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?
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I didn't check out the article, but a 99 cent bottle that works is definitely something to jump about!! If it works for you, go on girl.
ReplyDeleteHow long do you blow dry your hair for it to dry? I'm anti-heat so I don't know if I would try this.
I only use the hand dryer for about 8 minutes at the most. It’s 1875 watts and it does the trick. It’s MOSTLY dry, not 100%. I find that it helps keeps my pattern together, the fuzzys down, styles look and hold better, and those hideous white root balls don’t seem to be as prevalent. I don’t wear my locks straight that often as you can see…LOL…,and I am always rolling them and a damp loc that is supposed to be rolled is not cute at all.
ReplyDeleteI think that is what is wondeful about this natural hair journey, you find what works for you. After all, aren't we all after freedom with our hair? Question, are you a DIYer or do you go to a loctitian for your retightenings? Do you or she use the SL or NL tool? I plan on becoming a DIYer as soon as possible. Hey, the holidays are coming so I appreciate the money saving tips!!! 99 cents sounds good!!!
ReplyDeleteI am not a DIYer... I thought about trying to learn, but I am just not motivated to do so yet. I have a crazy work schedule and I just can't spend days on end trying to do my hair. I just consider it an investment in me and I try not to think of the cost. The fee is actually not that bad in comparison.
ReplyDeleteWhen she first started my locks she used the SL tool... Thing is, it hurts and I feel nothing when she uses the NL tool so I opted for her to use that instead. Soley my preference.
Now this is only hearsay, but you shouldn't hurt with the SL tool. Are you tenderheaded in certain areas, or all over? I wonder if your consultant using the NL tool has to do with your SL's swelling with the salt water. When Kay exquisite and I went to the retightening class, the trainer mentioned that tension is missing when using the NL tool and so I'm wondering if the lack of tension has your locks a little larger now. Intersting, but if you like them better then its definitely a good thing.
ReplyDeletehmmm interesting. I know sea salt does something to hair to giveit a messier texture, which is great for locking.
ReplyDeleteYou can definitely make your own spray.
As far as tools, unless you are very tenderheaded, the retightening is not supposed to hurt...period.
It was recommended I use Aveda Detox. I use it but also other shampoos without sulfates, that are certified organic because that is important to me. Use what works for you, and you can't go wrong. Your locks will tell you what your hair needs :)
Gigglz and Naturally Sophia... You guys have given me a lot to think about. I am not sure why it hurt when she used the SL tool. It was only in certain areas, but Gigglz, you really have put some thoughts in my head as far as the missing tension when using the NL tool. Maybe that does have something to do with why they have swollen or maybe this is the size that I was going to end up with anyway. They have actually gone back down a bit since I used the clarifying shampoo. I think what I am going to do is have her use the SL tool for the next couple of RETIs and see what happens. I know a lot of this journey is trial and error, but I like the fact that you guys are giving me so much info. I guess ultimately I am going to have to save up to take the class even if it's just for the info. So much I need to learn.
ReplyDelete@A Sista who locked - - so you have peaked my interest with the VO5 concealing the white bulbs. Do you use the shampoo or the conditioner? Or both? And if you use the shampoo what do you put on afterwards?
ReplyDelete