Lengthen Your Crown Challenge

BeautyByYasmine

Active Member
Is it just me, or is anyone else having trouble getting their top layers (mainly the crown) to shoulder length and beyond. My ultimate goal is to get blunt hair, all around, but I am having trouble growing out the crown over the years. If you are interested in joining me to paying special attention to the top layers to fill out your length, feel free to join me.

Rules: 1.Monthly check-in's on the 1st of the month, starting May 1, recording the progress in the length of your crown.
2. Starting pics, (optional)
3. Reveal progress in December
4. Like this thread to join
5. Post tips to support other members
6. No crown trims
7. Post the following to start:

Current Length: APL
Crown Length: 7 inches
Hair:
Texlaxed
Goal Month: 1st goal, December 2015, shoulder-length
Current Regimen: Weekly wash with DC, Air Dry, Bun or modified Crown and Glory Technique
Method for improving your crown: I plan to do the inversion method a few times a week, and leggo the scissors until the end of the year, reduce heat. No bobby pins for a while.

I hope some others out there join me. Thanks for reading! Purchase your rulers or tape for progress.
 

BeautyByYasmine

Active Member
:curtain:...I wouldn't mind joining but I need to dust (millimetres) every couple of months to keep things steady. If it's going to be a strict rule, I will happily :lurking:

No problem, welcome aboard AbsyBlvd. That rule is for the scissor-happy among us :pullhair:, dusting is fine. Any other takers who want to be:afro: in December? Like thread to join.
 

nothidden

TeamNatural95-Fractals/Zigzags
Nice, @BeautyByYasmine! My crown was an issue for quite a while. Lately it's been doing well. It's growing and curly and springy. But I do need to continue to pay extra attention to it when styling.

Current Length: Back is neck length; when stretched or wet, back is shoulder length, front covers my eyes, and the sides reach my ear lobes
[EDIT] Crown Length: 6"
Hair: All Naturale
Goal Month: December 2016, would love for my crown to reach my earlobes, curly or stretched.
[EDIT] Current Regimen: WnG (pre-poo, cleanse, condition, style) Sunday and Wednesday (preferably Tuesday); cleanse/dc Friday night.
Method for improving your crown: The one thing that showed immediate results was the installation of my water filter. My crown immediately felt softer and didn't take as long to saturate. Now I take a cue from youtube's https://www.youtube.com/user/EmbraceNaturalBeauti and squeeze this low porosity area while drenching w/really warm water to force more water into my strands. I also work it in small sections and apply warmed conditioner/leave-in when I can.
[EDIT]: I also take biotin as it is in my daily vegan multivitamin. It is also in chlorella which I add to my daily protein smoothie.
[EDIT]: I have a scalp massager...guess I'd better put it to use.
[EDIT]: Drink bamboo tea daily.
 
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Prettymetty

Natural/4b/medium-coarse
Current length: bsb
Crown length: around 12 inches
Hair: Natural
Goal month: I want thickness by December and 15 inches
Regimen: prepoo with Therapiste for 2-3 minutes, shampoo weekly with Ion Healthy Scalp shampoo, 30 min dc with Kerastase mask, airdry and flatiron each section, then rebraid it. I wear wigs as a protective style/for convenience
Method for improving crown: I will moisturize several times a week and keep up with my low manipulation and low heat regimen. I am also exercising for circulation and getting at least 75 grams of protein each day. I may use sulfur oil too.
 

InBloom

In my new-growth
I'd like to join!

Current Length: Shoulder/Collarbone length
Crown Length: Somewhere between 5 - 6 inches...
Hair: Texlaxed
Goal Month: December/ 2016
Current Regimen: Frequent cleansing for scalp stimulation, gentle hair-handling, nightly wrapping, vitamins daily, frequent conditioning
Method for improving your crown: I noticed a lot of split ends at my crown a while ago, so I dusted. I plan to dust ends as needed at that section. I realize I need to trim the longer layers so that the style looks nice. I'm not even aiming for blunt, but I do want longer layers all around - including my crown. I haven't yet figured WHY my crown is so much shorter, so I'm trying to pay attention to what I do and how I handle my hair. I add extra product at my crown when I'm doing a DC. I use products to minimize the breakage, so I'm hoping to see the crown retain more moving forward. Also, I'm allowing for a growth-aid - Cinnamon/cassia essential oil. We'll see.

I'm wondering if my nightly wrapping is a factor. I wonder if I completely rinse out all conditioner when I'm in the shower. I wonder if I instinctively don't massage my crown as much when I'm cleansing my hair. I wonder if I inadvertently don't put enough product on my crown when using conditioners for DC's and leave-ins.

I'll add a starting pic as of today later this evening.
 

BeautyByYasmine

Active Member
Nice, @BeautyByYasmine! My crown was an issue for quite a while. Lately it's been doing well. It's growing and curly and springy. But I do need to continue to pay extra attention to it when styling.

Current Length: Back is neck length; when stretched or wet, back is shoulder length, front covers my eyes, and the sides reach my ear lobes
Crown Length: will update later
Hair: All Naturale
Goal Month: December 2016, would love for my crown to reach my earlobes, curly or stretched.
Current Regimen: WnG (cleanse, condition, style) Sunday and Wednesday (preferably Tuesday); cleanse/dc Friday night.
Method for improving your crown: The one thing that showed immediate results was the installation of my water filter. My crown immediately felt softer and didn't take as long to saturate. Now I take a cue from youtube's https://www.youtube.com/user/EmbraceNaturalBeauti and squeeze this low porosity area while drenching w/really warm water to force more water into my strands. I also work it in small sections and apply warmed conditioner/leave-in when I can.
EDIT: I also take biotin as it is in my daily vegan multivitamin. It is also in chlorella which I add to my daily protein smoothie.

Great tip with filter. I'm going to pay more attention to when I apply the conditioner as well, to make sure I'm saturating this area as well. Thanks for joining! @nothidden
 

BeautyByYasmine

Active Member
I think I'm going to join this.
@ms.blue Great. Looking forward to your updates :)

Current length: bsb
Crown length: around 12 inches
Hair: Natural
Goal month: I want thickness by December and 15 inches
Regimen: prepoo with Therapiste for 2-3 minutes, shampoo weekly with Ion Healthy Scalp shampoo, 30 min dc with Kerastase mask, airdry and flatiron each section, then rebraid it. I wear wigs as a protective style/for convenience
Method for improving crown: I will moisturize several times a week and keep up with my low manipulation and low heat regimen. I am also exercising for circulation and getting at least 75 grams of protein each day. I may use sulfur oil too.
Sounds solid @Prettymetty. Hmmn, I stopped prepooing but my hair was super thick on the crown area when I did that. It might be time to get back to the basics.

I'd like to join!
Current Length: Shoulder/Collarbone length
Crown Length: Somewhere between 5 - 6 inches...
Hair: Texlaxed
Goal Month: December/ 2016
Current Regimen: Frequent cleansing for scalp stimulation, gentle hair-handling, nightly wrapping, vitamins daily, frequent conditioning
Method for improving your crown: I noticed a lot of split ends at my crown a while ago, so I dusted. I plan to dust ends as needed at that section. I realize I need to trim the longer layers so that the style looks nice. I'm not even aiming for blunt, but I do want longer layers all around - including my crown. I haven't yet figured WHY my crown is so much shorter, so I'm trying to pay attention to what I do and how I handle my hair. I add extra product at my crown when I'm doing a DC. I use products to minimize the breakage, so I'm hoping to see the crown retain more moving forward. Also, I'm allowing for a growth-aid - Cinnamon/cassia essential oil. We'll see.

I'm wondering if my nightly wrapping is a factor. I wonder if I completely rinse out all conditioner when I'm in the shower. I wonder if I instinctively don't massage my crown as much when I'm cleansing my hair. I wonder if I inadvertently don't put enough product on my crown when using conditioners for DC's and leave-ins.

I'll add a starting pic as of today later this evening.

I'm having similar thoughts @InBloom about why this area is stagnant. I know they say a watched pot never boils, but I'm getting out my measuring tape now because I need to figure out why this pot isn't boiling. Will find out soon, time to investigate...:sekret:
 
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Smiley79

Well-Known Member
I'm in. My goal is to lengthen and strengthen it. I started a complete switch up to my hair care regimen a few weeks ago and my crown was on the list of my problem areas needing improvement. My alopecia is there so I'm really hoping that my efforts will help me to see success in my crown area.

Current Length: SL
Crown Length: Will measure later
Hair: Natural
Current Regimen: Weekly Poo or bentonite clay and DC; might start midweek co-wash w/mini DC; biweekly medium strength protein treatment; massages; Mohawk method
Methods for improving your crown:
  • As of lately, I borrowed the "Mohawk method" from the roller set ladies when detangling my hair or on wash days. Rather than part my hair in the typical 4 parts, I choose to part my hair in a mohawk style and this allows me to isolate my crown area and give it special attention, longer massages, or better product distribution. Due to my scalp inflammation in the crown area, I have to be extremely careful how I detangle that there.
  • When I wear a wig, I no longer do cornrows. I only do 2 strand flast twists. Less tension.
  • I use different hair tools and products on my crown vs the rest of my hair. For example I do not use my denman brush on my crown, I opt to finger detangle and sometimes use a shower comb there.
  • When I do buns/puffs, I first make a smaller ponytail using the crown area and then I add the rest of the hair and finish up the ponytail to create my bun or puff. This has helped me to put less tension on my crown.
  • I add more moisture to my crown than the rest of my hair.
  • On my protein days or bentonite clay days, I apply the respective product to the crown first so it can get the treatment the longest. Then I continue with the rest of my hair which are in better health.
  • I know a lot of members are anti-shampoo or minimal shampoo users, but my crown gets build up really quick so I do weekly poo or bentonite clay with focus on my crown because it needs to stay CLEAN. This has helped tremendously with my crown soreness and I find that I have less breakage now which will help me to retain legnth.
 
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BeautyByYasmine

Active Member
I'm in. My goal is to lengthen and strengthen it. I started a complete switch up to my hair care regimen a few weeks ago and my crown was on the list of my problem areas needing improvement. My alopecia is there so I'm really hoping that my efforts will help me to see success in my crown area.

Current Length: SL
Crown Length: Will measure later
Hair: Natural
Current Regimen: Weekly Poo or bentonite clay and DC; might start midweek co-wash w/mini DC; biweekly medium strength protein treatment; massages; Mohawk method
Methods for improving your crown:
  • As of lately, I borrowed the "Mohawk method" from the roller set ladies when detangling my hair or on wash days. Rather than part my hair in the typical 4 parts, I choose to part my hair in a mohawk style and this allows me to isolate my crown area and give it special attention, longer massages, or better product distribution. Due to my scalp inflammation in the crown area, I have to be extremely careful how I detangle that there.
  • When I wear a wig, I no longer do cornrows. I only do 2 strand flast twists. Less tension.
  • I use different hair tools and products on my crown vs the rest of my hair. For example I do not use my denman brush on my crown, I opt to finger detangle and sometimes use a shower comb there.
  • When I do buns/puffs, I first make a smaller ponytail using the crown area and then I add the rest of the hair and finish up the ponytail to create my bun or puff. This has helped me to put less tension on my crown.
  • I add more moisture to my crown than the rest of my hair.
  • On my protein days or bentonite clay days, I apply the respective product to the crown first so it can get the treatment the longest. Then I continue with the rest of my hair which are in better health.
  • I know a lot of members are anti-shampoo or minimal shampoo users, but my crown gets build up really quick so I do weekly poo or bentonite clay with focus on my crown because it needs to stay CLEAN. This has helped tremendously with my crown soreness and I find that I have less breakage now which will help me to retain legnth.
@Smiley79, this is very thorough, I am certain you will get results with this strategy. This is a surefire plan. Thanks for sharing.

@BeautyByYasmine Love your blog. I will be reading up on that this weekend.
Thanks, virgin hair is a fun hobby just like natural or relaxed hair care . I have to get back into writing on it in a few weeks, hopefully.
 

ms.blue

Well-Known Member
Current Length: BSB
Crown Length: 15 inches
Hair:
Natural
Goal Month: December 2016
Current Regimen: Weekly washing, with dcing and monthly protein treatments. So far I have been bunning for 2 weeks but will incorporate wigs.
Method for improving your crown: washing my hair in 5 sections, moisturizing and sealing 2x a week especially at the crown.
 

fletgee

Well-Known Member
I'll be watching this thread. I am terrible at challenges and keeping up. I've realized I really need to treat my crown differently. Still figuring things out.

I totally understand. I want to join challenges, but I never keep up. This challenge is just what I was looking for. And need as I have very slow crown regrowth. So Golden75, pop the popcorn and I'll bring the wine. We'll watch this thread together.

And to all the challenge ladies......:worship2:
 

Prettymetty

Natural/4b/medium-coarse
I'm supposed to wash my hair today, but I really don't feel like it. I still have to do laundry, get groceries, cook dinner, etc. Sadly my hair is low on my list of priorities :( If I have energy after my cardio I'll do my hair.

On the bright side, low manipulation leads to less breakage and thicker hair.
 

BeautyByYasmine

Active Member
I'm supposed to wash my hair today, but I really don't feel like it. I still have to do laundry, get groceries, cook dinner, etc. Sadly my hair is low on my list of priorities :( If I have energy after my cardio I'll do my hair.

On the bright side, low manipulation leads to less breakage and thicker hair.
I know how you feel girly, I just have to make sure I deep condition everyweek. It's the only way I get consistent results. I agree, skipping a few days won't hurt.
 

GGsKin

Well-Known Member
Current Length: Nape and lower sides scraping APL, the rest NL-SL.

Crown Length: Between 7-9 inches. I had bald spots (now 5 inches) in the upper sections that started showing signs of recovery in January 2015.

Hair: Natural

Goal Month: 1st goal, January 2017, about 4 inches required for shoulder-length.

Current Regimen: At least every -5 days I clay wash or water rinse, lightly oil while wet. Wet some more and style with gel (applied root to tip). DC- protein and/ or moisture as needed, Henna as desired.

Method for improving your crown: My crown (well, whole top half really) grows sooo slow. Especially my previously damaged areas. I dust regularly. I already work in small sections but I have also started to group the hair I am working on by length (I have many differing layers). I think someone here mentioned doing this to avoid tangles and breakage. I hope to see some more retention here soon.

Leaving my styles in for longer (4-7 days) means I am neglecting the head massages that did me well when I was growing in my bald spots. I will try to find a balance and remain consistent with those, and nightly baggying/ GHE.
 
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BeautyByYasmine

Active Member
I got my ruler today, starting length of the crown is exactly 8.4. Ladies who haven't measured yet get your measurements in while it is still the beginning of the month.
 

nothidden

TeamNatural95-Fractals/Zigzags
I edited my 'stat' post and was sad that my crown is only 6 inches stretched. In another thread I noted 5.5 inches for my crown at the beginning of the year. I did do one dusting this year but still...maybe my new year's measuring was off(?).

Anyway, looks like I will need to be aggressive about this. I have nettle tea, fenugreek seeds, cayenne pepper, and a battery-operated scalp massager. It's on!!
 

BeautyByYasmine

Active Member
I edited my 'stat' post and was sad that my crown is only 6 inches stretched. In another thread I noted 5.5 inches for my crown at the beginning of the year. I did do one dusting this year but still...maybe my new year's measuring was off(?).

Anyway, looks like I will need to be aggressive about this. I have nettle tea, fenugreek seeds, cayenne pepper, and a battery-operated scalp massager. It's on!!

See, that's exactly why I think this is such a good idea. I know measuring is a faux pax around these parts but it's a good idea to help you figure out what's working and what's not. I highly doubt that my crown grows that much slower than the rest of my hair. Not sure what's causing your disparity but I am sure you will get some results. Thanks for updating.
 

GGsKin

Well-Known Member
Wash day was Tuesday, and instead of my usual four sections, I did about 9 bantu knots for the varying lengths. Working in smaller sections with equal lengths of hair took longer (I already use fingers only) but I will keep it up. Also added cayenne pepper back into my clay mixes for extra stimulation.

Drinking red roobios tea and nettle tea.
 

BeautyByYasmine

Active Member
I massaged my scalp with sulfur oil last night. I can't wait to wash and dc on Wednesday.

Wash day was Tuesday, and instead of my usual four sections, I did about 9 bantu knots for the varying lengths. Working in smaller sections with equal lengths of hair took longer (I already use fingers only) but I will keep it up. Also added cayenne pepper back into my clay mixes for extra stimulation.
Drinking red roobios tea and nettle tea.

Strong work ladies! Keep up the consistency. Just refreshed my braids. Deep conditioning is on deck.
 

nothidden

TeamNatural95-Fractals/Zigzags
Wash day was Tuesday, and instead of my usual four sections, I did about 9 bantu knots for the varying lengths. Working in smaller sections with equal lengths of hair took longer (I already use fingers only) but I will keep it up. Also added cayenne pepper back into my clay mixes for extra stimulation.

Drinking red roobios tea and nettle tea.
I drink red roobios tea, too! Probably got it from this forum...anyway, I brewed a big pitcher of it last night. Haven't added my nettle tea to it though. Guess I'd better. Adding cayenne to clay mix is a great idea. I'm on it.

Smaller sections are a chore. I worked in slightly larger sections last night. Still waiting for my hair to dry, but so far so good.
 

GGsKin

Well-Known Member
@nothidden I definitely read about the teas here:). Really like red roobios tea in the morning. I'm not much of a tea (or hot drink) drinker but since I saw them in the shops, I thought why not. Working in these 'length' sections is a chore (sitting right now with conditioner and bantus)...the things we do for healthy hair:look:.
 
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GrenadianGal

On my haircare journey
Current Length: APL
Crown Length: 9 inches
Hair:
natural
Current Regimen: wash once per week. DC weekly,nprotein every 6 weeks

Method for improving your crown: inversion method, scalp massage, be mindful of ponytail placement.
 
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