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

Happy (super duper belated) FOUR Month Lociversary to Me!

Wow! It's been a minute. I've missed blogging and reading blogs. Work is on the downswing - at least a little bit so I'm hoping to be back to posting. Also, welcome to my new readers. . .I still can't believe I have more than one subscriber :)

Even though I didn't blog about it on the day or even close to the day, I celebrated month 4 with a wash and re-twist. I still have very frustrating days when I just want to chop them off but I'm holding on. I was really hoping to see a loctitian but haven't had the time to make an appointment. One of my friends has recommended someone so hopefully month 6 will find me in a salon chair!

These pics are from 04/08 and 04/09 (my actual lociversary). I finally mixed the Oyin Handmade Burnt Sugar and Shine & Define. I didn't measure so I don't have specifics but the two products blended together well. I was happy with the hold three weeks later.

Again, I apologize for the picture quality. This time around I used my Flip camcorder. Haven't gotten around to unpacking and finding the battery charger for my camera. 

Not too much change from month 3. I'm trusting the process. Month 5 is just a week away!

Thanks everyone for being patient with me. I look forward to catching up on all of your blogs.

- kareen

Coiled Locs

So, if you're at all on Youtube you will have noticed the latest loc style rage: coiled locs. What's great about the style is that it actually works for short, medium and long locs! I took one look (okay, I watched about five vids) and knew I had to try it.

The loc tut originated with Fauryn78:



I like the way the style turned out and my hubby loved it, too. I know it looks a little different because I have less locs but I like it! I used Oyin Handmade Shine and Define and Burnt Sugar. Loved the shine!

I slept with the hairpins and this morning those coils stayed intact after I removed the pins. We'll see how long I can stretch the style. I'm looking forward to the curls!

- 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