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

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

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