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Writer's pictureMariah Franklin

My Loc Journey


MY LOC STORY:

I'm so excited to share with you my "hair-history" that has led me on my #locjourney of self acceptance! I began in August and as of right now I'm at 3 months. Like many of my fellow locers, my decision to grow locs was abrupt and spontaneous. While I was doing laundry, I began to look at YouTubers who were sharing their stories of why they have locs and ways to care for them. I was just "curious", but then the more videos I watched, the more I got hooked. I couldn't wait to start my own! The beauty of locs in general is that they look completely different on people who have them. From person to person, you will not find anyone with the same type of locs. Many people have more than one type of texture to their hair (including me); causing for even your locs to come out differently among each other. It takes straight/fine hair longer to loc and bud than it does kinky/coily hair. At first when I began this process, I wasn't ready to reveal my new hairstyle. When I did the finger twist method, my starter locs where not tiny, but they were still small nonetheless and made my face stand out. I resorted to wigs and whatnot; allowing my hair to just be and do its thing. Gradually, as I began to wear it out while I was in the house, I started to get more comfortable with my new look; especially upon recognizing that my hair was growing and taking shape.

In early October, I made the bold decision to start wearing my natural hair out for the world to see; symbolizing how I have embraced my new look. Sometimes our hair has a mind of its own and my hair was telling me at that time that I couldn't hide it anymore! I didn't like how my hair looked when I took my wig(s) off at the end of the day because it was like I was abusing my hair. I wasn't confident enough to wear it as is in the beginning, but it also took some time to get use to. That's why I suggest for Black women to go natural when their ready in their heart to and not under the peer pressure of family, friends, or society (i.e. "Black Culture"). When I first went natural, it was because "friends" convinced me that I should. Perming your hair isn't good for your overall health as it contains chemicals that do seep into the pores of your scalp (like anything else you put on your body), BUT you must decide for yourself what you will do with your body. You have to be ready. I wasn't when I listened to my friends back in 2012; yet GOD works all things for good which has eventually led me to my loc journey. I wish I would've started years ago because then my hair would be further along in it's process, but I'm patient and I know the long length will come. I'm enjoying every moment as I witness my hair do its thing!


Summer, 2018: the beginning of my #locjourney

LOCS 101

During my YouTube research of gleaning information from seasoned locers, I discovered that there are different types of locs along with different stages that one will go through when growing out their locs.

Some locers use gel or “loc gel” to retwist their hair. When I began, I used a type of loc gel that I purchased from Walmart. In my research and fascination with this topic, I have come across many people with locs who urge others to not use any products on/in their hair! I have stopped using loc gel to retwist my hair. I’m Semi-Freeforming so I retwist my hair when I think it needs to be (on occasion). When I do retwist my hair, I wet the root of the hair that I want to retwist. Below, I will share my other #aesthetics that I use to care for my locs. But the choice is yours! You can use hair styling gel, loc gel, or even make your own with the gel found inside of an aloe vera plant! I would suggest not overloading your hair with too much product; causing the products to be trapped within your locs that will lead to build up which leads to unwanted flaking.


TYPES OF LOCS:


SEMI-FREEFORM LOCS: When you retwist your locs every so often (but not automatically every 3-4 weeks) and you separate your locs from joining together on their own

FREEFORM LOCS: You let your locs take shape and grow as they please without manipulation

MANICURED LOCS/SISTERLOCKS: Done by a pro loctician at a salon, Culturedlocs.com describes “Sisterlocks” as “(...)tiny uniform locks that are the result of a precision parting grid, and the use of a specialized tool used to place the hair into its locking formation”

METHODs:

TWO-STRAND TWISTS/LOCS: Knattydreads.com shares that “The basic idea is that the strand twists hold the hair so that the roots can begin locking. The natural hair in the strand twist eventually loosens and begins to dread as well.” I recommend checking out the site to learn how to do this method!

PALM-ROLLING METHOD: You take a section of your hair and roll it between the palms of your hands in order to twist your hair into a joined loc

FINGER TWIST METHOD: This is my preferred method! I always use my right index finger out of habit. I twist my hair around my index finger clockwise.


If use this method or the other 2 methods I just mentioned, remember to be aware of which direction your twisting your loc! I've done this myself where I go to retwist a loc and ended up twisting it in the wrong direction; causing that loc to not stay twisted. Took me a minute to realize I was forcing it to go in the opposite direction of that I had originally twisted it in. All-in-all, LISTEN TO YOUR HAIR.

This "finger twist method" is how I started my “starter locs” and it took me 10 hours to accomplish the method! That is the expected length of time it takes to twist your hair regardless of the method you choose unless you decide to go the easier route which is...

GROW FROM AN AFRO (OR LOOSE NATURAL HAIR): Don’t wash your hair for about 3 months to let your hair naturally loc on its own. This is the preferred method if you rather have Freeform Locs.

BRAIDS TO LOCS: You braid your hair yourself or get all of your hair braided and grow your locs this way! It requires the same amount of wait time (3 months) for you to wash your hair; ensuring that your hair can mesh together to form the loc. The only downside with this method is that it takes longer for the braids to transform in to actual budding thick locs. Basically, you'll be waiting a minute!

FAUX/PERMANENT LOCS: The final method that you have to choose from is to get faux locs put in your hair by a professional. Many use this method to get the instant results of long "godess locs" with out going through the process of the journey. This method requires that you hair grows with the faux locs. Some do this style as a temporary look while others choose to stick with it; making the faux hair theirs. I've considered it at first when I was thinking about beginning my journey. I decided to not go this route because I don't think I could live the rest of my life knowing that the results of "my hair" weren't completely mine! This is the reason why I choose to grow locs in the first place. I want to embrace my GOD-given beauty and be comfortable in my own skin. Wigs, extensions, hair pieces, weave, etc. have their place from time to time and are fun to play with; switching up your look, but I think my "play days" are over. I want to be simple and carefree when it comes to getting ready while looking fierce at the same time. My motto has always been:


"Work with what you got!"

STAGES OF LOCS:

November 6, 2018: 3 months strong on my #locjourney!

STARTER LOCS- This is the beginning of your journey where you decide the method you will use to start your locs! This is the stage that all of us have a hard time with. Locs look small and/or lay flat on your head causing your face to really stand out. Like I mentioned earlier, wearing wigs was my refuge, as I eagerly awaited for my locs to grow and bud. I’ve heard many people with locs express that this stage is where you learn on journey how to except yourself "as is" and to begin to appreciate each and every stage of this journey. As you can tell by my pictures, it truly is a #journey! I’ve been on it for only 4 months now, but my hair and my confidence have both grown radically!

TEENAGE STAGE- When your locs are not brand new but they’re not fully matured either. I believe this is when you’re between 5 months-1 year of being loc’d! Your hair will stick out; doing what it wants to do i.e. rebelling and thus why it is called “The Teenage Stage”.

FULLY MATURED- Your locs are completed loc’d and solid. You are past the budding stage that you experienced at the start of your journey. In my mind I’m expecting this to be after my first year. Most depict this stage based upon length, i.e. long locs or “goddess locs” as they say. Either way, your locs are completed joined, matted, and solidified together.


MY LOC ROUTINE:


By Jen Barker Worley Photography - jenworley.com

If you're interested in locs or you've just begun your journey like me, then I hope you can glean a little something from my #aesthetic!


PRODUCTS:

Spray Bottle

Coconut Oil

Olive Oil

Vitamin E Oil

Castor Oil

Shower Cap

Shampoo

Salt

2 Limes

Silk/Satin Scarf


HOW:

HARDENER

~2 Limes, A tablespoon of salt, water, spray bottle~

I got this method from YouTuber “Jenni Everlasting”. She shares videos on her loc journey and I recommend checking out her channel! This method helps to harden your locs faster! Trust me when I say that it works. Squeeze the juice out of the limes and mix with 2 tablespoons of water and a tablespoon of salt. Transfer the concoction into a spray bottle. Shake the mixture and apply to locs. Use this method for a week then use every so often. I spray my hair with this now a couple of times a week. Sometimes (when I run out of limes) I skip a week.

MORNING HAIR

~Spray bottle filled with water~

This is my morning routine when I get up from bed because my locs are still short and I’m a wild sleeper per se! The water helps my hair lay down while conditioning my scalp naturally. Just as you must water a plant to keep it healthy, it is the same for your locs! There's no need to spend money on name brand conditioners and products when you can simply use water to satisfy your scalp.


WASH ROUTINE

~Spray bottle filled with shampoo and water~

This is my go-to method for washing my hair! I wash my hair once every 1-2 months. I fill my spray bottle up with shampoo then I add water and shake the bottle. I spray my entire head with the mixture then I hop into the shower and rinse it out. It’s an easy way to wash your locs without getting too much product into them causing them to come undone. Once my locs grow longer and mature I will implement the ACV(Apple Cider Vinegar) method to my wash routine. Watch the video above to see how this method is done!


DEEP CONDITIONER

~Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Vitamin E Oil, Castor Oil, Shower Cap~

My #aesthetic to condition my locs is to take all of these oils and heat them up in a microwavable bowl for 2 minutes. I apply the oils to my hair and scalp then I place a shower cap over my hair. I let the mixture soak into my hair and scalp for 15-20 minutes. I do this method before washing my hair (as outlined above). After conditioning my hair I spray my hair with my shampoo spray bottle then jump into the shower and rinse it all out. My hair smells so #amazing! You don't have to purchase all of these oils to get the same results. Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, and Castor Oil contain Vitamin E. You can use one oil of your preference or two or more.


NIGHT TIME ROUTINE

I place a satin scarf over my pillow case when I sleep at night to protect my hair. The cotton fabric of my pillow case causes friction with my hair texture; ultimately causing undesired breakage! You can wrap a silk/satin scarf around your head to protect your locs or use my #aesthetic which allows me to sleep wild and free without worrying about the scarf coming undone.


As my journey continues, I will keep you posted on new techniques, tips, tricks, and insight that I gain; passing them on to you to elevate your personal #aesthetic!

Sante



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