Healthy Loc Support Thread 2012

[RockCreak]

Your locks are growing in fast. I like them.

Yes they are.. and my season is approaching fast. I don't know what it is but usually during the change of seasons from winter to spring and spring to summer, I get a huge growth spurt.

I'm hoping to get another 3 inches during this time frame!

 

[Whimsy]

OK Lockers I need help:

Is 3 months enough time to "transition" to locs? I'm hoping to have my hair at the length it is now, twisted into locs and would like to avoid working through the "messy" stage everyone says I'll enter.
How long is that messy stage while hair is starting to loc? I would rather have that happen during my 3 months of maternity leave so I can return to work with locced up hair that's neat.

Also, is sisterlocking the only option I have for starting locs at my current length?

THANKS!

 

[Tiye]

OK Lockers I need help:

Is 3 months enough time to "transition" to locs? I'm hoping to have my hair at the length it is now, twisted into locs and would like to avoid working through the "messy" stage everyone says I'll enter.
How long is that messy stage while hair is starting to loc? I would rather have that happen during my 3 months of maternity leave so I can return to work with locced up hair that's neat.

Also, is sisterlocking the only option I have for starting locs at my current length?

THANKS!

Some short answers to your questions.

It takes most people more than 3 months for their hair to fully lock, but depending on your hair type, and the starter method you choose, you can have stabilized starter locks in 3 months.

I also read about the messy stage but I never had one. I think people should stop making it sound like this is inevitable. IMO if you take the time to research how locks work, learn about grooming and maintenance and keep your locks covered while you sleep you can avoid most or all of the messy stage.

Braidlocks/Microbraidlocks are an alternative to sisterlocks. You can find information about this method on google or youtube. You can also have your hair interlocked (some people call this the latchook method) from the beginning without using the sisterlocks technique.

 

[RockCreak]

Yay! A loc thread!!!

I started my locs in October of 2011. I started them with two-strand twists. I maintain by twisting the root (not palm rolling) with water and jojoba oil. I started off twisting once a month but most recently i've gone about 2 months (my last re-twist was mid December 2011). The twists in the back look more loc'ed than the ones at the front and crown of my head.

Is there anyone else who uses only water or water and an oil to twist?

Due to the texture of my hair, water alone will not hold. I have to use a gel (Queen Helene pink gel..very little is great for me) or a loc creme (Talijah Waajid). Once I'm fully loc'd, I was thinking of trying water only. Still not sure yet.

Some short answers to your questions.

It takes most people more than 3 months for their hair to fully lock, but depending on your hair type, and the starter method you choose, you can have stabilized starter locks in 3 months.

I also read about the messy stage but I never had one. I think people should stop making it sound like this is inevitable. IMO if you take the time to research how locks work, learn about grooming and maintenance and keep your locks covered while you sleep you can avoid most or all of the messy stage.

Braidlocks/Microbraidlocks are an alternative to sisterlocks. You can find information about this method on google or youtube. You can also have your hair interlocked (some people call this the latchook method) from the beginning without using the sisterlocks technique.

I couldln't agree more. Yes some days will be a little challenging as is when your hair is natural or relaxed, but its doable. I've learned to embrace those challenging days and got creative with scarfs and head wraps.. here are a few pics during my early loc transition... I was nieve in thinking my hair wouldn't loc at all...

I used to be relaxed then started transitioning:

Big Chop:

Letting my hair grow out:

Started my journey:

Now I'm here:

Patience is key! Sorry for the long post... hope it helps someone!

 

[Chameleonchick]

Just stopping by to do a little stalking.... RockCreak your locs are freakin gorgeous!!

 

[RockCreak]

Just stopping by to do a little stalking.... RockCreak your locs are freakin gorgeous!!

Thanks. I'm certainly enjoying them! Ready to celebrate my 1 yr loc'versary!

 

[OhSoOthentik]

RockCreak your locs are so pretty. Congrats on approaching one year.

 

[RockCreak]

RockCreak your locs are so pretty. Congrats on approaching one year.

Thanks...I was thinking of celebrating my locs by purchasing my first piece of loc jewelry.

 

[manter26]

I came across Damien on YT and I love his work. I also saw a pic on my tumblr of a girl with one lock and a curly fro. Since about middle school I've wanted just one loc in the back on the right or the left. I'm still on the fence though because I don't want to deal with creeping (stray hairs). I have 4A hair so I'm sure how long it would take. I think finger coiling is the look I prefer. I also wash my hair often so IDK how I would cover up that section....

Keeping an eye on this thread though.

 

[EMJazzy]

I'm going to try something different this month and do my retwist with a mixture of lemon and lime juice and water.

 

[RockCreak]

I'm going to try something different this month and do my retwist with a mixture of lemon and lime juice and water.

Do you think that will dry out your locs?

 

[Tiye]

Do you think that will dry out your locs?

I think it might and if you're a twister you don't want dry.

 

[RockCreak]

I think it might and if you're a twister you don't want dry.

IMO regardless if you're a twister or not, lemon and lime juices are high in acid....it would need to be balanced with alkaline so the hair wouldn't be dried out. Have you tried using only water?

 

[Tiye]

IMO regardless if you're a twister or not, lemon and lime juices are high in acid....it would need to be balanced with alkaline so the hair wouldn't be dried out. Have you tried using only water?

She might be thinking about the Jamaican methods. I've heard some people in Jamaica use aloe and lime juice to wash their hair. Aloe might be the alkali in that concoction. Then there is the famous Jamaican Mango Lime product line for locks that's probably named after similar natural ingredients. Twisting is extra manipulation and stress on hair/locks so its important to do it on hair that's not dried out and brittle.

 

[RockCreak]

She might be thinking about the Jamaican methods. I've heard some people in Jamaica use aloe and lime juice to wash their hair. Aloe might be the alkali in that concoction. Then there is the famous Jamaican Mango Lime product line for locks that's probably named after similar natural ingredients. Twisting is extra manipulation and stress on hair/locks so its important to do it on hair that's not dried out and brittle.

Oh I see! I haven't heard of that... time for more research. Thanks for the info!

 

[EMJazzy]

I'm back...this is my first time trying that method so I haven't had any dry locs as of yet. I wash my hair biweekly using Dudu Oshun black soap, and after retwisting I spray my locs with Taliyah Wahiid Mist Bodifier spray (I found a few bottles with the original ingredients) and I moisturize my scalp with african shea butter.

 

[RockCreak]

@ EMJazzy, do you have any pics to share. I would love to see your hair!

 

[RockCreak]

I think I want to try a loctitian. Although I think I'm doing ok on my own, I feel like I'm unable to properly palm roll some sections of my hair. Do anyone have any recommendations? I'm in the DMV!

 

[Ms. Alainious]

Just wanted to update you guys on my progress. I went to see Damian yesterday, and after 3.5 months I'm making good progress. Here's the style he gave me:

 

[OhSoOthentik]

Just wanted to update you guys on my progress. I went to see Damian yesterday, and after 3.5 months I'm making good progress. Here's the style he gave me:

That's really pretty and neat looking

 

[EMJazzy]

@ EMJazzy, do you have any pics to share. I would love to see your hair!

Sure do....be right back.

 

[EMJazzy]

I took this pic today at work.

 

[EMJazzy]

Another pic....just now.

 

[EMJazzy]

With the flash....

 

[BrandNew]

Bumping!

I'm so excited to start this journey! My siggy has the length of time I've been natural and now that my hair is getting longer I think I'm ready to loc and do something new. I made my appointment for May 21 and I'm just starting my research.

I haven't decided the method or the size. My hair is 4B and really thick.

Looking forward to sharing my experiences with you guys!

 

[RockCreak]

Hey Locstars!

Quick question for you... how often are you all poo'ing your locs?

I usually go every 2-3wks, but as of lately, I haven't been wanting to do much to them but let them be! I just cleanse the scalp with seabreeze and keep it moving?

Only because I have a few events to attend that I'm gonna poo, oil and palm roll this weekend, but other than that... I would have been rolling for another week or two .

 

[FoxxyLocs]

OK Lockers I need help:

Is 3 months enough time to "transition" to locs? I'm hoping to have my hair at the length it is now, twisted into locs and would like to avoid working through the "messy" stage everyone says I'll enter.
How long is that messy stage while hair is starting to loc? I would rather have that happen during my 3 months of maternity leave so I can return to work with locced up hair that's neat.

Also, is sisterlocking the only option I have for starting locs at my current length?

THANKS!

Whimsy

I started my locs @ MBL with two stand twists (small, but not micro). I maintained by latching. At that length, the "messy stage" really isn't messy. Most people call it messy/awkward because the hair is short and hard to tame.

My locs did shrink A LOT though. After two months they went from MBL to about chin length, so be prepared that some of your length may disappear. I'm sure you could use braids instead of twists to prevent excessive shrinkage.

 

[EMJazzy]

Hey Locstars!

Quick question for you... how often are you all poo'ing your locs?

I usually go every 2-3wks, but as of lately, I haven't been wanting to do much to them but let them be! I just cleanse the scalp with seabreeze and keep it moving?

Only because I have a few events to attend that I'm gonna poo, oil and palm roll this weekend, but other than that... I would have been rolling for another week or two .

I poo and retwist at the same time, about once a month.

 

[OhSoOthentik]

Here are my braidlocs at 10months old.

 

[Tiye]

Here are my braidlocs at 10months old.

It looks like they're basically locked now. Nice braidlocks!