Happy Thanksgiving - I Am Thankful

During this Thanksgiving Season I must give thanks for some of  the blessings this Sisterlocks Journey has brought to me:

I am thankful for Dr. Cornwell and her vision of Sisterlocks.
I am thankful for being on this beautiful journey of  freedom and discovery.
I am thankful for the peace that I have surrounding my hair and it's "natural" beauty.
I am thankful to know that within my spirit I have discovered another part of  who I really am.
I am thankful for all the love and support that is available from the SL community.
I am thankful for the courage and faith that keeps me on the path.
I am thankful for "you" for sharing this journey with me.
I am thankful for a great consultant to assist me on this journey.
I am thankful for family and friends who always encourage me.
I am thankful for the SL sistahs who have gone ahead and lead the way!

What are you thankful for while on this SL Journey?

Week 13 - Reti Recap / Consultant Addresses Number/Size

So this post will close out the size/number issue.  I had a great visit with my consultant last Saturday for my Reti appointment.  Ironically, she had not received my text regarding my lock size/number questions.  (She lost her cell). We have such a good rapport that we laughed as I shared my anxiousness with her and the fact that I was a victim of "information overload" and also that less than an hour after I sent the text I sent another one voicing my understanding of  what the  true focus of my locks should be and that I was okay.  LOL! Sometimes we just need to get things in the atmosphere in order to rid ourselves of  those nagging thoughts. Other times we can have so much information (even through blogging) that we begin to compare our locks too much and on every issue. This can cause us to "create" problems for ourselves. Thanks for helping me work through this SL sistahs.  My lock journey has gone absolutely beautiful and I love it.  At this point locks size and number is and shall forever remain a mute issue for me.

My consultant told me that she is more concerned about the health of my hair than any rule that says one must have a certain number of locks. Her goal is for me to have healthy hair /locks. I had to laugh since a number of you told me the same thing.   My hair is healthy, growing and beautiful and I am at peace with it.   My consultant is knowledgeable, experienced and  knows that I trust her expertise.


I hope these post will help someone else on their journey.  Just remember that though we are on the same journey, we are all different and we have to be flexible in applying hard, fast rules.  Sometimes it's necessary and wise to adjust rules and tailor them to our individual situations, environments/etc..  We can follow guidelines that will give us the desired result while promoting the growth of  healthy hair.  Don't be too stringent and too critical. Be patient with your hair and your journey.  And on non crucial issues such as lock size and number NEVER compare your locks with others.

RETI RECAP- Reti only took about an hour.  I did not have any slippage/unravelling. My edges are really filling in a lot and we should be ready to start some new babies soon.  I was told that I could begin spraying my scalp with  Janol spray once a week. Also, this time she did the reti  first and then shampooed me. She said that it really didn't matter. My hair turned out great.  My next appointment is in 6 weeks.  It was a great visit.   BLESSINGS!!

Week 12- Feeling Better About Lock Size/Number

Okay Sistah's, I  heard you loud and clear. I so appreciated each of your comments and words of encouragement from my last post. You helped to ease the tension I had began to feel. Thanks for helping through this little period of uncertainty.     

I actually spoke with a local SL veteran whom I recently met. (Thanks D!) She assured me that my locks looked great and were the right size for my hair/head. She stated that she began with more than 400 very small locks but had problems with them breaking off and had to have many of them combined. She also said that if she had to do it again she would get them larger. In addition, even with her reduced number of (combined) locks, her DIY reti's are very time consuming and arduous. I feel a lot better since these were the concerns my consultant stated during our initial consultation that she did not want me to experience due to our climate/environmental factors, hair type and density, etc. Given that she has been installing Sls for about nine years I'm glad she knows the dynamics of the factors that promote a successful SL experience.

Lesson Learned: Don't over analyze or compare your locks to anyone else's If you have a very good consultant, trust her judgement and expertise. Believe your SL sistah's when they say "No two sets of locks are the same". Everything about locks are unique just as each of us is unique. Even Number and Size.

@ Shelly THANK YOU so much for commenting. It helps to know that I'm not alone. When I read your comment I actually let out a sigh of relief. Our situations are quite similar and your comments brought me so much relief.

I did text my consultant with my concern and we can talk about it on Saturday during my appointment, although I think I'm okay now.

THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE!!!!! BLESSINGS!

Lock Number & Size Issue - HELP!!!

So I have a very rare Saturday morning free so I was up early on my laptop enjoying reading your SLS blogs and relaxing. Well, I discovered (rather acknowledged) something about myself that has been popping up in the back of my mind for quite some time and I need to get it out here so I can get over it.

Here goes, I really think I have an issue with the number of locks I have (or don't have). The crazy thing is I totally understand the process of what determines lock number and size / hair density, etc., but I keep wondering if I should have more. (I think subconciously I actually want more.) I mean is there anyone out there who has less than 300 locks? I haven't seen anyone. I only have around 225 or so and although my locks look great, not too big, not too small...probably just right for my hair/head/etc., I always see that other sistahs' have locks numbered in the 300's. 400's, 500's, etc. And I see how full and beautiful there are or are going to be and I feel that somehow my locks aren't going to be as beautiful. I think as women we find comfort in identifying with someone in a situation like ours who has a success story. I kinda poked at the issue in an earlier post(Recap of Installation - Week 1) but didn't really address the issue and it simply won't go away. Oh, I know this may seem petty to some but it's where I am today and it's what's on my mind. Make no mistake, I love my SLs but I just want to keep it real. Maybe someone else has the same thoughts as I do and, just like me, didn't want to acknowledge or address the pesty little thoughts.

Even as I'm writing this it's as if I have an angel sitting on one shoulder encouraging me that all is well and a demon sitting on the other trying to discourage me. Who would have thought that my lock journey would be this spiritual, at least on this level anyway ? LOL!

So there you go, it's out there. Hopefully I'll get past this bump in the road. BLESSINGS!

Week 11 - "I Love My Hair"

Week 11 - Can I Just Say "I LOVE MY HAIR"

Can I just say "I LOVE MY HAIR". Okay, now that I've gotten that out I can move on. This was a great week. Every day yielded a new appreciation for my locks and a renewed acceptance and confirmation of this journey I am on. Still had some of the curls left from the set a couple of weeks ago. Had a wedding on Saturday so I wanted to add a little something something. Put the soft spikes in on Friday night. Only use a very light mist of water on each section. I don't want to over manipulate my locks yet. Wore a pin up in the back for the wedding. Didn't go for a "neat, every lock in place look. Just put in a few hair pins/pearls and my hair was done. Got soooooo many compliments on the style. You can't really tell it from the photos but it was really cute. I'm not going to do anything else for the next couple of weeks. I think I'll just let it do what it does. I visit my consultant on the 21st so I'll just wait for my visit and see how my babies are doing.

Week 10 - Curls Still Holding

I was very pleased with my hair this week.  The curls are still holding from my Soft Spikes set last week.  The curls are slowly falling out and my hair looks great.  Most of the week I really didn't bother much with my hair.  We had a snow storm and when I went out I had a hat on my head.  When I took it off, I simply ran my hands through my locks to fluff them up and that was it.  All in all it was a good hair week.  I'm a few days late posting this week but I had a busy weekend and didn't have time to do my Sunday evening blog update.  Thanks for stopping by.

Week 9 - Soft Spikes

I concluded week 9 by trying my Soft Spikes.  First of all stop laughing at my pics with the rollers in my hair.  I know they are big.  I ordered the large size.  In retrospect maybe I should have gotten a smaller size. Although there were a big large, I didn't have a problem sleeping with them... tied my scarf on my head and went to sleep.  And I LOVE THE FINAL RESULT!!!!   Oh my goodness, I got so many compliments today.  I was not expecting people to respond to my hair the way they did.  The photos really don't show the full beauty of my hair but you get the idea. I want to say that I also love my peeps. They are so encouraging and loving to me as I proceed on this journey.

So, let me share my process in achieving my style.
1.  Put hair/locks in small braids/plaits.
2 . Spritz lightly with water
3.  Curl on soft Spike Curlers
4.  Take curlers out and finger comb hair to desired style.
4.  Fall even deeper in love with your hair.

That's it, so easy!!  And all chemical free and free to be ME. By the way, it snowed today so these photos are after I put my hat on and off a couple of times.  I will definitely do this again soon.  I have a wedding to attend in 2 weeks.  I'll definitely use the Soft Spike in my styling option.  Thanks for stopping by.
Blessings!!!

Two Months - Get Up and Go Hair

Okay, so I got my Soft Spikes on Thursday (sorry no pics).  Was out and about, got home late and my hubby had placed them on the bed to make sure I saw them.  He so knows me (and my hair priorities).  Well, as tired as I was, you know I still had to test them out before I turned in for the night.  I had Soft Spikes going every which way.  I was too tired to try and use any kind of method with my madness. Well, when I took them out on Friday morning I suppose my hair turned out okay..considering.   My hair had a slight turn / bend/ volume to it.  I didn't want a tight curl so it was a plus on that end.  I ordered the large size and I think they did what they were suppose to do.  I think when I am able to put products on my hair  or use the Soft Spikes when my hair is wet the result will be a lot dramatic. Overall, I did like the result but I'm looking forward to using them again. I had planned to take a pic to post but got busy and forgot to take one.  I felt good that my hair wasn't as sparse as it had been after my reti. Some of the parts from the fresh reti were camoflauged as well. I'll post a pic when I try them again.

My son is pretty sick, woke up yesterday with the dreaded "flu-like" symptoms, took  him to the doctor (of course he didn't see a doctor but a nurses assistant).  However, I have to give a shout out to the NA's.  Mine did a good job. He didn't get a prescription, shot or anything.  So why do we have insurance again??  In any event,  I'm taking care of my first born.  Didn't sleep well. He was pretty sick and  I was sensitive to his every cough, whimper, turn , plus worked on getting that fierce fever under control all night long. Kept going to the guest room to check on him and administer TLC, liquids and essential oils throughout the night.  Same regiment today.  At least the fever is going down.  Thank God!!!!

Anyway, took a minute to jump online.  I will say that on days like today I love my SLs even more.   Didn't even fluff them out when I took my wrap off this morning and  they still looked cute...,just flat against my head.I will actually work this look later on with the right accessories.  I LOVE MY HAIR!!!   Gotta go check on my patient.  Blessings!

Week 7 - First Retightening

Woke up on yesterday to frigid temperatures and snow but not even the weather could deter me from getting to my 8 a.m. appointment.  I was eager to get my first "reti" and was looking forward to a good shampoo. I  read on some of the other blogs that their reti's were done on dry hair.  Tayo shampooed me first then did my reti on wet/damp hair.  She noted that my locks were doing very well and that I didn't have any slippage or bunching/crawling. I had about a quarter of an inch of new growth.  I was also pleased that it only took her one hour and about forty-five minutes to shampoo me and complete my reti. She really works very fast and does and excellent job.  Also, I don't have as many locks as a lot of  others sistah's but the number I have is appropriate for my hair (density/etc.).  I was told to continue with the same routine of not putting anything in/on my hair, including water.  On my next visit in four weeks she will let me know if I can begin to add moisturizer, etc.  Everything has worked out well so far so I will continue to follow the instructions of my consultant.  She also clarified that it was okay for me to style my locks. YEEEEAAA!!!!  I guess I just didn't want to manipulate my locks too much at the beginning.  But I will try to do a little bit more with them.  Last night   ordered the Soft Spikes  I've read so much about.  I'm looking forward to getting them and testing them out.  The only small challenge I had today (Sunday) with my newly reti'd locks was with styling them because they were not as full as before the reti.  The finished result was a lot like the initial installation. I fluffed them out as best as I could...donned my "work your SLs attitude",  went out with confidence and  walked in the freedom and knowledge that this is my hair and I'm proud of the journey I'm on.  Wouldn't you know it.... I received several compliments at church today and one lady asked if I had sisterlocks, we talked about them and she asked for my consultant's contact information.  Sistah's, even on our challenging and unsure days, attitude goes a long way.  Overall, I ended my seventh week still in love with my locks, having learned to embrace my hair at all times and I am eagerly anticipating what the next week will hold for me.  I'm posting my before and after pics so you can see the difference.

Week Six - A Beautiful Journey

                                                                          
Week six was uneventful in terms of  any major changes in my hair.  I understand that this is a gradual process but even at this stage, I am loving what my hair is doing. I think the key to my attitude is prior research.  I did an enormous amount of research on SLs and the process before I decided to transition.  I think that knowing that everybody's hair is different and being acquainted with the process has helped me a lot.  That's not to say that I won't have issues and concerns about the process, but right now, at this point I'm okay.  I'm going to trust my consultant and follow her instructions on caring for my locks. Right now my hair and are a little dry  but it's tolerable.  Not much itching or flaking but I've read that this is common for this stage.  I am intent on doing the right thing for my hair in order to aid it in doing what nature directs it to do.  I must be patient with it.  I did stop by to see my consultant about a week ago just to have her check to see if  my hair was too dry.  She assured me that my hair was doing great and wasn't too dry. Interestingly though, other people say that my hair doesn't look dry.

I'm getting lots of compliments and have been talking with other locked sistahs whom I know.  Now that I have joined them on this journey our connections is even closer.  Isn't that amazing?  Met a beautiful sistah (Leigh Ann) while out shopping yesterday.  I noticed her right away because her SLs were so beautiful.  They were about 2 years old and looked incredible.  We talked for a while and she was so nice, encouraging and had a beautiful spirit.  There really is a "sisterhood" among "locked" sisters.

So I start Week 7 on tomorrow.  I'll go on Saturday (10/10/09) for my fist "reti" and my second shampoo (third if you count my installation day).  I am so excited about it.  I've been making sure that I separate the locks so that they don't "creep/bunch" into adjacent locks.  Still haven't put anything on my hair (not even water).

Okay, enough for this week.  You really can't tell any changes with the pics I took this week but I'll post  them anyway.

Week 5 - A Shout Out To My Sisterlocks Midwives

I am at the end of week 5 of my SL journey and I want to send a shout out to three sistahs who truly inspired me, encouraged me and were here to answer questions and provide support to me during the months that led up to my decision transition to SLs. During my natural hair journey they were there for me and understood the journey I was on, as well as the emotional connection that I had with my hair. So, quite naturally, (no pun intended) when SLs seemed to be the next step for me they were in my corner cheering me on.

 First to Kesha (cuz) - "Stylist Extraordinaire"! Kesha gets so much credit for escorting to the path that started me on this journey. Kesha introduced me to Sisterlocks. I had never heard of "Sisterlocks" but Kesha kept telling me, that because I was so enjoying and in tune with my natural hair, I would LOVE Sisterlocks. Mind you, I never imagined, envisioned or even thought of myself as a "lock" person. While I admired them on other people, I thought that because I like to "change" styles and loved braids so much that I simply would never even consider locks for myself. As Kesha kept encouraging me in that direction I began researching SLs. I finally understood the connection Kesha knew I would have with SLs. Every week she checks on my locks and is always there to "fluff" and add that little extra touch to make sure she keeps "cuz" at the top of my game... THANKS KESHA - you helped to birth my babies (locks).

Next to Kim M - My amazing and patient friend what can I say. Only you know the story. Every day stopping by just to encourage me and tell me that "you can do it". She let me touch and play in her hair, ask her 1000 questions about her locks and always answered with excitement, patience and kindness. As you can see, her locks are beautiful. They are about 2 years old and I love them!!! . I'll never forget all the days in the mirror (you know what I'm talking about ...LOL!!!) Kim, you have adopted my babies(your babies) and you stop by everyday to see how they are doing and to make sure I'm nurturing them correctly. How special is that..."Nana". Thanks Kim!!!!!

Finally to Kendria - My beautiful, intellectual, powerful and strong niece. What deep conversations we've had and what inspiration you've provided. Though we are miles and miles apart, we are only a phone call or a plane flight away from some of the most enjoyable, intense, and powerful debates on self discovery and acceptance I've ever had. Though you are years younger, you are full of wisdom and you know how much I love and admire you... All I need to say to you my dear is that I LOVE YOU...Thanks for leading the way. "Rock the Locks!"

One Month Photos

Week 4 - One Month Progress Report

Okay my SL Family, I have reached the one month mark and I feel great!  My locks are progressing well.  I am posting some pictures so you can see.  Earlier this week my friend ,who also has locks, was  looking at my hair and commented that they are starting to bulk up and get volume. I was glad to hear this since they are always so flat in the mornings as a result of sleeping on them.   I always fluff them up in the morning but they still seem somewhat flat to me. Consequently, I am fluffing them throughout the day since I can't keep my hands out of my hair anyway.  I can see the progress but I think that no matter how well things are going, we always want them to go better.  I will say that my locks do have a lot of movement/body and I really haven't had any problems so far. 

Because the climate here is extremely dry my consultant told me that we have to make some adjustments to accommodate for the climate but still promote a healthy locking process.   I thought that due to the climate I would have a major issue with dryness since I haven't been able to put moisturizer (or anything else) in my hair. Although I noticed that my scalp is a little dry I haven't had a problem with itching or dandruff.  I do, however, know that some people do experience issues in these areas.  I have seen only a  few/minor stray flakes  in my hair but nothing that has concerned me. I told Grace, my consultant, that I would follow her instructions to a "t" and I have.  Overall, I'm very pleased.

Okay, so what's next?  Well, I read a lot of blogs where my sistah's are styling their locks and braiding, curling and the works.  I think I'm afraid to do that so soon.  When my consultant told me not to do anything to my locks I think I interpreted that as styling also.   I've just been free styling and some days I put on a headband and wear it off my face.   I don't know, I'll ask her when I go back in about three weeks for my re-tightening.  It seems that this is working for me so I suppose whatever works for each individual is just fine.  We are all different and so is our hair.  I will say that I see new hair growth already and my hair seems to be taking to the process nicely.  So this wraps up my "One Month" Progress Report. I am looking forward to what Month Two holds for me on this journey.

A Special Thanks! - A MUST READ

Initially I began to include this in a previous post. But sistah's, I just couldn't do that because my hubby deserves not only a post all to himself,  but he deserves an entire website dedicated to thanking him for his support over the years. For the past 25 1/2 years of marriage, he has supported me in EVERY phase of my hair journey.  Through all the frustration, the doubts, the somewhat satisfied results, a few satisfied results,  the chemicals, weaves, hair cuts, braids, the beautiful natural phase, no matter what he has always been there to speak life, love and encouragement to me.  He has listened to the whinning, pouting, complaints,  answered for the" uumph teenth" time on the same day, my repeated questions of "how does my hair look, does my hair look okay...you sure...you're just saying that  so I won't ask you again aren't you???"  LOL, sistah's I know you know what I'm talking about...can I get at least one witness!  And do I even need to mention the hundreds of times I went to bed with all kinds of different looks, rollers, wraps, sleeping with my hand under head, sleeping on my face, head propped up, tight braids  or partially taken down and all the " I  don't want to mess my hair up" drama. You get the picture.  Still, he always told me I was beautiful and never complained.  Whew, I was tired of my own self!!!!!!!                  
So finally.....finally...I said  "FINALLY", he is, on a daily basis hearing something I know he thought he would never hear me say "I LOVE MY HAIR!!!"   I'm not only happy for myself and my new found freedom, but I am happy for him too.  So, if you haven't thanked your spouse, significant other or special people in your life for hanging in there with you on your path to freedom "DO IT".  They are a part of our journey too and they need to know that we appreciate them and what they gone through with us.  Oh my goodness, and how can I forget my incredible sons!!!!!  My poor sons have endured the same as their dad.  I'm laughing right now as I think about it because if you lived in the house with me you were a part of my "hair drama".  Now we are all celebrating this transition.  My youngest son, who is 20 yrs old, initially didn't want me to get "locks" but he loves my "sisterlocks".  Needless to say we are all happy.  "Thank You" to the three loving, supportive and wonderful men in my life.  You are simply, "incredibly amazing"!!!!! Enjoy you newly found "peace" and freedom as well....LOL!!!

Week 3 - Locks Starting To "Bud"

I continue to absolutely adore my SLs.  While running my hands through them this week I have noticed that some of my locks have little balls or buds close to the end.  I understand from other blogs that this is normal and is the beginning of the locking process. I am pleased with the progress my hair is making even at such an early point ( 3weeks).  My only frustration at this point has nothing to do with my hair. Rather it is with publishing this blog.  I can't seem to get it to pull up in any search engine.  I changed the name/ URL a few days after I started to set up the blog. Now, it won't come up.  I've spoken with some techies and have been told that "spider / crawl" has to do something in it's own time.... you tech savvy people know what I'm talking about. In the interim, no one can pull up my blog and communicate with me during this time.  But by now, since you are reading this, everything has gotten worked out.  I would just like to know that I have some sistah's out there who understand where I am on this journey.  I'll just continue to read other blogs for support and information.  Thanks for all the blogs sistahs, they are my SLs lifeline. BlaqKofi, I appreciate you and your blog so much!

Three Week Visit - Shampoo

I was up bright and early for my 3 week visit/shampoo.  Both Grace and Tayo examined my hair, noting the progress and condition of my locks.  I was told that I did not have any slippage and that my locks were responding very well to the process. My locks were shampooed, however, they did not braid or band them as I have read about on other blogs/sites.  I asked about this and was told that they didn't need to band them.  I'll have to ask if that comes later. I didn't think to ask while I was there.  I was told to continue with not putting anything in my hair. By the way, for several years now the edges of my hair have been very sparse and weak. This has been of concern to me because I love to wear my hair off my face. I've taken "before" pics and will post them at the time my "edge" locks are installed. Tayo told me that we will be able to start locks around my edges sometime in the next few months. I can see growth around my edges already and I am so excited!  In addition, I was told that I could separate/pull apart the locks as I felt I needed to. I will have my first "re-tightening" in 5 weeks.  Looking forward to it.

Weeks One and Two

    

                       
                    

Weeks 1 and 2  of  my SLs journey were great.  I received so many compliments, not only on my hair, but people whom I have know for a long time are telling my that SLs are a perfect fit for my personality and how they envision me.  It's amazing what we learn when we gather the courage to venture onto the path of self discovery.  During this week I have experienced such an emotional and spiritual awakening.  There is a freedom that comes with accepting the natural state of ones' identity.  I believe that the years of using chemicals and other unhealthy haircare products have all culminated into this "rite of passage" for me. Once I stopped putting those products in my hair and began wearing my hair "naturally" I began this journey but i did not know where it would lead me.  I think  the reason I loved wearing my hair in braids for so long was because braids represented "acceptance" of my identity to me.  I teasingly told people all the time that "I will be 80 years old and still wearing my braids".  Well, I think that I can seriously say that this lifestyle change will usher me into my eighties and beyond. After all,there is so much more to learn and to love. So much more of life to live!!!

Recap of Installation

I was very excited about my SL install.  I could hardly sleep the night before.  I arrived prepared to spend the day getting my SLs.  Grace, my consultant, told me during my consultation that it would take between 6-8 hours since another consultant, Tayo, would be assisting her. I was surprised since I had read online about installations taking in excess of 35+ hours for some people.  One of the reasons I chose Grace was because of her experience and longevity in doing SLs.  She explained to me my curl pattern (I have a loose pattern) and because the climate is so dry in Colorado she advised me that the small to medium sized SL would be installed. I had also been told by other ladies who have various types of locks that if the locks are too small they will definitely break off in our very dry climate. I had also read of people who have 300, 400, 500+ locks.  I have less than 300 locks.  I think my head must be smaller than those ladies and my hair is not as thick as theirs.  Grace advised me not to put ANYTHING in my hair over the next three weeks.  That included water. I could spritz my scalp with water if I had a problem with itching.  I am three days away from my 3 week anniversary and have strictly followed her instructions.  I haven't had any problems with my hair.  I'm loving it and I actually like the loose ends fly away look.  I have gotten soooo many compliments.  I am so glad that I did the research prior to getting locks and I am thankful for all the blogs that have helped and continue to help me on this "rite of passage". Thanks so much to "BlaqKofi". The information contained in your blog is priceless, as are you!

We Did It!!!! My Consultant Dr. Grace Abolaji and Me

The Beginning - Let There Be Locks

I began my SL journey on Monday, August 17, 2009.  At the time of this posting I am 2 1/2 weeks into my journey.  To date, I am very happy with my decision to transition to SLs.  I have taken several pictures and will be uploading them as time permits.  I would appreciate your comments and support on this journey. I am so excited with where I am and where I am going.  I feel that my time has come and I am comfortable with my decision. As those of you who have already passed this way know, the emotional connection I am feeling with myself and my hair is simply amazing.  I am embracing this Rite of Passage with pride, confidence and an earnest desire to learn as much as I can about this new and exciting journey that I am on. Thanks for coming along with me.

2008 - 2009 Hair -

"Free At Last" and all "Locked Up"

All Done!!! Shampooing my new SL's

Let the "Locking" Begin

Back view during installation

Freshly Shampooed and Dry - Installation Day

Getting ready to leave home.  Got up early and shampooed and air dried my hair.  Grace, my consultant, told me not to put/leave anything in my hair after I shampooed it.

Test Locks

My consultant put in test locks about a week before my SL installation

Day Before Lock Installation

Last day rockin the natural "fro"