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.

Summer Hols, Life and Sisterlocks@ 3 years 2mths

It has been a while, I started this and two other posts long ago but life got in the way, I surprised even myself that the summer break is here and I have written zilch!
I have been extremely tired,  I wasn't ill as is common among the UK school teachers at the end of any school year, but I slept like I was recovering from a severe bout of flu or something! I could do nothing for the first 3 to 5 days ... SUDDENLY the SUN came out, as tired as I was, I left the building as much as I could. Sunshine around here (England) is less common than gold dust ... kmt.

July 30th marked another great year in this life of mine and I have so much gratitude and love for the GOD who I serve who has kept me for so many years, through so many struggles, and headed a multitude of Victories! GOD is GREAT! (this was originally scribed a day before but I didn't complete it!)

Here are some random shots of my recent lock journey ... braid outs are more frequent and one day I even tried pipe cleaners, took a while to put in, but the results were ok.

SUMMER HOLIDAY LOCS.

So here we are one month since schools been out, I spent time away with the family which was fantastic,
Oddly enough though I struggled with my Loc Loving regime. I thought I was prepared but I couldn't exactly bring a vast selection of my fave products so settled for three of the best.  I had not planned for my middle son to shove me in the pool, a head full of chlorine I did not expect!  I added insult to injury by using the Sauna regularly without conditioner, my Locs did not like this, not at all! Sigh ...

Sigh! 

During the maintenace struggle I realised mainly that my Locs are in a growth phase, it was taking me longer to wash it properly and I needed a lot more spritzing to keep it moisturised. not complaining though!

I tried only rinsing my hair in water as opposed to a full wash, thinking that this would be better than applying product too frequently, however, as I frequented the pool/sauna quite a few times I had to make sure I washed out the chlorine.

Dehydrated.

As a result of the Sauna ( I think?) my Locs were dehydrated beyond the norm, even when I used my best product, Kiehls Amino Acid shampoo and Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Moisture Mist. I was thinking that the water may have been different, as in hard/soft, but when I checked that out I found that the water there, was the same as London ... very hard!

Honey Washed. Nearly there ...

To get it back I washed vigourously using Free Trade Honey by LUSH (new) hoping for a moisture boost and a return to the texture I am familiar with, I then mixed/diluted conditioner with water, LUSH American Cream conditioner, applied as a leave-in then melted down some pure coconut oil and applied it as a hot oil treatment. Phew! It was some hard work!!!

I have been using a variety of different products some of which I found affordable and good value for money, I plan to cover those in a later post.

Now thats better!

Today I just want to share pics ...

Images of Locs revived from dehydration and anything else that I may have done!

Hot Coconut Oil revived.

Longer Locs can require a lot more care time and attention. I am not complaining, just something I am learning. I wracked my brain to recall the best conditioning shampoo, and oddly enough the best result was from a NEW product I got from LUSH a week before I went away, It has Honey as its top ingredient and is quite expensive, but it worked! British weather is extreme, we get sunshine but the dry type, without wind or moisture. I am not used to hot sunny weather, neither are my locs, so when it happens its a whole new ball game. Climates matter when cultivating locks, like water types. That's why product results vary across the country even the world. I have tried lots of recommendations from across the water, the best referral was Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Moisture Mist which I have stuck with for the 3 years. I will try to update about my recent product finds asap ... :)

Tried and tested ... (to be further updated)

OK so I tried it. Who guessed that I would? ;)

What?

Well regular readers may remember my last post on meeting Ruth at the gym? She has some of the lovliest locks I ever did see ....

She simply maintained with WUL! Fairy Liquid I presume ... at 98 pennies a bottle! Boy my lot would LOVE that!

Well the thought of mild green, yellow, or pomegranate dish washing liquid was VERY difficult to swallow. After all, we lockers tend to shun all the nastiest ingredients on our natural, holistic journeys.
It didn't make any sense to me to then ADD a massive dose of anionic/cationic surfactant to my lovely scalp, and not forgetting FACE? hmm ... err NO!

Soooo ... off I went to research, and it was not long before the light went on ... ECO dishwashing liquid, or ECOVER as it is branded in the UK.
The lyrics 'I'm so special, i'm so special, i'm so special, so special , so special ..." come to mind.

>30%: Water,5-15%: Anionic and Nonionic Surfactants ,<5%: Citric Acid, Salt, Aloe Vera, Wheat Proteins, Perfume (Type: Lemon; contains: Limonene, Citral) ,Preservative (0,02%): 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol

I read up on this brand of eco friendly liquid, as far as I am concerned, if a product is concerned about the effects of certain chemicals on the enviroment then it should also be ME friendly.
Oddly enough, the label, info and ingredients listing on this WUL read better than some shampoos!
I also googled sisterlocks and WUL and read some of your experiences and experiments too.

And for the results .... we need to wait,  as a good teacher, I have to do a scientifcally fair test and observe results over a period of time. Three goes, I think should tell me something. So far so good though! I must say I still second wash with Kiehls Amino Acid formula, which appears to be my very regular brand of shampoo ... so regular in fact that ...

IT IS FNISHED! 

Yes I rarely ever finish a product this quickly, (except BIG and Curly Wurly) I really like this product, 

I order from John Lewis and get a 25% discount sooo ... um yeah ;) ...

THIS is a leave in conditioner, I really like this too! So much so its almost finished. Problem is it is full of SILICONE! but it leaves my hair really great, very full and moisturised. I use it regularly and tend to brush it in with a little bit of oil and off I go ... oh yes I did say the word BRUSH! 

Some lovely person gave me this as a present, trust me I dont need anymore products to fixate on, it came as a set of showergel, shampoo and lotion. I liked the shower gel, it smells goood! Though I find the shampoo really very drying, I have used it twice now, just a little bit, not on its own but after my main shampoo with a bottle of Kiehls, think it would make a good starter shampoo. Only drawback? the ingredients ... It smells great of course! Arran Aromatics range.

I now brush my locks, and I find that it does them good. I use an ordinary brush, maybe once a day, if that, I hear it is good for removing lint, even build up.

Sister 'dry' Locks 2, A Review of Efficient Products.

This blog is especially for Ofo! Your wish is my command! ;)

Hello all, if you have read my previous hairscapades, you will be aware of my dry lock spell,  well , I had to go on  PJ moisture/conditioner hunt ... it was BAD!!

These are my new finds. No they don't come cheap, but neither did my locks! 

Well I had mad hair days last Thursday and Friday. I did my co- wash, however, that Saturday pm, my hair still lacked that special something, I was impulsively drawn to the product shelves in TKMaxx, a MAJOR first for me. 

On display was a serious selection of salon styled products, on reduction, I picked up this shampoo because it is labelled hydrating and is free from EVERYTHING! £9.99! (half price I think). It does the job.

TIGI Bed Head Moisture Maniac

Ingredients
Water (Aqua), Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Glycerin, Acetamide MEA, Tetrasodium EDTA, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, DMDM Hydantoin, Cetrimonium Bromide, PPG-2 Myristyl Ether Propionate, Pentaerythrity.

This little gem above is my BABY! So aptly named. This little bottle of magic SORTED IT OUT! Yes I mean it deserves the name and lives up to its brand. One major problem? I think it is now discontinued. TKmaxx!! buy Buy BUY!!!! QUICK! again ... sulfate and silicone free. the best! Cost £5.99, 60% off retail price. More expensive on Amazon.

water, cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, amodimethicone, glycerine, aloe leaf juice, butylene glycol and anthemis nobilis flower extract, cofea arabica extract and vaccinium myrtillus fruit extract, roas roxburghii fruit extract, propylene glycol and rosemary leaf extract, olive fruit oil, avocado oil, sweet almond oil, hydrolyzed wheat protein, menthol, panthenol, behentrimonium methosulfate, BHT, Polysorbate 60, PEG 60 almond dimethylamine, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, citric acid, disodium EDTA, 1, 2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol, phenoxyethanol, sorbic acid, fragrance

I came across this little lovely when I was trying to find out about WEN by Chas Dean. 

Hair One is a Conditioning Cleanser, a generic brand ...? A similar chemical make up, at a fraction of the price, with no subscription necessary.

I viewed many a YouTube review. Impulsed again, I 'amazoned' me a bottle ( I'm a prime customer with no postage costs) I first tested it on my Sister in the Lord, on her BEAUTIFUL natural head of hair, great results! No oils or extra moisturising necessary, even the next day after she loosened her china bumps, She said her hair was in good condition and not in need of her usual regime.

Same night I tried and tested for myself. It does not lather, at all. In fact most sulfate free's do not lather.

I pumped a lot in, its hard getting used to, applied it twice. Then only slightly rinsed out the second application as it is recommended to use as a leave in conditioner. I find 'leave ins' a little awkward because I can never quite get it 'in' and I don't like the whitish residue look after a wash.

RESULT? 

I like, very much, it takes a bit of getting used to, but, I have body and softness which I desire in a Shampoo/Conditioner . 

I located an online stockist, that have successfully delivered the items next day at the hefty price of £6.50 or thereabouts. Its a good thing I ordered more than one item, as that extortionate price was the only 'option' available! 

Beware though, I have read some poor reviews on this online store,  call first, I did, to ensure stock availability. JinnysMall £5.50 Amazon £8.49 

Oh about 'Leave Ins" - another TIGI brand Love Peace Planet, Let it Be Cherry Almond,

Ingredients

Shea Butter - excellent moisturizing and conditioning benefits, rich with natural fatty acids and other nutrients
Sweet Almond Oil - strong emollient with natural fatty acids which adds moisture for soft, supple hair and a conditioned scalp
Wheat & Rice Amino Acids - penetrate hair to help to increase moisture retention, strengthens and promotes a glossy finish
Hibiscus - anti-inflammatory, astringent and anti free radical properties work to restore hair's natural barrier
Chamomile - soothing aromatherapy fragrance, offers anti-irritant benefits for a healthy scalp

the scent doesn't last long but it goes IN and again crap free (LOL) you understand? :) It does THE Job. Will review in more detail soon, tired!! LOL!

OFO! I likes it, but I need to practice more on application :))))

Distilled water, seaweed complex, herbal complex, natural oils, herbal extract complex, preservatives, fragrance

Hmmm somewhat VAGUE! hmmm ... 

I picked this up a few months ago and disliked the scent initially and the consistency and how it felt when applied, however, when the seasons changed, so does my maintenace requirements and while in summer less means more, in Autumn / Winter less equals DRY so MORE is needed!!! 

True Confessions of a Sisterlock loving Product Junkie.

A detailed updated look at my journey and routine, why I test and try products and the results and effectiveness of them.


Why So Many products?

Over the last 2 years I have read many posts and emails stating that locking the hair has ended the need for products en masse. Unfortunately, that is not the case for me. We already know that our hair types differ. The biggest difference I am aware of internationally however, is this, the UK has harder water than the US. Therefore, the products work less effectively or we have to use more. Also, we have poor (cold) weather 80% of the time and central heating is quite drying on our skin as well as our hair.
So, as I have all these issues to contend with I try to bring in a balance.

So ... what now?

Nai's Loc's love water the most. I could wash my Locs every day and my hair would flourish, only problem is I would have an afro! I used to use Rosewater and Glycerin but as Bajan Lily pointed out, An excess of Glycerin leaves a 'sticky' residue and your loc's scream out WASH ME NOW!
I have rediscovered the benefits of Pure Coconut oil, which happens to be the base ingredient to most of my fave products (even skin creams).

I have recently had a wonderful reunion with Paul Mitchell AWAPUHI MOISTURE MIST,

I use this to dampen my locs to prep for a braid/twist outs. Lovely results, no need to add anything but a light mist of Natures Shine and I am good to go ...

So in a nutshell, WATER (water based products incude) and COCONUT OIL are my essentials for primary loc care. I also use a thermal heat cap to steam.

Confession 1.

My PJ guilt extends far beyond a few bottles of shampoo and conditioner. I have the most extensive collection of body creams, butters, shower gels and bubble baths you can imagine. I could take a picture but the time it would take me to gather them all and put them back is unreasonable. But as I am on holiday, I will be dedicating a day to sorting and relocating them all.

Confession 2.

I have only managed to finish 3 shampoos (myself) without help from any of my children. Quite a few others have been passed on to my happy, smiley, grateful friends.

Confession 3.

I use so many different things, that if I dont write them down, I FORGET the ones with the best results! gulp! There has been occasions when I have planned what I want to use, get in the shower and forget completely what combination of products I had chosen. I think they call that confusion.

Confession 4.

I have an extensive, expensive collection of conditioners. I find however, that no matter what you call 'leave in'. I cannot just leave it in! I blend my leave in condish with melted coconut oil (melted on the windowsil as the weather has improved) and apply steam cap.
Equally, to avoid build up, I try to avoid heavy silicone based products and blend some conditioner with Olive or Coconut oil and apply to damp hair, leave for in while I shower or steam and rinse.

Ingredients I choose to avoid.

Mineral Oil, Liquid Paraffin and Silicone. For more information on why, check out  Natural Haven.  Based on research and fact finding over the last 2 years, I do not feel these chemicals are beneficial to my hair.

Interesting Choices ...

I purchased this product a long time ago, when I still had to use Tgel to help with the locking stage.
Tgel worked well for my newbies up to about a year (maybe less) I was impatient for a change, could never stand the dry loc look. However, I didnt try the dry hair formula until last week. I was pleasantly surprised to find that my locs moisturised and soft.

Also ... Baby Shampoo, simple and moisturising,  love the way my locks smell after.

I regularly wash with BIG by lush, which is very clarifying, so condition/moisture is important. I also find it great for volume, my locks puff up and are fuller and fatter. I couldn't clip my hair up after my locks dried and found braiding and twisting needed nore effort.

I began my journey on Neutrogena Tgel, then progressed to Green Tea by Aubrey Organics, then the odd intermittent testers, like Coconut shampoo (haven't tried that in a while ... hmm)
Olive/Honey shampoo (body shop fave but discontinued)

Now I like Jamaican mango and lime ... but I do NOT like the ingredients, not a bit. But there has been times when this cactus leave in worked beautifully! Too perfumed though, I like my Cantu, but I can use stuff like this as I wash and clarify regularly. I alternate BIG / I Love Juicy/ Antiphilitron (clarifiers) with moisturising Honeysuckle Rose, Tgel for dry..., Baby Shamp, Coconut, Honey, Olive ... you get the picture.

And for product tests to come ....

I sort of tried the mane n tail deep moisturising shampoo, and I did not find it so ... but guess what tomorrow is?
Yaaaaay ... hair washing dayyy!

Ok so it may be M n T, Avalon Organics Ylang Ylang, Baby shampers, coconut oil shampoo or simply Tgel for dry. hmmm ... choices, choices. What do YOU think?

Nai at 22.5 weeks locked, loving her locs and this blessed journey.

More SisterLock Love!!!

I AM IN LOVE!!!  Yes !! I am besotted with this liberating journey, so amazing!

NEVER a bad hair day!

Doing my hair is a pleasure and joy, the freedom and versatility I have been longing and praying for has been made possible within the Sisterlock system and I really give thanks for it. In fact I give thanks, appreciation, love and respect for ALL natural and lock types, sister and otherwise! A thanks to all my fellow blogging sisters who provide a valuable resource for me, and not JUST topics about hair!

Personally Sisterlocks has been PERFECT in fulfilling my natural hair desires.

You see my choice of hair maintenance has gone hand in hand with the healing of my skin and in ALL of my years my complexion has only ever been THIS good, BEFORE I had ANY children.
I prayed for a LONG time about my hair care and skin problems, I took a long time realising the answer, but  I KNOW that I was not ready before now! No two ways about it, I was STUPID enough to care about the approval of fickle human beings! Thank God for maturity!

In The Mix


My Loc priority is to simply have a head full of build up free, healthy, strong locs.
Originally, colouring my locks was a high priority. I then recalled a time, as a loose natural for approximately 2 years, when I applied colour (professionally) It was the worst thing I could have done. It had a similar effect to a mild relaxer, without the straightening effect, but equally as damaging.

Most people know that I have spent/spend some hard cash on a variety of products, Yes, I get bored, but I also am on a mission to having very strong, healthy hair. As a result of my product junkism, I have finally discovered what I know my locs need!

Conditioning

A GOOD leave in conditioner, which on its own, does not exist, but is a mix of some of the best prods around, and watered down slightly.

Fundamentally, WATER! (moisturising)

.... Coconut oil and Glycerin love my hair and vise versa. The more I wash, the happier my hair. Simple.  Coconut  oil really does strengthen my hair and has to be applied when my hair is damp.

Steam.


I mix Giovanni's leave in, Luxtress by Nexus and melted Pure Coconut Oil to damp hair ... then covered with my steam cap.  I find the first two prods too thick so dilute to avoid build up. The heat from the steam cap helps melt the products. Do I need to state the obvious results? My locks feel lovely moist and well conditioned.

Another steam mix is Honeysuckle Rose by Aub. Orgs. and Coconut oil. Equally as effective. When dry, my hair is soft  and moisturised.

I mostly wear my locks in a braid/twist out. Today though, for the first time, I washed, steamed and twisted my hair before church, I tried at least, but hair was still damp, so ended up freestyle. Very grateful that today was warm and sunny, and locs dried naturally.

A Sisterlocked life


The locked life brings with it attention, almost all, of which is positive for me. There is a lot of love for natural and lock styles out there, and I find myself in the position of influence, directly and indirectly. A few friends are transitioning, and one lady is one month away from her Sisterlock birthday, she is very impatient. ;)
Another aspect is the steady compliments from many friends and associates, love is always good in all its guises!

Even yesterday, as my above mentioned friend Mrs C and I ventured to PAK in North London, Mrs C turned to me and gasped in wonder at the attention of a passing lady who unabashed, stared squarely at me/my locs. (I walk about oblivious tbh never paying attention) I guess she tried to figure what they were.


I know the Bible talks of a woman's hair as her crown and glory, I believe it, not to be worshipped, but I am so aware of how deeply important it is to a HUGE amount of all types of women. I am so thankful to have found a resting place in my natural, God given crown. No matter who says what, I know whom I have believed and found that He is ABLE to keep what I have commited to him, I trust him for even the very minor things that concern me, YES even the hair on my head, after all, He has numbered them!

I plan on updating this post with images of all the products (group photo) I have used and found effective recently. Check back if you can.

PS!

I miscalculted the month versary of my previous post, and missed my last one too! I am now half past 22 months Loc'd and am preparing for the big TWO year locversary, if God taries! lol!
Year 2 is an important milestone as I find this a significant stage, especially for my previously lock resistent, fine, loose curl hair.

Season of the sun ... moisture hunt pt 2

Hey everyone :)))

Just a pic of me and my baby. ( I do not care that he is 11!! That is irrelevant!! HE is STILL my BABY !! loool

My end of holiday blog, a lovely Saturday evening. This morning something very strange came over me ... I began to play with my hair in a an attempt to flat twist. I have tried? to create a style for next month.

Not only is it my birthday but the wedding day of my oldest friend. To be honest, I need to try something and practice makes perfect. Mind you,  I could always go and see me good friend and previous hairdresser and she can do it for me! LOL

Yeah I like that idea much better !!! ha ha ha! 

One reason that i avoid twisting and braiding my locs is because I have weak parts to some locs, where they are still curly and thin (not yet loc'd) I think if I add too much tension to them then that will cause breakage.

Moisture hunt.

Yesterday I tried Aloe vera gel (pure) and a little spritz. The weather was quite warm (for me anyway) and throughout the whole day I lost count the amount of times I had to spritz (Awapuhi) in fact, the little bottle is almost empty! So i like the idea of aloe vera, just not moisturising enough.

Today was just shower, a little, healing oil before hand. and Africare leave in conditioner. Which was the very first I had ever used. I felt it left my hair a bit tacky before, but my locks are a lot longer, thicker and thirstier now. So I think I have found the best combination.

1. A few drops Healing Oil pre shower. ( I think they say it seals in moisture that way) OR Natures  shine before washing my hair.

2. Spritz with Africare leave in conditioner ( They are also XTN Care) It says on the bottle that it is a detangling spray so i do not recommend it for newbies who 'slip' easy.

So far today my hair looks and feels much better ... although, the weather has calmed down a bit, it is humid but overcast.

Summer Sunshine ... we love you ... and so do my locs. Yes Anthia -Ofo it is official. My growth pattern is at its best in the summer and the evidence is that my locs are growing like weeds! yaay.

My hair type/ length has always ventured past shoulder. But, my loc'd hair is growing thicker and faster for obvious reasons! I notice because I am struggling with them getting into my eyes (fringe/bangs) and with todays style sitting neatly on my shoulders, the thick of it covering my neck easily, making me hot and wanting to put it up ... :))) I dont think I can cope with the fringe in a few weeks.

I actually watched one loc grow over the last 2 weeks, at first it lay above my eyebrow and now touches below my right eye.

Loc Love.

My girlfriends are very impressed with my loc progress Michi and Nita especially, (Roz ALWAYS had a thing for locs! ... ha ha )
Michi had to 'cop a feel' and 'groped' away getting a good feel of the growth and thickness. She loves it! (her words! lol)

Generally I have found, in the beginning, that the English (caucasions) seem to like locs a lot. Some of my best compliments and comments have come from them! One lady at my school, (a red head) told me she loved my hair BECAUSE it was natural, when I first got it done, she appreciated the natural texture.

My other loc lovers are my church sisters, they love them.

I have been surprised at the archaic responces I have read in some LIU emails. Some people have been told foolishness by church members and leaders alike. Ladies please relate to God alone and let the HOLY SPIRIT guide you! In these last days we need to get the minor details right. If you can't hear Him on a minor issue, what will you do on a major?

My simple attempt at flat twists pics below. above twist held with a head band. You can't say I didnt try! Have a great weekend . N'joi ... x

One Year on ... Observations. 10 facts about my locs.

I am enjoying the beginning of the half term holiday which this year includes a bank holiday.

I began by a well earned pamper, washing my lovely locs. Big deal? Well, read about my previous hair issues and that will explain. :)

Todays blog is about the state of my locs at 12 months. Here goes ....

Over the last few months, since the arrival of the British version of 'spring' , my locks are noticebly DRY!

As a product junkie, I was prepared and retrieved my baskets of goodies. I read labels over and over to make sure no build up, MEANT no build up! Products tried and tested are pictured below ....

Now it could be the central heating that adds to the dryness, However, my hair has alway been rather hydrophillic, (loves water, responds well to regular washing) but I suffer from slipomania! ( a manic amount of slippage!!) so I have to water sparingly.

I have used :

1. Africare
2. Paul Mitchell Awapuhi
3. JML Cactus (Jamaica mango and Lime)

I alternated shampoos to see which ones left my locs feeling moisturised. 

I shower without a cap and spritz with water, but my locks still look like this by the afternoon, especially on a warm day.

I carry my spray bottles everywhere I go.

This is my hair approximately 4.20pm on a warm afternoon,
I took this pic before a shower.

buttahflyV, a fellow blogger and now trainee consultant suggested the Sisterlocks brand moisturiser, but the number we are told to call just rings. I am at home this week so will try everyday to see if  I can get through :( ... but in the meantime, I read every spritz recipe and search blogs endlessly for suitable alternatives, all the products chosen have been recommended by various mature lockers ( fellow lockers who have been there and done that and shared solutions on LIU and blogs ;))

Today I retightened my locs, I started front left , did a few rows last night, then went to bed. This afternoon after doing all my duties, I started again, and devoted my whole day to myself :) It took a steady (when uninterupted) 6 to 8 hours ( with lots of breaks ) and i finished before 10.30 pm.

Ten FACTS about my hair type and locs.
1. I am not completely loc'd I would guess at 90% but I get a surprise if I wash my hair once a week ...

2. I had to have 2 tightening sessions (pushing down the loc to tighten them) , one in Feb and April, as my scalp is sensitive when I diy they slip easier from the root. I dont do a last rotation if its gonna hurt!)

3. Hence I only wash them bi-monthly, for the moment.I have tried once a week but only because I can diy and had my tool ready!

4. I only freestyle, because of all the above reasons.

5. I have a lot of curly ends, and one loc that is curly in the centre and loc'd at the end.

6. I have never used SL products as they are hard to get hold of.

7. JML is the best leave in condish for me, however, I am concerned because it is not clear liquid, and not sure if it will cause build up. However it has been excellent at moisturising my locs without feeling gummy.

8. I have one very long lock at the corner nape of my neck, it is the only one with signs of build up, it was first to loc at 4 months (or earlier)

9. I have a few locs that sre stubborn and loc'd at both ends but not the centre, some weaken and I had 2 or 3 break of at that point. A reason why I avoid unnecessary manipulation.

10. I DIY alternate months so that my consultant can reinstall any slippage.

and finally, I tried a suggestion off  a natural hair blog, I sprayed natures shine on my locs before shampoo. I shampood twice rinsing , rinsing, rinsing ... my locs came out moisturised and soft. I still have not added anything to my hair as I was retighting tonight (pics below), feels Ok. Well, Good Nite all, thank you for visiting.

 Nai xxx

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