Mile High Sisterlocks: A Rite Of Passage

I'm Back And Glad About It!!!! 26 Months & Counting

2011-10-27T18:11:00.000-06:00

Well it's been quite a while since I last posted. I dare not try and "catch up" on everything. So, I will just start with the pertinent information...LOL. Finished my Paralegal Certification Program with a 4.0 GPA. My original locktician relocated in June and I was blessed to find a wonderful sisterlock professional. I am pleased to introduce "Regan" to you. Regan is amazing! She and I bonded right away. She knows her craft and rocks sisterlocks too.They are beautiful! For those in the Denver Metro area check her out at "Crowning Glory Salon". She specializes in Natural Hair. I am posting a picture of us from my reit last week. I have gone to her twice for my reti's and she has done a fabulous job. It still only takes about an hour for my reti.

Now for an update on my locks - My locks are healthy and growing. I wear them pulled up in a ponytail a lot or pulled off my face. I decided to wear it down recently and was shocked at how long they were. The back is really growing. It's as if they had a growth spurt and I hadn't even noticed. I have not had any problems at all with them. Oh, in May I got some highlights / color on some of my locks. You can't really see it in the photo. I think I'm still afraid of a lot of color. Since I reached my 2 year anniversary in August, I think I don't have to worry about them too much (regarding color) since they are maturing quite well. I still have ends that have not locked yet but I'm okay with that. I just think that they are beautiful and I love them.

Well, since it's been so long since I last posted I hope that I still have a Sisterlock family out there. I will be posting often. By the way "Miss ANB" - are you happy now???? I updated my blog. LOL!!!! I sure am. I feel like I'm reconnecting with my family. Good to be back!!!! BLESSINGS!

19 Months and Counting!

2011-03-26T21:39:00.001-06:00

Wow! I can't believe how time is flying. Nineteen months and my locs are growing and doing great. I love my locs so. They are so versatile. They go from the gym to work to an evening out with ease. No fuss and no problem. At this point most of my ends still have not locked but it's okay. They will lock in their own time. I am thinking about coloring my ends. My ends were already colored when I started my locs but the color is almost gone now. I checked with my loctician a couple of weeks ago when I went for my reti and she gave me the go ahead. I will consult with my color specialist since I don't know if she has colored locs before. I know some people have had problems with coloring their locs. I don't want to do anything that might damage them. If I decide to color I will do it in May. Anyway, I'm pretty excited about doing something different with my locs. I would also like to try some different styles. I prefer to wear my hair off my face but find that I wear it freestyle (or with curls) most of the time. I am also looking for a good natural shampoo, conditioner and moisturizer. If you have any recommendations on either please let me know.

Still Coming Along Fine

2010-12-28T12:56:00.000-07:00

OMG! It's been forever - well that's a slight exaggeration - but it's been a while since I last posted. I have dedicated practically all my time to my studies. It's the end of the semester and Christmas break so I'm back for a few weeks. I must say that my hair is progressing nicely. It's growing and filling out nicely. I can't say that I have anything new to add regarding my hair. I still love it more than ever. I am so glad that, given my busy schedule, I don't have to worry about my hair. It goes seamlessly from my morning workouts, to work, then to school. I love not having to fuss over it. It takes no time at all to pep it up for an evening out.

Adding A Little Personality To My Locs

2010-09-05T21:59:00.000-06:00

Decided to add a little personality to my locks by braiding/plaiting them, lightly spraying them with a water/essential oil mix and letting them dry. Left them in overnight and took them down the next morning. This style lasted for about a week. I loved it a lot. As the locs loosened up they became really full and had lots of body and movement - while maintaining the wavy/crinkled look. It's really easy and fun. Got lots of compliments. If you like it give it a try and see how it works for you. BLESSINGS!!!

One Year Anniversary

2010-08-27T13:13:00.000-06:00

Last week (8/17) marked my one year Sisterlock anniversary. What an incredible milestone. During this first year I often wondered what my locs would be like at the one year milestone. Well, all I can say is that my locs have grown and still continue to grow into what they are suppose to be. They are uniquely mine and I accept them as such. This is one lesson that I have learned and embraced during this journey.

My experience has been as very positive one overall. I contribute this to the fact that I followed my consultants instructions and did not do much experimenting with my locs. I figure that after my locs mature a bit, I will have a lifetime to try new things with them.

I'm still not a DIY girl. Basically, this is due to the fact that it only takes my consultant about 1 hour to do my reti's. At one breif point I was stressing about loc number and size - wondering if I should have had more locs. Well, I AM THANKFUL that my consultant knew what was best for me, my climate, my lifestyle and my hair (density,etc.). I see that more ladies are combining their locs for the health of their locs as well as for efficiency in maintenance.

GOAL: My goal for year 2 is to learn to do my own reti's (in case I can't get to my consultant). Although I would like some color I will probably wait until my locs mature a bit more. I have to see what my consultant says. She is not a fan of coloring before the locs are mature enough to take the color. She said it impacts growth, etc.

Well, I have enjoyed the first year. I have absolutely no regrets. I've learned that I have to be patient with my locs and myself. There is so much love and support available among the sisterhood so embrace it. Enjoying the journey. BLESSINGS!

It's Been A While

2010-08-07T19:23:00.000-06:00

My Sistah's - It's good to be back with you. It has been an incredible Spring and Summer. I haven't been posting lately because I decided to go back to school to pursue one of my passions (Law-Paralegal). With going to class 4 nights a week, studying, working, plain ole life and wearing all my other hats, practically all of my time has been occupied. But one thing I know is that this is something that is not foreign to women - we do what we have to do and never miss a beat. I've missed you and it's good to be back.

Well, my locs are wonderful. In two weeks (8/17) I will celebrate my 1 year anniversary. In case anyone is wondering - I STILL LOVE MY LOCS!!! This has been the best decisions I have ever made. As you can see, my locs are growing nicely and I'm still getting lots of compliments. I have absolutely no complaints. I'm pleased with where I am on this beautiful SL journey. Thanks for stopping by and checking on me. Let me know you are still with me - BLESSINGS!

2010-04-20T16:08:00.001-06:00

Click on image to enlarge

Catching Up...Again - Week 35

2010-04-20T16:07:00.001-06:00

I've been like crazy busy these past few weeks and I've missed updating my blog but I'm baaack! So here's an update on what's been going on over the past month.

Yea!!! I have a pony tail. Okay, so it's more like a "pig tail" but it's mine and I love it! The pics of my ponytail were taken March 16th. I was reading other blogs and seeing the beautiful styles on some of blogs I follow (ie; Gizzlz, Dominique, Ofo, Kay Exquisite and always Blaqkofi) and was encouraged / inspired to try something new. I know I'm normally a freestyle girl but on that particular day, I went for it. And, to my surprise I was able to pull my locs up in a scrunchie. My edges look sparse but they are filling in since I got my locs.

I've tried a couple of styles since then. I did a little something..something different with my locs. I love it!!! I'm starting to feel a little more comfortable expanding outside of freestyling. I think that because my locs have more length and fullness I'm able to experiment a bit more.

With reference to maintenance, I was told at my last reti (March 27th) that I can shampoo at home at the three week mark. Well, I'm at that point now and I've been so busy that I will get it done some time this week. I have to find a good shampoo since this is my first home shampoo since I've been locked. I appreciate any suggestions on the process and products.

I am 35 weeks locked and I am sooooo enjoying this journey. BLESSINGS!!!

Progress - Week 30

2010-03-09T14:24:00.002-07:00

Here are a few photos showing the progress of my locks. I'm at 30 weeks and I can see progress. My locks are growing and filling in nicely. I'm somewhat eager for my edges to fill in a little more, but they are filling in more than they were during my pre-locked status. A few more of my ends are budding but most are not. Most of my ends still have "Curly Q's". I don't think my SLs have began to "officially" lock but they doing their own thing. My hair is a softer texture and I would say it has a medium density so it's not as thick as some photo's I've seen on other blogs at this stage. One of the most important lessons I've learned on this journey is that each individuals' journey and locks are different, so don't compare one's progress to anyone else's'. I am satisfied with letting my locks do what they do, how they do it and in their own time. As long as they are healthy, I'm happy. BLESSINGS!!!

Week 27 - Enjoying The Journey

2010-02-21T19:48:00.001-07:00

Okay SL family and friends, It seems like I'm at a phase where there is a little lull. There really isn't much to report. My locks are doing well. I'm still only using one product on my scalp once a week so there's nothing to add regarding products. Also, still free styling and wearing headbands (my favorite style) . I'm at 27 weeks locked and I suppose this is normal. I love this length, it is so cute. Still getting lots of compliments. Referred my consultant to a couple of people who stopped me and inquired about my SLs. I'm at peace with my beautiful hair I'm happy and satisfied with my journey.

Before & After Third Reti (Week 24)

2010-02-02T21:52:00.000-07:00

Januray 2010 Photos (Week 20-24)

2010-02-02T21:37:00.001-07:00

December 2009 Photos - (Week 16-19 )

2010-02-02T21:36:00.001-07:00

24 Weeks And Counting

2010-02-01T06:48:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm back after taking some time off at the beginning of the year to consecrate myself and spend some time with "My Father God". Spiritual renewal, focus and refreshing are an important part of my life and I know that dedicating these past few weeks to seeking God's will for my life in 2010 will shape the rest of the year for me. My expectation is set and I'm excited about my future!

So, what's going on with my locks? I'm beginning to sound like a recording. Everything is the same. At the time of this post I am 24 weeks (6 Months) locked and I still love it. I am in love with this stage. Although I'm not locking yet, the budding has increased and I have a lot more of them at the ends of my locks. My locks are filling out quite beautifully and I am told that they are growing nicely (although I personally can't tell that they are very much). I decided to look at some of my earlier pictures and I guess my locs are growing. I had my third reti on Saturday. I hadn't had my locks reti'd since November (10 weeks) and I was overdue. I didn't have any bunching or slippage and my hair still looked pretty nice. My consultant says my locks are growing nicely and my hair is progressing quite well. My next reti is in 7 weeks. As I said in my last post, I love the fullness. I'm still freestyling and trying to avoid over manipulating my hair. Still not putting anything on or in my hair only spraying the scalp once a week to alleviate dryness. Lightly spritzed my locks with water on Saturday night and rolled in with my Soft Spikes. Turned out beautiful. The curls will last a few weeks as they fall out and become looser and fuller. Will post pics later this week. I'm excited to see what the next six months will bring. Met a beautiful sistah last week with gorgeous SLs. She was 6 years locked and her locks were incredible. I applaud those who have gone before us who encourage us to stay on the path. So sistash, if you are at a stage where you are having doubts, or simply having a bad or frustrating hair day or two...hang in there. The end result is well worth the journey!!! Glad to be back! BLESSINGS!

Week 20 - Progress / Maintenance

2010-01-01T23:57:00.001-07:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR to my SL Family!!!! Well, well, well, it seems that I needed a little break from blogging. With the holidays, related activities and of course my number one priority - Family, almost every hour of every day has been filled. I must say it has been nice to change things up a little bit. The New Year is here and I am looking forward to an incredible SL experience in 2010.

Nothing significant has happened since my last blog. My hair is great. Believe it or not, the curls from my Soft Spike style in early November lasted well into the end of December. Right now my hair is still full and has a lot of movement. I LOVE IT! I had an appointment scheduled for tomorrow (1/2) for my reti and shampoo. Well, I gave my locs a good examination earlier this week and determined that they don't need to be reti'd right now. I don't have any bunching, no significant build up and my hair looks relatively clean so I called earlier in the week and spoke with my consultant. She agreed with me that I didn't need to come in. I think I will get my reti and shampoo in about 2-3 weeks. I love the fullness that I have now. I'm still only spraying my scalp once a week (Sundays) with the Janol spray and it seems to be working fine. Still not putting anything else in it, no water, haven't washed it and I'm okay with that. I'm primarily free styling and I love to wear head bands. I try not to over manipulate my locs. We've had snow so on snow days I accessorize with a hat to keep my locs dry. At times I have a little itching but nothing major. My ends are budding more also. I don't know if the fact that I don't need a reti right now is good or not. Does the fact that I don't need a reti (it's been about 5 weeks mean that my hair isn't growing? I've read that the locs grow in spurts. Maybe mine is hibernating right now. LOL! If there is one thing that I have learned it is that our locs/hair are all different so mine are probably okay. I'll take pics and post them later but I wanted to get back to blogging and updating my progress...Blessings!

Happy Thanksgiving - I Am Thankful

2009-11-29T19:54:00.000-07:00

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

2009-11-27T20:35:00.000-07:00

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

2009-11-18T19:02:00.001-07:00

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!!!

2009-11-14T10:37:00.000-07:00

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"

2009-11-08T18:15:00.002-07:00

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

2009-11-08T18:09:00.003-07:00

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

2009-11-04T20:33:00.005-07:00

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

2009-10-25T18:06:00.005-06:00

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

2009-10-18T18:44:00.005-06:00

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

2009-10-11T20:16:00.001-06:00

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

2009-10-04T22:49:00.004-06:00

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

2009-09-29T21:06:00.013-06:00

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

2009-09-21T01:04:00.000-06:00

Week 4 - One Month Progress Report

2009-09-21T00:20:00.000-06:00

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

2009-09-20T21:22:00.000-06:00

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"

2009-09-13T19:59:00.001-06:00

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

2009-09-06T21:03:00.001-06:00

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

2009-09-06T19:12:00.002-06:00

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

2009-09-06T17:24:00.002-06:00

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

2009-09-04T17:27:00.002-06:00

The Beginning - Let There Be Locks

2009-09-04T02:30:00.000-06:00

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 -

2009-09-04T02:06:00.000-06:00

"Free At Last" and all "Locked Up"

2009-08-17T17:28:00.000-06:00

All Done!!! Shampooing my new SL's

2009-08-17T17:26:00.000-06:00

Let the "Locking" Begin

2009-08-17T14:33:00.000-06:00

Back view during installation

Freshly Shampooed and Dry - Installation Day

2009-08-17T14:24:00.000-06:00

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

2009-08-17T14:23:00.000-06:00

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

Day Before Lock Installation

2009-08-17T14:18:00.000-06:00

Last day rockin the natural "fro"