12 Inches In 12 Months - 2016

Kells

Well-Known Member
Alright, so I slacked last week with oiling and I washed and DCd yesterday but slacked on twisting it back up. There's no product in it right now, until I buckle down and style it tomorrow, but it still feels well moisturized despite it all.
I measured yesterday and I'm 1 inch down, 11 to go!
:dance7:

Maybe this month I'll begin exercising..:look:
I still need to tighten up on a few things though. Since I was strengthening my hair and roots at the beginning of the challenge, I didn't massage my scalp very much at all last month, probably only for 1 week, but my hair and scalp are in better condition now, so I feel more confident in doing scalp massages.
I also promised myself I would get a Komaza hair analysis before the next check-in, so I need to get that done.
....ummmmm...other than that, no major changes in my reggie for now.
It's really low-maintenance and during these colder months, I'm loving it
:cloud9:
 

Guinan

Re-Branding
sooo...it's really hard for me to be consistent with inverting :-( I'll probably just be sticking to my hair vitamins and oiling my scalp with castor oil for growth

I used to be the same way. I kept forgetting to invert especially on the weekend. If I skip a day I just start the next. After a while you'll start to remember to invert.
 

Guinan

Re-Branding
I took my twists out. I was going to wash my hair but IDK if I feel like it. When I took my twists down, my ends felt so dry. I think I'll wear my hair in a pinned up twistout. My hair was so frizzy in the twists. I def need to work on my mini twists game.
 

LexiDior

Well-Known Member
What's your reggie? I see you mentioned using shampoo. Some people can use shampoo without it striping their hair. Do you think the shampoo is causing the dryness? What do you use to DC afterwards? When I need to moisturize my hair, I really like Giovanni Leave in or Alfafia shea butter leave. Both I dilute with water: 2 0z of product and 8 oz of water.

To shampoo/condition I use Garnier Hyra Recharge. For a DC I switch between ORS replenishing pak and ORS Hairepair Nourshing Conditioner. After I shampoo and DC, I use Aphogee Keratin & Green Tea Restructurizer as a leave-in, my own blend of oils (castor, coconut, EVOO, and others) for the oil and ORS Hairepair Intense Moisture Creme for the cream. To moisturize on any other day I use the Intense Moisture Creme.
 

Guinan

Re-Branding
To shampoo/condition I use Garnier Hyra Recharge. For a DC I switch between ORS replenishing pak and ORS Hairepair Nourshing Conditioner. After I shampoo and DC, I use Aphogee Keratin & Green Tea Restructurizer as a leave-in, my own blend of oils (castor, coconut, EVOO, and others) for the oil and ORS Hairepair Intense Moisture Creme for the cream. To moisturize on any other day I use the Intense Moisture Creme.

Your reggie sounds pretty good; however are the products the best products for your hair? Do they have a lot of silcones/sulfates or other ingredients that could coat the hair shaft thereby blocking moisture from getting into you hair shaft or stripping your hair? Are you lo-po? If so, you may have to DC with heat or possibly more than 30mins. I'm lo-po and the only way for moisture to get into my hair shaft is via a couple of things:

1. I have to have clean hair. I use either clay or ACV to cleanse my hair and scalp. I do this once a week
2. I have to DC with a conditioner that does not have silicones(or is at least down on the ingredient list)
3. I have to dilute my conditioner with water. I use 2oz of conditioner and 8oz of water.
4. I have to DC either overnight or with heat. If I DC with heat, I will DC for about 15-30mins.
5. I dilute my leave-ins. Again 2 oz of leavein (either Giovanni or my DC) and 8 oz of water.

How I came to this conclusion about my hair is through MHM. This may be an un-popular opinion but I always suggest that any new naturals that are unsure about obtaining a regimen that will work effectively for their hair should try out MHM. B/c of MHM I was able to find out soooo much about my hair. Especially what too much moisture and protein looks and feels like, and what products will work for my hair. I have slowly began to re-introduce products in my hair. B/c of MHM I know what my hair looks and feels like when it's at it's best. Have you thought about switching to a moisturizing leave-in, instead of a protein based leave-in. You might have too much protein.


I hope this helps.
 
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Guinan

Re-Branding
@LexiDior

the ingredients in Garner Hyra charge. The 1st 5 ingredients are the most important. The behentrimonium chloride is a cleansing agent.


Ingredients for the ORS




Both of this products 1st 5ingredients is glycerin. For me too much glycerin is a HUGE no-no.
 

bluenvy

Well-Known Member
Started Gnc multivitamin today. Still working on exercise and healthy eating.
My water intake improved.

Purchased Grapeseed oil, almond oil, avocado oil, and jojoba oil.

Daily massaging, and moisturize and seal is going well.
My hair is in six braids, pinned up in a bun until next week.
 

Prettymetty

Natural/4b/medium-coarse
Inversion day 6 no oils
I plan to wash out all the oils tonight and dc with Kerastase Chroma Captive (shine mask).

Then I will detangle and braid my hair until next week. I'm really starting to like my new wig. She's the perfect length and color
 

Rastafarai

Well-Known Member
I am beginning to love bantu knots as a protective style during wash day but I can't get around how to unravel the knots and fluff my hair without my hair resulting in a frizzy mess! I think I will try two-strand twisting and then wrapping it up like bantu knots.
 

EthansMama

Active Member
So i saw something pretty interesting on YouTube today..idr her name.but she did the inversion method 2 weeks in a row and the first week she got an inch and the second week she got a half inch!this is news to me,but am I just late as usual?anyone tried this?im gonna start the 2 week inversion tomorrow and post pics when I'm done.whos with me??!!:blush2::blush2::blush2:really reeeeeally hoping for the same results,seeing as to how I have to clip my ends tomorrow:cry3:
Hmm...I started inverting on the first of the month. I've done it on and off last year but trying to be more consistent so I'm setting monthly calendar reminders on my phone. Im in crotchet braids now buy can see some growth so maybe I'll try inverting for the second week...
 

nothidden

TeamNatural95-Fractals/Zigzags
Well I stocked up on Spirulina and Chlorella (organicburst.com). I mentioned before (who knows which thread) that I believe my growth spurt (hair and nails) was due to adding Spirulina to my daily smoothies for overall health. Well, Spirulina and Chlorella contain biotin which is actually used for hair growth. One or both of them also has Vitamin K which is also good for hair growth. So when I got home last night to the first of two deliveries, I was quite excited.
:yahoo: :headspin: :yay:
Of course I had a smoothie last night and then another this morning. Thanks again @pelohello for the chlorella tip.

On another note, I am a day behind with this month's IM session but will complete it tonight.
 

Prettymetty

Natural/4b/medium-coarse
Hmm...I started inverting on the first of the month. I've done it on and off last year but trying to be more consistent so I'm setting monthly calendar reminders on my phone. Im in crotchet braids now buy can see some growth so maybe I'll try inverting for the second week...
I did the first week. In November 2014 I inverted the whole month. That's the only time I got visible growth within a months time. It usually takes a few months for me to notice any growth.
 

Guinan

Re-Branding
Well I stocked up on Spirulina and Chlorella (organicburst.com). I mentioned before (who knows which thread) that I believe my growth spurt (hair and nails) was due to adding Spirulina to my daily smoothies for overall health. Well, Spirulina and Chlorella contain biotin which is actually used for hair growth. One or both of them also has Vitamin K which is also good for hair growth. So when I got home last night to the first of two deliveries, I was quite excited.
:yahoo: :headspin: :yay:
Of course I had a smoothie last night and then another this morning. Thanks again @pelohello for the chlorella tip.

On another note, I am a day behind with this month's IM session but will complete it tonight.

I just finished drinking my smoothie with chlorella. Do/did you have a fussy stomach when taking chlorella?

I don't know if it's the pineapples or the chlorella powder but it has been effecting my (TMI WARNING) bowels so I try to drink it before work. The label on the package did warn that it can cause loose stools in the beginning but I have been taking Chlorella for a yr but in tablets. I hope it mellows out eventually. I didn't have this problem when I was solely taking the tablets.
 

nothidden

TeamNatural95-Fractals/Zigzags
I just finished drinking my smoothie with chlorella. Do/did you have a fussy stomach when taking chlorella?

I don't know if it's the pineapples or the chlorella powder but it has been effecting my (TMI WARNING) bowels so I try to drink it before work. The label on the package did warn that it can cause loose stools in the beginning but I have been taking Chlorella for a yr but in tablets. I hope it mellows out eventually. I didn't have this problem when I was solely taking the tablets.
No fussy stomach but a little looseness which I attributed to something else. I'll see if that lasts thru the weekend.
 

islanchile

Active Member
Hey Everyone!

I would like to join the challenge. I'm short on time so I'll post my regimen later.

In the meantime:

Current length: CBL
Goal length: BSL
Starting pic (see below)

Looking forward to this!

Sorry for the delay in posting my regimen but I'm still very much onboard with this challenge!

Regimen
: Monthly 1 week inversions; protective styling (currently in crochet braids); multi/HSN/fish oil supplements; Perricone/Primal eating plan; carrot juice; lots and lots of water; strength training min 4x/week.
 

bronxsoloist

Well-Known Member
I am beginning to love bantu knots as a protective style during wash day but I can't get around how to unravel the knots and fluff my hair without my hair resulting in a frizzy mess! I think I will try two-strand twisting and then wrapping it up like bantu knots.
I started putting my Bantu knots into 2 strand twists first, to help with stretching. My hair personally didn't feel frizzy. I had no uniform curls though. If I had to wear it after in a non protective style, it'd be perfect to lightly Comb through and wear out. But I'm a PS thot and refuse to leave my hair out.
Hopefully you'll like this technique
 

EthansMama

Active Member
Hair growth info: 11 Essential Vitamins for Hair Growth http://bembu.com/hair-growth-vitamins
Thanks for the link @nothidden
Hair growth info: 11 Essential Vitamins for Hair Growth http://bembu.com/hair-growth-vitamins
Did anyone notice what they wrote about vitamin D?

"5. Vitamin D

Vitamin D promotes healthy follicle growth so you don’t want to run a shortage on it. In order to top up on it you’ll want to schedule regular and brief outings outdoors so you can get some exposure to the sun. You don’t need much in order to keep your body synthesizing its own Vitamin D, but hermitting yourself indoors during the winter months can lead to a deficiency. There are also Vitamin D supplements and hair products that contain it, but they don’t compare to having your body generate its own supply."

I have the slowest growth in the winter time and always felt like my hair just grows better in warm whether but now I'm wondering if it's because I limit my time outdoors when it's cold? I keep hearing how so many Americans are deficient in vitamin D especially black people so I just had a physical requesting my vitamin D levels be checked and I should be going back to the doctor for the results soon. Either way I think I'm going to try to get more sun this winter, either sitting by a window at work if I don't want to go outside. When it's cold I barely leave my office even for lunch breaks :(
 

nothidden

TeamNatural95-Fractals/Zigzags
Thanks for the link @nothiddenDid anyone notice what they wrote about vitamin D?...
YW...I noticed and cringed. Guess I can stroll around one block in the winter.

"8. Protein", struck me. I don't give my hair protein treatments, but I do add a scoop of powder to my daily smoothies. It was good to read that this is enough.

"Protein may not be a vitamin, but if you want stronger hair that grows thick you’ll want to make sure that you’re consuming enough protein, or using protein treatments to help your hair. You’ll see products out there that are focused primarily on protein, but you’ll also benefit by eating enough of it in your diet. Vegans and vegetarians need not fret, there are plenty of plant based sources of protein, like quinoa, spinach, broccoli, and more. Protein helps the hair grow strong, and also helps the speed at which it grows. If you’ve noticed sluggish growth, first check your protein intake."
 
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