Growth

The more our Sisterlocks mature, the more we come to know them, learn them.  As in life, as we learn we grow and as we grow we learn.  I've been dong a lot of both.

My clients' monthly retightenings are a time of inexplicit rejuvenation, replenishment and growth - physically, spiritually and emotionally.  We have such wonderful moments of sharing and connecting that's unique to each woman.  With one it might be downright sister girl laughing and talking, with another discovering and sharing a movie or music.

For others our time is a safe place for tears to fall and locked words and emotions to freely flow and still with another there's a sharing of consciousness, politics, philosophy or history.  My life is so much richer because of these women.  I get to witness their growth and demonstrate mine. I am honored to provide a place and space for this Sisterlocks Sisterhood 'cause it's about the Locks AND the Sister.

Sisterlocks photos, in no particular order.  All clients with the exception of Mom.

(Click photos for greater detail.)

Client Feature ~ Queen V

Sharing Queen V, Sisterlocks client and friend.  Locked by LaShaun out of Missouri a little over two years ago; I've had the pleasure of maintaining her locks up until she began self maintenance last year.  For you DIY's it's important to see your Consultant for lock maintenance once or twice a year.

V is going through the "bunching" stage, an added challenge to retightenings for both the Consultant and DIY.  Many Sisterlockers experience this budding phase.  Including your's truly. V's thick, course hair and curl pattern while perfect for SL, causes her ends to bunch.  Having to work the bunched end through the smaller rotation opening adds tension on the lock, so special care should be taken.  This phase can be somewhat bothersome and very challenging to style.  Yet, they reign beauty.

Her locks will eventually shrink to their mature size.  Each maturation has it's own, natural timeframe.  Her natural awakenings is unique to V.  No two journeys, Sisterlocks or otherwise are identical.

I had the pleasure of retightening V, doing some lock maintenance and sharing space with her, finishing the evening with a fun photo shoot. (Thanks P for the lighting.)

Afterwards, V's locks rock!  A spray bottle of water, a few drops of jojoba oil and lavender added moisture and a soothing scent during the retight.

Like a caterpillar struggling to free itself, V's same course, thick hair is maturing into an even more stunning head of Sisterlocks.  Like the butterfly, it's beauty undeniable.

OK, let me not be presumptuous, you decide...

Click images for greater detail.

Lady In Red-Part III

I retightened "The Lady In Red" today and her mom joined us.   We had so much fun laughing and talking.   She has beautiful traditional locks.  I thought you'd enjoy both.  ~BlaqKofi

Lady In Red-Part II

 I love the awesome response to "Lady in Red."

Many of you asked if I colored her locks.  She actually colored them herself at home.  I only do Sisterlocks, nothing more.

She used Loreal's HiColor HiLights in Red.

Always consult your Locktician before coloring.  She will let you know if your locks are mature enough.  Color tends to dry out locks so consistent moisturizing is a MUST!

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.



Client Feature

My first client and I celebrated her one year anniversary with a photo shoot this week after her retightening. (Click photos for greater detail.)

Top row day 1 - bottom row 1 year later

Introducing....

I'm proud to introduce my second and third full install clients. Both are beautiful spirits - inside and out. Please join me in welcoming them to the Sisterlocks family.
Client #2


Client No. 2 has some breakage and sparceness along the front hairline. I'm confident it will grow and fill in with time. In the meantime, she's purchased lots of funky, cute and fun headbands to wear. I spritzed her completed locks with water and rolled them on SoftSpiker curlers to add volume. I allowed her locks to air dry while we discussed washing techniques, banding and braiding and lock care. I removed the SS, finger combed and added her headband for a finished look.
Client #3


Client No. 3 had 8 inches of all natural, beautiful hair. It was a real treat to install her locks. After completing the front sections of her hair, I spritzed with water, braided and left in place while I locked the back sections. I then spritzed and braided the back sections. Her hair air dryed while we dicussed lock care, washing, banding and braiding. I took the braids down, spritzed her ends lightly with water, rolled them on SoftSpike curlers and sat her under the dryer for 30 minutes. This gave her a crinkly, curly look with volume which she loved.


I preferred using the Soft Spike curlers rather than heat on both of their completed locks. Their hair was soft, absorbed water quickly and I knew it would dry quickly. Using the Soft Spikes gave them a style that would last for several days as they became acquainted with their natural freedom.

Blaq's on her way to certification y'all! Look forward to my upcoming 4 year lockversary post next week.

Click any photo for greater detail.

BlaqKofi's First Installation

I completed my first installation last week. It was a learning as well as moving experience to personally introduce someone to the freedom of Sisterlocks. A thousand thanks to my first client, I'll affectionately refer to her as "Abuelita," for her patience and confidence in me and my abilities.

I visited a Harlem Renaissance traveling exhibit at my local museum of art this past week and was moved by this photo taken by James VanDerZee in 1928 entitled, "Cosmeticians." (I couldn't find a larger image to share.)

I stood there, gazing at each beautiful, black, hopeful face. I looked again at each, studying their processed hair and the significance of my first Sisterlocks installation took on greater personal meaning for me. I am thankful to live in a time where I can witness the first African American President and women of color proudly wear their kinky crowns of hair glory for the world to see. I reflected on my client's beaming face as she looked in the mirror and saw for the first time her own beauty in its most natural form. Mental chains broken and one more walking, talking, sharing Sisterlocks soldier - powerful!

Perhaps these photos from 1928 and 2009 can communicate more succinctly the progress we have made as African American women in our self knowledge and awareness.

Lockticians, 2009

Thank you to all the Oklahoma sisters who have given me such a warm reception. I'm proud to play a small role in our natural freedom because as I always say, "it's natural to be natural."

BlaqKofi

Sisterlocks Training Associate

Cosmeticians, 1928