Too soon

The verdict is in, TOO SOON FOR BRAID-OUTS!

Yesterday, I gave it a try. When I finished the first braid, I knew it would be the last. I braided six locks together and it looked and felt like I was braiding loose hair.  I should have taken pictures of that skinny braid. SMH...


Looking at others' pics and vids, I thought, "my hair is the same length as So&So's, why not". I'll tell you why, So&So's locs are more mature than mine. My hair is not locked at all yet, just tangled. My "locs" are not firm either. Although I have several styles I want to try, I must patiently wait until my hair is ready. Until then I will enjoy collecting earrings.

I did do my hair, see?

Unless you part my scalp, my hair looks the same before and after twisting.  In fact it's become wilder!

2 Months and counting

Saturday I was desperate to wash my hair.  Even though I was going out of town for the day, I HAD to wash that morning!!!  So I washed my hair and twisted as much as I could before leaving.  I did more of it in the car while my husband drove.  In an effort to make some quick bangs to match my ponytail, I twisted some of the front locks the wrong way. And the crown... I just waited until the next day to deal with that.  I'm thinking about doing a braid out later this week.  Is it too soon for that?

6 Weeks Continued

Enough with the tarantula. Here are some pictures =)

With all this kinky hair, I have some naturally straight strands here and there.  A few years ago, when I wore a big Afro, I had to tuck the straight hairs in.

After wash

Today

 

The left looks less defined because it's been slept  on. I'll try to sleep on the otherside for the sake of symmetry, LOL.

 

6 Weeks

Happy Mother's Day!

Each retwisting session is shorter and easier than the last, YAY! My locs feel more like locs. The last 3 inches of hair stays in its section and feels kind of firm.  Except for a few rows in "The Twilight Zone", I didn't have to reestablish my parts. That was a HUGE time saver. There were fewer strands in the sink. You know what that means?  The shed hair is staying IN the locs!  I can feel some buds developing along the length of my locs, too.   


Water really is good for locs.  My locs change and mature with each wash.  As a sufferer of Hand In Hair disease, I noticed a huge difference in the look and feel of my hair. I will post pictures soon. Until then this photo represents how my hair looks now.

Wind Beneath My Wings - Hair Inspiration

I am eternally grateful to these women for sharing their hair experiences and advice with the public.

This book by Lonnice Brittenum Bonner, was my BIBLE. I referred to it often for guidance. This book is a must have for anyone with virgin hair. I like all of her books because she shares funny anecdotes about her hair experiences.

Phyllis Johnson

When I saw her YouTube videos, I KNEW  that I wanted Sisterlocks. She's had her locks for over 10 years and does others' hair too! She also has her own line of loc products. I've been using her Conditioning Mist for a few weeks and I like it.


I was inspired by another of Phyllis's videos. This one featured traditional locks.

I was intrigued by the springy roots. All of the traditional locs I've seen before had firm bases, pulled taut. Fast forward three years, and I'm trying to figure out how to have springy roots. That look appeals to me for some reason. I don't know Phyllis's method, but I came up with something.  As my locks mature, we'll see if it works. More on that later.

Bronze Goddess

I recently came across her videos and I am HOOKED. Great styles, tutorials, and advice!

Thank you ladies for helping Sistas with this hair situation, seriously.

Reflections Vol. 1

Being natural for 17 years or so, I often reflect on my hair experiences.  So I've decided to include those reflections here. 

I was about 16 years old in this picture.  It's been nearly a year since my last relaxer. I just pressed my new growth to blend the two textures.  I pressed my hair with an electric, thermostat-controlled marcel curling iron.  At this point I began reading all the hair articles I could find - conditioning, styling, hair and scalp anatomy, you name it.  I had seen many women and girls with damaged hair and I was determined to NOT look like them. That sounds mean, but that was my motivation. My priorities were 
1) prevent damage 
2) style my hair in a way that camouflaged any flaws 
My hair was different lengths, no not layered, just various lengths due to growth patterns and breakage. So I kept my hair pinned up. Since the back section was long I would let that hang while the rest was pinned up. I NEVER wore a wrap or any sleek, Aaliyah-inspired hairdo. I wore curly styles to conceal my uneven tresses. 


One of my favorite everyday styles a single  French braid with bangs. Sometimes I would tuck the braid into the base to protect the ends.  Next would be a French Roll with bangs. The last resort was the Wilma Flintstone hairdo. Those bangs were pressed to death! It's no wonder they suffered heat damage. 

 My mother had/has a Sampson complex when it comes to cutting hair. My only reason for not pressing the issue was my insecurities about having a large head. I "needed" to have a lot of hair with this head. So I trimmed the relaxed ends every few weeks. If any one wants to know more about the "grow out" option of going natural, I can certainly help you. It can be done with patience and careful handling.