21 Weeks of Sisterlocks & Other Things

Wow, my hair is really growing. I took some new pics and while browsing through my files, decided to compare an early pic to a current one. I was amazed at the growth and how fast time has gone. I remember waiting anxiously for my first consult and test locks then anticipating - counting down to lock day. Check out my hair four months later, pretty cool.

The love affair with my locks remains strong and intact. They are beginning to thicken, the back is locking faster than the top and sides. I'm still banding and braiding before washing. Some are beginning to "drop", very few; but those that do are noticeable. My hair remains soft and nice to touch. No maintenance other than washing with the SL Starter Shampoo along with a light distilled rose water spritz when I feel the need. I read a LockItUp post that said, "Sisterlocks are low maintenance, not no maintenance." So true, there is very little required other than caring for them. As long as you do that, your hair challenges will be non-existent.

I haven't posted in a while. Life's been tough and I haven't felt the urge to write. I haven't even had much time for my LockItUp group. Work has also been kickin' my butt. I helped introduce two major company-wide initiatives. Long hours and lots of stress. But a sistuh represented well.

Things are becoming less stressful and looking brighter personally. So here I am once again. Of course, you didn't really think I'd go away, now did you? That which doesn't kill you will only make you stronger.

I was recently inspired by one of my fellow Yahoo LockItUp group members, Erin who just published her own blog. I love what the sister is doing in her faith walk. I'm looking forward to her promise of open and frank post on whatever inspires her, in addition to sharing her Sisterlocks journey. I admire that. I've added a link to her blog in the left column, stop by and check her out.

So look for more of my thoughts or whatever I feel like sharing about any matter in future post. I've often wanted to post on issues outside of my hair journey, but was hesitant to be "out there." The original premise was to solely track my Sisterlock journey. But I'm evolving as a person along with my locks. When I started this blog I noted that it was a pivotal time in my life - and it is my site afterall, I can write about whatever. Duh!!! (laughing at myself). Those who wish to read it can, and those who don't can pass...Erin's blog along with a deep conversation with Jen from Waco during the recent Sisterlocks DFW Brunch gave me the inspiration and courage to just let go. Meanwhile, back in Sisterlocksville....

My hair's almost long enough to put up. Can't wait. But overall I feel good. My locks are healthy and I have very little slippage. I'll be 46 years old this December and my skin is looking really nice and smooth these days. I'm confidently wearing less makeup. I don't know what to attribute it to - vitamins, biotin, wheatgrass smoothies, drinking more water? I do all of these. Guess it doesn't really matter, I should just keep doing it.

Someone said to me, "Sisterlocks sounds more expensive than permed hair with all of the stuff you take." My reply, "I take those things because I want to, not because I have to. Not only is my hair growing, but so is my knowledge, knowledge of self and what's good for my body. When you know better, you do better. Sisterlocks isn't just a hairstyle, it's a lifestyle." And that concluded that conversation...

"If you have no confidence in self, you are twice defeated in
the race of life. With confidence you have won even before you have started."

The Philosophy & Opinions of Marcus Garvey

Just Messin' Round at 20 Weeks

It's a new and interesting stage with my locks. They are getting thicker and seem to really be gaining some length. There is a distinctly different feel to them which I really like. I'm beginning to recognize the transitionsitional stages and I'm definitely experiencing one right now.

I've been washing my hair more lately, perhaps once every two weeks instead of every three. I've come to realize that I like the way my hair feels after a wash. And believe it or not, my hair gets naturally oily and I feel the need to wash. My hair seems to be responding to the water or perhaps just characteristic of this stage. Whatever, I'm enjoying it.

As far as styling - I leave it braided after washing without tucking under the braids. It comes out nice and crinkly. At night, I plait my hair in big braids, but I don't spritz and I don't tuck the ends under anymore. I get a looser, crinkly look which really shows my length and last a week or more. I plait each night because I tend to sweat and if I just sleep on my hair without doing anything to it, it's unruly, hard to style and I have shrinkage the following morning. It's ironic, my hair was the same way before locking.

I've received lots of compliments lately on my hair; moreso than ever before. It's nice and very rewarding to know and see that I'm making notable progress.

This new stage is just another confirmation that Sisterlocks was the right choice for me. The more they mature, the more I'm loving them. I go for my retightening on Friday, Nov 4. I can't wait! For me, retightenings always signify progress. Plus, I love seeing my consultant, Gigi, such a beautiful spirit!

My LockItUp friend, Brunsli asked if I'd post a "before" pic. Here's a few. I was Ms TWA for six or seven years. I began growing my hair July 14, 2003 and locked on June 10, 2005 with about 4 to 5 inches of all natural hair. Here are some of my transition stages.