March 22 marked 7 years since I started my Sisterlock Journey. I still can't believe it has been that long. This journey has brought many joys and slight challenges. Either way I think it's one of the best hair decisions I have made. Every journey takes a period of getting use to. The locingprocess has taken getting use to a new outlook on hair and its many transformations, a new way of maintaining, and a new way of style that shows its versatility. Click any loc word to find a video from my loc journey. 1. Locs can be transformed into just about any way you want it to look. Locs are versatile and I'm still amazed at the different styles I've been able to achieve and the different styles I've seen people rock. 2. Locs are low maintenance but not no maintenance. 3. Everyone's locs are all unique. There are no to heads oflocs that are exactly the same and respond exactly the same way to the sameloccare. 4. Locscan be both freeing and restrictive. It all just depends on your perspective. 5. In order to enjoy your locjourney you just got to have fun with your hair. 6. Locs will grow at their own pace no matter how hard you wish and dream the growth to speed up. Focus on healthy locs not just long locs. 7. Know that your locs are not going to be perfect but love each loc anyway.
Below are pictures and videos from each year of my Sisterlock Journey.
In September I had an opportunity to see The Outsiders play at the theater in town. I absolutely loved this book when I was in middle school. The actors and the actresses did an awesome job of recreating the scenes and they really depicted the essence of the story. After leaving the play I was inspired to recreate the Greasers look and to style myself as a Biker Girl. One of my lovely subscribers to my channel suggested a few months ago that I do a 1950s loc style tutorial. With these two ideas floating around, I decided to do a Retro Biker Girl style with a 1950s victory rolls hairstyle.
I loved creating this look, and filming this video! I have been wanting to collaborate with other youtubers so I called on Locs of Love to join me in recreating a retro style. Locs of love decided to do pin curls and her style was inspired by Marilyn Monroe. Check out the video below. I am introducing in this blog post an alternate style that didn't make the video. Let me know which one you like the most. Thanks for stopping by! :-)
The Retro Biker Girl #1
Retro Biker Girl #2 (Alternate Look)
In both styles I created the victory rolls and bumper bangs with my locs. I also did an alternate look for the hairstyle. I placed the victory rolls to one side. The picture below is hairstyle #1 and #2. Which do you like?
What I'm wearing
Retro Look #1
Rue 21 skinny jeans
White shirt
White earrings
Faux leather jacket (Rainbow)
Converse (Journeys)
Retro Look #2
Rue 21 skinny jeans
Pinstripe button down Banana Republic long sleeve shirt (Thrifted)
White earrings
Black belt
Converse (Journeys)
Below is the collab video with the Retro Style #1. Check out Locs of Love as well. She created a fabulous look with pin curls.
Check out some of the styles I have created with my sisterlocks over the past 15 months. Follow me on Pinterest, IG, Youtube, Twitter, and this blog to stay update with tutorials and current styles. Post any questions below.
Wrapaloc is a best kept secret. I had not heard of this curling styling tool until I attended the ATL Loc Appreciation Day meet up in June. I have used quite a few curling tools and each one creates it's own effect. I like the looks that the Wrapaloc tools create.
I purchased the Wrapaloc product back in June. I had a chance to use the products twice. The first time I made big spirals because I packed a lot of my locs on each tool. I purchased 2 packs (40 tools), and in order to curl all of my hair I overloaded the tools. The second time I used the tools, I only put 5-7 locs on a tool. I was able to create bouncy spiral curls.
This was how my hair looked while rolling the locs on the tool.
These are pictures of two ways you can style the hair with the tools in. You can wear the tools in the hair and still style it. The tools can be worn out of the house while the curls are forming and people will not know you have rollers in your hair.
First Time Application
I rolled the hair damp and I oiled my locs during the application. I kept the tools in for two days. The tools can be used as a style before the style but I didn't really style them because there was so much hair on each tool. I took out the tools and I immediately pulled apart the curls. I had big bouncy, spiral curls as a result. The curls lasted until I wet my hair. I kept the curls for 3 weeks. The only product I used during the rolling was a little hair oil and I made sure my hair was damp. The tools can create spiral curls, waves, small curls, medium curls, and large curls depending on how much hair you add to the tool.
Second Time Application
The difference in this application was that I only put 5-7 locs on each tool. I still only had 40 tools, so I had to do knot locks in the back. It took me about 2.5 hours to roll the hair. I kept the tools in for one day. I wore the spiral ring curls four days. It was comfortable to sleep with the tools in because I didn't rolling the hair too tightly. The tools produced long bouncy spiral curls. The curls were precise, tight, and elongated. I pulled the curls apart and more the full spirals curls for three weeks. They lasted until I washed my hair.
The Wrapaloc tool is safe for the hair, and it allows for a tight elongated curl. The tool is wrapped with a black type of silicone covering and they are durable. The tools can be bent, folded, and unfolded to the original shape. It doesn't stick to the hair or become tangled. It is perfectly good for curling the hair and you can keep the tools in for over a week. The tools come in three sizes: small, medium, and large. The tools should be purchased based on the length of your hair. The tool should be half the length of your hair. It can be used on loose natural hair, permed hair, and loc'd hair. I used the large Wrapaloc tool on my locs.
The curls the tool created were uniform, because of how I curled them on the tool. I like that you can style the hair with the tools, wear the hair in the spiral ring curls, and then wear the curls pulled apart.
It is $22 per pack of 20 tools, and I think it's worth the looks it creates. Typically 2 packs should be enough. I have over 400 locs so I have to use 3-4 packs. I ordered online and it took 4 business days to arrive.
Overall I absolutely loved the results both times that I used the tools. Post questions or comments below.
I currently have a giveaway going on my Youtube channel for 2 packs of Wrapaloc tools. Check it out if interested.
I had the opportunity to attend the 1st Annual Loc Appreciation Day Meetup in ATL on June 28th, 2014 for Loc Appreciation Day. It was hosted by Loc Livin at Iwi Day Spa. I was quite excited to attend because I have been participating in LAD since it started but I never heard of meet ups near my area. I also got a chance to showcase Loc'd sisters and brothers on Youtube who wanted to wish others a happy loc appreciation day. I will have both videos at the bottom of this post to check out. Shout out to Qochemist from Youtube for sharing this great idea. In this fourth year the recognition of this day has stretched to other countries. I look forward to LAD spreading to other areas and more meet ups being planned.
Below is a recap of my personal perspective on the celebration for Loc Appreciation Day in 8 bullet points.
1. I met Sister Nandi and purchased the wrapaloc tools. I had not previously seen or heard of this product. (Review coming soon!).
2. I met GrizzleRocsLocs! I am always thrilled to meet people who make videos that I watch or those who watch my video.
3. I met several kind loc'd sisters and brothers who were all about positivity and fellowship.
4. Towards the end of the meet up I met my sisterlock twin. We share a lot of hair similarities from length, time growing, and color.
5. The master stylist Mzladylox showed us perfection when she styled over four heads right there on the spot in quick, beautiful, and efficient loc styles.
6. I purchased loc jewelry from Shedly with Jewelry4mylocs. I didn't even know I could wear loc jewelry on my small locs.
7. There were so many varieties of loc styles, lengths, and color. It was loc galore! It was great seeing the different shades and versatility of locs in person.
8. The event was complete with a dj and refreshments. The venue was outdoors. It was pretty and had a waterfall backdrop. It was an overall good atmosphere.
I was inspired by a style I saw Jada Pinkett wearing. My hair was too thick for that style so this is what resulted. Usually one style transforms into another. I think it turned out great and I wasn't even aiming to do it this way.
The swirl is three flat braids to the side and I swirled the braids on the side. I may post a video tutorial. If you're interested in the tutorial post a comment and let me know.
Calling all Loc wearers and anyone who just loves the versatility of locs. This celebration is for you. This year Loc Appreciation Day will be on June 28th. There are many giveaways and events planned for that day in several different cities. If you're interested in wishing everyone a Happy Loc Appreciation Day please submit a video so it can be included in the collaboration video. Checkout the video below for more information.
If you're in ATL or nearby check out the ATL meet up for Loc Appreciation Day. It's going to be a great event to meet other loc'd sisters and brothers, check out vendors, hear spoken word, discussion panel, and music. If you have any questions or would like more details let me know.
There is a Facebook group with information about meet ups in others areas.
I have compiled these questions from the comments I have received in many of my videos on Youtube. If you have any questions leave them in the comment section. The questions are not listed in a specific order. The pictures included showcase my newly retightened locks. I got them retightened the day before the pictures were taken.
1. How long does retightening take?
It takes 3.5- 4 hours to get my locks retightened if I'm on schedule.
2. How long do I go between retightenings?
It is recommended that I go every 8 weeks. When I keep this schedule it allows me to keep my retightenings to 3.5-4 hours. It also helps to keep my lists strong. Retightening at different intervals will weaken the lock over time.
3. What products do I use?
I wash my hair with the All Natural Knotty Boy Shampoo bar. I moisturize with Motions Oil. I don't put anything else on my hair.
4. How often do I wash?
I was every 3-3.5 weeks. This is an area I am working on. I should definitely wash more than I usually do.
5. How many locks do I have?
The last time I counted I had 505 locks.
6. How do I cover my hair at night?
I use a bonnet for braids so that my locks can lay in the sleeve. I have a Lock Sock but the band needs to be loosened.
7. How much are retightenings?
The price varies based on the loctician and their level of experience. It is usually an hourly fee.
8. What size are my locks?
I have small to medium locks because of my hair texture.
9. How do you find a good loctician?
I went to the www.Sisterlock.com website and looked up certified and trainee locticians. I wanted someone who was also a stylist so that I could get my hair retightened at a salon.
10. What's the difference between traditional locks, dreads, sister locks, micro locks?
I know the most about Sisterlocks, so I will focus on what makes them different. Sisterlocks uses a specific locking pattern based on hair texture, specific parting grid, and a specific lock size based on hair texture.
11. Who did my hair?
My hair was started by Blenna Williams from Salon Naturelle. I moved so I had to find a new loctician. My last retightening was done my Monica Jackson at Trends Salon.
12. Who colored my hair?
Blenna Williams at Salon Naturelle colored my hair.
13. What color are your locks?
It's a mixture of three different shades of auburn. I told my loctician at the time that I wanted brown and the colors that were produced were a perfect compliment for my complexion. I absolutely loved the finished product. It was my first time ever getting my hair permanently dyed.
14. How long have you been locked?
As of March 23, 2014, I have been locked 5 years.
15. How long did it take for them to lock?
My locks in the back started to lock around year two. I have a section of loose more wavy hair at the top, and it took at least 3.5-4 years to lock. My locks are considered mature now. My original loctician made sure my locks were mature before adding color. I must of asked for color a million times, but they weren't ready until after 3.5-4 years.
16. How long was your hair when you first started?
I had about 6 inches of hair. It barely dusted my shoulder in the back.
17. Do you retighten yourself?
I took the class in 2010. I have since then retightened the front of my head twice. So, no I don't regularly retighten my whole head by myself. in March I actually told myself I wanted to try to. It wasn't successful. I did the front, and eight locks in the back and it took a really long time. My new grow was accumulating in the process so I decided to find a new professional to do the retightening.
18. Were you natural before Sisterlocks?
Yes I had been natural for 22 months.
This was taken in December 2008. I got the locks 3 months later.
Each lockaversary affords the opportunity to reflect on lock progress, to continue what works best, and to discontinue the unsuccessful. It also gives me a chance to recommit to providing my hair the best care. I admit locks at times have made me a little lazy. In this 5th year of lockdom, I have taken on more responsibility by retightening my own hair. This makes having locks not so much fun. It's hard work. For me it's hard work that lasts for hours. The not so fun part of maintenance is quickly forgotten when I am able to rock a new style with my freshly retightened locks. Some things I am looking forward to:
New styles and techniques for longer locks. There are so many styles that I want to try!
Retightening my whole head by myself and improving on the time it takes.
Going all black again (I want to dye it back black. I am not liking the two tones)
Issues:
Lint (Anyone have any tips?)
Swimming (I want to swim more but wonder if it will cause lock issues.)
Below are a few pictures of styles I have done within the last year. I also have comparison shots of my locks over the years.
Braided Updo on Sisterlocks
Bantu Knot Out
Day 1 vs. Day 1790 of Sisterlocks
1 year of Sisterlock growth
Be sure to check out my Youtube channel for tutorials of some of the styles and more pictures. If you have any questions about my lock experience, let me know in the comments. When is your lockaversary and how long have you had your locks? -Love, Life, and Locks
Thank you to the beautiful ladies that submitted a picture for the Lock Shout Out video. I wanted to showcase the beauty and versatility of locks by creating this video to share with my viewers. This was also a way to share and connect with other locked sisters. Go check out their Youtube and instagram pages. If you're interested in being featured in the next lock shout out video, leave it in the comments.
Hello to all myy followers on this blog! It's 2014 and it's been almost 2 years since I posted here. I still would like this blog to focus on my hair journey. I have been doing a better job of tracking my hair journey on my youtube channel (screen name ibyl). With my 5 year Lockaversary fast approaching I feel it only fitting to rejuvenate this blog with an update or continual updates. I will also be posting about Influenster products/reviews, nails, DIY, tips, cooking recipes, and anything else that comes to mind. Feel free to comment, ask questions, tweet/share my postings. I'm not sure how you found this space of the web, but I'll post all my links so we can connect on all the different social media. I love comments and interacting with my online viewers. Stay Tuned!
Mini Update:
March 2014 will mark 5 years since I started my locks. I am still loving them. I am so shocked by how long my locks have grown. sister locks and just locks in general ROCK. I still think it's the best hair decision that I have made and continue to make. The only issue I have been dealing with lately id lint getting in my locks. I have my hair dyed brown so it's fairly noticeable... definitely to me. I'll leave you all with a picture until I come back with a more detailed post.
March 23rd marked two years sisterlocked. I have photographed the whole journey so far. It feels great to look back to the beginning and where my hair is now. I will post a comparison picture below.
I am definitely slightly past shoulder length. When I need to put my purse on my shoulder I have to move my hair first. lol!
I am looking forward to when I will be able to color.
My hair recently (last 2-3 months) went through an itching phase. It even itched right after a wash. But lately it has been better but I haven't done anything differently.
It's late in the night/ or early in the morning and it's late that I'm posting this. May 20th, 2010 marked three years since I last had a perm. It still amzes me, I'm content and don't miss it, but I wonder what took me so long. Glad to be nappy and glad to be locked. Happy Perm-free Versary to me!
I have a couple of dates of recognition on this hair journey.
May, 20, 2007 last perm Perm-free aversary
Dec. 22, 2007 BigChop Nappiversary
March 23, 2009 Sisterlocks installed lockaversary
Monday, March 29, 2010
This week is my spring break, so I have some free time. I should definitely update a little more. Today I got a pedicure with my mom. Girly day.. .it was needed. My toe nails are blue now. Can't wait to start my sandal game. I searched three stores trying to get Monica's album this weekend. No luck. Today though, I jsut bought an iTunes card and I justed downloaded the album. So far it's great (only heard the first song. .. lol!). I have been hearing a lot of great reviews about this album. Monica has been one of my favorites since I was in elementary. I'm thinking about getting Usher's cd too. I always like his albums. Music is jsut so thought provoking. It can help you get over a situation, move you into a situation, or keep you in a situation.
I'm thinking about washing my hair tomorrow and doing some bantu knots. If I do I may post pictures. I like the curl, but I kind of want to try straight locks for a day. Mine curl even if I don't do anything to them. Enjoy the video of pictures. I posted this on facebook about three months ago. I am going to make an updated video to celebrate my lockaversary. Those of you who were natural before your locks, do you celebrate or recognize your nappiversary and lockaverary? My nappiversary is Dec.22 is the day I cut my permed ends. My lockaversary is March 23, the day my locks were installed. I do believe I am being rather technical.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
It is official! I have been sisterlocked for one year. March the 23rd was my one year lockaversary. I am ready for my retightening, I think my loctician decided to stretch my time span, because I have alot of new growth. I want to learn how to tighten myself, but I know that will be a task, working on my own head.
I notice that I have gained a lot of growth within the past few months. When I look from October to now... those few months make a big difference. I still have shringage, but where my hair shrinks to looks much longer than what it use to shrink to. Any tips/ advice on how to stretch locks... and avoid shrinkage after washing?
This summer I desperately (even now) want to go swimming. Any of you swim with sisterlocks in your first year? I wonder how long I have to wait. That's another question I want to ask my loctician. I want to color my hair too. have never done any real color, besides a rinse which could barely be seen and that was when I had a perm. I wonder how long do I have to wait before can color? That's question number two to ask my loctician. I don't know what color, and I just want some of the hair colored to begin with. I'm trying more styles when I go out. i'm just so excited, because the longer it gets the more styles that I can try.
Greetings sistahs and brothas out there in cyberspace! ! have been horrible at updating this blog, but life happens away from the computer. I am always motivated and inspired when I see pictures of other sistahs who are really rocking their natural doo.. be it locks or loose hair. It's all so beautiful to me. So I must drop in to share as well, and hopefully inspire others the way I have been inspired timeless amount of times. God Bless all!
Christmas updo 12/25/09: Lochawk
I have had my sisterlocks for 332 days. They have really been growing. I am at a stage that feels kind of awkward.. I feel that they need to be a little longer to achieve the styles that I would like to try. I will miss this stage when they get longer, but I long for longer. My hair grows in layers too! You will see in the pictures. I want it to be all the same length. Ha! I am just letting it do its thing so it will catch up with the other locks one day. I got my hair retightened on Wednesday 2/17/10 (Month 11). On another note, does anyone have hair that grows in between their sisterlock parts? My loctician says that it was normal, but oddly enough I still find it strange.
Gala style 1/15/10
This journey has been exciting and interesting to say the least. I get some random and funny comments and compliments from people on a weekly basis. The recent buzz from at least five individuals has been, "I love your hair!" Then they whisper, "Is it all yours?" or "Is it real?" "Can I touch it". "It's so soft and so curly... how do you get it to do that? "How much does it cost?" They are so curious and will just about ask any question. I don't mind answering though because I was once curious, but I wasn't bold enough to question others I didn't know. I even got male attention the other day... I wish I could remember what he said. It was smooth though and it made me blush. There truly is no bad hair day. Even when it's time for a retigthtening I still get compliments.
It's been about four months since I updated. Well, today I am dropping in to give a quick update. Thanksgiving was good. I cooked a little, just some sides. How was your day of Thanksgiving? Anyone else out there still full on ham, turkey, dressing, and sweet potato pie? I know I am. I love some ham. What I am silently dreading is that our break from teaching ends tomorrow, and we return back to school Monday. I am so counting down to Christmas Break (3 weeks). It is still so surprising that the end of the year is almsot here. It seems like it was just July when I last updated.
My hair is growing quite nicely. It actually has loosened a little. The kinkiness keeps it close to my scalp, but after the last retightening about a week ago something different happened. I am now at month 8 so i can wash my sisterlocks without banding them. The second thing is they look five times loner than when I went in to get them tightened. i attribute this to the kinkiness and curl in my hair loosening. It's beautiful. Well you will see in the comparison pictures what I am talking about.
Day 1 and day 247 makes a world of difference.
ta ta
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year if I don't return before then.
On Wednesday I went to see Beyonce's Tour in Atl. I had a great time. I got a chance to ride the subway for the first time as well. The weather was beautiful in Georgia and it was a great way to bring in the new month. July reminds me that the time is ticking and soon it will be time for school to start back. I think the concert marked the last hoorah before I get back to work.
Beyonce put on a GREAT performance. The Phillips Arena was packed. We also saw Tyler Perry in the auduence and the sassy and loud actress from Why Did I Get Married? Good times!
I am still playing with new styles and new ways of doing old styles. I did a twist on my mohawk style for the concert. I got tons of compliments. I am still surprised that so many people know nothing about sisterlocks. On the first two pictures I am two weeks away from my retightening. Still looking good.
When I was at the library today there was a lady who asked me about my sisterlocks, and she complimented me saying that they locked helathy and really good. People also ask so how did you get the curls... did you use rods? No rods, I just washed it and let it air dry and wahla my hair naturally curls like that. I am still amazed atthe texture of my hair and how pretty it is. When I was hooked on chemicals I would have never thought that my hair could be this pretty without it. I know better now though. Good hair is any hair that is healthy. Ladie and gents we all have good hair because we have healthy hair.
In other news, Happy belated Independence Day! What did you all do? I spent the day with family. we barbequed, and they swimmed. Sadly, no swimming for my new locks. I can't wait til they mature so that I can get back to swimming. Have any of you gone swimming with your new locks or how long did you wait? My loctician forbade it, so I figured I would listen. Last night I went downtown for the fireworks show. It was my first time going in my own city.
Side twist.. asymetrical style I tried a couple of weeks ago. I wish I had taken the pictures with my camera.. but I used my phone. Anyone have input on Tmobile's Memoir?
Have a great week! Time to turn in. I have a long week of graduate school class ahead of me.
This style was achieved by sectioning the hair across the head horizontally. I started in the front and I sectioned a smaller amount than the other sections. I flat twisted it to the right (my preference). I flat twist up both sides of the first section and the loose locks were positioned more to the right. The second section was gathered in the top middle and secured with a rubber band. All of the consecutive sections were gathered in the middle and secured with a rubber band. The style was pretty simple.
