Shrinkage and Buddage

Someone asked me if I was experiencing hair shrinkage. I immediately answered 'no' and indicated I was patiently waiting for it to hit. 

Well, it's here.

I've been putting my hair into a modified low bun the past couple of weeks. (nothing fancy so I haven't taken any pics) After my re-twist, I was able to fit more hair into the bun and the shorter locs near the front would lay flat on their own. Not too many clips or hairpins needed. Soon I began to notice that the shorter locs were more prone to sticking up and less and less of the locs in the back wanted to cooperate. The last indicator of shrinkage, I am using more pins and clips for the same style. 

While the shrinkage is annoying; it's also exciting! My hair is loc'ing! And that's all I need it to do.

 The number of locs with buds is increasing but really only on the right side of my head. The left side is almost completely bereft of buds :( They are decidedly still very much comb coil in appearance. Anyone else experience this asymmetry? 

So, back to the right side - the buds are getting bigger! Is the size of the bud an indicator of how thick one can expect a loc to become?

Just another 1.5 weeks till two months! I'll of course have pics then. I especially want to introduce you to Sally, my already loc'd buddy. She's an overachiever and I heart her :)

Just a quick update. Hope you're all enjoying a great and safe weekend.

- kareen

iRockLocs Giveaway!

CONGRATS to fellow loc'er Kim for reaching 200 subscribers on her blog! She's celebrating with a great giveaway! How neat!



Be sure to check her and the contest out: iRockLocs!

- kareen

The Journey So Far

At the recommendation of Rennae, I found Picnik. It's an easy to use photo editor and so I've been having a little bit of fun with it. Here are a couple of collages of the loc journey so far!

See you in a few!

- kareen

Is this budding?!?

So, I'm asking the ultimate newbie question: is this budding? Thought I'd know budding as soon as I saw it but after a re-twist, not sure if they are buds or just bumps formed from manipulation. The 'buds' are not appearing on all locs. No matter what, this process is exciting!

So what do you think?

- kareen

First Re-Twist!

I think I was more excited for the re-twist than I was for the installation. This could be the reason why - I was ready!

My babies are so fresh and so clean! The long drive to Rare Essence was, again, definitely worth it. China worked her magic: my loose hair has been returned to the appropriate locs; my parts are back; and all marrying locs have been separated (so sorry babies but it wasn't meant to be!). The salon uses Joie My Gel for re-twisting.

Here I am right after the re-twist. Thanks to Vela for taking the cell phone pics.

Looks like I gained some length!

Happy customer

Here are some self-shots taken when I got home. These pics appear more 'scalpy' than on my cell phone pics from the salon. The babies also look a little thinner than when installed but a fresh palm roll can have that affect.

China did a light interlock on the loc right above my ear closet to my hairline to see if  that will help keep it from unraveling.

The loc above the ear closest to my hairline on this side was also lightly interlocked

I took the opportunity to purchase my first loc products! Jane Carter Solution Natural Hold Locking Spray and Joie MyGel.

The holding solution is for when I would like my re-twist to last a little longer in not so ideal situations such as exercising. And although I plan on returning to Rare Essence a couple more times before attempting my own maintenance, I purchased the re-twisting gel for those just in case moments.

While I love the salon, it is a trek and my goal for loc'ing is to be able to take care of my own hair. So I know I will eventually have to wean myself from professional loctitian care. . . sigh.

That's the update!

- kareen

Happy One Month Lociversary to Me!

Wow, time has flown. Can't believe it's already been a month! As I've mentioned before, I am so ready a re-twist and wash. I have managed to avoid the itchies but then again, I haven't done much to my hair. I spritz my babies as needed with an oil and water mixture and that's it! Also, as previously discussed, I usually cover my hair when heading out of the house.

What I have not been immune to is the frizzies. There are strands of hair that are completely loose and I have no idea from which loc baby they came! So glad I'm going to a loctitian; I don't have the knowledge yet or patience to re-create my parts. The frizzies came about just with normal wear and tear. I've exacerbated the issue over the past two weeks by working up a sweat exercising. Yes, the increased movement is part of my 2011 goals but I plan on sticking with the plan so I may need to up my learning curve on home maintenance. At the very least, I'll ask for recommendations on rinsing/washing hair between re-twists.

As far as work is concerned, I haven't received any negative feedback but I also keep my hair covered. On the flip side, a nurse who I don't know approached me to ask when I was going to let my hair out. She missed  my curls. Too sweet. I kinda miss my curls, too.

Here's the current state of my hair at one month. These pics were snapped this morning after my workout.

The coils themselves are holding on; just can't believe the amount of loose hair. As messy as the process is, I'm enjoying it. I'm looking forward to the coils taking on the appearance of locs!

- kareen