First things First

I had my follow-up visit yesterday...it was wonderful.  Why?  Well, I was expecting a lot less than what I got so that is always a pleasant surprise.  The 'what I got' that I speak of  is time, hands-on time!  My consultant RT my whole head.  She said that she was able to do at least one rotation on my whole head.  I guess at four weeks that is normal.  Is this extra-ordinary or have others experienced this too?  She asked me if I have been doing braid outs (I haven't) because my hair was very wavy.  My hair seems to have a wave pattern of its own and so I find that 'free-style' is the best way for me to go.  It is time efficient and it looks good.  Important factors, yes?

OK, with that said,  I did roll my hair with the SSs and, well...it turned out to be a waste of time.  I don't think it's because the product doesn't work but I do believe it will be necessary to use one of my setting lotions.  Also, the day after the 'set',  the weather here in Jersey was pretty cold, so I had a hat on.  Well, when I went to remove the hat, the curls were loooong gone.  But I think it will be cute, when I do it the right way.  Pics on that soon to come.

SO, all in all, the last four weeks have been a real pleasure and I can't say that I have ever been this excited over my hair, for this long.  OH...and I did my 2nd wash...it was uneventful.  I braided, banded, the whole nine, but I didn't get too serious about it, (15 mins total, including wash) and it went fine. Trust, I will use that approach from here on.

This is truly a new experience, and so far, I'm enjoying the ride!  Naturally yours...

It's the little things...

I seem to get so excited over the smallest things, when it comes to my hair.  This was not always the case but now it seems that I can't help but take a picture so I can document every little thing. In any case, I received the Soft Spikes in the mail, and needless to say, I am a 'little' excited- thus, the post...

I had no intentions of rolling my hair tonight.  The plan was to wash my hair on Sunday, before my follow-up visit, and then roll my hair with the SSs.  My Hubee brought them in from the mail today and I decided to put a couple in my hair, just to see how they worked.  Well, a 'couple' turned into 32.  Yes...I rolled my whole head and my Hubee thought I looked...let's just say he had  a good laugh. (he he he...huh).  Anyway...

I ordered the long SSs, following the suggestion of some other Bloggers.  I wanted to try and show the actual size of the 'long' SSs because the size was a question for me when I ordered.  I will, of course, follow up with pics of how my hair came out.  (I may be showing signs of ...Blog Addiction :] )
Till' then,
Naturally yours...

Convoluted Locs?

I am not sure what has happened to some of my locs.  I have been reading various blogs about bunching, slippage, budding, etc.  Of course, I have no idea if what I am experiencing falls under any of these categories.  Perhaps, what I have are just some 'convoluted locs'?

I am not sure if these few locs are going to become 'issues' later on, but right now they just feel funny.   I have not had my follow-up visit yet, but I will definitely ask my consultant about these.  Here are some pics of my 'questionable' locs:

Naturally yours...

Soft Spikes on the way...Hooray!

I decided that I would order the Soft Spike curlers. Before ordering though, I did extensive research. Um, well actually, it wasn't that extensive... I read the information from this post. I also read comments from other bloggers, and I guess my final decision was based on the $$$. With these hard economic times, who doesn't think about the cost? If both Lock Loops and Soft Spikes are almost the same in design and give the same results, my next question is, 'Which is cheaper?' 'With which product will I get the most for my money?'

The answer to both: Soft Spikes.

Needless to say, I am excited about their arrival and I can't wait to give them a test drive. As suggested, I purchased the Long SSs and I didn't bother to get the papers or solution ...I am almost positive that the setting lotion I already have (Lottabody and/or Jane Carter Wrap and Roll) will produce the results I want.  



My follow-up visit is next Monday and I will do my 2nd wash right before I go. I have read that it is good to wash before you get a RT done. SO, I will do that and hopefully, by then I will have gotten the SS's. That's all for now. Naturally yours...

Let me count the hairs...

I had some time on my hands so I thought I would finally sit down and start counting my locks. I have to admit I had some anxiety in thinking, "I hope I have at least ???"....I wonder how I would feel if I had no hair to count. There are plenty of women out there who are bald by choice. I wonder, how much of my vanity is caught up in my hair?

There are also women who are bald, but not by choice. Perhaps chemo treatment or various conditions causing hair loss, has forced them to deal with this reality.

One day (and maybe not so far off), I may have to deal with this reality, and so...I am truly thankful to my Grand Creator for the 400+ locks on my head.

How about you? Are you happy with the amount of locks you have? Naturally yours...

First Pre/Post Poo'...Yikes!!!

I was so scared to do my first shampoo and at the same time I was excited. So, here I am, 10 days since my install, and I couldn't wait to try the SL shampoo for the first time and also Dr. Bronner's Peppermint shampoo. First, I used the Dr. Bronner's and followed with the SL shampoo. (I think it could smell better.) Of course, the peppermint shampoo smelled good and made my scalp feel clean.

I braided and banded (not very well, I might add) and then I just patted the shampoo onto my scalp and squeezed it into the braids. I guess it worked out OK and I was a tad bit over-dramatic (not unusual). I do have some slippage...I count about 7 altogether. This is normal...right??

All in all, I lived and so did my SLs. Here are the pics. Naturally yours...

Is it too soon...

I am concerned that I may be experiencing some slippage problems. So far I have counted 3...two near the crown of my head and the other at the nape of my neck. I have not done my first wash yet so I am a little anxious about it.

I have sprayed my hair with a light mist of water and peppermint oil...it really cools my scalp. Could this be causing problems? Well, in any case, I am hoping that my first wash will be successful. It remains to be seen, but not for long. Until then,
Naturally yours...

Day 1 vs. Day 7

I thought I would post some comparison pics. I am really happy with the way my hair has filled in. The parts are a lot less noticeable, although, believe it or not, I have gotten compliments on the parts. The 'Itchies' are still with me but so much better now.

I can't even begin to describe how good it feels to get in the shower and let the mist hit my hair. It is so refreshing...and the water makes my hair take on a brand new life.

Have I had a couple of days where I was unsure? Yes...not unsure of whether I did the right thing. Only, unsure of myself. I have realized that I am truly the person in my life, most critical of me. Naturally yours...