Loc Jewelry – What You Need To Know

There are all kinds of beautiful loc jewelry out there. I see people with various forms of locs rocking them. They are beautiful adornments for your hair. But I always wonder, are they safe for your locs? Is it a good idea to put them on and take them off regularly? Or are they permanent? More importantly – are they safe for sisterlocks? Let’s talk about it.

when is it ok to wear loc jewelry?

It is recommended that you wait until you are at least six months locked before you start to wear loc jewelry. And even if you are six months locked, still discuss it with your loctician first if you go to one. If you wear loc jewelry too soon, it can interrupt the locking process and cause lumps, thinning and weak spots in your locs. None of us want that. Being patient is key. Many of us become anxious once we have locs to do many things to our hair: color, style, or add loc jewelry. Doing all of these things too soon can damage your locs. Be patient.

Mature locs with loc jewelry

What kind of loc jewelry should I get?

Well, that’s up to you. Do your homework because there are many different styles of loc jewelry out on the market. There are beads, loc cuffs, loc ties and many more. You also need to consider the material that is being used to create loc jewelry. For instance, most loc jewelry sold at beauty supply stores is made with cheap wires and materials that can snag your loc or turn your loc green if you allow it to get wet.

Another thing to think about is, do you want permanent loc jewelry or jewelry that you can take out? If you opt for loc jewelry that you can put in and take out, you must remember not to wash your hair with it still on your hair, especially if it’s made of low-quality material. Many have had the unfortunate experience of having green residue left on their locs, the same green residue you’d get around your neck or finger from wearing a fake gold necklace or ring. Oy vey!

For more quality loc jewelry, it’s best to seek out an artisan or crafter, someone who makes jewelry from the finest materials and take pride in their work. Some places you can find such people is on Instagram, etsy.com or simply do a google search. Don’t get me wrong; there’s nothing wrong with getting loc jewelry from your local beauty supply store, you just have to decide what your needs are. Do you want something permanent or temporary? If you want to wash your hair with the loc jewelry still in it, then don’t go the cheap route.

Consider the type of locs you have

Various types of locs

Do you have traditional, micro, freeform or sisterlocks? The kind of locs you have is important because how you upkeep your locs plays a part in what kind of loc jewelry you choose. If you use the interlock method as is typical with those with smaller locs like sisterlocks, permanent loc jewelry would get in the way and will cause damage to your hair. You may want to consider tiny loc beads or crystals that won’t pose a problem with interlocking. I’ve seen many who have sisterlocks that wear them, and they are beautiful.

It’s also important to know the exact size of your locs as some loc jewelry are sold in specific sizes. Most loc cuffs are made of thin metal and can be manipulated to fit your loc, but other custom made loc jewelry is made for specific sizes.

Bottom line, make sure you make an informed decision before you begin to wear loc jewelry. There is a lot to consider before you put anything on your beautiful locs. Ask questions if you don’t know. Loc jewelry is a lovely enhancement to locs, but make sure you choose the right one for your locs.

Three Things I Wish I Had Known Before Getting Sisterlocks

I thought I had done enough research before settling on sisterlocks. Boy was I wrong. I let my excitement and anxiousness about getting locs take over. My sights were set on sisterlocks and that was all she wrote. I shut down any further research. That was a bad decision. Had I been patient (something I’m still learning to be), I genuinely believe I would have chosen microlocs instead. But there are other things I wish I had known, so let’s get into it.

1. What is the difference between microlocs and sisterlocks?

In a nutshell, size and cost. Microlocs are much cheaper than sisterlocks and are bigger than sisterlocks, although the size of microlocs can vary. Microlocs can be the size of a pencil or smaller. You can start microlocs using the interlock method, plaits, or two-strand twists. The size you desire is ultimately up to you, but how big or small your head is and your hair density will also play a part in sizing. Also, you can choose whatever grid (how you part them) you want with microlocs.

Sisterlocks are tiny and are installed using a meticulous trademarked system. This system includes being trained how to install them properly using a specific tool and grid. Because of the tiny size, the installation process can take up to 10 hours or two to three days depending on your loctician’s speed and the length of your hair. The time it takes and the precision and skill required to install sisterlocks is accounted for in its price, which causes them to be quite expensive.

You can get tiny microlocs that look just like sisterlocks. You won’t have the meticulous grid, and you’ll save a lot of money. In the end, microlocs look a lot like sisterlocks, especially if the tiny size is chosen. Many can’t tell the difference once they have matured. The more I think about it now, the more I realize the money I could have saved. Hindsight is always 20/20. If I ever have to start this journey over, I will go the microlocs route.

2. not all advice is good advice

Here’s why. I watched a lot of YouTube while researching locs and sisterlocks. I watched a ton of videos giving a lot of advice on the care of sisterlocks, how to choose your loctician or trainee, and whether or not you should use the sisterlocks products, among other things. It wasn’t until I was knee-deep into my journey that I realized that a lot of the advice on YouTube is wrong. And I failed to remember that these were their experiences, not my own. Those were their scalps and hair, not mine.

I know it seems as though I’m always beating a dead horse on this topic, but the main thing I hate that I listened to was spritzing your locs daily with water or rosewater. I did the rosewater for a few days and stopped. I didn’t care for it and didn’t notice any change with my locs other than my locs taking on an unpleasant smell. I also ended spritzing with water when I kept having issues with slippage. Water is the enemy in the beginning stage of your loc journey. Until you are fully locked, water should be used on your hair sparingly.

Once I took a step back from watching so many Youtube videos full of random advice, I began to notice other things that are being taught by locticians and others with sisterlocks that aren’t true. It made me listen to my loctician even more and ask her a lot of questions to make sure I was doing the right things. I also began to follow sisterlocks brand ambassadors on social media who teach strictly by the sisterlocks book. Following the advice of my loctician has only helped me, not hinder me.

3. How much I would love the hair freedom

The hair freedom I experience with sisterlocks is on another level. To be able to have natural hair but not have to worry about styling, combing or putting product in it for it to behave is AMAZING. When I say I love the hair freedom I now have, I mean every word of it.

My time in the morning can now be spent sleeping longer instead of getting up extra early to deal with my hair. I also have more time to find what I want to wear to work, or prepare my lunch, or get extra fancy with my makeup. And by extra fancy, I mean experimenting with eye shadow colors, LOL! I rarely style my locs, but if I decide I want to try something new with them, I have time in the morning to fuss with my hair.

None of these things were an option as a loose natural. I had to plan everything the night before and still get up extra early to make sure my hair would turn out right for work. If it didn’t, I always had to have a backup plan…a hat or a scarf to wrap up my hair. I no longer have to do any of that. If I try a style on my locs and it doesn’t turn out the way I want, all I have to do is take it down, run my fingers through my hair and keep it moving.

I love my sisterlocks

I love my sisterlocks. I do not regret my decision. I knew I was going to get my hair locked one way or another. Sisterlocks just so happen to win the final decision. Not everyone falls in love with their sisterlocks or locs right away, and it’s okay. That’s why it’s called a journey. It takes some longer to get to that place than others. I also had my moments of feeling ugly in the very beginning. Thankfully those feelings were short-lived. This loc journey is like no other. I’m still learning. I’m continually being amazed by what my hair is doing. There is still so much more that I look forward to, and I’m sure there will be more for me to add to this list of things I wish I had known before getting sisterlocks.

Thinning Locs

Getting locs, no matter what kind, does not mean your hair worries are a thing of the past. Locs can be just as problematic as loose natural hair if not taken care of properly. One of the main reasons why I got tired of my loose natural hair was because of the constant breakage I was experiencing. I was protective styling too much. My protective styles were being installed too tightly, the synthetic hair that was used caused allergic reactions to my scalp, and I wasn’t taking care of my hair properly. Before my sisterlocks were installed, I cut as much of the damaged ends and breakage as I could. To date, my locs are growing out nicely in those areas. But is this the end of my worries? Not by a long shot.

What causes locs to thin?

Tension

• Too tight styles
• Too tight reties
• Getting reties too often
• Not staying on schedule with your reties
• Not incorporating loose hair back into the loc during reties if your hair grows outside of the grid
• Overall negligence of the care of your locs

Health

• Hysterectomy
• Low iron
• Hormone imbalance
• Alopecia
• Thyroid issues
• Other health issues that may be undiagnosed

what can be done

First, figure out the cause. This should be done with your loctician. If you self-retie, you have extra work to do. With your locitician, you will need to discuss your diet, water intake, physical activity, any new medications you may be on and any new stresses in your life. A visit to your primary care doctor should happen as well, and a trichologist if your primary doctor can’t pinpoint the cause. These same steps should be taken if you self-retie.

Trichology is the medical term for the study of the hair (and scalp) and all problems related to them. A ‘trichologist’ is someone who specialises in hair loss problems such as baldness, hair breakage and itchy/flaking scalp. He or she will also treat all forms of alopecia.

Once you figure out the cause with your loctician, primary doctor or trichologist, develop and follow an action plan that will stop the thinning and breakage of your locs and regrow healthy hair. This plan can include vitamins or supplements, the use of certain oils that promote hair growth and heals the hair follicles, or a change in diet and medications.

all is not lost

Thinning locs isn’t the end of the world, although it can be quite devastating. No one wants to lose hair or have locs hanging on by a strand of hair. However, all is not lost. There can be many causes for thinning locs. The trick is finding the cause so you can do something about it. Unfortunately, some do suffer permanent hair loss due to alopecia or other health issues. But if your hair loss isn’t permanent, be proactive. Talk to your loctician and see your family doctor and a trichologist. Keep a hair journal if need be. Take notice of how you care for your locs. Keep an eye on your diet and any stressors in your life so you can make needed adjustments.

I’ve Been Busy! #SideGigs

Writing is something I enjoy doing, especially when the topics are natural hair and music. Thankfully I’ve been able to do both in my spare time.

Grown Folks music

I’ve been part of this musical movement for about five years now. I discovered their FB page through a mutual friend and it was a match made in heaven. Grown Folks Music speaks for itself. It’s for the grown people who miss and enjoy the timeless music of back in the day. Back in the day can be from the ’60s through the ’90s and early 2000s. But Grown Folks Music isn’t stuck in the past. It is very current with today’s artists and up and coming artists, and we go out of our way to highlight the hidden gems that the masses may not be aware of. The music that is played and promoted by GFM spans all genres – R&B, pop, rock, jazz, funk, neo-soul, heavy metal, classical, country and grunge, to name a few.

Not only do I DJ on the GFM Facebook page, but I also write articles from time to time. Recently, I’ve had the pleasure to conduct my first artist interview with R&B singer SUCH. Her latest album is out now, and it’s called Wide Nose Full Lips. Not only am I fan of her music, but she also has SISTERLOCKS! Imagine my excitement on being able to talk hair with her! Please check out my interview with her here: https://grownfolksmusic.com/gfm-spotlight-rb-singer-such-talks-wide-nose-full-lips-why-shes-unapologetically-black/

What naturals love

In early 2019 I’ve had the privilege of writing for Going-Natural.com and What Naturals Love. This came about through a loc group that I belonged to on Facebook. A lovely woman named Mireille Liong made a post asking for bloggers and writers to write for her natural hair website and blog. I answered the call and we’ve been working together ever since. I’ve written articles about natural hair care, locs, and loc discrimination at work.

My latest article is about legendary hair braider and innovator Debra Hare-Bey of Bedstuy, New York. If you were a fan of the hit 90’s show Living Single, and if you loved the character’s Maxine Shaw hair, you have Debra to thank for that. She created that style, which is called the Nu Loc Pixie. Debra has worked with many significant stars since then and is the owner of the posh salon Debra Hare-Bey Private Parlour @ OMhh Beauty Oasis.

Going-Natural.com

This year marked the 15th anniversary of Going-Natural.com, the longest natural hair blog to date, and the What Naturals Love Hair Show that took place on August 17, 2019, in Bedstuy, New York. Debra Hare-Bey’s work was highlighted at the event, and I will post more about the hair show in a future post. You can read the article I wrote about Debra Hare-Bey here: https://going-natural.com/debra-hare-bey-why-we-need-to-know-her/#more-21481

Keep growing and get better

It is my goal to interview Debra Hare-Bey in the very soon and to interview more artists for Grown Folks Music. Writing keeps my creative juices flowing, and it helps me to hone my skills and get better. One of my main goals is to provide the best content for my audience through this blog and all other blogs or websites I happen to lend my voice to. My natural hair journey isn’t just about me documenting my journey, but putting my writing skills to work. I often find myself reading old blogs and taking note of my writing. I still see room for improvement, and one day when I have the time, I will go through my older posts and make changes and edits so they can be better. I hope you enjoy these articles, and please let me know what you think! Do you have a side gig besides blogging or your regular 9-5? What is it? I’d love to know!

What Nine Months Sisterlocked Looks Like

Honestly, I can’t tell if there was growth from month eight until now, but it still doesn’t hurt to do a side by side. The photos I’ve included are a little deceiving because, in the eight-month picture my hair was pretty stretched, and in my nine-month photo, my hair wasn’t stretched much. My next retie is in two weeks. After this retie, my appointments will go to every six or seven weeks. I honestly think I can go every seven weeks, and I will push for that. I don’t have much if any slippage anymore and I haven’t had any other issues (locs bunching or marrying together) to warrant such frequent reties. Lint seems to be my new enemy. Grrrr!!

Why Photos are important

You’ve probably been told or have heard many times how important it is to track your growth through pictures. I’ve found this to be true not only as a loose natural but also with sisterlocks. One of the main reasons being is because if you’re starting your locs with short to medium length hair, you’re naturally impatient to see growth. Many times our expectations are unreasonable. But when you take photos of your hair each month, you’ll see the progress. Not just with length but in texture. You’ll watch them go from thin, stringy looking locs to gradually fuller, longer locs.

What to look for

Some of the things you should take note of when taking photos of your locs are problem areas. Do you see thinning along your edges? Are you putting your locs in styles that are too tight or pull on your edges? Do you notice bunching or thinning with your locs? These are things that should be brought to your loctician’s attention. Perhaps you’re not braiding and banding properly when washing your hair, or something else is causing the issue. Do you see lint or buildup? Do you know how to remove it? Again, bring this to the attention of your loctician so she can help you figure out the best way to combat these issues.

Be encouraged

Whenever you think your locs aren’t growing, trust me, they are:

According to the U.S Center for Disease Control (CDC), scalp hair grows at an average rate of 0.50 inches (1.25 cm) per month, or one-eighth of an inch every week. This means the average person grows 6 inches of hair per year.

Take photos of your locs every month. Look back on the progress you’ve made, and I guarantee you will feel encouraged. You’ll be happy for deciding to get locs, and you’ll be proud of the patience you’ve shown by sticking to your journey. And don’t just look for length or problem areas. Take notice of how healthy and beautiful your locs are. Appreciate the transformation they’ve gone through and the time it took to do so. I’m always amazed at the fact that our hair can loc in the first place. It only reinforces to me that our kinky, coily hair, and hair that is locked, is beautiful.

9 Months Sisterlocked!!

11-16-18 – 8-16-19

Happy nine-month anniversary to meeeee!!! I cannot believe how fast time is going by! I’ll be at my one year mark before we know it! It is still the best decision I’ve made since going natural. Nine months in, forever to go.

Communication With Your Loctician

Communication is vital with anyone that is taking care of your hair. You need to know how your hair is doing, looking, and what you need to stop doing or continue doing when it comes to the care of your hair. Not all beauticians are great communicators, and the same is true for locticians. But as we all know, communication is a two-way street.

Do you get updates on your locs?

When you go for your retie, does your loctician give you an update on the progress of your locs? Does she tell you how they look (good or bad) and inform you of any issues she may see? You need to know these things because how else will you know how your locs are doing? Trained lociticians understand what to look for and see the difference between healthy and unhealthy locs. It doesn’t mean that we’re off the hook because we should also pay attention to our hair and learn what to look for.

Maybe your locitician isn’t talkative and just gets to work the moment you sit in her chair. Perhaps your loctician is talkative and you get so engrossed in conversation that you forget to talk about your locs. It happens.

if you want to know, ask!

Don’t sit idly by waiting or expecting your loctician to give an update. Ask! I find myself doing this a lot because my loctician is the type who gets so zoned in on her work that she doesn’t talk much and she leaves me to watch Netflix on her tv. Sometimes when she doesn’t comment on my locs and how they’re doing, I know it can mean that she doesn’t see any issues. But to be sure that’s the case I’ll say ‘So how do my locs look?’ And she’ll tell me. I’m not going to lie; it used to bother me that she didn’t volunteer the information first. Then I had to check myself because this is my hair and it’s my responsibility to open my mouth and ask questions when I have them. How is she supposed to know that I have issues if I don’t say anything?

It’s a partnership

Your relationship with your loctician should be a partnership. If you don’t feel like you have that, then have an honest conversation with your loctician. If that doesn’t work, then maybe it’s time to move on. Never feel obligated to stick with someone if you’re not getting what you need from their services.

I’ve been with my loctician since my sisterlocks establishment. I’ve gotten to know her and how she works, and she’s gotten to know me. I’ve also learned that she’s not always going to volunteer updates on my hair and that I have to ask, and I’m ok with that. I don’t feel it’s anything she does on purpose. I trust her to be honest with me, and my locs are thriving under her care.

Remember, ask questions when you have them. Don’t wait for your loctician always to give you updates. Be an active participant and partner with your loctician. It will only strengthen the bond and trust between both of you.

Eight Months in And Still Learning

I’m not sure if I’ve shared that I belong to several sisterlocks groups on Facebook, and the information shared on all of them is quite interesting. I say this because there is a lot of misinformation shared. I also belong to a sisterlocks group that goes strictly according to the sisterlocks way. While at first I didn’t like the approach or tone used by the group creator, she has become more courteous and approachable these days. The information she shares is invaluable and quite helpful. It is for that reason I have remained part of her group. She is also a brand ambassador for sisterlocks and takes her role very seriously.

you put what in your hair?

Recently, her posts have been addressing things like using Dawn dish washing liquid to wash your locs, Suave products, and other very popular things that women with sisterlocks (and traditional locs) are using. She stresses how dangerous and damaging these products can be to your hair and how important it is to follow the sisterlocks system, which includes using their products. Some people simply cannot use certain sisterlocks products because they are allergic to the ingredients. Many don’t want to use the sisterlocks products. Many women cannot let go of the idea of not putting products in their hair. They’d rather continue to use what is familiar.

This is strong enough for: washing your car, laundry, mopping floors, cleaning toilets, carpet stains, etc. And people actually use this on their locs?

Water = bad for newly established sisterlocks

One interesting topic that came up was spritzing your locs – whether with rose water or plain distilled water. I read from the brand ambassador of this group that you should NOT be spritzing anything on your locs for moisture if you’re not fully locked. Water only contributes to slippage and prolongs the locking process. So if water aids in slippage, imagine what water infused with oils will do to unsettled (non-mature) locs! I’ve found that in many of these Facebook pages, certified locticians and trainees are telling their clients to spritz their hair with water before styling. They also encourage spritzing with rose water for moisture. They should not be promoting this. The clients, in turn, tell others that spritzing is gospel, and that rosewater adds moisture. Do you see the chain reaction of misinformation this causes for those new to sisterlocks?

No water or rose water for locs that aren’t fully mature!

your product junkie days are over with sisterlocks

Sisterlocks are supposed to be dry. Period. But many don’t like the look or feel of dry hair. This kind of thinking goes back to people not being able to let go of old habits and rituals that go back centuries. For instance, oiling our scalps or putting grease on our hair if it looks dry. (Grease and oil alone do not moisturize your hair.) Sisterlocks was created to do away with all products, and to use only natural products (as needed) that will help your locs when they are fully mature. You don’t have to use sisterlocks products if you don’t feel the need to use them. But know that these products were created specifically for sisterlocks, unlike over the counter products that are typically too heavy for sisterlocks and lead to nasty buildup.

There is no need for these products when you have Sisterlocks.

Beware of too tight styles

Let’s get back to the issue of spritzing your sisterlocks with water (or with oils or essential oils added to the water) or rose water before styling. The reasoning behind this is to prevent breakage due to manipulating dry locs. Dry locs isn’t the only culprit when it comes to breakage. I’ve seen many loc styles that use too much tension. Getting your hair styled in various updos, buns, or braids too frequently will cause breakage. Sisterlocks are smaller locs, so extra care should be taken when styling them. Be careful of the styles you choose, and be gentle with your edges.

Wearing satin bonnets with sisterlocks is a hard NO!

Your locs need to breathe

Another intriguing thing that was brought up in the sisterlocks group on Facebook was whether or not you should cover your hair with a satin bonnet or silk scarf at night before you go to bed. Again, many believe that doing this is a cardinal rule, but it’s not for sisterlocks. Why? Well, as explained by the sisterlocks brand ambassador, bonnets and scarves lock in heat. Heat causes moisture and sweating which can lead to slippage (if you’re not fully locked) and funky hair. You will be especially prone to this if you don’t wash your bonnets or scarves regularly. The sisterlocks brand ambassador further explained that your nighttime routine should include one of the following: plait, braid, twist or roll up your locs with rollers or curl formers. Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase. That’s it. Sisterlocks should not be covered up or tied down at night.

Old Habits die hard, but…

It’s hard for many, myself included, to let go of old habits. Tying my hair up at night is something that was done since I was very little. Using some sort of product in my hair practically every day was also something that was done since I can remember. These practices are passed down from one generation to the next. But once you embark on the sisterlocks journey, you must put an end to these practices so you will have healthy locs that form properly. I am so happy to be on this journey and to still be learning.