Sisterlocks 5 years 5 months and one million page views

It's another Sisterlocks Anniversary for me - Five years 5 months.  I am hearing some chatter on the grapevine.  Apparently, people are really trying to distinguish their Sisterlocks as an elite status.  So the Sisterlocks pricing in my area is skyrocketing in order to exclude people.  People always want to feel like they are in a hierarchy.  I have raised my loc maintenance pricing for 2018 to make it worth my time.  I have enough loc clients that have been with me for years, and  their locs have matured beautifully.  So I feel more confident that my new pricing is still lower than some of the other competitors.  However, everyone is not going to like my personality, and I am not going to like everyone who inquires about services.  It has to be a partnership.

Now, regarding my one million pageviews milestone, I am thrilled and devastasted at the same time.  I love reaching my one million milestone, but I also realized that my purpose for this blog was to educate people on hair.  I am devastasted to say that my goal seems now impossible because of the number of different textures, curl behaviors, and coarseness.  In 2017, almost everyone knows that there is not a universal answer to hair questions unless it is a compatibility issue with chemicals.  So I will keep this in mind as I return to blogwriting more often.  

Thanks so much for helping me reach my pageview milestone.  Thanks for following my loc journey. Happy New Year! Please continue following me for new direction in 2018!

If anyone needs meal replacement product recommendations, then please visit my website at http://getset.goherbalife.com

Free registration. Shopping requires registration.  Next check-in is in 2018!!  

Sisterlocks Anniversary: 5 years 4 months

Dry set with setting lotion on soiled hair.

Pipe cleaner set on freshly shampooed hair.

Pipe cleaner set untwisted on freshly shampooed hair.

A quick dry set on soiled hair.

Benita's Favorite Products of 2017

First of all, anything on my 2016 List from November of last year that I still love will NOT be repeated on this list.  So let's get started!

Favorite Sulfate Free Tea Tree Shampoo
Straight Request Black Carbon 500 Sulfate Free Tea Tree Shampoo (Pictured above)

Favorite Temporary Hair Softening System
Syntonics Thermasoft (TM) Shampoo and Leave-in Protector (Pictured above)

Favorite "Edge Control" Foam
Influance It's Natural Honey Styling Foam (Pictured above)

Favorite Natural Hair Initial Hydration Spray for (L.O.C. Method)
Design Essentials Natural Coconut & Monoi Coconut Milk Leave-in Nourisher

Favorite Natural Hair Cream for (L.O. C. Method)
Design Essentials Natural Coconut & Monoi Deep Moisture Milk Souffle (make sure product is fresh, cautious of batch codes)

Favorite Moisturizing Conditioner
Straight Request Power K-60 Instant Conditioner ( Pictured Above)

Favorite Loc Setting Lotion
Design Essentials Natural Almond and Avocado Twist and Set Setting Lotion

Favorite Smoothing Conditioner
Joico Smooth Cure Conditioner (can be cocktailed or layered with a moisturizing conditioner)

Favorite Color Alert Neutralizing Shampoo
Nairobi Normalizing Shampoo

Favorite Brown Colored Shampoo
GemLites Fashion Color Care  Colorwash Color: Brown Diamond Sunbrown

Favorite Red Colored Shampoo
Celeb Luxury Fashion Color Care VIRAL EXTREME Red Colorwash

Favorite White/Gray Toning Conditioner
AG Hair Cosmetics Colour Care Sterling Silver Conditioner (purple/blue color)

Favorite Blow Dry Creme
Colorproof HeatProof Anti-frizz Blow Dry Creme

Favorite Soothing Neutralizing Shampoo
Syntonics Botanical Neutralizing Shampoo

Favorite Relaxer for Resistant Virgin Hair (one time use to get it straight)
Syntonics Botanical Conditioning Creme Relaxer (MILD not normal) using the virgin relaxer procedure.

Favorite Natural Hair "Wash and Go" Custard/Gel
Design Essentials Natural Honey Curl Forming Custard (Light/Clear/Yellowish color for best performance - sometimes product darkens and performance is questionable)

Favorite Lightweight Smoothing Serum
Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Styling Treatment Oil



Many products from my previous lists of 2016 and 2015 are still my favorites.  So if you are going Christmas shopping or Black Friday shopping - print out this list as well as my 2015 and 2016 favorites list.

Happy Holidays!!!!!

Sisterlocks Fun at 5 years 3 months

My arm got freed!!!!

Halloween Makeup Artistry added to enhance the mask!  My real fingernails grew out while my injured arm was immobilized.

Authority Look

My Sisterlocks are five years and three months old.  My personality is young at heart.  So it's nothing for me to clown around.  

Stay tuned for my Next article: Benita's Favorites for 2017!!

Sisterlocks Anniversary: 5 years and 2 months

My collage of me age 27 versus age 47.

Twenty years later, I am in Sisterlocks land. I am at my five years and two month Sisterlocks anniversary.  I am not blogging as much because the natural hair movement is full throttle, and many of my clients still love their relaxers.  I must admit that relaxers make my job and my clients' lives easier.  I don't plan to stop the relaxers when so many still benefit from them.

For those who have learned to make natural hair - loose or locked work - then it is all good!!!  I personally know that my loc journey is my final hair destination.  I will continue to partner with clients to meet their needs with or without chemicals.

My fractured arm is healing!  I have been out of work for about six weeks now.  I miss my clients, and they miss me!!!  I am watching my weight using Herbalife meal replacement shakes and other supplements.  My nails on my injured hand are the longest they have been in a long time.  I feel like Superwoman.  LOL

My arm is strong enough to get more walking in for exercise. (sweating in picture above)  Also, my left arm is able to tightening my Sisterlocks with ONE HAND and Bantu knot set them for styling purposes.

Sisterlocks are clearly Apocalypse ready.  I just need my hands to tighten and finger style (one hand at that).  It just doesn't get any simpler than that from a self sufficiency standpoint. Well, stay tuned until next month!

Trending: Side Swept Goddess Braid

Hair by Benita Blocker

I have seen all races of women, Celebrities all with this Side Swept Goddess braid.  It starts with a side part.  It is a trendy, elegant style!

I used Expression length Jumbo braiding hair. I was able to braid to the end because of the two different lengths. (84" and 85")

Sisterlocks:. Five Years One Month Anniversary

I was in the mix for the August 2017 Eclipse.  I had an eye exam scheduled during the eclipse! 

So coincidental!

I fractured my humerus bone in my right arm.  I painted this picture with left hand.  I received a lot of compliments!

I bantu knot set my whole head using my left hand.  Sisterlocks are no joke! One hand or both hands- can deliver glam!

The Promise Land: Five years Into Sisterlocks!

My Loc Journey:  It's my Five Years Sisterlocks Anniversary!

Five years . . . I made it over!

Three inches a year in visible length makes this last year the finale in my monthly check-ins.

My locs DID NOT feel heavy on my last shampoo.  So I realize if I don't keep my roots tightened then the shampoo process makes my locs heavy and stressful to my scalp.

I also have learned that water or water based sprays fluffy my locs out.  Usually my roots need fluffing on a daily basis.

Thank you for following my Sisterlock journey!  I am going to push myself to continue writing about hair.  Stay tuned.

Four years 11 months Sisterlocks Anniversary

I used "Tibet Jewels" Fair Trade Recycled Silk Sari Ribbon Yarn to "headband" twist my Sisterlocks. I enjoyed the results of the waviness of my locs. However, I did get some of the colored threads clinging to my locs.  It was easy to identify the colorful threads and remove them from my locs.  Five or six threads were not bad.  My hair also took on the smell of the sari ribbon yard temporarily.  I plan to shampoo or wash the yarn again before repeating this method.  

I definitely plan to repeat the headband set!

Believe it or not, this anniversary was the first time that my Sisterlocks actually felt heavy during my shampoo.  I am not sure if that will be my "new normal" feeling or not, but  maybe I just need to catch up on my root tightening.  I will keep you posted next month!

Transitioning from relaxed to natural

Hair by Benita Blocker

Styling Options for Transitioning from relaxed hair to natural hair:

1) Wet Set Flattwists using Design Essentials Twist and Set Setting Lotion as seen in attached pictures.

2) Protective styling:  Crochet Braids, Sew-in's or regular braided styles

3) Sisterlocks, Interlocs, Locs

Transitioning to Natural

Flat Twist styling

Making of my "Wonder Woman" Look!

June 2017

With the success of the "Wonder Woman" Superhero movie, I wanted to re-create my own "Superwoman" look.  Here's some building blocks for you to recreate the look too!

Black Knight shield (from a party store like "Party City")

AND

Rhinestone headpiece (from Beauty supply store) 

I have featured this type of headpiece/headband before on this blog.  I believe that it was during the Holidays.

Cosmetics and Skincare to create the look:

Herbalife Firming Eye Gel

 L'Oreal Anti-Fatigue BB Cream
L'Oreal True Match pressed powder

Believe it or not, I didn't spend much time applying dramatic makeup at all.  Just primers and powders!  In addition to Lighting and use of an Instagram Filter.  I also held my head in a position to eliminate shadows.

Of course, you can order the Herbalife SKIN care product directly from my website by creating a FREE Account first. Start here:   https://getset.goherbalife.com/Catalog/Home/Index/en-US

June 2017

I am enjoying that I am inspiring others. (Photo: Instagram)

The Faux Natural Hair Styling on Relaxed Hair

Blue Flexi-rod  hair style by Benita Blocker

I used large row and small vertical partings to get my client's head completely under the dryer.  I pulled the pieces apart after the drying process.

Faux Natural:  My relaxed hair client is Free styling at home.

Three step Natural hair updos

Natural hair styling by Benita Blocker

Step one:   Blow-dry the hair straight
Step two:  Use Mizani Moisture Stretch product to double strand twist individually and/or flat twisted
Step three: Create the updo.  Long hair - bun styling; Medium length hair - try modern french roll

Natural hair bun styling by Benita Blocker

Subscriber Hair Question About Goddess Locs

Photo credit:  Getty Images

Hair Question to me from a subscriber:   Quick hair question, I just got Goddess locs. Can I get them wet?  The shop told me not to get them wet after I sat to get them all installed and paid for.

Benita's response:

First of all, there is no such thing as a "quick hair question."

Secondly, What do you mean by "wet?"

• Stuck in the rain?
• Shampooing?
• Swimming?

The real answer:  The $300 Goddess locs braiding styles are typically not human hair. Therefore, trapping wetness inside of the excessively wrapped synthetic fibers is a recipe for "smelly locs."  Therefore, I would listen to the advice of the shop that installed them.  Do not swim in them.  Do not shampoo them.  Do not engage in a lot of water saturation activities while wearing the synthetic goddess locs.  The Human Hair Goddess locs run about $700, and only braiding specialists offer them. There is a specific type of human hair that can be used to make the style more active lifestyle friendly.

Sisterlocks Anniversary: Four years ten months

Four years and ten months later, I have enough length to wash and go!

I use the L.O.C. regimen.

Liquid _Oil_Creme

Design Essentials  Coconut Monoi Line (Coconut Milk Leave-in Nourisher and Deep Moisture Milk Souffle) are a part of my Liquid and Creme.  I used the Design Essentials Hydrience Argan Hair Repair Oil Treatment for my Oil component.  The Coconut Monoi line is purchased from Sally's Beauty Supply.  I used this regimen after the shampoo and/or condition of my Sisterlocks.

I also have started carrying handbags versus shoulder bags.   My Sisterlocks kept getting trapped in the shoulder strap of my shoulder bags no matter how hard that I try to lift them off of it.  The stress and pull is not worth weakening my locs.

2005 Ultra Sheen models look like 2017

Ultra Sheen Men (2005) - 

Young Men today are trying to achieve the "fro" look that the  gentleman in the plaid is sporting.

Ultra Sheen Women -2005

Clearly, this picture represents 2017 hair but the candy choices lets you know that it is not.

Retro hair.  Recyling the look.  Any thoughts?

Let's Talk Where to Cut the Hair!

Photo credit: Hair Artist Sharlena Bell

Positions 1, 2, and 3 - are clearly haircut status in the picture above

Position 4 is called a dusting off of the ends.

The longer the hair; the less important the question of where to cut becomes.

Position 1 - would give maximum thickness, movement, and restore hair to a healthy reset.

Ultimately, I would cut between Positions 3 and 4 unless the client is certain that she wants a "chunky" liberal cut.

Any thoughts?

Syntonics relaxer test on Sisterlocks hair

I had been in search of a replacement for the VitalePro High Comfort relaxer system.  I was looking for a lye relaxer that was tolerable to sensitive scalps.  So far, Syntonics straightens without much irritation.  I used the "mild" relaxer strength.  I only relaxed a few symmetric patches of hair around my hairline.  I rinsed the relaxer out  with my face down so that runoff water did not get into the rest of my locked hair.  My plan was to texturize versus making my hair too straight.  So far, it passes my initial testing requirements.

NOTE:  The neutralizing shampoo and conditioner both have soothing/cooling properties built in.  Some people will love it.  Others may not.  

Confused about Hair Growth?

Question:  Do you have to keep your hair cut or trimmed to keep it growing?

ANSWER: No!  I have not cut my hair/Sisterlocks in almost five years . . . .  my hair is still growing!

Question:  Am I consuming too much biotin?

ANSWER:  If you are taking over 5mg/5,000mcg of biotin per day, then I would try to eliminate a biotin source. I have known too many people consuming 10,000 mcg, 12,000mcg and up of biotin  (superbiotin) per day.  It seems to cause other health and/or hair challenges.  Side effects vary.  If you are taking a multi-vitamin, a "hair, nails, and skin" vitamin, meal replacement shake (i.e. Herbalife), and taking an additional 5,000 mcg of biotin capsule, then you need to add up how much biotin that you are really consuming. You may need to reduce the "extra biotin" to 1,000 mcg if you are getting the Daily Value of Biotin from other sources.

Sisterlocks Anniversary: Four years 9 months

The five year countdown is almost here!  I have been posting monthly since day one of my Sisterlocks journey with test Sisterlocks through establishment and so on.  Should I continue to post monthly progress after July 2017?  Any thoughts anyone?  Thank you to everyone who has been following me for over seven years!  I am almost at my one million pageviews.  God is so good!  I am reaching milestones.  Thanks for reaching milestones with me.

So for my four years 9 months Sisterlocks anniversary, I refreshed my liquid chalk hair color again.  I love it.  I apply the product to braided sections to distribute the color versus having chunkiness.  It is my preference. Color placement is in the hands of the artist.

Boom! Color Splash in 10 minutes and no wash required!