Reminisce on the locks we have ... the year so far (2) pics

Why did I do it this way?   .... Because I could ... :)

In a very reflective mood. This journey has meant so much more to me than growing healthy hair, so much more was going on in the background, but just look what The LORD Did! He will carry us through, He is so FAITHFUL, I never would have made it, but I'm still here ... NO WEAPON ;)
The latter will be greater ...

Back to work shortly, so, one more for the road.
If my idiosyncrasies bore you ... just click on the image to clarify.

Reminisce pages of lock progress and growth over one year (3.5 to 4.5 years.)

Reminisce on the locks we have ... the year so far (1) pics

Excuse me while I reminisce on the process and the journey this year. I was looking over the old images and had not realised how many I managed to accumulate, considering the distractions and busy schedules.
If my idiosyncrasies bore you ... just click on the image to clarify.

Mature Longer Sisterlock Maintenance and Routines and Tips

Four Years and 5 months ... Another level ...

What has changed? Well, I used to wash my locks twice  a week because I loved to, then my lifestyle changed and I just couldn't manage it anymore, as they got longer, the drying time increased. 

There was also something else, my ends are loose again, and I'm not sure why, I know I'm not the only one. I have never been a conditioner girl, so couldn't understand the softening process that was clearly happening. it is still happening and currently I have no answers.

My product junkism has halted, as I have no time or inclination.  I still have a trailer load of goodies that I am working through.

However, I do have a brand new toy ... 

YES ... a traditional steamer ... I'm sooo happy, had my eyes on one of these for an absolute age, but they were too expensive. Then lovely Miss C came over and we had one of our usual lock loving convos, we decided to check out EBay and ... VOILA! I didn't waste a moment as the offer was too good. 

Routine.

My latest washing session consisted of:

1. Washed with Suave shampoo.
2. Melted a tablespoon of coconut oil (which, incidentally I have not used for at least 9 months!)
3. Applied oil to towel dried hair, fill and set steamer for 20 minutes.
4. Pile locks into a loose bundle on top of head.
5. Sat under steamer, locks UNcovered.
6. When time was up I rinsed with warm water.
7. Let locs dry naturally.

If you are familiar with my blog I used to get a decent steam at my gym.  That's no longer possible. 

I will let you know if the effects are just as good as the steam room after a while.

Challenges.
No real challenges at the moment, I put my locs up in a bun as a style or simply by instinct.  I take scrunchies and bands everywhere, even wear them absentmindedly on my wrists.
My mental challenge is avoiding filth during my daily commute, I travel for a total of 2 hours per day and I am O.C.DDeeee when I choose a seat and I do all that I can NOT to rest my head on the head rest thing ... yeah I guess I'm paranoid ... I can't lie!

Build Up.

Dare I say it? No signs of any increased build up of any kind, I MUST say, that around 6 to 9 months ago I purchased a new specialist hoover, with a HEPA filtration filter thingy ... it is excellent at dealing with dust (I don't have carpet so I am hoovering the wooden flooring etc).
As I think about it, since I purchased this model the 'build up' has decreased.

Loose ends.

My loose ends actually help me remove any dust particles that may attach themselves. I don't use creamy products so there is no product type build up. I consistently clarify every other wash alternating with a moisturising shampoo every so often

Styling.

I am currently a pipe cleaner convert until one night they kept sticking in my scalp as I slept ... so I braided out instead for a change. Love the result though.

4 years and 4 months ... the journey continues.

Especially for Diana ;)

Hey to all you lock lovers out there, It has been a long time and truthfully, I can't remember the last time I posted without checking the date!
The truth is, as stated in my previous post, life has changed so much and I am going through a phase of major adjustment. This year I worked through most of the summer holidays, and that is normally a great time for me to blog.
My journey to work now can sometimes be in excess of 2 hours per day, but despite that I am loving it.
I have often wanted to sit and write a post but get busy or distracted. I still take a few pictures though with blogging in mind.

The Journey so far ...

Even my passion for shampoo has waned, a little. I just have so much. But my locks really require different things at different times.

TIP - alternate your brand of shampoo regularly, your hair loves that, and you always get good results!

I have a hoard, yes, hoard of shampoo ...

Recently at the end of the holidays I had a major house overhaul, I gathered, repacked, re-organised and compactly re stashed all of my products in available crevices. Suddenly, one product kept coming to my attention ...

So I have been using ...

I really like this shampoo on my hair (LUSH, Rehab) it feels so soft, healthy, clean and moisturised, definitely a keeper. It has a subtle peppermint scent and the benefits of it live up to the LUSH hype. 

Now Cynthia, Sylvia Stout is another keeper, why? I don't know, but its a 'feel' thing. The way my locks feel, very 'healthy' and clean without feeling or being stripped. I don't care for the smell though, its supposed to be vodka,  for both these products the scent is not the main motivator. I do not enjoy minty scents, but  REHAB is subtle. The benefits and results from using both of these products far outweigh the minor issue of smell.

My Lock experience.

26 July 2013

Today

I am living in the land of SisterLock love.  Locks equal freedom, ease and health without stress. No bad hair days, I know you have heard it all before, but it is the truth. My locks have reached bra strap length now and a few 'wild weeds' passing that level. 

While travelling on London Transport however, I do get a bit paranoid and often put my air up in a bun so as not to increase the risk of attracting creepy crawly things ....snm

My next post (soon) will cover my shorties and very loose ends! Loving my healthy lovely locked tresses. Thanking God for this small mercy! 

Summer Sun and Sisterlocks at 50 ... months!

SERIOUSLY considering leaving Blogger!! Blogs not saving and a complete waste of effort and time grrr! ... ANYWAY!

I APOLOGISE!

My apologies to everyone who has posted messages on any of my blog posts, I have not been great at keeping up with you all but still appreciate comments and feedback on each, so thank you for taking the time and stopping by, you are appreciated!

Yes, it has been a long while again, LIFE was getting in the way, I know, but there was always a light and I have finally arrived at the end of that tunnel and it feels fantastic!
WHAT A YEAR! It has been a very trying time but I SAW the LORD in the midst of it all and now know who Jesus really is in my life and how he works.  I am so blessed and truly, very thankful.

50 Months/ four years and two months. 

My lovely locks are now 50 months old, the sun has come out with vigour
and my skin and hair have enjoyed the blessed experience. I began to think that the snow would never go away!

Lock Care for Long Locked Hair.

So I have managed to run through 1250 mls of Awapuhi moisture mist,  longer locks equals more moisture. Just click on my cloud opposite for previous posts on the qualities of this product.
Rehab from LUSH is frequently with me in the shower. I can't explain it but there is something in the composition that makes my hair feel good, I am not in love with anything mint scented but this one is not bad.
I also Liked Cowsheds, Cowlick gentle shampoo and Biolage is an effective brand. Most products are courtesy of TKMaxxs' discounted prices! I have calmed down on my product  junk ism for a while.
Have used bottles and bottles of Crinkle and Curls by Taliah wajid and my colleagues are loving the scent of TW's Healing oil ... Loving one of my old workmates and good friends Mrs R who recently sat next to me buried her face in my hair, took a deep breath saying ... "I love and miss that smell!"...

Loose ENDS ...

NO conditioner, NO Scissors,  NO colouring ...
So WHY are the ends of my locks unravelling?  No, seriously I'm asking any lock rockers out there what they think the problem is! Quite a few have curly ends, at least one inch, the worst offenders are my shorter locks which seem to be aiming at letting LOOSE completely, as if I have not been mature for almost 2 years. Educated answers would be greatly appreciated :).

Loose Natural Thoughts ...

I'm hoping it is NOT a case of mind over matter because recently there has been a wealth of info about unlocking locks of all kinds and branching out into the world of loose naturaldom. Yes the thoughts have seriously pervaded my mind ... but thankfully there is a 'still small voice' that says ... "but you have no patience, you dont like longness, when it comes to hair styling you came last in the class because you missed the bus!"
So nooo thank you, I have no time or inclination for laborious tasks, I love to wash my hair frequently, and I have no time or experience to detangle twist and define nuthin, for goodness sake,  I can barely fling two braids or twists and loose them out without getting slightly agitated!  However, I do wonder, maybe im just not ready  ...yet?

Saturday Reti

LAZY itis!

So I have had to reschedule ReTi appointments over the last few months for reasons beyond my control, which has meant that I had to do two ReTis in a row,  OR NOT as the case may be, So I have actually gone almost seven weeks without a ReTi, I feel that as a benefit however as I worry about some of my locks being too thin at the root, maybe my ReTi schedule should be 6 weeks apart instead ... any advice would be appreciated.

And finally ... Thanking the Lord that I am blessed to see another year of my life ... Tomorrow I will be ...... years old LOL!

N'Joi ... naturally ... x: A Celebration of Four, Yes FOUR Years Sisterlocked...

N'Joi ... naturally ... x: A Celebration of Four, Yes FOUR Years Sisterlocked...: In the beginning ... I thought it would be quick and easy. But, I quickly discovered how much damage had been done from simply tight br...

Afro Hair and Beauty Show 2013 Review Part 1.

Yes  we went to the show, Luckily it was another beautiful day in our city as we ventured out that morning to the Business Design Centre for the Afro Hair and Beauty show 2013.

We arrived a little after 11am, unsure of the parking requirements, we decide to pay to park in the design car park, paying just over £6 for 2 hours with an additional £3.10 thereafter. 

It had been my intention to arrive well before the masses descended, especially as the sun had finally risen, and everyone desired to make the most of its glorious appearance.

The mood was good, beautiful people bustled, jostled and smiled. Product reps thrust goodies and bags filled with literature and mini product samples. I confess, I had been positively anticipating this event. 

Mixed Roots were heavily presented at the front of the  venue, they were giving a demonstration and I  wasn’t really able to have the tete au tete I had experienced with others. I 

Wendy- MIXED CHICKS.

  Had a great time talking to Wendy of MIXED CHICKS, she gave me a great deal on the shampoo and leave in conditioner which I had in mind for Miss Kay (dtr) Mixed chicks have been around for a while and my main interest is for my eldest who is a great lover of the products, and that long haired boy of mine.

RENEE - TALIAH WAAJID

 Taaliah Waajid was very well presented this year. I was very happy to have met product rep Renee, who tried to introduce me to the scalp refresher (dry shampoo), But if you all know anything about me, hair washing time is a JOY, it will be replaced and can’t come around soon enough for me! I will say however that the junkie in me had second thoughts, I tried in vain to return to buy a bottle (3 products were going for £10) got there ... sold out! Hey ho, snooze you lose!

Dicksons (of Hackney?)

Jan and I bought some natural products from Dicksons herbal stall, pure shea butter, black soap and an Aloe Vera plant. 

TO BE CONTINUED ....

A Celebration of Four, Yes FOUR Years Sisterlocked ... time flies when you love your journey.

In the beginning ...

I thought it would be quick and easy. But, I quickly discovered how much damage had been done from simply tight braiding and weaving, not to mention years of processsing. You thought hair was dead, mine definately was, and it took a very long time to recover and adapt to its natural state.

The morning after - 29 May 2009 - first day out.

 

It took a couple of years.

before my hair began to trust me again, trust that I would not colour of process it, honestly it felt as though I was allowing a very sick part of e to heal, I am not my hair, to coin a phrase, however my hair is a part of me. I was making the skin of my scalp sick by abusing it, everything I did to my hair, I was also doing  to my scalp. It was simply unavoidable.

And now ...

... the work really begins, longer locks, more responsibility. My journey has evolved from growth to effort in maintaining lint free/dust free/mould free SisterLocks. Serious attention is paid to my enviroment, products (I have less in rotation) and now even my ReTi schedule has altered drastically.

Here and Now
... today Liz Joseph of Locks Royale did my ReTi for me!

Yaay! 

28 May 2013 - Post ReTi, sore headed and happy!

Just under 2 hours in total, boy, did my scalp cry! 

Living, Loving Locks @ 3 years 10 months.

Has spring has finally sprung, or should it be summer? ... hmm!

So it was my turn to reti, coincidentally it was the end of spring term and we were off for Easter break, so of course I would have bus loads of time to do my own reti ... right? ... NOT!

No, I did not ... no I did not want to, NO!
Actually it was my consultants turn (we alternate where possible) However, something came up and we had to cancel, it was still term time, and I originally thought that I would be cool.

Turns out I was so very tired and really wanted needed pampering.
Its hard to get a good appointment at short notice as most consults and booked up way ahead of time. However, it was not to be, by the time I realised that I had better deal with it I was a clear 2 weeks past my reti schedule.
However, the process surprised me, this time. I was almost at 7 weeks and reluctantly picked up my tool kit, clips and bands and started tightening at the back of my head. I started at about 6.00pm one evening, but by 11.00pm I had completed 3/4 of my head, without any mess ups. I continued the next morning and completed the task within 3 hours.
That's not bad at all for me. I thought the longer I left between reti's the longer the process and harder it would be, but it turned out quite the opposite.
I am seriously considering changing to 6 weeks now. I am also washing my locks once a week because they take too long to dry in the evening and I don't want to go to sleep with damp locks to avoid mildew.

Life with locks.

My fourth locversary is swiftly approaching (May end) in exactly 6 weeks  :).
I am noticing the growth spurt we all hear about that happens from approx year 3 - 4. I consistently braid my locs at night now using Taaliah Waajids Crinkles and Curls, as doing so creates great body. On a daily basis I wear hair bands on my wrist so that I can put it all up in a quick ponytail, if I am honest it is to keep it out of the way!!
Today I could feel them 'flapping' on my back if I made a sudden movement, then I caught a reflection and saw them reaching down to the centre of my back.  I turn my head and feel as if I have a  scarf sitting on my shoulders, (summer will be interesting! ;) I am NOT complaining, I just find the sudden increase interesting and know that I have to take extra care and pay attention when looking after them, it is not a problem, in fact a welcome responsibility!
I wanted locs now I have to be willing to maintain them to a high standard.

 Sisterlocks in the beginning are quite low maintenance, but the longer they grow, the
more time needs to be invested. Generally I place self maintenance at the top of my list of priorities, so I am happy and ready to do what I have to do. I'm still brushing intermittently, I find if I braid more, I brush less. I have also purchased 2 more brushes in order to find the most suitable, currently I am using a 100 per cent Boar brush, will let you know how that goes.