Locentricity

Lock Advice Video

2010-09-06T22:36:00.000-07:00

For those that are considering locks...Enjoy!

Rep ya products: Shea Butter

2010-09-06T22:09:00.000-07:00

This woman uses Shea butter on her hair, and really likes how well it works for her. I want to start posting Black women who love their products despite how others feel about them, so that perhaps some of the taboos can go out of the window. Do what works for you!

Loc Butter: Rep your favorite products!

2010-09-06T21:54:00.000-07:00

I have not made product junkie status yet. It is not something that I aspire to, but I have been looking to try a few new products. I want to know what the deal is with loc butter! So these are two new products I am looking to try:

Jane Carter Twist & Lock

and...

Carol's Daughter Loc Butter

A lot of people have concerns about build up with using butters, but let me tell you, I have taken down a few sets of locks that have started to bud, and I have found build up in the sets that I have take down from using Taliah Waajid, IC fantasia gel, and Organic Root Stimulator Lock & Twist. There is going to be build up after while. It seems inevitable. I have had the privilege of smelling the Carol's Daughter Loc Butter, and let me just say...It smells like Orange Heaven! I am going to go against the grain and give it a shot. I have encountered people with marvelous sets of locks the re-twist with everything from gels to loc butters, to raw unrefined shea butter. You have to find what works for you! I personally want to use a natural product without all of the strange chemicals used to produce a gel-like consistency. I will buy some and rate these products, so be on the look out for reviews!

Remember When: India.Arie

2010-09-06T21:39:00.000-07:00

This fabulous lady gave me so much hope growing up through her lyrics and also her image. As a young girl, I was fascinated by her queenly locks. Since she came out with her wonderful cd featuring classics like "Video" and "Strength, Courage, and Wisdom" we have seen her hair go through a transformation that has included her cutting her locks. This is a time for us to remember when the fabulous India.Arie sported her locks along with her guitar.

Feature Journey: Melissa's Journey

2010-06-29T22:25:00.000-07:00

This BEAUTIFUL woman is my sister, right here! I'm so glad she has decided to share her lock journey with us! Enjoy!

Melissa's hair relaxed

The Beautiful Melissa locked

My loc Journey

I call it a journey, because my experience has been nothing short of that.

Roots

Reflecting on my childhood, I recall crying while my mother, busy perming my hair, said "If you want to be beautiful, you have to feel the pain; that is the price of beauty" immediately thoughts like “huh?, that sounds stupid”, “I hate perms!”, and “you are just burning me and making excuses”, flood my head, because my Mother is a Jamaican woman and I would never dare think those thoughts aloud. I told myself that day, I would never make my child do something like this, and when I am older, I will never use a perm again.

The Big Chop

In college I got into the habit of perming my hair whenever I felt like it, that would be anywhere from every 6 months to a year. If I maintained my hair at all it was with a flat iron and the help of some loving colleagues. I would keep my hair braided most of the time just because I didn’t like perming or messing with my hair. One day, in 2006, I had a freak accident; after taking out some Nubian Twists, I neglected to comb out my hair thoroughly, so when I proceeded to wash it, my hair locked up. I could not comb it out and I was devastated. My SWING Sister took me straight to the salon where a stylist proceeded to cut my hair off. She only needed to cut a bit off, but sitting in that chair I had an epiphany and instructed her to cut it all off. I went back to campus bald. EVERYONE and I do mean EVERYONE formulated their individual opinions about me (things weren’t how they are now in 2010 where being bald is the “in thing”); in some eyes I had become a Dom (dominant female in a homosexual relationship), lost my mind, and some people were bold enough to say that they thought a woman cutting her hair took away all of her beauty. All of those things didn’t really matter to me because I felt liberated.

New Growth

3 years later in 2009, I was still wearing my hair natural. It was difficult at times to manage, but to me, not more difficult than having a perm. I styled my hair in various ways, in what others regarded as “funky” and “different”, but never committed to locking my hair even though it was something I really wanted to do. In the back of my head all I could see was my Mother frowning at the mere thought of locking. September 2009, I was in a near death car accident in which I broke my nose, jaw, and hip. I was on bed rest, a walker, a wheelchair and then crutches; unable to walk for 8 months. It was the most tragic incident I ever experienced, but I learned a lot about myself and those around me during my recovery. I decided with all that I have been through and all of the lessons the Universe have provided for me, it was time to loc it all in. Due to my limited mobility, I didn’t have many options when it came to choosing a stylist, but on December 29, 2009 I started my locs.….that was just the beginning…

As soon as the process began, I received some criticism from those around me, but my Mother was my biggest critic. She expressed to me the following among other things: she hated my hair and could never think something so disgusting could be beautiful, she would not have a dread living in her house, and I would now be subjected to racial profiling and would be shot and killed. Ridiculous, right? She told my boyfriend that she didn’t like his hair (which is also locked) and even went as far as trying to unlock my twists. Smh. The most hurtful thing was when she turned around after church and said “You still have that mop on your head? That’s why I can’t stand to look at you.” Throughout all of this, my hair is STILL locking up and the journey continues…At the end of the day you have to look at yourself in the mirror and love who and what you see; I am content with both. I love my locs and embrace every aspect of the process you have to go through. I would advise anyone considering locking up, to make sure you are ready for certain things because the locking process is real, and if you are looking for overnight locs, try braids before you try and commit to the real deal.

Love and Light.

Melissa

Remember When: Muhsinah & Yahzarah

2010-06-28T18:53:00.000-07:00

So this is a post dedicated to ladies that had locks but have since cut them. Aw Naw! But we are going to give these Sistas some lock love for the locks that once were. Singers Muhsinah and Yahzarah both affiliated with the Foreign Exchange are ladies that have rocked the locks.

Muhsinah with Phonte of FE (Love them both!)

Here is a video of a song they have together (her locks are gone at this point)

Yahzarah also known as Purple St. James (Love her!)

Lock Musician: Rizpah Lowe

2010-06-28T18:33:00.000-07:00

http://www.rizpah.net/

This beautiful jazz harpist has an amazing set of locks! Check out her website to read a biography on this fabulous woman!

Lock Business: Ladene Clark

2010-06-27T22:29:00.000-07:00

All of these stitchy fashions were constructed by Ladene Clark (pictured in her creations below). This Atlanta girl crochets and knits her fabulous wearable art...check out her work!

Lock Model: Kumia Lee

2010-06-27T21:40:00.001-07:00

Kumia is a beautiful model from Antigua with gorgeous thick locks.

Product Review: Jason Natural Jojoba Shampoo

2010-06-26T22:31:00.000-07:00

While I am willing to try different gels for my retwists, one thing I have not given up on is my Jason shampoo and conditioner. I love them. I was looking for a natural/organic product to wash my hair with the first time I went natural. I tried a few different things since I'm located in a place that is all about going green and having organic everything so along with my newfound love of organic Sunbutter and organic Late July Sandwich cookies came my love for a delightful Jason hair wash. I usually use the Jason Biotin Shampoo and Conditioner which leaves my head tingling a little bit with a slight mint smell that I find oh so refreshing! Can't promise that you will looove these products as much as I do for a simple hair wash, but hey, I would give it a try. My hair never feels coated or waxy after I use these products, and my hair texture is what it is after a wash so no strange texture changes with this product. This product is $8.97 on their website...you can find these products at your health conscious/environmentally friendly grocer for a similar price.

What are comb coils?

2010-06-14T09:45:00.000-07:00

Some folks have asked me about the "little twist things" on my head. They are wondering what they are, and so I wanted to post a video about the comb coils or comb twists that I have to show people what they are and a way to start your locks or wear twists as a style. Here is a video of a stylist that I found on youtube that shows how she comb coils her clients' hair.

The Foreign Exchange: I wanna know

2010-06-12T23:25:00.000-07:00

So let me say...Phonte is from NC (alright Southern boy)! The Foreign Exchange Performed at my college, what an interesting and wonderful night! The group was so awesome and gave a great performance. Here is their video "I wanna know"...two locked sistas in it. Got to give some love to my boys who love the locks.

Lock Activist: Majora Carter

2010-06-12T20:58:00.000-07:00

Whose got the S on her chest? Majora Carter...

Majora Carter is the founder of the non-profit environmental advocacy organization Substainable South Bronx (SSBx). She owns a green economic consulting firm, The Majora Carter Group and is making bank for appearances and speeches. (Who isn't making a lot of "green" money when attempting to "green" the world?) Whether or not you agree with her cause or her actions in attempting to support the community she grew up in...she has a lovely head of locks and that is what we are celebrating! She is a woman who wears her lovely natural hair proudly when attempting to save the world and THAT is admirable.

Lock Model: Unknown

2010-05-24T21:06:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous locks! Another inspiring hair model.

Caribbean Lock Love: Jeanille Bonterre (Trinidad)

2010-05-13T23:01:00.000-07:00

This beautiful Sista from Trinidad is an entertainment correspondant with gorgeous locks!

Lock Inspiration

2010-05-13T22:28:00.000-07:00

Queen Sy

I feel the creativity that people have with their locks, especially this Sista.

Caribbean Lock Love: Barbados

2010-05-13T17:15:00.000-07:00

Soca Queen Alison Hinds...You know what it is! Check out video "Roll it".

Lock Feature: Vanessa

2010-05-13T17:06:00.000-07:00

Name: Vanessa

State: New Jersey

When did you decide to start your journey?

I started my natural journey in January 2008. A year later, I decided to lock it up on January 23, 2009.

What method did you use to start your locks?

Double strand twists.

What is the best thing about being locked?

The versatility! I love the freedom of being able to just get up, spritz or rinse my hair, and take on the day with a smile on my face and a swagger with my locs.

What is your favorite product? What does it do for your hair?

I’ve always made my own hair products since day 1 of being natural. All I’ve ever put on my natural tresses and on my locs is water, coconut oil, olive oil, vegetable glycerin, and essential oils (my favorite is peppermint!). My favorite product has to be water. It really livens up my hair and gives it such a plump and refreshing look. I also love coconut oil because it makes my hair smell like a pina colada! Yum!

What is your favorite lock style to rock?

I haven’t rocked that many lock styles yet, I’m waiting for my hair to get longer and more mature before I really start having fun style-wise. However I do like wearing my locs up in pig tails, they are so cute and wild!

Who is your lock inspiration?

Oh boy, there are so many loc beauties that I admire. As predictable as this sounds but my number one lock inspiration is Lauryn Hill.

What message do you have for your lock Sisters and Brothers?

This is what I have learned throughout my journey so far:

1) Less is more: all that locs really need essentially is water to keep clean and to keep locs moisturized, and oil to seal in that moisture. The less you put on your locs the more it will flourish.

2) Water is your friend, don’t be afraid to get those locs wet and clean!

3) Don’t obsess over having “perfect” locs. I don’t believe locs were meant to be perfect. By nature they are imperfect, but that is what makes them so beautiful. Not that there is anything wrong with keeping them neat and polished, but at the end of the day, they are locs and they will be sometimes nappy and frizzy and fuzzy, embrace it.

4) And finally, BE PATIENT! Nothing will make your hair grow faster or your locs loc quicker. Embrace the stages, because each stage will only happen once.

Lock Artist: Valerie June

2010-05-13T09:13:00.000-07:00

So...Valerie June has a lot of Spice. Her blues/bluegrass/country music is quirky, and beautiful! Her freeform locks are certainly favorites for numerous lockers everywhere! Check Sista out!

Youtubers ya need to know: Chescalocs

2010-05-13T09:03:00.000-07:00

Let me just say...I love Franchesca's hair! She has some interesting Youtube videos as well. Some hair related...some eh, not so much. Check her out as Chescalocs on Youtube!

Lock Feature: Kay

2010-05-11T10:35:00.000-07:00

Name: Kay

State: Alabama

My Channel http://www.youtube.com/nappyheadedblackgirl

My Blog http://nappyheadedblackgirl.blogspot.com/

When did you decide to start your journey? Why?

I returned to my roots in July 2004 after transitioning one year with braids. I kinda just got tired of the madness. If you take a look at my Fotki, you'll see I had almost every style you could imagine! Finally, I said, "Let's try something different."

As for the dreads, those came to life Oct 27, 2007. Honestly, dreading had never crossed my mind. I was simply gonna grow the fro as big as possible. Then one day I just woke up and knew....no questions, no doubts, no pro/con lists. I was gonna dread. Had them done within the week.
What method did you use to start your locks?

I started with two-strand twists but have been a freeformer ever since. It's funny how things change. When I started out, I had a clear pic of how I wanted my hair to look...literally! I printed out a picture of a woman whose manicured dreads I admired. I wanted mine to be the same size and length, and had every intention of having cultivated dreads.

As I continued on my path, I realized that route wasn't for me. I've never been one for elaborate hairstyles and having every hair in place; I don't know what made me think I'd care to have dreads like that. I guess I was just so in awe of that woman's hair that I wanted mine to be beautiful like hers. But then I realized, my hair is beautiful like hers.

What is the best thing about being locked?

Well, what isn't great about it? lol For me, it's being able to be comfortable in my own skin, naturally. Especially as a freeformer, I like that my hair reflects who I am. I feel unique and powerful. This is me; take it or leave it.
What is your favorite product? What does it do for your hair?

Any type of oil. I am mucho low maintenance. My "regime" is v05 or Suave shampoo and conditioner, and oil. Nothing else. I usually use vitamin E or jojoba oil. I'm working toward simplifying even more and using one product to cleanse both hair and body.

What is your favorite lock style to rock?

This may sound strange, but my favorite "style" is not actually a style. I like to just wear my hair free, like it is in the picture. No adornments, no maintenance and no accessories. I call it "The Mop." I love it because it just looks wild and untamed and nappy. I feel like I'm being true to myself. Makes me walk a little taller ;-)

Who is your lock inspiration?

I am my own inspiration. Seeing my hair grow and evolve every day fascinates me. The more I learn about it, the more I appreciate it.

What message do you have for your lock Sisters and Brothers?

3 things:

Lather your hair

Please wash your hair people! This is the #1 dread myth. Dirty hair is a breeding ground for bacteria and dirt. This is why people think dreads are dirty and nasty. There is no such thing as "letting your hair settle." It may come out when you wash...totally natural. You twist it back up and keep steppin'!

Learn your hair

Your hair is not like mine or his or even your parent's. Every head is different. Please don't get discouraged because certain products do nothing for you or your hair doesn't look like hers or it's not growing "fast enough." Learn what works for you and the characteristics of your hair.

Love your hair

Your hair is unique and beautiful, just like you. Love it and appreciate it.

Please check out Sista's blog and youtube videos! She is a beautiful Sista with fabulous freeform locks!

Lock Artist: Salakida

2010-05-09T07:32:00.000-07:00

This locked singer/songwriter is a beauty! Check this Sista out!

Lock Feature: Sarah Williams

2010-05-07T14:38:00.000-07:00

Check out Locentricity's first lock feature:

Sarah's fabulous locks!

Rocking kinky twists

Sarah Williams

Ohio University in Athens, Ohio
When did you decide to start your journey?
I started transitioning in my senior year of high school and I start my locs the end of my freshman year of college (April 2008).

What method did you use to start your locks?
Two-strand twists
what is the best thing about being locked?
The versatility and the swagger that comes with it. lol

What is your favorite product? What does it do for your hair?
I’m a big Organic Root Stimulator fan so anything by them also I love essential oils and Apple Cider Vinegar to clarify my hair.

What is your favorite lock style to rock?
My fierce loc-hawk! Also I’m addicted to curls, pipe cleaners are my fave.

Who is your lock inspiration?
bronzegoddess01 on youtube. I LOVE HER!

What message do you have for your lock Sisters and Brothers?
Enjoy it and wear your hair with pride!

ALSO, check out Sarah Williams' lock inspiration, Bronzegoddess01 on youtube!

Looking for a Blog Feature!

2010-05-06T10:14:00.000-07:00

I'm looking for College Lockers to feature on my blog! The feature would include a picture of your locks and seven questions about your lock experience! If you are interested go to Nappturality.com and Private Message Ladylock28.

Now Locked must we give up the Shop? (Beauty Salon)

2010-05-05T17:29:00.000-07:00

The Black hair salon has not only served as a place where Black women can come to beautify themselves, it has served as a place to exercise creativity, talk about the latest issues envolving the community, talk about world issues, and shape the way we think about ourselves as Black people. If you grew up in the salon, how many times did you hear about so-and-so's wedding, what celebrity lost weight, what is wrong with today's Black youth, and that your hair was either manageable or unmanageable compared to your mother's or your sister's. It could be a place where the spin of the salon chair was comforting, the sink bowl (though uncomfortable) was familiar, the wonderful scent of hair oil was on you to stay all day, and the heat of a dryer felt nice on a wet head. Ladies would admire your hair, and the men that came in would also. Depending on where you went, you could walk out with a pair of sunglasses and a bootleg movie, maybe a purse, and it was all fun, and played a significant role to your life experience...for many...to the individuals Black experience. So, I must say that now as a natural, I find the natural salon a comforting place and I am in favor of the natural salon as well as DIY. I have opted not to go often as a locktress...BUT...I will continue to go. I think the natural salon can be a wonderful place because all of the same things that were comforting can be achieved without the negative ideas that the fro, twist, braids, or locks that you came in with is not beautiful. A place where your nappy is perfectly manageable and gorgeous. It is a celebratory place that celebrates the natural you, and gives you a trendy and healthy look. Now, I know there are some places with crazy lockticians that say all kinds of things to you to get that paper, but that is in any service. Finding the right and affordable place is key. It is a place that can still be embraced (if one chooses to spend the time and money) to gain a unique cultural experience, POSITIVE reinforcement, and come out with fabulous hair.

Jazz and Locks (Sista Vocalists)

2010-04-29T23:44:00.000-07:00

There are some awesome Jazz vocalists that are either currently rocking the locks or have rocked them. Hearing, Singing, Playing...the music of your people will bring you home (even if it is only for a moment for some) Love yourselves like these women love the music of their people and have an affinity for a Black aesthetic. And guess who is joining the pack?

Dianne Reeves

Dee Dee Bridgewater

Dee Alexander

Cassandra Wilson

Caribbean Lock Love: Trinidad

2010-04-24T20:30:00.000-07:00

Black Love from Trinidad. Check this out! Yes!

Literary Lock: Kopano Matlwa

2010-04-24T18:59:00.000-07:00

This is Beautiful Sista Kopano Matlwa from South Africa. Author of book, "Coconut" (2006) Inspired by Toni Morrison, she encourages young people to just get out there and write if they want to. She is also juggling her literary career with medical school. Do it Sista!

Lock Artist: Sara Tavares

2010-04-24T18:49:00.000-07:00

Sara Tavares everybody...Beautiful Sista with locks with a beautiful voice. This song will make you feel good.

I Got Some Lock Love Today Y'all

2010-04-24T18:35:00.000-07:00

I had a lovely experience today! I went to make some returns at a store, and while I was standing in line I was twisting my hair out of frustration (because today I have been having some problems...I'll explain) A lady with a scarf on her head was standing behind me, and she said "You are just starting?" I told that I had only had my starter locks for a little less than two months. Sensing my frustration, she told me that it is a process, and that I will make it through, I just need to hang in there. She took off her scarf and shook out her auburn colored locks. She told me that she had been growing them for two years, and she handed me the card of her loctician. After, she told me "Good luck with your process, you'll make it through," and she left the store. It made me so happy, because shortly after my wash, a couple of my newly combined locks unraveled, and I didn't like the way my hair was looking. I've been frustrated with my hair all day, and I was just complaining to my man that my hair would never lock! I was told that he went through all of this, and that it is going to be tough but...I basically need to suck it up, if I want locks, this is what its gon' be. Riiight? So I'm going to be positive about it all. It has been on the rough side lately. But I'm going to get it together.

Jazz and Locks

2010-04-23T06:58:00.000-07:00

Let me just say, I am watching one fine locked Brotha play the drums, right now....much love. Anywho, I had the pleasure of being in the company of some amazing Jazz musicians that are doing wonderful things on the scene right now. Many of them sporting locks. We have seen many Jazz musicians rocking the locks Roy Hargrove, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Diane Reeves, Geri Allen...and while some of their locks have only been for a moment, they definately made a lasting impression. Now, young talent is springing up locked and ready to take on the scene. Let's reflect:

Croker on Trumpet...Check him out. (heard him this weekend)

Geri Allen

Roy Hargrove

Regina Carter

Mr. G. Clayton on the keys (heard him this weekend/Just bought his CD "Two Shade"-Check him out!)

Look at this Lock updo y'all!

2010-04-23T06:36:00.000-07:00

I had my hair in a little pixit cut, and then a little baby fro for a couple of weeks. It has been a while since I've been able to rock multiple styles beyond adding an accessory. I'm excited to be able to do that again.

Lock Model: Janelle Gordon

2010-04-23T06:32:00.000-07:00

Here are pictures of gorgeous locked Sista glamming it up, Janelle Gordon. She is a model with fabulous thick locks. Loves it!

Lock Business: Get some style in ya life

2010-04-18T16:38:00.000-07:00

Check out Tufflikeiron.org (Tuff Like Iron)...

Here is Tuff Like Iron designer chillin' in Soho.

Lock Inspiration

2010-04-18T16:34:00.000-07:00

Found a Sista whose locks I dig...Here goes.

This is Renee, a jewery designer in NY. Love the curly locks, and the bohemian style. Her locks are on the smaller side.

Lock Artist: Cassandra Wilson

2010-04-17T14:32:00.000-07:00

This is Jazz singer Cassandra Wilson. A Southern Lock Sista who sings the Blues...Check her out talking about her album Loverly that was released in 2008.

Follow up to "No Magazine Lock Love" : Essence May 2010 issue

2010-04-15T18:38:00.000-07:00

So...I JUST talked about magazines not giving any lock love. Well, Essence magazine decided to give a natural hair shout out with their May 2010 issue on pages 29-34 to natural styles. That is the issue with the Jill Scott cover. It is not by any means a lengthy read, but it is a start for Black magazines that SHOULD be encouraging the beautiful Black women that give birth to sons, brothers, fathers, and uncles to just loooooove what they see in the mirror bare, naked, and true. That includes the skin we are in, Sisters, and the coils we have on our heads because our melonin and coils have power, Ladies. They have strength and magic. So Check out the May 2010 Essence magazine...doesn't have a whole lot of information on natural hair, but support the Fros, Locks, and Braids!

Dr. Bronner's Soap

2010-04-15T10:58:00.000-07:00

I just bought one of the small bottles of the Dr. Bronner's hemp and eucalyptus soap. I have not tried it yet, but it smells like heaven! I love eucalyptus things: oils, lotions, and incense...So, when I do a wash with it, I will let you know what's up!

Sisterlocks views on Chris Rock's "Good Hair"

2010-04-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

This is Dr. JoAnne Cornwell's (Creator of Sisterlocks) series of videos reacting to Chris Rock's "Good Hair" documentary. Here are some interesting views that you may or may not agree with, but it is good to get a different perspective....Check it out. (I've posted one video, check out the links after video no. 1 is finished to see the others.)

Food for Thought- No Magazine Lock Love

2010-04-12T08:17:00.000-07:00

How about a little lock love from Black Magazines. It has always been that Sistas know that they are not going to find their best hair tips from magazines geared towards white women. Even if Allure magazine and Cosmo. think that they've got it figured out and give hair solutions for the curly ringlet Black girl with skin only a few shades darker than the olive-skinned girl white girl they provide makeup tips for. Not to knock Sista fair with curly hair because she is one aspect of the spectrum of Sistas, and thank goodness we even are represented in some capacity...BUT...that is not all there is...that doesn't even touch the majority of what Sistas are looking like. Most are on the darker end of the spectrum with tightly coiled hair, what of these Beautiful women? So this has been a major problem forever and a day, but I am disappointed with the Black Magazines we have out there. I go to the magazine rack and check out the Essence, Ebony, Upscale, and Black Hair Magazines on a regular basis, every now and then they will have a page on natural styling options, but even then, there is no guarantee that someone with locks will be included. There are so many styling options for people with locks! I've seen ALL KINDS OF THINGS. There should be more options at least in our Black magazines for Us. Black women are starting to come back to their natural beauty, and they are learning to love it and know that it is more than okay to be black and beautiful...its divine and fabulous! I think our magazines should definately get on that wave and celebrate it. Also, many of products made for Black hair are not even made by Black companies. We are in the minority for our hair market. The products are made by whites and asians, and that is who we pay our money to. The advertisements for those products are all up and down those Essence, Ebony, Black hair, Hype Hair magazine pages with a pictures of a Sista slapped on it, hair bone straight with Africa somewhere on the label of the product. BLACK ECONOMICS IS SHOT DOWN AND STAYING DOWN. If Our money circulated through Our communities, think about what improvements We could make to Our communities...hmmm (exactly).

Throwback- Big Chop Experience

2010-04-11T17:56:00.000-07:00

I never really described my BC (Big Chop) experience, but it is only with a little bit of background info about my experiences with relaxer that you will understand the liberation I felt when I cut it all off! So, my first relaxer was when I was...BREATHE...18 months old. My mother said my hair was so thick and was breaking off so she put a light relaxer in my head (to me that doesn't make sense to treat that problem with a chemical relaxer). I have had a relaxer ever since. I've wanted locks since I was about six years old because I saw many female cousins with glorious crowns of locks, they were free form queens. I would listen to India.Arie, Erykah Badu, and Lauryn Hill, and admire their locks (all have been cut since), but my house was a no-way-natural house, even my father had a fade with a little texturizer applied. I didn't go natural until I was eighteen and in college. My mother was nearly in tears and she told me that she didn't want me to look ugly. So, I wore braids for a while, and everytime I would get them re-braided, the lady would cut some of the relaxer off, and I would get so happy to see it go. I never really got to wear that natural out because I was home for the summer and the pressure was on to do something that would suffice (for my mother) with my hair. I ended up relaxing it again and cutting it into a short pixie hairstyle. I knew the moment that the relaxer was going in that it was not for me when I felt those tears drop. I felt ashamed, and I needed to be natural. I was so outdone with myself for re-relaxing. Horrible decision. Everyone loved the cut though, but I just couldn't get with it. Around Late September/Early November 2009, I decided that I was going to go on and lock my hair like I had always wanted. I started buying books and asking everyone with locks about their journey, meanwhile, I was transitioning. I would just take a straightner to the new growth (which...was problematic because I hated using all of that direct heat on my hair, but with a pixie cut it is hard to find happy ground with the two different textures. I got braids for the month of January, and then one day in Febuary...I decided it all had to go. Feb. 19th, 2010 I took a regular pair of scissors into the bathroom when I went for a shower, and once I had washed my hair...chopped and chopped until the new growth was the only thing left, honey child! I put on some clothes, and walked out feeling so liberated and proud! I got so many compliments on my little fro. I felt so beautiful when I would put on my clothes, when I would just look in the mirror. I would touch my hair and love on my baby naps like they were little precious jewels. That was my Big Chop experience...Liberating!

Lock Artist: Ledisi

2010-04-11T04:03:00.000-07:00

Locked Sista, Ledisi with a positive message. Stay Lovely & Locked Kings & Queens.

Natural Hair Book Review: "Locs for Life"

2010-04-07T07:33:00.000-07:00

Locs for Life: The Root to Well Being for African American Women
(2008) by Kalimah Johnson

When I was curious about locking my hair, this was the first book I read. The book was written by a loctician Kalimah "LocMama" Johnson. She shares her hair experiences growing up, what made her decide to become a loctician, and finally, what made her decide to lock after she had been locking her clients' hair for years. The book is full of interesting information including: Stories of women with locks (her clients), pictures, methods of starting locks, and ways that locking can be conducive to the a person's well being (specifically Women). I like this book because it celebrates the power of this natural aesthetic without attatching too much of an afrocentric & metaphysical context to locking (Which can be overwhelming if that is not the journey you are necessarily seeking from the get go). Johnson, who is also a social worker, has a very constructive way of not judging the journey, but nurturing it. For me, this book was a really positive read and reference, and it was not an expensive buy.

2010-04-07T07:11:00.000-07:00

I'm really feelin this video. Check it out..Locked Sista is his lost love and his band rocks the locks as well. Such an adorable and sad song.

Lock Artist: Asa

2010-04-06T10:30:00.000-07:00

So I just wanted to post this link of a wonderul singer, a locked Sista from Nigeria, Asa.

Lock Inspiration

2010-04-04T14:40:00.000-07:00

I love my Brothers and Sisters that have locked by all methods...coils, twists, braids, free forming, etc. If they have chosen to embrace a Black aesthetic or a natural aesthetic, I think it is absolutely beautiful. Here is one of my lock inspirations. I prefer a larger/thicker lock. For me there is something so solid about a thicker lock. Perhaps, all of that coiled hair fusing together signifies for me a bolder sense of solidarity. Um...I kinda wish I had this portrait with me when I was trying to articulate the size of the locks I wanted to my loctician. We will see what happens with size once I begin to bud.