5 Hair Challenges to Take On in 2016 For Natural And Relaxed Hair

As we approach the new year many can’t help but to make resolutions and set hair goals. It’s just something about January 1 that screams fresh start. With all of the good intentions of reaching your goals, sometimes the best thing to do is take on a challenge to keep you accountable.

So grab a few of your curl friends or even some of your relaxed sistas and take on one or all of these 5 hair challenges to jumpstart your 2016 hair goals!

1. No Heat Challenge

As I personally have taken on a vow to apply no heat to my hair in 2016 until my 27th birthday in July, I am automatically entering myself into this No Heat Challenge. All you have to do is set a range whether it be 90days, 6 months or a year and commit to no heat, easy right?!

You can decide what exactly this means on an individual level. Some may say no heat means no straightening with a flat iron*, no blow drying (including diffusing) and no sitting under a hooded dryer* while others may just say no to straightening. Either way it’s a challenge and its fun to see how committed you can remain!

Try other techniques to stretch your strands like banding or try diffusing your wash n’ gos with cool air.

2. Protective Style Challenge

Another challenge you could try is the protective style challenge. I typically do a period of using a protective style at least 2 months out of each year. My go to style is box braids. With proper maintenance these work the best for me. I like that I can still wash my scalp and keep nicely oiled as well.

Other styles you could try are sew-ins, Marley twists, faux locs and/or crochet braids just to name a few. Have one of these styles installed and you can typically go for a couple of months.

Between styles ensure that your are properly caring for your hair by cleansing it well and applying the necessary treatments. This challenge does not mean going 2 years with the same sew in! Give your hair a break from  the frequent manipulation and protect it with a long term style. I can guarantee you will see how it will flourish underneath.

3. Castor Oil Challenge

The castor oil* challenge is a common one that is typically done all throughout the year. Because castor oil carries ricinoleic acid and omega- 6 essential fatty acids, which accelerate blood circulation to the scalp, it is known to promote healthy hair growth.

One of the top hair goals for many women out there is to gain more inches to their strands. All the more reason to take on this challenge.

The challenge consists of repeatedly applying castor oil* to your scalp and strands for a period of time, typically 1 to 6 months or longer.

Besides hair growth, you can also expect your hair to have a healthier appearance after regular use including shine and moisture retention.

4. 90-Day Growth Challenge

The 90-day growth challenge goes hand-in-hand with the castor oil* challenge. As I stated earlier one of the biggest goals across the board is to experience more hair growth. For naturals, it’s just something about seeing the progress of your fro and for my relaxed ladies, seeing your hair lengthen down your back screams achievement.

The best way to measure your success with this challenge is to do length checks with photo-documenting the back, sides and front of your hair by stretching a cluster of strands to its full extent. As an alternative you can straighten and take a photo with one of the infamous length check shirts at the beginning and end of your challenge.

During your 90-days you want to ensure that you are maximizing your healthy hair maintenance and practicing optimal hair care. This is completed by eliminating sulfate shampoos, applying protein and hot oil treatments as needed, along with weekly deep conditioning*. You can also incorporate some of the previously mentioned challenges like the no heat challenge, protective style and castor oil* challenges.

Additional boosts to hair growth can be contributed by use of hair vitamins like Elongtress or other biotin* rich supplements* which are known to promote hair growth.

At the end of the 90-days, check your progress and see how far you’ve come!

5. Style Challenge

Lastly is is the style challenge like the #stylequeencollagechallenge that is going on currently. Go into 2016 wanting to experiment and try new variations.

Are you one who always rocks your fabulous twist out because it’s what works for you? Well it’s the safe route. Sometimes we get too comfortable and are afraid to try new styles in anticipation of it being a total fail.

I dare you to challenge yourself to try at least one new style each month and at the end of the year share your compilation or a collage of the new hairstyles you tackled and mastered in 2016. Which challenge(s) will you be participating in during 2016?