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!
225 is quite a low number, but without actually seeing your hair/head, it's difficult to tell.I have maybe 370 and as far as I know,it's he lower end number wise(as far as SLS are concerned). I don't know of any one with that few locs unless they have some hair issues.If you're on lockitup, you could ask the consultants on there their opinion. It would help if they saw a clear pic of your sls.
ReplyDeleteMile High, I had my sisterlocks installed 5 weeks ago and counted 511 (give or take a few). It is my understanding that with sisterlocks you should have at least 300 locks, but maybe not. However, your hair looks like medium-large size sisterlocks and is absolutely beautiful. I also suggest that you talk to a consultant or ask Dr. Cornwell, she is on facebook
ReplyDeleteunder "sisterlocks". I do know that you can have large locks split and made smaller. You can checkout my pics at http://www.denisegaillard.com
Thanks ladies, I appreciate your feedback.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it can be hard to tell the difference btw the small still voice and the anxious over protective one. But this week I was reminded that you need to trust yourself bc when I went to my new consultant she pointed out all the things that I had concerns with. It wasn't just me! Maybe you can discuss these concerns with your current consultants but if that voice is still talking then I would go ahead and get another consultant to a look. Like you I am about 3 months locked and my new consultant mentioned that this is still a good time to catch any issues bc we are still early in the journey. Wishing you the best!
ReplyDeleteYour locks are beautiful and they do not look like they are under 300 locks. The above advise sounds good to me. Wishing you the best in your journey.
ReplyDeleteMaryee
Your locks look great, no matter how many. I have close to 600 locks and from what I've read you should have at least 300 as well. Even if you are "content" with how your locks look now, you feel that you should have more and you should look into this further while there is still time to correct it, if need be Best of luck, and you're never alone in your feelings.
ReplyDeleteSL Fam, Thanks so much for the comments. I have an appointment on Saturday for my second reti. I will certainly discuss my concerns with my consultant. Actually, I will alert her to it prior to my appointment in case she wants to make adjustments. Again, thanks my SL Sistahs. BTW, AB thanks for your words of encouragement today at FHG. You are great! BLESSINGS!!
ReplyDeleteYour SLs look good on you. It doesn't look as full as some of the ladies I've set on blogs. This just proves that everyone's will not look the same. But when I go to my consultation in a few days, I will let the consultant know that I want a full look bc that's the type of styles that look good on me. I don't know how many SLs I'll need to achieve this look but I will be very clear on my goal. If she can't handle it (I have abou 7-8 inches of natural hair) then I'll find another consultant. I cant waste my money. Have you discussed your concerns w/ your consultant? Since it's still early in your journey, maybe she can redo them?? Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteI have about the same number of locks as you do or maybe a few less than you do. But, my head surface is small, my hair is fine, I have small-medium locks and I am so happy with my locks. I had the unfortunate experience to have to change consultants right after my follow-up visit. And my new consultant said my original consultant did a very fine job of installing my locks -- even thought they number far less than 300!
ReplyDeleteLove your locks! Don't let the number bother you. We're all different -- no two heads are the same. I hope this helps you not feel alone. Just know you have a Sistah out here with a similar number of locks as you do AND I LOVE 'EM!
Peace n' love!
I first want to say your locks are beautiful! They don't look super small or large. I think it depends alot on the size of your head and your hair density. I have a big(brain:),very dense hair and 547 locks! Some days I truly wish I had less head/hair especially during retight time. One thing for certain is if you plan to have them split now is a great time to do it while your locks are still babies. Stay blessed!
ReplyDeleteI dont believe people are really adminstering a hard and fast rule on lock number. it just seems unwise to me, and setting up a standard just for the sake of a standard. yeah there are general rules, sigh, but using loc number as a source of pride takes away from the this whole journey in my opinion. what if a person has a small head and fine hair. its totally plausible that under 300 is right for her.
ReplyDeletei would rather have less than 300 healthy anchored whole locks than push to have 500 or more, strained, shaky and weak locks.
mile high, consult with other consultants, and as someone mentioned, dont try and compare your journey to someone elses, there is really no lock number fits all.i realize i am late in replying, forgive me :)
Nicole - thanks so much for your comments. Wow! You touched on the same point my consultant reiterated to me today - "healthy" locks. You are absolutely correct in your analysis of where my /our focus should be with regard to this lock journey..."healthy hair". I must say that I have spent my last day being anxious about lock size and number. THANKS for your wisdom. BLESSINGS!
ReplyDeleteI too agree with Nicole. I have maybe 345 locks and like you I was troubled by the number. After losing 3 or 4 very skinny locks I am now content with my lock number. I have a medium to thin grade of hair and although I have a long face I have a small head. Once I stopped focusing on others jouneys I really started to enjoy mine. Your hair is gorgeous and I frequent your blog often. I'm glad that you and I are both now happy with our own hair. P.S. it also helped me to look at women with traditional locks and the beautiful styles they achieved.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed reading your blog. It was very educational
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way. I have very course hair and my hair is very thick. I only have 340 and it looks odd. My hair is not full and this is a problem for me. I've had my SL's about 4 months and I'm still disappointed. I want small not micro SL's and my consultant is not taking my complaints serious. I noticed she split about five but I need her to split about 100 more. I have so many spaces it not funny.
ReplyDeletePlease someone respond..thanks in advance.
ReplyDeleteHi Rahni33 how did your hair turn out? I have about 348 locks and I wanted mine small as well and I'm trying to get an idea of how they will look
DeleteI wish that I had less locks and I'm considering having mine combined. I just want to keep my grid. I started off with 691 and hoping to get to half of that. Tired of 7 hour retightening sessions. I'd like to maintain my own hair.
ReplyDeleteHello ladies I am new to SLs and I only have 244
ReplyDeleteI have 288
ReplyDeleteI also have not too fine and not to thick hair and mine are small with no space. I did them myself...I love them
ReplyDeleteI have 519 and have been locking for about 6 months. A bunch of my locs around my hairline are thin and kinda of brittle. Does anyone have a similar experience? I'm afraid they may break the longer my locks grow
ReplyDeleteGlad I found this post. I have 242 locs and I love my hair. My hair is very soft and fine. I don't think the number matters because everyone's hair is different. Mine aren't too small or too big. Enjoy your journey ladies. I'm 9 months in.
ReplyDeleteI was concerned about my number but I'm happy and looking forward to my journey. I have hardly any edges so my hairline goes back a little. I'm sure this played a factor. I was hoping for at least 4 to 500. I have 367. I'm embracing the journey and trusting my consultant. My locs were just completed today 4/13/19.
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ReplyDelete