Just Pictures....

 

 

 

 

All the locs are changing... The front just needs to catch up. I am satisfied though!

Uh... curly mohawk...NOT SO MUCH...

So, I curled the ends of the mohawk... Not feeling it. Won't do it again. After I went to work with this monstrosity, I IMMEDIATELY wet the ends to make the curls fall. Won't do that again... Not with sponge rollers, but maybe I will try pipe cleaners.

Mohawk Instructions

So, I had my 8 month reti over the weekend and asked my loctitian to show me how to do the mohawk style I had on my 7 month reti. Even though she was able to do the style in 5 minutes, it took me 30, and I still did it wrong so I decided next time I would take pictures.

The first step is to put your hair into 4 sections. You will need a section in the top, 1 section on each side of the head, and 1 in the middle towards the bottom.


Second, divide the side sections into 3 parts and then put each part into a rubberband. The key here is to put the parts as close as possible. Do this for both sides of your head.

The third step is to bring the bottom section that you parted off earlier up closer to the middle. Notice that the side parts are close to this section. The key is to eliminate as much space as possible.

The last couple of steps can be a little tricky. Remember that top section that you sectioned off? Well that section is the part that you will let hang free, however, you will need to section some of the front off into a small section.



Here is the finished look. I am going to roll the loose hair and I will post pictures of the finished look later.

Confronting my own issues...

As I read a Queen Nat’s blog and explanation as to why she cut her locks, it really made me ask myself if I was 100% satisfied with mine. This is a trick question for me, and I hesitate to answer it because I am only going 8 months compared to her several years. Still, some of the issues that she is having, fuzzy locks, loosing locs, and etc, I am experiencing as well. Albeit, I have only lost 3, but that is enough. I already knew before reading her blog that I was going to have my loctitioan combine my edges in the front on my next reti. I know this may distort my pattern, but I really don’t have concern for pattern if it’s going to keep me from having bare edges. There is really no getting around it, especially with the tension that is put on it by twisting and plaiting my hair.

Another thing that I am fighting with is the fact that I have these overly pressed ends that are never going to lock in the front. I won’t be cutting them anytime soon because that will leave me some short locs in the front. I am tired of the in between stage so I won’t be cutting them until I know I can put my hair in a pony tail even after they have been cut.

Sometimes, and this is just me being honest, I wonder if Sisterlocks was definitely the way for me to go. I only wonder this because of my hair type; I have really soft hair, and I have a coily curl pattern. With my hair not being coarse, I wonder if that is why I have the fuzzies or if this is just something that happens and will eventually go away. Sometimes I wonder if I should have gone the traditional route do to the fact that my cousins and friends with similar hair types have a tighter look with the traditional locks. Will my hair ever have the cylindrical look? Some of the locks in the back are getting there… I just wonder sometimes. OK… I am done with my venting…

Color before it's time??!!

So for all you ladies that dyed your hair before your locks were completely locked, do you regret it? Do you wish you had waited? I want some color BAD, but I can’t afford a bad mistake. I am getting tired of the dullness of my locks, and want to spice them up, but, I am reaaaally afraid. Thoughts??

*Update* I like ORGANIX!

So, the verdict is in, In a previous post, about Organix I told you guys about a new (well new to me) SLS-free shampoo and conditioner that I wanted to try. I like it a lot! I don't even have the white-bulbs! My hair is soft, it does not feel hard, and the smell...the smell makes me feel like I am on an island and I wish I was. My hair is soooo soft, but not so soft that it feels like my locs are going to unravel. I used just enough shampoo, did my thing, and used the conditioner after diluting it by putting it in my hands and mixing it with water and then applying it to my hair. I still don't do anything rigorous, but my hair is clean and it feels great. Before washing my hair, I did a search on 'Organix and Sisterlocks' and I found a lot of Slers love this product and I have not seen not ONE bad review. This is a winner for me.

And another post.... Fast GROWTH!

...or maybe it's right on schedule... I just felt like taking some pictures of my hair, and I just noticed how fast my hair is really starting to grow. I just got a reti 2 weeks ago, and it already seems like it's time for another. I thought a while ago I would be able to go every 6 weeks, not gonna happen. These bad boys are growing and I think I like the new pattern. I get the 'full' effect even before I need a reti. The locs (in the back of course) are def getting thicker and I am getting that spongey feel that I like. MAN, I can't wait to see what a year will bring!!

Organix Shampoo and Conditioner

So as I was doing my weekly grocery shopping, I decided to see if I could find a good shampoo and conditioner for those days when I don't need a clarifying wash. I came across Organix, and it caught my eye since it is sulfate and paraben free. I have never been big on keeping away from SLS free products because I never saw the damage that it supposedly causes to your hair, but since I have SLs and I read a lot of the blogs, I am trying to become more educated on what I put on my hair, but sometimes it can still be hard to stay away from ALL things that are allegedly bad. Some things affect people differently. I recently read Bajan Lily's post about dry scalp, and it really got me to thinking about what to put in my hair and what not to put in my hair. I know that I use VO5's clarifying shampoo, and although I don't use it often, I do have dry scalp. Thing is, when I use it, my hair is CRAZY clean, but I don't want to risk stripping my scalp of the oils I need. Maybe I should use less? But honestly, I don't use a lot as it is. Hmmmm, maybe I could add a dab of EO to the shampoo??

I am hoping that I will have nice results with Organix especially since it is easy to find in my local Wal-mart, and it's not all that expensive. My goal is to find something simple to use. I am not big on having to have a whole bunch of different products to use on my hair, and that would defeat my the purpose of me getting SLs... I want my life to be simple, and my hair to be healthy. Crossing fingers that Organix makes it to my 'To Keep' list of products.

Check this out:

Does Organix® contain organic ingredients?
Yes, Organix® formulas contain organic active ingredients.

Do Organix® products contain sulfates?
No, all Organix® products are sulfate free. They contain no lauryl or laureth sulfates.

Do Organix® shampoos and conditioners contain parabens?
No, all Organix® shampoos and conditioners are sulfate free and paraben free.

Is Organix® safe for color treated and/or highlighted hair?
Yes, Organix® luxurious formulas won’t bleach out your hair color or highlights. Because our sulfate-free formulas contain active organic ingredients they are gentle on color treated hair.

Are Organix® products tested on animals?
No, Organix® products are NOT tested on animals, and we proudly have this declaration on each and every bottle. Organix® does not initiate animal tests on either finished products or ingredients whether directly or indirectly. All ingredients used are carefully monitored. All suppliers are requested to confirm that their materials have not been tested on animals. Ingredients which do not have this data supplied for them are not used in any products. Organix® is against the suffering endured by animals when ingredients and products are tested. We support suppliers and organizations that are developing alternative methods of testing without using animals.

Are Organix® products available online?
Yes, although we do not currently offer Organix® products directly from our website, Organix® products may be purchased online from a number of websites including: amazon.com, cvs.com, walgreens.com, cosmeticsolutions.com, and many others.

Which Organix® collection should I use for my hair type?
Organix® has a collection of innovative and creative products to fit the needs of every hair type, for example if your hair is dry you may want to choose either the Organix® Hydrating Teatree Mint collection or the Organix® Noursihing Coconut Milk collection. If however your hair is lifeless, you may want to try either the Organix® Revitalizing Pomegranate Green Tea collection, or the Organix® Reviving White Tea Grapeseed collection. For those with curly hair, you may enjoy the Organix Curling Citrus Mango collection, and for those looking for a more smooth or silky finish to your hair you may try either the Organix® Smoothing Shea Butter collection or the Organix® Soft & Silky Vanilla Silk Collection. Organix® has a variety of products and collections to help you look your best! Feel free to browse our website and read the description for each item to help you decide which Organix® product best suits your need or desired look.

Moisture????

OK, so... can anyone tell me what they are using to moisturize their locs??? I am using a basic conditioner that I put in a spray bottle, diluted it with water, and then a touch of peppermint and tea tree oil. I am hoping this will do the trick, but I just don't want my locs getting toooo dry. I want them to lock and all, but a sista has limits!

Something funky to celebrate 7 months

I was bored and felt like trying something, so I asked my loctitian to just give me something simple but funky. This is what she came up with in 5 minutes, literally. Not bad V, not bad at all.

Just a snap shot before the reti

Yes, I admit it, I have been gone for a while. That will change especially since my camera is back in commission. Anyhow, tomorrow marks 7 months for me. My hair is doing its thing, and I can see that ultimately I am going to have 'big' hair like I did when I wore my hair out. That is fine with me because I like it. My hair is healthy, I feel good about, and it is seriously growing even though I had those ends cut (may they rest in peace. Here are a few pics I just took. Hope you guys are doing wonderful!

Just a quick post

I FINALLY got my camera issue resolved, so I am officially back in business. Usually I would post every reti, but not having a camera put a damper on my parade. Any who, just a quick pic to show. It's not the best picture as I have done nothing with it. Just showing how thick it is. My hair is doing its thing. I realize that my hair is getting back to the way it use to be before all of the pressing. I forgot just how thick my hair really is. I am happy for that because I really didn't want to have tiny locs, but I didn't want huge locks either. Definitely need to do something to it, and a nice grooming wouldn't hurt either. Until then...

Budding??

Hey SL Sisters... This is really for the newbies... Are you guys experiencing budding? Are your ends sealing? I am experiencing a lot of it! I am glad to see it as that is a sign that these babies are on there way! Seems like right afte my vacation and a good wash, I really started to see those pea-pod balls at the end. I thought that since my hair was so soft that it would takie a while. Could this mean that I will be able to actually get color in a year??? *Crossing fingers...*

Just Venting...

Although I didn't get to actually hear the President’s speech, I did have an opportunity to read it (at just the right time I might add because I feel some kind of low), and I will say that this was a great message for adults of ALL walks of life. I really feel sorry for those individuals that have nothing better to do other than attack the leader of our country for trying to motivate our children. Some of these kids, and I bet a lot of kids, don't ever get to hear an encouraging word. Some parents don’t have time to even take 5 minutes out of their time because they are busy trying to make a living, put food on the table, keep the lights on, and so on. It's a really sad day. I read the speech in its entirety, and I could not find any cryptic messages at all.



Again…what's the big deal? I can' wait to hear/read the reasons. I am sure some bored individual(s) will twist it all up to find one. What is all the madness really about? Is it that loss from the election?? Stop being such a sore loser and chalk it up and support the message! The election is over… over…oveeeeeeer. I feel sorry for parents who actually TOOK THE TIME (finally, even though a lot of them don’t attend the PTAs) to take off work and keep their kids out of school, but yet you wonder why Timmy’s ass skipped school to go shop lifting and smoke out…ROCK ON DUDE! I guess what really makes me angry is that the state of affairs ‘at home’ is at an all time low. People are mentally, physically, and emotionally breaking down… IT IS HARD out here even if you have a job. It’s hard to look to the future and still believe what your parents use to tell you, “You can be whatever you want to be.” I am asking myself, really? It’s tough… I know I needed to hear/read the message. I need ALL THE ENCOURAGEMET I can get right now. Seems like a lot of time is being wasted, and I tell you this, I am all for freedom of speech, but I feel like Free Radio needs some checks and balances because these Rush Limbaugh’s and Sean Hannity’s of radio are really out of control. The real issues are not being talked about and it really grinds my gears. That’s my gripe for the day…



…and if you didn’t get to hear it, read it here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/MediaResources/PreparedSchoolRemarks/

Just curious

Are any of you experiencing bunched ends? If so, do you opt to keep them as they are, or do you try to correct them? I have read where some SLers embrace it and others try to fix it. What are your thoughts on that? Also, do you know what caused your ends to bunch? Initially, this was one of the reasons why I didn’t want to become a DIYer because I was not sure if I could remedy the situation, and I thought I would cause my hair to bunch or I would mess something up. I am going back and forth about learning now though. I don’t know….So many things to think about…

I think I am on to something...

I have been trying to play it pretty safe with my Sisterlocks, and so far so good. Now that I am approaching the 6th month, I am becoming less scared about trying different things. Part of the reason for this new confidence is that I don’t really experience a lot of the horror stories that I read about prior to having Sisterlocks. My main concern was slippage. I did have some; like 7 locks in all the months that I have had locks, and they were basically in my kitchen. I did combine a couple along the edges, but that is perfectly natural. All in all, I have not had any real problems.

Since I have become more comfortable with my locks, I have started to explore different products, well really, different shampoos. I have never used the Sisterlock shampoo, and I didn’t wash my hair a whole lot mainly because I was trying not to over wash my hair to avoid slippage. I use Dr. Bronner’s when I need it, but I found something even better. The only reason I even started looking is because while on vacation, and not having a swim-cap, I got a lot of sand in my hair due to the fact that I was trying to sit pretty and wasn’t paying attention to the massive wave that was coming my way. Another story for another time…LOL. So anyway, since then, my hair has had a lot of build up and a lot of sand particles. Dr. Bronner was not cutting it AT ALL. I needed something fast; Labor Day weekend is coming and I do not have time to wait on shipping. So, what did I do? I did my research and read that a lot of fellow SL’ers opt to use a basic clarifying shampoo. Makes sense. So, I went to my local CVS, got the V05 Lime and Kiwi Clarifying Shampoo for 99 cents and I went to work. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised. My hair does not feel hard, my scalp is clean, no slippage, and the locs are bouncy. Can’t beat it. I also found that blow drying my locks helps to conceal those hideous white root balls. It’s like I don’t even see them. For a while, I had been simply rolling my hair while damp, now I blow dry and then roll. My hair turns out better this way too.

I really feel like I am on to something and I am happy that I am able to find things that work for me without costing me my first born! It’s not that I don’t want to spend the money, but it seems like the more I read blogs online, I am finding that a lot of SL’ers are finding products that work just as good without spending CRAZY amounts.

One thing that I will check out is the Nappy Locs Sea Salt spray OR I may just make my own. I was drawn to this since my hair seems to be doing even better since being drenched in the ocean water. Here is the product description:

A premium Sea Salt Spray with citrus essential oils and hyssop essential oil. Great for all hair types especially curly and straight types. Lightly spray locs and rub into hair. Hyssop is used in Ghana to remove excess oils and reduce the time it takes for locs to mature.

I also found this on a forum interestingly enough:
http://dreadlocks.tribe.net/thread/68ff6d1c-fcb9-4c13-a43c-8cc6e3e93730

Interesting, huh?

It has been a while...

Hi Fam! I know it has been a long time since my last update. I have been on vacation and it was a MUCH NEEDED one. Anyway, here are a couple of shots of how my hair is doing. My locs are much thicker and dense. Anyway, I will do better next month in regards to posts.

Nothing new to report...

I am going in for my 5th reti tomorrow. My hair is REALLY starting to grow. Even though I keep it curled from rollers I can feel the new growth and my middle spot has filled in. The texture in the back is def changing. I will be glad when the front catches on. I see a lot of you are having a lot of growth as well. Ohh, and BIG UPS to Gigglz on becoming a DIYer... That first attempt looks like some pro work for real. Anyway, I am out peeps.

Yep, I got my fourth retightening and my ends cut...

OK, so... I was going through some things, needed something new, and I was so damn, yep I said it, damn tired of my scraggly ends. I needed some shape, some freedom, and something sassy. I asked my loctitian to cut my hair, and when she started, of course I was acting like a punk, but I like it, and I am glad I got it over with. No more having 2 different textures; mind you, I pressed my hair so much, I had some straight ends, no perm. I will post pictures on how it looks after a wash. This is what it looks like after using sponge rollers.

Locked Hair Blog Exchange has been LOCKED, why??

I am sure some of you have seen it:
This blog has been locked due to possible Blogger Terms of Service violations. You may not publish new posts until your blog is reviewed and unlocked.

This blog will be deleted within 20 days unless you request a review.

What is the deal?? Does anyone know???

I will be glad...

when I get some more length. I am getting really tired of the sponge rollers. I mean, well not really, but sometimes I want to put my hair in a pony-tail and it ends up looking like a poon-tail because I have so much skrinkgage. I know, I know, it's apart of the process, BUT DANG! I want options NOW...LOL. My hair is seriously uneven in the middle and I have that breakage split in the crown, which is growing, but I have to constantly pat that area down. I have been so self-conscious about it. I mean, my hair will look soooo full on the side and in part of the front, but then I have to turn around and flatten the back. This was much easier when my hair was pressed out. But, I guess like everyone else I am going to have my good and bad days... I will be glad when I hit the one-year mark. I guess this would help if I knew how to braid my hair back myself. I don't. Oh well. Done being a big baby.

Shout out to Gigglz!

I just want to say thanks to Gigglz for noticing that my previous posts did not include a link to leave comments. I had no clue this was even going on and I am still not sure how it happened. Weird... Under the Post Options section I now have to enable the Allow radio button. I am not even sure what has happened... Oh well. hope I didn't miss out any great feedback because I ALWAYS appreciate it. Thanks again Gigglz!

The Bunching Debate...

Are you ladies having issues with 'bunching'? I have read on so many blogs that bunching is not even a real problem and there is NO WAY to get around it. I feel like I have some bunching, but I am comparing my locs to others, and honestly, I don't mind it IF IN FACT I have it. I don't know. Should I be concerned because honestly I am not. Not even a little bit.

Ohhhh snap! The texture of my locs is changing!

So lately I have been following the advice of my loctitian and not using ANY product on my hair. I have only washed it once this month, and I am now a fan of Dr. Bronner's Castile Almond Liquid soap. It's water based and it works PERFECTLY for me. My locs smell great, they feel clean, and I have not had any bad skin reactions to it. Check the Web site out here: http://www.drbronner.com/DBMS/ALM.htm. Since following her advice, I have noticed that my locs have become thicker, I am not experiencing any slippage, and the texture is changing. I have so much volume now! They are REALLY starting to loc and the locs that were once stringy have become some thick! I am happy and satisfied how my journey is progressing. You can definitely tell the difference between my 'overly pressed' and 'happy' hair. Those ends will be cut in a year or two. I will need to have the locs groomed soon to get rid of the fuzz, but I can live with it for now. Anyway, that is all I have to report. Happy Loc'ing!

This post is about Locs... I promise!

LOL... that was for my sister and my sister from another mother. Previous posts were 'non-loc' related so I threw them for a loop. Anywho, this post is about how I aspire for my locs to be... kind of. My fam reunion was this weekend, and I got to see my cuzzo, who has locs, and sitting on her head is 9 years of beauty. They are traditional locs, but beautiful all the same. I will say that for a SPLIT second I wanted to combine mine because I loooove the way hers look, but then ironically, I saw a girl with Sisterlocks at the park, same length I want mine to be, and just the BOMB, plus, my loctitian's locs are the bomb, even though she keeps cutting it...LOL... Anyway, I just wanted to show a picture.

Words of Wisdom

"Your personal happiness is just that, YOUR personal happiness! Don’t be dependent on the opinions of others. Thoughtfully consider their opinion and weigh it against what you want, if it rings true for you then by all means value that opinion. When it comes to your personal happiness do not overlook your own ideas for the sake of others. Don’t let anyone steal your happiness."

For the most part, I have done just that throughout my life. I have experienced a lot of things and would not have done so HAD I let my happiness be influenced by someone other than me. No one can ever say that I am ashamed of who I am or who I have become because I HAVE LIVED, OUT LOUD at that, and LOVED like it was my last breath. I am eternally grateful for being truthful to me and being able to just be 'me' regardless of what anyone else thinks. My mission in my life is to continue to do just that, be kinder to myself, and love myself even more. Isn't it time for you to do the same?

I have had it... I WILL make it through the 'Induction Phase' of Atkins this time!

So, today is day two. Surprisingly, I am OK, and I don't feel the need to cheat. I know two days is not a lot, but when I tried Atkins before, it was a pain in the butt to make it through the first couple of hours because I knew that I could NOT have any chocolate. That is my downfall...yumny chocolate. I am doing great though. I have done the 14 day induction before, lost 10 pounds, but I did not stick with it as it was only because I was doing it to win a bet. This time, I am really committed. Since the first of the year I have become more active, there were some downs here and there, but I have been way better about it than I have ever been before. I have eliminated all excuses to NOT exercise by getting a stationary bike and I now have a Wii-Fit which is AWESOME. My goal is to lose 20 pounds. If I can lose more, that is great, but 20 pounds is great for me. I so miss being able to fit into my clothes. I tried doing the Weight Watchers plan, but time and time again, my body has proven to me that I just can't over do it with lots of carbs. This go round, my goal is to find out my carb threshold. I know that I will eventually introduce more carbs back into my diet, but for now, I want to give this all I have. Since I love to cook, I am being VERY creative with low-carb recipes. I am actually having fun with it and not over thinking the fact that I can't have sweets. Last night had a dream that I had a plate of junk and I was soooo upset. I am glad it was a dream because one bite of the wrong thing can throw off my ketosis. Any of you guys ever tried Atkins? Or any other dietary change? How are you doing?

Just saying thanks...

...to everyone who has stopped by to give me words of encouragement, to say hello, or just to even read my blog. I feel it's an honor to have people to come and visit and actually take an interst and keep up with my blog. I have learned a lot from you guys and it has truly been a great support group as we are all going through this journey. It's amazing...isn't it? Sisterlocks bring out a lot of Sisterhood...that's the way it should be.

My Sisterlock Report Card for the 3rd Month

V, my loctitian, said that my Sisterlocks looked good and that they were coming along just fine. We combined a couple of stragglers so I have some 2 headed dragons which is fine by me. I am going to start snipping the ends, the ones that have been pressed out so much that they are now straight, every time I get my locs retightened. I was going to wait for my year mark, but it would be toooo drastic for me to handle and this way I can do it little by little. I like that idea. Oh, I am also trying out this braid out thing... Post pictures tomorrow of the result...That's all to report for now.

P.S. I know I have a big head...lol

2 days before 3rd Retightening

Nothing much to say. Just some pictures of how my 3 month babies are looking. The 'spot' I have is really trying to fill in. My locs have gotten thicker. The first pic is from week 1 of my Sisterlocks. You can see that they were much thinner there. As I think on it...this post is a good post for anyone with doubts on whether or not their locs will thicken out. They will! I swore my loctitian made mine too small, but clearly she knew what she was doing.