My Natural Hair Journey in my own words

GOODBYE NATURAL HAIR PRODUCTS!

SN: My hair journey might be different from others, but its still my journey nonetheless. A lot of people go natural to get that self-worth, or feeling of freedom and liberation. I already felt that way about myself before I BC. I just wanted to try something different. Next thing I know everyone was BCing & going natural. I am glad everyone is embracing their natural coils and feeling better about ones self. If you have any questions dealing with natural hair please feel free to message me. 

Simple Side Ponytail THIS IS fuesha. I love her SL

SISTERLOCKS BLOGS HAIR ENVY

These are the links of FIVE sisterlock women whose hair that I think are absolutely gorgeous. They all have very helpful tips on styles and advice dealing with sisterlocks... Check them out!
1. MEET CURLYNUGROWTH: google her.
I really like her hair and her length. I wanna say she started out with 7-8 inches of hair when she started her journey. Our hair textures are not the same, but I love the length and tips she gives. I wanna say she has 300+ SL

2. MEET FUESHA:
fuchsia-soul.blogspot.com
I really like her blog.Unfortunately I was unable to upload a video of her. She has a block on her page where you cannot do that. But when you look at her locks you will fall in love with them. They are so beautiful and full. I wanna say she has over 600 sisterlocks. We both have the same kind of texture of hair. But I wanna say she started her locks a little bit shorter than my actual hair length.

3. MEET KEE:
http://locksandkee.blogspot.com/
She is a SOROR of mines. Her locks are beautiful as well. At the very bottom of her page she shows pictures of her journey. She too has over 600 locks. They are so pretty.

4. MEET IBYL:
I am not sure if she has a blog or not, but she is on YOUTUBE. So just type in her name. I don't know how many locs she has. but the hair styles that she does with her locks and the length of them are so pretty. Check out this YouTube video of her hair over the past 4 YEARS!!!

5. MEET BLAQKOFI:

http://blaqkofi.blogspot.com/

I would like for my locks to get this long at the veryyyy max. She has beautiful locs and is a ceritfied consultant. She gives a lot of gr8 advice on her blog as well. Please check out her blog.

I hope these women sisterlock hair journey has inspired you as much as they have inspired me!

I got my tester locks installed today...



one of the tester locks...



she installed 6 test locs & these are the medium size




side view



I am excited I cannot w8 to see what my whole head looks like....

MY CONSULTANT

I am getting my sisterlocks installed in Missouri on Jan. 23, 2011 at 11am by a trainee. If I can get them installed earlier (ie an earlier time I am all for that as well.lol.) Below I simply discussing briefly what we talked about and my thoughts. She informed me that she believed that my hair will lock pretty quickly because of my hair type. But she also informed me that everyones hair is different and it may take longer for some clients hair to lock than other. She was very professional and nice. She also was able to give me two different prospective of locks. She had traditional locks at one point and then got sisterlocks. She let me touch her hair and her was very light weight. Which is what I liked. I do not want to feel like my hair is being weighed down. I have total faith that she will do a great job on my hair. And I do not know if my hair shed a lot over theses past three weeks or what. But she measured my hair and it is between 7 - 7 1/2 inches. I do not know what that other lady measured. Either way that is still hang time. lol. But check out my video below.

my first sisterlock video

Sorry this video is not fancy. This is my first time doing this. I basically did a length check and discussed my excitment about getting my sisterlocks. I go in tomorrow to get my tester locks installed. Also my installment date has been pushed back to JAN. 23RD. This was my doing mainly because of lack of funds. I am still very excited about this new hair journey in my life. Also thank you so much stopping by.

SN: DOES ANYONE KNOW OF ANY YOUTUBE OR BLOGGERS WHOSE HAIR STARTED OUT LONGER THAN 6INCHES AND ALSO HAD THICK ALL NATURAL HAIR. I HAVE BEEN HAVING THE HARDEST TIME FINDING INDIVUALS WHO HAVE HAIR TEXTURES SIMLIAR TO MINES.



SISTERLOCKS QUESTIONS

These were the questions that I asked my consultant. You might find these helpful if you are considering getting sisterlocks.

1.     How long they have been a trainee OR consultant?

2.     What hours/days do you work?
          a.  You ask this question bc they may have another job or only do sisterlocks on certain days so you need to see if their schedule matches with yours.

3.     What are your rescheduling guidelines?

4.     Can I see pictures of YOUR work

a.     When looking at pictures look for clean parts

b.     Look at their technique

c.      When is the last time you got a refresher course

5.  Can I see one of YOUR clients hair in person

a.   Make sure it is someone that they started doing their hair from beginning to end.  (Not someone whose hair they are simply retighting)

b. How many unsatisfied customers do you have?

c. How many clients do you have?

d. How many returning clients do you have?

6. “I noticed on the official Sisterlocks website that I should receive a Starter Kit with my Sisterlocks package.  Do you offer this as part of your package?” 

7.   How long does it take to install sisterlocks?

8.   How often do you recommend for clients to come in for retighting?

a.    How much does that cost?

b.    How long does it typically take you to retighten sisterlocks each month?

c.    What if I have problems with my locks requiring extra time during retightenings; is there an additional charge?

9.    How many times should I shampoo my hair (its suppose to be every 7-10 days)

a.  Do you shampoo hair? If so how much do you charge?

10.    During the follow-up visit what service will I receive?
The follow-up visit, part of your installation package, should include a complimentary retightening.  If not - red flag. 

11. What tool do you use to install and retighten locks?The answer should be “the official Sisterlocks tool.”  I have read accounts of Consultants using other tools.  However, to have “official” Sisterlocks only the Sisterlocks tool should be used.

12. Why did you choose to become a Sisterlocks Consultant?

My NEW Sisterlock Consultant ;)

NEW Update AS OF 12/6/2011: So I justttt talked to the second consultant today on the phone and I really like her. I have a really good feeling about her. Plus the package that she is offering me is a lot better than the other trainee. She is a good business woman, if she ever decided to get a side job she would probably be the top sales person. She is originally who I wanted to installed my sisterlocks but I thought she would be booked up, so I went with the other trainee. Shes seemed really cool and laid back. She is a license cosmetologist, she has sisterlocks herself, and she is also natural, AND she is the owner of her own salon. I wanted my sisterlock consultant or trainee to have at least two of these. She has all three plus a bonus. She answered all of my questions and was very knowledgeable about sisterlocks.She also gave me the opportunity to see pictures of some of her client's hair that she installed and she discussed her returning sisterlocks clients. She was a little bit more expensive but I think it is worth the extra cost. She offered to wash my hair  in-between retightening and I was so excited about that because I really do not want to mess my hair up once I get them installed. I scheduled my appointment with her to be on Dec. 28th at 11am. She will put the tester locs in. Then I will have my sisterlocks installed on Jan 16, 2012. I now have to go break up with the high school consultant. haha. I will call her tomorrow and tell her that I decided to go with someone else. Stay tune for my next post. I will  post all the questions that I typed up and asked her. Y'all are probably thinking that I am weird and/or corny but I just like to document stuff, so years from now I can be like "my hair has come a long way".

The Sisterlock Package

Sisterlocks is offered as a package of 3 visits:

1. The Sisterlocks Consultation
2. The Locking Session (may be divided into two to reduce client's sitting time).
3. The follow-up retightening session (generally done after 2 shampooings or so).

First Visit: The Consultation

During this session you and your Consultant will discuss your personal hair care history, your styling preferences and your lifestyle in order to determine if Sisterlocks is right for you. You will also have "TEST LOCKS" put in your hair to see if they will hold, check sizes, amount of scalp showing, settling-in time, etc. This consultation is essential for both you and your Consultant to ensure you get your Sisterlocks done in the most suitable way.

Second Visit: The Locking Session

Bring a good book because the locking process can take from 10-20 hours or even longer in some cases. The average Sisterlocks customer will leave this session with an average of 400 locks and a whole new attitude! Your Consultant will provide you with a "Starter Kit" that includes the proper shampoo for starting your locks, tiny rubber bands and "tip sheets" on grooming and shampooing as your locks settle in. Be sure to schedule your follow-up visit before you leave. Good maintenance is the key to gorgeous Sisterlocks over time.

Third Visit: Follow-up

You will need to schedule your follow-up visit after at least two shampooings, which is usually within one month from the time you first get your locks put in. Your Consultant will monitor the integrity of your locks, tighten them up and give you an idea of how long the settling-in process is likely to take. You can also begin discussing styling tips for the 'total look' that's right for you!

Ongoing Follow-up Visits

We recommend that you schedule your first few re-tightening visits at 4-6 week intervals. This way the progress of your locks can be monitored. As your locks mature, your Consultant will be able to determine how often you will need to come in for retightenings on a regular basis. The average time between visits is 4-8 weeks, depending on the hair type and rate of growth.

source

What are SISTERLOCKS?

I got so caught up and excited about getting sisterlocks that I COMPLETELY FORGOT to tell you what exactly sisterlocks are! Please forgive me.

Q: What are Sisterlocks?
A: Sisterlocks® are tiny uniform locks that are the result of a precision parting grid and the use of a specialized tool that places the hair into its locking formation.  The Sisterlocks® method does not require the use of waxes, oils or gels. The small size and parting grid form locks that are easily styled. So everything that can add weight, stress, or hamper your hair growth is removed. 

SSN:Usually the hair is parted in four sections. Then each square section consists of tiny square rows along the scalp. The parts are perfectly straight so that the hair can be easily styled into any style once complete.
For those with Sisterlocks™ the common complaint in the beginning is the scalp showing. This is only temporary. Regardless of whether your hair is thin or thick, the parts will show on newly completed Sisterlocks™. As the hair grows and is washed over time, the visible scalp sections will be less visible so don’t worry. It’s just part of the wonderful journey. Source

Q: Does this mean that once I get Sisterlocks, I can still change hairstyles?
A: Yes! Sisterlocks is a lot less limiting than extensions because it is your natural hair. You can curl it, braid it, wear a ponytail, cut it, spray or mousse it, wear bangs and parts - You name it!

Q: How long does it take to do Sisterlocks?
A: The initial locking process takes about two thirds as long as getting extensions of comparable size. For medium length hair this means about 8-12 hours (maybe longer!). The beauty of Sisterlocks is that tightening them as your hair grows out is extremely simple, since there are no extensions to remove and re-set.
SN: I would ultimately like to get between micro-med. or small-med locks. But I will have the consultant look at my hair and see what she think.

Q: Will Sisterlocks cause my hair to break or thin?
A: Just the opposite! Sisterlocks is a gentle technique that requires no chemicals, no excessive tightening, and causes no damaging abrasion to the hair or scalp. You will find  that with regular care, your locks will grow and grow, and your styling options will increase.

 All of my Questions and Answers came directly from the sisterlock website.... which can be found RIGHT HERE

I got a callback, I got a callback!!

Okay so I got a call back from two sisterlock trainee. I went on the sisterlock website and found numbers of trainees and certified sisterlock consultants. There is only one certified consultant in St.Louis and she is actually a Soror. Big ups to her!  I really want to get my locs installed in January but unfortunately she is booked up the whole month of January.
She actually referred me her her sister and another trainee. The good thing about trainees is that they are wayyyy cheaper. I sometimes feel like they will probably do a better job because they really want to learn and be great at their craft. They just lack the number of clients that the certified consultant has. I called her sister and I talked to about getting my sisterlocks installed  and surprisingly her sister is high school senior. Look at her. Go Girl. lol.
But I am schedule to meet with her sister Dec. 28th. So I am excited about that. You are probably wonder why am I meeting with her so late in the month. I gotta get my money up PLUS I am going back home for the holidays. Now that I think about it based off the amount she quoted me, I might have the money now. But I am just gonna wait.
After I schedule my appointment with the first trainee the second trainee called. I might have her look at my hair as well that same day. See how much she is trying to quote me for and see which one I get a a good feel for. Either way its looking promising and it looks like my goal to have sisterlocks in the new year will be a reality!!!! yay!!!

Thanks for reading until next time folks...

The Locking Stages

Once you have your starter locks, if you are like most may be impatient to be completely locked. It is understandable but remember that locks are a lesson in patience. No matter what way you start your locks there will be an amount time that you will have to wait before they are completely mature. The amount of time will depend on your hair type and the method that you used to start your locks.

Knowing the locking stages will help you to as you are waiting. You will know what to expect and also when you are making progress. There are three basic locking stages baby locks, teenage locks and mature locks.

Baby Locks

The baby lock stage starts from the moment you start your initial locks until they first start to bud and mat. That could be anywhere from three to six months all depending on your hair type. If your hair is coily or curly it may be on the shorter side. If you have wavy hair that is soft and fine you may have to wait a little longer for this stage to pass.

During the baby stage you will need to be extra careful with your hair if you have started your locks with coils, or rolls. You need to give them some time to set so you will want to wait at least 3 weeks (but no more than 4) to allow them to settle. During that time you can cleanse your scalp with an astringent and you will want to have your hair retightened by palm rolling or twisting.

If your hair was started by double twisting, braiding, interlocking, or with extensions. You will not have to worry as much about your locks coming undone but you still need to be careful while washing especially if you have a resistant hair type.

Teenage Locks

The teenage time is characterized that may want to do their own thing. They will be budding, forming little balls of solid matted hair, in the middle and at the tip. Your hair may look very fuzzy and frizzy. And it can be frustrating to know what to do with it at times. Don’t despair all locks go through this stage. It only last for a few months to a year.

Avoid the temptation to gel the strands in to submission, over twist or stress about your hair. It will turn out right in time. Just stay on top of your maintenance – re-twisting, palm rolling, or interlocking – for your lock type. Remember to separate after washing to keep your bases from joining and continue being patient.

If you started your locks with coils you will want to wash your hair every two weeks. If you want your hair to stay looking neat you will have to palm roll or twist your hair each time you wash. If you started your hair with braids twists or interlocking you have a little more freedom to wash your hair more often.

Mature Locks

Mature Locks are characterized by locks that are completely locked from tip to base. They are stronger and can stand up to most handling. Most locks reach maturity within two years. If your hair is coily or curly it will probably reach maturity sooner.

Once your lock are at this stage you may decide that you want to wait a little longer between maintenance or you can keep the same schedule. You will be able to wash your hair as much as you like and you can use some types of conditioner, which is not really recommended during the other two stages of the locking process.

My Source: locking stages

My 8 Cents on the Misconceptions of Locs

I am a Natural sista and extremely happy, satisfied and proud to be. However, when I tell other naturals or people about me wanting to get locs I often hear things like "Locs are too permanent, or that is just too much of a commitment!" I apologize I just don’t get this. Why you ask? I'll tell you...

• Was it/is it not a commitment for you to maintain chemically straighten hair?
• Is it not a commitment to maintain heat straighten natural hair?
• Heck and is it not truly a commitment to be a heat-less natural?

Speaking from experience on each and every one I know the answer is yes. So why do people view locs as the end of the hair world as we know it? While locs do offer the choice of an instant hair style, those with locs change their hair up too! Having locs is no different than any other hair choice. It has its pros and cons like everything else. This is not some plot or plea for everyone to run to their nearest loctian and get loced up, rather for people to get a better understanding about locs.

With that being said let's dig a bit deeper into the top three common misconceptions when it comes to locs shall we!  

I stumbled upon this article and wanted to share this with you. The young lady currently has sisterlocks and she wanted to share her two cents on the misconceptions on locs. I figured I would share it with you all. It is pretty good. Please feel free to check it out.
1. Locs are smelly and dirty.
Are there people that have smelly, dirty locs? Yes! And they give loc heads a bad name. But most locers are very intuned to having clean,healthy and great smelling locs! If you want some great scents for your hair go ask a loced head. We wash,condition,deep condition and moisturize just like the rest of yall. In fact many locers take extra time to make sure there locs are free of product, lint and dirt. Just because we have locs doesn't mean we are some lazy, neglectful people when it comes to our hair. We take great pride in our roots!

2. Locs are too permanent.
All locs, I repeat a EVERY SINGLE TYPE OF LOC CAN BE TAKEN DOWN! No matter how big or small. No matter how they are maintained (i.e. latching,palm rolling,twisting,etc). You DO NOT have to cut locs off if you dont want too. Now yes, it is a very time consuming task and the amount of time it takes to take them down depends on several factors: How long you have been loced, the size of your locs and how many locs you have. However, in the grand scheme of things its no different than transitioning to go natural, They both take time and patience.

There are several examples on Youtube of people who removed their locs. Though locs can be removed, I strongly suggest that anyone considering locs take the proper time to research locs and not just jump head first into it. While it doesn't have to be a forever commitment, it is still a commitment none the less.

3. I like to change my hair up too often to be loced
I always find it interesting when people give this reason because most people I know are not styling their hair a different way every single day. Honestly we live in a busy world and just do not have the time to switch up styles like that. So other than special occasions, most of us stick to the same two or three styles and throw a new one in there for fun and flare every now and then. However just because we rock locs doesn't mean we are boring, style complacent people. Just like many loose naturals we rock intricate buns, ponytails, puffs, sleek up-do's, curls, bobs and more. Often with cute loc jewelry and/or other accessories to match! Just do a youtube search or Google loc albums and you will see what I am speaking of.

source

Goodbye Afro, Hello Sisterlocks



My fro Aug. 2011



What made you go natural and how long have you been Natural? Did you transition or BC?
My last perm was in 2007 and I BC on April 17, 2009, which means I have been natural for almost 32 months. It may sound cheesy or really simple but I literally woke up one day and thought "Why do I have to have a relaxer? What is wrong with my hair the way it is?" From there I transitioned for about 16 months. It wasn’t that hard for me because I transitions with various types of braids and I cut my perm ends off bit by bit.  Eventually, I had a stylist do my BC and have not looked back since.
SN: If you would like to see pictures of my natural hair journey along with tips on how to maintain your natural hair click on THIS LINK  or PICS LINK to my natural hair pages.

What made you decide to loc your hair?
You know I find it funny that I am pursuing getting locs because I'm that person who always has some sort of protective, creative hairstyle. Also as soon as I BCed my hair my personal goal was to have my afro grow and get so big that when I went to the movies the person behind me would be upset.lol. Well, I reached my goal. lol. I was also the natural who said I would never get locs.
Ultimately what brought me to the loc side was I was at a turning point in my natural journey. I was either going to cut my hair back down to a TWA or do something else to it.  I say that because my hair is thick and takes some time to do. And to be honest, I was getting really tired of detangling my hair. I wanted to have a ready made style, that all I had to do is just get up and go.
SN: Also it is really rare that I even wear my loose hair out in a fro unless I am get my ends trimmed, and then I would twist my hair back up.
That’s when I began researching locs. Though I never thought I would get them, I've always admired locs even before my natural days. Then one day I just stumbled upon Sisterlocks. I couldn't believe they were....locs! I mean they were so tiny; they almost resembled loose natural hair. I was in awe and amazed. I researched Sisterlocks and, l as you know I am trying to get them.

Below I have posted some pictures of my hair over the years...


my hair before I BC back in 07

 




my hair 2 wks after I BC my twa (May 09)

  




summer 2010. it has grown so much





  Now onto my next hair journey....SISTERLOCKS!!!!