Microlocks: Lost a Lock

When I was perm rodding my locks a few weeks ago, I found this lock in my perm rod case.  I suppose it snapped off of an end of a still existing lock or maybe it snapped from the scalp.  I am not sure, but my locks overall seem to still be forming fine even with two different locking methods going.

There is still relaxed hair hanging on at the last third of this microlock.  The rest of the lock that is not chemically processed is half interlocked and half finger twisted.  I really do not see a line of demarcation between the two locking methods.  I do see the line of demarcation between the chemically processed areas and the chemical free area.

So I will have to be careful with removal of my perm rods from my microlocks.  I do not want to lose anymore locks from being too heavy handed.  I may try to connect the broken lock to another lock to see if some of the lock repair methods on youtube work.  Smile.  I foresee more experimentation in my future!

Lock Buds: Remove Them or Not?

Some locticians remove these buds that sometimes form at the end of locks. The buds are actually welcomed by others because they mean the hair is not going to unravel out of the locking framework. Sometimes lock clients will remove these buds without the loctician's permission because they (the client) don't like them.

Pictured are some of the buds that I saved from my lock tightening with my third Sisterlocks certified consultant. She went through ripping as many of the buds off of my locks as she could.  I did not request this type of lock grooming, but she insisted that the buds are not supposed to be there.  I lost some length because of her ripping them off with her hands.  In hindsight, I realized that she should have just went through with shears and snipped what she wanted removed.

Now, jumping forward to present day, most of my locks have coiled back up and formed buds again.  Why?  I believe that it is my hair's natural behavior to "roll up and park."  So removing the buds at the end of locks where the client's hair naturally coils into itself is a waste of time and money.  

There are exceptions.  If the buds are too large to feed through the root of the lock without ripping the whole lock out of the head during an interlock tightening then the bud needs to be trimmed or reshaped to maintain the integrity of the lock.

Lock grooming is usually a separate session from the tightening session.

Also, I think the budding at the end of the locks are more synonymous with the interlocking method versus the twisting of locks.  The interlocking method actually uncoils the hair allowing the shedded strands to drop down the locking framework of the lock and rest at the ends.

As for me, I am okay with my buds at my ends.  Some may fall off on their own.  If not, it is all good with me!

Head massages by Massage Therapists

Massages are a part of wellness and stress relief; however, when a scalp or head massage is included,  it can cause some uneasiness especially if the client has hair extensions, wigs, or hairpieces.

Also, if one's next stop after the massage is a business meeting, one may not want their hairstyling manipulated too much.  In addition, one may wonder if the massage oil may be too heavy especially if one does not have a hair appointment scheduled for a few more days.

For those who are a little past due for a relaxer touch-up, would you worry about the therapist feeling your new growth or kinky roots?

The benefits of the head massage is to promote blood circulation, hair growth, and to relieve stress.

Head and scalp massages should be discussed prior to the start of each body massage.  Most therapists are in tuned to know whether to stop at the neck versus massaging the whole head.

With dreadlocks, head massages are more welcomed because there is less concern about restyling the hair.

Any hairstyle that is free of commercial enhancement opens one up for the ultimate freedom of a scalp massage.

Most pampering hair salons will include a scalp massage during the shampoo service. So even if someone has hair extensions, their hairstylist can develop a scalp massage to work around their hair extensions.

Please also note that there are some massage therapists that insist on head to toe manipulation and are less flexible in their routine.  Communication and recommendations always come in handy when choosing your wellness solutions.

Scandal's Olivia Pope: Back updo Side bob

Photo by Richard Cartwright.  ABC's Scandal television drama is scheduled to air this formal look on next Thursday.  I saw it in the sneak preview last night, and I was in awe.  This side bob is actually an updo in the back.  Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope is absolutely gorgeous in this dress with a fresh, sassy updo.

My 15 months Microlocks Check-in

I hope you all love my curls!  I had to perm rod it wet and then pin curl/bundle overnight without the rods.  I used the Jamaican Mango and Lime Lock and Set Styling Lotion for hold.  I sat under the dryer for an hour and a half and my ends were not dry from the perm rods.  So I am now convinced that my hair is too long to  perm rod set on small rods and actually expect them to dry in any reasonable amount of time.

I used the "Lily of the Desert" 99% aloe vera Gelly for my 3.5 retightening session this go around.  It is thicker than the Trader Joes' 99% pure Aloe vera Gel.  So far, I think I like it better because of the thicker consistency.  Both are moisturizing.

I have learned a few more lock lessons this month.

1) MicroLocks will double up on their own if they start to thin, so a loctician should NOT need to double my locks up intentionally.

2) Freshly twisted locks can be bundled up before swimming or any other wet recreational activities.

It is true that if the locks are interlocked then the bundling may not be necessary for mature locks, but I am still really content with not interlocking.

I also love my hair clips to give more volume in my top!