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.

3 Years 9 Months and a Sisterlock DEEP CLEANSE!

My recent/current fixation  has been to focus on cleanliness, the avoidance of  build up and to deter the possibility of mildew. I have reduced my hair washing routine to once a week. Happily my scalp is not itchy, but my product use is minimal. I am strictly dieting on Awapuhi only, every day spritz. I have switched shampoos to a new (ok almost discontinued brands of Radiant Lili Pili by MOLTON BROWN. courtesy of TKMaxx (whats new? ;))  Nai's locks are not faithful and will love anything that loves them!

Radiant Lili lives up to her name! it makes my locks look and feel so soft, silky and healthy, loveing the feeling (serious hand in hair itis). non creamy,  clear coloured simple scented, does the job with good body.
I am also newly enamoured with COWSHED beauty brand, Cowlick shampoo, smells gorge with a great ginger candy scent, (the Wild Cow body lotion links well) The quality is so good, love using it, its labelled gentle and have no SLS....

SUPER CLEANSE products and process. (last weekend).

So I gathered them all together, boiled the water, planned my strategic positioning, (to enable full and complete lock emersion and soaking ...
I used ...

200ml ACV
2 squirts Ecover washing up liquid.
Suave shampoo
1 kettle full boiled water.
I bowl

I mixed them all together and plonked my head (carefully!!) into the bowl for ... a long time! Approx  30mins. when the water cooled i began to wash it using the suave, my Slocs felt a bit dehydrated, and the whole house scented like a vinegar factory. the water was gritty and dirty when I disposed of it in the bath - I was actually surprised at how dirty it was ... I think this has to be a Bi annual process from now on.

The results.

Progress is being made taking care of this young  mans lovely hair, although its hard work for me, as if I don't have enough to contend with!
Now at least I am teaching him how to wash it. (its not difficult) especially with Creme of Nature Ultra moisturising shampoo AND Argan oil shampoo which really enhances softness and total manageability.

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.

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

Shampoo: Product Shop 'til I Drop!!!!

Ladies, Ladies, Ladies!!! OH and any Brother lockers out there.

Have I got some products in store for you!!!

WHY you ask? ... AGAIN you say? Well ...

1. I LOVE washing my Locs, often, although they are getting longer and harder to handle,  (small hands) and are needing a longer time to dry.

2. On the product hunt again because I live in a HARD water area and a cold unfriendly climate with weather extremes. Going through a dry patch right now!

I have been really busy generally in life, and literally disciplined myself off to work in the last few days before term ended, by discipline I mean I denied myself a snooze alarm and late nights too far past 10pm, and literally catapulted out of bed every morning. But I made it!

I am back!  Some ME and Blogging time ...

Well I was too busy to blog but not too busy to buy!!! My locks have been dry and a bad product choice has replaced the build up I previously got rid of! Simply put, DO NOT USE HAIR ONE or any similar product on ones Sisterlocks. It is a JOKE to remove!!  Yes, it could be my poor rinsing technique, but I don't have 3 hours to rinse my head, full stop! I have prepared the next blog on build up removal to follow, to explain more about this. ...

So here we go, why the product choices?  I have found a very willing and able shopping buddy and bag carrier who has  reintroduced me to the world of shopping! My buddy also holds a major discount card and shares my addiction to silky smooth skin, lovely smells and georgeous scents. And believe me, HAVE I found some!

ORIGINS. (Attention OFO! ;)) £12.00 250ml.

I bought No Deposit, by the above and not liking that much, So the men indoors use it! ( And I am glad too, cos it keeps their hands OFF my current love, Head Organics Hydrating Shampoo).
However, I do love Ginger Up by ORIGINS, no really! Ginger up has the most delicious scent that I rinsed my hair just for the sake of it! OFO! SMELLS LOVELY like ginger candy, not overpowering
as I thought it would be! Approximately £12.

KIEHLS,  Amino Acid Shampoo. £17.50 250 ml

Expensive, but I like it! Coconut oil and Amino acids  are the main ingredient, another natural product but cost £17.50 a 250ml bottle.


HEAD ORGANICS,  Hydrating Shampoo. (TKMaxx. £9.99 33.8oz) 1000ml.

This product is additive free, I don't know what it is that gives it the edge, but it is a really great shampoo, my locks thrive on it ... If I can recall, Ofo likes it too, from what I can remember. Come to think of it, my sons also had a positive comment about it. Not that I gave them permission to use my stuff! So I took to hiding it because plainly speaking, I ain't sharing a shampoo that is this hard to find! CHA!


MILLER HARRIS, Citron Citron. £24.00.

Top of the range shampoo, mainly sourced to top hotels around the world, hence the price tag! I discovered it accidently on Salon Skincare website. No review yet ... just HAD to find out if it was truly worth it .... like me! ;)

GREAT PRODUCTS! ...  JUST NOT FOR LOCKS!
Tigi BedHead Let it Be,  leave in conditioner.  Cherry Almond, 

PERFECT FOR LOOSE NATURAL HEADS!!!

An AWESOME almond cherry scent, and a very efficient leave in moisturiser, exceptional on natural hair, I have had a lot of experience using it on my middle son, as he has decided to grow his hair long, and Miss S, a very close friend, who is on the road to her natural self.  She loves it! creates great curl definition.
However, builds up in locks! not nice, might be the Shea Butter aspect of it! great natural ingredients.


Hair One,  Conditioning Cleanser.

Again a great product for natural hair, but builds up very easily in locks. Lockers beware! Heavy on the Silicone too.
The winning product so far, with a 10/10, is definately Head Organics, for quality, efficency and great value for money, that is, if you can find a bottle ...
Build up Blog report coming up next ...