Happy Hair, hints, tips and pics!

The installation of my SisterLocks is responsible for the enhancment of my beauty routine (which was never low maintenance by any means! lol). In particular, my skincare. I first purchased AAA Shea Butter African Black Soap to wash my locs and for some reason I cannot recall I used it on my skin, and was thrilled with the results. This brand is the most effective I have found at removing acne and the scarring over time, the only thing ever to have worked this well.

THE JOURNEY.

1. I find that It can be good practice to alternate products to achieve the best result for your hair type. Select the few effective shampoos that give you the desired result and maybe alternate seasonally or whenever the mood hits!

2. Build up becomes increasingly obvious on longer locks as a) You can now obviously see more of them unlike before. b) They tend to come in contact with increased amounts of undesirable fabrics and material.

 3. I Use a Clarifying shampoo first and moisturising shampoo for second wash to condition and restore moisture.

4. Not all MATURE Lock types can manage cream conditioners, (I just can't seem to rinse rinse rinse enough!) If you are like me, then try a leave in water based conditioner. I have recommended a few.

5. To avoid unnecesary build up, cover hair at night with silk/satin bonnet or scarf and pony tail, if possible, when travelling on public transport.

6. Before Sisterlocks I was never a grease-your-scalp type girl. I couldn't understand why I needed to.

Only when I had my SL's installed did I find out that my hair type actually prefers water. I ALWAYS loved washing my hair but didn't know my hair liked it more! So I find that using a light water/oil based spritz 2 to 4 times a week keeps my locks happy, depending on the season. Paul Mitchell Awapuhi moisture mist forever its 5*!

7. 

7. I regularly braid out now, the pics here and below are an after-wash braid out. I use Crinkles and Curls in between washes. Braid outs after wash last longer on my hair type, however they didn't ever last longer than 48 hours.

8. Steaming is a regular treat overall, but find it great for my hair :).

The Current Routine, revised each season.

NEW, Yes to carrots (tomatoes!) Suave daily clarifying, Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Shampoo.

REGULAR, in rotation, Paul Mitch Awapuhi Mist,
Arosci leave in conditioner and KEMI conditioning spray.

Crinkles and Curls for baidouts etc.

9. Frequently I have read reviews about SUAVE clarifying shampoo, well experience is a great thing because I completely agree with is effectiveness in dealing with build up. Annoyingly, I had noticed so much more of it recently. However, I have used Suave twice and the results are clear ... It works!

10. My locks love pure Coconut oil, but I can no longer stand the scent, so need to find a suitable alternative ... :(. I currently heat it up and blend with olive oil in various forms.

11. Brushing ... simply love it! There is a video log on YouTube about lock brushing, it recommends that brushing before washing will dislodge any debris that may eventually embed itself. I don't have a special brush but I do use gentle strokes.

Comparison images, up close and personal, finer details on fine hair locks..

Thin, fine hair progress report.


Quality became quantity and in good condition ... when searching for information about locks , pics are important, visual is everything, Today is up close and personal day,  a close inspection of three year old SisterLocks from originally fine, thin coily hair.

Now May 2012

Then 26 April 2010

May 2012

The Abc's of Little things ...

a) Longer locs, more challenges, you have to learn how to sit without the locks getting trapped by your back and the chair your sitting on, you only find out when you twist your head. LOL! 

b) When you wash them requires thought, they take longer to dry, MUCH longer. Planning is important. Today I woke up and washed and showered at 7.30 ... well just because! I didn't really pay attention to how long it took to dry, but its warm - ish, so that was cool. 

c) I really should try curling and styling, but I can't be bothered. I should try, but I can't sleep with anything restricting in my head. also I am not interested in putting rollers in my head either. MEH! LESS is more sometimes! 

d) Each loc varies in density, thickness and length. I find it interesting how one loc sprouts out in sudden growth spurt past all the others, like my 2 temple locks which reach my chest, really random!

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e) I bought an array of head scarves as they are so much longer so need adequate covering, lint avoidance. I got 2 from Matalan that are very silky but  they slip off If I don't secure them, annoying! I must invest in silk/satin pillocases ....

f) I keep it simple, when its warm, I put them up in a band. Actually I put them up at any time, driving on a warm day or mostly when I get home and want to cook or relax.

g) Got to pile them high for baths and showers, they still get a little damp but thats no major issue.

I thought I would throw in some comparison pics (below) what a difference 2 years make! 

April 2010

26 April 2007

13 June 2012