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

What I'm Going to do Differently

With a second set of locs on my mind thoughts of "what will I do differently?" are swirling around. The list isn't long since I only had my last set for five months! BUT there are things I would change.

1. Smaller locs
I had about 55 with my first set. I love thick locs so I don't want to go much thinner but with such thick locs, styling was proving to be difficult - braidouts were impossible! Maybe 75 to 95 will work better? Who knows but it's definitely something I will discuss with my future loctitian.

2. Less product
I washed my hair thoroughly and used products sparingly. When I cut my locs, I was surprised by the amount of build-up. Once I start maintaining my own locs, I will try re-twisting with water and stick to oil for moisturizing on wet hair.

3. Starting on even hair
Last time I started with hair that needed a cut. The back was significantly longer than the front and I wish I had trimmed first. Also a hassle for styling! The hair at the nape will grow quicker, I understand, but I'm going to give the front a fighting chance to keep up!

4. Find a loctitian that is closer
I loved my last loctitian, Essence Farmer and her salon Rare Essence Studio. Unfortunately they were 3.5 hours away from where I lived in Arizona making the round trip eight hours long. To make matters worse, I relocated to Southern California and didn't make the time to find one due to a busy schedule. I have a couple of excellent recommendations that are not too far from where I am. I look forward to meeting each of them.

If you could get new locs or if you started a new set, what would you change or did you change?

- kareen

Hello? Hello? I'm Back!

It's been a minute but a much needed one. My 3rd big chop was in May after a particularly difficult transition into my new position. I reverted to what I new and where I felt comfortable. I have enjoyed my TWA but I'm ready to head back into locdom.

I've been mulling the idea for the past couple of months but finally made the decision two weeks ago. I canceled my "buzz" cut appointment in late September. I have about 1/4" of growth and my goal is 1" before starting again. I wanted to wait until longer but after a twitter conversation with @locdglory (aka Quotidianlight on Youtube) where she pointed out that her third set loc'd the quickest and that was when she had started them at the shortest length. I'm anxious to get this set started so I'm ready to try at 1".

My first goal is finding a local loctitian. Fortunately I'm surrounded my several loc'd beauties and I have several referrals which I will be checking out.

That's it for now. I'm excited to get back on the road!

- kareen

Me? Featured? Check it out!

Thanks to Tasha from Naturaleza for the feature on her blog. I count her a friend and was honoured at her request. Take a minute to check it out and let me know what you think!

On a side note, I have some ideas for keeping this blog alive so I thank you all for standing by!

- kareen

The Reveal

The pic kinda says it all. Three weeks ago I gave into my desire to go short - - super short. My decision to end my loc journey wasn't about a lack of patience or not enjoying the locs. Rather the decision to big chop was based on the fact that I like the way I look with this cut. I'm a short hair kinda girl!

At this point, I don't have plans to re-start but I never say never. I hate to close this blog so for now it will remain alive but I'm not sure of the direction as there's not much to discuss with short hair like mine :)

Thank you to everyone for your support and allowing me to join the loc community. I plan to still give my encouragement to those of you still on the journey.

All the best!

- kareen 

Health Naturally - Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Check out part 2 of Naturaleza's series on health and hair. We welcome your comments!

Health Naturally - Omega-3 Fatty Acids


Hope to hear from you!


- kareen

Health Naturally - Blog Series Collab with Naturaleza

I was pleasantly surprised and honoured when Tasha from Naturaleza approached me about collaborating on a series about the benefits of a healthy diet on hair health.

Please check out part one of Health Naturally - Water, Rejuvenate You! We both look forward to your feedback either here or on Tasha's blog.

Hope you're all doing well!

- kareen