Sisterlocks Anniversary: Selah Boutique Styling

 

It's my Eight years and four months Sisterlocks anniversary. I needed to revamp my wardrobe on a "CitiTrends" budget.

Selah Boutique offers curvy fashion and clubwear. Because I am short-waisted, I don't need baggy clothes as a curvy model.

I'm also engineering outfits to work with my body needs including reversing ties.

I'm enjoying different bursts of color.

I'm enjoying mixing the pieces.

I'm definitely trying to work out/exercise more.

Some outfits are more lounge wear.

Some outfits are more formal.

My Selah Boutique selections may not last past a year, but they are a lot of fun. I

watch closely for limited time deals.

Sisterlocks Anniversary: 8 years 3 months

 

So Eight years and 3 months have passed since my Sisterlocks were first established. The time did not fly. Yet, I still embrace my Loc journey.

I'm enjoying my fashion again. There were many phases of my life that I truly was in fashionista mode. Using Selah Boutique is allowing me to refresh my wardrobe at an affordable price for 2020. I even purchased my first Brazilian scrunch butt leggings.

Doing the Census enumeration work actually helped shed some inches off my body.

I am estranged from my birth family. There is a lot of toxicity and family secrets. I struggle with losing my parents, but in recent years, the interaction yielded more misery than comfort. I supposed my worth had deteriorated long before now. Self worth will always have to be a woman's foundation.

Fresh curls always require a fresh picture.

I'm over the hill, but age is nothing but a number.

Sisterlocks Anniversary: Eight years and 2 months

 

Trying to support Sistahs with Boutiques! 

(Dress ensemble from Blaque Diamond Boutique in Aiken, SC)

My Sisterlocks are at Eight years and two months old.  I am a little late posting for this anniversary.  Parts of me wondered if anyone benefits from my monthly Sisterlocks check-in's, but then I realized that I benefit from this journaling effort. 

Waist beads from RyandZoebeads

I still self maintain my Sisterlocks tightenings. I figured out about four weeks equal one full four point rotation.

I made it over the hill! (50 club)

I closed out my #round2mark3 campaign on 9/11 - a good Memorial date.

I used the Colorproof SuperRich Shampoo for my loc maintenance.  My promo code: BENITA10 will get you ten percent off of your purchase at the www.colorproof.com

Eight years and one month Loc-versary

 This blogger interface has changed, and I upgraded my phone. So it took me a little longer to pull this article together. It is eight years and one month Loc-versary.

I am still Fighting for justice for my younger self in my #round2mark3 campaign.

So close to the finishing line. I need closure. I need justice. No one gets to drop the ball this time.

I am a queen, and I am forever a princess according to my Heavenly Father.

As a Sigma Gamma Rho, I enjoy sporting my sorority colors.

As a Census Bureau enumerator, I am getting my walking in. Get counted! You survived a pandemic!  That's history in itself! Your information is confidential!

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!

Sisterlocks: Seven years and eleven months

The Queen celebrated Juneteenth 2020!

My Sisterlocks Anniversary is now at seven years and eleven months.  I decided to do a little extra makeup in celebration of Juneteenth and Pride month.

The police brutality against George Floyd ( #GeorgeFloyd ) sparked global protests for justice, reform and equality. Other names: Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain . . .  the names go on and on and on.  Murders swept under the rug at the hands of police nationwide. The world began screaming "enough is enough." "No justice No peace!"  There should NOT be two justice systems.

Recognizing Pride month 2020 as a heterosexual female.

Wet Sisterlocks

I'm definitely back on my supplements:  Matcha Green tea, Biotin, Collagen, etc.  My hair is fuller again.  The whole 2020 economy shutdown is definitely going to create some hair loss issues by Holiday time due to stress.  My Herbalife Nutrition website is up and ready for supplement orders at getset.goherbalife.com  Shop 24/7 online and it will ship directly to you.

My Sisterlocks are Around Bra Strap length when dry.

Enjoying my wings as an "Earth Angel"

Sisterlocks: 7 years and ten months

At Seven years and 10 months, my length is long enough to wear a long side pony.

A fresh shampoo and curls last for a few days.

After a few weeks when all the curls drop out, a partial updo does the trick!

I renewed my Herbalife membership. My website is getset.goherbalife.com and three day trial packs are available there.