Locs, Sweat and Heels- My Sisterlocks Journey

Did I push this last retie for 2016 to the end or what? LOL! Side note: I have ALL my 2017 appointments booked. I really enjoy going to a salon that uses an online booking system- if the appointment time and my consultant of choice is available, and I want it- the appointment is mine. Here are some before and after pictures of my grid. Along with a video ( click here for the video). I have been wanting to do a few intricate braided styles, but I prefer to do them on freshly re-tightened hair the clean grid make the braids "pop" even more. So stay tuned for some new styles! I look forward to "seeing" all of you in 2017! Age of my Locs: 1 year, 1 month, 18 days (or 13 months, 18 days) Weeks since last retie: 6 weeks, 1 day Length of retie:  3 hours Slippage/Bunching/Loc Repair: none, my consultant says that protective styling saves you from bunching Length: no major changes Fullness: no major changes Buds: more buds Sealed ends: none

Superman bought me 2 sets of Lock Loops! Not familiar? Here is the link to their website. This is NOT a sponsored post- just sharing the website information. Cost : $9.95 per package (I ordered 2) Qty : 30 per package (Again, I ordered 2) Shipping Time : Despite so many online raves about fast shipping- mine came after the expected delivery date. It is December, so I will chalk that up to the increased volume of shipped items. Ease of use : Extremely easy! If you can use a roller- you can use a lock loop. Ease of removal : Extremely easy! If you can remove a roller- you can remove a lock loop. Now the REALLY important item... Sleep Comfort : I almost forgot I had them in my hair. They were SOFT and light weight. No sharp edges or hard bumps. Drying Time : ~10 hours (air dried, approximately 15-20 locs per tool, total of 22 tools used) Note : I set my hair on a whim- just to practice before I record a demo/tutorial in the future. My hair was shampooed 1

Does anyone read these posts? Leave a comment so I know I am not typing to myself. I started a Loc Style Series for Short/Medium Locs on my Youtube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/p31diva) and thought I would share over here as well! keywords: sisterlocks style tutorials, sisterlocks styles, styles for short locs, styles for medium locs, loc styles for women, loc style tutorials for short sisterlocks, loc style tutorials for medium sisterlocks, spin pins ,five minute loc styles, quick loc style tutorials, easy loc style tutorials, loc updo tutorial, loc updo style for short to medium locs

My locs are 1 year and 4 days old. If you wonder how I am tracking the time, I use the same logic as I would do for a wedding anniversary. From now until next year, all these posts will be labeled Y02 for Year 2, even though my locs are 1 year and 4 days. Age of my Locs: 1 year, 4 days Weeks since last retie: 6 Length of retie:  3 hours- that was fast...I think normally it has been 3.5 hours Slippage/Bunching/Loc Repair: my temple area locs and one on my right side sideburn Length: My locs are growing! Fullness: The volume of my hair has increased beyond my expectations! Buds: Several Sealed ends: n/a Other noteworthy items: My consultant said I will definitely need a grooming once my locs settle (which she would estimate to be in 2018). #teamSlow2Loc She also told me that I could probably switch from the Sisterlocks Starter Shampoo to the Salon Shampoo! Whoohoo! Length Check Photo Dates: November 13, 2015 November 17, 2016

My 1 year anniversary retie is later week, but I couldn't let today go by unacknowledged! Things I am looking forward to in this next year: Curling my hair on a regular basis Length Fullness Continuing through the locking phases I posted a video/slideshow of my hair over the past year. Click this link to watch! I also posted a video of the perm rod set pictured below. Click this link to see some major loc shaking/tossing LOL! And last but not least, I posted a Sisterlocks Tag Video. Click this link to see my responses!

Whenever someone tells me they would, "do that to my hair, but I like to change it too often," I just smile politely. I am way more creative with styling my sisterlocs than I EVER was with loose natural hair....to each her own, right? I french braided one section of my hair and then cornrowed the "tail" down with loose locs from the bottom part of my hair to keep it "tucked." No pins or ponytail holders. I actually did this style in the car!

It has actually been 10 months and 23 days, but Month 10.75 was just didn't seem like a good title...that looks like a fast food order amount. Weeks since last retie: 6 weeks, 3 days Length of retie: 3 hours Slippage/Bunching/Loc Repair: my temple locs were re-established, no bunching and 2 locs had some slippage in the middle of them (Weird, right? But my consultant says that happens sometimes) Length:  The majority of my hair hovers around my chin, neck and collarbone. Fullness: no noticeable changes Buds:  The majority of the back of my hair has buds Sealed ends: none Other noteworthy items: My consultant said my hair is coming along. I asked her to ballpark how long she thought it would be until I am fully loc'ed...she said 3 years (So two (2) more, right? Surely this first year counts and not a total of four (4)!). Also, I say "my consultant" but I actually bounce between the two consultants who tag teamed my establishme

I think I redeemed myself from last week's fail/save fiasco with this week's perm rod set! Size/Colors of Rods Used: half/half of grey and mauve/pink with about 10 or so yellow Setting Product(s) Used: NONE Time Under the Dryer: 2.5 hours on HIGH (yes, it was borderline self-imposed torture LOL)

In the months leading up to the beginning of my Sisterlocks Journey, I shared a post titled Hair Hopes and Favorite Heels (wherein which I had crochet twists). I thought it would be fitting to re-visit this post and see how closely I came to the following and I quote: " I have always been attracted to voluminous hair that moves and has a  slightly  wild vibe." What do you think?! I think I nailed it if I do say so myself...and I do say so myself LOL In just a few more weeks I will be at the 1 year mark! WHOOOHOOO!

My apologies for the tardiness- I forgot to make this post live 2 days ago. Weeks since last retie: 4 weeks, 6 days Length of retie:   Slippage/Bunching/Loc Repair: my temple area locs Length: between neck and collarbone Fullness: n/a Buds: a few more locs have some buds Sealed ends: n/a Other noteworthy items:  Words from my consultant: I have lots of white hair follicles- which is more noticeable when my hair is wet. (The tips/heads will fall off.) I am still in the fuzzy stage. My hair is in the settling phase! And a random side note- this is the 2nd time YT has chosen a thumbnail wherein my eyes look all the way crazy! (Goes off to make a manual adjustment...)

Braid outs and twist outs always eluded me as a loose natural. Today, I nailed it! A few things I did that I feel contributed to a successful braid-out: When I got to the bottoms of the braids (there were 14 of them) I switched to a two strand twist so as not to pull at hairs and unravel my locs during the take down I sat under a hood dryer for about 20 or a minutes after I air dried. Total drying time was about 5.5 hours My hair was damp from a shampoo The sections were not so uniform that I had lots of parts to cover, but they were neat and even Want to see the take-down video? Click this link!

Today marks the longest I have gone between reties (normally 4-5 weeks). It's been 6 weeks and 3 days since my last retie. I had to maneuver between around several life events, meetings and travel. My hair is none for the worse- and the extra week didn't add any time to my retightening. Weeks since last retie: 6 weeks, 3 days Length of retie:  3 hours- that was fast...I think normally it has been 3.5 hours Slippage/Bunching/Loc Repair: my temple area locs Length: between neck and collarbone Fullness: n/a Buds: a few more locs have some buds Sealed ends: n/a Other noteworthy items: I shampooed my hair a total of 4 times the past 6 weeks. My workout regimen has me pouring sweat 6-7 days a week; my hair and scalp needed the extra tlc to prevent buildup (that grey gunk which is sweat, epithelials and sebum- at least that's what I say it is). I asked my consultant if I caused any issues and she said no. Side note: When my hair was loose and this length, I wo

Since having Sisterlocks, I have successfully  self-lined my nape 1 time and today...well now I am 1-1 to use sports jargon. I put on a headband as a stopped/guide and proceeded to remove all the unwanted hair below the headband. Only The Almighty knows how but I noticed that 1 loc was loose at the root and when I touched it, I knew it was completely cut. I was shocked, dismayed, disappointed and regretful! I CUT OFF A LOC! So, just as I was coming to grips with losing 1 loc...I began to examine the other locs on my nape and discovered I partially severed 6 locs at the root (THEY WERE HANGING BY 5-6 STRANDS!). I bravely pulled out my shears and did what needed to he done. I cut them off. I will never do that again (self line my nape area). I know it's just hair and it will grow back, but I am still a bit shocked. Superman and T have been very supportive. Thank you in advance for your condolences. The family is asking for you to share your lost loc stories in lieu of flow

I am super proud of myself for this style! I have never gotten this nice of a pompadour EVER! And this is all secured with only ONE PONYTAIL HOLDER! Want to see the video? Click this link ! My criteria: Cute Lasts a few days Sweat/Exercise/Workout Friendly Appropriate for all my daily activities (church, school pickups, date night,  etc) No Pins

It occurred to me that I have posted several exercise friendly styles,  but haven't really discussed what I do daily for my hair to prevent slippage- especially around my hairline. In a nutshell...water + my hairline = high potential for slippage! The goal is to keep my hair dry! Exercise I usually wear one of my DIY loc coverings during workouts, to absorb sweat. Between Shampoos Per my consultant, I am using witch hazel to clean my scalp as needed. I use the witch hazel to keep build up from sweat and shed skin cells at bay between shampoos. Showering and Face Washing I use a satin scarf or one of my DIY loc coverings (no, not the sweaty one...a different loc covering) to cover my edges, then add my Turbie Band. If I am washing my face, I stop at that point. If I am showering, I add a shower cap. Sleeping I sleep on a DIY satin pillowcase, but I still tie my hair down with a satin scarf.  The scarf protects my style, and the pillowcase is a stop-gap in case

Yesterday's post retie style just felt too "poofy" so I separated the ponytail into two to ...wait, that was confusing to type...into, two, to...REWIND! I split the ponytail and made two stacked ponytails. What do you think?

Weeks since last retie: 5 weeks Length of retie: 4.5 hours Slippage/Bunching/Loc Repair: There were a few locs that had slippage, but not too many. Not much bunching. Length: no significant changes Fullness: My hair is getting so full and voluminous! Sealed ends: None, but several more buds! Other noteworthy items: I now have 437 locs! I have reconciled with the odd number for 2 reasons...1) it is at the center of my nape, and 2) 4+3=7 LOL I am still on loc lockdown. I worked to replicate a style from a few months ago, but my hair, though longer would not form a bun due to the fluffiness!

This post is  day late. I had a retightening on May 11th.  I am at half a year! WHOOT! WHOOT! Weeks since last retie: 5 weeks, 4 days Length of retie: 3.5 hours Slippage/Bunching/Loc Repair: my temple area locs, one or two locs with a bit of slippage Length: between neck and collarbone Fullness: definitely more voluminous Buds: a few more locs have some buds Sealed ends: n/a Other noteworthy items: My locs are in the teenage phase! My consultant says my locks are super fuzzy at the roots! It seems that I may be on loc lock down until I hit the 1 year mark.  I may take the retightening class in the fall so that I can manage my temple locs and keep them from slipping. I meant to take pictures in my length check shirt, but I styled my hair and while reties don't hurt in general, I am tender headed and my scalp feels as if I had micro braids installed. I just couldn't undo all the cornrows for pictures. These fuzzy roots and teenage locs had my scalp sore LOL Alright,

Not sure if it is the recent rain and resulting frizz, or just boredom setting in, but I am at a loss for new styles. I wore this style last week, but forgot to post pictures. This week, my hair just wouldn't cooperate, so I wore my hair DOWN for about 5 hours on Tuesday, but promptly put in some french braids the next day. My hair is dirty and I plan on shampooing tomorrow evening or Sunday morning. Perhaps that is the reason for the lackluster hair? Or maybe it is in a growth phase? I have 2 videos and accompanying posts in the works...STAY TUNED!

This week's style is an homage to my loose natural days (as if I have been locked for 5 years instead of 5 months LOL).

Weeks since last retie: 5 weeks, 2 days Length of retie: 3.5 hours Slippage/Bunching/Loc Repair: no bunching, only three (3) locs that slipped completely out and had to be re-established Length: n/a Fullness: per my consultant, the back of my hair is looking more full! Sealed ends: n/a Other noteworthy items: This was my first time visiting the salon on a Saturday. Want to see my grid? Watch the Youtube Video or click this link . Now what we (or maybe just I) want to know is: Am I free to freestyle? Or has my loc lock-down been extended? I AM FREE ...to have a good attitude about another 5 weeks on loc lock-down! In the long run, this is what my consultant feels is best for my hair. And I am thankful for her wisdom and willingness to tell me what I NEED to hear versus what I WANT to hear. I did not execute this style well in my opinion, so I changed it to the style you see below. Re-styled from the above picture

I can see the light at the end of this 5 week tunnel! I go back 1 week from today for my retightening WHOOHOOO! This week's style is a series of flat twists into a bun. I totally disregarded my grid and worked to get more of a curved parting. I am pleased with the results and of course this style meets my criteria. Surprisingly, this style didn't take long to complete (less than 1 episode of House Hunters International). Also, I have been so reliant on the sides of my hair being cornrowed, so this was a nice reprieve!

I am still faithfully wearing my locs tucked away. I was uninspired this week and decided to recreate one of my earlier styles. Just 2 more weeks until my next retightening... I'VE GOT THIS! Although I wore protective styles for months on end, the 3.5 months of hair freedom changed me LOL! I can definitely tell a difference in my hair: My roots seem to be attempting to migrate a bit less Less hairline slippage Hardly any shrinkage Less frizz I hope all this equates to my bunching and slippage issues being resolved. I must admit, if I am advised to keep my hair put away for another 5-6 weeks...I will be a bit disappointed. I have attended several events wherein I would loved to have worn curls, but didn't. That has been the "hardest" part of all this; however, I am keeping my eyes on the prize- no more bunching!

Well, I found 2 tiny buds and you would think my entire head is locked by my reaction! Granted, they both look as if they may fall off and new buds will form higher onto the locs , but at least it's a start! What do you think? Are they buds? Or my hopeful imagination?

This week's style is a faux hawk with a bun. It consists of 6 cornrows and 2 french braids. It's kind of edgy and I like it! Click this link to watch the video.

I have been on loc lock-down for 8 days! I have never been one to have a different daily hairstyle, but to keep myself on the bandwagon- my goal is to create/replicate a new style every week. This week's style is inspired by @jayluvtt (Instagram name, but didn't see the pic there)...I found the picture in a google search but was unable to find the source of her picture (Instagram? Tumblr? Twitter? Pintrest? I don't have any of those accounts) This style took me about 45 minutes due to having to pre-plan my parts, a few do-overs and flat-twisting in awkward hand/arm positions. I do wish my bun could be more full, but that will come with time and length. (Click this link to watch the Youtube Video) Overall, I am very pleased and this style meets my criteria: Cute Lasts a few days Sweat/Exercise/Workout Friendly Appropriate for all my daily activities (church, school pickups, date night,  etc) No Pins

Sooooo the only way I am going to make it through these next 5 weeks of hair completely to my scalp without looking like a cute little boy is to break out of my comfort zone. My criteria: Cute Lasts a few days Sweat/Exercise/Workout Friendly Appropriate for all my daily activities (church, school pickups, date night,  etc) No Pins I told Superman he is OFFICIALLY married to the girl who always wears her locs in some cool style! I am very proud of myself for this style! Want to watch the Youtube Tutorial? Click this link !

Unless you were a doctor...I would just say, "Almost 3 months" or "2 years" or "3 in a few weeks" or  whatever approximate age my children were/are. I find with my locs wanting to do the same thing, but for those of you who are like me and following someone's journey- the specific age of the locs helped me to have an idea of what to expect along the way. Hence why this post title is in both weeks and months. And to be transparent...this is STILL a close approximation since my locs will be 15 weeks (3.5 months) tomorrow LOL. FYI, once I hit the 1 year mark, I will just say, "1 year X months" for updates and to people who ask me in person I will say, "1 year." For posterity, I have been using the label "Y01" for all my posts and I will then use subsequent labels as the years come and go (i.e. Y02, Y03, etc). I hope that will make this blog easily searchable...should anyone besides my closest friends read it LO

I initially thought I would know my loc count from day one and keep meticulous records of any changes. Well, I just never got around to it...until today. I randonly went into my bathroom to wash my hands and thought about shampooing my hair tonight, then I put my hair into 11 sections, grabbed a pen and paper and counted my Sisterlocks. DRUMROLL... . . . . . . . given that I lost 6 (3 in each temple area) to slippage which will be re-established next week . . . . . FOUR-HUNDRED AND THIRTY-SIX 436 (430 + 6 to be re-established) I was initially caught up in having a high loc count until I went to my consultation and learned all the factors that play a role in one's loc count. After that, I decided I would just trust my consultant and enjoy the journey. Counting today was a complete whim . For those of you out there who are researching Sisterlocks  (or locs in general) I would encourage you to be open to loc count and focus on how you want your locs to look both now

My locs are 3 months old and I have been enjoying this journey more than I imagined. I shampooed and roller set my hair yesterday.

I haven't done any styling to my Sisterlocks other than a satin roller set. Today, with hair that is still somewhat dirty after my vacation, I decided to try a style! I am proud of this hairstyle for a few reasons: The flat twists look nice and full- my grid made parting super easy! This took less than 10 minutes to create! No bobby pins or hair pins were used. Click  this link to watch the video.

I finally jumped on the bandwagon and stopped using a combination of: my heart rate monitor, a running app and a food tracking app. I have been eying and researching the Fitbit since the beginning of the year. I even joined and began using the app BEFORE I actually purchased the device LOL! I have enjoyed the simplicity of having an "all in one" solution for my fitness needs. There are tons of videos and reviews about the Fitbit Charge HR, but if anyone has a question- ask away!

We had the amazing honor and privilege to be invited by some dear friends and mentors to Florida. Superman, Batman, Ironman and I enjoyed the time together as a family!   I thought I should document the experience from a Sisterlocks  newbie perspective. I shampooed my locs the day before we left so that my hair would be fresh for all the hugging.   Day 1 I joined Batman and Ironman in the kiddie splash area. Some child sprayed me and my locs with a water cannon! They did not get soaked, but my ends were wet. I am sure there is a little sand in my hair from Ironman and Batman kicking around at the beach. There may be chalk in my hair from when I went on the trapeze! Day 2 I made 2 small braids to protect my slippage-prone temple areas. Then, I pulled my locs into a puffy ponytail during trapeze lessons. By the end of the night, my locs felt stringy from being pulled up/back. More chalk dust I am sure. It was very cold;  no water play,  but my little superheroes did romp around in

Here are how my locs look when I freestyle. Wake, shake and go!

I mentioned in my Week 10 Retightening post I have several locs that have been expanding or swelling! They look and feel different- they are taking on a more cylindrical shape and nubby feel! What do you think? Don't mind all the stray hairs- from what I read, they will make their way into my locs as they mature. Is that a BUD forming?!?!

I had my 2nd retightening yesterday. My locs are now 10 weeks old.  I went ahead and confessed about the snipping I did. Side note: I am a snitch- don't do anything illegal and tell me LOL Want to watch the Youtube Video? Click here Weeks since last retie: 6 weeks Length of retie: 3 hours Slippage/Loc Repair: about 4-5 locs were re-established due to slippage around my temple Length: nothing noticed Fullness: nothing noticed until I looked at my establishment pictures... a little more full Buds: a few Sealed ends: n/a Other noteworthy items: The texture of some of my locs is changing! They feel less "braid-like" and are taking on a "nubby" texture, especially  towards the roots! In the picture below, the right (bottom) locs are before  retightening ; the left (top) locs are after retightening.

Don't faint! LOL! I cut 3 locs from my nape area that are the epitome of slippage . Despite my nape area being fairly long, my hair is soft and loosely curled. The hairs/locs that I snipped are hairs that normally slip out of braids or twists and just do their own thing. I go for my 2nd retie tomorrow and I will let my consultant know I snipped them if she asks/notices. Can you tell? I cannot. I circled and zoomed in on the areas. And yes, Superman and I talked about my intent to snip prior to me picking up my shears.