Getting Closer to My Second Set

I'm so ready to get my second set of locs. I've spent the past couple of weeks re-watching YouTube vids for loc inspiration, especially those featuring starters on short hair. I was especially inspired by Kim at I Rock Locs. Be sure to check out her vids if you haven't already. That's probably the length my hair will be when I start.

Here's my current length without any product and combed out.

Can you tell? I've finally lost some weight! 

My regimen is simple. I wash my hair 2x/week with Burt's Bees Super Shiny. I wet my hair daily and while I will miss the ease of short hair, I'm looking forward to starting my loc journey.

I use Africa's Best Herbal Oil to add moisture after washing. For styling I alternate between Eco Styler, Oyin Handmade's Burnt Sugar Pomade or their Shine and Define.

I'm going to call the two loctitians that were recommended to me next week to make appointments in January. Hopefully I vibe with one of them but I'm ready to keep going until I find the right person that's not too far. 

Happy, safe and blessed holidays to you and your family!

- 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