Maybe This Is Why I Do It!

This is the saddest thing I've seen in a long time!!!

Week 7!!!

Good morning y'all!!!!  I wanted to post a few pics of my journey thus far!!!!  To sum it all up, I LOVE MY SISTERLOCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A pic from my first retightening!!!

Headed to a wedding!

After a workout!!

First attempt of a "style"..  (Not too bad, I need some more practice)

Loc'ed and loving it at work!!!



So, this post wouldn't be complete if I didn't talk about regrets, right???  The ONLY one I can think of is that I WAITED SO DAMN LONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

I LOVE NATURAL HAIR, NO "LYE" (pun intended)!!!!!!!!!!!!

Month 1

OMGoodness y'all!!!  How time flies (when you're having fun, that is)...  So, I realized that yesterday I was sisterlocked for one month.  And man ohh man, what a great revelation. 

So, first let me apologize for not posting in awhile.  I have been CRRRR----AZZZYYYYYY busy.  Here are a few pics to show the progression of my locks during this first month.

A roller set with a headband!

An upside down picture of the Madison Square Garden (while visiting NYC.)

A pin up style that I tried!!!

A roller set without the headband, lol!!

So all in all, I couldn't be more happy than I am now with my hair.  It has provided me with a freedom that I never imagined possible.  I am able to clean my house in the morning, workout without worry and most importantly, WALK IN THE DAMN RAIN!!!!  Who woulda thunk it!!!!!  My only regret is that I didn't fire the creamy crack a longggggg time ago!!!!!

Until next time gang!!!  Love, Peace and No More Hair Grease!!! 

First Bad Hair Day: Day 8

Mawnin' Y'all,

So, I experienced my first bad hir day yesterday, kinda!  I teach a Zumba class on Fridays at noon and after all the sweating I have to go back to work.  I forgot to bring a sweatband to keep my hair off my forehead and neck so this was the result:

Before!

And After!!!!

Just a limp resemblance of themselves.  I don't know what I'm going to do about it until they mature.  Any suggestions???

Day 7

Today is my 7 day milestone, so of course I had to post my progress (or lack thereof).

I don't know if I'm progressing or not really!

Left Side

Right Side

Front

Front Pulled Back

So, as you can see my locks are still very limp and kind of lifeless (in my opinion). I have been surviving by rodding them DAILY!!!!  Ughhhh....

So here is the comparison of day 1 and day 7:

Day 1

Day 7

Somehow they seem just a little thicker but that's it (to me).  I'm excited to see how tey progress though.



My New Dreadsock!!!

Good morning y'all!!!  My "dreadsock" arrived yesterday and I couldn't be more excited!  So this accessory is marketed as a headdress to sleep in so that my hair will be protected from lint and my "wild sleeping".

I have been using a stain bonnet that I've had FOREVER!!  It hasn't done such a great job because it is stretched out because of the many nights that I slept with rollers in, ughhh!!!  Never again!!!  It is usually not on my head by the time I wake up either, lol.  Here's a picture of it.

So, I saw this page on FB entitled: "Dreadsock"  It's a company that markets the product to:

Made of the same durable poly blend material as the Dreadsock. This isn’t your ordinary skullcap. Perfect for “newbie” locks, twists, braids, or any short style. The 4-way stretch material allows the shortie to fit any hair length.

So, I purchased it online for $19.99 and I chose purple and University of Memphis Tigers blue (yes, that is a color, lol)  of course.

I really like it, it fits snug and feels secure. 

One concern, the elastic is all around the dreadsock and my itty bitty locks in the back (pictured below) my be effected.   

Day 5: My Scalp is ITCHY!!!!

Thus far, everythng seems to be going well.  I have inspired two of my colleagues to consider Sisterlocks, that's a plus.  I continue to get compliments daily and that helps too, lol.

But, there are two challenges.

1.  I am getting tired of rodding my hair every morning so that its curled.

2.  My scalp is getting itchy!

The first challenge is one that I have complete control over.  I could just stop!!  However, I don't want my locks to look unkept so until they mature a little more and are "behaving", I will continue to rod it.

Now, number two!!!  I can't take this at all!!  I've never had a dandruff "problem" so this is all new.  I notice more and more everyday that my scalp is itchy and I am afraid I will soon see flakes!!!!  OH NOOO!!!!  I can't handlethat.  So, I have deciced (without my locticians advice) to attempt to relieve this with a tea tree oil mist.  I will spray it on my hair every night (if it works) for now.

I've read that it's great for dandruff and itchy scalp, so why not??

So, I rushed over to Whole Foods after work and picked up the tea tree oil that I needed.  It is a .5 fluid ounce bottle 100% pure essential oil.  It has a "woodsy" smell that I am concerned might come across as masculine.  But oh well, here goes nothing.

1 cup distilled water
8 drops tea tree oil
1 spray bottle

I dropped eight drops of the tea tree oil in the distilled water, poured it in a spray bottle and misted it on my scalp, very lightly.  I'll let you all know how it goes...  ITCHY SCALP, BE GONE!!!!

Creamy Crack!!!!!! What is it, REALLY?!?!?!

Good morning guys and gals!!!!  In another conversation I was having with Marti (friend and followerer) she asked me, so how often do I have to get locks added to my hair.  I proceeded to tell her, never!!  And then it hit me like a ton of bricks!!  I will have to get some "added", the creamy crack (relaxer aka perm) has broken my edges off.  When my hair gows out on the side, I will have some locks "added"!!  Thanks Marti for the revelation!!

This video will explain the creamy crack socially (how many black women feel so passionately about it)chemically (a chemist explains what it does to the hair) and physiologically (how it changes the hair)...  It's an excerpt from the documentary "Good Hair" by comedian Chris Rock.  How I wish I'd seen this film 20 years ago, I may have told my mom that I didn't want anymore relaxer!  Enjoy!


Technical Issue:  I couldn't post the actual video because it's disabled but here is the link!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCEX34-1o6M

First Style Attempt and First Sisterlocks Sighting!!

Good morning y'all!  I thought I would post about my first styling attempt of my new Sisterlocks.  I was sent away from Salon Natur'elle with specific instructions to "leave my hair alone" for two weeks.  Welp, I'm very hard headed so I didn't listen, lol.

When I woke up, my locs were wiry and the curls that were there the day before were just about gone.  I had a long day ahead so I attempted to recreate the look my loctician had created the day before.  So off to the local beauty supply store I went.  I think subconsciously, the hard headed child that still lives in me knew this day would come so I was paying close attention to the products that my loctician used.  Here they are:

Lotta Body

$3.19

First up, "Lotta Body".  A texturizing setting lotion that is marketed to provide "maximum hold, beautiful body and unbelievable sheen.  Use on natural, relaxed or color-treated hair.

• Creates a firm, glossy hold
• Conditioning ingredients leave hair soft and smooth
• Adds incredible body and shine
•  Quick drying
• Non-flaking"

So these are all the promises they made, I hope they were right!   Now,  I am very familiar with "lotta body", it is a staple in the black woman's hair care world and has been around for decades probably.  I knew it could/would deliver these promises on relaxed hair, but I wasn't sure about natural hair.

Distilled Water

$1.79 (Distilled Water)

So, I have learned through other blogs something that makes a whole lotta sense, if I am going to wear my hair natural maybe I should keep as many chemicals out as possible.  Tap water, and bottled water have "added" chemicals for taste and health reasons, so maybe distilled water is the way.  Here is an explanation that I borrowed from this site.  You might wanna check it out, it's full of information.

 http://nadiasnotes.com/2010/10/11/qa-whats-the-difference-between-bottled-and-distilled-water-for-hair-purposes/ 

To summarize:

Distilled water is the product of distillation, meaning the original water source has been converted into steam and then cooled down until it condenses into its final distilled form. This means heavy minerals and metals such as salt and iron do not generally survive the conversion to steam and are left behind as residue. Distilled water contains only scant traces of the minerals contained in natural spring water and other water sources.

So, that leads me to another possible future purchase, a purifier for the kitchen faucet (and possibly the shower).  Those are the places that I plan to wash my hair in the future.  Can you believe that I haven't shampooed my own hair in years?  How could I?!?  What would I do with it after it got wet?!?  

Cold Wave Rods (sometimes referred to as "Perm Rods")

$.99

 I purchased 3 packages of these.  I opted for the "medium" size rods.  You can purchase them from (very small to extra large).  I only ended up using 1 1/2 packages.  Next time, I will part my locs more meticulously and apply more rods (to hopefully create more volume).

Rodding (rolling) the hair:

I combined the 8 oz. bottle of "Lotta Body" and 8 oz. distilled water in spray bottle. This concotion should last about a year, I imagine.  I didn't spray it directly on my hair instead opting to spray it on the bathroom vanity (two squirts per rod) and lift it from there with my fingers.  I lightly applied it to the ends of my hair (paying extra attention not to disturb my roots) and rolled the rod from end to root.  One of the first things I learned is that unfastening the rods before using them prevents frustration, like so:

This is the a picture of the front with rods in:

And then, the back:

The back was a little difficult to rod because I couldn't see what I was doing.  The next time, I will take more time with the back of my head and apply more rods.   The best part was that by the time, I showered and dressed, I had beautiful curls!!!  Quick huh??  No sitting under the "blow torch" (hair dryer) for an hour.  

I was semi-pleased with my work.  I popped a headband on and was out of the door to get my son to baseball practice, Go Lions!!!!  And then it was, off to Greek Fest!

My cousins, Stacy and her baby girl Madison (aka Maddie Paddie) joined me and we had a great time! Great food, music and dance!  If you can imagine meticlous line dancing, connected to a person (by the arms) on either side and lots of "foot work".  I watched in amazement for about an hour and finally got the nerve to join in.  I stood on the sideline and attempted to learn the foot work pattern, epic fail.  LOL...  So, I stand behind the line and try to mirror the obvious strongest dancer.  I am paying soooo much attention to his feet that I never look up at the other person beside me, but I know she's black because I see her feet, lol.  We are the only two "brave" blacks on the dance floor, lol.  Keep in mind that this is Memphis where distinct lines are drawn in the sand around race and ethnicity.

A very nice Greek lady (I assume) comes to assist us with learning the dance and "we get it"!!!!!  After the music ends, I finally look at the woman's face and she has BEAUTIFUL SISTERLOCKS ALL THE WAY DOWN TO HER WAIST!!!!!!!!!  I say, "OMG, you have Sisterlocks!!" She smiles and says, "yes I do, and I see that you have just got started too.  You'll never regret it!!  It's the best thing that's ever happened to my hair!"  First sighing y'all!!!!!  I was thrilled!!!

Well, I wanted to share a video of Greek dance so that you have a better idea of what we were doing:

 



  

Conversations on and about Natural Hair, Or Not?!?!?

Last post of the day, (I hope)....  I was youtube stalking and ran across two videos that I wanted to share.  First, the video of the ladies on "The View"....  Whoopi poses a a question and the conversation begins:

And then I ran across a video of a black woman interviewing her boyfriend to find out how black men felt about natural hair.  Here it is:

Please post your thoughts, thanks!!!

What are Sisterlocks?!?!?

Up early (blog stalking of course), lol.  I posted the link of this blog to my Facebook page and two of my followers (Shout out to Pam and Marti, smooches) who happen to be of the Caucasian persuasion asked me a few questions about my journey.  I realized in that moment that I should explain "exactly" what I was journeying to, this Sisterlocks thang is not common knowledge to the majority of folks that I know (black or white).  So, I'll try here...



As I am a visual learner, I assume that many people are:
My baby locs




Mature locs

So, the question becomes....  How did they do that????  Well this is how:
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Sisterlocks?Sisterlocks are tiny uniform locks that are the result of a precision parting grid, and
the use of a specialized tool used to place the hair into its locking formation.  The
Sisterlocks method does not require the use of waxes or jells.  The small size and
parting grid form about 400 easily styled locks.

How long does my hair need to be to start Sisterlocks?In general, Sisterlocks can be started with 1 1/2 inches of natural unprocessed hair.  
Where shorter hair can be caught in a locking pattern, 1 1/2 inches will ensure the
first stages of locking will be easier to manage during your home care.

 Do I need to cut my relaxed hair?No, you don't have to cut your hair.  Sisterlocks can be started with your relaxed
length left untouched as long as you have 1 1/2 inches of natural hair at the root.  
As your hair grows, and is set into a locked pattern, your relaxed hair will be
trimmed away.

 How long will it take to start my Sisterlocks?In an idea situation, your "Initial Locking Session" will take about 15 hours.  Your
hair length, density, and head size determine the actual amount of time it will take
to start your Sisterlocks.  A better time frame will be given at your consultation.


Are Sisterlocks extensions, or can I add extensions?No, Sisterlocks uses your natural hair.  Without extensions, your hair is free of the
extra weight that puts tension on the roots. Over time this sort of tension can lead to
permanent hair loss.  Without extensions, your natural hair is free to grow to its
fullest potential, so don't let the idea of short hair for a short period of time rob you
of years of freely growing, healthy, manageable hair.      

Are Sisterlocks permanent?During the first 6 months of development, Sisterlocks can be removed.  Removal will
likely take more time, and be more costly than your Initial Locking Session.  Most
Consultants will not lock your hair if removal is a great concern.  You should be sure
that the Sisterlocks method is right for you.


How do Sisterlocks differ from other locks?Where Sisterlocks are true locks (a matting of African, kinky, tightly curled, nappy
hair), they differ from "dread locks, dreads, or traditional" in the technique used to
form them.  The sisterlocks method uses a precise parting grid, and a tool to produce
small easily styled locks.  Sisterlocks does not use any waxes, jells, creams or hair
extensions, so everything that can add weight, stress, or hamper your hair growth is
removed.  
 




I hope this helps!!!



HAPPY EASTER: My First Sisterlock Accessory and My First Garden!!

So, first and foremost, I must say Happy Easter!!!  What a beautiful day it has been to celebrate the Ressurection of Our Lord and Savior!  I must send a shout out to Bloomfield Church's dancers, they were great!!!

After church I came home and cooked dinner and subconsciously I wandered to the computer and have been sitting here for about an hour.  Can you guess what I've been doing????  YOU GOT IT!!  Looking at Sisterlocks, lol.  I am so ready for my installation day until my sleep has been disturbed for about a week!! 



So, I'm still rocking the cornrows and the afro puff.  I had it re-done Saturday and my test locks are still somewhere in this mass of part nappy, part straight hair.  This was the first day at church with this new due and I received a couple of compliments.  Randi (a woman), was walking towards me as I was entering church and she said, "Girl, I loveeeee your hair.  You should wear it like that more often."  I was stunned.  Although I think it's cute, I wasn't sure how others would react.  I gave her a "thanks girl" and kept it moving.  Another sisterfriend at church, Tamara (who has been natural for quite a while) looked back at me and smiled and gave me the Black Power salute (fist pumped in the air) lol.  I wasn't sure if that was a compliment or not at first, but from the smile on her face I could tell she was pleased. 

On to the first Sisterlocks hair accesory, that is not so much a

Day 1

So today is day one!!  I left the salon at 2:30 am this morning and had to be at work for a meeting at 8 am...  Although, I was tired I think the anxiety of what folks were going to think about "the new me" forced my out of the bed 3 /2 hours later.  So much so that I didn't even want to look at my own hair!!!!  I slept with a satin bonnet on last night so when I woke up I couldn't see it...  I wasn't ready for what I was going to see...  I showered, ironed, dressed,(down to my earrings, watch and necklace), apllied makeup, packed my workout clothes and helped my son get ready for his field trip today. Can you believe that he wanted $100 spending money?!?!?!  I digress.

So I'm ready to walk out of the house and I have not seen my hair; I'm still walking around with this bonnet on.  I didn't want to see it, I didn't want my son to see it, hell I didn't wanna anybody to see it.  So, I did what I always do when I'm freaking out, I called my mamma, of course!!!  She shares some encouraging words, reminds me that I have to be at work soon and that I might wanna look at "IT"!!!  So, in slow motion I take the bonnet off in the mirror.

It looks kinda weird, but not as bad as I thought.  I remember that I had a really cute headband that I could use to "hide" my edges and put it on, it gets better!!   I change my shirt to match the headband (that is purple by the way) and this is what I see:

So my confidence picks up a little bit.  I send a picture text to the few friends and family members that have supported me and thank them.  My son walks in my room and says, "Ohhh, those are Sisterlocks?" I say, "yessss", a little scared that he's going to hurt my feelings.  He responds, "Oh, I kinda like them."  Y'alllllllllllllll, I was so HAPPY, I kissed and kissed and kissed him (of course he hated that, he's 11). 

Shortly, thereafter, the texts from the friends and family start coming in and I get all compliments.  Yea, that meant alot but these folks love me, so of course they were going to support me.  I take a few side shots, shown below and head out of the door!!

It's a bright shiny morning so I put on my sunglasses:

My nerves kick in as I drive to work, but when I got there everybody (that even noticed) complimented me.  Questions like, "are those braids?", "is that weave?",  "how long did it take?"  Before I knew it, I was talking about them (Sisterlocks) as if I wasn't just second guessing the decision.  So, all in all, I GOTTA SAY IT WAS A GOOD!!!  (Ice Cube voice)

I am still a little shell shocked, I think.  But, I will keep you posted as time passes.  Now it's time to get some sleep!!! 

Installation Day!

Hey y'all,

So, it is about 19 hours after my Sisterlocks install but I just "HAD" to catch y'all up on what happened yesterday, WHEWWWW!!!!!!

So, as I stated in a previous post, I had to take down the cornrows that I was wearing, wash my hair (with shampoo only, no conditioner) and then rinse what I'm come to learn (from other Sisterlock wearers) is called an ACV wash.  Apple Cider Vinegar!!!  The process (to the best of my understanding) helps to "nap" the hair.  Who would've ever "thunk" that I would have been intentionally "napping" my hair, weird huh??  LOL.  Anyway, this is the ACV recipe I kinda made up by stalking other pages. 

- Shampoo hair
- 2 cups distilled water
-6 oz. applecider vinegar


This was the result of this process:

I was very sleepy, about 6am yesterday morning!!

So, I take the 40 minute trek to Salon Natur'elle in the Whitehaven area of Memphis and arrive at about 7:05 for my 7am appointment.  To my pleasant surprise Barbara's (loctician) Jeep is parked out front.  She greets me at the door and we immediately get started.

She told me that she was going to put some cornrows in my hair so that the parting of the Sisterlocks would be meticulous.  I remember thinking, "I could've kept the cornrows I had up"....

And then, the real process begins...  And boyyyy, was it a long one?!?!  My install was a total of 18 1/2 hours!!!!!!!!!!!  My butt, shoulders, back, neck and legs were so sore and tired!!  I couldn't believe it!!!  I felt really sorry for Barbara but she was an EXCELLENT professional that allowed ME to let her know when I needed a break for lunch, to stretch, etc.  She was assisted but Blenna (Salon owner) for about an hour but the other 17 1/2 she was solo!!!  The pics below are the process of installation:

Right side

Top

Left Side





I left the shop at 2:30 am (yes, the next day) and I was EXAUSTED!!  I drove home and looked in the mirror all the way, lol.  All kinds of emotions set in, "what have you done", "this is so permanent", "these don't look good on 'YOU' "...  No epiphany, no feeling of "arrival", NOTHING!!!!  On the contrary, I was worried about everything (work, family, friends, etc.), I thought I looked like a plucked chicken and I was regretting the decision COMPLETELY!!! 

But, because I was so tired and had to be at work in 4 hours; I came home, put a satin bonnet on my head and PASSED OUT!!!!!

T'was The Night Before Sisterlocks!

Hey y'all, although I fell asleep yeterday before posting; I wanted to post about my last day before the "big day" went.  To sum it up,GREAT!!!!!!!!!!

First, I got a call on my cell phone that surprised me, it was Barbara, my soon to be loctician.  She called to check on me, make sure  I hadn't changed my mind and to tell me to wash my hair and to try an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse.  And so I did....

Next, I got an email with a conditional acceptance to a Nursing Program that I'm ver interested in (I'll tell ya about that later).

Lastly, I knocked out my Zumba class and it appears to be growing in number!!!!!

Today is the day and I can't wait to get started.  I admit that I am sooooo soooo soooo nervous, but like Lil' Wayne says, "I'm goin' in!!"  LOL

Love, Peace and No More Hair Grease!!!!!!!!!

2 More Days!!!

So, it's 10pm and I thought I would post.  First, I had the day from hell today and I think it will continue tomorrow..  Second, I am perturbed by the many comments I've seen online about our current President!!!!  I mean, Jesussssssss, can he get credit for anything???

Ok, so I'll fill you in...  Bin Laden was reported murdered the night before last and ever seince then, DRAMA!!!!!!  I also witnessed an awful act of racism.  I was in FedEx Office running a work errand and behind me in line stood a man with a turban (minding his business), in steps a BLACK WOMAN and she says, "Awww hell naw!  Y'all better get out of here.  He's gonna blo this mutha fucka up!!!"  I was FLOORED!!!  I say to her, "Girl please!!  It's these folks in suit and tie that you should be worried about!"  She rolls her eyes and leaves.  The gentleman behind me says, "Thank you young lady.  I'm sure I will deal with this for the next several months."  I felt awwwwfullllllll for him.

Anywho, I digress.  My book written by Dr. Joanne Cornwell (creator of Sisterlocks) "That Hair Thing" arrived today and I couldn't be more excited!!!  I plan to read it Thursday (install day) to kill some time.

I am still committed to Sisterlocks and look foward to Thursday more than ever!!!!

I wanted to share this video just because I love Dr. West so much:

My Last Weekend Before Sisterlocks!!

Good morning yall,

So, my last weekend has just passed!! 3 more days and the journey begins!!!  Whewwwww the anticipation!!! 

As you know I've been rocking the cornrows and afro puff hairstyle and it has been a God send.  I'll admit, I'm getting bored with it and I hate getting it done every week (5 hour process, including taking down, washing, driving 45 minutes and then getting braided again) but oh well, a sista still gotta eat (go to work) so it is what it is!!! 

Here, is a pic of the take down.

And, here is a pic of my hair after washing (NEW GROWTH BABY, lol).......

And the finished result!!

Lastly, a wonderful end to the weekend...  Charlando Simpson's graduation ceremony from Rust College in Holly Springs, MS with a B.S. in Computer Science.   I am soooo proud of him!!!  When America is sending black men to prison and the cemetery at break neck speed, A COLLEGE EDUCATED BLACK MAN IS SUCH A BLESSING!!!!!!!!



So all in all, a great weekend !!!!!  3 days to go y'all and I can't wait!!!!