Nubian Kinks Re-Twist

Finally! I was able to give my locs some TLC yesterday. A thorough wash followed by a re-twist using Nubian Kinks Loc Pomade. From start to finish, the process took about 90 minutes but I wasn't taking pictures in between like I did the first time around. Also, as I've mentioned before, I don't have a hair dryer so my locs air dried. I was pleased that many locs stayed intact but there were some that basically completely unraveled. Just another reminder that my locs are babies still.

NK Loc Pomade doesn't look the greatest; it's a light, muddy brown colour which I wasn't expecting but what it lacks in visual appearance (for me) it makes up for in scent. The pomade has a light but pleasant fragrance which reminds me of a Caribbean vacation.

As with any loc re-twisting gel/pomade, application was easy and I had no difficulty re-twisting. I was concerned about not having a blow dryer or hair dryer but no worries at all. When I removed the clips, my handiwork remained intact and there was no product build-up.

The only difference I noticed between the Joie MyGel and NK Loc Pomade is that this morning the locs that normally unravel overnight are still intact. The ones at my nape and by my ears held on surprisingly well! We'll see what this week holds. I will write a full review of the products I've used to so far in a separate post.

Happy Sunday!

- kareen

It's Here!

In only 12 business days my package from Nubian Kinks arrived! That's not too bad at all. Maybe their service is improving.

Now the dilemma - what should I use for my next re-twist? Oyin Handmade or Nubian Kinks. I'll have to make that decision by tomorrow. I'm starting my new job on Monday so it's going to be a wash and re-twist kinda Sunday...I hope! I'm in the middle of moving from AZ to CA for that job so we'll see what tomorrow brings.

Which products should I try?

- kareen

Product Junkie in the Making

Okay, I'm not really becoming a PJ. I'm definitely in the less is more camp with loc maintenance but after spending the last year and a half watching every possible Youtube video on locs, it's only natural for my interest to be piqued in what's available on the market, right? Right? Truthfully I'm surprised that I don't already have a cabinet full of products!

After I made it through my first self-wash and re-twist unscathed, my desire to try some products went into high gear. Well, three products in particular: Oyin Handmade's Burnt Sugar Pomade and Shine & Define; and Nubian Kinks' Locing Pomade. 

I received the Oyin products about a week after placing my order. The fragrance for both products is divine. Even my husband commented that they smelled good enough to eat! I'm excited to wash and re-twist my hair just so I can try them out. Crazy, right? 

I bought these two product after watching quotidianlight's Youtube review on the great re-twisting results she experienced by mixing them together. Definitely worth a watch!

While I know of Nubian Kink's shipping issues, I couldn't resist purchasing their Locing Pomade. Even with the reports of poor customer service, no one can knock their product so I have to try it. I'm not in a rush. I placed my order on January 30th. I received an initial email confirming my order and this week I received a second email with a tracking number and a message that the product had shipped two days ago. So I think they are making progress on improving their customer service. I'll be sure to update when I receive my package. 

Have a great weekend!

- kareen

Happy TWO Month Lociversary to Me!

Two posts in one night! I couldn't let midnight pass without acknowledging my two month lociversary! I think my hair is really enjoying this loc'ing thing.

Here's the loc bun I talked about here. As you can see, not having locs that are all the same length makes this low bun difficult to pull off but I'm rocking it.

In new developments, one of my locs has the curl at the end. . . you know, the ones that usually take forever to loc? Now how cool is that? Here it is. . .

Also new is the increase in budding. The locs on the left side of my head have come to life with buds. The buds already in existence have grown to new levels.  Some of my favourite locs. . .

Last but not least are a couple of locs that were not budding before my wash last week but are now starting to show some life.

Living life loc'd!

- kareen

First Self-Wash and Re-Twist w/ Pics

Okay. Finally got the pics off the card and onto the 'puter. Almost had a meltdown when I thought I would never be able to access them.

I digress.

After a couple of weeks of consistent exercise my scalp was screaming for a wash. The problem? I was just too terrified to wash my own hair and to deal with the mess afterwards. I didn't have the time to travel to my loctitian (7.5 hours away) so I knew it was time. Six days shy of my two month lociversary, I took the plunge. . . and LOVED it. Well, at the very least my scalp was thankful!

Here's a pictorial of how it all went down. (p.s. I'm still working on taking self-portraits so I continue to ask for your patience and also thank you for indulging me) 

Before the wash. The locs really held up this month.

Suave Clarifying Shampoo (first time using and had great results) + Joie MyGel + Clips = Re-twist!

The aftermath. I was a little bit overwhelmed at the though of re-twisting.  

During and after the re-twist. Couldn't believe how much more budding developed!

Here we are the next day. Second pic is a little fuzzy but shows all the budding.  Definite thickening up!

More next day pics. Loving my locs!

I was proud (and still am!) of my efforts. Seven days later the locs are crazy fuzzy but that's life. I don't own a hair dryer so I had to let my hair air dry. Maybe that has to do with the quick return of the fuzzies. Who knows.

That's it for now.

- kareen

iRockLocs Giveaway! I WON!!!

Thanks to Kim @ iRockLocs and Lockology, I WON (yes, won!) my very first loc jewel! Super-duper excited!!

I won 'River'!

Be sure to check out the other winners. There were six!

- kareen

First Self-Wash and Re-Twist. . . Teaser

Well, I took the plunge and washed my loc babies and re-twisted them! Full deets and more pics to come this week.

Half-way through the process!

Hope you had a great weekend!

- kareen