Yeah! I cannot believe it has already been one year! It feels like yesterday when my locks were installed. This has been a very hard year for me personally but I would not change a thing about my locks. No matter what I have been going though my hair looks good. My locks are stress-free and uniquely me! (That rhymes...I was a rapper in my past life) Anyway, so I thought I would give a year in review of things I have learned so far in my journey. Enjoy!
1. Less is better.
I don't need a lot of products to make my hair beautiful. Just some water mixed with a little Sisterlock moisture treatment to keep my permed ends from looking dry and I'm good to go!
2. Self-retighenings are hard but rewarding.
I took the retightening class when my locks were 9 months old. I have to drive 3 hours to the nearest consultant, so doing my own hair is ideal. I have done 3 retights and so far and it takes me forever. I don't want to rush because then I hook locks together. I have mourned the loss of 2 locks so far and don't want to lose anymore from rushing. It usually takes me two days to finish my hair. And I really have stay organized with my sections and parts to make sure I don't skip any locks. However, I am always so proud of myself when I'm finished. It is great to know that I can do my own hair for the first time in my life. No salons, no appointment times, no waiting, no spending tons of money. I am self-sufficient!!
3. Natural is beautiful cause its the real me.
Having natural hair means getting used to a new aesthetic. I have not seen my natural hair since I was 9 year old. So we are finally getting reacquainted. It weird to see new growth and not stress about getting a relaxer. New growth actually makes me happy now! I used to hate that my hair was so course and thick (and nappy) but now it is a wonderful blessing. I have never been so proud to be me.
4. Natural hair vs. Permed ends (My money is on the natural)
There is a war going on in my head! I started out with 2 inches of natural hair and 7 inches of permed hair. The permed hair was winning. Now I have 5 inches of sisterlocked natural hair and 4 inches of permed hair. Amazing!
5. Have fun, style, and be creative.
So folks say that you should not style your hair too much because it slows the locking process. That might be true but I just love styling my hair. I am a performer and do a show at least every other week, and I need to look good on stage. So styling is for me. Because I have permed ends I try to keep my hair curled. Normally, I use Lock Loops. They are quick, and easy to sleep in.
