Big Chop Number 4

I decided to make a fresh start. My ends were fried from the hair color and I really didn't like the way it was feeling. Besides, I figured a new year is coming and it would be easier to keep track of my growth over the upcoming year. I am still taking GNC's Hair, Skin, and Nails and MSM.

 

Before 3rd Big Chop

 

 

I've been away for a very long time and decided to pop in and post some updated pics and let everyone know where my journey has landed me.  As you can see, I am sporting a very close cropped cut (TWA).  I cut my Sisterlocks off August 2011 and grew my hair out for about 11 months.  I was loving the adventure; however, I went against my better judgement and went to one of those African Braiding shops to get Senegalese twists in June 2012.  The braider cut my hair while she was trimming the twists!  By the time I got home that evening, I knew I had made a mistake.  The twists were too long, heavy, and extremely tight for my delicate, cottony-soft hair.  I took them out two days later, and of course, I lost my edges and a lot of volume due to them cutting my hair while trimming the twists.  I was so mad and disappointed with myself for not listening to my intuition.  So, my only recourse was to big chop once again (3rd time to date) and start over.  Well, I loved this look so much that I sported it throughout the summer.  As the months have begun to get colder, I am now ready to start growing it out again.  I am not a big fan of V-blogging, as I'm a bit old-fashioned, and simply love to write.  So, I will be documenting this journey, as I have done previously when I initially big chopped in 2004 and when I started my SL journey.  My new goal is to have bra-strap length by the time I'm 50yrs old (4yrs 10 months).  I think this is very doable.  My only foreseeable hinderance is my impatience.

New Regimen:

I will be taking GNC's Hair, Skin, and Nails, 3 MSM capsules, and conducting scalp massages with Strong Roots Red Pimento Oil at least 2-3 times weekly to stimulate blood flow to my hair follicles.  I plan to wash with Yes to Carrots natural shampoo and conditioner.  I sooo love the fragrance!  Additionally, I have purchased approximately 15 wigs to help me combat my desire for change and my weakness for impatience.  However, I am not sure if anyone else has experienced this but wigs start to hurt the back of my scalp (nape) after about 4-5 hours of wearing them.  I've even cut out the combs out, loosened the straps, taken off the wig cap--you name it; I think I've tried it!  I'm at wits end.  I need to insert some type of cushion.  I am open for suggestions.  Anyway, wish me luck and encouragement on my newest journey.

Monica

Loc Free

Pre Cut: 05 August 2011

Hair Still Wet; Hair Products Still Visible

Lovin' My Curls

Half Gone! Yikes...No Turning Back

All Gone! I Need To Lift the Black Dye ASAP!



Yep, I did it! After 6.5 years, I cut off my sisterlocks! Although I'm still adjusting to the shorter length, I LOVE IT! Every day I awake to learning new things about my natural hair; what products and conditioners work well and what doesn't! I must say, that since cutting my locs, I have discovered that I have more 4A hair than I originally thought. 4B hair generally resides in my nape and front hairline; however, 4A hair is located mostly on the crown and sides of my scalp...very interesting indeed! My hair length is approximately 1 - 1.5 inches in length. Quite naturally, it's longer at the crown.

I actually have a confession, my son that you see behind me in the picture cut most of them off. I was exhausted after cutting the first section! So, thank you Brittan! I cannot tell you how good it felt to have someone rub their fingers through my scalp..he put me to sleep-lol! It's been over 6 years since I've had a comb touch my scalp! Wow, how amazing! We were both surprised at how soft and baby fine my natural hair felt.

I ended up going to a hairstylist who help me lift the black dye out of my hair and she put a bronze color on top. I could tell she didn't have much experience with natural hair as she shampoo'd with regular shampoo and proceeded to put products on my hair that just sat up there and stared back at her-lol. As soon as I got home, I cowashed with Herbal Essence Hello Hydration to add back the moisture to my hair that had been stripped by the shampoo. I immediately followed with Knot Today by Kinky Curly and the Kinky Curly Curling Custard (KCCC). I was amazed at how my curls popped and were defined by those products! I also used a little EcoStyler Gel along the hairline for a smoother look. I did have to learn the hard way that using too much of the KCC products will definitely leave a residue upon drying...yuck!

My daily regimen thus far includes taking Nzuri hair elixir vitamins (will post more on this phenomenal product at a later date), http://www.buynzuri.com/ I cowash with either the Herbal Essence Conditioner (mentioned above), or Yes to Carrots Conditioner, or Wen Conditioner products. I haven't determined which conditioner will be my staple conditioner yet. While hair is dripping wet, I apply the Knot Today and the KCCC, with a little EcoStyler Gel along the edges. That pretty much it. I'm sure as my hair grows and as the weather gets colder this regimen will change drastically. In the meantime, I am still happy to be nappy and I finally feel totally free!

Beginning A New Journey

Starting A New Journey

It's been close to year since I've last posted. Since that time I've done a lot of soul searching about life (i.e, my career, relationships, and hair). I've finally been accepted to the nursing program at a local community college and I will be leaving my employer after nearly 11 years. It's time for me to reinvent myself. I haven't been happy, not even content at my job in the past 4 years and I've discovered that instead of waiting for them to change, perhaps it was me who needed to change. So, with that said, this fall I will be walking away from the corporate world.

Additionally, for many of you who have followed my blog, this next piece of news may be earth shattering for some of you. I am ending my Sisterlock journey! Tomorrow, Sunday, June 12, 2011 I will start to the tedious task of taking down my sisterlocks! No, I have not lost my mind, but I have a new desire. I've toyed with ending my journey over this past year. I had hoped that when I cut my locks it would curb the burning desire, but it hasn't. You see, when I started my natural hair journey over 7 years ago, I had the intention of discovering and exploring my natural hair and learning how to take care of my own hair without the dependence on another or on relaxers. I achieved half of what I set out to do. I want to experience natural free, flowing, and loose hair. I've realized that for me, locking my hair, kept me in bondage and it kept me away from rediscovering my true, free flowing hair pattern. Don't get me wrong, I do love Sisterlocks and I've enjoyed this wonderful journey, but I am ready to take off the training wheels and fly!

I do realize that the task I'm taking on is tremendous and it may take me possibly months to accomplish, but nonetheless, I will accomplish it! It is my goal to have my locks freed by my birthday in October. I hope I will be able to take at least 5 locks out a day; at least 5 days a week. I hope to be able to document this new journey as I have done with this one. Stay tuned..

Cold Winter Months

A 67' Classic

Last month I turned another year older- 43...whew! (and wiser). I am still enjoying the shorter length. I have noticed that it's already starting to grow back. Will I allow it to grow as long as previously? I'm not sure. Anyway, Happy Holidays to my blogger family.

Summer Ending

September 2010
5 yrs and 5 months lock'd

The end of summer is almost here! I've had a great summer. Let's recap... in nearly 6 years, I finally took a trip back East to visit my family, added more tattoo's, cut my hair, and now, out of my 4 children; 3 have graduated and moved on, and now I have one remaining in high school. I'm still working out; toned and lost the winter weight, and still taking classes to exercise my brain. I may be rare in that I will miss the 100 degree temperature here in Texas. It did nothing for my electric bill or my grass, but I absolutely love sunshine and heat! My hair has been short for almost 2 months now and I don't miss the longer locs (so far). I am curling it a lot more, as I suspected I would. Til next month..

My First Cut in Over 5 Years

I Finally Did It! After months and months of deliberation; I got the nerve to cut my hair! I am so glad I did it. I feel like I've been freed again (if that is possible). I remember how I waited with anticipation for my hair to get long enough to put into a ponytail, or to even feel it on the back of my neck. However, the things I didn't consider would later turn out to be the reasons for cutting. The length began to weigh me down. I began to notice headaches when I'd wear ponytails because of the tension and weight. I would wake in the mornings with neck pain from tying my hair up and night. I could not keep a good shower cap that would last or even cover my hair. I also noticed that I stopped curling my hair because of it would take nearly all day to do and the curls would eventually drop because of the weight. Ultimately, my overall attitude towards my hair began to shift. I wasn't as thrilled about my sisterlocks like I used to be, but now all of that has changed! While longer locks may be okay for some, in this journey I discovered that it's not for me; at least not anymore. And who knows, this too, could change...but that's what journey's are all about...growing, discovering and changing. I embrace it wholeheartedly!

Bronze Again

Ahh, now I'm feeling more like myself again! I got my hair retightened and the color touched up! I didn't realize how badly I needed the color touched up until I started wearing my spring clothing collection. It's been about 7-8 weeks since my last retightening, which always makes me feel like I did when I had a relaxer--in need of a touch up! I found myself saying things like, "Oh Wow, I have a lot of new growth; I need my hair done bad!" My friends who are still addicted to the "creamy crack" would look at me strangely as if I was on illegal substances. It finally dawned on me that they could not understand how I could have "new growth" if my entire head is nappy-lol! New growth to them equates to nappiness; while new growth to me means exactly that...newly grown hair that needs to be tightened.

I don't know about any of my SL sisters, but even after 5 years of being locked; I still get extremely annoyed when someone makes comments to me like, "I love your dreads!" I have matured in the sense that I no longer correct them on the spot. Most times, I just smile, and respond with "thanks"! However, when the subsequent questions begin to follow like, "Where do you go to get your dreads done, or How much did it cost to get your dreads started?" It is then I curtly respond with Sisterlocks in every answer, and finally, when I've noticed that they're still confused; yet fascinated, I just refer them to the SL web site.

Interestingly enough, when I get comments like that from my family; I am more tolerable. For example, I was fortunate enough to fly home to NJ last month to visit my family. I hadn't been home since 2006. Keep in my mind my mother is almost 70 years old, half African American and half Caucasian; with Caucasian textured hair. While my hair was much shorter the last time I was home, my family saw my SL's and no one commented. However, the night before I was due to leave my mother asked, "What is that you're wearing on your head?" Shocked that she asked me this after seeing my hair locked in all this time, I responded with, "Huh?" She repeated herself. I replied, "Mom, this is MY hair; this is not a wig or hair piece-lol!" Then she said, "Well, what do you have to do to get it back to 'normal'?" All I could do was laugh at the realization that she really had no clue about locked hair; let alone any rememberance about what was considered "normal" for my hair texture! I eventually, exlained it all to her. Then she proceeded to take pictures of my hair, as I'm sure that she wanted to tell all of her friends about her baby with the nappy hair (smile)! I love and miss you mom!

Happy 5 Year Anniversary To Me!

Wow! I can't believe my 5-year Loc-Anniversary is here (14 April 2010)! My locs now reach to the middle of my back. I still haven't gotten up the nerves to cut, but maybe one day. I definitely cannot envision and do not want to grow my locks past my waist. The older I get; I just want simplicity. Much love to all...til next time...be blessed.

My First Hand Made Loc-n-Tie

Hello Everyone,

I wanted to try and make my own hair tie; as so many others seem to be doing the same. And wa-la, this is my first one that I am coining a "Loc-n-Tie". I tested it in my hair and it works just as good as the ones I've purchased online. Who woulda thunk? I hope to get better in time and I need to find supplies. I found those supplies at Hobby Lobby, which there wasn't a huge variety to choose from. Til next post...Have a great one!

Happy New Beginnings

Hair Trim

Locscrunchie Shower Cap for Long Locs

Hello Everyone! I haven't forgotten you. I've been battling some issues in my personal life and I'm just now coming up for air. Also I am guilty as charged! I've been frequenting Facebook and spend most of my journal time there. I do have some more pics to post, so stay tuned. Ms. Elaine trimmed my hair before the christmas holidays and I am loving the length now that it is a little more even. I love and miss everyone.

Retightening Class

4 Years and 7 months later; I finally decided to take the SL Retightening class in Irving, TX. Due to unforeseen economic reasons, I could not take the consultant class as originally planned, so I opted for the alternative. Needless to say, besides the trainers, I was the oldest one...not chronologically; but in terms of my SL Rebirth. Many of the ladies wondered why I waited so long to take the class, and others looked at my locs with astonishment and eyes full of hope for their baby locs. The class was taught by Master Trainer, Ms. Michelle Bryant. Unfortunately, I could not practice much on my own hair because I recently had it retightened. However, I was still able to grasp the concept of the technique. Let's just say, I have a renewed respect and appreciation for my consultant! While the technique is not difficult to learn, at this point in time; I do not foresee me taking on the project of retightening my entire head and potentially jeopardizing the integrity of all the work my consultant has done thus far. This is largely due to the density of my hair. Thus, I will continue to drive to Dallas for my retightenings.

Curls, Curls, Curls

Just wanted to post some pics of my curls. I haven't attempted to curl my hair in a very long time due to the length, thickness, and time that it consumes. It was worth it; I think it came out great! I used the soft spikes curlers; however, I have run out of space as my hair has grown a lot since I last curled it! Oh, BTW, I finally ordered a shower cap from http://stores.soclocsock.com/StoreFront.bok made specifically for long locks! Yay!!!! I am so tired of having to wear two caps just to cover my hair in the shower. I will let everyone know my thoughts on it once I receive it.

Happy 42nd to Me!

Another birthday gone by! I can possibly name 42 reasons why I'm thankful for living to see another year and 42 reasons why I probably should not have. However, it only takes one second to say that I am thankful that HE chose to bless me with anger, pain, joy, patience/impatience, and one of the most unforgettable year's that I have had! They are tiny reminders that I AM still living and there is opportunity to make a difference--Still locking and still loving! What could be better than that?

SL, 4 years 6 months

My Revelation

Wrap-A-Loc Set

Attention Please, Attention Please!

I have some great news that I wanted to share with everyone. Today, after 4 years of being SL'd, I signed up for the SL Consultant Training Class! My class date is November 7-10 in the Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX area. Many of you know that becoming a SL Consultant is an idea that I have tossed around for a while now. It's official now, I made my reservation today! The good news doesn't stop there...I have officially decided to change my career.

I am fed up with the Corporate America mentality and I'm leaving it behind. This past week alone, I have had persistent backaches and upset stomach from the moment I walk into my office. I have stress knots on my shoulders that never seem to go away! It's funny that I don't seem to have these head and stomachaches during the weekend (days when I'm off)...hmmm..

Thus, it's time I pursue something that I am passionate about. With all that being said...I enrolled at a local cosmetology college for the Fall semester. The program begins in December. Translation: I will be quitting my "job" by December. I would like to invite any encouraging words or food for thought.

Monica

Just June

SL 4 Years, 2 Months...Wow, I can't believe that half the year is already gone! My locks are still flourishing and growing like weeds. My longest lock reaches past the bottom of my bra line. Since my last entry, I have recovered from a bout of poison ivy! I will never again underestimate the power behind "leaves of 3"...what started out as a spot on my hand, ended up on my face, neck, arms, and back. Being the strong woman that I am, I tried treating it with conventional over-the-counter medication, but after a week and it appeared to worsen, I soon relented and quickly visited my physician! he placed me on steroid therapy (pills and ointment), and 7-10 days later, I finally saw the first sign of recovery. In total, it took me clost to a month to get rid of it. Because the poision ivy was on my face, that meant I could wear make up for a month (pic with up-do). I didn't want to risk spreading the oil to my make up brushes and causing a reoccuring infection. Some scarring still remains...

In other news, my son (pictured), experimented and took one of his locks down. We were astonished to discover that his hair reaches to his elbow! In the fall, he will be going to a technical school that forbids "exotic hairstyles". I knew he was serious about attending the school when he did not hestitate to agree to cut his locks. We're planning the cutting ceremony for August. Quite naturally, his impending decision to cut fostered the idea of me cutting again...however, the idea quickly vanished, as I do not think I can part with my locks just yet. They may want to break off and leave me; but the feeling isn't mutual-lol! At any rate, I'll be chatting soon.