The Loc Nation: From the Darkness to the Light

I am a member of the Loc Nation.  What is it?  Those who control their hair strands by twisting or interlocking.  There is no organized meetings that I know of.  We are of one mindset to work with the hair that our Creator gave us.

It's time to shed a little more light on my own hair.  I wanted to go deeper.  Anyone fascinated with my volume?  No hairspray here.  I did condition with the ORS Moisture Lock Hair Conditioning Cocktail with Tamanu and Black Currant oils plus I used the Tropical Roots foam to wet set it.

My scalp/roots dated May 2015, present day.  By European standards, everything about my hair is "ugly."  However, as "ugly" as some people may describe it, it is normal for those with ultra coily, kinky, resistant hair.  All my life, hairdressers have tried to "straighten the hell" out of my hair because they did not like what they saw.  They wanted my hair to be straight.  I was always okay with texturized/slightly relaxed, but unfortunately, when my hair is under-relaxed it becomes even more unmanageable.  So beginning my loc journey marked the end of my fighting to keep my hair straight.  Unfortunately, many locticians are not used to seeing my ultra coily texture either.  They wonder how such "ugliness" can output/produce so much beauty?  This "ugliness" often times has been associated with people thinking that I have not taken care of my hair.  This is the farthest thing from the truth.  The problem has been trying to make my hair conform to straight hair standards.  The problem has been learning to love the beauty in the uniqueness of my own hair.  It is only ugly when the standard is straight hair.  However, when I accept my hair as the norm, then it is as beautiful as God has created it to be.

My locs are doing well.  I see nothing but progress.  It has been a long, hard journey in a world where I have had a hard time fitting in primarily because of my hair.  Although, my loc sizing will always create a few styling limitations because one quadrant is much smaller than the rest, I am happy that my locs are mostly large in size according to Sisterlocks standards.  Why?  Because I refuse to be dependent on another human being to care for my hair again.  I had heard others say this about their locs before, but now, I really, really get it.  You can not control relocation of consultants or your own relocation or even death of another individual.  If the locs are really small, self-maintenance can be a huge challenge.  So the concept of microlocks is brilliant, but 600+ Sisterlocks on your head can really be a "check" that most people will not be to handle long term. God knew what he was doing when I got my Sisterlocks installed.  Because I had some true Sisterlocks sized locs in one quadrant of my head, I have been able to learn the benefits from all the loc sizings from "micro size" to "too large." I self maintain all of them.  I do not recommend tight updos.  They are too stressful to my locs in my opinion.  So I either wet set my locs or leave them straight. Larger traditional locs may benefit from the updos.  Just watch the tension.

May 2015 - the back of my head - it is progressing nicely!

So 34 months - 2 years 10 months is here!

I am loving my Loc Nation!

Small plastic needles for Loc Tightening

 One of my readers (Gale) mentioned that she tightened her locs with a small plastic yarn needle.  So since I had some extra time today, I went into a fabric store.  I found some plastic sewing needles as well as these Super Jumbo Tapestry Needles by Clover Manufacturing Company.

The eye of the sewing needle was smaller than these tapestry needles so I went with the bigger needles since dreadlock retightening was my purpose.

After experimenting with the tapestry needles, I found that the plastic sewing needle would have been better for my smaller front locs.

Overall, I love these plastic needles for tightening of locs.  One still has to be careful not to stitch up an adjacent loc, but there is NO spring clip like the Sisterlocks clip tool that will snap the loc off.

The spring load on the Sisterlocks clip tool has snapped my hair completely off at the hands of a certified Sisterlocks consultant.  It was a starter lock around my hairline.  Hairline hair is always more fragile anyway, but I remember the consultant apologizing about the breakage and continued on using the clip tool through the rest of my hair.

As far as any type of hook tool, one still has to be careful about not adjoining an adjacent loc.

I am pleased that one of my readers mentioned that these plastic needles exist so that I am able to formally share this loc tightening option with you.

For the record, the Sisterlocks clip tool is probably one of the shortest in length as far as loc tightening tools available.

I will continue to add to my collection of loc tightening tools as I grow more loc clientele.

Interlock Retightening Guidelines for SisterLocks or MicroLocks

 New to Sisterlocks or any other interlocking technique?
A video link is embedded later in this blog article for a hair interlocking introduction.

 Wondering how often you should have your Sisterlocks or microlocks re-tightened? Well, here's a guideline that may assist you:

Eight weeks Range
If your density is low or you seem to remain "scalpy looking" past the first three months, then consider getting your retightening done about every 8 weeks.  This will allow for your new growth to volumize a little for a thicker look.  If your schedule gets hectic, then the six weeks period is the soonest  and the ten weeks period is the longest that I would push it.  If your hair is truly thin or less dense, the tightening time should not take any longer than any person with medium hair density.  Yes, the locitician will have to spend more time and check the tension on each lock, but you will probably have less locks to be serviced than a denser head of hair.

Four weeks range
If you have thick density, coarse hair, and can NOT stand too much volume or lift at the roots, then your retightenings should be every four weeks.  Your goal is to keep your roots as flat as possible to subdue any volume from your root area. You can consider three weeks as the soonest and five weeks as the longest timeframe in case your schedule gets hectic.  The technician should only need to do one rotation or looping cycle so the loctician should not have to worry about adding tension.

Six weeks range
If you have medium density and you do not mind  having a little volume or lift at the roots, then six weeks is a good timeframe for you to have your locks retightened.  If the loctician gives you really tight roots, then you can kindly ask the technician for future purposes to maintain moderate looping tension, and that you do not want the interlocking too tight to the scalp.  If they are doing two full looping cycles, then ask for one and half looping cycles.  Communication and partnering is key.

Scalp Tension?
Some people like their retightenings to the point that their scalp feels the tension.  For others and certain hair types, the extra tension may cause additional thinning or breakage.  If the loctician is not willing to help find a routine that works for your hair type and styling needs, then you may need to keep moving.

My personal Sisterlocks retightening Experience:
When I was getting Sisterlock retightenings, I had Sisterlocks certified consultants spend from 1.5 hrs to 4 hrs on my locks, and I was going every 4 to 6 weeks religiously.  It was amazing how different each Sisterlocks certified consultant can be. Self tightenings and/or finger twisting may be a good fall back option to learn your own locks.

A Sisterlocks Retightening Video Sample to show retightening speed when the Sisterlocks fall within the Sisterlocks sizing range-can be found at this link:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEB6DgMFSgQ

In this video, the loctician is using her own locking pattern that works for her.  Ignore the Discoloration of the video, she probably added that special effect so that the average consumer would not understand her technique. Her locking rhythm is unique to her. Do not expect all locticians to follow the same pattern.  Yes, Sisterlocks training teaches their own locking patterns, but seasoned locticians may start from different positions that work for their practice.  I found this video extremely helpful.  Her youtube channel name can pull up interesting footage unrelated to her.  I am not sure how she came up with that name. LOL!  Anyway . . .

Were you wondering about my new Sisterlocks tool storage case above?

Well, I got it from the Dollar Tree store.  It is a "Color Loops" Storage case.  Only $1.00 USD. It is an empty case for those who are into the rubber band looming.  No tools or supplies included.  Just the case.  I love it!  It probably can double for jewelry storage too!  Perfect for my Sisterlocks tools.

Snowed In? Re-Twisting Time!

Well, a snow blizzard just hit the Carolinas.  It shut the Carolinas down.  The news broadcasted to drive only in case of emergency. So instead of board games and television, I decided to refresh my microlocks.  Of course, if you have a significant other, getting snowed in might mean more couple time!  Regardless, making the best use of time is always the plan.  

So I am not quite at another anniversary month, but my locks and scalp felt a little itchy from all the extra setting lotion that I had been using.  So I was excited about my shampoo service skipping the conditioner.   In addition, I am using about 3 to 4 ounces of locking gel to re-twist.  The Jamaican Mango and Lime Locking Gel six ounce jar is barely lasting me  two re-twisting sessions.

 My cold weather hat keeps my head a little warmer!

I retightened my hairline nicely.  My microlocks have quite a bit of length on them, but my big head takes a lot of hair to frame it.  LOL!

SuperBowl Sexy Microlocks

The Superbowl 2014 was a blowout this year (43 Seahawks to 8 Broncos), but I felt like a "touchdown" with my bob.

No hydration spray.  I now only use my hydration spray when I need to manipulate my microlocks into an updo. Less moisture to the roots allows my volume from my new growth to give me a thicker look.  I still have a lot of movement in my ends when I shake my head or the wind blows. I have to a laugh because everyone likes their hair to blow in the wind even with microlocks.

It has been four weeks since I last finger twisted my entire head.   I think that I will wait a few more weeks to retighten again.   I had been using the updo styling  in previous weeks to achieve more volume and thickness which I may go back to after I finger twist/retighten again, but for now, less manipulation is more.

 So far, the length of my hair is starting to feel edgy and chic.

Lock Talk: Thickness at Seventeen Months

(Please ignore my huge forehead. lol!)

One of my clients mentioned to me that her hair was too thick to get locks.  I did not engage in further discussion because she was not asking me.  She was telling me.  So when that happens, people are not open to discussion.  I only mention this topic because if people are judging by the thickening of my hair with my lock journey then they are sadly assuming that everyone thickens up by starting dreadlocks.  This is not true.
Actually, if people have not suffered any hair loss issues from chemicals or mechanical damage, etc - then I do not think they are going to get any thicker in density by starting locks.  Typically, if people discontinue anything that is causing damage, then their hair naturally starts to grow back where they lost it.  It is that simple.

 At seventeen (17) months, I am still growing.  The daily hydration spray seems to be making my hair grow even faster.  In the picture, above, I had finger tightened the front portion, and you can still see my little afro toward the crown area.  I had to refresh my roots at five weeks this time instead of the usual six weeks.  I also used the Jamaican Mango and Lime Resistant Formula Locking Gel.  It seemed to give me a stronger hold where I could keep track of what I had twisted.  Because I am having to use my sense of feel to complete my own self tightening, well defined roots that stay twisted helps me not have to do double work.

 January 2014 (without curls) above compared to December of 2012 (with locks curled) below.

So I have come a long way in an 11 months span, and I personally can tell that as my locks get longer, I will probably just wear them straight.  The daily hydration spraying is going to prevent my sets from holding.

So if you are suffering hair loss?  Then starting dreadlocks may be an answer if you do not have permanent scalp scarring.

If you have a thick head of hair, then dreadlocks will not make it thicker, but you will have some huge, big hairstyling if you start rolling it.  So you may have less styling options, but for me, I've had 40+ years of styling options.  I was ready for micro-locks.  I can tuck my locks under a wig if I need a different look, but each one to one's own.

My 16 Months Microlocks Check-in

 So I reached my 16 months of microlocks, and I believe that I am on my final phase of learning my hair's needs.  Sisterlocks preaches us to limit product usage, but I started noticing random strands of hair that had not fully matted into the lock was breaking off.  So no, I was not losing locks, but similar to if I had a natural afro, I saw a few strands of natural unlocked hair break off as I styled my hair.  So as for my hair, I started using a spray moisturizer everyday to keep it hydrated.  I am convinced that my scalp does not produce enough oil to keep my locks hydrated.  In addition, I am not drinking 64 ounces of water per day either.

So I tried the Sisterlocks spray moisturizer, and it seemed too lightweight.  I need something that was going to lock the hydration in without being sticky.  So far Avlon's Ferm Moisturizing Aqualizer seems to do the trick!  It sprays on and absorbs into my locks without me having to rub it in.  I tried Design Essentials "Mist and Shine," but it leaves an "Armour All" look to my micro-locks so I have to manipulate the product into my locks.  So the Design Essentials required too much work.  The Ferm Moisturizing Aqualizer allows me to spray to my heart's content without any product buildup.  I love it!  Ferm is Avlon's "bodywave/soft curl" system.  The Aqualizer says that it is good for hair and scalp.  The down side is that it has propylene glycol in the ingredients, but until I find another spray that seals in moisture, Ferm Aqualizer is it!  By the way, I also tried Bee Mine's Juicy spray, and I felt that it caused too much product buildup for everyday use.  The paraben free spray may be close to expiring, but it smelled fine.  I just plan to stick with the Aqualizer spray for now.

 Okay, I just washed my hair. It was six weeks since my last tightening session.  It is time to tame my little afro.   I usually can tell when people start staring at my roots just a little too long that I know that I am getting past due for a retightening or root twist.

For those who constantly ask are those locks permanent?  Well, they are just as permanent as a relaxer is.

1) My hair grows out of my scalp loose as it has always done.
2) There is a line of demarcation between my new growth and my matured part of my locks as seen in the picture above.
3) The locks control my natural hair similar to how a relaxer chemically controls the natural hair.
4) I finger comb my locks versus using a "real" hair comb.

For those who wonder why locks have thinner roots and fatter ends?  Well, your natural shedded hair drops into the lock compacting it and making it fatter.  If there is significant fatness in the ends of the locks, then you may be shedding abnormally which could be because the locks are not staying hydrated enough or there is a health issue that is affecting your scalp internally.  If you locks get too thin at the roots, they will break off.

1) So use a daily moisturizing spray if your scalp does not produce enough oil naturally.
2) Get your iron level checked as well as check to see if your prescription drugs have any side effects that you need to be aware of.

Okay, back to me and my hair, I just retightened the roots.  Four hours with the bantu knots.  Can you believe that my locks/ my hair is long enough to bantu now without any rubber bands?  Yes, my locks are supporting themselves without any help.  So no more perm rods for curls!  I am sooooo happy at my progress!  I had a vacation day so I did not get all glamoured up, but I will take another glam picture soon to showcase my 16+ months micro-locks!

This was a great check-in!

Two Months comparison of Lock Growth

   

November 2013 (blue sweater)  versus  September 2013 (black and gold)

Two months equals about an extra inch of hair growth.  If I drew an imaginary line from my right ear out in a diagonal, then I can see more solid length and fullness in the picture on the left in the blue sweater.

I am also learning to style the locks more as the length is gaining.  Everyone seems to be more and more excited about my microlocks.

Now, that the length is getting closer to chin level, I have more guides to really monitor my growth.  I also do not  feel the need to wear it curly all the time.

In another week, my locks will be 16 months old.

Interlocking Dreadlocks and Use of Permanent Haircolor

 Pictures are worth a thousand words.  This is not my client, but the two pictures of this model are probably  2.5 years apart.  They are small dreadlocks - maybe Sisterlocks? maybe not.  The haircolor appears to be permanent haircolor.  The model could possibly be coloring regularly to cover gray hair or maybe not.  She is simply beautiful.  Her dreadlock journey resembles my initial Sisterlocks journey, but I decided to abandon that path after seven months.  I have no doubt that had I continued with Sisterlocks with the limited consultants that I had to choose from in my area that my journey would result in the same look that this model has.

Official 14 months into my Microlock Journey

 Cooler weather means more fun with cosmetics!  So today is officially 14 months from my Sisterlocks birthday! (July 24, 2012)  I don't have a lot to say besides full steam ahead.  My crown area and top is still recovering from relaxer scarring so it is still a little sparser than the rest of my head, but I do not feel like it is as extreme as it was 10 months ago. So no yarn unit for the winter, but I may try for the stocking up wig for a little variety.