Lock It Up! Support Thread (Sisterlocs, Dreads, Freeform, Etc)

[shortycocoa]

Your hair is looking good!!

Thank you! I've been having a rough couple of days. Yesterday I couldn't stop looking at my hair in the sunlight. I would have taken some pics, but I was in a Lyft and I didn't know how my driver would have felt about that or felt some type of way about me doing that. So I had planned to go back outside and take some pics in the sunlight after I got home, because I never realized how different they look in natural light from the sun and not just inside with flash.

Well, I couldn't do that either. I accidentally left my phone in the driver's car. (facepalm)....I was completely panic stricken after I realized it must have been in his car. But he did return it to me yesterday evening, and now all is well.

I didn't go outside today because I spent the better part of the morning and afternoon preparing my plant-based Thanksgiving dinner. I will try to go outside tomorrow and take some pics of my hair in direct sunlight.

No way really?!?! I had no idea that was her mom!!

Me neither....I was watching some of her videos the other day after I found out. I haven't even made it to her hair videos but I was admiring her locks in the lifestyle videos I saw.

 

[shortycocoa]

Just took down my mini twists. And I have learned a few things:
1. My hair was already starting at the root. I had no idea it would do that do fast. I had them in 4 weeks.
2. Detangling all this hair is something I really don’t want to do anymore. I like to look at loose natural hair but I’m coming to the place I don’t have to have it for me right now.
3. Cantu apple cider root rinse is the truth. It lifts everything off the scalp.

I initially wanted to do 4 more sets of twists to perfect my foundation but that’s totally gone now. I think I only have two more times in me. My parting was sloppy last time and I had no grid. I’ll practice that with this set.
I’m a bit afraid of the oncoming frizziness andfuzz. That’s my last mental hurdle.

Girl! I tried to tell you they would lock fast....especially if you were wetting and rinsing them frequently. That's why I asked you if you were sure you wanted to do that many sets of mini twists before you made your decision to put your starter twists in. It looks like you got some good information with this last set, judging from your post.

I think you should use the next two sets to really perfect it, with the focus on this being the last set so you don't have to do another set, unless you really want to. That way, you can go ahead and just chill knowing you have the perfect foundation in place for your locks. Make sure that when you do the very last set to start your locks that you are well-rested, have a full stomach, and are in a good mood. You definitely don't want to get impatient or frustrated. That negative energy will get caught in your hair. Take breaks if you need to and if you're tired, listen to your body. There's nothing wrong with coming to a stopping point if you need to and then picking back up where you left off the next day to finish up.

I think with time you will learn to embrace and love the fuzziness and frizz. But if you never get to that place of acceptance, there's always headbands, headwraps, ponytails, updo's and hairpins for that.

If it helps, someone on FB posted a while back that we shouldn't feel unattractive after we start locks, (even though a lot of times as black women, our beauty is tied to our hair) because our faces have not changed and we've always been beautiful. It's just our hair that is going through changes. I hope that helps you find peace and comfort in your choices. Remember that when the frizz and fuzz is disrespectful and your hair is doing the most.


And you will love the day when you no longer have to worry about detangling your hair and you can just relax after a wash. I would love to see pics whenever you're comfortable sharing!

 

[shortycocoa]

View attachment 438203 Here are the pics of my newborns: (maybe). I can’t tell yet if they posted or not. I’ll probably come back later and have 10 giant pictures...LOL!
I am failing on my picture upload. I’m going to get it done, though!
I DID IT! I finally got the pic to upload!

Girl, you better WORK!!!!! Your starter locks look so good and that precision with the tightness of those coils is on point! I love how the one coil down near the nape with the salt and pepper hair looks puffy like it's already starting to bud.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[shortycocoa]

Hiya ladies!

Here's a little bit of my background story: I stopped relaxing in October 2005 and did the big chop in november 2006. Ever since then, I've been natural. Lately I've been thinking about locking my hair, women like Bronzegoddess on YouTube are my main inspiration.

Last week I tried my hand at finger coils and was very pleased with the results:

The only thing stopping me right now, is that I would first like. to remedy my dandruff situation, before going forth with the idea. Also, I'm debating whether I should start with my semi long hair or really cut it off, rock something like this for a while and go from there:

Can't wait for you ladies' input. I was starting to get fed up with my natural hair journey, but these new plans are giving me life again .

Hey there! Those coils look good on you. Do you still have them in, or did you take them out? This thread has some good tips about how to address dandruff/scalp issues. I think you should start with your long hair with your method of choice, which seems like finger coils. Otherwise, if you were to start with a short cut like the one you posted, your hair will continue to shrink and condense through the locking process, which may leave you frustrated and regretting the fact that you cut off your hair first to start locks. Also, you might not like the varying lengths all over if you were to start your locks after a cut like that.

But if you feel like you need to do more with your hair before you commit to locks, then by all means, go ahead and have one last hurrah and cut your hair into that style and rock it until you're really ready to start locks.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

 

[simplycee]

I can’t wait until I no longer have to braid and band my locs in order to wash them. I really shouldn’t complain because this is the lowest amount of maintenance I’ve ever had to do on my natural hair. SL have me on a whole new level of lazy. No more marathon wash, deep con and detangling sessions. But I still don’t want to b&b. Every time I consider doing my own retightenings I remember I have 550+ locs . I get on some act right real quick.

 

[Maracujá]

Hey there! Those coils look good on you. Do you still have them in, or did you take them out? This thread has some good tips about how to address dandruff/scalp issues. I think you should start with your long hair with your method of choice, which seems like finger coils. Otherwise, if you were to start with a short cut like the one you posted, your hair will continue to shrink and condense through the locking process, which may leave you frustrated and regretting the fact that you cut off your hair first to start locks. Also, you might not like the varying lengths all over if you were to start your locks after a cut like that.

But if you feel like you need to do more with your hair before you commit to locks, then by all means, go ahead and have one last hurrah and cut your hair into that style and rock it until you're really ready to start locks.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

Hi @shortycocoa Thank you so much for your input, it's greatly appreciated. No, I don't have the finger coils in anymore, right now I'm sporting a bun. Will be sure to look up those tips on scalp issues .

Have asked many people about sporting a TWA and indeed, they are advising me not go through with the idea. Not only for the reasons you mentioned above, but also because of my facial features. There are a couple of other hairstyles I would like to rock, before committing to locs, but almost all of them involve braiding/straightening of some kind.

So once again, thank you for the fast response and happy hair locking to you .

 

[shortycocoa]

Hi @shortycocoa Thank you so much for your input, it's greatly appreciated. No, I don't have the finger coils in anymore, right now I'm sporting a bun. Will be sure to look up those tips on scalp issues .

Have asked many people about sporting a TWA and indeed, they are advising me not go through with the idea. Not only for the reasons you mentioned above, but also because of my facial features. There are a couple of other hairstyles I would like to rock, before committing to locs, but almost all of them involve braiding/straightening of some kind.

So once again, thank you for the fast response and happy hair locking to you .

Oh, you're welcome! How long did you keep the coils in? Did you do any styles when you had them in? I liked the jewelry you adorned them in as well. It's good that you realize that you still need some time before you make that (lifetime) commitment to locking. I think over the years, that's one of the things that held me back the most. I liked to do different things with my hair and was busy "checking the (loose natural) boxes," so to speak. Then I got comfortable with my regimen and styling my hair in wash and goes at one point. But then like @prettywhitty and countless others have also mentioned in this thread, I definitely reached the point where I was TIRED of dealing with detangling my hair. I needed simplicity for several reasons, and I thought it was a good time to go ahead and start my first journey.

But don't sleep on the fact that you can also do plenty of styles with your locked hair as well. We have also discussed styling in this thread and have posted a few videos with style ideas. I keep remembering that I can do just about any style that a loose natural can do, if I choose to. It might come out a different way and I may have to use different methods to achieve it, but it can be done. And let me tell you, my mind was BLOWN back then when my SL consultant told me that those could be flatironed. I actually saw her flat iron her mom's SLs once and I was impressed.

I'm not sure what those people meant by talking about your facial features in terms of rocking a TWA, but from where I'm standing, all I see is a beautiful woman that would look even more beautiful with a TWA. So tell those haters bye!!!

They may also be projecting their thoughts and feelings about their own hair and insecurities on to you. Don't let them rain on your parade!

 

[shortycocoa]

Earlier in the thread I mentioned I was watching S. Epatha Merkerson on an episode of Chicago Med and her lock bun. I was trying to find a clip of her in the particular episode on YouTube because the styles looked better on TV. This is the best clip I have been able to find:



and here are some still photos:





In the latest episode that aired last week (it didn't air this week and will be back December 5th) she was rocking a mean mid 1990's French roll. I was pleasantly surprised to see her bring that back and with locks!







This is her in yet another episode with a French braid (Please correct me if I'm wrong)....I forgot she had her hair styled this way in that episode.



Whoever is styling her hair on this show now has definitely stepped up their game! I was tired of seeing her with them just straight and down, no style. Somebody needs to show them how to do a proper roller set on her locks, though. And I would love to see her rocking a nasty braidout!

 

[Guinan]

Earlier in the thread I mentioned I was watching S. Epatha Merkerson on an episode of Chicago Med and her lock bun. I was trying to find a clip of her in the particular episode on YouTube because the styles looked better on TV. This is the best clip I have been able to find:



and here are some still photos:

View attachment 438239

View attachment 438241

In the latest episode that aired last week (it didn't air this week and will be back December 5th) she was rocking a mean mid 1990's French roll. I was pleasantly surprised to see her bring that back and with locks!

View attachment 438243

View attachment 438245

View attachment 438247

This is her in yet another episode with a French braid (Please correct me if I'm wrong)....I forgot she had her hair styled this way in that episode.

View attachment 438249

Whoever is styling her hair on this show now has definitely stepped up their game! I was tired of seeing her with them just straight and down, no style. Somebody needs to show them how to do a proper roller set on her locks, though. And I would love to see her rocking a nasty braidout!

Wow, her locs look so long and lush. I remember her locs being a lot shorter. She has also lost some weight. I love the color

 

[shortycocoa]

Wow, her locs look so long and lush. I remember her locs being a lot shorter. She has also lost some weight. I love the color

I remember her shorter locks from years ago also...that's why when she started acting on Chicago Med I was definitely taking notice that her hair has blossomed over the years. I like how pronounced and subtle the hair color can be, depending on the style she has them in and the lighting. I never really paid much attention to her weight before, but she did look extra slim in one of those suits.

 

[shortycocoa]

I can’t wait until I no longer have to braid and band my locs in order to wash them. I really shouldn’t complain because this is the lowest amount of maintenance I’ve ever had to do on my natural hair. SL have me on a whole new level of lazy. No more marathon wash, deep con and detangling sessions. But I still don’t want to b&b. Every time I consider doing my own retightenings I remember I have 550+ locs . I get on some act right real quick.

@ the bolded....

I was the same way when I had mine, so I feel your pain. That's why I was all the way in my feelings times two when I was doing all that braiding and banding before washing and my hair was STILL bunching. Hang in there, though. The first finish line (defined as the point when your consultant tells you that you can stop braiding and banding) is near. Maybe you should ask her about a general timeline on all of that and then ask her where you are in relation to the timeline. That might appease you a little bit. And with 550+ locks, that act right would have found me real quick, too.

I tip my hat to all the ladies who be having 700+ locks...cause ain't no way! I was struggling every time I had to retighten my 326, and it sure seemed like the time would pass extra quick in between retightenings when I was doing it myself, vs. dragging on when I was seeing my consultant. That really got on my nerves.

ETA: I just read an interview with Dr. Cornwell. I didn't realize she only has 550 Sisterlocks. I always thought she probably had 800-1000.

https://www.blackbeautyandhair.com/sisterly-love/

 

[simplycee]

@shortycocoa I’m so happy I don’t have bunching but I was going to buy that tool to have on hand just in case. My loctician does not braid my hair at my retightening appointments. She does section and band the ends though. She will not let me do that though.

I have a LOT of hair. My loctician told me at my consult that I would have at minimum 500 and she knew that I would need more than 3 days for install. What I didn’t know was that I have 3 different textures in various parts of my hair. So b&b will be a part of my wash routine for probably the next 6+ months ....past my 1 year mark due to texture.

I’m really, REALLY hoping that shrinkage will be less of an issue as my hair locks, especially in the front where my growth appears to be the slowest.

 

[shortycocoa]

@shortycocoa I’m so happy I don’t have bunching but I was going to buy that tool to have on hand just in case. My loctician does not braid my hair at my retightening appointments. She does section and band the ends though. She will not let me do that though.

I have a LOT of hair. My loctician told me at my consult that I would have at minimum 500 and she knew that I would need more than 3 days for install. What I didn’t know was that I have 3 different textures in various parts of my hair. So b&b will be a part of my wash routine for probably the next 6+ months ....past my 1 year mark due to texture.

I’m really, REALLY hoping that shrinkage will be less of an issue as my hair locks, especially in the front where my growth appears to be the slowest.

Are you talking about the large Sisterlocks tool? I hated that thing! My consultant had to use that after she lost her small Sisterlocks tool during one of my retightenings and I hated how it made my hairline look. So when you go for a retightening, does your consultant also wash your hair? Is that where the sectioning and banding the ends come in? I think I was doing something like just banding along each section before washing but even then my hair was doing the same thing so I stopped that, too.

I think I remember you talking about the different hair textures and how long you would have to braid and band earlier in the thread. It's also interesting to see how shrinkage affects each person's locks differently. My consultant had some crazy shrinkage.

 

[Cattypus1]

Girl, you better WORK!!!!! Your starter locks look so good and that precision with the tightness of those coils is on point! I love how the one coil down near the nape with the salt and pepper hair looks puffy like it's already starting to bud.

Thanks for sharing!

Thanks! I love the salt and pepper color! This thread is giving me life! It wouldn’t surprise me if they didn’t loc in a month. My hair is super coily except for the top front. I’m taking frequent pics to document this journey.

 

[shortycocoa]

Today is my 7 month lockaversary! DS 2 will be at his 2 month point on Monday. Right now he's 4 weeks past his first retightening, and I am really tempted to retighten now and not wait another two weeks. I'm going to try to wait it out, though.

I also tried a couple more styles this past week, but I didn't take pics of the second style due to an emergency with DS 2 I had to handle taking precedence. I've been meaning to ask, does anyone want to do a style challenge with me for the month of December?

 

[shortycocoa]

Desiree Marie got engaged! I'm so happy for her!

 

[Maracujá]

Oh, you're welcome! How long did you keep the coils in? Did you do any styles when you had them in? I liked the jewelry you adorned them in as well. It's good that you realize that you still need some time before you make that (lifetime) commitment to locking. I think over the years, that's one of the things that held me back the most. I liked to do different things with my hair and was busy "checking the (loose natural) boxes," so to speak. Then I got comfortable with my regimen and styling my hair in wash and goes at one point. But then like @prettywhitty and countless others have also mentioned in this thread, I definitely reached the point where I was TIRED of dealing with detangling my hair. I needed simplicity for several reasons, and I thought it was a good time to go ahead and start my first journey.

But don't sleep on the fact that you can also do plenty of styles with your locked hair as well. We have also discussed styling in this thread and have posted a few videos with style ideas. I keep remembering that I can do just about any style that a loose natural can do, if I choose to. It might come out a different way and I may have to use different methods to achieve it, but it can be done. And let me tell you, my mind was BLOWN back then when my SL consultant told me that those could be flatironed. I actually saw her flat iron her mom's SLs once and I was impressed.

I'm not sure what those people meant by talking about your facial features in terms of rocking a TWA, but from where I'm standing, all I see is a beautiful woman that would look even more beautiful with a TWA. So tell those haters bye!!!

They may also be projecting their thoughts and feelings about their own hair and insecurities on to you. Don't let them rain on your parade!

Thank you so much for your support, it truly means a lot. I will surely take the time, starting next year, to read this entire thread. I did not keep them in for very long. Partially because a salty lady at my job made some mean comments, but also because I'm dealing with porosity on some parts of my hair. Which means that on certain areas, the coils wouldn't hold sorta say. Don't know how to remedy this problem just yet.

And indeed you're right, I need to think long and hard about this lifetime commitment, but I L-O-V-E making lifetime commitments with my hair. But I'll be sure to inform myself extremely well and then go for it. I watched a lady here make jokes about the preconceived notions people have of her, because she sports locs. Not sure if I'd be able to see the humor in it and grow thick skin, I'm rather sensitive in that regard. Any tips on that? TIA.

 

[shortycocoa]

Thank you so much for your support, it truly means a lot. I will surely take the time, starting next year, to read this entire thread. I did not keep them in for very long. Partially because a salty lady at my job made some mean comments, but also because I'm dealing with porosity on some parts of my hair. Which means that on certain areas, the coils wouldn't hold sorta say. Don't know how to remedy this problem just yet.

And indeed you're right, I need to think long and hard about this lifetime commitment, but I L-O-V-E making lifetime commitments with my hair. But I'll be sure to inform myself extremely well and then go for it. .I watched a lady here make jokes about the preconceived notions people have of her, because she sports locs. Not sure if I'd be able to see the humor in it and grow thick skin, I'm rather sensitive in that regard. Any tips on that? TIA.

Wait, what??? In this thread or another thread on the board? Because I didn't get that from any of the posts in this thread.

I'm sorry you're going through that and dealing with these issues and ignorance. People always ask me about this, and I always tell them building confidence can be hard. It's hard, but it's necessary. It's twice as hard to build self-confidence when you come from an environment where no one has laid the groundwork to help you build confidence in yourself.

So with that being said, positive affirmations are good to use and do. If you Google the terms 'positive affirmations to build self-confidence' there is so much there. Take what you need and leave the rest.

Certain songs also help. I know when Erykah Badu dropped "Mama's Gun" and I had a chance to listen to it, "Cleva" became and still is one of my favorite songs from that album. That whole album is fire, but "Cleva" really spoke to me in terms of the negative things people may see, but there's beauty in all those negative things and it's up to us to bring it out.

The greater message that I took from that is that even if others don't accept me, it's okay because I accept me. Others don't have to see my beauty but as long as I see it, that's ok. But I'm not going to let them win and put myself down to make them feel better.



I love "Just The Way You Are" by Bruno Mars also.



There are messages in each of those songs, but you have to be open (heart and mind) to receiving it.

I said it in this thread before, but I will say it again: keep in mind that a lot of times people won't compliment you on something, such as your hair (since we're talking about hair, but it can be anything) for several reasons that have absolutely nothing to do with you or your choices. There have been plenty of times I have been guilty of this in the past. I will want to compliment someone on something, but I just don't say anything and let the moment pass. I have stopped doing that over the past couple years, though. That's just one example, but there are countless other examples I can discuss.

Looking at images of women who have locks is also an amazing tool. I have said it before in this thread, but I immerse myself in images of locks and converse with like-minded women every day on social media.

If you like poetry (and even if you don't get into "Ego Tripping" by Nikki Giovanni. I love her work.



And of course this is one of my favorite episodes and scenes from "A Different World":



Black women are so beautiful. WE are beautiful!

I know I said a lot here, but I can go on with more ideas in another post if you'd like.

 

[shortycocoa]

Thank you so much for your support, it truly means a lot. I will surely take the time, starting next year, to read this entire thread. I did not keep them in for very long. Partially because a salty lady at my job made some mean comments, but also because I'm dealing with porosity on some parts of my hair. Which means that on certain areas, the coils wouldn't hold sorta say. Don't know how to remedy this problem just yet.

When you did those coils, what product(s) did you use, if any? It could have been that the product(s) you used were not compatible with your hair or didn't provide enough hold. After product, environment and technique could have also been the culprits. If you decide to do another set, try using a different product to see if that helps. If you just want neat coils and don't want to give in to locks just yet, then consider environment (moisture). Keep your hair covered in all environments that are extremely wet, humid or steamy. Of course, when you're ready to acquiesce to the journey of developing your locks, all of these things will work in your favor and you should welcome them with open arms.

I won't speak on your technique, because from my vantage point, it looked like your technique was good. I will say that with longer hair it can be harder to maintain tension and as time progresses they loosen up due to the factors I mentioned. (moisture). The only tip I have for that is to retwist the loose parts of the coil using a little bit of whatever product you started them with so that they match the rest, in order to maintain that neat aesthetic look that you want.

But when you start locks, those loose places in your coils are usually the places where your hair will start to bud and for shed hairs to start to collect and attach themselves to in order to form your locks. I find this to also be true when locks are started with two-strand twists, so I did not disturb those places in my own locks or DS 2's locks very much, unless it was severe. (e.g. the whole lock came undone and needed to be redone.) I hope that helps!

 

[Cattypus1]

@shortycocoa You are da BOM! I love reading your posts in this thread. You are so positive and reassuring and you’re a wealth of information. Black girls rock! You rock out LOUD!

 

[shortycocoa]

@shortycocoa You are da BOM! I love reading your posts in this thread. You are so positive and reassuring and you’re a wealth of information. Black girls rock! You rock out LOUD!

Awwwww...thanks my LHCF sister! I appreciate that. I love that last sentiment. Sometimes I have to force myself to back up a little bit because the way my verbosity is set up, I'm surprised this thread ain't 500 pages. But your post gave me the reassurance to continue rocking out loud!

 

[prettywhitty]

I’ve put in a second set of twists. Parts are much better this time. They are also much smaller. I’m pretty sure I have 200 or more. But I can’t imagine making them smaller... or taking them down. We will see how I feel in a few weeks.

 

[shortycocoa]

I’ve put in a second set of twists. Parts are much better this time. They are also much smaller. I’m pretty sure I have 200 or more. But I can’t imagine making them smaller... or taking them down. We will see how I feel in a few weeks.

Yaaaaaaasssss!!!!! This sounds like it's extremely close to what you initially wanted in terms of a set of starter locks. If you ask me, it just might be the birthdate of your locks. You should count them when you have time. Did you count the twists in all the previous sets you did? Do you mind posting a pic? I'm so curious to see what they look like!

Don't make them too small because one, they will thicken up and two, you might have to combine them later on if they're too small to stand alone or if they don't thicken to be the size you want on their own. Lastly, it can be a lot of work separating them after a wash and keeping them from marrying. The smaller they are, the more potential for that to happen, so you have to really be on point with that, as well as maintenance.

I know you said you are going to use a loctician for maintaining the new growth, but that person won't be around everytime you wash, rinse or wet your hair. Just something else to consider.

 

[shortycocoa]

I saw this style in a FB post this morning, which led me to this woman's YouTube (NaturalBeauty0214) to learn how to do it. She got me wanting to go ahead and order some pipe cleaners so I can be ready to try this style after my locks mature some more.

Here's the video:



Her hair is just beautiful!

 

[prettywhitty]

@shortycocoa i have 176. I’d post a pic but I have no idea how to do that.

​

 

[Cattypus1]

View attachment 438365

I saw this style in a FB post this morning, which led me to this woman's YouTube (NaturalBeauty0214) to learn how to do it. She got me wanting to go ahead and order some pipe cleaners so I can be ready to try this style after my locks mature some more.

Here's the video:



Her hair is just beautiful!

Aw man! I love this. I can’t wait until my babies are adults!

 

[shortycocoa]

@shortycocoa i have 176. I’d post a pic but I have no idea how to do that.

​

Cool! That's a little less than 200, but still a good number. When you go to create a post, click the 'upload a file' button below the box where you would type your text. Then pick the picture you want to upload. Once the picture loads, you can either choose to upload a thumbnail or a full image.

Once you've made your choice, the thumbnail or full image will appear in the reply box along with your text, if any. Then hit the 'post reply' button to publish your post to the thread.

 

[bubbles12345]

How would you describe her locs in terms of type, size and number? (If you needed to tell a loctician what kind of locs you want).

View attachment 438365

I saw this style in a FB post this morning, which led me to this woman's YouTube (NaturalBeauty0214) to learn how to do it. She got me wanting to go ahead and order some pipe cleaners so I can be ready to try this style after my locks mature some more.

Here's the video:



Her hair is just beautiful!

 

[FlawedBeauty]

How would you describe her locs in terms of type, size and number? (If you needed to tell a loctician what kind of locs you want).

I checked out her channel she says she started with 120 something and combined them to 63

 

[bubbles12345]

Random question...if I get locs I would love to wear them in twists, flat twists, knots, and/or some curled/wavy style (pipe cleaners, rollers, etc.) or updo style like 90%+ of the time. Is this realistic? Or is this too much manipulation for locs? Would it be too much work to keep up this look?
Not sure if this matters but I have 4c hair, high density, high porosity and medium/fine strands.