely to stick with Level I since schedule has me on 4-5 week rotation
 
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Took down KBs last night to start

Hydration Week
Sat 4/12 - Clay Detox - Moisture Shampoo
Sun 4/13 - Moisture Mask - Co Wash
Mon 4/14- Clay Detox - Co Wash
Tues 4/15- Strength Mask - Co Wash
Wed 4/16- Clay Detox - Clarifying Shampoo - Henna Overnight
Thur 4/17- Water Rinse Henna - Indigo Overnight
Fri 4/18- Water Rinse Indigo - Pre Part for KBs

View attachment 502908
*First month was Level I since KBs were only in for 3 Weeks. Likely to stick with Level I since schedule has me on 4-5 week rotation
Revised Hydration Week
*Want to get more moisture in before Henna

Sat 4/12 - Clay Detox - Moisture Shampoo
Sun 4/13 - Moisture Mask - Co Wash

Mon 4/14- Henna Sooq Sukesh Ayurveda (Gloss) - Co Wash
Tues 4/15- Pre Poo - Moisture Wash - Henna Sooq Goddess Hair (Gloss)
Wed 4/16- Clay Detox - Clarifying Shampoo - Henna Overnight
Thur 4/17- Water Rinse Henna - Indigo Overnight
Fri 4/18- Water Rinse Indigo - Pre Part for KBs
 
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@Angel of the North I was thinking of the Miche Conditioner when making this, then turned into something different, I don't think I can get away from using Ayurvedic ingredients :laugh:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Castor Oil
Raw Honey
Organic Glycerin (coconut derived)
DIY Fenugreek Growth Cubes x2
Coconut Milk Cube
Organic Aloe Vera Juice with EO Trio in it
Shea Moisture Deep Moisturizing Conditioner
Aveeno Fresh Greens Conditioner Refresh & Thicken (Did not buy, using it up from someone else who bought it, like ingredients)
Organic Amla Powder
Henna Sooq Organic Cassia Powder

Applied mask in Bantu Knots, Saran Wrap, leaving in for +2-3 hours
MoistureMask4.13.25.jpgCassiaMoistureMix4.13.25.jpgCassiaMoistureMask4.13.25.jpgDC 4.13.25.jpg
 
@Angel of the North I was thinking of the Miche Conditioner when making this, then turned into something different, I don't think I can get away from using Ayurvedic ingredients :laugh:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Castor Oil
Raw Honey
Organic Glycerin (coconut derived)
DIY Fenugreek Growth Cubes x2
Coconut Milk Cube
Organic Aloe Vera Juice with EO Trio in it
Shea Moisture Deep Moisturizing Conditioner
Aveeno Fresh Greens Conditioner Refresh & Thicken (Did not buy, using it up from someone else who bought it, like ingredients)
Organic Amla Powder
Henna Sooq Organic Cassia Powder

Applied mask in Bantu Knots, Saran Wrap, leaving in for +2-3 hours
View attachment 502954View attachment 502956View attachment 502958View attachment 502960
Definitely got half an indulge going on there, and that DC looks wholesome! :lol: If those ingredients work for you, it's all good, that I think is one of the best things about DIY products. You can give your what it needs and what it likes. I really wish I could find the thread I'm thinking of, I don't think it's any of the ones that came up when I searched. I also don't want to trawl through thousands of pages.
 
@25InchesStarting'25 you are making great progress. Just looking at your schedule for Wednesday, do you think the clay detox and clarifying shampoo are both required, since you are washing so frequently? It just gave me pause that both could be quite stripping.
Thank you! You're making amazing progress as well :)

Thank you for sharing your concerns!:heart3:
Clay Masks are not stripping to my hair. I use bentonite clay

I wanted to get at least 2 Clay Detox before KBs again to detox my scalp and get the maximum benefits of the growth masks and henna

I'll Co Wash out the clay mask which is a pre poo for the clarifying shampoo

I plan to do 144 KBs that will be kept in for 5 to 6 weeks since I'm doing them early on my KB schedule. Want to make sure scalp is detox'd and fed well before braiding KBs again :)
 
@MzSwift I tried to change name and moderator has to approve it. It's been a few days and no change. I measured shortest layer in the front to WHIP goal, I have to grow about 27-28 IN. I'm fine with keeping my name now :laugh:

When do you claim your length goal? When any section of hair hits goal?
 
It went great. Currently finishing up the last few braids. Unfortunately no pics because my phone is on the fritz. Hopefully my new one arrives soon and I'll have pics of the finished install later on this week.
Glad you made it through and looking forwards to pics :)

I plan to do KBs this weekend. Will break it up into 2 days and share pics when complete
 
@MzSwift I tried to change name and moderator has to approve it. It's been a few days and no change. I measured shortest layer in the front to WHIP goal, I have to grow about 27-28 IN. I'm fine with keeping my name now :laugh:

When do you claim your length goal? When any section of hair hits goal?

Yeah, I think the name sounds pretty good.
I'm usually pretty conservative about claiming goals - it just helps with my psyche. lol

I wait until my back layers hit the milestone before I claim it. But I don't measure so I have no idea how many inches that's gonna take. Lol.
 
Since I'm braiding all my hair in KBs, want to add something to ensure progress with accelerated growth. Going to add Fenugreek Growth Spray to daily regimen for KBs. These 2 vids are inspiration for the spray

*Not adding rice to spray - Apply Rice Water Mix directly to scalp in regimen


Starts at 2:30 - Will steep each batch approx 48 hours


Steeping for 48H
Fenugreek Seeds
Dried Rose Marry
Organic Moringa Powder
Organic Alma Powder
Organic Ashwagandha Powder
Organic Whole Cloves
FenugreekGrowthSpray.jpg
*Will strain and re-use 2 more times steeping +48H. Freeze excess in cubes. Add EO Trio once in spray bottle
 
Yeah, I think the name sounds pretty good.
I'm usually pretty conservative about claiming goals - it just helps with my psyche. lol

I wait until my back layers hit the milestone before I claim it. But I don't measure so I have no idea how many inches that's gonna take. Lol.
I can't cancel the name change, it's still pending, we'll see what happens:laugh:

I probably do the same as you for claiming length goals after passing SL
My lowest layer is at SL, but waiting until it passes the line some to claim it, all others I'll claim it it once it touches the line :)
 
Revised Hydration Week
*Want to get more moisture in before Henna

Sat 4/12 - Clay Detox - Moisture Shampoo
Sun 4/13 - Moisture Mask - Co Wash

Mon 4/14- Henna Sooq Sukesh Ayurveda (Gloss) - Co Wash
Tues 4/15- Pre Poo - Moisture Wash - Henna Sooq Goddess Hair (Gloss)
Wed 4/16- Clay Detox - Clarifying Shampoo - Henna Overnight
Thur 4/17- Water Rinse Henna - Indigo Overnight
Fri 4/18- Water Rinse Indigo - Pre Part for KBs
Hydration Week

Sat 4/12 - Clay Detox - Moisture Shampoo
Sun 4/13 - Moisture Mask - Co Wash
Mon 4/14- Henna Sooq Sukesh Ayurveda (Gloss) - Co Wash

Tues 4/15- Pre Poo - Moisture Wash - Henna Sooq Goddess Hair (Gloss)
Wed 4/16- Clay Detox - Clarifying Shampoo - Henna Overnight
Thur 4/17- Water Rinse Henna - Indigo Overnight
Fri 4/18- Water Rinse Indigo - Pre Part for KBs
 
Hydration Week

Sat 4/12 - Clay Detox - Moisture Shampoo
Sun 4/13 - Moisture Mask - Co Wash
Mon 4/14- Henna Sooq Sukesh Ayurveda (Gloss) - Co Wash

Tues 4/15- Pre Poo - Moisture Wash - Henna Sooq Goddess Hair (Gloss)
Wed 4/16- Clay Detox - Clarifying Shampoo - Henna Overnight
Thur 4/17- Water Rinse Henna - Indigo Overnight
Fri 4/18- Water Rinse Indigo - Pre Part for KBs
Hydration Week

Sat 4/12 - Clay Detox - Moisture Shampoo
Sun 4/13 - Moisture Mask - Co Wash
Mon 4/14- Henna Sooq Sukesh Ayurveda (Gloss) - Co Wash
Tues 4/15- Pre Poo - Moisture Wash - Henna Sooq Goddess Hair
Did not do it as gloss but full mask, put mask on scalp and Avocado Mayo on ends in Bantu Knots
Wed 4/16- Clay Detox - Clarifying Shampoo - Henna Overnight
Thur 4/17- Water Rinse Henna - Indigo Overnight
Fri 4/18- Water Rinse Indigo - Pre Part for KBs
HENNASOOQGHairAVOMAYO.jpg
 
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Current mini braids. I put them in a ponytail right after I finished braiding which is why they aren't falling correctly.

I'll start my daily washing routine in today *Wednesday*
 

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