Goodbye, Summertime...

I have mixed feelings about saying goodbye to Summertime.  This Summer was the hottest summer in a very long time but now that I am feeling the cooler temperatures in the AM, I am thinking that I will miss the warmer weather.

Well as far as my hair goes, it is doing its thing.  I have quite a bit of length and the color I got earlier in the summer, mellowed down to a light bronze.  It is interesting what the color did...my husband said it was so red,  and now it looks so natural.  The color faded into a color that is natural for me...I think that even when you get a really bold color in your hair, ultimately your color is going to fade into what is natural for you and your skin tone.  Just my thoughts..

My hair is thicker than ever, my hubby loves my hair and often plays in it.  I get compliments all the time, and if any of you are still contemplating getting them installed, contemplate no more.  I know my permed counterparts were sick of their hair this summer...I loved mine!  It is OK, everyone needs time to work it out...so glad I am past all of that...Check out some of my pics.  Till next time...

Naturally yours...

New Color=New Attitude!!

Hi All!

I am excited to say that I finally got some mew color.  I have wanted to add some color for quite some time.  I really love, love, love my Sisterlocks and so since this is Month 8, I figured it would be ok.  The shop I went to, The Brownstone in Philadelphia is really the BEST natural salon I've been to yet.  Great service, talented stylists, and an overall wonderful experience.  I had a steam cleaning...if you haven't tried it yet, do so!

So here are pics of the new color, Naturally yours....

Time Flies...6 Months Down

I am always playin' catch up, my blog included.  I know I'm not alone though.  I do appreciate reading all the other blogs out there and I appreciate hearing the hair-stories.  I am a regular reader, not a regular blogger.  Thanks to the ladies who are consistent bloggers.  I love seeing the new styles, new colors, new babies, etc.

Summertime is quickly approaching (Will Smith's Summertime is playing in my head) and I can hardly wait to see what transformations my hair will make during the season.

I am now 6 months and about a week locked and it's hard to believe.  Time flies!! 

Major changes:
My hair is locking pretty quickly.

The top of my head is fine hair and still thinner than the rest although it is filling in nicely.

There is more length, not so noticeable to me, but to everyone else.

Freestyle is lookin' a lot more free...if you know what I mean.  The shape of my hair is changing and well...it is what it tis. 

Hair is more dry, needs a lot more moisture than it did 3 months ago.

Pictures speak louder than words so here are a few I took today before running some errands.

I'm Slippin'...

I am so aggravated with the right side of my head.  I have been having some slippage issues.  This is not new.  I have been experiencing this for some time now, but not to this degree.  The hairline has always been a source of frustration but NOW I have patches on my right side which are slipping out from the root.

Admittedly, I am not a fan of the braiding and banding because I just don't get a thorough wash.  It seems that I have a choice between not-so-clean hair or clean hair that won't stay locked.  Aaargh!!

SO, in my desperation, I purchased one of those latch hook tools that I keep reading about on various blogs.  Let me tell you, that thing is hard to use.  A couple of ladies make it sound and look really easy, but I'm sorry, it's not. 

I really don't want to upset my Consultant.  She is really nice but at my last Reti she made it clear that she wasn't too happy to see some of the slippage I had then.  She felt it was because of the shampoo I use (Dr. Bronner's) and she suggested I go back to the Starter shampoo.  Although i am somewhat ambivalent about that, I will do as suggested.  My next Reti is in 2 weeks so who knows what shape it will be in by then.  I have been scheduling them 5 wks apart but I may have to change that.  We will see.  Naturally yours...

Long Time, No Update...

It feels like eons since I posted, and as a matter of fact, it's been over a month.  I do this more for myself and the satisfaction that comes with journaling this experience.  But I also love sharing my experience with others.  What's new?

I have experienced a pretty good amount of growth.  I took initial growth shots at the beginning of my journey and I will share those at a future date.  Also, I have noticed a lot more volume and thickness.  When I came home from my third reti, I noticed that instead of my hair falling, it was kinda standing up on its own.  It was a definite change.  I notice a lot more texture and swelling of my locks.  A friend asked me if I cut my hair, so I guess that means I am also experiencing shrinkage.  That doesn't bother me in the least bit.  I love this hair, I love this style, and I love love love Sisterlocks.

I am noticing a lot of flaking, which I have never had before.  Sorta annoying.  Also, it is taking more washes for my hair to smell clean.  This is definitely more difficult than it has been in the past.  I can't wait for this dry weather to leave us.  I know that the spring/summer will do wonders for some of the problems I have now.  I guess that's all I can think of, so here are a few pics.
Naturally yours...

Twist-N-Knot

Before

After

Excuse me, but are those...

I've been hearing that quite a bit lately...to my pleasant surprise.  Women out there recognize what I have and the ones that don't just comment on how they like my hair.

This weekend, I met a fellow 'sister' who is SL'd.  She complimented my locs and I returned the compliment.  She told me that she loved mine but that she was battling with her own.  She felt they are too large and to be honest, I didn't think they looked like SLs until she told me they were.  While they looked neat and well kept, they definitely didn't look like SLs.  Her Consultant told her that she couldn't have the traditional small size SLs because her hair was too thick and it would eventually break off.

Sounds like her Consultant doesn't know what she's talking about.  Am I right?  I thought the whole idea behind SLs was the small size which adds to the versatility.  As I walked away from this 'sister', I thought about size.  It DOES matter what size your SLs are.  I love the size I have (S-M-L) and I love that this truly does give me more versatility.  I love these SLs!  Naturally yours...

Slippin' and Slidin'

After my last Reti, I have decided to take some extra time to make sure that my front hair line stays in place.  I really can't complain about slippage, except for the front of my hair!  I mentioned to my Consultant that the front seems to come undone after I wash, I don't care how gentle I am.

With that said, I am going to band these little babies in the front together, maybe in about 4 bundles, and see if that doesn't help. 

I think my Reti's have gone really well so far, and they usually take about 2.5 hours.  Maybe I can cut some time off of that, if these little babies can withstand the storm.  We will see...

It seems as though we're in Winter full force, so I decided I would brighten up my page a little as we slide into the next season.  Funny thing...I always think of how I can't wait for the next season, until it comes.  Then I start looking for the season after that.  Needless to say, I can't wait until Spring, and the changes it will bring for my hair.  Our Wonderful Creator, gave us 4 seasons and I love them all!  Naturally Yours...

Updates...

It has been a little over 2 months since my install.  I just had my 2nd Reti, a couple of days ago.  According to my Consultant, everything is going smoothly.  I haven't really done anything in the way of styling...I'm just letting my hair do what it do.  I am excited about the changes I see.  My hair is more full, and even though shrinkage is apparent to me, others make comments about my hair growing.  Always a good sign!  No special products to speak of except for Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Shampoo.

I really love this stuff, a whole lot more than the Sisterlock Starter shampoo.  To be honest, I have been using organic shampoos for a long time, and even though the Starter shampoo is suggested, I have a problem with going back to using any products with Sodium Lauryl or Laureth in it, including the Starter shampoo.  (Click here for the dangers of those chemicals)


I took some picture of the progress my hair has made in the crown.  I am or was a little embarrased about showing this area of my hair, but now that I've seen the progress and I see other ladies who have shared even some of the most intimate of experiences with their hair, I feel confident sharing mine now.

This is a picture of my progress with the hair loss and regrowth that I am experiencing.  Till' next time, Naturally yours...

My Miko and Me...

This is my kitten, Miko (pronounced Me-koh).  She's not really a kitten anymore but I still call her 'Kitten'.  It's her nickname.  Just wanted to share that...

Also, for the first time, I twisted my hair after washing it and took it out.  I guess most people call it a 'Braid Out' (I mean, Twist Out).  I liked it and it definitely gave me more volume than I normally have.  My Hubby really liked it and so, if I'm not too lazy, I'll probably do this again.


Here are a few more pics.  Is it obvious I did something different?  Somehow, I don't think these pictures show the difference.  That's all folks!  Naturally yours...

The Fruits of my Labor

I know this is one of the steps to locking but I really do find these tiny bundles of hair annoying.  I have the constant urge to pluck them off or rub them out of existence.  I have to control myself but, I must admit, it is a struggle.  They're everywhere! 

Even though I may complain throughout some of this locking process, I know that with each day, I am getting closer to that ultimate goal.  SO, I refrain from even looking at the scissors, and I try to keep my hands out of my hair, for fear that I may pluck one of those little guys off.

My consultant told me to look at them like fruit...huh? 

Well, she said that they are like fruit on a tree...when they're ripe, they will fall.  If you pick them off, they may not be ripe and, in essence, my hair will not lock.  So for now, it's Balls, Balls, and more Balls. (sigh)

Naturally yours...

What a difference a day makes?

Maybe it sounds somewhat cliche, but a day DOES make a difference, and I couldn't help but notice this when looking at some pics of my hair.  Yesterday, I snapped some pics because it seemed that my hair looked  fuller than normal.  And today? Well,  I snapped a few more.  Why?  I guess I have gotten into the habit of taking pictures of my hair, even when it seems to be doing nothing new. (I hope this isn't making me into a narcissist, I don't take pictures of myself everyday *smile*)

Anywho,  can you see what I see? Yesterday, my hair was fuller and longer and today, it's back to normal.  Is it me...do some of you find that your hair makes major transformations on a day-to-day basis? Hmm...

Moving forward, I am happy to say that come what may, I do love my hair...I love the freedom (now that it is cliche :-)...and, I love the versatility!  These pictures mark 6 weeks of Sisterlocks for me...Wow, it feels longer.  Till' next time,
Naturally yours...

Fibroids=Anemia=Hair Loss...

What am I talking about?  Well, yesterday I went for my annual exam at the OBGYN.  I was told that I have several small fibroids, which happen to effect 50% of all black women.  Now, since I am in my 30s and my Mom also was diagnosed with this, I guess I shouldn't have been surprised.  BUT, I was.  You would think if you had something growing inside you, there would be some BLATANT external indication.      (I mean, other than the hair loss :) )

 I was a little upset but, the good thing is that now I know what is causing my severe Anemia. For months now, I have been at a loss for why I have it since I am a meat-eater and I take Multi-V's, I LOVE leafy greens...so what's the problem?  That would be the Fibroids.

I probably would never have found out about the Anemia, except for the fact that I have been experiencing gradual hair loss at the crown of my head.  For quite awhile, I ignorantly thought that it would repair itself.  Maybe stress or hormonal changes was the cause, and once those things were stabilized it would go back to normal.   I finally decided to mention it to my GP (General Practitioner) and she said we needed to check my iron, as Anemia could be a cause for hair loss.

I said all of this to say that, although it is somewhat comforting to know the root cause of my hair loss problem, it has also proven to be somewhat disconcerting to find out about this new diagnosis.  I would  love to hear from other women who have experienced problems with Fibroids, since it effects so many of US.

Check out this link form Essence magazine for more details: http://photos.essence.com/galleries/health_and_fibroids.

Naturally yours...

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...