Hey y'all--

I'm already working out my hair plans and goals for 2012, and I'm sure many of you are, too.  For those of you who are interested specifically in length retention and growth, I was thinking we could support each other with a challenge.  The main technique I have in mind for this is keeping ends tucked away at all times, with a free pass or two. 

In other words, twists/braids or twistouts/braidouts will NOT count as protecting your ends; but, if you do a French Roll, a bun or some other style where the ends of the hair are actually tucked away and protected, you're good to go.  Loose hair, braids/twists or twistout/braidout hair are all fine to style-- the #1 rule is just to protect ya neck ends.  Hide ya kids, hide ya wife, hide ya ends!

Yeah.  I'm real strict, y'all.

So, who's coming with me?  Here are the rules for the challenge:

CHALLENGE RULES

• Challenge will run from January 1, 2012 to March 31, 2012
• Hair must be styled in a way that keeps ends tucked away and protected at all times.  [This includes buns, tuck n' roll styles, updos, headwraps, wigs and sew-in weaves.  Braid and twist extensions are fine, too.  Any style you choose is fine, as long as your ends are tucked away and protected.  The options listed above are just that-- options.  You're encouraged and welcome to come up with other styling ideas, so long as they still fall within the challenge rules.]  Each participant gets TWO one-day passes to wear a style where the ends are free/unhidden.
• Moisturize and seal ends before putting them away in any particular style.
• Keep ends well hydrated at all times, through whatever method works best for you.
• NO direct heat styling.
• Snip out any split ends or single strand knots whenever you encounter them (USING HAIR SHEARS, PLEASE!), to keep ends in good shape.
• All challengers must check in once a week here in the official challenge thread, so we all stay accountable and so that the challenge doesn't die!  All weekly updates, photos, etc. should be posted here.

On or before January 1, 2012, when the challenge begins, all challenge participants must post:

• Starting stats (e.g., challenge goal(s), hair starting length, whether hair is layered, if you're transitioning, etc.)
• Plans of attack (whether you plan to wear updos, wigs, headwraps, weaves, what your hair care routine will be, etc.)
• Photos and/or anything else that sounds good!

Here’s where it gets juicy.  There will be challenge prizes!  That’s right!  All challenge participants will be eligible for 3 fabulous BGLH Forum giveaways!  At the end of each of the 3 months during the challenge, BGLH Forum Ambassador Jodi-Ann P. and I will select 1 winner to receive some super amazing fantastic hair goodies.  Forum members can join at any time during the challenge, but only those who join the challenge on or before January 1, 2012 will be eligible for the prizes.

While being a challenge participant who abides by the challenge rules (rules which include “checking in” on the challenge thread once a week!), automatically enters you, giveaway winners will be selected based on your active participation in the Forum/challenge– meaning, a Forum blog, vlog and/or photos documenting your progress, discoveries and whatever else throughout the challenge, will be the main criteria considered, when we select the winners each month.  Be creative!  Those of you who decide to also keep a Forum blog/vlog during the challenge should post links to your blog posts here in the official thread, so we can go check it out!

Ideally, by the end of this challenge, we'll all be winners-- of healthier, longer, stronger hair!

CHALLENGE PARTICIPANTS

Mos Nef

Mizzbreukelen

MsAfriKanaChiC

Marliceia J. Chavers

CHRISTINA MCKINNIE

Candyce Noelle

Khalila

Umwiza

Sharan A. Bell

Kenya C. Easley

Starr

Sienna B.

Krystlehime

MizzFlamez

Rachelle Lynn

Dimplz Phillips

I_Am_JadaJ

KiKi Bee

donna gardner

Ayana Nia Sears

Leila N.

Jodi-Ann P.

Kamille

Miss Amma

FitnessAngel

J. Joseph

itsagoonthefro

Chalaunte Wint

Kandyce P

V

Manda Sherita

Khyla Johnson

Jennifer Mompoint

BeautydeAfrique

nancy

Nikorusan

Lillian Mae

Charity Clark

Mystique Hargrove

Sav

Nyneju Nmah

Cristina Nataniel

Ambi Taylor

Jazmyne Martin-McDonald

Karamel Sundays

Letitia Brown

Monica Ashland

Giovanna C.

Janice Daley

Vanessa Nelson

Lauren J

R'Cuteface M

Rosie

Bernice Kwashie

Monique

Jillie

Val-Monique Flournoy

Alicia Marie

emiley mallory

charmaine g taylor

Peta O.

Wyvolen Morgan

Ashley Taylor

Joi S.

Kimberly N Hendrix

Tatiana J.

April Fields

lucrecer braxton

Cina

Mona Monroe

Melissa Severe

riefa

Jean

No2Perm

Vanessa

Mela Gunn

Ronnie

Diandra Stokes

Charisse Smith

ladyloveslife

Natural By Nature

Javann

cococrispecurl

Jamie Green

Fatin Abdal-Sabur

PrincessLinzz

Athina W.

BlackOnyx03

Brandi McCall

Cecily Joy

Nelle

Pamela Bey

R Love

Resha Green

GinaKay22

Samantha S.

KimYourKinkyKurlyGirl

Sayo

Paula Loving

Momma Love

Barbara

Jodi Redway

BeenAuNatural

camsbennett

pduff2008

Wagamama

Vivian E. Otoo

Irene Leiner

Tara-Lea Aleszczyk

Sherrita Lowe

Jami

D Rene

Corner Curl Girl

beenawink

Lovelyknkylauz

Rhoena Desir

Sha

Tija

Erin Wright

Sasia Riley

Renee

Misses Jones

Bamboo Redd

mimi r