My Weight Loss Journey And My Hair

For the past six months (or more) I’ve been on a health and wellness journey. I was tired of being fat and very fearful of my health spiraling out of control that could result in me having all the things I never want to have: diabetes, high blood pressure, or cancer. My husband and I renewed our membership to the gym at the beginning of the year and we’d never go. One of the gyms is located less than a block away from my job. There was no excuse for me not utilizing it. And then I just started to go over my lunch hour and I haven’t stopped since. I typically go 3-4 times a week on my lunch hour and spend 25 – 30 minutes there working out on weight machines or doing cardio on the treadmill or stationary bike.

I am pre-diabetic or borderline diabetic – they both mean the same thing – and my last lab work showed that my A1-C levels were very high. I was angry and very disappointed because I’ve put in so much work going to the gym and changing my diet and losing weight. But this was the wakeup call I needed because I needed to change my diet even more and truly leave sugar and sweets – all the things I love – alone. I tweaked my diet and I’m still working out regularly and the weight has been coming off.

So far I’ve lost 25 pounds and I’m not stopping. I’m not comfortable or happy at my current weight. I won’t be happy until I am out of the danger zone of being diabetic and I reach my goal weight. Working out regularly has increased my stamina. My cravings have died down tremendously. Even if I’m stressed out or worrying about something I’m not grabbing all the bad snacks and candy for comfort. I’d rather exercise instead.

While I’ve been focused on my weight loss and health, my hair has been growing. I haven’t been paying much attention to it, but my husband has been pointing it out to me regularly. Usually what is more common is hair loss after weight loss, particularly rapid weight loss with restrictive diets or weight loss surgery. I don’t consider my diet to be restrictive other than cutting out all the bad things I used to eat, and I haven’t had any lap band or weight loss surgeries.

Working out regularly promotes healthy hair growth. When we exercise blood circulation increases, allowing for more nutrients and oxygen to get to your scalp. In order for hair to grow, each hair follicle must receive nutrients and oxygen from the body’s blood vessels. An increase in blood flow means that more nutrients and oxygen are reaching the scalp. If you perform 30 minutes of cardio three times per week, this will help nourish your hair follicles and result in increased hair growth. Now you tell me who doesn’t want that?

My husband’s keen eye is correct – my hair is growing and growing more than I realized. I’m proud of my healthy habits and regular visits to the gym and working out at home when I don’t go to the gym. I’m seeing results and I’m feeling better. I still have bad knees, but it no longer hurts to walk like it used to. Losing weight isn’t the cure for my knee problems, but it has helped them tremendously. There was a point where I was visibly limping when I walked and was in constant pain. I couldn’t sleep at night and would wake up in pain because of my knees. That doesn’t happen anymore.

If you want hair growth, work out for 30 minutes three times per week doing cardio. Get active and stay active and get that blood flowing throughout your body. Yes our hair will grow regardless, but you will notice an increase when you start a healthy exercise and diet routine. I’m proud of myself. I’m proud that I got tough with myself and I’m sticking to my guns and not giving into temptations no matter how strong they may be. This isn’t about longer hair, longer hair just happens to be an added benefit. This is my journey to a healthier me.

One.Year.Sisterlocked.

Although my one-year mark isn’t until Saturday, I wanted to post something now while I have all these thoughts and emotions coursing through me. I seriously thought I’d never get to my one year mark, especially after my sisterlocks were installed. While I was super excited about having my sisterlocks, I also had nervous butterflies in my stomach. But I forged ahead because I was loc’d and loaded – literally. There was no turning back. I invested (mightily) in myself, and I’m worth every penny and more!

In the beginning

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  Installation day 11-16-2018

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  Consultation September, 2018

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  Installation day at the shop 11-16-18

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  One month

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  Various styles I attempted during first month

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Various stages from installation till five months

In the beginning, I was unsure of so many things: When to wash my locs, how to style them, how to make the stringy look go away. Eventually I figured some things out like washing your locs is the key to them not looking stringy. Washing your locs is also key in your locs swelling. But I quickly realized that I wasn’t one who could wash her locs too often because slippage was a huge problem for me.

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Months 7-8

Having locs also didn’t stop me from being a lazy natural. If anything it encouraged my laziness, lol! I love not having to wash my hair so often. I love getting up and going. I love not putting anything in my hair. I dread wash day because braiding and banding is such a pain, but also a necessary evil. I watched in amazement as my hair began to transform before my very eyes. Over time, my locs became fuller, and they grew and flourished. I could see the light at the end of the tunnel. But I also felt that this was all due to me following the sisterlocks rules to the “t”. I wasn’t bucking the system like so many others. Then I had a rude awakening.

Girl, what is wrong with you?

I became so obsessed with doing everything the right way when it came to my locs that I literally lost myself. I became drunk off the sisterlocks kool-aid. And that’s not to say that the sisterlocks way is wrong. I’m not saying that at all. However, what I had to learn, and it took me almost a year to learn this, was that you have to cater your sisterlocks journey to you. The suggestions and rules that are in place may work for some, but it won’t work for everyone. My wake up call came when I began to have horrible itching and dandruff around my 10th month. That’s when I knew that trying to do everything by the sisterlocks book was doing more harm than good to my scalp. Once I had that realization, everything came full circle for me. I stopped obsessing and I began to relax. I appreciated my journey more. I stopped being so afraid of ruining my locs.

There were some other minor bumps in the road along the way, but I managed to get through them with the help of other sisterlocked sistas via YouTube or Facebook. Support groups are so important to your sisterlocks journey. I can’t stress this enough. Sharing ideas, experiences, frustrations, and getting answers to your questions is essential. Yes, you should first ask your consultant if you see one regularly. But oftentimes it’s good to talk to others with sisterlocks and hear their experiences, tips and tricks. Not all advice is good advice, but be sure you know how to sift through the information and take what you need from it.

What this year has taught me

Having sisterlocks for an entire year has taught me many things. As with being a loose natural, patience is key. You have to be patient. Looking at pictures of those with long, mature locs is not going to help you. If anything, it’ll make you impatient and have unrealistic expectations. This year has also taught me the beauty of embracing new journeys and everything that comes with them. You’re going to have your good days and bad days, unwanted comments and suggestions from family, friends and even strangers. Keep powering through it all.

More importantly, I think this year with sisterlocks has taught me the strength of my confidence. No matter what anyone had to say, it never made me second guess my decision to loc my hair. I embraced my locs and wore them with confidence from day one. Having sisterlocks have made me super aware of other women with sisterlocks or locs in general, and seeing how they rock their locs with the same confidence is everything. It reaffirms everything positive that I already feel about having sisterlocks. I used to think that rocking loose natural hair took a lot of confidence. It does. However…rocking locs of any kind takes a lot of confidence and courage. Let’s not mention the stigmas and sterotypes associated with having locs. It’s enough to make anyone think twice about getting them!

Hair freedom

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  Photo taken 11/13/2019

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  Length check in the mirror

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  Bantu Knot Curls

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  Photo taken 11/13/2019

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  Lightly Flat ironed sisterlocks

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  Bantu Knot curls

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  Photo taken 11/13/2019

Months 11 and 12 sisterlocked.

I’ve never experienced this kind of hair freedom before, and I love it. At this point in my journey, there isn’t anything that could make me get rid of my locs. With sisterlocks, I’ve found the hair freedom I’ve been looking for and it’s only bolstered my confidence and enhanced my appreciation for locs. More importantly, sisterlocks have taught me patience all over again. I had to let go of the idea of controlling what my hair does and trust the locking and growth process. Growth will come and your hair will loc. Trust me. Letting go is hard for many to do, but once you do, you’ll be amazed at how your hair flourishes when it’s left alone to do what it do. Document your journey with pictures. Seeing how much your hair has grown when you think it isn’t growing, and seeing how much your locs have matured over time will blow your mind.

Now that I’m one full year into my sisterlocks journey, I cannot wait to see what year two, three and beyond will bring. I’m excited, I’m humbled, and I’m thankful. Thankful that all of my experiences as a loose natural led me to seek something more permanent, sisterlocks.

11th Retie Update

I’m late with this update, but I also made a video, so I hope you enjoy it!

Grid|New-Growth|Before 11th Retie

In case you missed it, yesterday (Wednesday) was my 11 month anniversary of having sisterlocks. Here is a visual of how my locs look right now.

Photo taken 10/16/2019

New growth

I circled in red my new growth. It just stands up and out proudly, lol! It feels like a birds nest underneath my locs. I can no longer run my fingers through my locs because they get stuck in the new growth. I don’t know why my hair is growing so much, but I’m also not complaining! At my last retie, my loctician didn’t retie all the way down to the root like she normally does. It was ok because we both were pressed for time as I had to go pick up my son and she had two other customers waiting. I didn’t know that my new growth would be this much and this wild. It looks like I’m two months behind with my reties!

Hair growing outside of the grid

Hair growing outside of the grid is something I’ll have to deal with as long as I have sisterlocks. This month that hair growth is looking extra bushy! I’m so happy my retie appointment is tomorrow because my grid and locs are in need of some special attention. I sent my loctician a text letting her know what she’s in for when I see her tomorrow and that she can take her time taming my grid and locs! I suppose the plus side to all of this is the volume that all of my new growth gives my locs. However…I’m ready for this retie. I don’t think I’ve looked forward to a retie this much since having sisterlocks.

I’ve decided that I’m going to ask my loctician about dying my locs now that I’m almost at my one year mark She’s also a colorist, and coloring locs is something she’s passionate about so I’ll definitely let her color my locs. I’m ready to jazz things up with my locs and my look. I haven’t colored my hair in well over 20 years and I finally feel ready to try something different. I’m excited actually! I want a copper, golden brown color if that makes any sense. I know the color I want when I see it. Something like this…

The hair color I want for my locs

Isn’t that a pretty color? And I feel it’s perfect for fall! I live in the midwest, so I LOVE fall colors. I’ll keep you guys posted. Do any of you plan on coloring your hair for the fall or winter? Chime in and let me know!

Loc Extensions – Is It Cheating?

Loc extensions is a touchy subject for those with locs. Just look at any loc page on Facebook or Instagram and you’ll see the heated debates for yourself. Personally, I didn’t know this was a thing until I joined the loc community. What keeps me from passing judgment is the fact that men and women get loc extensions for various reasons. Just like there are natural hair nazis and purists, there are loc nazis and purists. Let’s get into it.

what are loc extensions?

Permanent Loc Extensions

Loc extensions is the use of human hair that is of the same grade and density of your own that is used to start your locs or add length to your current locs. This is not the same as faux locs which is a temporary protective style. Loc extensions should only be installed by a trained professional who knows what they are doing.

Why do people get Loc Extensions?

As stated earlier, the reasons vary. There are those who don’t like short hair and don’t have the patience to wait for their locs to grow. Others get them because they had issues with their hair, be it breakage or something else and they add loc extensions. And then there are those who simply want a different look and want to add length. Some prefer starting their loc journey with loc extensions and then slowly cut off the loc extensions as their locs grow.

why some view loc extensions as cheating

This is the sensitive part. Those who started their locs from scratch, especially if they started with very short hair, feel like you’re skipping the journey if you use loc extensions. They feel it’s cheating. How can you call it a journey if you don’t go through all the stages of your hair locking, which includes the baby phase, the ugly stage, and everything in between? There’s a sense of pride and accomplishment for those in the loc community who weathered the storms, persevered through all the ups and down of having locs until their locs finally reach the mature stage.

I think back to being a loose natural and how the natural purists look down on you if you have synthetic or human hair added to your own for braids or other protective styles. And don’t you dare wear a wig! Natural hair purists feel that your natural hair is good enough and you should protective style your own hair. This is how those who went through the entire loc journey feel about those who get loc extensions. They feel you’re skipping steps in the journey just to have length that many labored years to achieve.

Another fact many fail to acknowledge is some people have such an attachment to hair that not having long hair is crippling to them. They simply can’t take it. So they do what makes them feel better, and that includes adding extensions. I personally know a lot of people like this. I believe in some ways, our identity is intricately tied to our hair, especially as black people. No other race has been so maligned because of how their hair grows out of their scalps as much as black people have.

To Each his own

In my humble opinion, I say to each his own. What you do with your hair or locs does not bother me one way or another. I can see both sides of the argument. Who am I to argue about a person’s reasons for doing something that suits them? As mentioned earlier, there are those who cut the loc extensions off as their own locs grow and attain length. There are those who keep their loc extensions because they want the length. As long as they have healthy hair and maintain their locs as they should, I have no issue with loc extentions.

Loc extensions is a service that has a need, and I’m seeing these services advertised more and more on Facebook and Instagram. I appreciate those who are honest about having loc extensions. Many who admit to having them get bashed on social media, and this should not be. We don’t know their story, nor are we walking in their shoes. It is not our place to judge anyone for doing something that make them feel better about themselves.

Everybody’s journey is different – that’s why it’s called a journey. Be it your natural hair journey or loc journey, we sometimes take different paths than others. There is no rule book that says you must do things this way or else you’re not natural or your locs aren’t real. What about those who have cut off their long locs but a a few years down the line decide they want their locs back and have them reattached? Is that cheating? Or what about those who have lost their hair due to chemo treatments, but after they are done with the treatments and their hair has grown back, they decide to reattach their locs? Is that considered cheating? Where do we draw the line? We draw the line by minding our own business and stop judging others journey.

Oils That Promote Hair Growth Part II

Clary Sage essential oil

Clary Sage essential oil is an oil I didn’t know much about until recently. It is one of at least one hundred varieties in the Sage family, but the milder version when it comes to taste and smell. Clary Sage is also harder to find than regular sage, and is used mostly for medicinal purposes. For that reason, it’s widely used in teas to cure various ailments. This doesn’t mean you can’t cook with Clary Sage because you can. You’d just have to use more of it to get the taste of regular sage. Because of Clary Sage’s milder taste, you can eat it raw.

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  Clary Sage

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  Sage

How can you identify Clary Sage? Their leaves are large and roundish with a rough texture and fine hairs whereas sage leaves are oblong and smaller than those of the Clary Sage but also have a rough, hairy texture.

How to use on hair And scalp

Clary sage oil contains the same linalyl acetate that helps make lavender oil so effective in increasing hair growth. It can improve hair strength, in addition to increasing hair growth, making hair more difficult to break.

Mix 3 drops of clary sage oil with your favorite conditioner, or with 1 tablespoon of your favorite carrier oil. If using it daily, rinse out after 2 minutes. If using it once or twice per week, leave it on for 10 minutes. If making a hair growth serum, add a few drops of Clary Sage essential oil to your mixture.

You can also use the combination of Clary Sage, Cedarwood, and Lavender essential oils (each oil promotes hair growth) with a carrier oil of your choice such as coconut or olive oil, as a hot oil treatment. Remember, you only need a few drops of each essential oil along with 3 table spoons of our carrier oil. Heat the mixture, massage into hair and scalp, wrap your head with a hot towel or put a plastic shower cap over your head and sit under a hooded dryer under medium heat for 30 minutes. Shampoo as normal.

additional benefits of clary sage essential oil

Reduces Stress

When used in aromatherapy, clary sage oil can help alleviate stress by inducing a sense of well-being. When inhaled, clary sage essential oil elicited feelings of relaxation and helped to reduce blood pressure.

Antidepressant

In a 2010 study, researchers concluded that clary sage essential oil had the most potent anti-stress effect. They found that the effect of the oil was closely linked to the feel-good hormone dopamine.

Antibacterial

Clary Sage is prove to be effective against strains of bacteria including E-coli. Clary Sage is also known to have anti-fungal properties as well.

Improved Mental Function

Clary sage and sage plants in general are associated with improved memory, greater alertness, and potential Alzheimer’s-fighting effects.

precautions

Though arguments on this vary, most agree that it is not recommended that you use Clary Sage if you are pregnant as it is known to induce labor. As always, test essential oils on a small part of your skin to see if you have a reaction to it before using. If you have an adverse reaction to an essential oil, stop using it and see your doctor.

Carrot oil/Carrot seed oil

Carrot oil is a popular vegetable oil that is rich in beta-carotene and vitamins. This is not the same as carrot seed essential oil, which is derived from carrot seeds. Carrot oil can actually increase circulation and stimulate the development of new cells, which creates a healthy environment for hair to grow. It’s a natural source of vitamins A, E and and offers much needed moisture to dry scalps. Natural oils encourage your dry scalp to create more sebum, which moisturizes your hair and scalp and promotes overall hair health and shine. Whether you choose to use it on its own, in a blend with other essential oils or as part of a hair rinse, carrot oil helps keep your hair healthy and shiny.

Carrot oil has antibacterial properties against a variety of bacteria and fungus. People experiencing dandruff and dry scalp may find relief from their symptoms when they treat their hair periodically with carrot oil. Using naturally occurring oils on your scalp, particularly if it’s dry, can stimulate the production of your own body’s oil, or sebum.

how to use carrot oil on hair and scalp

Like most oils, you can use carrot oil as part of your own hair growth serum. To boost the benefits of your favorite conditioner, add a teaspoon to your conditioner. Or use as a hot oil treatment in a blend with other oils. If you prefer to use carrot seed essential oil, then you will need to use a carrier oil with it. If you’re only using carrot oil, there is no need to dilute it. You can apply carrot seed oil directly to your scalp or skin.

Additional benefits of carrot oil/Carrot seed oil

Stimulates circulation

Used in aromatherapy applications, carrot seed oil stimulates circulation as well as brain and nerve functions.

Has soothing properties

Its warm, earthy, woody, and herbaceous scent has a soothing, refreshing, and grounding effect that is known to diminish feelings of fatigue, weakness, anxiety, and stress.

precautions

If you have blonde or light colored hair, use caution on using carrot oil on your hair regularly as it may stain your hair. Carrot oil is used as a natural dye by some. Carrot oil can be ingested, but if ingested in large amounts, it can cause nausea and vomiting. Always use caution, and test a small amount on your skin to check for an allergic reaction. Consult with a physician before ingesting.

Stay tuned for the next two oils that I highlight!

Oils That Promote Hair Growth

Since going natural six years ago, I became obsessed with essential oils and organic natural oils that are good for your hair and scalp. I’ve made many serums and butters that can be used from head to toe that are not only good for your skin, but promotes hair growth. For the next four days I will spotlight two oils each day and highlight their benefits and uses.

sandalwood essential oil

Sandalwood oil is extracted from the heartwood of the Santalum tree. It is rich in sesquiterpenes that contain antiseptic, antiphlogistic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, carminative, cicatrizant, disinfectant, and various other properties to promote good health, sound mind, and clear skin and hair.

How to use on hair and scalp

Massaging sandalwood oil mixed with a carrier oil (coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or avocado oil) directly to the scalp, it helps stimulate blood circulation for optimal hair growth. Sandalwood oil is commonly used by many people as a hair straightening agent for those with wavy or curly hair. It also helps add extra shine or sheen to dry looking hair. Additionally, it also helps get rid of excess sebum on oily scalp leaving it balanced and dandruff-free. Many shampoos and conditioners contain sandalwood to oil help with dry damaged hair and dandruff.

additional benefits of sandalwood Essential oil

Boosts memory

Sandalwood essential oil helps in improving mental clarity. It also helps in boosting the memory.  Add a few drops of this essential oil to your palm and rub vigorously to release the aroma when you are stressed for a clearer mind and better memory.

Natural astringent

The astringent properties of this essential oil help in healing minor wounds and burns. It is excellent to use as a facial toner and aftershave. It will cleanse the skin and smooth rough skin.

Helps with Skin infections and Inflammation

The antiviral and antiseptic properties of this essential oil helps in alleviating viral infections and easing inflammation. It is very effective in healing various inflammatory skin infections including pimples and acne.

Good for throat and chest infections

Make use of the antiseptic and anti-viral properties of this essential oil to ease various infections affecting the chest and throat. Add a few drops of this essential oil to a cup of warm water and gargle to ease the infections.

Helps to heal insect bites and skin inflammations

Santalol, an ingredient present in sandalwood essential oil, helps in easing the inflammations just like the NSAIDs. Mix a few drops of this essential oil with coconut oil and apply topically to ease insect bites and other skin irritations.

Delays aging

Packed with antioxidants in rich amounts, sandalwood essential oil helps in eliminating the free radicals, thus preventing premature skin aging.

Ylang ylang essential oil

The Cananga Odonata Tree (commonly known as the Canaga Tree) is a tropical tree native to Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The Canaga Tree produces gorgeous yellow-green flowers know as Ylang Ylang flowers (pronounced as Ee-lang Ee-lang). Ylang Ylang essential oil is extracted by steam distilling the entire flower. Ylang Ylang is used as a sedative and antidepressant and an antiseptic. Its use dates back to the Victorian age when, in England, it was used as a natural hair growth treatment.

how to use on hair and scalp

Used with a carrier oil of your choice, Ylang Ylang oil is great to use as a scalp massage. Massaging Ylang Ylang into your scalp stimulates blood flow and hair growth. It is also very effective in preventing thinning hair. You can also add a few drops of Ylang Ylang oil to your shampoo or conditioner for optimal benefits.

Ylang Ylang is also great as a hot oil treatment. Heat three table spoons olive oil and five drops of Ylang Ylang oil and massage into hair and scalp. Wrap a hot towel around your head for about 30 minutes. The heat will help the oil to penetrate the hair follicle to promote hair growth. You can also cover your hair with a plastic shower cap and sit under a hooded dryer on medium heat for 30 minutes.

additional benefits of ylang ylang essential oil

Stress Reducer

Stress is a major contributor to hair loss. One of the beneficial uses of Ylang Ylang oil is as a sedative. It is used in aromatherapy to relieve stress and relax an individual. The oil’s calming fragrance has a euphoric effect on the nervous system, and reduces anxiety, tension, fear, thus reducing hair fall loss due to stress.

Head Lice Repellant

Ylang Ylang oil mixed with coconut oil is a great one two punch for getting rid of had lice. Coconut oil penetrates the shaft of the hair and its follicles, repelling lice and preventing the eggs from attaching themselves to the hair. Add apple cider vinegar, and battling lice becomes a much easier task. Ylang Ylang EO is included in many recipes for the treatment of lice.

some precautions

• If used too much, Ylang Ylang oil can cause skin irritation, headache, or nausea
• Ylang Ylang oil should not be used on children or pregnant women.
• Do not use on inflamed or irritated skin or if you have dermatitis.
• Do not use if you have low blood pressure.

If you decide to add sandalwood essential oil or Ylang Ylang essential oil to your hair care routine, be sure to use them with a carrier oil such as coconut, olive, avocado, etc. A few drops go a long way, so be sure you don’t use too much Ylang Ylang oil. Both oils are great to add to your DIY hair growth serums and body butters. May you achieve beautiful hair growth and health!

Do you use sandalwood or Ylang Ylang in your hair care routine? Share how you use them and the results you’ve achieved!

Sisterlocks Update After 9th Retie

Hair growing outside of the loc

This past Friday, I had my 9th retie. I’m also two weeks away from being ten months sisterlocked. Some of the issues noted by my loctician were slippage of one loc at the nape of my neck. She also noticed that my hair is growing outside of my loc. She said she would have to keep an eye on that and I should too because sometimes that can mean dun-dun-dunnnn BREAKAGE! Of course, my heart began to palpitate, and worry began to consume me at the mere mention of the “b” word.

My fears were quickly put to rest as she assured me that she doesn’t believe it’s breakage, but how my hair grows. So not only does my hair grow outside of the grid, but it also grows out of the loc. She said as long as I don’t mind the look of having fuzzy locs that I shouldn’t worry about it. What I forgot to ask her was is hair growing out of my loc going to be a permanent thing or will this go away after I’m fully locked, because at this point I’m not fully locked. I will ask her at my next retie appointment.

Length check after 9th retie. Two weeks from being 10 months sisterlocked.

important questions

My loctician then asked if I was still braiding and banding when I wash (I do) and if I sleep with a bonnet or a satin pillowcase (I told her a satin pillowcase). I explained to her that I’m making more of an effort to plait my hair up at night due to my sweating. Also, I believe not braiding my hair at night contributes to the fuzzy locs. As far as washing my hair, I only wash my locs twice a month or as needed because of my fear of slippage, and I know certain areas of my head are prone to slippage.

Hormones & Hair loss

Before my surgery and after, my loctician and I discussed the possibility of hair loss following a hysterectomy. She asked if I was on any hormone replacement drugs and if I noticed any thinning or hair loss, to which I answered no. She began to examine my hair at the crown of my head, which is where hair loss typically happens. She said everything looked good and there were no signs of hair loss. I still have a problem area on my right temple, and that has always been a problem area for me from years ago.

Even though my hair looks good and there aren’t any signs of hair loss, I’m going to continue to keep an eye on my crown area. I’m also going to ask if it’s okay to use castor oil on the problem area on my right temple, or a lighter oil that promotes hair growth.

New retie schedule

Remember how I wanted to see if I could push my reties to seven weeks? Well, we agreed on six weeks. My loctician is leaving the decision up to me as to how far I want to push out my reties, and I’m happy about that. Now that my locs are maturing more and I’m not having any significant issues, she’s okay with me going longer between reties. After my next retie, I may even go to seven weeks.

I love the progress that my locs are achieving. Even though I may feel anxious about being able to do certain things with my locs, I see the benefits of waiting, being patient, and communicating with my loctician. My loctician always explains in detail when I have questions or when she’s instructing me on something. Once I understand, it makes following her instructions and having patience easier.

Eight Months Sisterlocked

Summer 2019 in the Midwest has been horrifically hot. I can’t stress this enough. This demon heat, coupled with hot flashes, had me putting my hair up in various ways almost every day. My hairstyles varied between plaits, one ponytail on top of my head (my ponytails aren’t so struggle anymore!), two ponytails on each side, or two braids going to the back on each side. I have never sweated so much in my head in my life!

Installation 11-16-18 vs 8 Months

Growth & Hang time

Despite the heat misery, I didn’t forget to take notice of my locs. They are getting thicker and locking. But one thing I’ve noticed the most which started in month seven is growth. It seems my locs went on a growth spurt, and I think this is part of the falling stage. The falling stage is as your locs thicken and swell; they also fall and show their length. Many also refer to this as hang time. Another way I know my locs are growing is when my family comments on their length. Also, when I’m constantly brushing an imaginary bug off my shoulder, neck or upper back only to realize it’s my hair.

I know I sound like a broken record saying this, but watching my locs go through such transformations from installment until now is nothing short of amazing. It doesn’t seem that long ago when I had stringy locs that I didn’t know what to do with. And here I am today, with full, longer locs – and they are going to get fuller once they mature.

Document your journey

It is true when others with locs tell you that the growth and length will come, just be patient. That is why it is so important to document your journey by taking pictures of your locs regularly to see your progress. You will appreciate your journey more and how far you’ve come. For me, some of my progress seemed to have happened overnight. I believe that’s because I’m not continually styling or fussing with my locs. Leaving them alone appears to have been the best thing I could have done for them. Also, only washing them when needed. Sometimes that’s once or twice a month.

July 2019

be patient

As always, what works for me may not work for you. Your hair type, density, and length all play a part in your loc journey. But one thing that remains the same for everyone who embarks on a loc journey is you must have patience. The more patience you have, the more you trust the process, the happier you’ll be with the outcome. Thankfully I’m on the right path. Happy eight months to me!

My Favorite Thing About Sisterlocks

Hair freedom. No products. No combs. Yes, all of those things that I no longer have to worry about are still at the top of my list of favorite things when it comes to having sisterlocks. HOWEVER…my new favorite thing is new growth. That fullness that my locs get when it’s almost time for a retie. To me, that is when my locs are the most beautiful.

Full look vs. fresh retie

I think back to when I was a loose natural. My hair looked it’s best when it was due for a wash. That was when I’d receive the most compliments because my hair was full and it behaved. Well, the products I had in it helped, but if you experienced this yourself, then you know what I mean. Reties leave you with straight locs that seem plastered to your scalp. I don’t like that look. There are many who love how their locs look after a fresh retie because they feel their locs and grid look neat and fresh. I like and prefer the messy and full look.

Hidden growth

Another thing I love about sisterlocks is every time I think my hair isn’t growing one day out of the blue my length will show. I’ll feel something brushing against my neck and back thinking it’s a bug crawling on me only to realize it’s my hair! As you may know, I don’t do anything to my hair. I don’t style it. I just let it be. Every so often I’ll plait it up to stretch it, and that’s when I’ll notice the growth. Other times it’s been my husband who’d tell me, “Your hair is growing.” And then I’ll look closely at it and say “You’re right! It is!”

Before my last retie. #Fullness

plaits or braids at night

Currently my hair is in plaits. It’s summer, and I sweat a lot in my head so having my locs in plaits or braids helps with that. I was told that plaiting or braiding your sisterlocks every night trains your locs on how to hang. I’ll never remember nor feel like braiding my locs every night, but I try to do so every so often. I’m seven months into my journey, and I’ve experienced growth from leaving my hair alone as much as possible. I think it’s working out for me so far. 🙂