Sisterlocked - simply loving it.

Lock appreciation (ALL locks ...)

Sisterlocks, I wish I had done this a lot sooner, but I didn't know any better, even though my heart knew there must be an alternative somewhere out there. Better late than never ...

They do not form a uniform pattern, after all its a free style,  naturally. No two lock the same, all at differing lengths, but all mine.

Some are very short, especially near the centre of my scalp. But my temple lock, reaches down to my waist!

Sisterlocks ... I love them.
Mine are fine and thin, but so was my loose natural hair. They are delicate so should still be handled with care and love.

Most of all ...
I love a fresh ReTi ... Love the obvious evidence of growth. ... the way it hangs in a pony tail.

I love the texture and feel of it when I wash it, the way it smells after the wash, I love the way it sets me free from the confines and limitations of the unacceptable 'norms' of societies beauty ideals. Yeah, I wrote this just to endorse and indulge the love of all hair locked ...:)

Sisterlocks: Using Alternative Products.

Hi everyone,
The purpose for writing a blog initially was to become a source and an example for other sisters who are considering locking their hair. Especially as I had very fine hair and could see clearly that most other bloggers had hair that was a lot fuller than my own (for numerous and varied reasons).

Fine Hair.

I did not inherit hair that was full and thick, my family are of varied mixed heritages. To boot I have a very tender scalp that cannot cope with too much manipulation. To add insult to injury I have used too many different straightening/relaxing techniques, no one product was better than the other, against my better judgement. I just wish all the information I have now, I had then!
However, true to the word, my latter hair days have proved greater than the former and I give thanks for the Sisterlock technique.I am fully aware that SisterLocks have developed their own products to be used in conjunction, but unfortunately, in London, I believe they are still a little hard to get hold of. There was a point that I knew of a distributer who was UK based, however that person may not be in that position any longer. I have to admit I have not contacted the SL headquarters to find out if there was another appointed person.
In the meantime ...   Alternatives.
My consultant originally recommended neutrogena T Gel shampoo which helped the locking process and protected against scalp issues at the same time. I used this initially in my first two years, but if you can all recall I get bored real easy and wanted to play with other shampoos ... I must say I did not jump on conditioners as my locks loved to bunch and unravel and I didn't want to upset Liz with a an Afro on my next Reti appointment!!!So I was known for my of love shampoo experimentation, mostly for shampoo that clarifies and leaves body to my SLs . Clarifying Shampoos for the most part are good for leaving the locks with volume and body.

Suave - a brand not sold readily in the UK ( asked my mum to purchase some on her last trip over here:) and I also found some on amazon and eBay.) was a brand recommended by a lot of lockers on the net. Was very good for deep cleansing locks and leaving it volumised. I am always researching - if not testing, I have found so many good products and where I have purchased and kept things, I have gone back to use them and found them great. In the early days some things did not seem to work, but as my locs matured I have found them very effective.

.

A Journey of Four years, nine months and two days

 ...  and its only getting better!

Contrast

What an amazing difference.

Locks do their OWN thing! One close friend asked if I should have a little trim to level things up a bit,  of course I explained why I would do no such thing!

I have always had one or two very eager 'growers' from the start, but they suddenly 'disappeared' when all the others caught up. Looking forward to the others catching up with these two!

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!