BSL 2023 Challenge

[Meritamen]

Hello ladies!

Welcome to the BSL 2023 Challenge! There are only a few rules - answer the questions, post a starting pic, and a pic at the end of the challenge in December. This challenge is for anyone who is aiming to grow their hair to BSL or BSB whichever you prefer to reference.

Questions
Starting hair length:
Goal month:
Relaxed/Natural/Texlaxed/Transitioning?
What is your regimen?
Staple products?
Are you doing anything in particular to grow your hair to BSL?
Any plans for when you reach BSL?
Starting pic:

 

[Meritamen]

Challengers
@Meritamen
@MzSwift
@abioni
@fifi134
@Prettymetty
@Fashionista922
@alanaturelle
@Nightingale

 

[Meritamen]

Starting hair length:
In-between APL and BSL

Goal month:
Dec 2023

Relaxed/Natural/Texlaxed/Transitioning?
Natural

What is your regimen?
I keep my routine super simple because I don't have the energy for a ton of steps. Also I am my own worst enemy when it comes to retaining any length so in order to grow my hair out I need to keep my hands out of it.

- Keep my hair in long-term protective style - two-strand twists
- Wash hair once a week (or more often if needed in protective style)
- Moisturize with mist of water, a moisturizing cream, and sealing oil
- Redo and detangle twists to avoid them locking
- Get a trim 1-2 times a year

Staple products?
- SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Shampoo and Conditioner
- Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey product line
(I do need to find a good sealing oil)

Are you doing anything in particular to grow your hair to BSL?
- I plan to do long-term protective styling with two-strand twists.
- Will look for a new natural hair salon for trims.
- Will try Alodia hair care but turns out I really like the Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey line too.

Any plans for when you reach BSL?
Probably going to get a press and curl because I like big barrel curls.

Starting pic:
Updated my starting picture Dec 29, 2022.

 

[MzSwift]

I'm in!!


Starting hair length:
SL

Goal month:
DEC 2023

Relaxed/Natural/Texlaxed/Transitioning?
Texlaxed

What is your regimen?
Texlax 2-3x in 2023

Alternate between long term PSs to stretch relaxers-
-mini braids/twists, no extensions
-Twist/braid extensions
-Crochet styles
-Plaits/Cornrows under scarves
-maybe use these wigs/ponytails I have

Wash, DC (protein + moisture) and blow dry between styles

Daily Ayurvedic tea spray
Ayurvedic clove/peppermint scalp oil 3-4x/week

Staple products?
Water
Ayurveda mixes
Suave Daily Clarifying conditioner
Ceramide oil mixes (Safflower, Grapeseed and EVOO) for sealing
Infusium 23 (original formula) for braid/twist extension spray mix

Are you doing anything in particular to grow your hair to BSL?
Long-term PS (3+ weeks) 99%
Visualization
ETA: Daily multivitamin + 2000mg MSM
EOTY flat iron (maybe)

Any plans for when you reach BSL?
Keep growing to MBL

Starting pic:

12/23/22

 

[abioni]

Questions
Starting hair length: I think APL
Goal month: December 2023
Relaxed/Natural/Texlaxed/Transitioning? Relaxed
What is your regimen? I was once a week and deep condition. But I plan to keep my hair in braids for most of 2023.
Staple products? Shea Moisture Moisturizing Shampoo, TaraJi's Moisture Deep Conditioner, Design Essentials Leave-in, BioSilk Serum
Are you doing anything in particular to grow your hair to BSL? I plan to keep my hair in braids a lot. I noticed it felt fuller when I took a 2-month box braid down.
Any plans for when you reach BSL? My plan is to retain as much length as possible in 2023 and get my hair to be fuller.



Starting pic: I need a major trim. I was going to do it myself but I will wait until March after my next relaxer and get a professional to do it.

 

[fifi134]

Starting hair length:
APL-ish? Pic isn't the best but oh well .

Goal month:
December.

Relaxed/Natural/Texlaxed/Transitioning?
Natural.

What is your regimen?
I just took out my locs of 3 years in November, so I'm still working on a true regimen. But I think I'll be only styling my hair on blowdried hair, in either two strand twists or braids on my own hair for 1 week, twistout or braidout for 1 additional week.

- I will wash every 7-10 days (can usually stretch to 10 days during the winter).
- DC every wash.
- Protein every 6 weeks.
- Oil treatment once a month.
- Blowdry using my Revair.
- Not sure on regularity yet, but will get trims or dust on my own schedule.

Staple products?
Again, newly returning natural, so I'm trying new products. For now I'm using:

- Herbal Essences shampoo & conditioner
- TGIN deep conditioner (forgot the scent)
- TGIN protein mask
- TGIN green tea leave-in
- Almond oil to seal moisture, focusing on ends.
- An ayurvedic oil I bought (forgot the type!) for oil treatments.

Are you doing anything in particular to grow your hair to BSL?
- Only styling on blowdried hair.
- NO AIRDRYING.
- Limit flat ironing to every other month.
- I bought some Amla powder but haven't figured out how I'll use it yet.
- Oiling my ends regularly.
- Only use satin scrunchies, use a head scarf every night.
- Keep my hands out of my hair unless I need to.

Any plans for when you reach BSL?
- If I reach BSL, I'll keep doing the same to get to MBL.

Starting pic: (first is today after washing myself, second is a silk press I got after taking out my locs)

 

[Meritamen]

Welcome fellow challenge members! Everyone has been added to the challenge list.

 

[Prettymetty]

Starting hair length: Apl
Goal month: August
Relaxed/Natural/Texlaxed/Transitioning? Natural
What is your regimen? I get my hair blown out at a Dominican salon every 2-3 weeks. In between blowouts i cross wrap my hair nightly. I moisturize my ends as needed.
Staple products? Purador Dht blocking shampoo, hairfinity strengthening leave in, chebe oil (for my scalp)
Are you doing anything in particular to grow your hair to BSL? I take Hairfinity vitamins and have a very low maintenance regimen
Any plans for when you reach BSL? Celebratory shopping spree at Kerastase
Starting pic:

 

[Fashionista922]

Starting hair length: an inch or two past APL
Goal month: JULY 2023 -BSB (#7 yellow line- see pic)
Relaxed/Natural/Texlaxed/Transitioning?- Relaxed
What is your regimen?
I wash my hair every two weeks and just do a blowout on low heat. Self relax every 10-12 weeks with Revlon regular strength.
Since I wash only every 2 weeks shampooing 2x is perfect for me. 1st shampoo with motions Active Moisture neutralizing shampoo, 2nd with infusium moisture replenish shampoo. Aphogee 2 min for 2-5 minutes in the shower then rinse out. Apply mixed chicks deep conditioner sit with a plastic shower cap and NO HEAT for 30-60 minutes. Rinse and blow-dry on low heat with serum +the tension method. Bun daily. Mist with water few times a week and apply more serum as needed. Trim 1/4" each relaxer.
Staple products? Motions active moisture neutralizing shampoo, infusium moisture replenish shampoo, aphogee 2 minute reconstructor, mixed chicks deep conditioner, argon oil treatment serum, infusium 23 leave in.
Are you doing anything in particular to grow your hair to BSL? Keeping it simple! Only flatiron or hot comb 1x per relaxer cycle (10-12 week period)
Any plans for when you reach BSL? Grow it to WL then stop.
Starting pic:

 

[Prettymetty]

I’ll post an updated pic from the back when I get my hair done next weekend. This is an old pic. I’ve trimmed since then.

 

[Meritamen]

Hello everyone!! Hope you all are having a fantastic holiday season!!

So excited that I received notice that my length check shirt has shipped today! I'm not really comfortable with having my bareback or bra out in the open in photos. I think the shirt will help because it's kinda hard for me to tell that my hair has grown since hitting APL.

I'm also trying out a different product line, Alodia. I've only used it for maybe a week and I think I like it so far.

Is anyone doing something new to get ready for the challenge?

 

[MzSwift]

@Meritamen

I'm actually planning on doing a personal HYH for 2023 to reach our goal. I'm treating my hair like I did when I only had 3 inches of natural hair and didn't want to rock it out. It's primarily gonna be back-to-back crochet styles and twist extensions. This is different from before bc I usually throw in some "out" styles.

 

[Meritamen]

@Meritamen

I'm actually planning on doing a personal HYH for 2023 to reach our goal. I'm treating my hair like I did when I only had 3 inches of natural hair and didn't want to rock it out. It's primarily gonna be back-to-back crochet styles and twist extensions. This is different from before bc I usually throw in some "out" styles.

I love this plan. I did this for 2022 with knotless braids and really enjoyed how simple it made my hair routine.

 

[Fashionista922]

Finally got around to my much needed trim! Been super consistent with my routine lately and also got 3 professional trims this year. Man it's really paid off. I will be BSL in no time. Maybe I should set a more aggressive goal for 2023?

 

[Prettymetty]

Finally got around to my much needed trim! Been super consistent with my routine lately and also got 3 professional trims this year. Man it's really paid off. I will be BSL in no time. Maybe I should set a more aggressive goal for 2023?


View attachment 485235View attachment 485237

Your hair color is beautiful!

 

[MzSwift]

Merry Christmas to the ladies who celebrate it!!

Finally added my starting photo. Did a quick blowout to install my first set of 2023 extensions.



Starting over is so exciting! Interested to see how much progress I'll by the end of 2023.

 

[fifi134]

I very lightly flat ironed last night and just trimmed it this morning. Is BSL the first or second white line? The third line is where my waist is.

 

[MzSwift]

@fifi134

Some ladies count the top of the brastrap, others use the bottom. But on you, the bottom of your bra appears to be MBL. Whichever one you choose to use, you're super close! You'll be there in no time!

This is why I just stick to body part markers. BSB - Bottom of shoulder blades for me is easier to track bc each of my bras sit in a different place and if I'm in a sports bra then that's whole nother story. lol.

 

[fifi134]

@MzSwift Thanks for this! I was also wondering where the heck MBL would be lol.

I think I’ll go with BSL at the first line and MBL at the second. I tried with a sports bra and was even more confused since it sits so much lower lol.

 

[Meritamen]

Finally found my tripod so I could take some new pictures! Sadly my length check shirt is a bit small even though I bought it in my size. Oh well, not like I am actually going to wear it out of the house.
My hair lands just past 8 or on the 9 depending on how much i can stretch it. I'm going to claim line 8. The middle of my bra is line 13 so I'm aiming for that as BSL for me. I have no idea where my waist is.

 

[alanaturelle]

Hello ladies!

Welcome to the BSL 2023 Challenge! There are only a few rules - answer the questions, post a starting pic, and a pic at the end of the challenge in December. This challenge is for anyone who is aiming to grow their hair to BSL or BSB whichever you prefer to reference.

Questions
Starting hair length:
Goal month:
Relaxed/Natural/Texlaxed/Transitioning?
What is your regimen?
Staple products?
Are you doing anything in particular to grow your hair to BSL?
Any plans for when you reach BSL?
Starting pic:

I would love this challenge.
Starting hair length: APL
Goal month: December
Relaxed/Natural/Texlaxed/Transitioning? Natural
What is your regimen? Wig - have cornrows in for 6/7 weeks, take down, wash and back in cornrows. On between, cowash and deep condition every two weeks
Staple products? Olaplex, Curlsmith, DevaCurl and homemade spritz and growth oils
Are you doing anything in particular to grow your hair to BSL? Hide my hair for optimum length retention
Any plans for when you reach BSL? Aim for MBL
Starting Pic:

 

[Nightingale]

Hello ladies!

Welcome to the BSL 2023 Challenge! There are only a few rules - answer the questions, post a starting pic, and a pic at the end of the challenge in December. This challenge is for anyone who is aiming to grow their hair to BSL or BSB whichever you prefer to reference.

Questions
Starting hair length:
Goal month:
Relaxed/Natural/Texlaxed/Transitioning?
What is your regimen?
Staple products?
Are you doing anything in particular to grow your hair to BSL?
Any plans for when you reach BSL?
Starting pic:

Starting Length: APL blowdried. I've finally got even hair after a 2020 curly cut.
Goal Month: December
Hair Status: Natural
Regimen: 1-2x weekly wash. Style in WnG. Use Olaplex #0 and #3 as needed.
What I'm doing in particular: No more curly cuts. I'm being gentle with my ends, using olaplex, and deep conditioning 2x a month. If my curly hair is brushing my shoulders, I pull it up.
Staples: everything I'm using now is a holy grail. That includes: African Pride prepoo, AG Curl Fresh shampoo, Ion Hardwater shampoo, ITDF Intense Moisture Cream conditioner, AG Curl Fresh conditioner, Doux Bee Girl Custard, and SuperWet gel.
Post BSL: I plan on growing my hair to MBL, then WL, then HL when blowdried.
Pic: Sorry about the messy mirror and blurriness. This is the only photo I took after my blowdry and trim.

 

[MzSwift]

Currently 3.5 months since my last relaxer. Not planning to relax again for 3-4 months.
Still taking my multivitamin daily but I've added Collagen to the mix. So now I'm taking my multi + 2g MSM + 2g Collagen.
I'm in week 3 of my twist extensions. Will be taking them down next weekend, I need easy hair for this holiday weekend and next week.
Planning to continue to HYH with a crochet install next and a wig after that. I love the surprise of seeing my hair progress after long stretches of PSing!

 

[MzSwift]

So I didn't do a crochet style bc my hair needed more moisture after those extensions. So I wore it cornrowed for the past week where I was able to do a deep moisture routine under scarves. So I'm still technically HYHing. I converted the cornrows to small-med braids last night. I hope to keep these in until April or May when I texlax. I can braid them down for a "Lazy Girl" crochet style at some point if I need to.

 

[alanaturelle]

Since I'm also doing the wig challenge, I have had my hair in cornrows for almost a month now. To keep my scalp clean, every fortnight I alternate between shampoo and co-wash, and every other day I spray the braids with cloves water and seal with light oil. I discovered cotton seed oil which is really light and great for my fine hair.

 

[Meritamen]

I've been super lazy with my hair lately. Since I took out the twists over a week or two ago my hair has stayed in 10 braids that make sure to keep moisturized. Not sure which style I want to go into next for February.

 

[fifi134]

I very lightly flat ironed last night and just trimmed it this morning. Is BSL the first or second white line? The third line is where my waist is.View attachment 485441

I dusted my ends a few days ago on blowdried hair. It looks like I have maybe hit BSL! What do you ladies think?

 

[MzSwift]

@fifi134

I'd definitely count that. Congratulations!! Even using body parts (which I do), your hair is below your flexed shoulder blade. Good job!!

 

[fifi134]

@fifi134

I'd definitely count that. Congratulations!! Even using body parts (which I do), your hair is below your flexed shoulder blade. Good job!!

Thanks so much! I’ve really enjoyed doing my hair this time around now that I’m using low manipulation and a simple routine to help.

 

[Fashionista922]

**April update!!**

Almost there! Next relaxer I think I'll be there! Finally found a good routine and minimized breakage all year long so far. I'm scissor-happy, but even with a trim I would say I retained at least 1 inch.

January 1st >>> April 3rd