Happy New Year (in Advance) & 1in3 Ends!

Twistout from the summer.

Hi, ladies.  Tomorrow is not only the beginning of the New Year but the end of our 1in3 Challenge!  (For challenge guidelines, read this post.)

So, how was the 3-month challenge?  I've taken down my box braids and detangled but haven't washed or done anything else with my hair yet.  (I plan to straighten it this coming weekend and wear it in jumbo twists for the month of January.)  Overall, the challenge went well!  I retained all my growth with the box braid extensions.  

Will there be a 3in6 Challenge in 2013?  If you read my Hair Goals post, you probably gathered that there might not be one.  I can say for certain that there won't be one in the first half of the year.  However, I might start another one in July, depending on what I'm doing with my hair at that point.  This coming year will be a completely different journey for my hair than previous years as a natural.  I will be straightening more frequently (for ease and to enjoy my hair at its length).  I may or may not protective style as much either (more so a mix of jumbo twists and braid-outs).  My regimen is going to change drastically as well; I plan to follow something along the lines of this one I posted, with the addition of an overnight coconut oil pre-poo followed by comb detangling on dry hair prior to washing.  

So, ladies ... How did the challenge go for you?  Any progress or lessons learned?  What are you doing with your hair in 2013?

MOTIVATION FOR THE YEAR:

Think positive.  Plan well.  Start small.  Keep on going.  Don't stay down.  Dust yourself off.  Move forward.  Don't look back. :o)

HAPPY NEW YEAR, LADIES!!

3in6 Length Retention Challenges are Back!

Originally posted on September 18.  

If you are familiar with my previous 3in6 challenges, then you already know what it's about.  For 2013, I will also add motivational or informational articles in our monthly checkin to keep us all ... well motivated and focused.

If you are NEW to 3in6, I encourage you to click the "3in6 Challenge" label below to get a feel for it.  

Here is the plan.  In January 2013, I will run two 3in6 Challenges.  But wait?  It's not 2013 yet.  Well, guess what?  I will run a 1in3 Challenge from October through December to get you ready for 2013!  This short version of 3in6 is ideal for those who are hesitant about protective styling or challenges, in general, BUT would love to get their feet wet and give it a try.  Or maybe you are just looking to gain that one extra inch to push you to your goal length.  

So, are you in?  If so, mark your spot in the comment section.

Purpose of this challenge: To retain 1-1.5 inches of growth in 3 months.  (This is based on a growth rate of 1/3 to 1/2 of an inch per month.)

Challenge period: October 1 - January 1 2013

Guidelines:

1. Eat (non-canned) vegetables or fruits with each meal.

2. Take a daily multivitamin.

3. Drink sufficient water.

(Amt of water in oz. = Your weight in lbs * 0.5)

4. Wear twists or braids 2-4 weeks at a time.

5. No direct heat.

6. Absolutely no trimming.  (Start with a fresh cut now if need be.)
7. Optional for this go around: Workout 2-3 days a week; at least 20 minutes per workout.

*Keep in mind that some of your water intake can come from the food in your meals.

Allowances:

Each challenger is allowed two 1-week periods of styling her hair as she pleases (e.g., puff, rollerset, etc.).

Tips on wearing twists/braids long term:

- Do not twist/braid too tightly

- Redo the perimeter weekly or biweekly.

- Deep condition & detangle thoroughly prior to twisting or braiding.

- For more tips, check out posts in the twist series

If you do not have a hair care regimen and would like one, check out:
Basic regimen for NATURAL hair
Basic regimen for RELAXED hair

3in6: Challenge Ends!

For the challenge guidelines, see this post.

The 3in6 Challenge ended yesterday! I won't be doing an official length check until August 1st (which marks my 6 month update since my nappiversary).  However, I can tell, that at the very least, my front hair has grown.  For some time, I thought it had reached its terminal length, but I was wrong.  

Will I be holding another 3in6 Challenge?  I don't know.  I feel that my hair is at a length that calls for a regimen change in terms of styling.  It is something I have to ponder over this coming weekend.   Thank you to all the ladies who joined in on this challenge.  I hope you found it successful!

Did you retain any length from this 3in6 Challenge?

You can now find HHB on Facebook. Share with your friends:

http://www.facebook.com/healthyhairandbody.

3in6: Starting Month #6!

For the challenge guidelines, see this post.

The 3in6 Challenge is in its last month! Wow, this challenge went by so fast.  Last month, I wore small twists for two weeks at a time.  I also kept up with my internal regimen.  This month I'll rock small twists again for two weeks at time.  I feel like my hair has retained some decent length, but I haven't measured it yet.  That'll be at the end of the challenge.

How will you style your hair this final month?  What have you gained from the challenge so far?

You can now find HHB on Facebook. Share with your friends:

http://www.facebook.com/healthyhairandbody.

3in6: Starting Month #5

For the challenge guidelines, see this post.

This 3in6 Challenge is going by fast! We are now in month #5.  Last month, I wore medium-small twists for a couple weeks and a twistout for one week.  (See the photo to the right for twistout bun.)  I've officially used up my allowance (i.e., out hair) passes.  This month it's back to my trusty medium-small twists.  I also stayed on top of my internal regimen: intake of multivitamins, water, and veggies/fruits.  

How did your hair and internal regimen fair last month? What style will you wear this month?

You can now find HHB on Facebook. Share with your friends:

http://www.facebook.com/healthyhairandbody.

3in6: Starting Month #4

For the challenge guidelines, see this post.

Ladies, we are officially in month #4 of the 3in6 Challenge! Last month, I wore mini twists for three weeks and a loose bun for one week.  (See the photo to the right for mini twists.)  I also stayed on top of my internal regimen: intake of multivitamins, water, and veggies/fruits.  This April, I'll either do medium twists or experiment with loose twists.  (If I do loose twists, I will probably write a post further explaining the technique.) Cinnamon and honey highlights update: I used the recipe twice but haven't noticed a change in hair color; it may require more uses.

Ladies, have you noticed any growth or health benefits? What style will you wear in month #4?

You can now find HHB on Facebook. Share with your friends: http://www.facebook.com/healthyhairandbody.

3in6: Starting Month #3

For the challenge guidelines, see this post.

Yesterday, we entered month #3 of the 3in6 Challenge.  In February, I wore small twists for almost 4 weeks.  (The big box braids didn't make it past day one/two.)  This March, I'll do another set of twists, possibly another set of small twists.  My regimen will consist of biweekly washes and conditioning.  I also plan to highlight my hair using cinnamon and honey (details coming in a future post).

Ladies, how did month #2 go for you? What will you do in month #3? Are you facing any challenges?

You can now find HHB on Facebook. Share with your friends: http://www.facebook.com/healthyhairandbody.

3in6: Starting Month #2

For the challenge guidelines, see this post.

Tomorrow, we'll enter month #2 of the 3in6 Challenge.  This February, I'll wear medium/large box braids every two weeks.  My regimen will consist of biweekly washes and conditioning.

Ladies, how did month #1 go for you? What will do in month #2?

3in6: The Challenge Begins!

For the challenge guidelines, see this post.

Today, January 3, is officially the third day of 3in6.  I will be wearing jumbo twists every two weeks this month.  My regimen will consist of biweekly washes and deep conditioning.

Ladies, how do you plan to wear your hair for the start of the challenge?

3in6: Prep Week #3

PREP WEEK #3: December 19-25.  To join the challenge, see this post.

Use this week to draft your healthy meal plan for 3in6:

For the challenge, we are to eat fruits/vegetables with each meal.

1. Find or come up with recipes that incorporate fruits/vegetables
2. Write your grocery list
3. Set up a drinking plan for your water intake

3in6: Prep Week #2

PREP WEEK #2: December 11-18.  To join the challenge, see this post.

Use this week to adjust your regimen for 3in6:

1. Determine what protective style you'll wear for 3in6
2. Choose whether you'll style for 2, 3, or 4 weeks at a time
3. Purchase products you will need to maintain your hair
4. "Practice" your new regimen
5. Up your water intake gradually

3in6: Prep Week #1

PREP WEEK #1: December 4-10.  To join the challenge, see this post.

Use this week to get a fresh trim or cut.  The following reasons are why:

1. The goal of the challenge is to retain length, and there is no better way to do it than with healthy ends from the start.
2. Trimming or cutting throughout the challenge is a no-no.  It will defeat the purpose of retaining length.

How should one trim/cut her hair?  It depends on your preference.  A trim can be done on dry or wet hair, and straight or coily hair.  I prefer to trim in twists.

Read this post about trimming.

3in6 is Back!

Just in time for the New Year!  This challenge will run from January 1 - July 1 2012.  Below are the details.  Are you in?  Mark your spot in the comment section.

Purpose of this challenge: To retain 2-3 inches of growth in 6 months.

Challenge period: January 1 - July 1 2012

Guidelines:

1. Eat fresh vegetables or fruits with each meal.

2. Take a daily multivitamin.

3. Drink sufficient water.

(Amt of water in oz. = Your weight in lbs * 0.5)

4. Wear twists or braids 2-4 weeks at a time.

5. No direct heat.

6. Absolutely no trimming.  (Start with a fresh cut now if need be.)

Allowances:

Each challenger is allowed two 1-week periods of styling her hair as she pleases (e.g., puff, rollerset, etc.).

Tips on wearing twists/braids long term:

- Do not twist/braid too tightly

- Redo the perimeter weekly or biweekly.

- Deep condition & detangle thoroughly prior to twisting or braiding.

- For more tips, check out posts in the twist series

3in6: Encore in January!

By popular demand, the 3in6 challenge will be back ... but in January 2012!  It'll be a great way to begin the new year.  For the time being, I wish you all the best in continuing on your own for the rest of the year!

3in6: Wrap Up!

{February photo}

See "3in6 Challenge" details here.

Hey, ladies!  The challenge has come to an end.  Six months of healthy hair care and eating to retain 2-3 inches of new growth.  I did alright.  I haven't reached waistlength (yet), but I retained 2-2.5 inches of growth.  (Photos will come when I get my friend to help me.  :Smiles:)  I plan to continue doing this challenge (offline) for the rest of 2011.  I hope you all gained something from this group support.

How did my challengers wrap up the 3in6?

3in6: Back to Twists

See "3in6 Challenge" details here.

The box braids were a success!! I wore them for 5 weeks and spent a few hours taking them down. The removal process was not bad at all; I think it helped that I made the braids big. As I anticipated, the braids did not age or shrink as much as twists.  So, I am a new convert to box braids? Somewhat. I'm still in love with twists but will incorporate box braids from time to time.

How are you all doing this month?

3in6: Box Braids Trial

{Box braids (with twisted ends)}

See "3in6 Challenge" details here.

Last weekend, I did box braids for the first time since going natural.  My primary reason for doing so was to simply switch things up from my usual twists.  Another reason for doing box braids was to see if I could wear it for 4-5 weeks with considerably less aging and shrinkage than twists.  This natural lady (pookinapp) was my main inspiration for experimenting with box braids.  What has held me off for so long were 1) the fear of my braids locking and 2) the tedious takedown process.  Given that I did my set larger than most people, hopefully the takedown and detangling won't be so bad?  We shall see weeks from now.

How are my challengers doing as we soon stride into Month #4?

3in6: Using My "Out" Pass

See "3in6 Challenge" details here.

So after almost 3 months in twists, I (and my edges) needed a break.  Last weekend I wore a chunky twistout!  

Prior to the style, I washed and hennaed (with a cassia melt for strengthening, not color) for the first time in months.  Then I followed up with a light wash, deep conditioner, and detangling.  After that, it was time to do chunky twists.

As for the healthy intake, it's been going okay.  I've been using a lot of onions and tomatoes in my meals in addition to spinach and the usual.  Daily multivitamin - check.  Water - check.

We're officially halfway there, ladies!!

How do you plan to finish these next 3 months?  Are there any lessons you have learned up to this point?

3in6: Almost Halfway

See "3in6 Challenge" details here.

Alright, ladies!  We are almost halfway through the challenge.  This coming weekend, I'll take out these twists and put in another set.  You know the routine.  :o)  As the summer approaches, I'll switch from wearing twists every 4-ish weeks to wearing them every 2-ish weeks ... maybe 3.  My washes will be upped from biweekly to weekly.

In other news, my hair broke my 1-year-old trusty black jaw clip today.  :o(  Fortunately, my new Ficcare accessories arrived just in time for the rescue.  :o)  (I'll give a review of the Ficcare clips - purchased by me as a belated birthday gift - in the weeks to come.)

How are you ladies gearing up for the final half of the challenge?  How do you wear your protective styles as they age?

{Ficcare clips from ficcare.com}

3in6: Ending Month #2

See "3in6 Challenge" details here.

Wow, ladies!  That was fast.  We have concluded the second month of the challenge.  

I just put in my third set of twists for the challenge - medium twists to be exact.  It felt so good taking the old, over-frizzed set down and "pampering" myself with this new set.  The plan is to wear these twists for 3-4 weeks.  

As for the rest of the challenge guidelines: I restocked on One-A-Day multivitamins, carrots, and spinach.  I also bought broccoli.  To be honest, I'm not really a fruit person, but I'll try to buy some bananas later today.

How was month #2 for you ladies?  What kinds of fruits and vegetables have you been eating?