Five years of maintenance and simple routines.

Its been a while

It has been an unintentional while since my last post, I have been up to a lot and just couldn't find time. Well my Sisterlocks have been an absolute joy, the weather has been really sunny for the past few months mingled in with a few minor rain showers, it has been beautiful. My staple hairdo has been a single up do, ponytails or two side twists from various angles, no fuss, just keeping it simple.

My Routine

I braid out frequently, but occasionally it does not last long, I guess it depends on how small I do the braids. I still use Moisture Mist by Paul Mitchell as a wetting agent, my usual setting lotion has varied I have been product testing in that area but still prefer Crinkles and Curls.

Washing

Shampooing is a dream, I am renewing my connections with Kiehls Amino Acid shampoo. I think this one is a forever ever shampoo. My locks love it right now, I can't accurately describe how they feel but I can just tell that there is a difference, they feel so good, a soft, moist cotton feeling. 

To enhance the effect I have found another keeper called Argan Oil Nourish Shampoo by Phytorelax a company based in Italy. These 2 little beauties were made for each other, they compliment each other fabulously. This shampoo is the ONE, apparently SLS etc free too! I can only purchase this at TKMax and because of this I buy a bottle of it every opportunity I get!

It has been a very warm and dry summer, but but thank to this combination I no longer suffer from thirsty locks! This clearly means no conditioner ... Still!

I can tell you that I have had no need to condition (except for spritzing with Moisture Mist) nothing heavy duty. I am 5 years and almost 3 months Sisterlocked.

ReTi

This last week I accomplished my first self ReTi for the year!!

It took me 12 hours in total over two days! Good thing I'm on summer break! I don't have that kind of time free anymore, unless I do it over a weekend. A BIG shout out to my fellow bloggers who posted comments to celebrate my year 5 post! Y'all are the faithful few and I am grateful for the LOVE! xx

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.

.

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. 

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.

Summer Sun and Sisterlocks at 50 ... months!

SERIOUSLY considering leaving Blogger!! Blogs not saving and a complete waste of effort and time grrr! ... ANYWAY!

I APOLOGISE!

My apologies to everyone who has posted messages on any of my blog posts, I have not been great at keeping up with you all but still appreciate comments and feedback on each, so thank you for taking the time and stopping by, you are appreciated!

Yes, it has been a long while again, LIFE was getting in the way, I know, but there was always a light and I have finally arrived at the end of that tunnel and it feels fantastic!
WHAT A YEAR! It has been a very trying time but I SAW the LORD in the midst of it all and now know who Jesus really is in my life and how he works.  I am so blessed and truly, very thankful.

50 Months/ four years and two months. 

My lovely locks are now 50 months old, the sun has come out with vigour
and my skin and hair have enjoyed the blessed experience. I began to think that the snow would never go away!

Lock Care for Long Locked Hair.

So I have managed to run through 1250 mls of Awapuhi moisture mist,  longer locks equals more moisture. Just click on my cloud opposite for previous posts on the qualities of this product.
Rehab from LUSH is frequently with me in the shower. I can't explain it but there is something in the composition that makes my hair feel good, I am not in love with anything mint scented but this one is not bad.
I also Liked Cowsheds, Cowlick gentle shampoo and Biolage is an effective brand. Most products are courtesy of TKMaxxs' discounted prices! I have calmed down on my product  junk ism for a while.
Have used bottles and bottles of Crinkle and Curls by Taliah wajid and my colleagues are loving the scent of TW's Healing oil ... Loving one of my old workmates and good friends Mrs R who recently sat next to me buried her face in my hair, took a deep breath saying ... "I love and miss that smell!"...

Loose ENDS ...

NO conditioner, NO Scissors,  NO colouring ...
So WHY are the ends of my locks unravelling?  No, seriously I'm asking any lock rockers out there what they think the problem is! Quite a few have curly ends, at least one inch, the worst offenders are my shorter locks which seem to be aiming at letting LOOSE completely, as if I have not been mature for almost 2 years. Educated answers would be greatly appreciated :).

Loose Natural Thoughts ...

I'm hoping it is NOT a case of mind over matter because recently there has been a wealth of info about unlocking locks of all kinds and branching out into the world of loose naturaldom. Yes the thoughts have seriously pervaded my mind ... but thankfully there is a 'still small voice' that says ... "but you have no patience, you dont like longness, when it comes to hair styling you came last in the class because you missed the bus!"
So nooo thank you, I have no time or inclination for laborious tasks, I love to wash my hair frequently, and I have no time or experience to detangle twist and define nuthin, for goodness sake,  I can barely fling two braids or twists and loose them out without getting slightly agitated!  However, I do wonder, maybe im just not ready  ...yet?

Saturday Reti

LAZY itis!

So I have had to reschedule ReTi appointments over the last few months for reasons beyond my control, which has meant that I had to do two ReTis in a row,  OR NOT as the case may be, So I have actually gone almost seven weeks without a ReTi, I feel that as a benefit however as I worry about some of my locks being too thin at the root, maybe my ReTi schedule should be 6 weeks apart instead ... any advice would be appreciated.

And finally ... Thanking the Lord that I am blessed to see another year of my life ... Tomorrow I will be ...... years old LOL!

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