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.

.

Mature Longer Sisterlock Maintenance and Routines and Tips

Four Years and 5 months ... Another level ...

What has changed? Well, I used to wash my locks twice  a week because I loved to, then my lifestyle changed and I just couldn't manage it anymore, as they got longer, the drying time increased. 

There was also something else, my ends are loose again, and I'm not sure why, I know I'm not the only one. I have never been a conditioner girl, so couldn't understand the softening process that was clearly happening. it is still happening and currently I have no answers.

My product junkism has halted, as I have no time or inclination.  I still have a trailer load of goodies that I am working through.

However, I do have a brand new toy ... 

YES ... a traditional steamer ... I'm sooo happy, had my eyes on one of these for an absolute age, but they were too expensive. Then lovely Miss C came over and we had one of our usual lock loving convos, we decided to check out EBay and ... VOILA! I didn't waste a moment as the offer was too good. 

Routine.

My latest washing session consisted of:

1. Washed with Suave shampoo.
2. Melted a tablespoon of coconut oil (which, incidentally I have not used for at least 9 months!)
3. Applied oil to towel dried hair, fill and set steamer for 20 minutes.
4. Pile locks into a loose bundle on top of head.
5. Sat under steamer, locks UNcovered.
6. When time was up I rinsed with warm water.
7. Let locs dry naturally.

If you are familiar with my blog I used to get a decent steam at my gym.  That's no longer possible. 

I will let you know if the effects are just as good as the steam room after a while.

Challenges.
No real challenges at the moment, I put my locs up in a bun as a style or simply by instinct.  I take scrunchies and bands everywhere, even wear them absentmindedly on my wrists.
My mental challenge is avoiding filth during my daily commute, I travel for a total of 2 hours per day and I am O.C.DDeeee when I choose a seat and I do all that I can NOT to rest my head on the head rest thing ... yeah I guess I'm paranoid ... I can't lie!

Build Up.

Dare I say it? No signs of any increased build up of any kind, I MUST say, that around 6 to 9 months ago I purchased a new specialist hoover, with a HEPA filtration filter thingy ... it is excellent at dealing with dust (I don't have carpet so I am hoovering the wooden flooring etc).
As I think about it, since I purchased this model the 'build up' has decreased.

Loose ends.

My loose ends actually help me remove any dust particles that may attach themselves. I don't use creamy products so there is no product type build up. I consistently clarify every other wash alternating with a moisturising shampoo every so often

Styling.

I am currently a pipe cleaner convert until one night they kept sticking in my scalp as I slept ... so I braided out instead for a change. Love the result though.

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.