Sisterlocks Sisterhood

I share the pictoral journey of my clients as they live out their own Sisterlocks story.  Being their Consultant is a privilege.   Also featuring my newest client; a beautiful, deep sister from the Islands with an accent I can't get enough of.  Her install was a personal record, 12 hours with about 5 inches of hair.  We had an awesome time bonding this weekend and she loved her Sisterlocks.  (Well, of course!)

I continue to be so immensely blessed by the women I have the privilege of meeting through Sisterlocks. You inspire and motivate me. Your support strengthens my resolve to continue this work I'm called to do. And our bond gives me a sense of family.

Every woman of color should experience the freedom and beauty of their naturalness.

And the sisterhood of Sisterlocks...

BlaqKofi
Certified Sisterlocks Consultant
Professional Life Coach

My newest client install pics. Locks set on Softspike Curlers. 

Y'all, did'nt think you were not gone get a pic of me, did ya?  Afterall, O Magazine wouldn't be O Magazine without a photo of Oprah on the cover.

And I see ya bobbin' ya head to the sounds of Maze.



Dear Blaq: Teachable Moments

I recently received two separate emails that serve as what I call "teachable moments." I asked the writers for permission to share with my readers. Helpful information, particularly for those contemplating locking or newly locked.

If you are contemplating locking, please do more than simply look at my current pictures...begin reading my blog (or at least looking at the photos) from day one. Fortunately, there are others who have gone natural before us, whether locked or unlocked, who we can learn from.

Sisterlocks and becoming natural for that matter, is a journey back to origins that we as African American women know so very little about. We have been conditioned to believe that altering our naturalness will make us more beautiful or acceptable to society. On the contrary, I contend that it's "natural to be natural."

We must take the time to learn how to care for, manage and style our naturally kinky crowns. Please DO YOUR RESEARCH, particularly if you've never been natural. Just like any other relationship, there are stages and changes with growth. But given the proper care, the end result will be a beautiful foundation for the world to see - your own naturalness!

Dear BlaqKofi:
I just got my SL's installed on the 30th of June and the 1st of July. I been natural for over 2 years now and it took me this long to decide to get SL's. Well to be honest I had no idea what I wanted at the time of cutting all my perm off and going natural. But I decided this year that SL's would be what I get.

Well I got them and at this point I am not happy. I was so excited about getting them because I have seen and research women with SL's and they all are beautiful. I haven't seen not one person who hair wasn't beautiful until I got mine installed. I am going to send you some pics and I would love your honest opinion of my locs. I feel they are as beautiful as I thought they would be. I know my hair won't look like the next person because every one is different. But it always seem when I finally make my mind up to do some thing it doesn't turn out the way that I hope.

I been reading up on your blog and I enjoy it. I start reading your blog when you decided to get your locks. I haven't got to the present yet. I like to read to get more info instead of just looking at pictures. And I want to say I just love the way your hair turned out. Even when your locks were installed they look very pretty. But my problem is, my hair seem to have grown in different lengths. The back is longer than the rest. Then I am concern on when my hair will become more full. It looks a hot mess now. Very stringy. So really right now I am just a the point of wondering if I made a mistake in getting them.

I know it's some thing to get use to but at the same time it doesn't make me feel good about myself and my decision. And I went to work bragging before I got them that I was so excited and I am finally doing some thing I always wanted to. I go to work and can you believe no one gave me a compliment. It hurt!

I am already feeling like I made a mistake but then when I am questioned about what I have done to my hair and try to explain what they are and compare it to another co worker of mine who have traditional locks...all they could say was...oh but her's is pretty and long. Why yours don't look like that? My co worker started off with short locks before it got to the point where her hair is now. I have to go thru the same process. It's really hurtful that no one has said a thing.

I want to send you my pics..before and after SL's and would like your honest opinion. And I would also like to know what can I do to make it more presentable because at this point it's not. I wear hats to avoid stares and to avoid me even to look at it. Am I over reacting? LOL Well I hope to hear from you soon. And again I think you are a beautiful woman and your hair is beautiful.

BlaqKofi's response:
Your new Sisterlocks are da bomb! What you talking 'bout, girl?!

I truly understand all of your feelings. Know that you are beautiful, your hair is beautiful and not like anyone else's. I don't know if you have done this, but if not - go back to the beginning of my blog and read my early posts and look at my early pics. I think they will help you alot. No one - not one soul at work (except two sisters that I had educated about Sisterlocks) said a thing about my locks when I first got them. Yes, I was a little anxious about what others would think. But I didn't care because I had done my homework, was so happy and excited about my new found freedom, the way my hair felt and what was to come.

Sisterlocks is a journey, a relationship. You have to nurture them and allow them to grow and mature. As they grow and mature - so will you and trust me - your life will never be the same. But it has to come from within. Ask yourself this question - why did you decide to lock in the first place? I'd like to know your answers as well. That will determine how you move forward.

Sisterlocks will make you a stronger, more confident woman and this initial phase is just that - an initial phase. Hold your head high - because the vibe that you give out regarding yourself - will be the vibe that you get back from others. You set the tone about your locks - not others. And if you haven't read up on Sisterlocks - do your homework. That way, you will know what to expect and you can confidently reply (if necessary and if you choose to).

Remember, people who aren't natural and who haven't walked this natural path can not even begin to remotely relate to or understand the commitment we have made. So don't even waste your breath trying to convince them that your locks are "like the sisters in your office who has traditional locks" - because they ARE NOT - so naturally, they won't look like hers. Actually, they'll probably look BETTER than hers given time.

You are both natural, but have chosen different methods in which to lock. I assure you of this - the same people who don't understand now - will be jockin' you very soon about how beautiful your locks are.

Consider yourself a pioneer in your office, girl - SHOW them - don't try and convince them of the beauty of naturalness. So TAKE OFF DAT HAT, finger comb your locks, get you some cute head bands and earrings and strut yo stuff like the proud African queen you are!!!!!!

Sisterlocks Day 2 - Side View

Sisterlocks 3 Yrs later...

Hello Blaq, I just wanted to say THANK YOU for your blog. My locks will be 90 days young on the 14^th of this month a day before my birthday. And at first I was a little discouraged because of my thinning and balding in the top. You know with all the parts and scalp showing. I was wearing a wig until my hair thickened up and the parts went away.

My beautician Cynthia told me to stop wearing the wig and embrace my locks the spaces and parts will thicken up. She told me to go back to your page and look at your locks from the beginning (again I might add). I did and I “TRULY APPRECIATE” you Blaq.

I truly THANK YOU and my beautician Cynthia. Because of your patience in documenting your daily experiences in your locks from the beginning. I can see the change in look, style, and length and that’s what I needed. It has helped me to embrace my locks and my new found freedom. I love my locks more so now than then and they have thickened up. I sent my supervisor your page she is seriously thinking about going natural like ours. She loves your hair and all your pictures.

Left = Sisterlocked Day 1 & Day 2
Right = Sisterlocked 3 Yrs Later

Emails like the ones above motivate me to continue blogging so that more women can experience their own Natural Awakenings. Thanks to both of my readers for allowing me to post your emails.
Remember, stay focused, stay lifted and stay natural!
BlaqKofi

For Those Contemplating...

I've read so many comments of late on LockItUp about the "plucked chicken look" that I wanted to post these pics for the potential newbies to view for themselves. I have never used that term personally. Even at this two day stage I felt beautiful. I was so happy with my new found freedom, in awe of the never before softness of my hair and my natural liberation, that all I felt was pride and excitement. I was actually surprised that the spacing didn't seem to be as prevelant as I had anticipated and how comfortable I was - finally - in my own skin!

Here's a good response that Sandy, LockItUp group owner, provided today regarding thickness, density and scalp showing at the beginning stages of Sisterlocks:
Afterall, it's natural be natural! - BlaqKofi

"When we talk about thickness there are actually two things involved. The actual thickness of the individual hair shaft and the density of the hair. I think density plays a bigger part in whether or not a lot of scalp shows. The density relates to how closely the hair strands are clumped together. For example, one person might have 100 strands in an inch of scalp. Another person might have 80 strands in an inch of scalp. In this example the person with the higher density (100 strands/inch) would be less likely to have a lot of scalp showing.

This discussion is a great example of how locks in general (and Sisterlocks in particular) are never the same on any two people. Each person's journey is different because there are so many things that effect our hair and how it matures into locks." - Sandy, LockItUp Group Owner

So for those of you contemplating Sisterlocks take the first step to natural liberation! This early stage is just that - early - very soon surpassed by many more fulfilling stages on this loc journey. I have felt naturally beautiful and free with every stage and my joy continues...

Two Years on Loc Down & Luvin' It

Today is my two year loc'versary. As promised, here are my comparison shots. I remember anxiously waiting for my locs to grow long enough for a pony, then long enough to touch my shoulders. The time has flown by. I'll have some reflections on my two year natural, cultural and spiritual awakening in future posts.


SL Day 2 / SL 2 Years To Da Day

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