Bummin' Around Da House & Product Reviews

I thought I'd share some products and pics of my locs during my down time. When I'm around the house on the weekends and evenings, I simply wear my hair like this.



Because of my natural layers, it's difficult to put them up in a ponytail. Separating my locs like this prevents the hair at the nape from pulling.



Here's another Saturday "do" that I was just playing around with while bummin' around. Next time I'll try the flat twist all the way to the back.

I found some thicker black bands at Family Dollar and these clips - both work great. Why spend a lot of money until you find what works.

I love these claws. They're large enough for my thick hair. I purchased them at Target.

My black Soft Spike Curlers - nothing new. But, I found a convenient way to store them. I used a bag from a set of new sheets! It has a handy zipper closure and is the perfect size.

I use these clips when sectioning my locs for rolling or braiding. If I ever had the desire to attempt to retighten my locs, I suppose they'd come in handy then also. The rounded ends prevents hair snags.

I found a local store to purchase JML products. I blogged about the protein conditioner here and continue to use it and really love it. It leaves my hair soft, clean and moisturized. Since I began using the JML Protein Conditioner, I haven't used any natural oils after washing. I only recommend it, however, for mature locs. I use it full strength because of the thickness of my locs. Those with a loose curl pattern may want to dilute 50/50 or some other combo because of it's rich consistency.

The Tingle Shampoo isn't for me - it has a strong medicated smell. It does make my scalp tingle and feel good - but the scent is too strong for my liking. I felt as if I was walking around with menthol on my hair (remember Vicks?)...LOL.

The leave in conditioner is awesome. I rarely use it, but when I do there's no residue, it doesn't weigh down my locs and there's no sticky feeling.

Just a few items I thought I'd share as my natural awakenings continue.

(Hairstyle: 2-3 day old braid out at almost 24m)

Freestyle, SSC, Caruso's & Mango & Lime

I've settled comfortably into a weekly wash. I actually love washing my hair now. I no longer dread it. I was in the shower on Saturday, somewhat rushing through my shampoo as usual and the light bulb came on! Just as I can't expect to manipulate my natural hair as I did with processed hair, the same holds true for shampooing.

For the first time I actually engaged in the process of patiently shampooing my locks AND enjoying it. (I'll blog more about that in an upcoming post.) It was a very enjoyable experience that took me to a whole new level of appreciation and love for my locks. (I can only imagine it's akin to how those who love retightening their own locks feel.)

I washed with Avalon Lemon Clarifying Shampoo. I use a clarifier every other wash. Avalon works great, is natural, reasonably priced and I can get it at my local Whole Foods. No special trips and no waiting for mail order.

But then I realized that I didn't have any conditioner on hand. I didn't want to use the SL Moisture Treatment since I had just used it last week. (Moisture treatment should only be done once a month.)

I began rummaging through my bathroom cabinets and came across some Jamican Mango & Lime (JML) Protein Conditioner that Brunsli tried, didn't like and mailed to me months earlier. I thought, no other choice. Let's try it.

I was pleasantly, pleasantly surprised. My locks felt very moisturized and soft afterwards. And there was this sheen to them! I didn't even have to use my normal 10-15 drops of jojoba oil. Crickett of LockItUp is a big fan of JML products. Now I understand why. I'm not a product junkie. I'll stick with what works for quite some time until I decide that I'd like to try something new. But I will definitely purchase more of their products - the protein conditioner for sure. Thanks, B!

After a wash, my locks hold a really good curl. I started the week with a freestyle. Then used the jumbo Caruso Steam Curlers to give the locks a loose curl (my favorite look). A couple of days later, I set the locks with soft spike curlers (SSC) with a Lottabody/water solution.

When I set with the SSC, I put my locks up in a pineapple at night and sometimes cover with a silk scarf. The next morning, I finger comb and go. The curls continue to loosen and this style can last a week or more.

I've truly enjoyed playing around with my locks this week. Tonight as I rolled them with bendable curlers, I looked around my bathroom and saw, Caruso's, SSC, bendable curlers, scarves, decorative hair pins & B -ties. I pay as much or more attention to my hair now than I did when I was permed. But it's fun and a joy rather than a chore.

I find myself shopping for hair accessories, scarves, headbands, hair clips and anything fun to jazz up my styles just as I did with permed hair.

That is indeed the beauty of natural hair freedom ladies and gentlmen and, of course, Sisterlocks!