Pipe Cleaner Set

Happy New Year everyone!  I hope 2014 will be all that you hoped for and more.

I experimented with a pipe cleaner set for the first time, an inexpensive, protective hair style that last for weeks.  You can purchase 100 pipe cleaners for under $4 at Michaels, Hobby Lobby and most craft stores. I've provided step-by-step details of the process.

NOTE:  Not recommended for the newly locked.  The end of the pipe cleaners can tend to snag locks.

10-Day Old Pipe Cleaner Set

I found this great pipe cleaner set tutorial (click here) by ChescaLocs on YouTube . Although she has traditional locks, I modified her steps omitting the gel and the twisting.

Kofi's Steps

1.  Washed and conditioned with Avalon Lemon Clarifying Shampoo & Conditioner; 

2. Moisturized with small amounts of jojoba and coconut oil;

3.  Towel dried hair;

4.  Followed tutorial with damp locks, omitting gel.  I did not use setting lotion.  

5.  3-6 locks per pipe cleaner in front; 6-10 locks in back.  Total roll time approximately 45-minutes.

6.  Left pipe cleaners in over night.  (It's vital that locks be COMPLETELY DRY before removing pipe cleaners.)

Set last for 14 days or more or until washed.  I wore a lock sock at night and did nothing each morning. 

Pipe Cleaner Set

Week 1 - Removed pipe cleaners and did nothing for a protective style. 

Protective Style

    

Week 2 - Separated locks for an extremely tight curl.  Perfect for up do's. 

Separated locks for tight curls

 

Pipe Cleaner Up Do

Pipe Cleaner Up Do

For New Year's Eve, I softened the curls by setting dry locks with the Caruso Steam Curlers for a soft, feminine, curly style.

10-Day Old Pipe Cleaner Set, Softened with Caruso Steam Curlers

Here I am at 14 plus days, still lots of body and curls.  Time to wash and decide how I'd like to style my Sisterlocks next.  Or perhaps, I'll wash and do absolutely nothing; that's the beauty and simplicity of Sisterlocks!  (Click any photo for greater detail.)  

A video pictorial of my Pipe Cleaner process.  

Kofi's Locks - 7yrs

iRock Sisterlocks!

Week old retite - remnants of 2-day old Caruso Set

Kofi

I know you didn't give up on Kofi.  Still here, increasing my level of consciousness, learning to live my life out loud and help others do the same.  Evolving from BlaqKofi to Kofi.  More in love with my Sisterlocks than ever.  Well...you see why, THEY ARE SLAMMIN'!!!!     

Join me for the next chapter of Natural Awakenings...

New posts coming soon!

Caruso Curl Set
(Click photos for greater detail)

• Washed, conditioned & moisturized locks
• Air dry naturally
• Set with Caruso Curlers
• Roll Time: 10-15 min (Practice & you'll get faster.)
• Setting Time: 10-15 minutes
• Total time: 30
  
  One of my favorite sets.
  Pros: Fast, soft curls, shows more of true length
  Cons: Set last 1-2 days

 

 *Please follow your Consultants guidance regarding product use.

**Carusos are not useful or effective during the "plumping or fat" stage of the lock process. 

Sisterlocks

"I want freedom for the full expression

of my personality."  ~Gandhi 

S I S T E R L O C K S

Washed and conditioned Sisterlocks.  Applied a few drops of Coconut oil while damp to seal in moisture. Air dry over night.  Set with Caruso's (or any steam curlers).  They are a quick way to dress up locks and only takes five minutes to set.  By the time my makeup is done, the curlers are ready to come out.  Shape locks gently with fingers....done.  The freedom of Sisterlocks!

 

Note:  Steam curlers are not effective when locks are in the "plump" stage.

Thanks, Sandee, for the thoughtful Carol's Daughter gift set.

Stylist:  BlaqKofi, Certified Sisterlocks Consultant

Cut:  Gigi Johnson, Certified Sisterlocks Consultant

Products:  Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Shampoo

& Leave In Conditioner, Coconut Oil

Me, Myself & I

Most of you know that I celebrated my five year loc'versary by getting my locks layered.  I wasn't really nervous about it, but the end result did take some getting used to.  Above, three looks:  Braidout, Caruso Steam Roller Set, Soft Spike Curler set.

The Pros of the layered cut:

• My head feels much lighter.  Although Sisterlocks don't pull, I did have a lot of density which was very hot in the summer and took additional washing and drying time.
• The cut is a little more age appropriate for a 50 year old woman
• I wear my hair down more often
• The bangs and layers keep the hair from falling into my face
• My high pony's fall perfectly, rather than being weighed down

The Cons of the layered cut:

I kind of miss my "signature" density

I had to learn new ways to style my hair

Pulling hair back can be a challenge because of the bangs and layers

The cut did away with my highlighted ends causing my hair to look darker.

Overall, I'm happy with the cut and bangs.  Now I have another 5 years to let them grow back!

Click collage or photos for greater detail.