April 11th 2019, I started a journey to locking my hair. Overall it has been a liberating 12 months, quite similar to my initial big chop in 2011. In my blog post ‘My Experience Maintaing Starter Locs’ I share why I decided to get locs. Go have a read if you haven’t once you are done here.
There are a number of ways to start locs -twists, braids and coils to mention a few. I decided on starting with two strand twists but was so nervous the mini twist look would not suit me, I did a test run a couple of months earlier to be certain I was sure sure.
So what has the journey been like?
I have periodically had issues with a few locs thining, specifically the ones on either side of my temple. I have a combination of 4b and 4c fine coily medium density hair. The thining is likely due to some parting sections being too small for hair texture. In total I have combined about 6 locs creating 3 larger locs. I maintained my locs myself and will continue to do so since I don’t usually go to stylists unless I have a tapered cut. My philosophy is to not be so obsessive about having manicured locs. On average, I usually wait 2 months before lightly retwisting, but my roots at the front have the tendency to grow away from the loc, leaving it fragile at times. Having my hair type I have to make sure that after washes I wrap loose roots (not palm rolling but wrap the frayed hairs around the base of the root).
Our hair is like a plant. To ensure a plant thrives, you have to know the type of plant you are dealing with. Provide the right amount of sun, food and water. Similar to our hair it needs the routine of nurture and care but we need to learn what is good for it. All curly/coily hair is obviously not the same and there will be things we need to do to ensure OUR hair’s optimal health; aka drink your water and mind your business. In this blog post I mentioned that I just use water, rose water and oils (more recently aloe vera) as my regimen. These are the only products I have used to retwist my hair giving me the soft hold I desire. Once in a while I will use some edge control if I am attending an event. Do I have any regrets? It is so cliche to say this but, my only regret is that I didn’t start this years ago! I don’t know why I second guessed it.
Have a look at my hair transformation below:
If you are considering locs, many of us will tell you things like “be patient”, “trust the process” and it is so true. I do not believe that there is any magic concoction or remedy to maturing locs faster. Genetics and our overall health will result in our hair looking and feeling great. Our regimine (products, washing) works with that (remember my analogy about the plant-learn what your plant needs to thrive). The hair will do what it will so our job is to ensure we look after ourselves holistically (yes including the current buzz word of this era; mental health. Many a people have lost hair due to stress, anxiety and depression).
Breathe in. Breathe out. You got this girl!
But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Romans 8:25 ESV
