Mature Sisterlocks - maintenance, routines, fine locks, lint and loose ends.

Hey fellow lock bloggers,

I know! Its ridiculous, I only managed ONE post this last month and I was on summer break! It took me at least a week to complete as I was doing so many other things. I would start and stop and so I forgot to upload product images.
The Truth that is Knotty asked if I was still product testing, I don't  as much anymore because I know what works for me. I keep checking out good products as I am always aware that stuff can be discontinued and that is annoying. I check reviews and availability on Amazon as I like it if products can be delivered as opposed to me going out shopping ;)

I thought I would produce a list for my simple routine.
Routine...

1. Reti via consultant Liz.

2. Reti myself once or twice a year depending on her availability.

3. Wash, shampoo only - I do not condition. My shampoos are volumising to increase body and moisturising.

4. I simply braid wet or leave alone (straight).

5. I use Taliah Wajid healing oil or Monoi oil from the Body Shop or a home special blend of olive oil with essential oils added. Not a lot, just enough to alleviate any slight dryness which is not often.

6. I use Kiehls amino acid shampoo as my first shampoo (main ingredient coconut oil) which my locks adore. then shampoo with I use Olio di Argan  Nourishing shampoo. I was unaware that this product is also sulphate free ...

Loose ends ...

I read somewhere that if you use a moisturising or nourishing shampoo you are really conditioning it.
I guess there is a truth in that as the moisture agents used have a conditioning affect.
The evidence of this  can be seen as the ends of my locks are becoming loose, which does not bother me really. I no longer suffer from dry dehydrated locks. In fact this year has been a a warm one for the south of UK (which is a very pleasant change).

Brushing ... 

Again paying homage to the Knotty Truths Blog  http://therealknottytruth.blogspot.co.uk ...  as it was under her guidance that I have managed to avoid lint and build up in my locks, not to say I am totally lint free, but I do pay a LOT of attention to the ends of my locks and am weary about fluffy stuff and weary of a general dusty house. I do not have carpet in the majority of the house and dust can build up. I have purchased a few good hair brushes, soft bristle which I find very effective, but beware, they can also help looses locks, especially if you have soft hair, even if your locked, your hair still has its characteristics I have found ...
For further guidance on brushing and lint prevention please read Knotty Truths Blog  http://therealknottytruth.blogspot.co.uk ...

Shopping ...

These products were purchased from a variety of stores.

TKmaxx is my product shopping fave as it has many obscure brands of shampoo that are little known. I use MakeUpAlley as a directory to check reviews of a product and then price check against Amazon prices to ensure I am getting a good deal.
My current fave shampoo Phytorelax Olio di Argan shampoo is only sold in the USA on amazon and sold only in the UK through TKmaxx ... so I bought as MANY as I could.

The UK TKmaxx though is very inconsistent with pricing and what I pay in North London I could pay double when I am in the South of London. I complained because I don't know why they think this is ok? Anyway they have already been challenged about their pricing on a TV show this year. They need to start listening ...

Than you for reading, I know your out there and hope you find this information useful.

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.

Living, Loving Locks @ 3 years 10 months.

Has spring has finally sprung, or should it be summer? ... hmm!

So it was my turn to reti, coincidentally it was the end of spring term and we were off for Easter break, so of course I would have bus loads of time to do my own reti ... right? ... NOT!

No, I did not ... no I did not want to, NO!
Actually it was my consultants turn (we alternate where possible) However, something came up and we had to cancel, it was still term time, and I originally thought that I would be cool.

Turns out I was so very tired and really wanted needed pampering.
Its hard to get a good appointment at short notice as most consults and booked up way ahead of time. However, it was not to be, by the time I realised that I had better deal with it I was a clear 2 weeks past my reti schedule.
However, the process surprised me, this time. I was almost at 7 weeks and reluctantly picked up my tool kit, clips and bands and started tightening at the back of my head. I started at about 6.00pm one evening, but by 11.00pm I had completed 3/4 of my head, without any mess ups. I continued the next morning and completed the task within 3 hours.
That's not bad at all for me. I thought the longer I left between reti's the longer the process and harder it would be, but it turned out quite the opposite.
I am seriously considering changing to 6 weeks now. I am also washing my locks once a week because they take too long to dry in the evening and I don't want to go to sleep with damp locks to avoid mildew.

Life with locks.

My fourth locversary is swiftly approaching (May end) in exactly 6 weeks  :).
I am noticing the growth spurt we all hear about that happens from approx year 3 - 4. I consistently braid my locs at night now using Taaliah Waajids Crinkles and Curls, as doing so creates great body. On a daily basis I wear hair bands on my wrist so that I can put it all up in a quick ponytail, if I am honest it is to keep it out of the way!!
Today I could feel them 'flapping' on my back if I made a sudden movement, then I caught a reflection and saw them reaching down to the centre of my back.  I turn my head and feel as if I have a  scarf sitting on my shoulders, (summer will be interesting! ;) I am NOT complaining, I just find the sudden increase interesting and know that I have to take extra care and pay attention when looking after them, it is not a problem, in fact a welcome responsibility!
I wanted locs now I have to be willing to maintain them to a high standard.

 Sisterlocks in the beginning are quite low maintenance, but the longer they grow, the
more time needs to be invested. Generally I place self maintenance at the top of my list of priorities, so I am happy and ready to do what I have to do. I'm still brushing intermittently, I find if I braid more, I brush less. I have also purchased 2 more brushes in order to find the most suitable, currently I am using a 100 per cent Boar brush, will let you know how that goes.

Three years SisterLocked Secrets, I did it my way. Why the products Nai?

Hey all at home today because a visit to the dentist has left me out of action.

I have been thinking about this post for a while and one thing I will cover is my experimenting with products and reveal my top (maybe forever?) products.

Yes I know that having Sislocs is suppose to reduce the need. However, I found that I wanted my locks to be in a certain condition. Ultimately, our hair is still unique and we all need something different.

FIRST, What is it I am looking for, (or why the junkie)?

Well I had fine hair naturally, so locs were not originally voluminous. I mean each strand was thin, Loc pattern 4,  the tightest, to help locking process. We tried pattern 3 but most would slip easily. See earlier posts. Some shampoos exacerbated the thin flat look.

So first off I will talk about why I still use products with SLS in them.


Sodium Laureth Sulphate.

I have used so many prods with and without this chemical, but really I was not that convinced that the results were any better. I was not surprised to read Natural Haven's latest post confirming my suspicions

http://www.thenaturalhavenbloom.com/

Please read for yourselves. She found that not all non SLS substitute chemicals were exactly better than SLS. So it is a case of study to find the best ... I actually knew that it was not as simple as it seemed. Now do not get me wrong, I am not saying I am for SLS I am just not for being conned by these companies is all.

In saying all of that I will announce all my staple products with and without SLS.

 1. Kiehls Amino Acid.

Top of the charts and It is SLS free. What can I say about it? Well it has all the qualities I need, basically does what
It says on the bottle! It's moisturising, gentle, softening and best of all volumising, making my locks look fuller and fluffier and feel lovely. Not cheap, but neither am I! So worth it! The price came down a bit but it was originally £17.50 it lasts a long time, and i wash my locks often.

I believe in the process of alternating shampoos to reap the best results. I found this has worked for me.














2. Bicarbonate of Soda shampoo.

http://ofoslocs.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/baking-soda-shampoo-and-vinegar.html

This is a recipe I got via Ofo's blog. It is a very good one, for me it works really well. I have a bottle sitting on the bathroom window sill. I use it whenever I feel that it needs a clarifying. I can't use too much though as I find it can be drying.



3. DAX Vegetable Oil Shampoo.


If I had not found Kiehls then this would be THE one as for £2.50 it is brilliant! A great softening clarifying shampoo that DOES NOT strip the hair. Really good value for money. Very effective. SLS ...






4. LUSH.

Ok I have tried and loved almost everything LUSH. Why? Because there is something about the way they mix their products that, in my opinion, works perfectly on locked hair, I find it hard to say which I love the most, alternating them as I do they all do what I need them to. Now that I have discovered their solid soaps, I think they are fab! They are very affordable, £5 or £6 pounds but last for up to 80 washes, if you take care of them. Yes SLS, but they feel so gentle, soft and with no irritation.

Top of the solids is Godiva, (yellow solid) shampoo jasmine scented with cocoa butter to condition, instant results! A close second is Karma Komba, green. Smells soo good, so so good!
Both give hair good body!


Note: my method is to use either Bicarbonate shampoo or DAX as a base clarifier first and then one of my faves for the second and or subsequent washes.

CONDITIONERS.

I can't do them! I do not do well with them as I just don't rinse enough or I don't have a strong enough shower hose. Either way, they seem to build up. So another reason for my quest to find suitable products. My search is for a water based conditioning product, non creamy, leave in type. My staple is and was from the start,

1. PAUL MITCHELL AWAPUHI MOISTURE MIST.

From the moment I read a recommendation for this product as a newbie, I knew it was right for me. It is perfect. Again pricey in the eyes of some, circa £15 for 500ml.
But I use this over and over and my Locs drink it like water, even better when I rub a little oil in after. I even spritz in a little before bed in dry areas,




The SisterLock moisturiser is good too but not as effective as the Awapuhi.

I like 2. Arosci leave in conditioner too, but I am suspicious that it has contributed to a rise in whitish specks of build up in my locks. Again though, a great product, very moisturising and softening. I have had to spray it in my hands rub them and then add it to my hair to avoid this possibly negative effect.

COLOUR.

As you can tell, dry locs are not on my desirable list. It's all about moisture and softness. So one thing I did not do over the last 3 years was colour my locks.
I knew that I would have problems with my hair and dryness if I did. I know a lot of people have grey hair they want to cover so I understand, I feel I benefitted over the years to just leave them alone.

WASHING MY LOCKS.

My guilty pleasure, from the start. I stated my penchant for water running over my scalp,
I'm a washing addict, actually it's a whole bath, shower, swimming, water thing. It chills me out, especially though washing my hair.
Of course that encourages me to add to the experience by introducing different scents and sensations. So I am an addict, a true beauty addict. It's not just my hair but I do all things skincare, did I ever mention that I qualified as a beautician?
So there you have it. The motives behind my madness. I think I found
What I need for now, but it is difficult because I live in the UK and our weather system and atmosphere means that some things work seasonally so again I need to alternate.

Nai ... LOVING this locked life ... x