Sisterlocks: The Headband Look with Pompadour

Since I still have my curls from my two strand twist set, I wanted to headband my Sisterlocks.  The cloth covered headband does not have any tension nor any teeth.  It is very lightweight as well.  In order to create volume I pompadoured my bang area first and then put the headband on.

I am still thin in my crown area, but my wavy Sisterlocks work to draw attention away from any trouble areas.  I suppose blonde colored locs would blend the area as well, but I do not want to consider dealing with any color damage.  My three year five and half months loc journey has been challenging enough without any chemicals.

My loc length really is becoming my friend.  It compensates for the fact that my hair is not as dense as it was 20 years ago.  I think I made a good decision to start my natural journey over three years ago.  It was not easy nor popular in 2012, but I took the plunge and stuck with it.  I guess that makes me leading edge in the beauty industry!

My Double Strand Twist Set on Sisterlocks

Loc Styling by Benita Blocker

I started this wet set like a braid out but with 2 strands instead of 3 strands, but I ended with three strands to hold it in place.  Then I just rolled and tucked.

My Sisterocks are approaching 3 years 6 months in another few weeks. The gain in loc length is undeniable.

I used the Design Essentials Masterpiece setting lotion in a 1 to 1 ratio of water. I also added some Jamaican Mango and Lime Island Oil to my Sisterlocks after they dried.

Crochet Braids: New Tools Review

My new crochet braids tools:  1) Fusion hook (small latch hook) and 2) Hair Threader.  Those with ultra curly/kinky hair benefit from the thinner tools.  Those with shorter relaxed hair desiring crochet braids will also benefit from these thinner tools.

The popular latch hook pictured on the left seems too bulky to use on people with relaxed hair.  I used the Sisterlock tool on a prior crochet braid client, but I felt that I needed a closure latch on the Sisterlock hook tool.  So the Fusion hook tool is perfect because it is less bulky, and it is a latch hook tool.

The fusion (latch) hook can be purchased from Sally's Beauty Supply.

The bulk hair and braid hair options are expanding.  I have seen everything from Romance curls to Corkscrew curls.

Starter Locs: Bundling the Braidlocs

Braidlocs by Benita Blocker

I used the Interlocking method to tighten the roots of the braidlocs. Then we bundled them for shampooing.  This article is a followup on my previous braidloc article on this blog.

We used volume shampoos and Sisterlocks starter shampoo to cleanse the scalp and hair.  I was praying that the braidlocs did not unwind during the shampoo process, and I am thankful that they stayed in tact.  We had about 17 bundles.

Eventually, the braided look will disappear as the braidlocs mature. The Pure interlocking method has not held for this client who wore loc styling years ago.  So far, her hair is holding in the three strand twist method for forming locs.  She prefers a medium manicured look versus a highly manicured look.

Benita Blocker's TEN Tips for Achieving Red Haircolor

Hair by Benita Blocker

Tip #1 Determine your current level of haircoloring.

Are you 100% gray?  Are you 50% or more gray? Are you above or below a Level 6 in the haircolor chart?  A professional hair colorist can assist with this evaluation.

Tip #2 Determine if you have all natural pigment or is there some artificial pigment from a previous haircoloring visit already present.

Haircoloring is like "wall painting."  A wall that has layers of paint on it is more complicated than a new white wall.

Tip #3 Determine your maintenance cost.

If your natural haircolor does not match your new haircolor, then your roots will always grow revealing your true natural haircolor.  How often do you want to touchup your new growth?  Every four weeks? Every 8 weeks?  Do you want to incorporate a "red shampoo" with your weekly shampoo service?

Tip #4 Determine your maintenance routine to maintain healthy hair.

Do you use you a lot of hot tools or do you roller set?  Do you get relaxer services or are you relaxer-free?

Tip #5 Determine your styling preference.

If you have over 50% gray in any one area (versus a "salt and pepper" blend), then the gray/white hair is going to be more sheer and/or "flaming."  Can you part your hair to mask any areas that are brighter in color than what you desire?

Tip #6 Determine if your hair is strong enough to stand a lightener or  hair bleaching service.

If you have natural black hair, then a highlift permanent color in the blonde family can lift you into the red family and you can use an additional red toner to glaze over it.

If you have artificial colored black hair, then a color remover service or a hair bleaching service will be required to pre-lighten the hair.

If you have all gray or white hair like my client pictured above, a semi-permanent color like the Design Essentials Semi-permanent haircolor called "Passion" is all you need.  It goes on wet.  No mixing. Deposit only.  No harshness to the hair because you are naturally pre-lightened.

Tip #7 Determine if you plan to relax your hair in the future.

Relaxers are permanent, and they change the integrity of the hair.  If you are considering permanent haircolor or demi-permanent haircolor plus relaxer services, then two different chemicals on the same hair makes the hair extremely vulnerable to breakage regardless of race.

Tip #8 Determine long term haircolor goals as well as short term haircolor goals.

You can go many places to achieve the "red" look that you want short-term.  You can leave the salon looking fabulous, but that is the short term/impulse decision making.  Long term, in a month from that fabulous red haircolor visit, you will be faced with the challenge of how to keep that red fabulous.

Tip #9 Let professional haircolorists advise you on whether to use a Semi-permanent, Demi-permanent, or a Permanent Haircolor.

Tip #10 Don't be afraid to get a second or third opinion on your customized haircolor plan.

I charge $15 for "creative color" consultations.  The $15 payment can be credited toward a future color service.