I'm in a very happy place with my locs. Very happy. Which is good because on my 16th month update, I was straight up loathing them thangs. I make no apologies for it though. My goal with Loc Rocker is to share the good AND not so good about my journey. I keeps it real. Or maybe I'm just a slightly nutty chick who is up and down about everything. HAAA!!
Anywhoovers, I love them. There isn't one thing I don't love about my locs at this point. I recently retwisted them for the first time in a long time and I was like "Whoa!" They've gotten long! I had a good 2-3 inches of fro hair so it shocked me to see how long they hung when I retwisted.
This looks kinda funny, uh?
Like...why are there a good 8-10 locs that are longer than the others? And that color is growing doooown. I would really love to go back to that light brown.
It's been almost a year since I did it. I'm waiting on my locs to marry a little more. And I'll be going to my loctician for that. No more at home dye jobs. Even though I'm pretty darn good at it. :)
Locs on the left...
Locs on the right...
Locs in a ponytail...
Finally! A healthy real deal ponytail. I try not to wear it as tight as it is in this picture. Too much pressure around my head leads to headaches and I suffer from migraines. I do ponytails when I run and all of the locs can fit. In a rubberband, that is. So un-ladylike, I know. I remember always seeing my guy friends wear their locs in ponytails secured with rubberbands and I would be like, "That is so tacky." But honestly...the rubberband is the best ponytail holder. Super secure and it doesn't pop on me. I've popped ALL 24 ponytail holders that I purchased a few months ago. Tragic.
And here's the thing about my locs, they aren't uniform--I mean, each loc looks different.
Most show where I used to latch, others show where I started combining and some have budded all wonky because I would go so long without re-twisting. Even the soldier loc has imperfections in it and that's one loc got the same method of maintenance; frequent re-twisting. I say this to say...I love it. I love that all of my locs are unperfect.
I've been washing every week...sometimes every other week. Dandruff hasn't been an issue and I think it has a lot to do with this insane humidity. I gently massage the scalp each night, but not with oil. I find that my scalp feels better when I'm not loading it up with oil. Sometimes we get in the habit of oiling, oiling oiling, when it reality...the scalp don't even need it. I oil as needed (maybe once or twice a week) with olive oil or Lockology's Mint Medley Oil. I shampoo with Lockology's Mint Medley Shampoo, castile soap and most recently I tried Peter Lamas' Wheatgrass Purifying Shampoo. O.M.G. This may be one of the best shampoos I have ever tried. I received a sample of it on behalf of Clumps of Mascara so the review will be over there. And as far as conditioners, I'm finding that I don't need them. My locs seem to be soft after each shampoo. I use a bit of baking soda every other time I shampoo---just to combat product build-up.
Every other day I've been spritzing a bit of water with peppermint essential oil all over the locs. Aside from it really revitalziing me, it keeps the locs feelin' soft and smellin' good.
Hopefully by the next update, I'll have some more styles. But for right now...I'm chillin'.
I really really love my locs. Oh, and if you see some of these photos on Clumps of Mascara, don't say nothin'. Sometimes I be recycling photos between 4 of my blogs. :)
18 comments:
Yay B I'm so glad that you are loving your locs, they are looking so beautiful! I think it is funny that you mentioned how we keep on oiling the scalp when we really don't need to, because I've been reading articles lately that say that it isn't really necessary. I oil just once a week after every wash, and haven't really felt the need to oil it until the next wash. I love not having such an oily head dirtying all of my pillows and clothes lol. Def. give us a review on those products you mentioned! I also love that your locs have some variety in their shapes, lengths, and sizes, I think that gives locs more character. Ok, now I'm ranting haha, but seriously B i'm proud of ya!
Looking good!! Doesn't it feel good to love your locks? I say yes! I think the saying less is more (product wise) is so very true :)
Love the pony! I can't do a proper ponytail because of my nappy roots.
It's comfortable when freshly washed/stretched, but since I freeform when they dry and nap up the holder gets tight lol
BTW, have you tried Goody's Ouchless Head Bands?
http://bonitastyle.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/blog-032.jpg?w=300&h=225
Those things stretch for days, but they're thin enough to be flexible.
I decided to loc after 2 yrs of natural. I love it!!! Daily I am playing in my hair. Twisting it. I love the texture of my hair. My hair has so many different textutes that some hair loc immediately( my dad's course hair) while others take their time.(my mom's curly fine hair). Luckily I had already started with some length when the decision came to loc.
Your blog gives me inspiration on what the future holds for me and my hair. Your hair looks great. I like the various lengths and colors. Keep it coming.
BTW..I agree that too much oil on the hair follicles can smother hair growth. I only oil once a week if lucky. Otherwise , it waits until my 3 week maintence.
Nessa---> Thank you so much, sis. You have been such a motivator and have taught me to just "let go". I thank you soooo much for that. Less oil is so much better! I learned that from Toshia from On the Road to Queendom. And yesss, I'll let you know when that Peter Lamas review goes live. It's a commercial brand but is paraben, SLS and 'cone free. And it's a little steep in price but I may be re-purchasing.
rmcandlelight---> Girl, yessss...don't know why it took me so long, but I'm here!
nappy headed girl---> My nappy roots kept me from doing a ponytail for a while too! I've been able to do one for work-outs but they weren't nearly as nice as that one. I'll check out those Ouchless bands. Thanks mama! Whatcho tryna say...my rubberbands ain't cute? LOL!
Smooches Baby---> Aww, thank you so much! And many blessings on your journey! The Loc Rocker 'got yo back. :)
Lookin' good B. I'm glad you are in a state of contented bliss with the locs. Enjoy it.
I definitely hear you about the rubberbands. I used to hate to see them on folks until I got my own locs and realized they are the BEST. Oh well, live and learn.
Your hair looks great and super healthy! I'm going to have to check out those two shampoos you mentioned!
MsIndependent---> Riiiight! I love these things!
Godilocs---> Thanks lovely! I'll be reviewing those shampoos soon but yeah, check them out. In.love.
Aw B that is so sweet of you to say! You have taught me much about locking as well and I really like the fact that me and you have gone through some of the same issues with locs hehe! :) Lock twin!
i believe i found my motivation picture to begin my loc journey. I mean seriously I think every last one of your locs is so unique and beautiful, I am anticipating this journey that much more.
Thank for sharing it with us Britt. And woot woot for 20 months n counting!
B, I absolutely LOVE your updates! You give me so much motivation for my own locs. I'll be adding my first bit of color this week to my tips -- can't wait to see how it's going to look. I also just surpassed my 1 yr loc'd anniversary..I've got a little "swing" and I can get a mini-pony when I wanna get them out of my face. Thanks for your inspiration!
Ness---> Awww, we're so sappy. LOL, loves it. We are total locks twins! We need to throw a party for our locs when they turn 2 years old. In NYC. How dope would that be? lol
brittney---> Thanks sis!! I can't WAIT for you to start your journey. The Loc Rocker fam has your back!
Boogie---> Alriiiiight, look at you celebrating a year. Congratulations!!!! If you think they're beautiful and wonderful and amazing now, just WAIT to see where they'll be in a few months. Thank you, thank you, thank for the love.
That would be dope lol, and very do-able! :)
I was going to cut my locs yesterday, but the salon was closed. Tody , after looking through your blog...I am getting cold feet. I love my locs, but they are getting long,(mid back) and they are getting heavy. I wore my hair natural for over 12 years now, but usually wore a close cropped style that the barber could maintain...I have had my locs for 4 years now and ready for a change...a sense of renewal....but I'm feeling...ummm can't describe it, but some kinda way this am..PLEASE help! thanks
B, your locs are gorgeous! How is the Lockology shampoo? I have been using Dr. Bronner's peppermint castille soap and looking for an alternative. Have you tried any of their other products besides the oil and shampoo?
Reeta---> http://www.locrocker.com/2010/08/loc-emergency-to-chop-or-not-chop.html. You're up!!
LaKisha---> Thank you, sis. I appreciate it. I'm such a slow bird for taking 10 years to get that review up. But yes, I DO like it. I've tried the shampoo, cleanser and oil. Stay tuned. :)
we've been locking for the same length of time... mine are 20 months as well. i started december 16 2008. i only have 70, though.
your hair looks great!
oh. and i NEVER oil my scalp. it doesn't like it. i use an aleppo soap from syria (it's just a pure olive oil soap) and grape seed oil on my HAIR (not scalp) about once or twice a month.
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