Just Because We Don't Have To, Doesn't Mean That We Shouldn't - Part I

I had an epiphany recently, brought on partly by guilt and embarrassment.  A few months ago, I felt compelled to apologize to my loctician, Nycole, for "not washing" my hair prior to my retightening appointment. (Yes, BlaqKofi broke a Sisterlocks commandment!)  After all, my hair didn't smell, there was no flakiness and most importantly, my locks still looked good.

The following month, she said, your scalp's a little dry in some areas.  I sheepishly said, "well, I've been so busy, I haven't had a chance to wash them.  I get home so late and I don't want to go to bed with wet locks."  (Here was BlaqKofi giving the same excuses my clients give me.)  She replied in her characteristically, upfront manner, "that's what you said last month."  Inside, I felt my self shrinking in her chair with embarrassment - but she was right.  

My sets can last 4 weeks or more or until I wash. Because my locks still look good and aren't weighed down with chemicals and products - I'm less concerned with washing them as often, particularly with a full-time job, a growing Sisterlocks business, a husband, a sick sister and a family who needs me.  All legitimate excuses, but nevertheless, excuses. 

Nycole's gentle nudge, reminded me that just because we don't have to wash as often, doesn't mean that we shouldn't. Not washing can cause the scalp's natural oils to be blocked, and unable to lubricate the hair shaft. As a result, hair can become dry and brittle. Washing stimulates the scalp, natural oils and promotes growth. Additionally, water is the best moisturizer for natural hair and Sisterlocks love water.
   

Mother nature gave me just the opportunity I needed to pamper my tresses.  Snowed in for a four day weekend. I gave my locks a long luxurious wash and deep condition.  Rolling diagonally on bendable curlers for "Shirley Temple" curls I left them in all day and overnight.  Here's the untouched results after removing the curlers (and me sans make-up.  But hey, I was snowed in!)

I eventually had to leave the house.  Here I am ready for work three days later.  I partially loosened the curls pulling them back, securing with a claw.

For bed I pulled them up, protecting the curls and adding fullness the next morning. (You can see that I need a retightening.)

I traveled to Texas four days later for my son's birthday celebration - and my set was still rockin!

I must admit, I do enjoy my locks more after a wash.  They feel and look even better than usual with a natural sheen and that fresh hair smell.

I returned home on Sunday.  My next retightening appointment with Nycole a mere two days away and yet I still had a head full of beautiful curls.

What did Blaq do?   Stay tuned...

Click any photo for greater detail.

Mad love and a shout out to:
CJ, Yolanda M., L. Gray, and Lola in Oregon.
I appreciate the love and encouragment.