Category Archives: Tenth Wave

Feb23

Charelle’s Final GOC Update

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by Charelle (Tenth Wave) of CandyCurl

Like everyone else, I can’t believe that we have already reached the end of the GOC. I joined the GOC as part of the 10th wave in the middle of September, and being a part of such a wonderful and supportive community has been such a joy, inspiration and motivation. When I started the GOC, I was straightening my hair once a month and struggling to find cute ways to wear my natural hair. I didn’t have a stable regimen and I didn’t really deep condition regularly or have products that I used regularly. Because of the GOC, I now have a consistent regimen; I henna once a month and I’ve learned, most importantly, that I don’t need heat to be happy with the way my hair looks.

I straightened my hair towards the end of January to get a trim and to see how much it has changed since the last time I straightened it in September. My hair has gotten a lot thicker and longer since I began the GOC. The longest part of my hair is just about APL in the back and, for the next GOC, I hope to get the longest part of my hair to BSL. My ultimate goal is full MBL, so I’m thinking it may take another year to a year and a half to reach.

I am so happy that I found Hairscapades and I look forward to reaching my goals, as well as seeing everyone else reach their goals, in the future!


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If you would like to see all of the updates of any of our GOCers, just enter their name in the “Search” box on the right ——->>>>! The results will return all of their updates (and guest posts) since the beginning of the GOC!! See where it all began and how they’ve progressed over the course of the challenge!

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Feb1

January GOC Update: Carla

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by Carla (Tenth Wave)

It’s been a while since I updated my GOC!

This past December, I realized that my hair sheds a lot. It’s not that it hasn’t been shedding for years already; I guess I was in denial before. It’s way more than the standard 100 strands a day. I saw my doctor about it in early January and she confirmed my worst fear. I was referred to a dermatologist and will have my appointment early February. I will update when I get some answers.

One thing I’ve been doing these past several weeks is shampooing my scalp more often. My scalp has been itching quite a bit and I can’t help but to wonder if it’s related to my shedding. After about the 4th day, my scalp is killing me with the itchies! I take whatever shampoo I’m going to use (these days Trader Joe’s Tree Tea Tingle) add lavender and basil oil to it and apply it directly on my scalp, massage, leave it on for about 30 minutes, wash it out and condition. I’ve been doing this twice a week and my hair and scalp loves it. I’m also still using henna on my hair. I’ve slacked off for a bit, but my goal is to do it twice a month as time and supply allows. I’m primarly using natural products on my hair and that makes a big difference too.

So far my hair is doing well other than the shedding. It’s difficult for me to take photos of my hair solo, but here are a couple. I wish I could do a length check, but I doubt my hair has grown much since the last time I did one. I’ll do one on my next update. My hair is BSL and has a lot of shrinkage, but I’m OK with that.

In terms of the health and fitness challenge, I’m doing quite well. I’ve stepped up my power lifting and continue to challenge myself in the gym. For example, I’m up to 100 lbs on the dead lifts, 365 lbs on leg press and so on. My diet is still very much Paleo with a lot of added vegetables. My mother recently sent me a video about a doctor who treated her multiple sclerosis with the Paleo diet and nutrition. It’s good to know I was already on a similar path as this doctor. Weight training has helped me tremendously when it comes to fitness, mobility, fatigue and so on. This is my third year since I’ve been diagnosed and I’m doing better than I was three years ago.

I’m curious, does anyone shampoo as often as I do these days, or at least once a week? Co-washing is great, but I think it causes too much build-up on my scalp.

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I’ve co-washed regularly in the past with lots of success. However, I now use a sulfate-free shampoo on a weekly basis. On occasion, I’ll go two weeks between shampoos, but that’s usually the max and I don’t even have scalp issues. So, I don’t see a problem shampooing that often as long as you are using a sulfate-free shampoo and/or diluting a sulfate shampoo and/or “buffering” with a conditioner or oil pre-poo first! So many options, right?

Hope that your visit to your dermatologist pays off Carla and that you get your shedding under control. I know how stressful that can be!!

Jan5

December GOC Update: Charelle

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by Charelle (Tenth Wave) of CandyCurl

Hair:
OMG!!! I can’t believe that there is less than one month to go of the GOC. This has been an amazing experience for me as I have learned sooooo much from all of you! Over the past month, I’ve settled into a regimen that’s right for me. I wash and condition my hair once a week (on Fridays) and do a Twist n’ Curl with flexi-rods or a CurlFormers set. I wear that out for two days at most and then I bun for the rest of the week. Yeah, I know, protective styling to the max! I haven’t bought any new products this month; I had to save all my money for Christmas presents. One thing I did add to my regimen this month, however, are a multivitamin and Biotin. I use the Women’s Once Daily multi-vitamin from Trader Joe’s and Biotin 5000mcg by Nature’s Bounty. I’ve been pretty good with taking them every day, so I hope it helps in the growth and health of my hair.

Fitness:
Once again this month, I have not gone to the gym. Partly because I owe them money, *smh*. I have also gained about 6 pounds. I plan to start going tomorrow as my New Year Resolution, so we’ll see how that works out.

Dec7

November GOC Update: Charelle

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by Charelle (Tenth Wave) of the newly created blog, CandyCurl

Hair

November was a month of protective styling and low manipulation for me. I did some mini twists and left them in for two weeks. This was a real accomplishment for me, because I don’t remember the last time that I went more than a week without washing my hair. It usually gets VERY itchy two or three days after my last shampoo. When I finally took the twists out, I wore a twist out for two days. I liked the twists overall, but it left some of my hair tangled, so I had to be very careful about taking them out. I would definitely do them again.

I’ve gone another month without straightening my hair, yippee!!! Initially, I planned to straighten my hair every two months during the challenge, which I thought was reasonable since I’d been straightening about once a month since April, before which I was straightening once a week. However, I’ve seen how much my hair has thrived without heat and I feel like I can definitely go longer. I want to retain as much length as possible!!! So my new goal is to make it to the end of the challenge without straightening! Now, straightening will be a reward, instead of part of my regimen.

I also finally made my “grow-out t-shirt” this month. It was much easier and quicker than I thought it would be and I was very excited once it was done.

Lastly, I’ve been experimenting with some products this month. I used the ApHogee Keratin 2 Min Reconstructor, because it had been sitting in my bathroom for months (it belonged to my roommate) and it was highly recommended by Shelli, so I gave it a whirl. Definitely a great product, I use it now every two weeks. I also have been using the ApHogee Keratin & Green Tea Restructurizer. It’s a leave-in spray that you can use on wet or dry hair to reduce breakage. I love this product and highly recommend it! I also made my Kimmaytube leave-in this month, and it was wonderful! I used 2 tbs of DevaCurl One, 2 tbsp of Trader Joe’s Jojoba Oil, 2 tbsp of Jamaican Black Castor Oil, and 2 tbsp of Vitamin Shoppe Aloe Vera Juice (whole leaf). It’s so moisturizing, my life has changed forever, that is some good ish! I also made a shea butter mix with coconut oil and olive oil and I’m loving that too! November was definitely a breakthrough month and I think I’m done with buying new products (for now)!


Fitness

Another month of no gym. Yes, I’m very ashamed! But I’ve been eating well! So, once again, I’ll try next month to get back to working out, or at least go to yoga or something!

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Your bun is looking fab and loving the big hair and voluptuous lips in the last pic! Also, it’s really awesome reading how you are trying new things and experiencing success! It’s not about you wearing mini-twists for two weeks or not straightening your hair for several months. It’s that you thought you couldn’t do these things and you are discovering that you can push yourself beyond pre-conceived limitations! That’s what I think is so important here. It’s not the hairstyles that are meaningful per se, it’s the process that is helping you achieve your goals and inspiring you to set more. Well done lady! 

What things have you done since you began your natural hair journey that you didn’t think were previously possible? What have you learned about yourself in the process?

Nov16

October GOC Update: Charelle

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The sweet Charelle (Tenth Wave) shares pics of her styling blitz of October 2011!!

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October was a pretty good month for me as far as hair goes. I didn’t straighten my hair for the whole month, woo hoo! I’ve experimented with a bunch of different styles: wash n gos, Curlformer sets, twist n curls, twist outs, twists and buns.

This month, I plan not to play in my hair as much. I did mini twists last week and my goal is to keep them in for 2 weeks. I wish I could keep them in for more but they’re already starting to look fuzzy. I feel like the month literally flew by, so I didn’t have a chance to buy/try any new products. My regimen isn’t changing right now as I brace for winter, but I’m going to really try not to go out with my hair wet as I got a sinus infection from doing that last year. I also recently purchased a tape measure to measure my hair progress. I’m 27 months post relaxer and I have 7-10” of hair on my head. I got a layered bob last year, so the hair in the back is still shorter. Considering how much heat I’ve used over the past 2 years and my many trims, I’m happy to have retained that much.

October was epic because of the CurlyNikki NYC Meet-Up! I did a twist-out, so I was really unsure about how it was going to come out. But, surprisingly, it wasn’t horrendous! Meeting Shelli and Nikki made it a night that I will NEVER forget!

My goals for November are:

  1. Protective styling to the max.
  2. Create my very own shea butter mix.
  3. Start using Kimmaytube leave-in.

As far as fitness goes, hmm, not so good. The gym hasn’t seen me this month, I’ve been too busy trying to get my master’s thesis together. I’ve been eating pretty well though and I even managed to lose half a pound, ha! So now I’m at 142.5, but I’ll definitely get it together this month as I’ll have more time. That’s all for now!

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What the hizzay?!?! I told Charelle, I’m seriously contemplating cropping this photo! She looks frickin’ gorgeous. I look like the Joker hit me with one of his poisonous laughing gases (eh? eh? Managed to get a comic reference into this!)! LOL! But, to prove how I embrace my goofy and dorky ways, I am posting this pic she sent for all the world to see. *Sigh* I’m going to regret this, aren’t I? Wait, this isn’t about me. Charelle, you look fab and congrats on a month flat-iron free!!! You are well on your way to curly and fully natural Miss Lady!!

Nov15

October GOC Update: Josie

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Here’s Josie (Tenth Wave) with an update that tells of sadness and milestones.

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So, October brought big upsets, but I’m learning how to handle them better. Workouts this month were totally non-existent. Also, my diet was not the best either. Midway through the month, I suffered the loss of a good friend here at school and, needless to say, keeping up with the everyday was a little difficult for a while. If any good did come from this month it was that my hair was totally under wraps in chunky twists all month and continues to feel better and better every wash day. My hair routine is a fine-tuned machine now and I’ve even been asked to consult others in my family and my boyfriend about how to set-up proper hair care routines. I think I have perfected my first pin-up style! Yay me! So since I’ve finally figured one out, I think I’m going to try to freestyle another pin-up. The other thing I like is that this means my hair has been growing, because a few months ago I used to struggle getting my hair put up, now it’s a cinch and I only used two combs and 4 bobby pins!

That was my biggest accomplishment in October and, even with my food and workout plan tossed to the wind this month, I did stay very consistent with my water intake, so I felt good about that. This coming month, I’m going to get back into the workout flow and I just recently did a huge couponing haul at the grocery store. So, my diet should get back on track because I have food to cook with again! I also thought I would add a picture of me from way back when. I was seven and my braids never knew the reality of gravity, and even now, my hair still doesn’t feel the need to acknowledge gravity! *lol*

(Me and my mommy. I’m rocking the “tree braids” as they were so called and my mom, rocking the blonde. I converted her to natural, she just had her year naturalversary! *lol*)

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So sorry for you loss Josie :(. My heart and prayers go out to you as it’s always devastating to lose a loved one, especially someone who I assume who was so young. Your ability to learn how to cope with your feelings of loss and move forward are admirable. In regard to the hair progress, sounds like you have become your own hair’s experts and are starting to help others do the same! Kudos!! 

Oct13

September Update: Charelle

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Hey! It’s Charelle with the first GOC Update from the Tenth Wave!  

As the first month of my GOC, September went pretty well for me. I decided to start using henna and I’ve already henna’d three times in two weeks! I like the auburn/red tone it has given to my previously copper highlights and I’ve noticed CONSIDERABLY less shedding. I used Reshma henna, which I purchased from the local Indian grocer and used 200 g with 2 cups of green tea, plus a squeeze of honey.

I also straightened my hair this month as a length check and also to trim my ends. My hairstylist is on maternity leave for six months 😦 , so I employed the help of my friend/roommate to help me out. The trim turned out pretty well and saved me $60.

As far as products go, I recently bought Shea Moisture’s Curl Enhancing Smoothie and I love what it does for my hair. It’s a good moisturizer and it smells good. I’ve used it for some mini-twists that I tried and it works wonders. I want to keep my regimen as simple as possible, so I will continue the following once a week:

  • Wash/Condition with TreSemme Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner
  • DT with Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque
  • Detangle with KCNT
  • Style with KCCC
  • Oil occasionally with Trader Joe’s Jojoba Oil

(I find that Kinky Curly products tame the frizz and get my hair to do what I want it to do, while keeping it moisturized.)

My goals over the next month are:
  • To perfect twist outs/twist n curls
  • Combat my itchy and sometimes dry scalp
  • Detangle more effectively
  • Retain length
  • Not pick up a flat iron
Fitness: I’m pretty satisfied with my fitness over the past month. I’ve worked out about 2-3 times a week and my diet consists of mostly Lean Cuisines. However, since the Monopoly game has begun recently at McDonalds, I find myself going there more frequently :(. I’ve got a love affair with McDonalds that’s hard to shake *LOL*. I haven’t lost any weight yet, so I’m still 143. But that’s ok, I’m still within normal weight range because I’m 5’5″.

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Oooh!  Another Lean Cuisine gal?!?!  Do you do the LC Delicious Rewards? I’m off the hook with that! I’ve “purchased” the freezer tote, a lunch bag and the shopping list pad/magnet with my reward points! And, I still have a 1000+ points and counting! LOL!! I’m planning a post called, “The Lazy Woman’s Diet!” 

Oct7

September Update: Josie

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Josie, of our newly added Tenth Wave, tells us about some tweaks to her regimen, gives us a review of some new product acquisitions and discusses her challenges and successes!

So, for my first update, I have a few tweaks to my regimen. First I bought 3 new products that I am in the process of trying. My first product was the Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque, which did a pretty decent job in making my hair soft, but the smell was WAY too strong for me. It reminded me of men’s cologne and the musk smell those products usually have. It also seemed to take a decent while to rinse out, and I don’t know if that was because I may have been a little heavy handed or what. Fortunately, the smell went away after a day but it was a little unbearable. I think the next time I try to use it, I might dilute it a bit.

My second product was the Aussie Moist Conditioner, and I used a few of my oils and some honey to create a deep conditioning recipe that turned out great!

Deep Conditioner Treatment*

2 tbsp Aussie Moist conditioner
1-2 tsps Olive, Jojoba and Castor oil
1 tsp honey

*pH for the conditioner ends up around 5.5

As soon as I put it onto my hair, it was incredibly soft, and it smelled great. The few tangles that were left after finger detangling loosened up and, after having it sit on my head for 30 mins, I almost didn’t want to rinse it out! But it rinsed out fairly easily and my hair still felt much better than before. So, this is definitely about to become my staple deep conditioner. Also, next time, I might heat it up for a few seconds just to get some additional heat to the process.

The last product that I have yet to try is the Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioner. I used to use another Cantu product that I really enjoyed, but I just haven’t been able to find it lately, so I figured I would try this out soon.

Yesterday I decided it was time to trim my edges. My hair had been feeling rough and I know that I struggle with SSKs. I tried to do a search and destroy, but my hair is at that awkward length. So, I can’t really see it all too easily to cut. So, I just did a dusting and my hair felt much better afterwards with no real evidence of length lost.

Styling wise, my hair was pretty much totally under wraps, except for my one lucky attempt at a pin-up style. I alternated by week from twists to braids and just kept them under my silk bonnet and beanie majority of the time. I think I’m going to stick to braids, and maybe make them a little smaller, because I have a lot of new hair growing and it makes for fuzzy twists. Another thing about twists is my hair is super prone to locking and I can’t afford to keep twists in any longer than about 10 days before they become really difficult to detangle.

A few issues I have hair-wise are:

Pin-up styles: I would love to do pin, tuck and roll styles, but a lot of the times, my hair just won’t cooperate. If I manage a pin-up style, it is usually a fluke and I would like to get better. So any tips in that area would be greatly appreciated!

Patchiness: I like the ease of putting my hair in twists or braids. But then I feel bald when I try to style the twists or braids because of all the scalp I can see, mainly due to the fact I have very fine strands. My solution to this problem is that I’m going to take the Henna plunge! I recently bought a couple of boxes from Mehandi.com and hopefully they will arrive soon, I’m anxious to try it. I mainly want to see if it will help with my thin hair and also add a little more shine.

On the workout front,  I did pretty well, actually better than I expected. For the past two weeks, I have been sick one way or the other. So, I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to keep up my goal of working out 2 times a week. Yet, I stuck with it and did my early morning 5 min. intense Pilates workout and also ended up doing a 30 min workout later in the day after my classes a couple times. My biggest triumph was, one day when I had horrible cramps, not only did I wake up at 8 and workout, I came back after class and worked out in my room for a solid 30 mins. I think that’s what helped me feel better in the end. The only tweak to my workout regimen is that I am not running, because I forgot that I busted my running shoes 😦 and have yet to buy another pair. So, it’s mainly pilates and some circuit training (with no equipment) that I do after class.

My goals for October with my hair are to maintain my hair regimen and to test out henna and my other leave-in product I bought. For my workout regimen, I want to possibly add another workout day to my schedule of Mondays and Fridays and to consistently workout both in the morning and after classes.

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I love your twists and beanies Josie! And sounds like you had a great month! One thing in regard to henna, it probably will not help with your twists or braids as it doesn’t add density to your hair, just thickness to your strands. So, it could make your hair look thicker loose. But, it probably won’t help with styles involving parts and braids/twists. 

We need some shorter hairstyle tutorials guys! Don’t worry, that’s something I’ll be seeking as part of our new giveaway, which will be announced in the next couple of days:)!

Sep19

GOC Contenders – Tenth Wave

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And now here it is, without further ado, our long awaited, “Super Sized” Tenth Wave!!

J e n


Current State: Hair – Currently transitioning to natural; 7 months post relaxer; armpit length (APL)

Goals: Hair – APL natural hair, so that I can get rid of the relaxed ends and be fully natural. I want to really learn about my natural hair, how to style it and above all, learn to love it. I want my hair to be big, healthy, and beautiful!; Fitness – Due to my recent medical condition, the only thing I’m concerned with is getting back to the level of fitness that I was prior to taking ill and maintaining the current goal weight that I have reached. Anything else will be added bonus. Continue clean eating and coffee/tea/water/milk (soy, almond, coconut) intake only.

Hair Regimen: Subject to change because I am transitioning):

  • Co-wash 1-2 times a week
  • Shampoo once a week
  • Deep condition once a week
  • Bun 5 days a week as protective style; try other styles on weekends.

I am still trying different products but my current staples are Organix Pomegranate and Green Tea Shampoo, JBCO, Eco Styler Gel with Moroccan Argan Oil, coconut oil, and the Kimmaytube leave-in. I definitely intend on incorporating henna and other Ayurvedic products.

Fitness Regimen:

  • Resume exercising 6 days a week
  • Weight training
  • Cardio
  • I also want to get into hot yoga and Capoeira (Brazilian Martial Arts).

Reward: Hair – I know it sounds corny, but if I can achieve this goal and chop off my relaxed ends and be fully natural again, that will be the best reward ever. I’ve hated my natural hair all my life, which prevented me from totally loving myself — I will be complete; Fitness – A mini shopping spree but once again, my health is most important and as long as I can maintain my current weight I will be happy.

Follow me online: http://www.thekoiexperience.com

J o s i e


Current State:  Hair – Shoulder length (back), ear/chin length (front)

Goals: Hair – Length retention, bra-strap length (BSL); Fitness: Exercise at least twice a week.

Hair Regimen: 
  • Co-wash weekly with Giovanni Deeper Moisture conditioner
  • Moisturize with Kimmay’s leave-in or Shea Moisture Curl Smoothie
  • Seal with raw shea butter, jojoba and EVOO

Fitness Regimen: Plan to work out at the park district by my school once on the weekends, and then once during the week, wake up a little earlier on my late-start day of classes to go running.

Reward: Hair – Once I reach my hair length goal, I will treat myself by straightening it, since I have gone without heat for about 6-7mos now. Fitness: A shopping trip splurge item.

Follow me online: http://finding4ever.tumblr.com/

D r .   B .   N a t u r a l e


Current State: Grazing bra strap length (BSL); Skin – I get bad acne on my cheeks periodically.
Goal: Full midback length by the end of the challenge; Skin – Improve skin long term.
Hair Regimen:
  • I am an avid shampoo-er. I love washing and conditioning my hair every week. However, I plan to alternate shampooing and co-washing each week, including cowashing two or three times in a single week periodically.
  • I always deep condition with every wash (not necessarily with a conditioner intended for deep conditioning). Again, however, I will not deep condition with each mid-week co-wash, only the weekly wash at the beginning of each week.
  • I usually always twist immediately after DCing, but will attempt to do more bunning.
  • I will use a leave-in (varies, but prefer cantu shea butter).
  • Seal with castor oil or castor oil mix.
  • Style with fragrant moisturizer (aroma therapy).
  • I rarely wear my hair down/out/loose, because it doesn’t look good on me UNLESS it is a twist out from small or medium sized twists worn all week. Then and only then will I wear my hair out, but only for about two days.
  • I’ve added henna glossing to my regimen (first attempt September 1st).
Skin Regimen: I’m not too sure about my skin. I’m trying to use all of my Noxzema now before trying anything else. But, may do the following:
  • Wash with baking soda twice daily
  • Moisturize with shea or coco butter lotion
  • Weekly peel masks.

Reward: I will straighten my hair. I’ve only straightened once since being completely natural. I am 3 years post relaxer and 1.5 years natural (or post BC).

Follow me online: Working on it (honestly!).

C h a r e l l e
Current State: Hair – A little past shoulder length (SL); Weight – 143 lbs

Goals: Hair – Mid-back length (MBL); Weight – Lose 10 pounds; Personal: I’m applying to medical school this cycle, so it would be really great for an acceptance to coincide with the end of the challenge.

Hair Regimen:

Weekly:
  • Wash with TreSemme Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner
  • Deep condition with Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque
Styles:
  • Wash N Gos
  • Curlformer Sets
  • Straighten (about once every two months)
  • Protective styles (buns)
Fitness Regimen:
  • Go the gym at least 3 times per week
  • Cut out fast foods
  • Drink 64oz of water per day

Reward: Buying new products! Also, I’d like to end the challenge with a mini-vaca, though I’m not sure where yet!

C a r l a


Current State: Hair – Bra-strap length/BSL (back); Weight: 5’5″, Size 8

Goals: Hair – Mid-back length/MBL (back), bra-strap length/BSL (front); Weight – Size 6, Lose 1-2″ off of waistline (I don’t weigh myself since I do weight training and probably weigh much more than what’s considered “average” for my height). I would like to continue to manage my MS as best as possible.

Hair Regimen:

  • Cowash 2-3x a week: Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine, Trader Joe’s Tree Tea Tingle and Aussie Moist conditioners
  • Deep condition once a week
  • Shampoo, when needed: CON Argan Oil and Giovanni 50:50 shampoos
  • Henna: Full treatment or gloss every other week (Jamila mostly)
  • Moisturize and seal daily: Oyin Hair Dew, Shea Moisture Curl & Style Hair Milk, Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie, Shea Moisture Hold & Shine Hair Moisture Mist, Curl Junkie Smoothing Lotion, Curl Junkie Hibiscus & Banana Honey Butta, Claudie’s Hair Revitalize Moistening End Insurance, and jojoba, castor, olive, grape seed, and sweet almond oils and various homemade butters.

Weight & Fitness Regimen:

  • Start the day with protein: Eggs, fish or chicken (farm raised eggs and meats, wild fish)
  • Try to get in as many serving of organic raw veggies in the day as possible (Salads and green smoothies mostly).
  • Snack on raw, organic nuts and seeds.
  • No sugar (I don’t eat sugar anyway, but this is a good reminder for me to stay on the path.)
  • No grains, especially gluten (Something I do anyway, but want to keep up.)
  • Drink a gallon of water daily
  • Keep up with going to the gym every other day: Weight training, cardio and stretching.

Reward: A modest shopping spree for clothing.

Follow me online: http://public.fotki.com/CarlaAR/

A s h l e y   F .


Current State: Layered, longest part is a little longer than shoulder length (SL) when straight.

Goal: APL or longer by December 31 (that’s taking into account at least one good trim). I got a major cut (over 12 inches) in March of this year as a result of health-related hair loss that occurred in 2010. Ultimately, I want to get back to my pre-hair trauma/pre-cut length (mid-back) and thickness.

Hair Regimen: For the most part, I’ll continue to do what I’ve been doing.

  • Co-wash about 1x a week if I’m doing a twist out, and 2-3x if I’m wearing a wash ‘n’ go
  • Clarify with an ACV rinse about 2x a month (love those!)
  • I will be incorporating Cocoveda shampoo bars on wash days, and I will still only use gentle sulfate shampoo when I need to remove silicone.
  • I rarely use heat to style and I plan to keep that up.
  • I usually get regular trims, but since my cut, I haven’t gotten any. Since I don’t really heat style, my ends have held up well. But, I don’t like any sign of scraggly-ness, so as soon as I straighten again, I’ll be getting trimmed.
  • In terms of improvement, I would like to be more regular with my moisturizing and deep conditioning. I try to steam condition my hair 2x a month, but lately it’s been sporadic, if at all. I just purchased a cordless Hair Therapy heating cap. So, hopefully, that’ll make things easier, since I’ll be able to be mobile while doing deep conditioning and oil treatments.
  • I’d also like to get twice weekly scalp massages to increase circulation. If I’m lucky, my hubby will agree to do them. If I’m not, I’ll likely buy a manual scalp massager.
  • I’m on a high intensity fitness program, so I workout 5-6x a week. I’m pretty health-conscious and I do my best to eat well.

Reward: Hmmm, like I need another excuse to spend money. I’ll keep it simple, maybe a couple of slouchy beanies from Threadmill and a cute head scarf along the way. Reaching my goal is reward enough.

Follow me online: www.PurelyFab.com. (It’s a new site, so I’m still developing my content. It’s coming very soon though. Hopefully you can check it out once it’s ready.)

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That’s it!! The “Official” GOC list is closed. Please welcome our new GOCers!! I hope we can all learn from each other over the course of this challenge.

And, remember, even if you aren’t an “official GOCer,” you can still play along and get featured as an “At Home Player” by sending me details of your personal goals, progress, challenges, successes and don’t forget the pics! 

Sep4

GOC Open Call

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At the beginning of our Grow Out Challenge, I announced that though we were closed at 45 participants in August, I’d add 5 more for a Tenth Wave in September. I’ve received one submission from our friend and fitness guest blogger, Jen of The Koi Experience. However, I’d like to create one post for the Tenth Wave. So, if you’ve been “playing at home” and would like to become an “official” Hairscapades GOCer, please e-mail your submission to me following the Challenge Guidelines outlined on the GOC homepage. Only the first four will make the “official” Tenth Wave roster, so e-mail me your submission as soon as possible!

G R O W   B A B Y ,   G R O W ! ! !