Tuesday, March 02, 2010

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.

15 comments:

The Real Nique said...

Hey Blaq, Your hair is the bomb! How in the world do I get my sets to last that long. Did you use more than water to set it?

BlaqKofi said...

Sometimes I use a 50/50 water Lottabody solution. But mostly I simply use water. I find that my sets last longer when I set damp locks immediately after washing (what I did in this post because I had the time to allow them to completely dry with the curlers in.) Many people swear by Taliah Waajid's Crinkles & Curls setting foam, however, I've never personally used it. I have used setting foam off the shelf. I'm not home right now and the name escapes me, but I got it WalMart in the "ethic hair" section. The packaging is purple and yellow. Just be sure anything you use doesn't contain alcohol. Bottom line - I prefer just plain ole water. Your locks are beautiful and hair texture, density and curl pattern also play a role in how long our sets last. Thanks for dropping by.

Denise said...

BlaqKofi, after seeing the last photo, I completely understand. Your hair still looks beautiful. Why mess up a beautiful style with a wash (lol)! Of course your conscious made you wash for the next retightening.

CaribSun said...

Your locks are so lovely. I can never get my hair to keep a set for so long. Maybe it's the humidity here in Jamaica. My curls will last maybe a week at best. I use Lotta body (50/50 with water) from time to time, but I find that it makes my hair feel "hard".

Naturally Sophia said...

Ohh Ahh Really Pretty. I like the style with the claw especially.

V @ Locks-N-Motion said...

4 weeks!? That is great. I wish I could keep my sets that long, but because I have dandruff issues I'm good if I could go two weeks without washing. Love the curls, they look fabulous. Look forward to seeing what you did!

z said...

Your locks look great. I especially like your updo with the curls just resting on top.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for your honesty, I too have been going for four weeks. Due to my curls holding up and still looking good. However I constantly massages my head during the four week timeframe. Also since I finally decided to comment, thank you for being who you are I have been following you for 23 months almost daily. THANK YOU......KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!

A Sista Who Locked said...

You better work! Your locks look WONDERFUL!

Gigglz said...

Your hair looks very nice and such a journey to follow!!! You inspired my color!

Naturally Mine said...

I LOVE YOUR BLOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BlaqKofi said...

Thanks, Naturally Mine! I love that you love my blog (smile). Keep coming back. Love, Blaq

Unknown said...

I love your blog!!! I needed to read this! I usually wear my hair in twist and they can last up to 6 weeks and sometimes longer. I know I should wash it but I talk myself out of it....why mess up a perfectly good hair style. Not anymore! I'm going to take better care of my natural tresses!!! Thank you!!!

Bee said...

BlaqKofi,

The curls are beau-ti-ful! Wow! How many Sisterlocks do you have? (I tried looking it up on your blog, but I couldn't find it).

AllyH2O said...

Your hair is looking fabulous and so are you!

Photo Copyrights

Please do not copy or print photos from this blog without my express permission.

BlaqKofi