Lock Build Up

Q: I am 8 months locked and I have been having a build-up issue for about 6 of those months. I am at a total loss for what to do. I have tried Dr. Bronners as someone suggested and I have tried Suave clarifying shampoo and it just left my hair feeling really dry. Other than that I have been using the Sisterlocks Starter shampoo consistently and it does not help at all. I really don't know what to do. Do you have any suggestions?

Blaq: My first question would be, have you discussed this with your locktician? She should be able to give you some solid advice. If you haven't, please do so.

Build up usually occurs from product being left in the hair and not rinsing enough. Do you use any products on your hair other than the Sisterlocks Starter Shampoo? If so, stop. Secondly, I recommend diluting the Sisterlocks Starter Shampoo and apply using a spray bottle solution (half water/half shampoo). Braid and band prior to washing - even if you've been given the ok to stop. This will allow you to concentrate on a section of your locks at a time. Be sure to braid loosely to help shampoo and water more easily flow through your locks.

1. Braid & band
2. Thoroughly wet hair
3. Spray SL shampoo (diluted) onto hair
4. Work through each section by massaging at the scalp and working your way down the braid by squeezing shampoo to the tip (repeat for each section)
5. Rinse, rinse, rinse
6. Wash again
   
7. Rinse, rinse, rinse, rinse, rinse, rinse, rinse.... (repeat one more time if you wish)
   
8. Squeeze as much water as possible from the hair
9. Allow to dry (try not to go to bed with wet or damp hair)

If you're noticing a lot of build up in a particular area, be sure to concentrate on that area when washing and rinsing. Also you may consider a no-poo wash (rinsing the hair only) on the alternate weeks that you don't shampoo. This may mean washing your hair, or rinsing your hair more frequently until the buildup goes away. Then you can return to your normal washing schedule. I'm confident with these steps your buildup challenges will fade. Please don't become discouraged.

Also, do some on line research. You may go to Yahoo! LockItUp. The subject has been discussed a gazillion times there. You'll get all kinds of helpful information. I do recommend, again that you discuss your method of attack with your consultant and don't using anything on your hair that will hinder your locking process. Whatever, method you choose - try that method and that method alone - for at least a month or two. Don't switch between methods and products because that will make it difficult to determine what's working and what's not working.

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/LockItUp/messages

1. Click the Messages link
2. Type in Buildup in the Search box

I've attached a link to a really well written article I found on line. It should help as well.

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=155475207243

Note:  The Sisterlocks Starter Shampoo does not produce a great deal of lather as most of us are accustomed to with commercial shampoos. Because of this we may tend to add more shampoo..."hmmm....still not enough lather. I think I'll add some more shampoo.... hmmm... perhaps a little bit more." We find ourselves with all of this product in our hair, and may not rinse well enough. The Sisterlocks Shampoo does not cause build up, however, leaving any product in the hair that's meant to be rinsed out may leave a residue.

I hope you find this information helpful. In the meantime,
Stay strong, stay locked and stay lifted.

BlaqKofi
Certified Sisterlocks Consultant