Q&A: Session 2

Q: Have you found any staple products?
A: Sure have! I am not a product junkie in the least. I believe in sticking with what works. Olive oil, castile soap, baking soda and apple cider vinegar are all products that my hair loves. Even if I try something new (which is a rarity), I always go back to those.


Q: How did you deal with friends/family members hating your locs?
A: Honestly, I never cared. I could give two flying flips about what anyone thinks about my hair. I don't even know why people take it so personally. It's YOUR hair. You can do whatever you want with it. The best you can do is educate people about what's going on with your hair. It's up to them if they want to emancipate themselves from the mental slavery that says only straight and long hair is attractive and professional. Besides, I've always been the "different/unconventional" one in my family so my loc'ing was like "B being B".

Q: How do you get rid of the dandruff?
A: The dandruff is still hanging around. I really don't know what else to do besides visit my dermatologist. A reader suggested that I try Head and Shoulders and despite the fact that I hate the way sulfates make my hair feel, I think I'm going to give it a try anyway. Dandruff, for me, is a chronic issue. I've had for many years and I've tried everything. I don't like it but it ain't goin' anywhere so I'm just learning how to deal with it and keep it down to a minimum. 


Q: How often do you wash your locs?
A: When I was latching my hair, I washed it once a week. Now that I'm back to palm rolling I wash it every 2-3 weeks. I don't want to HAVE to wash it every 2-3 weeks, but the itches leave me no other choice.


Q: I latch my locs and love it. Why did you stop?
A: I was terrible at grasping on to the latching concept. I could never do it correctly and ended up with a ton of Y-shaped locs. The locs also appeared to be a lot thinner/skinnier and had more of a box-y shape to them. I just didn't like the look. I prefer rounder/barrel locs and I think they look better with my hair texture. Latching also took longer. Sometimes I do miss it because I was able to wash so often. But I don't regret my decision of going back to palm rolling. You gotta do what works for you!


Q: My locs are at the same month of yours but I mine still look super fuzzy. What am I doing wrong?
A: Hey now...what did I tell you? Learn to love the fuzz. It ain't goin' nowhere no time soon. Everyone's locs and hair textures are different. Sometimes I see people whose locs are younger than mine and look more "mature". It is what it is. You aren't doing anything wrong. Say it with me: "THE FUZZ WON'T BUDGE".


Q: I want to start loc'ing my hair. Do you think it's okay if I start them off myself?
A: If you can afford it, I say go to a professional. It's an investment but it is definitely worth it. Loc'ing your hair is a journey and it helps if you have a professional talk you through it. They can provide you with a ton of information and alleviate any nerves you may be having. I think it's important to have a support system. Plus, they REALLY know what they're doing. And let's be honest...if you've never had loc'd hair before, you don't. Save your pennies and get them started off by a professional.

Q: Do you condition your locs?
A: Nope. Since I've struggled with build-up before, I stay faaar away from conditioner since that can only bring about more build-up. At 14 months of loc'ing I can honestly say that I don't "need" conditioner. My scalp stays moisturized thanks to olive oil and the locs stay moisturized by daily spritzes of water or Oyin Handmade's Greg Juice. I'm still going to make a homemade leave-in and deep conditioner though. Stay tuned!

Tis all this time! Don't forget you can email me about whatever at Brittany@ClumpsOfMascara.com.