Hey to all my lovely subscribers and readers. As promised I am bringing you this fabulous challenge titled “The Birthday Hair Growth Challenge” as April is my birthday month. A lovely part of every birthday is the receiving of gifts and this hair challenge comes bearing gifts as well.
The rules of this challenge are very simple as I want everyone to be able to follow them, for those of you starting out on caring for your hair this is an excellent guide to gaining longer and healthier hair. (I will include links of previous posts as a guide to each rule and will do future posts on the rules I have not covered on my blog).
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The bun I wore to work today you can see the lost length, will try to take a picture of an actual length check |
Rules
1. Start the challenge with a trim, the amount of hair you choose to trim off depends on you. After that keep trimming at the barest minimum, avoid it if possible; if you must trim then dusting of the hair is preferable. Dusting is where such a small amount of hair is trimmed that it falls through the air like dust. (I will be sure to do a future post on dusting and trimming)
3. Do a pre-shampoo or hot oil treatment before washing and conditioning your hair (optional)
4. Moisturise and seal your hair daily. (or every other day if this suits you better)
5. Oil your scalp every other day with an oil of your choice such as Wura’s Secret Hair Growth Oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, olive oil, sweet almond oil and so on. You can incorporate a mini massage to ensure that your hair follicles are well stimulated.
6. Keep your hair in buns, french twists, wigs and other protective styles to retain length at least 5 times a week. (You can do longer term protective styles such as weaves, braids. Just be sure to take them down latest after three weeks – a month to wash/condition. Moisturise/seal and oil the scalp as often as you can with these styles – if your hair is in a weave try to go under the tracks).
7. Do not use any form of direct heat to dry or style your hair in the form of flat irons, blow dryers however roller setting is permitted as it is a form of indirect heat. Air drying is the preferred option.
Monthly Heat Pass: If you must flat iron or blow dry you can do so only once a month, you can however roller set your hair as much as you want.
8. If you are relaxed or texlaxed, stretch your relaxers to at least eight weeks.
9. Do the green house effect method on your hair once or twice weekly. (optional) (I will be sure to do a post on the green house effect method which involves applying some oil to your hair (optional) and then covering the hair with a plastic cap, using a satin scarf and going to bed. In the morning remove the scarf and plastic cap, give your hair some time to dry before styling hair should feel damp but not wet)
I believe six months is plenty of time to achieve a substantial amount of hair growth:
Start Date: 26thApril 2013
End Date: 26thOctober 2013
There are two ways of participating in this challenge:
1. Leave a comment in the comment section below, like our facebook page, send your before and after pictures to [email protected] at the end of the challenge and you might be the winner of our new Wura’s Secret Hair Growth Oil – Extra Strength Formula. (This part of the challenge is only open to contestants who have a delivery address in Lagos, Nigeria)
To increase your chances of winning it will help if you are a subscriber of this blog however this is not mandatory.
OR
2. Leave a comment in the comment section and let us grow our hair together.
You can print out the rules and stick them somewhere you can be reminded of them. Kindly share your questions, experiences and so on in the comment section below to encourage and help others.
I wish everyone a successful and rewarding hair growth challenge.
TONKABELLE,xoxo
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” ― Marianne Williamson, Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of “A Course in Miracles”
Dressed
Would have loved to try this challenge because I have treated my hair very badly all my life so this would be like pampering my hair lol! but I just had a weave put on so I can't send a photo today,BUT I have a photo that was taken mid March with my hair showing. Is that acceptable?
dressed2dnines.blogspot.com
Beejay
Yipeee!!! My hair has stopped breaking since I started using Wura's Secret Hair Oil and it's now regaining its lost strength. I'll endeavour to follow the tips stated above because I want my hair to recover fully. Thanks a lot Tonkabelle *bear hugs*
Tonkabelle
Hey dear you can definitely take part in the challenge as all you need to do is leave a comment which you have already done. The part where you send your pictures is mainly for those who want to win the prize and have a delivery address in Lagos, Nigeria. You can however send the picture which is most definitely acceptable, so we can monitor your progress throughout the challenge.
Tonkabelle
Thanks for taking part dear, I look forward to your fabulous results. xx
geemama
Hello dear.
I see this challenge as an opportunity mu hair has been waiting for. I will most definitely participate in this challenge but two quick questions:1. How do I subscribe to your blog and 2. How do I post pictures of my hair.thanks dear and may the good Lord reward you for all your efforts at adding value to your fellow women. Thanks love.
Tonkabelle
I am glad you want to participate in the challenge. To subscribe to my blog simply click join this site which is located at the right side of the page or you can follow by email as well. No need to post any pictures simply send your before and after pictures to [email protected] at the end of the challenge. Amen and thank you for your lovely comment dear, I wish you the very best on this hair growth challenge 🙂
Dest
This is so good! Not sure if I had a setback but my stylist trimmed my hair after my relaxer yesterday. I always try to think health before length so I told her to trim mind u I did a 12 week stretch and it put me almost back to my original length maybe like 1-1.5 inch longer but I'm still at NL. I'm trying not to get discouraged but it's so hard. I will be participating and subscribing to your blog!
Afro hair and skin
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous
Is it too late to join? I would love to do this challenge, I have trouble retaining length.
Tonkabelle
Yes dear health before length always. I understand how easy it is to get discouraged but let us persevere and we will get through in the end. Thank you for participating and subscribing. Looking forward to your results at the end.
Tonkabelle
It is definitely not too late to join, simply follow the rules and all the best with the challenge.
Dressed
Yipee! photo coming! I reside in Lagos, 🙂
Just discovered your blog and relying on your content for my hair journey.
Tonkabelle
Cool dear you can send your before and after pictures after the challenge is over. To participate please also like our facebook page. All the best with the challenge and your hair journey dear.
gretel
I always like to read about your hair. My birth month is april too,precisely 20th. Happy birthday to you. I'll take part in it even though I don't stay at Lagos. Bless you.
Tonkabelle
Thank you for your lovely comment dear Gretel. Mine is the 19th so we are almost birthday mates 🙂 All the best with the challenge dear, xx
Meme Agwuna
am so participating seeing october is my birthday month.
Tonkabelle
Lovely you should have fabulous results by your Birthday:)
MariettaHermosa
Hi, im in China right now and i just found your blog, im sooo joining your Hair Growth Challenge!! I've got corn rows in now but as soon as i take 'em off i'll send you pics of my current hair (its absolutely damaged and dandruff's made it even worse!!) I'll be home for the summer so yea… IM IN!! hihi!
Tonkabelle
Thanks dear, please do take the picture and you can send the before and after pictures to [email protected] at the end of the challenge. Wish you the very best results!!
Anonymous
I have thining edge, what can I use to grow my hair line.
Xlovehappyx
oh wow, this challenge seems like it's for the advanced! hahahaha i better start small, but i wish everyone luck
Tonkabelle
Hey dear, I have done a very informative post on this topic here is the link: http://wurassecrethair.blogspot.com/2012/09/how-to-regrow-your-hairlineedges.html if you have any other questions do not hesitate to ask.
Tonkabelle
No dear definitely not for the advanced alone the rules are simple: wash and condition your hair at least every two weeks, moisturise and seal/ oil scalp every other day, protective style and stay off heat it is really that simple 🙂
Naija chiq
I hope I can still join in. My hair was severely damaged by thermal straightening gone wrong. I have been using coconut oil and or castor oil to seal daily after moisturizing. I use a satin scarf to protect my hair while I sleep. I used artificial dreds over the last 4 months with weekly deep conditioning and got over 2 inches of growth when I took it the locs. I think I will use some other washable braids for this challenge.
Debby Akinola
Hi Tonkabelle,I have a problem with my hair. I have too much dandruff and my hair cuts a lot. I'm so confused on the type of relaxer to use. I've tried several kits but still not giving me the desired result. I have a very coarse hair with a soft scalp,so when I relax my hair,it doesn't fully relax cos the relaxer gets to burn my scalp after some minutes of application. I'm confuseD
Tonkabelle
Yes dear you can definitely still join in. I think you should stick to washable braids since it works for you. I wish you the very best results with this hair challenge.
Tonkabelle
Hey dear are you interested in taking part in the challenge as I think it will help you with the problems you are currently experiencing. Try oiling your scalp more often and deep conditioning with a protein conditioner. Maybe you can try oragnic root stimulator's no lye relaxer or creme of nature no lye relaxer. Hope this helps.
Anonymous
Tonks finally amble to comment.this is rofemiguwa.so I did a hotoil treatment,wow my hair has neva felt so sweet to touch.am so glad I came across dis space.will continue d rest of d challenge meticulously.thanks and all the best
Anonymous
My hair has been of great concern to me because it has not been consistent. It grows so long and the next thing, everything cuts off and it is short again. This has happened for years and it's such a bother to me.
Recently i decided to do some treatment and seeing your post will be boost to my journey. I might not partake fully because i don't live in Lagos, but i will follow your directions and would appreciate any further help from you.
I just started applying Emily Millionaire coconut oil & herbs as well as African’s Best Castor Oil every other day and since i cannot carry the hair just the way it is during the day, i wear wig during the day, but i am thinking that it does not allow air into the hair; is this ok?
I intend to do this for one month, then braid the hair for one month and then wear wig again for another month; what do you think of this method?
On drying, sometimes i allow it to dry naturally, some other times i use hand dryer, but with only cold air; is this ok?
In rule 4 you said to "moisturise and seal hair daily", what do you mean by seal hair?
Sorry if my questions are so many and thank you for your anticipated help.
Do have a great day.
Tonkabelle
Yes dear I am so glad that you are finally able to comment and that your hair benefited from the hot oil treatment and this blog as well. I wish you the very best with the challenge and never hesitate to ask any questions you might have, xx
Tonkabelle
Yes dear even if your hair is covered during the day at least you take the wig off to sleep at night which might be better for circulation than say a weave and people still get good results from using a weave so a wig will work just fine. I think your intended method of protective styling for a month will work out well for your hair. Since you use a blow dryer on a cool setting this is perfectly fine. I have done a post on how I moisturise and seal and provided the link in rule 4 however here is the link http://wurassecrethair.blogspot.com/2012/08/moisturising-and-sealing-hair-my-method.html you can also read my other post on moisturising and sealing here http://wurassecrethair.blogspot.com/2012/08/moisturising-and-sealing-our-hair.html
Sealing the hair is when you take about a coin sized amount of oil in the palm of your hand and apply to the whole of your hair after moisturising it. Sealing ensures that the moisture does not easily evaporate and the hair stays moisturised longer.
No dear your questions are very good and others will benefit from them, I am always available to answer any other questions you might have. I wish you the very best in the challenge dear.
PS. I am not too sure about the ingredients contained in the moisturisers you use, you can send me an email with a list of their ingredients so that I can be sure they are effective moisturisers.
Anonymous
Thanks a lot Tonks; you are the best. I will check the ingredients in my moisturisers and then get back to you.
Healthyfifi
Hi Tonkabelle, hopefully it's not too late to join your challenge. I am trying to grow my hair. At the moment it is armpit length but I am aiming for the bra strap length. I started the Green house effect yesterday night after reading about it online and it was while researching that I came upon your site.
All your rules are actually rules that I am following having come upon them in my research for growing hair. The only difference is I intend to practise the green house effect three times a week. I will take some pictures of my hair length and subscribe to your blog.
Thanks a lot for the opportunity to take part in this.
Tonkabelle
No dear Healthyfifi it is definitely not too late to join. I am glad you are already following all the rules and you can definitely do the green house effect method three times a week. You are welcome dear, thanks for participating and all the best with the challenge. I wish you the most fabulous results 🙂
Tonkabelle
Alright love.
Anonymous
Hi I would love to tag along with you guys. I myself have been on a hair growth challenge, but I started in February and I'm ending it in August. I'm 4 months along & trust me it is a challenge lol! But my hair has gotten alot healthier & stronger because I have stopped using heat on it & I've seen some growth atleast 2 inches for the most 🙂 Good luck to everyone!
Naija chiq
Checking in. So I put in kinky twists but had to take them off after 4 Weeks. Thot I was going to lose hair if I kept it longer. I did a henna treatment followed next day by a deep con. Resting my hair for a week then putting back my beloved dreads. All other daily m&s, baggying, weekly shampoo and deep con have been strictly adhered to. Starting msm tablets today. Let's see if it does anything for my growth rate.
Tonkabelle
Thanks for checking in dear Naija chiq and for sharing what you have been doing with your hair. I am glad you have been sticking to the rules. Please keep us posted on how the msm tablets work for you, xx
Tonkabelle
Thank you for joining in dear and I wish you the very best with the challenge!
morenikeji
Hi,i would love to join the challenge,hope it is not too late to join?. I LOVE YOUR BLOG.Keep up the good work
Anonymous
I experienced the same thing. I used all the relaxers i could feom "no lye" to "kiddies" but nothing worked. But I stopped putting chemicals in my hair and thats the best decision I have taken for the hair.
http://www.naturalrify.wordpress.com
Anonymous
Hello Tonks, it's been a while that i was here. How is the competition going? My last retouch was in March and i am loving the result so far. The hair is more full and with a texture good enough to manage and comb unlike before, i can't say much about length for now, but i am not keen on that for now.
I have been doing a lot of research on hair care and i am happy with my result so far.
Thank a lot Tonks for your contribution
Tonkabelle
No dear it is not too late, hope you have joined in and everything is going well so far.
Tonkabelle
Hey dear, the competition is going very well. I am glad your hair has been responding. All the best dear and looking forward to your results.
Audrey
Hello tonkabelle
I came across ur blog today and I would love to say kudos. I will be retouching my hair within d week. I would like to join d challenge even though its already too late. Am I allowed? Will go through ur blog to get tips. Thanks
Anonymous
Hi, please is it too late for me to join?
Anonymous
Hello Tonks, how is the challenge going? My last comment was not published and i don't know why.
Anyway, back to the challenge, I am the Anonymous who said that my hair has been of concern to me and a asked you a lot of questions which you kindly responded to. I'm still grateful.
My last retouch was March and i intend to retouch in November. The journey has been interesting but demanding. Omo following the entire regimen, researching and trying different things no be beans ooo. But so far, i love my result. I have learnt so much with respect to taking care of my hair this past months and i am still learning.
As for length, i can't really tell for now and i am not after length yet, but my hair is fuller, the texture is ok and i can actually comb and carry it like that after all these months of no retouching. It's amazing. Then most of all, no more dandruff, my hair is just shining.
Tonkabelle
I am so glad for you dear, I love to hear lovely stories like this. I wish you the very best results, xx
Tonkabelle
I hope you joined Audrey dear, sorry I am replying only now, xx
Tonkabelle
I hope you joined dear, apologies for only just responding, xx
Anonymous
Challenge Hello Tonks,
How is it going? This place has been quiet for some time. Well i ended my stretch challenge last Saturday 9/11/13 after 8months. The result is not bad and so i am on for another stretch till May next year by the grace of God.
jamie medina
What moisturizer should I use to moisturize and seal