So What Am I Free From?

When we all made the decision to go with Sisterlocks, I'm sure there were plenty of reasons that motivated us to do so. We wanted to be free but free from what? Some say Sisterlocks are too costly and time consuming to offer any kind of freedom. But I think until you've been in a person's situation, you are in no position to pass judgement.

But for me, my #1 and #2 reasons to go with locks and subsequently Sisterlocks was to be free from that chemical damage of the relaxer. Not because I hated wearing my hair straight. Not because I never wanted to spend another penny paying for my hair to be done. Not because I never wanted to step foot in another beauty salon. Not because I look forward to doing my hair myself. Not because I was looking for a new fad hairstyle. Not because I was looking for some inner spiritualness of being black or to be a rebel against conformity and the white man. Do I receive some of these benefits? You betcha. But they weren't my primary motivators.

I WAS TIRED OF THE RELAXER DAMAGE AND GOING BALD BECAUSE OF IT.

Some of my other motivators in order of importance are below.

3. I didn't want to deal with my hair on a day to day basis.
4. I didn't want anymore combs going through my hair.
5. I want hair that's past my shoulders, healthy and mine. Not fake, glued or sewed in.
6. The same styling versatility that I received from wearing a relaxer.

I can't speak for anybody else, but I got the freedom I was looking for and a lot more extra.

Things On My Mind

1. I just got my 4th Sisterlock journal in the mail yesterday. I absolutely love reading through the magazine. I'll probably renew my subscription with the expectation that I am being promised 4 magazines, not when I'm going to receive them.

2. This morning I noticed that a couple of my locks still look pretty fuzzy. I think they were missed since we really had to rush at the end of the session. I'll be buying a new pair of trimming scissors this week. So much for my comment to Brenda about not being a chronic groomer. I'll make the trade off for volume, just give me the perfect dreads!!! "Perfect Dreads" ---what an oxymoron.

3. The layers just aren't my friends anymore. I've reached that stage where my length feels like it's all over the place with no definite direction. Long here, short there. The grooming makes it so much more apparent. I never knew my hair grew so slow at the top. Was it always this way? Wearing that famous Halle Berry cut for so long I never noticed. Keeping the back and sides faded down was a must back then. Some bunching from those first couple months was a setback as well for growth in the top. Recall I never braided or banded.

But anyway, freestyling just isn't the same anymore and I'm not as confident about the gawking and judging. It's probably all in my head, but I can't help feeling this way. So I have to protect them. I'll be sporting a lot more hairtie and lockscrunchie styles for a little while.

4. My concessions to get my ends to seal more paid off!! The ends are so much more hard and sturdy it's a night and day difference. I will keep up the regimen a bit while more.

20 Month Update

Yesterday was quite a lengthy session since I combined my retightening with a much needed grooming. It took me many many months to work up the nerve to do the grooming for fear of the skinned cat look. I would by lying if I said I didn't feel and look that way at least a little bit. But I am so pleased with the outcome and I love my new Nice Dreads look. It will be awhile before I work up the nerve to do it again.....say in two years perhaps.

Top Left: Post groomed and retightened back corner section.
Top Right: Front fully groomed and retightened.
Bottom Left: One lock pre-groomed.
Bottom Right: Lock after groomed.

Another Sleep Cap

Even though I don't feel the need to cover up my locks at night like I did in the early months, it's still nice to have something just in case. About a year ago I ordered the Dreadsock and as soon as I put it on Dr. Phil's, "What the hell were you thinking?" immediately came to mind. Naive little me didn't know that medium in the lock world takes on a whole different meaning. I figured I would keep it anyway and grow into it. God only knows how many years that will take.


Recently, I was happy to read Meikmeika's positive review of the Ayana Loc Pocket. Since I was in need of a new lock cover, I ordered one for myself. Good thing this time around I was warned that the small size would be just enough. I like it because it is a good fit, not too tight and I still have some growing room in it even though it's a small.