APL 2012 Challenge

[Iluvsmuhgrass]

I flat ironed my hair and I am soooo not even happy right now. *sigh* Will post pics later.

 

[jprayze]

NikkiQ hope Nola is much better when you pick her up! I can totally relate to having a sick dog and it's the worst feeling. :-(

 

[Evolving78]

NikkiQ
i hope your fur baby feels better!

 

[claud-uk]

claud-uk. WOOOWEEEE. That's a lot of changes. Congratulations on your sticking to your guns and seeing that growth. You've got me thinking about stopping smoking. If the trade off is that kind of growth, I may just have to do it. Hmmmmm.....:scratchch.

Thanks MeowMix - please consider it. Smoking costs - hair AND money. I wanted to give up for my 35th (almost two years ago) but didn't/couldn't. I always thought "I'll give up when I'm ready". Well, once it occured that smoking was taking away from my hair health and growth I got ready and cut that ish out RIGHT NOW. It wasn't even about the health, just about the hair... it's all about the hair !

And yes I thought you were trying to slip under the radar there for a second LOL

haha, i KNEW it

Onhergrind09 Well done! Your pony :notworthy

^^^ bowing and scraping

 

[claud-uk]

Today has been a very trying day. My poor baby girl, Nola (my dog), had to be taken to the vet hospital today. She has a virus that has been going around that has her completely dehydrated. I've been a bubblin mess all day. I had to run out the house this morning so I just threw a beanie on over my twists and left. Had it like that all day. I was in no state of mind to deal with my hair. Tomorrow I have to go back with DH to pick her up from the hospital since she had to be left overnight to receive antibiotics via IV. You guys have no idea how much I miss her right now

Sorry Nikki, that's just the worst. Me and poops will say a little prayer for her. x

 

[Meritamen]

Your hair looks very healthy @Meritamen! I think you may already be at APL since May! you look very close to APL here

Aw, you're sweet and I wish that were true but I still have a little bit to go before I can/will claim it. I'm waiting to reach the next stripe before claiming.

 

[Firstborn2]

Today has been a very trying day. My poor baby girl, Nola (my dog), had to be taken to the vet hospital today. She has a virus that has been going around that has her completely dehydrated. I've been a bubblin mess all day. I had to run out the house this morning so I just threw a beanie on over my twists and left. Had it like that all day. I was in no state of mind to deal with my hair. Tomorrow I have to go back with DH to pick her up from the hospital since she had to be left overnight to receive antibiotics via IV. You guys have no idea how much I miss her right now

Sorry to hear about your pup, I know how you feel. I can't stand when Le Poo is sick...Hope the IV treatments work for her.

I flat ironed my hair and I am soooo not even happy right now. *sigh* Will post pics later.

Why? What happened?

ETA:: I'm still in extensions. I've been cowashing everyday and loving it. I'm going to keep the extensions in for another 3weeks and get a set of cornrows after that.

 

[jprayze]

I just wanted to give an update on my bald spot.. I just had a light bulb moment! In February, I changed blood pressure med from the one I've been taken for years due to my new insurance not paying for the one I usually take. I googled the name of the med and hair loss was listed as a possible side effect. Here I was blaming it on the stylist! Will be following up with my primary care doctor as soon as possible! Isn't it great to get answers!!!

 

[MsSonya]

Sorry to hear that NikkiQ. I can only imagine what you must be going through. Hope things are better for you.
Jprayze- thats interesting. My Mom is on BP meds. Her hair has thinned alot. I should check into that as well. Hope you get an answer when you go back to the doctor.

Well, I am sitting under the dryer with ORS for about 30mins-1hr if I'm good. Will put into a bun. Didnt eat enough barbecue yesterday.

 

[Guinan]

Sorry to post and run. But here is my July length check pics & sum hair styles. I didn't make it to APL but hopefully I'll be there by the end of the summer or before Christmas.

 

[Guinan]

Here's more. Sum are hair styles that I wear front/back. And I believe one pic is of my hair last year. I'm finally showing my face

 

[NikkiQ]

Sorry about nola what kind of dog is she?

We got her from the SPCA. They said she was a rottie mix,but she looks more like a Doberman/Coonhound mix.

 

[NikkiQ]

pelohello your hair is absolutely gorgeous! So thick and shiny. I love the curls too

and OT: I'm lovin the tat. I'm an ink fiend myself lol

 

[MeowMix]

We got her from the SPCA. They said she was a rottie mix,but she looks more like a Doberman/Coonhound mix.

She looks like a character. Get well soon Nola. NikkiQ, back AWAY from the clippers.

 

[afroette]

pelohello, your hair!!! so beautiful.

 

[livinthevida]

Hello ladies, I hope you all are enjoying the holiday. Whew, I haven't been in here in a minute and I have to get caught up with err'thang. I have several pages to read but I first wanted to give a shout out to livinthevida for making it to APL! It's nice to see your progess girl, you were missed, and I am happy you're back. Congrats to the other ladies who've made it to APL since check-in too! Okay, I have a grip of pages to catch up on … enjoy your day ladies. {{Deuces}}

Thank You NaturalfienD! A shoutout to you & all my ladies here! Starting a HHJ in 2012 has been so MUCH FUN for me! You all make the experience very creative and easy to do :wink2:

 

[fiyahwerks]

ROLL CALL TIME

Half way point for the challenge ladies!! Next check in on June 30th. You in or out? And yes I did call everybody out on this one

I'm in. No length check because I have micros until October.

 

[livinthevida]

@polished07 ~ I have not trimmed my hair since late, late last year or super early this year. I go on S&D missions but I do not trim on a routine basis. I receive Chicoro's emails (beautifybitbybit.com) and she sent one out that discussed length based trimming versus time based trimming. She states that if one is trying to maintain a style/length then trimming every six to eight weeks is desirable. However, if one is growing their hair out trimming on a time table is not necessary. I keep my hair in PS, so I don't have the urge to even my length up … I probably won't trim until I hit my goal but I will continue to S&D/dust when necessary. I hope this helps.

Same here @polished07 & @NaturalfienD My last trim was January 2012 when I joined our APL 2012 Challenge! So far pretty good no need to trim my hair just yet and to my surprise all my hair seems to grow in the same length! These are a pretty good pair of sheers!!! Here's a link to the one I used:
http://www.sallybeauty.com/Sheer-Gl...12&cm_mmc=CJ-_-AFFILIATE-_-5421430-_-10650864

 

[livinthevida]

Today has been a very trying day. My poor baby girl, Nola (my dog), had to be taken to the vet hospital today. She has a virus that has been going around that has her completely dehydrated. I've been a bubblin mess all day. I had to run out the house this morning so I just threw a beanie on over my twists and left. Had it like that all day. I was in no state of mind to deal with my hair. Tomorrow I have to go back with DH to pick her up from the hospital since she had to be left overnight to receive antibiotics via IV. You guys have no idea how much I miss her right now

NikkiQ I hope Nola is feeling much better soon! Please remember with that kind of heat to keep yourself hydrated too :wink2:

 

[livinthevida]

Sorry to post and run. But here is my July length check pics & sum hair styles. I didn't make it to APL but hopefully I'll be there by the end of the summer or before Christmas.

Here's more. Sum are hair styles that I wear front/back. And I believe one pic is of my hair last year. I'm finally showing my face

Beautiful hair pelohello!

 

[NikkiQ]

@NikkiQ I hope Nola is feeling much better soon! Please remember with that kind of heat to keep yourself hydrated too :wink2:

She was dehydrated from vomitting and other things. Not from the heat. It's not that hot here.

 

[lamaria211]

Nikkyq shes so cute
I have 11 pitbulls right now!!!!!

 

[Guinan]

NikkiQ, afroette, livinthevida - Thanks ladies

OT NikkiQ, I am an ink fiend too! I plan on finishing the rest w/ blue cherry blossoms on the back of the arm and connecting it to the front.

 

[Fyne]

Beautiful hair @pelohello!

Agreed!!

claud-uk Its not like I was keeping a list or anything *crosses claud off the list*

NikkiQ Sending BIG e-hugs your way!

livinthevida I like WGHO scent too it doesnt bother me...I just worry what others think with my hair smelling so...so...spicy!

 

[Guinan]

NikkiQ, ur dog is soooo adorable!! I have a cream toy poodle. I hope ur dog feels better.

 

[kittenz]

Awww, feel better Nola NikkiQ It's so sad when the furbabies get sick.

 

[Meritamen]

Nola is so adorable! Is she doing better? Sorry you are going through this tough time.

 

[ronie]

Hi ladies, i am fairly new to the whole site, and i have never officially introduced myself until now. Been lurking for a while, and i have to admit that this thread has to be the most lively, welcoming, and funny i have been reading. And nikkiQ you are an excellent host. Thank you to all of you ladies for tips, shared stories, and inspirational pictures. And the ninjas have me rolling laughing; congratulations though for making it to apl. Don't want to hold yall back but it feels good to have you guys around hanging out with the shoulder length crew. Anyways a little about me.
I have been relaxed for about 15 years, never grew my hair past maybe neck length. When i got pregnant, my hair grew strong and closed to apl with no help from me. I used to just go to the dominican salon for a wash and set using their product which is what i did before the pregnancy as well. 3 months after my c-section (february 2011) SHEDDING massive SHEDDING. I will post pictures when i learn how to. The shedding and breakage continued until september 2012 when i started looking into healthy hair care. I discovered lhcf, and laughed it off thinking yall were delusional. But i was so desperate i decided to incorporate some of the techniques like pre pooing, no sulfate poo, moisturize and seal with coconut oil. 2 things happened: no more dandruff, and no more tangles while detangling. So i registered without subscribing. Slowly got to become a product junkie, started on hairffinity and my hair was doing great. Then breakage again, by then i was above shoulder length with thin and see through ends. Looking at the products i introduced last, i realized that my hair hates alo vera (weird). I had started using SM moisture retention poo, and jane carter's leave in both with aloe vera high in the ingredient list. I tried everything to help with the breakage Nothing. Then i stopped using everything i had and started using all kerastase product. My breakage stopped, and my hair was good again. Last month, after stucking divachyck whom i love i started using beemine balanced moisturizer daily, Bad idea. I later realized that aloe vera is one of the ingredient. So right now i am trying to manage that breakage and try to make to APL by dec 2013. I forgot to say i stopped perming in february 2012, possibly transitioning if i can manage that breakage. my regimen right now is as followed:
Prepoo with coconut oil and olive oil
Sampoo with kerastase bain de force poo ( sulfate)
DC with Kerastase masquintense for thick hair for 30 mn with heat
Leave in S curl
Seal with Pura dor argan oil 100% organic
Air dry
Clarify once a month with vo5 clarifying poo
Co wash once a week with hair one olive oil followed by kerastase masquintense mixed with ors rp or kerastase oleo relax masque.
Protein every 2 weeks with kerastase masque force architecte no heat followed by masqueintense thick if i am going to airdry or nutrithermique if i am blowdrying my roots. Heat protectant is Argan oil mixed with grapeseed oil and kerastase elixir ultime.
I m&s everyday, with Scurl and castor oil. I take hairfinnity everyday, sleep in my satin cap everynight. I wear my hair in a single braid and tuck the ends inside everyday as my protective style. I only wear my hair down every other weekend when i go out with DH.
Unfortunately for me my hair loves the expensive stuff. I did try the cheap things believe me i did. Right now i have a tons of products that i am afraid to use cause i cant afford another set back: Macademia nut oil deep repair masque, Proclaim intense hydrating masque, bottles of AOGPB, AOHR, AOWC, SM moisture retention poo, Aphogee 2 steps, aphogee balanced conditioner, aphogee 2 mn Bee mine balance moisturizer, Jane carter leave in spray, . While some of these didn't cause set back, but they did nothing for my hair. The only cheap stuff my hair loves is S curl and ORS replenishing pack. My favorite treatment is ORS repleninshing pack mixed with kerastase masqintense under plastic cap no heat for 2 hours or more. Everytime result is strong moisturized hair, no breakage during detangling or styling for at least 3 days. Everytime i rinse it out i ask my self : Why the H**l do i bother with anything else. My hair loves them both alone, but together is like and explosion. Another favorite is SE mega silk DC. Although i don't like how my hair feels while applying or after rinsing, but the next day my hair is so soft i dont even want to m&s.
I recently started massaging JBCO to my scalp daily to help with all that thinning.
State of my hair right now: Shoulder length, healthy scalp and roots with some damaged relaxed ends that i am slowly trimming away. I currently am recovering from the bee mine related breakage. Tomorrow i will wash and dc with my famous mix , and cornrow under a wig for a week. That's gonna be my style for the whole of july.
Sorry for the long post, thanks for reading. And please make any suggestion for ways i can better my regimen. Also help with how to post progress pictures.

 

[ronie]

I tried to attach my starting pictures. In those pictures i am 4 months post relaxer. My hair is washed, dc'd and i blow dried the roots. Taken 3 weeks ago.

 

[Guinan]

I tried to attach my starting pictures. In those pictures i am 4 months post relaxer. My hair is washed, dc'd and i blow dried the roots. Taken 3 weeks ago.

WELCOME!!