FIVE YEARS SisterLocked and LOVING this Locked life!

Happy SisterLock birthday to my lovely locks!

28th May 2009 to 28th May 2014. Blog posts number 201.

My word how time has flown by on this amazing and blessed journey. All I do is wish I had started this so much sooner! It has not just been about my hair, it has been a holistic experience which taught me to just love everything that God originated in me. It bought a healing to my skin, which now I realise, was bad not only because of hormones but aggravated by the products I used and weaves that I wore.  Then it was not only about me but I celebrate all the women of colour who observed and followed me to a natural hair lifestyle. To my lovely Ms Carol natural

 

 of http://carol-natural.blogspot.co.uk whose locks have reached the 3 year mark and looking FAB.

To Sharon

who embraced the natural beauty within and has amassed a glorious head of hair. Also to all the ladies I inspired to consider the natural life, I know for some locking was not a choice but chose the curly alternative. And to everyone else who thought the price too high, who had to save or who adorned traditional, braid, or every other method of locking. And finally to my own beautiful daughter who adored my locks from the very beginning and who formed her own free formed locks.

Also not forgetting my son who began his journey of growing his hair long for the last 3 years, 

A blast from my past. In the beginning 

How I keep my SisterLocks moist during inclement weather.

British Winter Tips and Routines.

Don't think for a moment that I have not been thinking about how long it has been since my last post.
Actually, I have been mentally logging information whilst living the Sisterlocked hair lifestyle, never thought hair maintenance would be this complicated. I discovered a change in travel routines can have a major impact on the locked life. Ok, you say, it's not all that complicated? But it is ...

Let me explain ...

I have driven to work for years, I can't count for how long and resided in a germ/infestation free zone! But this year my route incorporates rail, tubes and even bus rides. I am more at the mercy of the elements, exposed and in proximity closeness to many more people, with an increased risk of  infestations .... You get the idea? I make sure that I never rest my head on the trains headrest, if I do I pull up the collar of my coat and or use my neck scarf as a shield against it. I have even invested in a bottle of NEEM shampoo as an emergency rescue remedy ... Just in case!! Heaven forbid! 

Paranoia, I hear you cry ... Sorry but the prevention is better than the cure, I have heard that some lock lovers had to resort to cutting locks off ...

On days when the weather is bad I find my locks can get dehydrated by the time I get to work, so I took a used old spray bottle and filled it up with boiled and cooled water for quick convenient non chemical hydration. We also have a central heating system that dries out skin and hair, fast.

To add to this issue I realise that some of my locks are loosening up and that has slowed my roll when it comes to my washing routine.  It's strictly once a week now.

I am so glad that I have been a product junkie because I find that my knowledge base helps me know exactly what to use and when, I also know what my locks should feel like when rinsing with water before a shampoo wash.

Products yaay!!

I have a good stash and managed to find a bottle of Jane Carter Revitalising Leave in condish, that worked wonders for me! So I went to Klass Cosmetics I spoke to the proprietor Sonia and she ordered me a few more bottles.

I still use loads of Paul Mitchell's Awapuhi Moisture, but it's getting rather expensive as my thirsty locks 

drink it up with vigour! It costs £15 per 500ml and I'm having trouble getting hold of it. 

I have been writing this post over a few days now, I last washed my hair on Friday, I spritzed with JCarter leave in and today my hair is crisp in places. I am really struggling with wanting to wash it.

I am due a Reti on Saturday and often need to rinse my hair to relax my scalp a day or so after, which means washing 3 times in 9 days. Sigh, decisions decisions. ...

I have driven to work for years, But this year my route incorporates rail, tubes and even bus rides. I am more at the mercy of the elements, exposed and in proximity closeness to many more people, with an increased risk of  infestations .... You get the idea? I make sure that I never rest my head on the public transport headrests, if I do, I pull up the collar of my coat and or use my neck scarf as a shield against it. I have even invested in a bottle of NEEM shampoo as an emergency rescue remedy ... Just in case!! Heaven forbid! Paranoia, I hear you cry ... Sorry but the prevention is better than the cure, I have heard that some lock lovers had to resort to cutting them all off ...

On the days when the weather is bad I find my locks got dehydrated by the time I arrived at work, so I took a used old spray bottle and filled it up with boiled and cooled water for quick convenient non chemical hydration. We also have a central heating system that dries out skin and hair, fast.
To add to this issue I realise that some of my locks are loosening up and that has slowed my roll when it comes to my washing routine.  It's strictly once a week now.
I am so glad that I have been a product junkie because I find that my knowledge base helps me know exactly what to use and when, I also know what my locks should feel like in the initial saturating/rinsing before washing stage, before a shampooing.

I have a good stash of stuff and managed to find a bottle of Jane Carter Revitalising Leave in condish, that worked wonders for me! I went to Klass Cosmetics And spoke to the proprietor Sonia and she ordered me a few more bottles.

I have been writing this post over a couple of days now, I last washed my hair on Friday, I spritzed with JCarter leave in, and today my hair is crisp in places. I am really struggling with wanting to wash it.
I am due a Reti on Saturday and often need to rinse my hair to relax my scalp a day or so after, which means washing 3 times. Sigh, decisions decisions.

Sonia from Klass recommended this product she found it good and said I should try it. She, by the way has traditional locs. It is so good to go to a good black owned store where the proprietor is locked 

:). I admit I have not used it yet, I like the water/aloe composition of Jane Carter, I love glycerine but occasionally find I need it to be a more watered down. Too much glycerine for me leaves a cloying feeling like it's just sitting on my locks and I just want to wash it out, fast. 

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

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

3 years 3 months SisterLocks: Dry hair and Reti's

Simply Dry.

I admire all you lockers out there who have managed their locks with very little to no product  assistance except for a few spritz of water (if that!) There are many of you out there and I rate you! This is not me testimony however, My sisterlocks love moisture (anything involving water) and devour oils.

I also admire those who are able to use conditioner, I guess I have not mastered the knack of rinse, rinse rinse.

My point is really that I have growing locks they are getting to a decent length now that I am having to rethink my regime, and trying to keep it all very simple. Long is not simple. Sisterlocks are low maintenance not no maintenance. Our summer has appeared and I am surprised that I was not better prepared. It could have been the sauna that did it. Umm I went in the sauna, no steam room available, at least 3 times in the week with NO conditioner, no spritz, nothing. Went home and rinsed, not washed my locks. Actually had to shampoo twice that week as I used the pool on 2 occasions. By the time I got back they were rough,


Remedy.

I am using coconut oil as a hot oil treatment as and when I need it and a spitz of awapuhi moisture and lately Arosci leave in conditioner. They make a good combination. 2 evenings ago I went for Co Wash, I part American cream 5 parts water to dilute, and 25 ounces heat melted pure coconut oil from Holland and Barrett. I now dislike the smell so decided to wash with diluted conditioner and then pour oil onto my head. Leave for a few minutes and then rinse OUT! This method was VERY effective. And I especially didn't have the aftermath coconut scent I have come to dislike. Finally, revived with long lasting results.

DIY @ 3 years 3 months.

Due a Reti

I admit, I am guilty. I have a lack of patience and like to get things done.
In effect, when tired I would rush to complete it. Doing so leaves me guilty of accidentally combining locks. I would combine at least 2 each time it was my turn to reti.
Yesterday I began the process. I Reti every 4 to 5 weeks. I began at approx 1pm, put a book on my laptop, sat in the sunlight shining through the open double doors and commenced. A mirror stand, locks sectioned with 4 black bands, I started from the back behind my left ear. In mind, I had a method, to work across the back of my head, removing only one band and taking out one lock at a time from the bundles to avoid tangling. There are a lot of long locks and I need to keep them in order. I managed to stop to cook dinner, eat with my family, tidy up. I then got distracted again and decided I wanted to rearrange my drawer chest ... hmmm. focused eh? I went back to task at about 9.45pm and stopped at midnight.
I made a mistake and untangled it. That was a sign to give it up! . I started again today at about 2pm after trimming the hedge, (found that kind of therapeutic ...) I worked thru until 17.59pm when I completed my Reti. I Got a great sense of achievement! No combining, not one! Approximate time in total I would say was 10 hours.

I have learnt a lesson this time. Do not continue when tired and plan the direction of the front and top well before I get there, if I want a decent
style result. It worked! Let's pray I have this much forethought after I get back to work!!! Lol!

ReTi, 2 years and 7 months

Original Post written Wednesday 29 December 2011.

Consultant Reti Day was yesterday, my head still sore, nobodies fault, just my issue.  Loving this stage, even though it took 3 hours to reti me, I knew there was a LOT of regrowth, especially as I do not reti  'tight' when I DIY.

A drastic mistake ...

.... had to wash my locs on Tuesday in time for reti first thing Wednesday, BUT I had a few friends around and we stayed up until 3am, hair washed ok, but I still had conditioner in it, and could not face washing it out! (slaps head) so I went to bed, with a view to washing it out in the morning.
WELL, my locks were DRY, I had to shampoo the conditioner out, no time to check the head,  I rushed off for my 10am appointment.

Reti style looked lovely, but underneath I had horrid evidence of left in conditioner, where I had not over rinsed, SIGH! I was not gonna wash my whole head again. so gathered the top clear portion in a bun, and mixed my concoction of shampoo and bicarbonate, THEN added vinegar. It frothed up and I applied it direct. I rinsed it out over the bath section by section, not a smple task but do-able. It worked!

 




















Today 4/1/12.

I washed my locs last night, using I Love Juicy. As Antiphilitron is no longer available from LUSH, I am in need of a clarifier that I notice deep cleans AND leaves the locs fluffy and full. As these products are drying I have decided to first wash with clarifiers and second n third wash with a

hydrating/moisturising shampoo. I am rubbish at rinsing, so have decided to avoid conditioners for a while, or at least take Ofo's advise and water them down before applying!
I will try to add Bicarb soda to I Love Juicy to see if it is as effective as the Anti Phil on removing build up. I have posted previously recommending ILJ as a great loc shampoo because it leaves them looking lovely! So lovely that I have not been able to keep my hands out of my head!
I want to alternate Deep Cleanse Clarifying to every other wash, but I do it more consistently if I choose to use a conditioner.
Also, I need another type of head wrap to sleep in, my locs are getting long, I have had to put them up in a bun for baths and shower, and even a couple of times to go to sleep.

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!!!