Friday, November 13, 2009

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

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Blaqkofi,
I have a question that I hope you can answer. I have been having slippage in the front of my hair. When I go to my loctician, she will deal with it, but only if I make it an obvious request. I once did not ask as an experiment, although the slippage was to the point where my locks were completely loose. Should a locktician only retighten during a session? Am I wrong to be be concerned with her work if she will retighten a portion of the root, while the rest is completely loose?

Thanks,
Concerned Locks

Kay exquisite said...

Blaq Your so awesome thank you for all the helpful info! :-)

Anonymous said...

Hey Blaqkofi!!! This is your favorite niece Montrece
just wanted to tell you that I love the blog
and all the wonderful,amazing information
keep up the GREAT work and do yo thang!!
Love u!! Peace, Love, and Many Blessings

Unknown said...

Hi,

I love the graphic effect you used on your photo. If you don't mind, please let us know what software you used. Thanks!

BlaqKofi said...

Blair, thanks for dropping by Natural Awakenings. I used PhotoShop and the Colored Pencil filter to achieve the effect. I'm a novice, but having a great time learning. I'm kind of a techy geek - so I love this stuff! :-)

BlaqKofi said...

Dear Concerned Locks, please contact me directly by email: blaqkofi@yahoo.com.

Anonymous said...

I love you updo. How did you achieve this look.

BlaqKofi said...

Up do - this is about a 2 week old Softspike curl set simply pulled high with a hair tie.

Anonymous said...

Blaqkofi/Aunt S... You look fabulous!!!!!
Keep on doin yo thang girlfriend.. You go
girl.. You are tha bomb, and my Shero..
I wish you nothing but the best of luck
I love you!!!.. Peace.. 1 luv.. Trece/ your
niece yo piece aka Lil woddie

Anonymous said...

I love your blog. I am family since nov 2007 and love my sisterlocs.. However, recently I have noticed it is harder to style.. The ends have little hard pieces that don't take too well to rolling and eventually stick out. Is this part of the journey?

Charanor said...

Try using a shower filter head. It will purify the water and should in theory end your build-up.

I ordered a "Culligan" brand shower filter head for $30 from Amazon and am currently awaiting its arrival.

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BlaqKofi