Effortless

Here are just some random shost that I liked that my locks were truly effortless. They are pulled back because its HOT!!! and right after a retightening so my parts are on point. Excuse the expression, a fellow walked into my light!

Thank you Immensely

I've reached over 100 readers on my blog and I just want to take this time out to say thank you to each and every one of you.  Originally creating a blog I didn't foresee the future of meeting beautiful woman and gaining sisters that I don't biologically have.  I've met quite a few of my readers personally and I look forward to meeting more of you.  Once again thank you as we continue this journey together!

Sleep Position

How random is this? I was getting my eyebrows threaded in an Indian hair salon. It was quite busy for a Sunday morning but the client next to me was getting her hair cut. After the hairdresser was done cutting I heard the client say one side is heavier than the other. The hairdresser responded is that the side you sleep on it will always be heavier. It got me thinking that wow that is such a true statement. For a while now I have been noticing and complaining (smile) that my left side is longer than my right side, and yes you guessed it I sleep on my left side. Now when I think about that it seems strange that the side that you sleep on and constantly moving about would be thicker than the side that is free and getting all the air. Is one side, or back thicker than the rest of your head because of how you sleep? What are your thoughts?

Happy Holiday Thoughts

Happy Holidays to all my blog family, I know I'm late!

As a New Year is coming to a close I always reflect on what I have accomplished, what I can do better, and what I want to eliminate or add to my life in the next year. I'm not one for resolutions because those should come as life changes not just because the calendar flips. With that said, I got to thinking about this blog. I originally created it because I wanted to chronicle the changes my locks go through and post for everyone to see. As I'm closer to my 2 year mark I haven't really noticed changes in my locks besides growth and the color change which I invoke. I do find myself taking photos but more so of the styles and not exactly a good look of my locks definition and thickness. I have not done a good job of informing those who are now considered my blog family on what I'm up to and that was the main purpose. I'm beginning to feel as if my effort or I should say lack of effort is futile to maintain this blog. I'm going to start or attempt to post monthly of what is going on and see how well that goes. Hope you all have a safe and healthy new year!!

Change of Color

Caught you :-), not me, just my blog.

Since the weather has started changing it was time to cool down the colors of my blog. I loved the bright orange to celebrate the warmer months, this lavender represents the cooling of the atmosphere! Hah! Nothing new to report with my hair, I don't curl anymore unless I have an event to go to and that seems to be frequent lately, but otherwise its a ponytail with a bang. I find that curling on dry hair with some mousse and air drying for 1-3 hours serves up a nice set of curls. I will be rocking that for Halloween and I will be sure to post my costume :-)

Definitely not all LUV..in a funk foreal!

Not a clue what to do with my hair. Tired of rollers, bantu knots, braid outs, freestyle all of them just make my hair look ..I don't know but I don't like it. The braid outs leave my hair frizzy, the rollers and bantu knots only last a day even if I use the highly talked about Taliah Waajid mousse ..yeah whatever still one day makes no difference. What I've been doing is putting my head under the shower stream getting out and going with a pin up here or there. Still not loving it...where did the love go? I'm in desperate need of a retightening which I don't feel like doing nor dealing with someone else to do...what's a girl to do. I will get to it eventually.

All in all at month 16 .. Not loving my SL's they are just here. The front has still not sealed so it looks like half curly yet uneven ends. The back and sides have sealed ... Just over it right now but trying to get past this phase of funk!

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all those who are already mothers, expecting mothers, and single father's out there! Enjoy your day!

Thank you for keeping me blogging!

I'm a bit late, but I want to recognize the first day I started my blog which was 4/9/09. I started this blog with the intention of documenting my journey which I didn't know what to expect and I think I've done a pretty nice job of doing so. Of course I deviated from time to time and I took hiatus when I had nothing to say. However, if I ever had a bad hair day or bad day at all, I could unconsciously lean on my blog family. Over the course of the year I have met some great woman with a strength that is undeniable. I want all my followers to know that I appreciate every comment, question, and even just a thumbs up that you have given me over the past year it is greatly appreciated. As I noted in another post I will continue to blog and keep my dedication to my blog the same as it was in the first year.

Stay tuned for more product reviews because I've become antsy for some new ones I'm definitely in the mood for some new styles!

Hair Type

Before SL's how long were you a loose natural?

For me, I was natural under braids but as far as a loose natural, hmm. Maybe 2 months. I was not pleased with the daily maintenance and I just didn't know what products worked and for that reason, I tried them all that were mentioned on blogs. While being a loose natural the question always came up of what "Type" of hair I had. Ugh, nappy coils! However after research I figured I'm between a 4b and 4c. With my hair type my SL's took pretty good and I didn't experience much slippage and my hair seemed to lock in the average time of a year, although I still have some curly Q's probably because I tried coloring 2x at home. What's your hair type and do you think it help or hinders your progress?

Still here...

I am still knee deep with busy season at work and just life in general so I haven't had time to blog far less think about a topic to blog.  I'm just dropping a line to say I still love my locks and I'm starting to try different styles no pics yet because the jury is still out.  One thing is that I was trying to let my kitchen grow in, but changed my mind and shaved it off!! Can't do the in between stage, I have over 550 locks I don't need 2 new ones at my nape!! LOL!!

Till next time...

Small Community

I went to a training class at work and I sat next to one of my black co-workers. This co-worker in question is from the Caribbean and actually sat next to me in a meeting on day one after my installation. The first day she said "wow, how long did that take". I gave the standard response for me at the time "15 hours, but its never coming out, and its going to lock so its worth it."

So back at this training class she kind of whimpered "are you locking your hair?" I responded, "yes". She said "when are you going to start locking it". Ugh...really!!! I'm like its already locking she was like "ohh......I was waiting for it to be twisted up like you know coils." She goes on to say "I thought they were braids, they are so tiny". You know the same comments we've heard a million time by this point.

What amazes me is that even in the black community people only know of one type of locks, and that's traditional. Although the blog community of SL's seem to be big but in the grand scheme of things SL's are basically unknown. The ironic thing is we have seen Sisterlocks on famous people year after year and have mistaken them for braids. Overall, sisterlocks need more exposure.

WHY???

I am really distraught about the situation in Haiti.  I am not of Haitian descent, but knowing the lives of some Caribbean people makes my heartache.  Both of my parents are from Trinidad & Tobago and I can only imagine if the earthquake happened there, calling for my family members, wondering if friends are ok and knowing that its going to be such a struggle for them to put there lives back together.  In addition, hearing that DR is not allowing some Haitians to cross the border unless they are in desperate need of medical attention...I can't even go on. Honestly, what is going on in this world.  These catastrophes only seem to hit areas where the people are already living in poverty or close to it.  First Hurricane Katrina and now an earthquake in Haiti.......

Mood For....

Admittedly so I have not been in the mood for blogging.  Don't ask me why, I think this New Year has me in a mood for something new, fresh, exciting.  New career? baby? marriage? home?  I'm going to settle for neither, and I think something like a nice vacation with some R&R will cure me of my new year blues. 

What has been going on is I've purchased a new product, Jane Carter Twist & Lock.  I purchased it at Whole Foods for who knows how much probably about $20 bucks.  I justify this since I don't spend money on my hair at all, it all balances out! In any event, I have tried it on wet hair, right after a fresh wash I put some on my scalp and also on my locks and used the lock loops.  The results you saw, the poodle look (smile), not bad huh!!  Now again this week I tried it after my curls starting to fall out. What I like about it so far is that it is lightweight gives a bit of a shine without having my locks feeling weighed down and greasy to the touch.  I run my fingers through my scalp and I have no residue on my fingers after.  I do like it and you don't have to use much product so although its costly it will go a long way so this is staying in the arsenal, well for now at least!

In addition, I must admit my lock appearance seems to be changing.  Over the weekend on more than one occassion someone has said "wow, your hair is really growing" I think they are well on there way to locking and appearing longer and not bunched up. I would say they have "dropped" i.e LOCKED enough to lose the natural curl.  As I have been walking, working out I feel locks falling in my eye and lots of bounce, I am really enjoying the progress.  I have started sleeping with my satin cap, (I've lost my sexy at night) but for good reason!! LOL!!!

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!

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.

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!!

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!

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!!!