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

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