Shoulder Length 2012 Challenge

gvin89 said:

So I got my hair flat ironed for a special event...to my surprise it was longer than I thought. How long do you guys think before I can claim? At the start of this challenge, I originally said Full SL by June 2012.

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Congratulations!! I'd say you're shoulder length now!

gvin89 said:

So I got my hair flat ironed for a special event...to my surprise it was longer than I thought. How long do you guys think before I can claim? At the start of this challenge, I originally said Full SL by June 2012.

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Um, I'd be claiming it now actually...

Me too. You should claim it!

Thanks ladies! Back is there, but still a little way to go for sides and front. I'm pleased with my progress though.

I have quite a bit of a way to go to get to SL but I feel I will get there quickly. My hair is coming in fast since my last big chop last month.

mallysmommy said:

my back is but my bangs sides and crown aren't. i dont think i can claim it until they are all there lol. i don't want just my back to be long. i have to find a way to fill in those thin areas, ive been lurking in the growth aid threads.....

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Your hair should thicken up and even out as it gets longer.

I have Chicoro's prepoo on my hair right now and will be mildly clarifying my hair, black tea rinsing under Mizani Renew Strength Mask followed by Mizani Moisturfusion Conditioner for deep conditioning today. This will be my first time trying out the Mizani Moisturfusion conditioner and can't wait to use it.

I may massage my scalp with my sulfur mix and GHE baggy my hair overnight with JBCO tonight as well as I haven't done it for 2 days. I scalp massages.

That sounds amazing! I was having excessive shedding this weekend. When I pre-pooed with grapeseed oil it was even worse. It felt like lots of strands were coming off in my hands! Even after the deep condition way too much hair. I steeped 2 bags of Lipton Black Pearl in 4 cups of water for about 5 hours. After the rinse NOTHING was in my comb. I will be making a gallon for future washes! Wearing a bun all week.

I have been bunning and keeping it simple. Iw ant my hair to grow faster. I slacked most of January on my biotin and msm, but have been consistent daily for the past two weeks.
I did a mini length check and have gained 1.3- 1.5 inches since November 21st. So now I'm 3-4 inches all around my sides and back and about 8.3 inches in the middle and front. I would like to be 4-5 inches around the sides and back and 9/12 inches in the front and middle by March 21st. I'll trim 1/4 inch all around at the time.

I think I have been slacking as well. I still have been cowashing & d'cing a couple of times per week but I missed a couple of days with my hairfinity pills. I think I'm a slow grower & I gained about 1 1/2 in since I last colored my hair back on Nov 3rd. I dk if thats a food growth rate or not actually. So any who I wanted to try henna but I went ahead & colored my hair using manic panic (mixed vampire red & rock & roll red). Didnt come out the color red I wanted but hey. I will post pic later for you ladies to tell me what you think. Well gotta go children call

I have a silly question I need clarity on. When you all wear your hair bunned do you redo it every day? I find that is the only way my hair will lay down properly but I don't want to over manipulate.

Wow nice my post erased. Anywho @ PoisedNPolished I do find myself having to rebun if I wear a bun just bc my hair isnt quite long enough for the 3-4 day bun yet. But with you length I would think you could get at least 3 day bun with out having to redo right? Also I dont use alot of gel so I dk if that makes the difference as well is a good holding product. I use a little bit of ecostyle olive oil gel over my leave in.

ETA- Cant upload my pics Will try later

Thank you! I more than likely could. Not to mention I am adding braiding hair to make a bun. I am going to TRY to do it every 3 days and see how that works. I bought a pitcher last night so tonight I'm going to make my gallon of black tea and a spritz with aloe vera juice and green tea. I have no idea what I'm doing but it will be fun!

Month 1 in challenge down. Checking in with photos.

So far, so good.

InBloom you don't consider that shoulder length? Your hair looks very pretty! I think I need to have two wash days a week. I pre-pooed with warm grape seed oil for 30 mins, rinsed, deep conditioning with Africas Best (had a pack from an ancient relaxer and figured why not erplexed) after an hour I will rinse this out and use the green tea spray I made last night. Oh yea and seal with more grapeseed. Airdry in a pony, bun tomorrow. I WILL TRY not to take the bun out until Sat my next wash day

Hey I know it's probably too late to join, but I really think I might be able to hit SL by the end of the year if I really really stick to a plan!

Current length: Neck length towards the back, ear length in the front. I have had bangs cut and I really like bangs, so I highly doubt I will ever plan to grow the front of my hair really long. Probably to my nose lol. My hair is weird though, in the middle of my head is where it is the longest; those hairs reach the same point as the hair on the bottom does. I'm not sure why.

Goal date for SL: I'll give myself some time so I say Dec. 1st (time for trial and error lol)

Hair state: Relaxed

Plans for obtaining SL: Ok So I'm going to start to DC every week, rollerset and wrap to get my hair straight, and try my best to stay away from my flat iron. I've started moisturizing nearly every day and I already see a bit of a decrease in breakage. I know I will have to get my ends cut at some point, I just haven't had the time or money to go to anyone. I wear clip in extensions (made them myself) and want to do alternating weeks with my hair down and up. I've already started with advice from these wonderful ladies on this forum and can already see my breakage go down. I feel so excited

Down week (my sexy hair week lol):
will rollerset and wrap, use flat iron IF NECESSARY on the top ONLY to blend with extensions. Will only do that once though, hopefully if I rollerset and wrap correctly, that will not be needed. Will moisturize with Bioinfusion olive oil moisturizing lotion every two days (because it makes my extensions greasy looking if used too often and it's really effective anyway. I love the ingredients).

Up week (girl next door hair week lol):
Will use ponytails and buns also with extensions. Rollersetting and wrapping after DC, NO flatiron. Will moisturize every day. This works with my hair up because even though it makes my extensions oily, you can't tell at all when my hair is pulled back so I can REALLY moisturize my hair this week.

Also plan to use protein once a month instead of every two weeks like I used to. I really like clip ins because I can still take care of my hair underneath. They used to break my hair off in the past, but then I wasn't taking care of my hair. Lately, since I've joined the forum, I have seen a huge difference in the amount of breakage I have while wearing extensions. Even though it hasn't been that long, slightly moving the positions of the clips and really making sure my hair is moisturized has made a quick change.

My ultimate goal is APL. DO you ladies think that is possible in two years? When I get a hold of a camera I will snap some pics :-D

erplexedQuick question ladies! I'm a reeeaaallyyy slow grower. Like I swear it's been two months since my last relaxer and I have maybe 1/3 inch of new growth :-( What tips might you have for me? I'm going to soon stock up on some Biotin and MSM. Are those good? How much should I take?

Also, is moisturizing the scalp necessary? I hear different things. Some say oiling the scalp is bad because it clogs the pores and you must only do the ends of your hair. Others say oiling the scalp every day is necessary. Which is it? Currently I focus my moisturizer just on my hair itself, not the scalp ( I stop about a half an inch to an inch from my scalp). I go closer to my scalp or directly on it every now and then but not really that often.

PoisedNPolished said:

@InBloom you don't consider that shoulder length? Your hair looks very pretty! I think I need to have two wash days a week. I pre-pooed with warm grape seed oil for 30 mins, rinsed, deep conditioning with Africas Best (had a pack from an ancient relaxer and figured why not erplexed) after an hour I will rinse this out and use the green tea spray I made last night. Oh yea and seal with more grapeseed. Airdry in a pony, bun tomorrow. I WILL TRY not to take the bun out until Sat my next wash day

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Poised, thanks for the compliment!

I feel kinda like gvin89 about not wanting to claim shoulder length just yet. I have so many shorter layers at the crown that I'd like for those to grow out a bit more. I'll probably be collarbone length in some areas before I actually claim shoulder...smh!

If nothing else, I'm so glad to have controlled the breakage I was experiencing..

cutiepiesensei said:

erplexedQuick question ladies! I'm a reeeaaallyyy slow grower. Like I swear it's been two months since my last relaxer and I have maybe 1/3 inch of new growth :-( What tips might you have for me? I'm going to soon stock up on some Biotin and MSM. Are those good? How much should I take?

Also, is moisturizing the scalp necessary? I hear different things. Some say oiling the scalp is bad because it clogs the pores and you must only do the ends of your hair. Others say oiling the scalp every day is necessary. Which is it? Currently I focus my moisturizer just on my hair itself, not the scalp ( I stop about a half an inch to an inch from my scalp). I go closer to my scalp or directly on it every now and then but not really that often.

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I really don't know the best school of thought about oiling the scalp. I don't oil mine on a regular. If I do, it's typically a prepoo and will be washed out later in the day or the next morning. Some people swear by it and some others claim it clogs.

Regarding the supplements...I currently take biotin and I feel it's beneficial, but its among the other vitamins I take (daily multi, EFA, garlic). I tried my hand at MSM and I got horrible acne. I think I also had side effects of frequent menstrual cycles, but can't be sure that the Evening Primrose Oil wasn't the sole cause of it. I stopped taking them both at that point...it just wasn't for me. Hope that helps some.

Hey ladies.

I'm still in my box braids and I am now 16 weeks post relaxer. I'm planning on keeping my braids in until the beginning of March. I hope I can hang that long.

InBloom, I feel you. I believe I will still hang out until June. I should have noticeable progress by then. I'm focusing on health and retention...does me no good to grow it and lose it. There's no rush...like the tortoise - slow and steady wins the race.

Evallusion said:

Hey ladies.

I'm still in my box braids and I am now 16 weeks post relaxer. I'm planning on keeping my braids in until the beginning of March. I hope I can hang that long.

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You're better than me. I start twitching if I can't get to my hair daily.

no replies ----> sad face

cutiepiesensei said:

no replies ----> sad face

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Um, I replied at post #229 erplexed

lol u good

cutiepiesensei said:

erplexedQuick question ladies! I'm a reeeaaallyyy slow grower. Like I swear it's been two months since my last relaxer and I have maybe 1/3 inch of new growth :-( What tips might you have for me? I'm going to soon stock up on some Biotin and MSM. Are those good? How much should I take?

Also, is moisturizing the scalp necessary? I hear different things. Some say oiling the scalp is bad because it clogs the pores and you must only do the ends of your hair. Others say oiling the scalp every day is necessary. Which is it? Currently I focus my moisturizer just on my hair itself, not the scalp ( I stop about a half an inch to an inch from my scalp). I go closer to my scalp or directly on it every now and then but not really that often.

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Hi, as far as tips for hair growth-there are numerous threads about hair growth on this forum. Basically, eating right, exercising, taking vitamins and supplements, low manipulation, protective styling, growth aids (sulfur, castor oil), maintaining a moisture/protein balance, moisture & seal on a regular basis, and establishing and maintaining a healthy hair care regimen just to name a few.

You're probably going to get different answers regarding "is moisturizing the scalp necessary?" I personally massage my scalp with jbco focusing on my edges/nape area. I also apply a sulfur mix on my scalp and do scalp massages. (yeah, it's that serious) I also apply a moisturizer just to the length of my hair focusing on the ends. Some people apply natural oils to their hair only and baggy at night. This allows the scalp to produce more sebum naturally in a moist environment which leads to growth (look up GHE). I haven't tried this yet.

I also take MSM 1000mg daily, 5000mcg biotin, a multivitamin, omega 3, a garlic pill, and I drink a green smoothie daily (or I try to)

Right now, I'm taking down these kinky twists b/c I can't stand not getting to my hair like I want to. I want to get back to wearing my wigs so I can get to my hair/scalp and do all of the things above.

Thanks! That's just what I needed I'm not sure if I'll have time to do scalp massages nightly but I'm going to try to incorporate them into be regimen. I'll probably stay away from putting too much on my scalp though. Every time I do my hair ends up looking greasy. I will step my vitamin game up too! Thanks again

cutiepiesensei said:

erplexedQuick question ladies! I'm a reeeaaallyyy slow grower. Like I swear it's been two months since my last relaxer and I have maybe 1/3 inch of new growth :-( What tips might you have for me? I'm going to soon stock up on some Biotin and MSM. Are those good? How much should I take?

Also, is moisturizing the scalp necessary? I hear different things. Some say oiling the scalp is bad because it clogs the pores and you must only do the ends of your hair. Others say oiling the scalp every day is necessary. Which is it? Currently I focus my moisturizer just on my hair itself, not the scalp ( I stop about a half an inch to an inch from my scalp). I go closer to my scalp or directly on it every now and then but not really that often.

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When I was relaxed, stretching 12-16 weeks worked wonders for me. I actually had a stylist who was all about healthy hair so she kept me on track even when I wanted to relax. She would never do it before 12 weeks. We gradually got to that point...we went from relaxing every 6 weeks, to 8 to 10 then to 12. My hair was in between APL & BSL. I'm not up on supplements, so I will not speak to that.

Oiling my scalp is a necessity...I only use a light oil. Pomades and grease were not working for me. I do not oil nightly...just as needed. I can tell when my scalp is dry. I moisturize the length of my hair every other day and seal with oil, paying extra attention to my ends. When I don't, I see an increase in shedding/breakage.

cutiepiesensei said:

erplexedQuick question ladies! I'm a reeeaaallyyy slow grower. Like I swear it's been two months since my last relaxer and I have maybe 1/3 inch of new growth :-( What tips might you have for me? I'm going to soon stock up on some Biotin and MSM. Are those good? How much should I take?

Also, is moisturizing the scalp necessary? I hear different things. Some say oiling the scalp is bad because it clogs the pores and you must only do the ends of your hair. Others say oiling the scalp every day is necessary. Which is it? Currently I focus my moisturizer just on my hair itself, not the scalp ( I stop about a half an inch to an inch from my scalp). I go closer to my scalp or directly on it every now and then but not really that often.

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cutiepiesensei,

I take vitamins on a diligent schedule now and have been for about 3 months, including msm and biotin. I have noticed that the speed of my hair growth has increased a little so far. I also noticed that I have less hair shedding but this could also be due in part to the once a week black tea rinsing. Msm is responsible for lengthening the growth rate of the hair, so I will be sticking with these for a long time.

I only oil my scalp the night before I wash my hair. When I leave oil or anything on my scalp any longer than that, I get major itchies and I end up damaging my scalp by scratching it too hard to relieve the itching. The only way the itching truly goes away is when I wash the oil from my scalp.

xu93texas said:

I personally massage my scalp with jbco focusing on my edges/nape area. I also apply a sulfur mix on my scalp and do scalp massages. (yeah, it's that serious) I also apply a moisturizer just to the length of my hair focusing on the ends.

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Do you use the JBCO first then the sulfur mix on top of this? I just put some JBCO in a applicator bottle. I also made Njoys sulfur mix using oils of my choice (jbco, coconut and grapeseed) I put it in the fridge so it's solid like a grease
My bun didn't last more than a day. I work out daily and it looks a mess even though I keep a scarf on during the sweating. I will elminate the combing part and smooth my hair with my hands, gel it down and put a scarf on until the next day. I also tried Chicoros prepoo method this morning. I like it so far, I'm deep conditioning now. I was going to do braids today but I'm feeling lazy. Bun week!