Wednesday 6 March 2013

2013 Hair growth challenge!

Hi Ladies,

I have received soo many messages from ladies struggling to grow their hair out. Trying to figure out how to stop the breakage, speed up growth, thicken strands etc.  Lots of people going natural in the quest for healthier hair, searching for healthier styling options etc so I thought it would be awesome to start a hair growth challenge. Embarking on a hair growth challenge tends to make you put in a little more effort into taking care of your hair and the results are often phenomenal. Here are some ladies who have benefitted from embarking on a healthy hair journey and putting in a conscious effort to get healthier hair:



Photo credits: www.healthyafrohair.com

ChubbyYeti from the Blackhairmedia forum
Yours truly



I know being part of a hair growth challenge in 2011 really helped me achieve my hair goals. We can learn from and encourage each other on this journey.

So I came up with the following rules:

- The journey will begin on March 15th, 2013 and will end on March 15th, 2014
- The goal is to achieve at least 6 inches of growth in this period. (Hair grows at an average rate of 1/2 an inch every month, so for most people 6 inches in one year is achievable)
- There will be sub challenges during the course of the hair growth challenge (such as a castor oil challenge, protective styling challenge, heat free challenge etc). These challenges are aimed at improving your chances of meeting the main goal of 6 inches in one year
- You should take a picture of  your hair before you start the journey. (optional but recommended)
- You should take pictures of your hair periodically during the course of the journey, preferably 3 months apart so that you can compare, monitor your progress and adjust your regimen accordingly
- You are not required to share your pictures with the group but if you have pictures that show progress, we will appreciate if you share them as a way to encourage others. You can share pictures in the following ways:
   - Tweet with hashtag  #lushstrands2013
   - Post to instagram with hashtag lushstrands2013 or
   - Post to the facebook group


The first task is to come up with your regimen. Then go out and get your products, get your vitamins, throw out your fine toothed comb, hide your flat iron and get ready... March 15th is right around the corner.

I have already come up with my regimen. Here are the products I will be using:

L'Oreal EverPure Sulphate free shampoo

Extra virgin olive oil

Castor oil (Cold pressed)

Vo5 Moisture milks

Macadamia deep repair masque

 
My regimen is as follows:

- Co wash once a week with Vo5 conditioner
- Seal with Olive oil
- Massage castor oil into my hairline and nape to address breakage in those areas
- Wear a protective style (Bun, flat twists or wig)
- Shampoo wash with l'oreal sulphate free shampoo once a month
- Deep condition with macadamia nut repair masque once a month


What products will you be using? What is your regimen? If you are having difficulty finding the products that you want locally, please post in the facebook group. Someone may be able to help.


91 comments:

  1. what if you have a weave at any point during this period or braids?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm natural,and recently got my har flat ironed is threre any help for growing my hair out while its flat ironed

      Delete
  2. Oh, that is fine. In fact weaves, braids, buns and other protective styles are recommended during this period. You just need to make sure that underneath whatever style you are wearing, your hair is well moisturized. If you are currently wearing a protective style just wait till you take it down, then take a picture of your hair so that you will have a record of your starting point and you can monitor your progress as you go along.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  3. Hi, I currently have my hair in braids but I would like to join the challenge. What do you suggest do a start for the challenge.

    Thanks. Xoxo Mimi

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Braids are fine. Just make sure to keep your hair moisturized. You can get a good moisturizing spray or make your own using glycerin, water and olive oil and spray your hair with it daily. Take a picture when you remove the braids so that you can use that as your starting point to monitor your progress. Welcome to the challenge!

      Delete
  4. Totally in. No time to tweet and all but will using your same regimen but on my braids (and diff products) for the next 3 months.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you are in girl! That's ok, you don't have to tweet your pics just take some periodically when you get a chance to so that you can monitor your progress and be sure the regimen is working for you. Welcome aboard!

      Delete
  5. i am 101% IN OOOOO cos i actually will love to grow my hair like yours,thankfully i just retouched so am wearing my hair now but my main challenge is where to get this products in lagos(any ideas of a very good hair shop anyone???) cos i dont think i have seen the macedamia nut repair and VO5 before and most of this shops hardly store up imported stuffs(signs).
    Anyone help please so i can buy all to start this challenge.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Bunmi,
      You don't have to use these exact same products. Infact some of the products I am using may change in the course of the challenge depending on what my hair needs. You can use products that are available locally, just check the ingredients and you can also check online for reviews. I have just posted a guide on how to determine the products you need and how build your regimen. Here it is How to build your regimen I hope it helps!

      Delete
  6. Hi....please can you explain what co-washing means and the procedure.Tanx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Co-washing is short for conditioner only washing. It means 'washing' your hair with a conditioner instead of a shampoo. It works because shampoos can be harsh and can cause dryness where as conditioners are moisturizing. The idea is to limit washing with shampoo as much as possible and wash with a conditioner instead. I only wash with shampoo once a month and even then, I dilute the shampoo with water to make it less drying before using it to wash my hair.

      Delete
  7. please what is your facebook addy so i can add you please cos my hair must grow like yours o(smiles).i have just bot my jamaican castor oil as am not sure about the one i bot from the chemist even though i have started using it on my hair and daughter's.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Bee,

      My facebook page address is www.facebook.com/lushstrand. Just make sure to like the page so that you can get updates whenever there is a new post. The castor oil should be either jamaican black castor oil or the one used for pregnant women/constipation.

      Thanks for stopping by :)

      Delete
    2. Sorry, there's a typo. It's http://www.facebook.com/lushstrands. Just click on like button to like the page.

      Delete
  8. Hello dear am in ghana and some of the ingredients you are recommending are hard to come come by. so wat do u suggest i do since i have a very dry hair texture and its also heavy. please suggest a comment cream and oil for me. thank you very much.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    2. Hi Spinowhyte,
      I am not sure what products are available there but if your hair is dry, look for products that claim to moisturize. Look for hydrating shampoos will little or no sulphates, you can even use regular black soap, it works well as a shampoo and is quite gentle. Any of the natural oils will work as a sealant: olive oil, almond oil, coconut oil... I have just posted a guide on how to pick products and build a regimen. You can read it here: how to build your regimen . Hopefully you will find this helpful.

      Delete
  9. please it seems all your regimen i can get some to buy her in ghana so please advice me on what to do because am really into this.and right am wearing my hair and had a relax just last two weeks.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I currently use castor oil, I just texlaxed my hair and will start co washing asap. however, I plan on putting a weave soon , what do u recommend i do for to maintain my hair during this period my hair is in the weave , I keep my weave for about a month, 50 quid to fix no be beans oh

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lol. You just need to keep your hair moisturized. You can spray your cornrows with a water based leave in conditioner like infusion or just put some water in a spray bottle and spritz your hair with it at least once a week or more if possible.

      Delete
  11. How bad are mineral oils for your hair? I have heard different views about using moisturizers with mineral oil in it. Some same it is a good sealent, while others say it dries out the hair even more. So now I'm really confused. I recently bought a moisturizer that contains mineral oil, but it also has elements of olive oil and coconut oil so I don't know whether to stop using it or not. What is your view?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mineral oil is not necessarily bad for your hair. Bad on the scalp because it can clog your pores, irritate your scalp and cause flakes. However, lots of people find that it works well as a sealant as it prevents moisture from leaving your hair. But note that it is a sealant not a moisturizer. You should use it after moisturizing your hair to seal in the moisture. Moisturizers should contain water and humectants, you can then seal with an oil of your preference to trap the moisture within your hair.

      Delete
  12. Wow this is perfect. I've just started blogging about my upcoming hair journey. I'm already following you and I'll definitely keep up with the challenge. All the best!

    http://kejishairjourney.blogspot.co.nz

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks. Your hair is beautiful, I wish you the best on your journey.

      Delete
  13. how do i seal my hair because i dont understand sealing of hair. and de castor oil and olive old i got are all refined oil

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You seal your hair by moisturizing (with water or a water based leave in) then applying an oil to your hair to trap water within the cortex of your hair and prevent it from escaping quickly.

      Delete
  14. hi.
    How do i use glycerine as a leave-in?
    Can i add it to my conditioner if its absent or make mine?
    How can i make a conditioner with glycerine & wat other ingredients do i need?
    Tanx in advance.
    Muah

    Http://itsebunite.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hey lushstrands im definitely up for the challenge such an encouragement and motivation!! So excited for this. Few questions before hand how wld I no what products to use for my hair? I have mostly all the products u use, what hair type do you have? Bcoz those may work for me. Where could I get wigs similar to what you wear? And I currently wear braids so would you recommend a trim throughout this challenge?

    P.S Blessings to you for using your natural talent and sharing it with the world. Education is key! :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hui lush strands,thanx for giving us tips.please iv bn battlin with hair growth for a loong tym now n no results, at d moment I have tres somme shampoo n conditioner and jbco,tropic isles protein conditioner,due to d nature of my hair ,its rily scanty,I'm always fixn,I never leave my hair out,take out today,fix tmrw,evry 3 to 4wks but I aply jbco to d edges evryday,pls wt else do u recommend,my husband loves long hair!helpppppp,desperate gal

    ReplyDelete
  17. U only do a moisturising DC once per month? Can I ask why that is? Has that always been the case since the start of your HHJ?

    This post has made me note to go back to weekly co washing lol I haven't done one in 2 months. I usually use creme of nature Argan oil shampoo. Which is non drying and leAves my hair soft like a conditioner.

    Are u in UK? I ask cos of the products u mentioned.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I would love to take part in the growth challenge but I space my relaxing and I'm on my 6th month I intend to relax in may. funny I just stocked on my hair products. I use profective

    ReplyDelete
  19. Yay..my first ever challenge. I've kinda been on a HHJ for the last 2 years but haven't been strict with it plus it's been hard getting products in Nigeria.

    Here's a list of the products I'll be using..

    Shampoo(once a week, might reduce this though) - Elasta QP shampoo for relaxed hair

    Conditioner(doubles as a DC, looking to replace) - Herbal essences Hello hydration conditioner

    Protein conditioner - Affirm 5 in 1 reconstructor

    Moisturizer/leave in conditioner - Herbal essences beautiful ends split ends protection cream, Aphogee keratin and green tea restructurizer

    Sealant - Coconut oil(Good old idiagbon:) had to improvise when I moved to Nigeria)

    Vitamins - Biotin 5000mcg

    Still looking for a good deep conditioner..is Macadamia deep repair masque available in Nigeria? Might also try co-washing although I keep feeling my hair wouldn't be clean.


    Please let me know if you've seen any of the products I use in Nigeria already running out.

    Are we allowed to trim during the challenge?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, your regimen sounds good. I don't think I've seen the macademia deep repair masque in nigeria but I've seen joico moisture recovery which is also a very good moisturizing deep conditioner here.

      Delete
  20. Hi lushstrands,
    I plan on starting mine first weekend in april. But will definitely join the hair challenge

    ReplyDelete
  21. OK! OK! I'm so in. I've had bad hair days all my life. I never really pay attention to my hair because I feel that it would still cut no matter what i do to it. So reading your story makes me think i can do it too. But my hair isnt even chin length,more like ear length. Lol. May God help me. Amen

    I have this compulsion to always pull my hair(not like i dey craze,lol). Especially when i have braids on and when i'm studying. I've battled with it since medical school. That will be one of my challenges.

    I also have a huge problem with dandruff. I have tried several dandruff shampoos but none of them seem to be working. Do you know any anti-dandruff regimen that works? Pls share.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I want to be a part of this challenge, but I just braided my hair today

    Africhic

    ReplyDelete
  23. If i have braids how can i deep condition each month. Should i take them down or is it possible to deep condition with the braid in?

    ReplyDelete
  24. I have just come across your blog but I just started my hair growth journey after some pretty traumatic hair loss! So I'm a bit behind the 8 ball but hey, I reckon I can catch up! It's on!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hello, I have been looking for a hair challenge that will force me to take care of my hair, unfortunately this one started on the 15th of march and today is the 18th of April. Am I too late to start? :/ and also if you don't mind, could you explain to me what co washing means? thank you! :)

    ReplyDelete
  26. i am so glad i found this easy to follow procedure. I AM IN! starting 26th april....guess my next birthday present is my long tresses(April 2014). Thanks girl!

    ReplyDelete
  27. hello i am a lil late but would love to join the challenge..i am currently rocking braids but am going to purchase products tommorow...also are you guys natural?

    ReplyDelete
  28. Do you know if chubbyyeti has a blog or instragram?

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hello dis is my first visit, where can we get these essential oils like almond oil and coconut oil from in lagos? Thank u

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can coconut oil from health plus at the palms. Olive oil is available in most supermarkets. Park and shop, shop rite etc. You can also try www.vanityoils.com.
      Rgds

      Delete
  30. Great information brilliant still i suggest you guy's to have a look on Hair Transplant in Lahore its really effective and use full treatment.

    ReplyDelete
  31. I would love to be in the journey as well. I know I'm a couple months late but better late than never right?

    ReplyDelete
  32. Nowadays,Growth of hair is very challenging task if anyone is suffering from hair fall.I think by follow all these step which are given here once can increase his/her hair.
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  33. the result are awesome. How much time it will take? what if we go for laser hair growth treatment is it better?

    ReplyDelete
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  35. can i join now pretty plsssss. im trying to grow my hair to bra strap length from armpit length after expriancing a major setback and i cld use all the help i cn get. does anyone know where i can buy biotin tablete in nigeria tnk

    ReplyDelete
  36. I have a friend that is 29 and slowly losing his hair. Right now it is long and he is afraid to cut it because it might show more that he is losing his hair. This is genetic and can not do much about it. Would you suggest him to cut it and start using hair loss treatments such as Rogaine? I don't know much about hair loss treatments and would love get an opinion or review about them from you.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I have already posted before that I have began my hair journey. Its exciting. I started on 26th August, 2013, with Vo5 shampoo and conditioner, Organics hair Mayonnaise, Extra virgin olive oil and Castor oil. Yet to get my wigs and my vitamins. Getting biotin vitamins in Port Harcourt is tres difficile. Any other suggestions for Vitamins?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Go natural my cause did and her hair is past armpit length no perms hot irons just use moisturizers and shea butter look on youtube going al natural I promise you will want to

      Delete
  38. Wow, its awesome how their hair grow faster. I wish my hair grows faster too.
    Indian Hair

    ReplyDelete
  39. Hey Luststrands,
    I just ran into your site, I hope am not to late to join the challenge. Last month I woke up and chopped all my hair off. I am tired of relaxing my hair and I have decided to go natural; however, my husband can't wait for my hair to grow back.

    My biggest problem at the moment is the UK weather, what is the best protective style considering I barely have any hair left lol.

    Ugo

    ReplyDelete
  40. Pls,where did u get these hair products in Port Harcourt

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Chisom,

      I live in PH as well and it's so hard getting these products. I shop online at www.hairsage.com and they deliver within 2 days.

      Delete
  41. Hair Growth is natural Process your hair is not growing you can consult hair transplant Surgeon many reasons for hair loss.

    ReplyDelete
  42. I wanna go natural can I join I just wanna use shea butter and moisturizer no perms ill post a pic I wanna get my hair armpit length before my wedding april 16th 2014

    ReplyDelete
  43. what about flat ironing once a week

    ReplyDelete
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    ReplyDelete
  45. i am using mixture of olive oil and castor oil for hair but it not reduces my problem. it increases my hair loss. what to do?

    ReplyDelete
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  48. You only washed your hair once a month?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Shampoo washes once a month, conditioner washes (co-washing) weekly.

      Delete
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