Battle against the Build Up ...

I really appreciate Cheleski's Blog  http://therealknottytruth.blogspot.co.uk/  I have not had much time to do much over the last few months, but I did manage to read 'Why I took my locks down' I found this post  so informative it made me even more vigilant in regard to build up.

When I paid attention to my own locs, I saw it, and really have to be very careful as I am in the zone of 3 to 4 years where the issue becomes increasingly prominent.

So this weekend I used 2 new moisturising products which appeared initially to be water based, they were both 'opaque' and both appeared to become clear when rubbed between palms, but suddenly I noticed white spotting all over my head! Not too sure but i think it was the Matrix Biolage, hair tonic.

It was clarifying time, I gently brushed my locks first, then to bath, using Dax vegetable oil shampoo,  I tried to wash my hair as if I were 'washing clothes' a section at a time, rinsed and then applied ACV all over, I left it on for 5 minutes or maybe more, rinsed again and shampooed using Awapuhi Shampoo which also removes build up as well as hydrates. (During the process I recalled that my BIG salt based shampoo was a very good clarifier, and that maybe I would use that next time, followed by my Matrix Biolage Hadratherapie shampoo which is very moisturising, bringing a balance to the drying effects of BIG. People it really does pay to mix it up, products work more effectively when alternated, all the reviews and studies I have encountered always say the good effects wear off, after regular use.

YES, I do have a LOAD of products but I also have a 15 year old who has been growing a MASS of natural hair  for almost 3 years and his hair is guzzling down my hair products and shampoo etc like nobodies business. Not to mention my natural sisters who I product test and recommend for, so all I do is hand the goods over, simple! Waste not, want not!! :D ...

I took a few pics after cleansing and could still see a little bit of residue, but not as bad as before, I plan on buying a new brush and gently brush out the ends before bed, then snugly cover my head before sleep. Low maintenance does not mean NO maintenance, but I am happy to take care of that which I value! Best Moisturiser to date is still my number one PAUL MITCHELL Awapuhi moisture mist, water based, and perfect for my loc type.

Longer Locs.

Some are looonger than others ...

I just have to mention the length variance I am going thru, its very obvious at the moment, take a look at the pic, can you guess where this longer lock is growing from?
I am due a ReTi this weekend and I had to re tighten this one yesterday because the regrowth was quite a lot, its one of many, but I will not complain. Its actually growing from the very front line of my head, which is very strange as it used to be the shortest area and slowest growth!! Suddenly, its in my food! Lol!

BEWARE,

Some loc types are quicker to unravel than others! As I have soft hair it appears to unravel easily, because I use moisturising shampoos I have some locs that have loose ends. Could you then imagine the effects if I did use conditioner? Interesting huh?
Any way until next time, thanks for passing by my blog. You are all appreciated, I know I don't respond as quickly as before but my time is rare and short. So please take a moment to let me know if you have been browsing or have any constructive comments to add. N'joi xx

Mature Loc Maintenance - effective product list

It has been a snowy few days around here, and yes it does look wonderful, and it is quite wonderful, just so long as I don't have to set not one foot in it! ... If I do then its PANTS and I will NOT be pleased!

So lets talk about ...

My Mature Sisterlock Routine.

REMINDER. 

I have fine hair and my locks are thin (very thin in places and a few have been joined) are not as full as some, but they are far more voluminous than my natural hair was. 

PRODUCTS RECOMMENDATIONS. 

Below - HAVE RATED PRODUCTS ON EFFECTIVENESS 5* - 3.5*

This post is factually base on my own personal opinion and experience. 

My Locs say NO! To creamy conditioners (I don't rinse well :)) YES to moisturising, hydrating shampoos. I have also incorporated a great deal of products which volumize, as I found some products left the appearance of my locks flat and lifeless. a lot of clarifying products also volumize and are great for controlling the dreaded build up.

I clarify regularly and my routine will start with a clarifier and end with a Moisture Hydrating Shampoo

Also - some shampoos are colour friendly, for me, this means that they leave the natural hair colour looking stronger 'darker', some poo's do strip and leave hair looking dull and ashy (washed out) if hair is black or similar. 

Most of last year I researched a lot of products, with a purpose. TKMaxx is the greatest for high quality discounted hair products. Listed below are the ones I found very effective, they do exactly as they say.

BRUSHING. - A major help in contolling/reducing build up.  I brush as and when needed.

Awapuhi Moisture Mist 5*

Jane Carter Nourishing Cream. Moisturising.

Revitalizing Leave in.

Hair nourishing serum
(smells lush)

Fair Trade Honey Shampoo.4*
first ingredient is actually honey!!

Godiva. 5* Condish and Moist
Jasmine scent lush.

NEW.
Softening, moisturising,
encourages new growth.

Karma Shampoo Bar

Gentle Lentil. Conditioning Shampoo Bar
Vanilla. Moisturising 5*

Kiehls Amino Acid Shampoo. 5*

Crinkles and Curls for setting braid outs. 5*

Matrix Biolage Hydratherapie Shampoo. Moisture/Hydrating 5*

Suave Clarifying Shampoo. 5*

Dax Vegetable Shampoo. 5*Clarifier
(Cheap!)

YES to carrots (no SLS) 4*
Suave and Awapuhi.

Arosci Leave in Conditioner.  4*
(possible build up)

Awapuhi Shampoo.
Moisture 5*,Colour 5*, Voloume 4*.

Clarifying Banana Shampoo. 4*
Body Shop.

Hair Fix Release.3.5*
build up remover

3 years 7 months and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

First attempt ...

MIA for almost 3 months, believe me it was not intentional. Life has been happening to me in such a way but ...
I am back, with just a few days to reflect before we begin another year...

Second ...

This week is ReTi week and its got to be done ready for New Years...

Sept

Lets try that again ...

I must have started writing this blog post about 10 times now! I want to thank all my vigilant followers, you haven't given up on me!
I have been busy with some very intersesting 'unforeseen circumstances' having now made it out to the  other side learning serious lessons about the GRACE and MERCY of GOD and that ALL things seriously, honestly and truly DO work together for good ...
As for my Sis loc's - well they continue to be a blessing (especially thru it all)  I am still working hard on the battle with the weather and maintaining moisture balance,  I can say now that I am winning it too! I do wonder though if its the mild weather here at the moment.

I will complete a post on 2012 top products review, soon, keeping it simple just star ratings of effectiveness.

Meanwhile I almost paid the odds for an imported loc soc from abroad, I finally managed to find a very effective and comfortable covering for sleeping in, at just 99p.

My styling recently has been consistent sporting regular braid outs, twist outs etc.
My trusted rejuvenating liquids are Awapuhi Moisture Mist and Taliah Wajiid crinkles and curls, I do not wish to live without them!!

My mom has also been a blessing, she bought me 2 supersize bottles of Suave daily clarifying shampoo (500ml) American style! Actually come to think of it, I ordered 2 bottles from the USA a month beforehand and they were these teeny bottles(150ml) for 4 dollars each and Mom bought me 2 supersize for $3.00 in total ... It has just occurred to me that I have been robbed!!! Grrrr!! I paid at least £7.00 in postage too!!

So much to say, so little time ...
Over the last 3 months i have had countless compliments and 3 requests from sisters requesting that I install  SLfor them!  Alas this is not (yet) a possibility!

Anyhow soon back to work, so here is a bundle of progress pics for the last 3 or 4 months ...

Sept

Sept 29

Oct

Oct

Oct

Nov

Pony - Dec

Oct

Sept

Dec

Dec

01/01/13 02.30am
NEW YEARS night after the evening before ;D