A Few Pics From The Past Months

My locs continue to progress beautifully and they are growing, growing, growing.  I absolutely love them and I have not regretted beginning this journey one day. This transition has been a spiritual one for me and it has been instrumental in connecting me with a part of my inner being that I had not experienced prior to loc'ing. By the way, a lot of my ends still are not loc'd but I am okay with it.  I am at peace with my hair and I'm going to let it do what it does naturally. I am considering adding a bit more color or highlights.  I haven't decided yet.  I am always concerned about damaging my hair.  My reti's are every six weeks.  I can't go any longer that that with the growth rate. My last reti was this past Saturday  and the back of my hair is just past my shoulders.  I am so glad that I  have taken lots of pics chronicling my journey. At times it has been hard to see the progress but it's very encouraging to look at the pics and see that there is actual progress.  I encourage those who are starting the journey to take lots of pics.  They are a great encouragement as you progress on your journey. I've met so many loc'd sisters who tell me how much they like my locs.  I love the sisterhood and unity we share.  One thing I have found is that several who have much longer locs (five years loc'd  and above) say  that I should appreciate this (short hair) stage  because  once they get longer I won't be able to do as much (styling)  with them. I'v e been told that they won't hold curls any longer than a day and you will primarily wear it straight, in a ponytail or pulled up.  I think that I will enjoy my locs at whatever stage /length they are.  What are your thoughts on this?  These photos were taken over the past few months are not in chronological order but they will give you an idea of where I am now and how I've been styling them.  Thanks for stopping by and  enjoy your journey. Finally, please pray for Colorado and all our residents who have been and continue to be affected by  the wildfires that we have burning all over our beautiful state. Blessing!!!

Me and "My Girl"
Miss "You Need To Update Your Blog"
Love You Alex 

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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!

 
Click on image to enlarge

Catching Up...Again - Week 35

  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

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!!!

's

Week 27 - Enjoying The Journey

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)

Januray 2010 Photos (Week 20-24)

December 2009 Photos - (Week 16-19 )

24 Weeks And Counting

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

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

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!