Mature Lock Maintenance: LINT -brush those locks!

My Sisterlock journey has been a major fulfilling process for me, I will be a natural head until my very last day. I do sometimes watch and wonder at my middle sons lovely natural head of hair and consider what I would do if I was a loose natural, but I lack in adventurous hair styling techniques,  loose means EFFORT, time is limited!          

Effort however, is also required with mature locks that are beyond the shoulders, around the 3rd to 4th year. The lock network at the back of the neck especially holds, hides and harbours residue of all kinds, in my case, that MUST be removed.  Always had one particular nape neck lock that seems to have accumulated stuff, build up and lint etc more than all the others. 

So I pay homage to all the bloggers out there who have left behind a trail of wisdom, especially
http://therealknottytruth.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/over-40-and-natural.html

I have been reading her avidly, esp regarding lint and mildew ... eeww!
So I followed the examples and advice given, and loosed out a lock slightly and found this ...

So its not product build up  ...  hmm. Now I have a very 'dust prone' environment, and I am researching ways to reduce this problem.

In the meantime however, I am using a simple old fashioned hair cleaning unit, a BRUSH!

I have seen various videos and read various articles and emails on the type of brush used. Some prefer the baby brush, a soft bristle brush is recommended, I have a slightly more sturdy bristle, to help me be rid of those bits pictured above! 

I brush in the morning and last thing at night, carefully. I try especially to do a good brisk brush before shampoo, but if I forget, I gently brush through the damp locks, focusing on the locks at the back of my head and around nape of my neck area.

It does make a difference! I have a few specks of white here and there, but I know if I continue to brush regularly I can at least try to prevent an increase of crappy bits of white fuzz in my lovely locks!

SIMPLE BRAID OUT.

So one evening I braid my locks into about six braids, I usually have to sleep with it up in a loose pony tail high on my head to sleep comfortably.  I used Crinkles and Curls - love-  to help set the style.

This was last Friday's braid result, but it looked similar the the one I did last weekend. I didn't separate the hair that morning as I had an evening event and my curls don't last long. I like the look, the longer the locks the better the curl, I realised. So this is my new habit, until I can't be bothered, or get bored.
I took these pics in the car first thing in the a.m. because the curls look different by the end of the day.
Like this.

My SisterLocks priorities: Wash regularly, now one day a week, (the exception being my occasional need) brush when required.
Use products that are clear and mainly clarifying. Since my big cleanse, my weekly wash has been to mix it up, first cleanse is DAX vegetable shampoo, second BIG salt shampoo and final Cowlick Gentle shampoo. No conditioners for me. The closest I came to conditioner is moisturising/conditioning shampoo, which I noticed began to soften and loosen my locks a few began to loose quite a way up the lock.

I am blessed to be able to experience caring for my locked hair and young master K's loose hair (its a lot of work and he doesn't always listen and follow instructions) . I have thought about letting my locks loose just to see what it would be like, but have no idea what I would do with it day by day. This locked life, is the way for me.

3 Years 9 Months and a Sisterlock DEEP CLEANSE!

My recent/current fixation  has been to focus on cleanliness, the avoidance of  build up and to deter the possibility of mildew. I have reduced my hair washing routine to once a week. Happily my scalp is not itchy, but my product use is minimal. I am strictly dieting on Awapuhi only, every day spritz. I have switched shampoos to a new (ok almost discontinued brands of Radiant Lili Pili by MOLTON BROWN. courtesy of TKMaxx (whats new? ;))  Nai's locks are not faithful and will love anything that loves them!

Radiant Lili lives up to her name! it makes my locks look and feel so soft, silky and healthy, loveing the feeling (serious hand in hair itis). non creamy,  clear coloured simple scented, does the job with good body.
I am also newly enamoured with COWSHED beauty brand, Cowlick shampoo, smells gorge with a great ginger candy scent, (the Wild Cow body lotion links well) The quality is so good, love using it, its labelled gentle and have no SLS....

SUPER CLEANSE products and process. (last weekend).

So I gathered them all together, boiled the water, planned my strategic positioning, (to enable full and complete lock emersion and soaking ...
I used ...

200ml ACV
2 squirts Ecover washing up liquid.
Suave shampoo
1 kettle full boiled water.
I bowl

I mixed them all together and plonked my head (carefully!!) into the bowl for ... a long time! Approx  30mins. when the water cooled i began to wash it using the suave, my Slocs felt a bit dehydrated, and the whole house scented like a vinegar factory. the water was gritty and dirty when I disposed of it in the bath - I was actually surprised at how dirty it was ... I think this has to be a Bi annual process from now on.

The results.

Progress is being made taking care of this young  mans lovely hair, although its hard work for me, as if I don't have enough to contend with!
Now at least I am teaching him how to wash it. (its not difficult) especially with Creme of Nature Ultra moisturising shampoo AND Argan oil shampoo which really enhances softness and total manageability.