Lock Loops.....looking like a poodle!!!

Well I'm back...and I'm in love with my SL's!!!  Just dropping in to show you my lock loops back at work!!
This is them after a fresh wash using a bit of VO5 as a clarifying shampoo, starter shampoo as my deep down shampoo, and condition with Organix coconut conditioner...yes PJ at its finest!!!  I let them fully air dry throughout the day and then I rolled them up with water in a spritz bottle with rosemary EO!!!  Viola!!!!

 

I took the pins out and this is what I have...either way works for me, but it will definitely be the look for New Years!

Always Nice to Read an Article on SL's

As usual, the article is short and does not really express the true meaning of how it makes wearers feel and it doesn't provide enough information for someone who is interested in them.  Guess, that's why we all have blogs!


http://www.essence.com/hair/hot_topics_2/sisterlocks_sparks_hair_revolution_in_bo.php

What they say....

You know the saying "I'd rather struggle with you then be without you". Well I find that it applies to my SL's. Although I seem to be in a funk with them I cannot imagine dealing with my hair loose or permed. SL's are still the joint!!! I still love my locks but I've gotten to a point where I'm tired of the same choices of styling. Its either the braid out or curls, and since last week I've actually been wearing it back in a bun. Any ideas on what I can do? Back in a bun is not ideal, but the New Year will bring new ideas to the table.
-Gigglz

Not in love today!

The purpose of my blog was to be supporting and show other woman about the pros and cons of SL's.  Well today I just cannot be my upbeat positive uplifting self.  Today is one of those days where I"m NOT feeling my locks at all.  I tell you they haven't been falling right in a braidout or even freestyling.  Its been weeks since I used the lock loops and the reason I haven't is because the last time I slept with them i woke up with my neck hurting.  Ugh!!! Tomorrow should be a better day!

Change of Mind

So I changed my mind and I wasn't too fond of my freestyle look, so I did about 7 cornrows last night and this is what I have.  You know the funny part is that my hair doesn't look that different, this whole thing is MENTAL!!! Maybe I'm just a mental case, but in any event. I like this much better, or I should say I'm satisfied with it.  The best part is that I didn't put a drop of product to do my braidout and it came out well.  Normally I do it after I wash my hair.  So....this is a keeper!!!  Just a close up so you can see the body a bit more.

Back to Basics

Its been quite some time since freestyling with my locks.  Everytime I wash my hair I've been feeling the need to do a braidout or use my lock loops.  On Friday night, after washing my hair I decided to let my locks air dry a bit before putting some cornrows in and then it hit me.....I can just let my locks air dry.  I just let them do their thing, when I woke up Saturday morning it was surprising to see that I didnt' experience any shrinkage.  I was definitely happy about that, what I wasn't too pleased about is the fact that you can really see the difference in length and fullness between the left and right.  Ugh!! I'm probably making it a bigger deal than it should be, but it really baffles me.  Its about a good half inch difference in length.  Look at the right side closely (although I'm wearing black) you can see the fullness and length difference. As I sit here typing I can feel the right side touching my back as well as the middle and nothing doing on the left. Oh well....can't do much to change it.

So as usual I digressed off topic...I come back to freestyling.  When my locks have no additives (braids/curls) its seems a bit flatter and without body then when I actually do something to it, but you know its a great way to rock if I just need a refresher in the morning.  Although its chilly here, I will wet my head under the shower stall and then jump in my car and go to work in a heartbeat.   Hopefully I will avoid a pneumonia!! 

By the way -- which way do you like better? Center or side part?

Sisterlock Website Video

I  just finished watching the commentary on the sisterlock website in response to the "Good Hair" documentary by Chris Rock.  You won't hear anything you haven't heard already, but its definetly worth looking it if not for at least the various styles you can wear your SL's in as well as the colors.  Check out the three parts on the sisterlock website.

The look for Today

It's raining, badly here in NJ and I took some photos hoping to brighten the gloomy day! Didn't really work,but check it out anyway! Lol!  Nothing new to my hair, this is the old braidout from Sunday that I talked about not drying too well.

Hair Density

I did a braid out last night after washing my hair with the starter shampoo and using the sl moisture treatment. As a leave in I used the Organix coconut milk split ends mender. I finished putting my braids in around 11:30 PM. I went to bed and I just took them out 11:30 AM, 12 hours. Can you believe my locks actually still are not dry? My roots are still damp and I would say this is due to the locks swelling (locking) and taking a longer time to dry. Good news again, but not because as they get longer the air drying time will continue to increase. I'm not open to the idea of using a dryer to dry my hair because I'm against any heat. Anyone experiencing this?
-Gigglz

Close Up

Anytime I'm driving I find myself playing in my hair. And I was just thinking how they have definitely doubled in size since installation. So I took a close up picture to examine and yes they have. This journey is definitely ever changing.

-Gigglz

Stages of Hair Locking

So many of my fellow bloggers are stating that they are locked, or a few of there locks have fully locked.  With that I had to ask myself am I there and I'm oblivious to it or are these small changes that I've noticed truly my hair locking.

Thus far I've noticed:
1. The knot in the middle of some locks
2.  Locks in the back have sealed on the ends
3.  I no longer see the pattern just hair.

I got my inquisition on and started using the infamous Google search engine and found the:

Locking Stages

Once you have your starter locks, if you are like most may be impatient to be completely locked. It is understandable but remember that locks are a lesson in patience. No matter what way you start your locks there will be an amount time that you will have to wait before they are completely mature. The amount of time will depend on your hair type and the method that you used to start your locks.

Knowing the locking stages will help you to as you are waiting. You will know what to expect and also when you are making progress. There are three basic locking stages baby locks, teenage locks and mature locks.

Baby Locks

The baby lock stage starts from the moment you start your initial locks until they first start to bud and mat. That could be anywhere from three to six months all depending on your hair type. If your hair is coily or curly it may be on the shorter side. If you have wavy hair that is soft and fine you may have to wait a little longer for this stage to pass.

During the baby stage you will need to be extra careful with your hair if you have started your locks with coils, or rolls. You need to give them some time to set so you will want to wait at least 3 weeks (but no more than 4) to allow them to settle. During that time you can cleanse your scalp with an astringent and you will want to have your hair retightened by palm rolling or twisting.

If your hair was started by double twisting, braiding, interlocking, or with extensions. You will not have to worry as much about your locks coming undone but you still need to be careful while washing especially if you have a resistant hair type.

Teenage Locks

The teenage time is characterized that may want to do their own thing. They will be budding, forming little balls of solid matted hair, in the middle and at the tip. Your hair may look very fuzzy and frizzy. And it can be frustrating to know what to do with it at times. Don’t despair all locks go through this stage. It only last for a few months to a year.

Avoid the temptation to gel the strands in to submission, over twist or stress about your hair. It will turn out right in time. Just stay on top of your maintenance – re-twisting, palm rolling, or interlocking – for your lock type. Remember to separate after washing to keep your bases from joining and continue being patient.

If you started your locks with coils you will want to wash your hair every two weeks. If you want your hair to stay looking neat you will have to palm roll or twist your hair each time you wash. If you started your hair with braids twists or interlocking you have a little more freedom to wash your hair more often.

Mature Locks

Mature Locks are characterized by locks that are completely locked from tip to base. They are stronger and can stand up to most handling. Most locks reach maturity within two years. If your hair is coily or curly it will probably reach maturity sooner.

Once your lock are at this stage you may decide that you want to wait a little longer between maintenance or you can keep the same schedule. You will be able to wash your hair as much as you like and you can use some types of conditioner, which is not really recommended during the other two stages of the locking process.

All noted on http://www.mynhcg.com/locking-stages.htm

With all that said, I'm definitely in the Teenage stage of locking, it may be due to me coloring in month 6, with that I may be here for a while :-)  Guess only time will tell!!

Newly Sisterlocked Interview #4

This lovely lady has joined the Sisterlocked family in the past few months after having traditional locks for 7 years.  Read on about her wonderful journey thus far:


Gigglz:  How long did you want sisterlocks before actually getting them installed?

I’ve wanted Sisterlocks for years. Before I started my traditional locks 7 years ago I met a woman with Sisterlocks that she got installed in another state. I was not able to find anyone in Houston who did them so I went traditional. 7 years later, here I am!!!


Gigglz:  How long were you natural before getting sisterlocks?


I was natural 1 ½ years before traditionally locking and I wore traditional locks for 7 years before I decided to get sisterlocks.

Gigglz:  How many consultations did you have before deciding on one, and did price play a part in your decision (honestly)?

I had 3 phone consultations with 2 consultants and 1 trainee, but I only did 1 actual consultation. The consultant I went with was actually more expensive than the others, so I guess price did not play a part.

Gigglz:  What made you choose your consultant?

There were so many signs pointing me to my consultant. I got a really good vibe from her through our phone conversation. She even told me how to take down my traditional locks so that I could save more length. I got her number from the Sisterlock website, then when I talked to a lady at my church about her SLs I discovered it was the same consultant! After talking on the phone and scheduling the consultation I met another one of her clients in the grocery store when I was compelled to ask her if she had sisterlocks. To top it all off, she lives less than 10 minutes away!

Gigglz: How many hours did it take?

17.5 hours in one day!


Gigglz:  What was your initial reaction to them?

I loved them from test locks all the way to install! I guess because I have wanted them for so long, I didn’t care what they looked like in the beginning because I knew their potential, but I was absolutely satisfied the moment they were all in. I was fascinated with the parts!

Gigglz:  Do you see any disadvantages to sisterlocks?

Nope! I am a pretty committed person. I mean, I wore traditional locks for 7 years. So I was cool with committing to sisterlocks. I prefer sisterlocks to traditionals because I will be able to style them more.

Gigglz:  What products do you use and how often do you use them?

I’m one month SL’d so I am only using water spritz and the SL starter shampoo.

Gigglz:  What hair accessories do you wear?


None right now…..I am soooo low maintenance

Gigglz:  What do you wear to protect your hair at night?

I wear a satin bonnet, and it seems to be working out nicely


Gigglz:  How do you feel about your SL's today?


I am absolutely in LOVE!!!!! I play in my hair often, because I am excited about how small they are. I have been able to put curls in my hair (thanks for the lock loop tips) and I don’t have any complaints.


Pic One - Traditional Locks
Pic Two - Sisterlocks (front view)
Pic Three - Sisterlock (right side view)
Pic Four - Sisterlocks (left side view0


Keep up with her journey at:
http://locdandlovinit.blogspot.com/ 
http://ivyleague-reflections.blogspot.com/

 

 

 

Things to remember...yet so easy to forget

As I get further away from being a quote on quote a newbie I tend to forget the simple things that helped me along in my journey thus far. Since I've been talking to a lot of sisters off line about the beginning stages of the journey it is a good idea to revisit them.

The list below are the simple yet vital things that should be done in the beginning stages.

1. When washing your hair, don't put the braids in too tight.  You can't wash the locks as well.

2. Don't use black rubber brands on dark brown/black hair.  You can't see to take them out.

3. Do check that you separated ALL the locks twice.

4. Don't use products just cause. Truly have a need for it, otherwise use a spritz of water.

5. Sleep with satin bonnet or satin pillowcase.

6. If your locks are too short to braid, be sure to bundle.

7. There is no cause for concern if you have slippage, its part of the journey (even in month 8).

What worked for you?



-Gigglz

Share your Compliments!

Compliments tend to come when your feeling like its time for a retightening or you did absolutely nothing to your SL's.  Please let me know what was the best compliment you have received to date? Was it a total stranger, loved one, friend, co-worker? And how did it make you feel?

We get them all the time, please share....

And another one

I finished my full head retightening on Thursday morning and I combined a lot more locks because I've noticed that a few were thin and needed to be combined.  I'm still using a 3 pt rotation and I'm finding that even at a 4 week cycle I have to do more than one rotation so I know that my hair is still growing at the same pace as before.  For the locks that I did combine I'm debating if I should sew the strands together so that they lock together.  I don't know about that one because its currently not noticeable.  Going through each lock it seems as though they have really plumped up on the ends.  A lot of them in the back and middle have locked halfway up the lock and I'm really excited to see this change happening.  Although I don't think they will get much bigger I don't want them too because I really love the size of them now.

I washed my hair put my trusty lock loops in and was happy with the results.  A friend of mine who had traditional locks told me about a new styling technique.  Basically curl around your finger and clip, almost like a pin curl with some gel.  I'm going to use mousse instead and see how that comes out.  Of course pics will be posted.  Till next time.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Hoping you all have a safe, blessed, and enjoyable Thanksgiving!  Please take the time and appreciate all that you have, family, friends, and loved ones! 

Standstill

I think my hair is there, at a standstill.  I started retightening and I feel like my hair is not growing anymore.  Ok thats not entirely right becuase if it wasn't growing I wouldn't have anything to retighten but at the same time the change isn't as apparent.  I'm at the in-between stage where my locks are just filling in now, but the overall look isn't much different from before.  Since a visual effect always proves what is truly going on I had to do a comparison. 

So here it is a month 5 and month 7, what is very apparent is that my left side is growing at a much slower pace than the right.  So it is growing, and I need to exercise more PATIENCE!!!   We can easily get discouraged in this journey so make sure you are taking pictures to remind you that things are progressing, SLOWLY, but progressing!!

One would think

That since it was my birthday that I had some grand ole plans going on this weekend.  Well I didn't!  The highlight of my weekend was seeing Disney on Ice, which was very nice.  No new hair updates besides a wash with no braiding and banding I might add and then a braid out. With a braidout it puts a lot of tension on my locks around the edges so I'm going to have to limit it to 2x a month so I don't pull to much and end up with thin roots.  This weeks plan is to start my retightening which I'm in no hurry to do and I've noticed some bunching on a lot of locks in teh back and I was able to pull some of the bunching out.  During my retightening I will be focusing on pulling whatever bunching I can out at the same time so this one may take a bit long.  More to come on that though!

Newly Sisterlocked Interview #3

Please welcome another newbie to the sisterlock family and journey.   As most of you are well on your journey, please leave any comments for a newbie based on her interview. 

Gigglz: How long did you want sisterlocks before actually getting them installed?

-All of two weeks.

-I had a consult on Monday, October 5, 2009 after finding and researching all day Saturday, October 3, 2009.

-I had the test locks installed that day.

-I washed my hair the recommended two times over the next two weeks.

-I had my install completed Friday, October 30, 2009 over two days.

Gigglz:  How long were you natural before getting sisterlocks?

-March 2007 to current

Gigglz:  How many consultations did you have before deciding on one, and did price play a part in your decision (honestly)?

-I found one certified consultant in Buffalo, NY and one trainee in Albany.

-I decided on my consultant entirely based on the fact that she was certified through the website and her dialogue both over the phone and at the initial consultation was verbatim according to the Sisterlock website.

-I, like many other SLs have done considerable research and expect the SL experience to run according to plan and utmost professionalism.

-Pricing was within industry standards and reinforced by her posted fee schedule.

Gigglz:  What made you choose your consultant?

She was

-warm,

- professional,

- provided a relaxing environment,

-did not deviate from the Sisterlock experience

-and very, very diligent about keeping her hands clean while working in my hair.

Gigglz:  How many hours did it take?

-9.5 hrs (392 locks)

Gigglz:  What was your initial reaction to them?

-Love at first site.

Gigglz:  Do you see any disadvantages to sisterlocks?

-Absolutely not.

Gigglz:  What products do you use and how often do you use them?

-A water/sweet almond oil spritz nearly everyday.

-A teaspoon of SL moisturizer once a week.

-SL starter shampoo.

Gigglz:  What hair accessories do you wear?

-Silk scarves occasionally.

Gigglz:  What do you wear to protect your hair at night?

-Silk scarves.

Gigglz:  How do you feel about your SL's today?

-The love affair continues.

-I randomly ask people all the time, "Don't you just love my Sisterlocks?!!!!"

Photos Below are Day One. 

8 mos locked and its my birthday!!!!

It has been a full eight months today, and at 8 months I'm definitely still very pleased with my locks. In the past two weeks, 2 woman that have a blog have decided to end the journey. Wow! I don't know what I will be feeling to make the decision. I see it as a pretty tough one to make. However, that's not to say I'm not having issues. Just so newbies, or those considering SL's understand there are issues with every hairstyle. Thus far in my personal experience at 8 months I'm still dealing with:

1. Slippage
2. Unraveling from the end
3. The locks in the front sides seem to be a bit skinny, going to have to start combining along the hairline.
4. Still not locked, hence still Braiding and Banding
All in all, I still love my sisterlocks!!!  On to month 9!!!



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The Take Down!!

Although the style was smoking it can't last for me. There are a few valid reasons that this won't make it longer than a few days. My hair is so DRY!! Its not dry to the touch, but the hair out looks brittle and this is after adding oil to it, on numerous occasions. I'm definitely not used to my hair looking dry, PROBLEM. Its almost as if I've had the style for weeks already. Secondly, my hair looks fuzzy, the twists are fuzzy!! Yuck! Again like I've had it in for weeks, and I'm wrapping my hair at night. Thirdly, I'm getting tension bumps in the back because its a bit tighter than I like. Not tight where I'm in pain, but enough for bumps. Fourth, my hair is itching. I've you've kept up with me you know that itchy scalp is not something I suffer from, so PROBLEM. Lastly, I'm just over looking at myself with this side going crazy, just over looking like this. BS (before SL's) I changed my style frequently, and SL's provide versatility, this is versatile for an event but normal activities, I pass. All in all, I think this is all due to the shampoo, conditioner, and mousse she used to do my hair. Just a reminder, that not all products work on my locks.

Someone please remind me when I get a bright idea to get my hair styled that I should have a place to show it off!!!

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Mohawk Time

As I mentioned in a previous post I was going to get my hair styled by a professional on 11/14.  I went back and forth, and forth and back if I actually wanted to go get it done because I really had no place to go.  It turned out that I did go out last night to a sports bar to watch the anticipated boxing match between Pacquio and Cotto (I digress).  In any event, on Thursday the salon called to confirm my appointment for "creative styling".  Creative styling, ok thats an interesting way to say it but it peaked my interest evevn more and I went with my gut feeling and confirmed and went to my appt Saturday morning.  The stylist was very eccentric and artsy but I loved her shop and the positive aura she gave off.  She washed my hair vigorously and I experienced no slippage or bunching so you know that means I won't be B&B any longer!! Glad thats over with.  She also put a conditioner in, and then got to it, within 15 minutes maybe even less I ended up with this.  I love it, and although its a bit tight because I'm not used to any tension in my hair its not too uncomfortable.  I will probably keep this for close to to 2 weeks, we will see how that goes.  This definitely makes me want my locks to grow longer to get more "CREATIVE STYLES"!!!

Locking or Thinning at the Root?????

I'm almost 8 months locked and I'm still not 100% certain what my hair should look and feel like when it is locked, or has begun locking.  My assumption is that since I have been locked for almost 8 months that I am well under way in the locking process.  I started feeling around and felt up my lock.  At the end and going up the middle of the lock it feels spongy like, soft and thicker than before.  I assume that means the hair is no longer tight in the pattern but has coiled around itself.  Now as you go further up the lock with your fingers there is like a harder spot than the sponge like spot and as you continue going up the lock gets tight and skinnier.  Basically, what I think is going on is the portion that is skinny has not locked yet so that is why its tight and still in the pattern, the soft spongy portion has locked.  I hope I did a good job explaining, but I know that a picture is worth a 1000 words...

Braid out is a go!

I did the braid out on freshly washed hair on Friday night and today is Tuesday and I still have tons of crinkles! This is definitely going to be a staple style for a while, because the lock loops just aren't doing what they used to do for me. I wonder if the Organix had anything to do with the hold? Looks like some more experimentation is coming up!

Well what do you know....

Over this weekend, I got a lot of compliments on my locks and got engaged in a whole conversation with a natural head and her mother who is a traditional lock wearer.  It was my mother and I, and in the course of conversation my mother admitted that she literally HATED my locks when I first got them done.  I took her side of course and defended the statement saying yes at first they were bushy ends and it looked kind of crazy.  Although, I knew she didn't like them it was a bit shocking to hear her say it, surprisingly enough my feelings weren't hurt.  Maybe because after that she did of course say that now that its growing she said it looks nicer and she likes them.  But the whole conversation got me to thinking, anytime you get anything freshly done naturally no additives i.e. perm, jherri curl, texturizer what have you, it always takes awhile for things to settle in.  However, we all are part of the microwave culture we want speedy results all the time, and we've come to expect it.  Now with SL's you have learn patience, and accept what is going on because you dont' have much control over how your hair behaves during the process.  The changes are happening weekly whether its the growth the texture or just the bend of them I never know what I'm going to see in the morning and I love that versatility.  Definitely as my locks get older I find that they definitely look better on me, and I'm wearing them proudly!!!  

Organix is a Keeper

The results are in!!! Last night, I decided it was time to test out the products.  I jumped in the shower with my four bundles (thats the amount I'm down to now).  I opened the shampoo bottle and the smell is so soothing and relaxing.  I poured the shampoo in my hand and then started in the front and worked it through my scalp, can I tell you it just felt like butter on my locks.  I did two shampoos, and then I used the conditioner.  I mostly focused on my ends with the conditioner (even still in the bundles) and oh my felt like someone else's hands were in my head it felt so great!!! When I got out the shower I was pleased to see my curly q's weren't retarted (and not curly q's) so I was pleased with the products.  I then used the split ends mender to do a braid out.  I put in about 9 jailhouse cornrows (straight back) and  I went to bed.  This morning I took them out and my hair still feels lightweight and I feel like it has a shine to it.  What do you think?  I definitely like this product and it will be mixed in with my SL shampoo going forward weekly.

It got the Best of Me!!

Alright, I admit, just last week I had a post about only using water on my hair.  Well, time to throw another product in my mix.....I keep up with another blog that is for loose hair and I read to see the newest product crave on natural hair.   For this week it was, Organix, ironically enough this week, A Sista who locked also discussed Organix.   C'mon a lockhead and a loose head both craving about the same product, like my title says, it got the best of me!!!   From the convo with my boyfriend I was in the process of buying some more green tea oil, but after reading the rave reviews about the coconut Organix shampoo/conditioner I had to look it up.  I did my research and I also found that they have a mouse, leave in conditioner, nourishing split ends mender, repair treatment and styling cream.  With the options, I went to the store on a mission. I came back with the shampoo, conditioner, and the split ends mender (why, but thats all they had)? LOL!!  As soon as I put the bags down I pumped two times of the mender, and the smell is divine as everyone has been raving.  I put it on, and my daughter immediately asked whats that smell......that alone is a keeper!!! Having coconut smelling locks, I can't wait.

You know what the most ironic thing of all is to me is for years I've always wanted to know why all other womans  hair smelled so delicious and our shampoos never smelled like anything but chemicals.  I cannot wait to swing my locks with a coconut smell left in the air!!! 

YANKEES WIN, YANKEES WIN!!!!

Only two words!!! GO YANKEES!!!  I'm not a huge baseball fan, but I found myself staying up late, missing all my reality TV shows to watch the Yankees play in the playoffs and the World Series.  I was so interested and I felt like I had a stake in them winning! Then to see Jay Z and Alicia Keys perform that was like another milestone for HIP HOP!!  Seriously, I'm even thinking about taking the day off to to go the parade, in the cold!!! GO YANKEES!!!

Change in Locks

I don't know what is up with my hair.  I used some lock loops on Sunday and today the curls have already dropped.  They look more like just some wild curly hairs on my head.  My locks don't feel any heavier than what they used to feel like, and they aren't much longer than before making this drastic change in holding curls.  And no, my hair was freshly washed, so its not dirty.   I wonder if its possibly because my locks are actually locking causing this change.  This is a welcomed change and I'm going to have to go back to some braid outs which is quick, easy, and a snap to do. Just another change in the journey. 

Smell of my Locks

Just to give a back story, my boyfriend supported me 100% in getting sisterlocks and to this day, he plays with them in public, at home, any chance he gets.  Over the weekend he was leaning over me and I find him smelling my hair. I ask "something wrong with my hair"

He -no, but it doesn't smell how it used to
Me - does it smell
He - no, it doesn't really smell like anything, but it used to smell like
Me (I cut him off) - oh, I haven't put any oil in it
He - yeah it doesn't smell like juices and berries

Wow!!  I need to pull back out my green tea oil, now!!! LMAO!!
 

Newly Sisterlocked Interview #2

Ladies - I was closely involved with helping this sister find a consultant and she has definitely gone through it.  Please show some support.  

Gigglz: How long did you want sisterlocks before actually getting them installed?

I have contemplated sisterlocks for about a year, but waivered back and
forth. It was in March or April of 2009 that I knew that this summer that
would be it!!! Unfortunately it didn't exactly happen like that. I wasn't
locked until October.

Gigglz: How long were you natural before getting sisterlocks?

I did "the big chop" in 2006 and watched the fro gro from that point! I
experimented with different styles, but the 2 strand twist out was my fav.
Unfortunately, my hair began to break because of the harsh dryness and
virtually ripping out knots after washing.


Gigglz:  How many consultations did you have before deciding on one, and did price play a part in your decision (honestly)?

Wow my consultant journey was almost as pricy as getting locs! Lol, but I
saw 5 and 1/2 consultants, the half was one that I spoke with and e-mail
several times, but she would never commit to a consult??? Price was a huge
factor in making my decision. Times are hard right now and I have 4 kids, so
1200 dollars (which was one quote) was not an option for me.

Gigglz:  What made you choose your consultant?

I chose my consultant for several reasons. She is a licensed hair stylist
who works in a natural hair salon and she had beautiful pics of some of the
styles she had done, she had a great personality she was very informative,
and last but not least the price was right.

Gigglz:  How many hours did it take?

Hours???? 3 days!!!!! We started 6am on a Sunday and worked till about
1am; of course we stopped for breaks. Next day from about 8-12ish, and the
last day was from about 8 until almost 2am!

Gigglz:  What was your initial reaction to them?  
My first reaction was ooooooh s**t!!! what did I do??? I had a bunch of
micro braid sticking straight up. I panicked. They were also super small.
But my consultant told me that they will swell over time ( my fingers are
still crossed) and that styling will help with the look, so she braided them
down and I left them in for 5 days because I was terrified to see them. But,
when I did I felt better. They were still too small for me but the braid out
gave them more shape. As for now I think I've come to the realization that
it may be the varying lengths of my hair that created the unshaped
appearance. My hair is short in the front and back from breaking off and
long in the middle, so I had kind of a micro braid mullet look. However, I
do still feel that they are too small, but I plan to correct that by
marrying them. It's not just a process getting sisterlocs, it's also a
process getting acclimated to them, a process that I am still going through.
I JUST stopped wearing headbands this past week and I found I got more
compliments. I guess the flaws are more noticeable to me!!!

Gigglz:  Do you see any disadvantages to sisterlocks?

Disadvantages, I think there are always some degree of disadvantages to
anything we do, but for me the benefits by far outweigh the disadvantages.
It's also still early for me I'm one week away from my 1 month
anniversary!!! But I can tell you that I am not looking forward to the
retightening. My backside is still traumatized from the instillation!

Gigglz:  How do you feel about your SL's today?

Today, right now my locs and I are friends. We started out enemies, became
acquaintances, and now we are friends. I'm hoping that as we become more
familiar with each other we can move up to BFF's and then get married. Being
that I am an impatient person I do hope it's not a long courtship!!! : ) and
I want to add that our relationship isn't progressing because we are stuck
together, I have no qualms about chopping them off. It's just that I can see
the possibility in them; I can see what they are going to become in time,
and when I think of that I get excited and remember the feeling I would get
as I looked up thousands of pics online.

 

Newly Sisterlocked Interview #1

Recently, a few of my blog friends have gotten there sisterlocks installed and I thought it would be a good idea to interview them and see what exactly make us choose sisterlocks and also how they felt and feel now.  

Gigglz: How long did you want sisterlocks before actually getting them installed?

I thought about getting sisterlocks for about 5 months before getting them installed.

Gigglz: How long were you natural before getting sisterlocks?

I did the BC in September last year......and my sisterlocks were installed in August this year....so that's 11 months.

Gigglz:  How many consultations did you have before deciding on one, and did price play a part in your decision (honestly)?

I had quite a few phone conversations mostly with trainees in my area and two actual consultations.  I tend to be a little quiet and softspoken - some mistake this for passive or uninterested - and so I was looking particularly for that person who wouldn't view me as a potential "mark".  I was looking for someone who is dedicated to doing a fabulous job, is honest, is a straight-talker, returns my calls, answers my questions honestly (yes even if the answer is "girl I haven't a clue") and has a great attitude.  Price really became an issue once I figured out that the trainee that I almost had install my locks was going to charge me more for the installation than my very experienced consultant was.

Gigglz:  What made you choose your consultant?  

I was the 91st head my consultant installed.  I spoke to a few of her clients who have active blogs or who I "ran" into on facebook and they gave her excellent referrals.  I then went in to meet her and had my consult.  Of course while I was there I got to meet a couple of her current clients who had beautiful sisterlocks.......a walking advertisement if you ask me.  She charged what I thought was a very fair price.  I'm glad I went with her.  I have lots of hair.  She installed all 550 of my locks in 18 or 19 hours (like childbirth the details are getting fuzzier by the moment).  She did my first retightening in just under 4 hours.

Gigglz:  What was your initial reaction to them?  

My initial reaction?  "What in the world did I just do to myself?"  And I stayed there for about two weeks.

Gigglz:  Do you see any disadvantages to sisterlocks?

Well right this second, I would say that the real length of my hair remains hidden with the sisterlocks.  I do worry that at this particular stage my hair does look completely wild and crazy and most people aren't quite sure what to make of it.  Starting out as short as I did, there doesn't really seem to be too much I can do with it, especially since I have it my head that the less I bother my hair the quicker it will settle down.  I do realize that this isn't proven and could very well be the excuse that I subconsciously use to do nothing to my hair..........

Gigglz:  How do you feel about your SL's today? 

I love them.  I wake up every morning a complete and utter mess.  It is truly frightening according to my husband.  But there is a transformation that happens in the shower when they get wet.  One that I absolutely love.  All I have to do is shake, pin up or pull back my hair and go.  It takes me more time to brush my teeth than it does to "do" my hair.  So when I am getting the questioning looks as I go about my life, I smile and think to myself......."yes in under 2 minutes you too can have this look!!!!"

 

P.S -- she is a little camera shy so no front shots.

Based on the responses, can you say you felt the same way, different?  

Are you be interested in being interviewed for a newbie to gauge on there feelings going forward??  Email me offline if you are gigglz665@gmail.com.

Today's Hair Routine

Just finished washing my hair using my starter shampoo.  I felt like my hair could use a good condition, since its been a while and I used the moisture treatment.  Can I tell you the moisture treatment felt so soft and smooth in my locks.  I still braided and banded, but once I put in the moisture treatment I took the rubber bands out so that I can make sure I removed all the conditioner.  My hair was drenched wet and it felt clean and soft, so while it was still wet, I went ahead and sprayed some of the herbal mist on my locks. 

This is what my hair looked like right out the shower.  You will notice my Curly Q's are here to stay after this wash, and its all due to the moisture treatment.

Now after it has dried with the spray moisturizer, my hair feels a bit harder than it normally does, and I think thats due to the spray moisturizer, but my curls are still there. 

Slippage, can you define it?

Slippage, what exactly is it? Funny enough, I must admit all the blog stalking I did before getting my locks, and the stalking I continue to do as I now have them I have always read about people experiencing slippage. All this time I'm thinking that slippage starts at the root and works its way down to the end to eventually have the pattern slip out or at least close to the end of the hair, hence the word slippage. A few months now I've noticed around my edges that my locks are unraveling from the end. This is not occurring any other part of my head so I'm wondering what's the actual cause (I have yet to find out). Unraveling, yep that's what I'm calling this problem although others say slippage. I know that this can be corrected by redoing the lock from where the unraveling starts, but here is my thought; eventually all my hair will lock, and it has been sectioned off by a small group of strands some still in the pattern and some not, but it will lock, so why go through the trouble?

Getting Faster

I have yet to wash my hair, put some braids in, use some rollers (lock loops or sponge rollers).  Lazy is not the word, but I did complete my retightening.   I started on Monday and I finished about an hour or so ago.  I'm down to completing it in 3 days.  Now 3 days is about 9 hours still, because I'm working 3 hours more/less a day.  However, I definitely feel more comfortable moving around and I don't have to use as many clips to hold locks out the way, I can literally feel the lock and even what direction I need to go in from the feel.  Yes, yes, yes this is coming along great!!   Here are some pics of what my hair is looking like now (nothing special), I'm going to do some quick cornrows to hold me over for the remainder of the work week.

Lets Take it Back!!

I just started on my retightening today and I'm feeling oh so lazy!!!! I do enjoy doing my own hair, but I have so much more I need to get done this week, but I have to find the time because I don't want my locks going longer than 4 weeks without a retightening.  Did you know that your roots can get weak if you go to long without a retightening...well I'm not willing to chance it.  I do have my hair appt set for 11/14 just so I can get a style for no good reason.  I don't even have any plans, but I want to see what can be done.  Check out the pictures to this salon and let me know what you think, you might even get some ideas for yourself  http://www.myspace.com/greenspherelove.  There is also a licensed consultant there, but you know how it goes, I have to go for a consultation before she can work on my locks.  Yada, yada!  So styling it is for now, but knowing myself I may cancel.  

In another post I mentioned that I'm not so in awe of my locks like I have been. But I went looking at some old pictures of how I wore my hair, and I really liked how I looked with kinky twists which of course gave me the courage to take the plunge with sisterlocks.  So here is my blast from the past....now I'm almost there with my own hair and looking better than ever!!! I love my Sisterlocks.

I know, I know!

Ok, I changed my mind once again on the background, but I'm done now...I hope!  LOL!

Preoccupied

So over the past two weeks I have been spending a good bit of my time putting together a small accessory business. Over the past few years I have been saying that you need some type of additional income (a side hustle) from you career for some pocket money. Thus far, its going pretty well, but this weekend I realized my energy has been focused on that and I've been slacking on my blogging. I haven't been taking pictures like I normally do and I didn't even wash my hair yet this week. Needless to say I'm not so consumed with my locks these days. I think it also has to do with the fact that they are doing there thing and I like whatever they are doing. This week I'm going to start my retightening and I hope to see my left side even out a bit more with the right. Other than that nothing much, still just free styling, but I will be back up on my game this week.

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Just Random

Another change to the background, but I got tired of logging in and seeing the "white woman" above my head.  What a bad representation for what I am about.  Alright so I hope you like the new look it suits me more because I'm always running late, hence the clock and I love, love my blackberry.  Even if its on vibrate, I'm checking it to see if new messages come through...but I didn't log in for this today. 

I logged in today to show some pics of how I have been wearing my hair these past few days with the sponge rollers.  The bad thing is I was trying to take these pictures myself with the help of a hand held mirror.  Then I used another mirror to capture, so needless to say I have all these flashes going everywhere, but hey I'm trying.  I don't know why I don't have someone else take the photo for me.  Needless to say, nothin is good enough to show you right now.  I will do my best to describe, because it was simply a ponytail in the front and the back was out, with the ponytail I kind of puffed it up and put a clip for some style..hope that helps.  I'm sure I will be wearing that look shortly and I can get a good picture.

Products

It has been a hectic few work days, but have to make time for blogging!! I just wanted to stop in to discuss products. No matter what product I mix up or purchase over the past few months I keep reverting back to the same one.  If I have trouble with my curls being too tight, or my locks not feeling bouncy the first thing and only thing that comes to mind is WATER!!!  Can you believe it?  It's free, well not exactly right since I get that dang water bill!!!  However it is still my best styling aide, it works no matter what look I'm going for.  A more fluffy airy look, a looser curl, or just to put some "pep" back into them mid-week.  I don't know what it is, but I don't even think to pull out my Oyin products, which I waited for two weeks to receive, I just turn on the faucet.  I've even moved away from spritzing from a bottle daily, just a bit in my hand and I run it through my locks, shake and go. Its a very weird feeling going into the stores and not perusing through the hair products aisle looking for the newest product...Thank you WATER!!!

Sponge Styling

After a wash with the SL shampoo yesterday, I rolled up my hair with the sponge rollers like a doobie (that's what we call it in the tri-state) which is a roller set.  I went to bed looking like I was back in 1985,  so I doubt this will  be added to my arsenal, but I digress.  Moving along, although they are sponge, I thought they would be hard to sleep with since they are so big, but  they weren't.  This morning, I took them out and had very loose curls, which I liked.  I put some pomade in my hair, because it looked very dry, then I finger styled my hair and ended up with this.

 

 I didn't do well with opening up my curls, but you see how loose the curls are are.  I put some twists in just to give it a little sumthin sumthin...I will try something with it again tomorrow, but uh.....

Maybe I should have tried 2 strand twisting or brading my hair up first before rolling to get some more going on before the bend.  What I liked about the rolling is that I am able to see a very slight bend on the ends which I liked because I can really see which ends are open from my color job.  The bad thing is that one of my rollers must have been too tight, because a lock by my temple is very sensitive to the touch.  I just retightened it, ( a full rotation at 3 weeks mind you) but thats another story for another day.

Bored at the 7 month marker!!

Today marks 7 months, and for some of you it may seem like a short time but for me this last week has made the journey feel long. Don't get me wrong, I'm not thinking about taking them out, but last week I didn't roll or do a braid out and I felt the effects of not doing so. All week I freestyled and was not at all pleased with the daily results. I must say I'm so BORED with my hair. I actually made an appointment for only styling next month with a salon that specializes in locks and natural hair. I figure I will treat myself to a style after a retightening to get some more options for the holiday season. I've looked at the pictures online and I was pleased, I will definitely post the pics once I go.

In the meantime, between time I have decided to use sponge rollers for styling this week. Over this weekend, I met with another woman who has had sisterlocks for close to two years and she only uses sponge rollers. In addition, A Sista Who Locked also uses sponge rollers and her curls looked great so I'm going for it.

Pictures will be posted tomorrow.

Ah, I did do a braid out on Friday night just with some mousse and this was my results, not bad, but I think I like my curls better.


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Close Up

Bajan Lily asked and she shall receive; here is a  close-up of my locks tonight.  Little more difficult than I thought to take a detailed picture myself, more to come this weekend.  Even with my coloring "experiment"  I think that my locks are doing very well and at the end of the week it will be 7 months so they definitely should be showing large signs of locking.  Your take??