The Ugly Stage Pt.2

I'm noticing this ugly stage lasts for a while... I'm getting sick of it.  I've been coping by setting my hair on curlers, but I can't keep doing that because it, ultimately, makes this ugly stage last longer.  I think I'll resort to wearing wraps over my hair until things start to turn around.  Sounds like a plan.

The Ugly Stage

I don't know how long this is going to last, but I'm eager for my hair to completely lock so I no longer have to tolerate this ugly stage.  The only thing that makes my hair look decent is by setting it on curlers. *shrugs*  I got the - my hair's not locked but tryna get there.... Hate sleeping in freakin curlers - blues! lol

Budding!

It's only been a couple of months and my locks are budding!  At this rate I'll be locked in a couple of months.  


This locking experience has been so uplifting to my spirit.  I feel so free now that I don't have to worry about my hair.  The most time I spend styling it each day is nothing compared to what I used to have to go through - picking and re-twisting it every time I wash it.  Now the most time I spend is 7 minutes setting it in curlers after a washing.  I LOVE MY LOCKS!! :-D

My First Re-tightening

It's underway! I'm sitting here typing as my mom re-tightens my locks... My hair grows super fast!  It's only been a few weeks and I've got a little over a quarter inch of new growth!  My hair is going to be so long come 1 year.  I can't wait to see it!  She's doing a really good job.


I've inspired my mom to lock her hair... I'll be the one to do it when she's ready to take the next step.   I'm going to get the Nappy Loc starter kit, so I can learn to do it right.  My mom has relaxed ends... I can't wait to see her locks!

More Stylin!

Intermission 4: Neon Valley Street (Jazz Rendition)

Stylin!

I'm loving styling my new locks!  Last night, I spritzed my hair with lavender water and set it on curlers...

Did I say I love stylin my locks!!!  I can hardly wait for them to mature and grow.  I'm so excited about this journey! 

Intermission 3: Janelle Monae - Say You'll Go

Curing Dandruff

After doing a search online, and refusing to pay more than $20 for anti-dandruff shampoo, I found a homeopathic approach to curing dandruff: Lemon Juice!!  Just apply the juice to your scalp and let it dry and set for at least 8 hours.  Rinse and wash the scalp, then you're done :)


I tried it two days before getting my locks installed and it worked!!  The itch is gone and I've washed away the flakes.  I know this is an icky topic, but it's real - especially for those of us on a lock journey, since oils are not encouraged during the first 6 months.

Just The Start

The journey has begun!! I'm so excited with how my locks look!  I did a trial run the last couple of months; so I know it's not going to take long for my twists to lock up.  I give it 4 months - I have a really tight curl pattern.  Here are some pics!

I had my mom do it, so I didn't pay one red cent!  And as you can see... IT LOOKS AWESOME!  I went with the two-strand twist approach and I'm thrilled with the results!  

Intermission 2: Janelle Monae - Tightrope Wondamix

The Next Best Thing

Yesterday, while I was riding the bus, I met a guy that just started his locks and he had the best grid I have seen.  I got the number of the lady who did it and she said she would twist my hair for $25!  It's not Sisterlocks, but I'd be a fool to pass up such a good deal... I'll be saving SO MUCH money!  It's the next best thing.

Intermission 1

The Waiting Game

My appointment had to be postponed due to my being hospitalized, but I'm still getting my Sisterlocks.  I'm disappointed because I figured I'd be posting all my pics at this point, but it'll happen soon enough. 

The Beginning: My Natural Hair Journey

One beautiful, sunny day, back in 2003, I hurried into a barbershop and told the barber I needed a cut.  Going "Natural" was something I just needed to do.  I was on a spiritual journey and felt it was time to: 1) Stop doing things that harm my body, and 2) Start to better respect God's creation.  I truly felt liberated.  At that time, the older ladies in my church had afro's.  The beauty was undeniable.  Their example really encouraged me.  Back then, dreadlocks weren't an option for me.  It never entered my mind that locking my hair would be just as, if not more, attractive than the braid extensions I would get.  Although I had seen locks, I was not regularly exposed to or educated about the style.

I really enjoyed the freedom of not having to go to the salon to get my hair relaxed and styled.   Salon visits were expensive and TIME CONSUMING.  3 years had gone by and one day, after sitting alone in my room, I decided that I was tired of my afro.  I had forgotten the rigors of - and the true reason I had given up on - having relaxed hair.  Thoughtlessly, I went to the store and bought a relaxer, applied it, and was immediately filled with regret.  I was so disappointed in myself for the transgression.  I really felt that I had betrayed myself.  It was time for my second Big Chop.

~

After the relaxer fiasco, once my hair started getting longer, I decided that I would keep my hair in a two-stranded twist.  This gave me a break from having to pick my afro everyday.  It was beginning to really hurt - even while wet!  I have a really tight curl pattern.  For the past 5 years my hair has been either in the twists or afro, and that was okay by me.

~

This year, after recovering from a surgery and having to deal with learning a whole new way of life, I realized I was going to do one of two things with my hair: A) Shave it to the scalp or B) LOCK - IT - UP.  I just cannot be bothered with having to take down twists and re-twist EVERY WEEK.  It just so happened that, while I was watching a show on hulu, the Coffee-mate, "Express Yourself" commercial came on.  After about the second or 3rd time I saw it, I noticed this lady who had gorgeous, conservatively styled locks that where cascading down around her shoulders. I was mesmerized.  So, I called a friend an told her that I was considering locking my hair.  She says to me, "Google Sisterlocks."  So I did.  The pictures I had seen looked very similar to the locks I saw in the commercial!  In an instant, I began rummaging around the internet for any and all information I could find about Sisterlocks.  I tried to see if there was anyone who could give me the same look for less, but was unsuccessful.  I don't trust the "hook-up."  The saying goes, "You get what you pay for."  After seeing the precision of the Sisterlocks method, the matter was settled.  I went to the Sisterlocks website and found the name of a Certified Loctician and scheduled an appointment. 

~~~

So, now I'm 3 weeks from getting MY VERY OWN SISTERLOCKS!!  My loctician is the only one in 74 miles.  I feel really blessed to have the opportunity to get my hair styled this way.  I couldn't be more excited! :) Well... I would be if I was getting them done for free, but we all know * LOL* that is NOT going to happen.