Chocolocs

I am so excited to be invited to join the Locked Hair Blog Exchange!

I live in the Metro Detroit area and I’ve been locked since Valentine’s Day 2006. I have an awesome loctician, her name is Paulette of Locks4Life. I didn’t discover all of these great SisterLocks blogs until after I was locked, but I’ve been tuned-in ever since! The “veteran SisterLocks bloggers” have motivated me to share my story, which I hope you will find helpful and enjoyable. I will be chronicling my natural hair journey through photos and brief posts. Please come by and check me out at: http://chocolocs.blogspot.com. Leave a comment. (I’m new to blogging, so be patient!)

Chocolocs

lovin' my locks more and more every day

i guess you could say i was never really comfortable with my processed hair. i hated the smell of the relaxer and i wondered how something that was as thick as my hair could turn into something so thin after just minutes with a relaxer.

luckily, i came to my senses when i graduated from college and moved to california for a fresh start. and i really saw the light when i stopped hiding under braid and twist extensions a few years later. i loved my 'fro, but i had always admired locs and even considered loc extensions in the past. but i didn't know the first thing about maintaining or even starting them, since i didn't know anyone with natural hair (let alone locs!).



and then i discovered Nappturality.com. and after a few years of perusing the loc forum and various fotki albums, i decided to start my locs in january 2007. i had read so many posts saying that you just know when you're ready - and that was definitely the case with me. though i love locs of all shapes and sizes, i went with sisterlocks. i think that no matter what kind of hair/hairstyle you have, everyone experiences bad hair days. but i have to say that since i've had locs, mine have been few and far between. i've gotten nothing but positive feedback, but more importantly, i'm completely happy with my decision to loc.

New Life, New Hair

In January of 2006, I moved from Los Angeles to a suburb of Phoenix in Arizona. With my move, came a new job, a new house and community, new friends, and a whole new outlook. I decided, why not change my hair too? On June 10, 2006, I took the plunge and had my Sisterlocks installed. My only regret is that I didn't do it years ago. I am so lovin' my locks in ways that I never thought I would.

You can see my evolution at www.fotki.com/kalynnatk.

Ready or Loc. . .

Here I come. I started with two strand twists in February 2007. I'm notorious for using the "figure it out" method, which has been the process for my hair. I maintain with a mix of latch hooking method and twisting, just depends on what I'm feeling like. That's pretty much how I approach my hair: I do what I feel like.

I'm working on my PhD in American Culture Studies at Bowling Green State University. I'm a self proclaimed craft gangsta, and between whining about the cold, bragging about my home state of NC, I joined the blogosphere.

I'm a recovering hair product junkie. All other body care product are still free game! I like to make up words. Pop culture is my joy and probably will be at the center of my career. I give my intelligently quirky, corny, and sometimes snarky take on most things hair, somethings culture, and all things hair culture.

Back to Basics

I have been Sisterlocked since August 11, 2005. I have loved every moment of this journey. My daughter, age 11, just joined the Sisterlock family on May 26, 2007. She is absolutely glowing and loving her new locks.

Busingye's Journey is 1 Fantastic Voyage

Hi there, I'm Jos. I am on this Life Journey and I am enjoying my Crowning Glory of Sisterlocks immensely. My Sisterlock journey began May 25-27, 2006. Each day has been "good" and blessed. I have not had 1 "bad hair day" since this voyage began.

I have small Sisterlocks all over, and I have so many different textures of hair on my head -- from soft, curly & fine to coarse, wiry and medium thick. I love sporting the rod curled curly styles. That is -- until my FreeSpirit can FreeStyle.

You can also visit my FOTKI @ http://public.fotki.com/QueenNandi

Offering Specials for New Sisterlock Installations(South Florida)

Hello Sisterlock Family,

I am a Sisterlock Trainee located in South Florida and I am offering a special on new installations booked in the month of July and August in exchange for Certification. I am available to travel to you! I am also available for retightenings. Please contact me if you are interested.

call 954-675-5818 or
email: lashaunej@yahoo. com

Peace and Blessings


Look how short my sisterlocks were when I first started way back in 2005. I have come a loooong way Baby! Please visit my blog at: http://sisterlock-journey.blogspot.com/

This is dreadslocs - RIP

Greetings all,

First I would like to thank Dreadlocs for his love for his freeform locs.

Secondly, he was a proud member of the community of folk who carry dreads/locs.

His own journey started 5/15/05. His journey carried him far from his initial vision of where his locs grew to. His initial vision and plan was to have the "perfect" set of manicured locs. And to that end,  he almost drove himself crazy. :-) His first 6 months was spent twisting obsessively, one braidloc session and one latch session at a time.

When he found himself waking in the middle of the night twisting he was forced to pray for relief. His answer came in the form of advice given to him by folk he referred to as his freeform mentors, Tai of this forum being one of them.  Dreadlocs journey was one of "letting go." He washed and condition/moisturized with all natural products whenever he wished. He often went for months at a time without what some referred to as "poppin his dreads" and loved the freedom he was gifted with!  It was quite a feeling to believe his Creators vision of his hair was much more profound than his own...

peace an blessins, Dreadslocs... Your fotki loc family will always remember you for your wonderful photo sketches, encouraging comments in our photo albums and sharing your journey with hundreds of us in the community.  May you continually rest in peace.

TRIFLEmc (The MC's MC) Start date: May 07, 2005 (5/7/05)

Tai, I've ran across your other album. Refreshing to see another brother in these parts. In my case (the short version) I was born to Trinidadian parents in 1980 in Queens, NY, specifically in the area of Jamaica. Jamaica gets a bad rep for crime and drugs, but truly it was and is still the most affluent black section in NYC and the Queens is the only city where "minority" salaries are routinely higher than that of "whites". There-in began my pride. To grow up around doctors and lawyers, even while the husslers ran around doing their ignorant things. I was blessed to grow up on town from Q-tip and Phife and Jarobi. They would come over to Pop and Kim (a famous "40" and arcade spot) and would jus hang. I mean you really felt good to have these guys around, in addition to Run-DMC, LL, and Salt & Peppa, who could all be seen at the Green Acres Mall. Jamaica by coincidence always held a high West Indian population, as far back as the late 50-60's they tell me. Dreads were in abundance, and a friend of mine in particular, Jalani had the longest dreads and we were only like 7. We went to Tae Kwon Do together and he would wrap and wrap his head, like a lil professional dred LOL.

I've been rappin since i was seven , in '87, and i just turned 27 last week. For me, its so sad that my fellow 27 yr olds only seem to know Biggie and down, or don't care. I'm the youngest old schooler you know. It pains me, while i remember beggin my older bro, who had 9 yrs over me, to buy me my 1st Black Medallion. the JB's were hot at this point (Jungle Brothers to lamens) and we would talk my moms Bead curtain and make the neck beads.

I began my locs with all this in mind. I'd wanted them in JHS but my mom, an old school Trini, despised them, said they were for the Rastas or the weed smokers. I wanted braids to. I loved things that lent to my heritage, even if it didnt mean i was actually connecting to anything. It was just for me.I 1st went to school with "non-blacks" in HS. Yeah it took me 14 yrs to see more than the 1 white student we had in the whole town, a girl named Kelly.
They would say shyt slick too like "go back to the projects", mind you Jamaica is 90% private homes. I would laugh at them and/or fight. I digress
When i was old enough to not be told what to do, lets say 21 LOL hey i'm West indian, i had my then girl braid my lil fro. Over the next 3 yrs I'd dealt with the A.I jokes @ work, the Hey you look like a rapper (When i was comin up ppl always said i DIDNT look like a rapper, until they heard me killin' it) but i still would feel shame in having braids for some reason. It's silly perhaps.In May of '05, after the voices of locdom had already been calling me since the previous year, i made the switch. I remember coming into my corporate job, and having my head held so high. I walked right into a meeting with ALL the big wigs. I saw my co-worker, the mis-understood sister with the ceasar, actually nod at me on the low, after not really speaking to me in the previous year. It felt so free, so unlike the restriction of braids. Its like a reflection of my mental at the time. One free, one trapped. This is way before i thought to move to the Dominican Republic.
Its funny, a sister here wrote that less guys would approach her, and i think that less woman who i approached were enthused to meet me after the switch, but it didnt matter. I was here.
I had went to DR earlier that year just on vacation and with my cornrows. So many women loved the hair (braids were JUST gettin very popular there). I moved back in Nov with my locs and it went to all but zero. They couldn't understand. They would ask why i want my hair to stay dirty. I would ask "dirty?", they would say that since a comb cant pass through it has to be full of dirt. I would then tell them to take off their clothes because you cant come those either but you dang sure feel like your clothes are cleaner than you after a good washing. That would shut them up LOL
To be sure, i have what is considered manicured locs, but i don't like to see my scalp, i just like them to not join together and i like uniformity and symmetry, blame the artist in me. Also blame the fact that my mom still isn't locs' biggest fan, but i keep it so neat that she finally lost her stereotypes, in fact for the last year, on my suggestion, she has her hair in single twists (the type that can form locs) and she keeps them in until the day to get them redone. My style now is a freeform hybrid. 2 or so months not twisting- just wash, then i do it myself, and let the 2 months come again.
So in a nutshell my reasons for WHY were that i needed my hair to "grow out in all directions" like my thoughts were. Something that i didn't worry about. My braids had me way to vain about fresh lookin hair and parts, etc. My locs made me confront my vanities. Unlike a female who can go to work with head wrapped up, if my locs were wild and i had to go to work, I just had to go!! Once i noticed people lookin at me, i began to have this other pride like "YES! LOOK at me" Deal with what comes naturally from me. That natural hair rooted in Africa that, left alone, will loc to its hearts content.
TRIFLEmc

Sisterlocked in SC - Another Sisterlocks Success Story

After seeing an acquaintance with beautiful SLs in January 2007, I immediately started exhaustive research. I wanted to know everything about Sisterlocks - how they're done (technique), what were their origins (history), and what they look like over time (journey)...

I Googled "Sisterlocks" and stumbled across Maryee's blog first. From there I followed links on her page and eventually discovered the LHBE. These resources - dozens of SL Journeys chronicled in words and pictures really helped me to make up my mind about starting SLs of my own. Mine were installed in March of 2007, 3/29 to be exact.

I intend to detail my journey in the hopes it helps others as those who came before have helped and encouraged me. Enjoy!

Braids by Lana

Braids by Lana offers unique hair styles and hair adornments for the naturalist of today, sisterlocks, braids, twist, weaves, hair ties, hair picks, and hair ethnic jewelry.

Getting right into the before and after pictures of my clients, you will be able to see for yourself how this procedure can enhance the beauty of anyone that wants to take the time and experience it.

Once again thank you for visiting my small part of cyberspace. I look forward to making you comfortable with this process. You can click on an image for a larger view.

Lana

Locsuluv Hair Affair

I started my 30th birthday with a revelation: To have natural hair. After being permed all my life my family and friends thought I was crazy; but now I'm in my 3rd year of being natural, free and sisterlocked. I have enjoyed my journey thus far and plan to embrace it for many years to come. Happy reading and enjoy my journey.

Locsuluv

Hair Labor of Love: My Journey to Sisterlocks

Hello, my name is Monica and I've traveled this journey (i.e., Sisterlock) since April 14, 2005. One of the main reasons that I chose Sisterlocks was because it allowed my own hair to do what is was designed to do--lock, while also offering me the capability to style it in the same fashions similar to relaxed hair. There isn't a day that goes by when someone stops and asks me, "Are those braids or locks?" Even when I'm having an off day, that question always makes me smile and reply, "They're Sisterlocks!" Come and experience my journey with me. Go to: http://moniqacamp.blogspot.com/

Ja Stu's Sisterlock Journey

Hi all sisters,

I am really enjoying my baby locks. I get a lot of compliments on a daily basis. I read the blogs daily they are so enlightening. It's like I have had locks for a long time. I was thinking it could be because I have literally watched Still Waters' (my daughter) locks for as long as she has had them, and it's like it's my journey (the maternal side of me smile).

I look forward to Brunsli's blogs daily...what a sis can write? Love you girl.

Haven't mastered the blogging yet, but I'm getting there. Also I have to get me a digital camera soon. I hope Mother's day will be a good time. (hint hint)


Ja Stu

Lovin' it Nappy: My Sisterlocks Journey

Please visit Linda's Sisterlocks blog today!!

My Sisterlocks and My Life

I love my Sisterlocks! Hair is such an intensely personal symbol. Growing Sisterlocks has made me more comfortable with my natural beauty and has taught me patience. I began my Sisterlocks in 2000. I had about four inches of relaxed hair and only half an inch of natural hair to work with. My hair locked after about six months, but I kept my relaxed hair for about a year before I chopped it off. I was so glad to see it go! I haven't looked back since. Locking my hair is the most wonderful, freeing thing I've ever done for myself! My husband even has Brotherlocks!

TwoIslandsGirl's Sisterlocks Story

Please visit TwoIslandsGirl's blog today and learn more about her Sisterlocks journey!

Kentucky Kinks

Please visit Elaniece's place where she shares her story about her Sisterlocks! This picture has her with spiral curls! She's also a certified consultant.

Kim's Sisterlocks Journey

Please visit Kim's blog as she starts a new journey with Sisterlocks, roots and culture!

It's Me Again....

Sassy and unique, short and sweet, but set in for eternity. Cute and quaint, sexy but very, very faint. Can be seen in a crowd, an eye catcher and it's sure to please.......what is this???

MY LOCS!!!!!!!

I am so excited, and so pleased in myself that I decided to take this road. This road is a journey and this journey is definately like none-other. One that has been there all along but I just needed to see it. It is awesome and as my locs change, so do I...... Changing into a naturalistic, unique, me.

Natural as you and me........

Memoirs of a lil nappy headed gal....me & my Sisterlocks

Though I've been natural my entire life, I have felt
a sense of freedom with my Sisterlocks. Going from
California girl to a Southern woman, the one thing
that remained is the desire to keep my hair natural.
I found Sisterlocks and I saw my dream on the heads
of the most beautiful women I've ever seen.  

In January 2006, I entered a sisterhood that has bonded
me with phenomenal women all across the country.
I have had the pleasure of hearing various stories and I
am honored that anyone would be interested in mine.
The encouragement and enlightenment that we have all
brought to the table is definitley the start of a beautiful
liberation/revolution for Black women everywhere.
For now, I am simply living life and loving it.

Ayankha

Praline's Passage

Hi, I'm Praline and I want to share my passage with other girls that want to go natural or wear locks!

Oh, my mom is Creyole at http://creyole.blogspot.com

Locked Hair Video Testimonies

If you'd like to see about 2 dozen women talk about how much they love their locked/natural hair, please click on the link below!

DFW Gathering 10-15-06

N'Drea's write has been reinvented. The sequel - Life, Unscripted

Hi all! N'Drea's write has been reinvented and now has a new name, home, and look. I'm there now as D'Empress. Why? You'll find out in an upcoming post.

So, c'mon over to Life, Unscripted.

For those who have been following my journey at N'Drea's write, please update your links to reflect the change to Life, Unscripted.

See you in my new space, where I'll share new tales.


As we say in Jamaica, "Walk good."

~ D'Empress (formerly known as N'Drea)
SL'd December 27 & 28, 2006

Simply Mel

When I made the decision to get Sisterlocks, I gained the most information and inspiration amongst the blogs on this exchange. I now feel both excited and privileged to be joining it.

My Sisterlocks and I reside in London; drop by my blog to check up on how we're doing in the UK.

http://whatsnewmel.blogspot.com

And don't be shy, leave me a comment...

Mel

Happy New Year Locked Hair Blog Exchange!

Enjoy and share the 2007 collages! These ladies are slamming!!! Thanks to all who shared photos of their lovely locks! Maryee

Photo Bucket Adobe Remix Video

A Year in Hair-RastagalNJ

I am ending the year with a collage of my loc styles of 2006...Have a Healthy, Happy, Prosperous New Year.

Grace and Peace to you my fellow sojourners in locdom. I am so happy to be welcomed into the Locked Hair Blog Exchange. My loc journey began almost 10 years ago, it was an instant attraction but a slow acceptance of what was the inevitable. I am loving every day of being locked and can't imagine why I took so long to make the transition. Share with me as I chronicle my journey into the kingdom of natural hair as well as the story of how I became "The Jamerican Loc Diva known as rastagalNJ. Click on the title to read my story and you can visit my online photo albums at http://public.fotki.com/rastagalNJ

Blessings

***Update-6-20-07*** I have been locked for almost 11 years now, I started my locs from comb coils that a friend did and have not looked back since. I maintain my locs by washing when I feel the need (sometimes weekly, sometimes longer stretches LOL), and when I do twist, I only finger twist the roots with a mix of honey, olive oil and aloe vera gel. Lately I have been letting them do their own thing, so I haven't retwisted in a few months. I also have stopped using products on my locs except some oil every now and then. My locs seem to be happier without all the stuff I use to put in them.

Natraleefree's Dreadlock Journey

Ok ladies, I finally updated by blog.........come check out my pics! ;0)

Lizrouse- Loc'ed and loving it!

Hi everyone!

I loved what I've been reading from all the folks on their hair journeys. I've been loc'ed since 2001. I finally rid myself of the last of my relaxed hair probably 8-10 years ago (I'm not sure anymore). Just wanted to comment and express my appreciation. Wish there had been more of this when I was making the journey by myself. Thanks best wishes to all those hair-journeying.

lizrouse

Hello everyone its me Locizm...

with a new name and blog, Kinky Awakenings. Its been a while but I'm back. Yes, I did the delete the blog by accident thing. Someone please tell me why that delete button is at that location???

I am a Sisterlock Consultant Trainee who is meticulous about her work. Based out of Tucker, Georgia serving Metro Atlanta and Beyond. Stopping by to show some love to my fellow sisters-in-locs. Peace

Lock Venture

Hi. I'm so eggsited about being about a part of this blog family. I've been without a perm for almost 3 years and Sisterlocked for 8 months. I chose Sisterlocks after blog stalkin for several months and it has proved to be one of the best choices I've made in life. Let me testify a minute. See, I used to praise the perm and how it would bring my naps into submission and bondage. Little did I know at the time it was doing the same thing to my mind. Now I don't knock the perm for those who chose do it; I'm just glad that I've learned to accept the hair my Designer/Creator gave me. I marvel at His handiwork and how unique it is!

http://www.chosenvessel06.blogspot.com/

Chosen Vessel's Sisterlock Pilgrimage. Enjoy the slide-show.

Greetings!

I decided in 2002 that I wanted to wear my hair natural. I began to research my options and found out about Sisterlocks from a friend who has beautiful locks. On July 15, 2003 my wonderful loctician put my Sisterlocks in and I have been happy with my hair ever since. I can't stress enough how wearing locks has changed me in so many ways. It has increased my love for ALL OF ME because I must admit, I was beginning to detest my permed hair and all of its expensive problems :) But I look in the mirror now and SHOUT HALLELUJAH I AM FREE!!!!

Shalom,

Chosen Vessel

Visit Montgomerygirl's Fotki Album

I am 29, married with a four year old daughter. My official SL bday is 10/16/06... :) Yay me... Since 2001, I have wanted to lock my hair but was afraid because of what my family may think or what people at work may think or do. But I have finally come out of my shell and gotten rid of everyone else's opinions thoughts and have decided to go with what I have always wanted to do (of course I wanted to get my hubby's approval as well as talk to the Lord before I did it. )

I am a stay at homeschooling mom (the Lord allowed that) and loving life :)

Thanks for stoppin' by and checkin' out my fotki... :) I think they are the coolest thing since sliced bread.. :)

God Bless...

Montgomerygirl

SisterLocked and Free!!!

Hi everybody!! I had my SLocks installed on October 30th-31st, 2006.   I know I've been off the radar for a minute, but I'm back now with a vengeance (and some new photos of my SLocks)! I've been through a lot during these past 3+ years, and would love to share those highs and lows with you.

Please feel free to drop by and leave comments. You can also link to my blog, if you like.

Smooches, Cassie

Sisterlocks: Look I am a beautiful butterfly...

Hello everyone! I have been in a natural hair cocoon for seven years. I researched Sisterlocks for three long years and I finally took the plunge in October. I am so glad that I did! Like most, I started this blog to chronicle my hair journey. Unexpectedly, I have been so pleased with the support and warm wishes I have received from this community. I have read and re-read so many of the blogs listed here and want to thank Maryee for putting this together!

CloudNine

My personal journey with Sisterlocks

I'm so glad to be part of this growing family and be amongst the many women who realize and accept the beauty of their natural hair. Take a moment to visit my corner, browse through, leave a comment, ask a question, but most importantly, enjoy your visit.

Veta

Get Caught In The Act

Hi everyone! I never would have imagined that I’d think of anything to share with others, much less something they’d want to actually read! However, as I’ve come to realize from this wonderful group of women (and men), sharing a little piece of your life based on our mutual love of lockdom has been stimulating. Even though I’ve had my SLs for more than 6 years now, I’ve learned so much from reading others’ blogs and I’ve had useful information that helped someone else along their journey. Thanks, Maryee, for putting this all in one place!

Brenda

Lovin' My Locks, Sisterlocks That Is...

Hello everyone,

Welcome to my blog as I go through my hair journey with Sisterlocks. This journey is my personal expression of my hair and how my hair has or will evolve over time. Thanks for stopping by, set a spell, leave a comment if you plez. Yall, come back now, hear.

GiGirl46402

Be Inspired!! Part 2

I haven't seen Thierry Baptiste's website in a while. I think it was about a year or so ago. Please visit the website. You will be pleased!

Be Inspired!!!

Silky Locs to make your mouth water!!! Styles for men as well!! Check out some creative bridal styles. They are out of the UK. Boy does Locs for Life know how to do it! Enjoy!

Ritagirl's Braidlocs

Formerly 2stressed_but_blessed. I'm dealing with things differently in my life...
After years of chemical straighteners, the dreaded curl, more straighteners, then making the decision to go natural... only to lose it all in 2004 to chemo. Once it grew back I started the braidlocs in March 2006, let's watch & see where this journey takes me!

guess who's comin' to dinner........

blessins, and i'd like to thank maryee for kindly inviting me to join this site. it's a sincere pleasure. i have to be honest tho, as i wonder aloud if she's doing so just to get some more "male presence" here. i was looking at all the lovely sistas already participating, but still wondering where are the other brothas? *laffs* just kidding, of course!

but seriously, those of u who are already familiar with me know that i'm pretty "old school", in that my experiences with dreadlocks and their maintenance are limited to what was going on 15 years ago or more, and i like to keep it very simple. i was hesitant to participate here initially because i know some of my views might run counter to those of others on this site, and i don't want to ruffle any feathers or make anyone feel like i'm disrespecting them. but having been invited again to be a member here, i have decided that tho there is a wealth of information on many ways to initiate and cultivate locks, my blog will offer insight into the "older ways" to grow them. maryee speaks on wanting participants only who will have no "negative vybes", and i agree with that whole-heartedly, and it's my wish that none of my posts will come off as such. just please keep in mind 2 things when reading my blog: 1) i'm a MALE and we tend to be wired a bit differently than the fairer-sex, and 2) i'm an OLD DREAD, set in his OLD WAYS. *laffs* i know that my thoughts and words won't be apt for everyone, but i'm hoping i can learn from being here, and someone can also learn from my presence too.

anyway, thanks again for welcoming me here, and peace an' blessins to u all, guidance everytime.

tai

KRB Natural Hair's Blog

I have been Sisterlocked for3 years and I love my locs. I wish I had found Sisterlocks years ago. I decided to learn to do Sisterlocks after I had mine installed because there weren't that many people in my area that were certified. I am working on my way to become certified and am trying to spread the Sisterlock love...

Michele