Sisterlocks: Eight Years Later

Eight years ago, I started my Sisterlocks journey. It was a great Hair Solution for me!

I found some Liquid color chalk in my stash and could not resist indulging in a color splash.

I keep my hair up in the salon, so that I can see what I am doing.

Love my summer hat!

I'm using Herbalife tea and supplements to slim down.

July 2020 Eight years.  I reached the promise Land of my Loc journey.

Sisterlocks Truth or Fiction: Thinning Crowns?

I have heard countless times, that the crowns of Sisterlocks wearers seem to thin out. People wonder if there is any truth to it.

There is no sure answer, but it is likely to happen and here is why and potentially how.

In my Sisterlocks training, we were taught  to place "small" sizes in the front, "medium"  sizes in the crown , and "large" sizes in the back of the head. All sizings are relative to Sisterlocks.

As a Master Loctician,  over the years, I found the larger the loc reduces the amount of rotations. So the Sisterlocks in the front may need  tightening every four weeks, but the crown area may need 6 weeks to get a full rotation without it being too tight.

So essentially, unless all your Sisterlocks are equal in size then they are not going to be equal in needs.

Just food for thought.

AppleBaum Hair Growth Club 2020 Update

When you are ready to grow a new head of hair- "Who you gonna call?"

Benita Blocker with Applebaum Hair Growth Club is still educating and providing phenomenal hair care services.

I softly introduced my premium consultations last year (2019). I also had to take a hiatus to heal from a lot of trauma that I had not dealt with in decades. I also had to comply with government shutdowns due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

Well, all of this stress from the economy being shutdown, is definitely going to create some hair loss challenges by the Holidays. As a single woman, I am definitely about "my bag," but I am dedicated to restoring your hair and confidence for the right price.

Now, your consultation includes several Herbalife supplements including probiotics, Vitamin C support and more. No shakes are included; so no worries about dairy concerns.

Your consultation also includes at least two Colorproof haircare products.

Hollywood Hairstylist: Benita Blocker

Virtual or In person, I have over 15 years in hair care, loc care, and product knowledge. I believe in diversity. All lives matter. 

You can purchase the initial consultation at https://www.etsy.com/shop/ApplebaumStudio  Look for Hair Growth Club Consultation.

Or if you are not ready to purchase online, please feel free to contact me by FREE registration at my Herbalife website so that I can make sure your shipping information is accurate. www.getset.goherbalife.com

Then on my follow-up with you, we will discuss the consultation fee and payment options unrelated to Herbalife. (Herbalife requires documentation to who is using their products). Your registration saves me extra paperwork. 

Thank you in advance.  You will also get other supplements shipped from various brands according to individual needs.

At your service soon . . . ~Benita

Crochet braids 101 for 2020

River Locs 14" Crochet braids by Benita Blocker

Crochet braids are my number one recommendation for those needing a change from their usual natural hair routine.

Passion Twists/Bomb Twists Crochet braids by Benita Blocker.

I highly recommend removal after four to seven weeks since you can not shampoo the crochet braids. Going months can cause your braids to dreadlock especially if you are sweating a lot. Removal gets more and more difficult after seven weeks.

Crochet braids updo by Benita Blocker.

Crochet Braids (Valley Wave) by Benita Blocker.

I customize each client with a braiding pattern based on how they want to wear their look.

Barbicide Concerns

The 2020 Pandemic has everyone at a heightened concern about sanitation. I have always practiced universal precautions as to not spread disease. I have always kept disinfecting stations next to the sanitation stations.

These areas are NOT at a styling station unless the styling station has running water.

So I didn't have Barbicide at my styling station before the pandemic, and you will not find it at my current  styling station.

Why?

Barbicide is corrosive. It eventually weakens combs and styling implements  causing them to break apart especially if they stay immersed longer than the ten minutes that is required.

And if it destroys the integrity of combs, then can you imagine the damage to your hair?

Combs or implements removed from Barbicide should be rinsed or sprayed off with a water bottle prior to contact with someone's hair.

I personally prefer to use a spray disinfectant after thoroughly cleaning my implements in lieu of Barbicide immersion. I also keep plenty of implements ready for single use!

Due to social distancing measures, there is less client overlap and more time to clean implements for repetitive use.

I personally have several years experience working in the healthcare industry.  I totally understand the need to remain in compliance with all healthcare guidelines put in place.

Anyone who has special concerns, please discuss at the time the appointment is being scheduled. Elderly, immune compromised, or those with loved ones in their immediate care that are in fragile in health should definitely discuss with their stylist upfront of their delicate situation.

Review: Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay

I can not count the number of recommendations about using the "clay mask" for the hair. Finally, I have tried this product and researched the concept of clay masks.

First of all, this mask is NOT a conditioner. Some people reported that clay masks dry their hair out. That is probably correct. This mask is a clarifier. In other words, it is a deep cleanser. If you have a lot of product built-up from dimethicones or waxes and you have loose hair (no locs) then this mask treatment will help reset the hair.

Be mindful that dimethicones seal Moisture in, AND they can block Moisture from getting into the hair.  You have to learn when and  how to use dimethicones. You also must strip or clarify them out periodically.

This clay mask works great on skin which is its recommended use. Face and body. Non-metal bowls and non-metal stirring utensil is highly recommended for preparing this mask to be used.

I felt a need to educate about this particular pictured clay mask because it had been on my wish list for awhile to see what the hype was about.

If you have scalp issues and you don't have locs, then the scalp is a skin so this mask can assist with clarifying the scalp.

Whether you use distilled water, apple cider vinegar, oils, etc. is up to you, but you need to mix as a separate step. This clay clumps easy and will not mix in your hands. I already tried.

A disposable cup and a coffee stir can be enough to spot treat the body or scalp. Happy clay masking!

Indian clay mask and a facial steamer.

If you wear makeup, then you need to also properly remove it to maintain youthful skin!