Lock It Up! Support Thread (Sisterlocs, Dreads, Freeform, Etc)

caliscurls said:
@shortycocoa that’s helpful thank you! I just have a problem paying people for little things I can do myself, lol, and that’s why I haven’t gone back to her (call me cheap! :) ) She’s really nice but I don’t have any slippage just I guess some bunching...I think in part because she left up to 3 inches of my hair unlocked in some places (that’s another story).
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I understand.... I'm the same way with some things. I found this video earlier about bunching, but she doesn't say how to fix it without cutting them off.:



I thought about doing that when I had mine, but then five minutes later I was like nah....what if they start unraveling????

And if you read the comments (the takeaway is the info in the comments, IMO) somebody said they cut theirs off and it caused their SLs to unravel.

I also saw one video about how to correct slippage the other day. Let me see if I can go back and find it for you.

ETA:



The music is annoying but if you can make it past that, she explains how to correct slippage and goes over the steps.

She doesn't use either of the SL tools to fix it, so if that's a problem for you then do/use what you're comfortable with.

I always thought the latch hook was confusing, no matter how many different videos I've seen of people retightening their locks with it. I knew I didn't want to use that to interlock because I preferred something that was easier to handle.
 
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Still going strong with only retwisting the front. It’s been 8 weeks today since I’ve been to the shop. I’ve had to pop a few locs in the back after washing but so far so good. I’m going to go another 4 weeks and then will get a full head retwist. If this retwist goes well I’ll try to extend it to 4 months. If there’s a lot of pulling and popping at my appointment then I’ll know the longest I can go is 3 months.

I’ve also added conditioner back into my regimen. The trader Joe’s nourish spa conditioner really helped soften them up.

Plan to get some cowrie shells sewn in to a few. Can’t wait!
 
I got a call from my neice yesterday and she wanted to start her locks!!!! YAY I told her two strand twists would be a good start on a tight budget. That is the way I started mine and I have a head full of them. She showed me this morning what she did and she is just so cute with the short twists. I told her in the coming weeks we will work on the technique for how she wants to do retightening. We have another one on the lock journey.
 
BillsBackerz67 said:
I’ve also added conditioner back into my regimen. The trader Joe’s nourish spa conditioner really helped soften them up. Plan to get some cowrie shells sewn in to a few. Can’t wait!
That conditioner is AMAZING!!! I loved using it as a loose natural for a while before I got my first set of locks.

I like the look of cowrie shells and lock jewelry/beads on locks. I didn't realize the shells are sewn on! They always look like they are pinned on in some way and can be taken off.

mscocoface said:
I got a call from my neice yesterday and she wanted to start her locks!!!! YAY I told her two strand twists would be a good start on a tight budget. That is the way I started mine and I have a head full of them. She showed me this morning what she did and she is just so cute with the short twists. I told her in the coming weeks we will work on the technique for how she wants to do retightening. We have another one on the lock journey.
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Congratulations to her! I'm sure they look great. Please keep us posted on her journey.
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Tomorrow will make it one month in for me. I washed and retightened my locks again this weekend. Still washing with water only until I decide on shampoo bars.

My hair feels thicker than before. It's so cool to see the starter locks transform. I have some buds that have appeared, as well as frizz and shrinkage. My spray has definitely helped the process along, so I will keep using it.

The headband I ordered from eBay came in the mail last Thursday. I will have to go get some fabric to see if I can make my own, because what I bought is nothing fancy. It looks like somebody just cut a piece of fabric and sealed it in some plastic.

It doesn't have any seams and wasn't sewn. I discovered through Googling that one way people make these is to cut up a pair of leggings. I'm guessing tights would probably work, too.

I would probably go this route since I don't know how to sew.
 
mochalocks said:
Any ladies have a good oil and/or spray they use on their locs?

I currently use Alikay loc oil, but I think it’s time for me to switch from it.
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I’ll be following this as well. I really liked plain coconut oil as a leave in and for a hot oil treatment. I’ve also used Oyin Handmade’s oil which can be used head to toe

I like oyin juices and berries but it has glycerin so I feel like I need a separate water based spray due to this dry California air so I spray rosewater afterwards
 
mochalocks said:
Any ladies have a good oil and/or spray they use on their locs?

I currently use Alikay loc oil, but I think it’s time for me to switch from it.
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I'm using sulfur oil sparingly on my scalp as needed. I don't put any oil directly on my locks just yet. I have learned with time that my scalp doesn't handle oils well unless I only use a little bit. I'm heavy-handed so it's hard to adjust.

I'm thinking of going back to using Queen Helene Jojoba Oil as my locks mature. I used to use it on my scalp when I wore box braids and for hot oil treatments when I first went natural. It was really light (in my opinion) and I LOVED the fragrance.

The spray I use in between my sea salt spray for moisture and itchiness is a mix of Infusium-23 leave-in, peppermint EO, and water. I plan on getting some glycerin to add to it for extra moisture, and maybe some aloe vera juice. I just don't want to get carried away adding too many things to the mix, literally and figuratively speaking.
 
Foxglove said:
I’ll be following this as well. I really liked plain coconut oil as a leave in and for a hot oil treatment. I’ve also used Oyin Handmade’s oil which can be used head to toe

I like oyin juices and berries but it has glycerin so I feel like I need a separate water based spray due to this dry California air so I spray rosewater afterwards
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coconut oil was the devil when I had Sisterlocks! It would go on my scalp ok, but then it would cause extreme itching and flaking later on, to the point where I would have to wash my hair again. I just take it internally now to reap the benefits.

I've never heard or seen any bad reviews about the Oyin Juices and Berries. A lot of lock heads swear by rosewater too, so it sounds like you've got it down! I only remember using rosewater once when I first became a loose natural. It didn't really do anything major for my hair that I could see, so I never bought anymore. But, it seems like a holy grail product for locks so I might try it again. I would have to make my own, though, cause the way these prices for rosewater are set up....:nono:

You might like the ElastaQP H2 leave-in....I was using that for a period of time before I got SLs but I never thought to use it on them. It is a detangler also, so keep that in mind. I just remember the ingredients were really good and my hair felt nourished and full of body when I used it underneath gels for wash and goes.
 
At my last retight my consultant said that I can now use oil . She recommended that I use Argan oil when my hair is damp. Apply it to my scalp and pull it out to the length of my locks. So I’ve been doing that.

Transformer said:
These locks are bunning for the entire summer. Too much hair to allow down.
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Like I said in one of my former posts my locks are growing like crazy. They are at an aggravating length now. The top of my back below my neckline . I don’t want to be like Becky always swinging my hair back so I think it’s time to break out the ponytail holders and wraps.

My other dilemma is color. Once she gave me the ok to color. I’ve been using Shea Moisture which is the best hair color I’ve ever used. The grey at my hairline is taking over and I’m not ready for all that. I’m trying to decide which is best to use my Shea Moisture which I already bought or to transition to using henna.

I’ve read that once you use henna it’s near impossible to use regular color again bcuz henna leaves deposits. I think using henna will take up to a better part of 2 days. Mixing, applying letting it sit then rinsing and rinsing and rinsing again to make sure my Sisterlocks are clear of the grit left from henna. :bath2:

What to do? What to do? :cry3::cry3:

Advice, opinions please.:help::help:
 
msdeevee said:
At my last retight my consultant said that I can now use oil . She recommended that I use Argan oil when my hair is damp. Apply it to my scalp and pull it out to the length of my locks. So I’ve been doing that.



Like I said in one of my former posts my locks are growing like crazy. They are at an aggravating length now. The top of my back below my neckline . I don’t want to be like Becky always swinging my hair back so I think it’s time to break out the ponytail holders and wraps.

My other dilemma is color. Once she gave me the ok to color. I’ve been using Shea Moisture which is the best hair color I’ve ever used. The grey at my hairline is taking over and I’m not ready for all that. I’m trying to decide which is best to use my Shea Moisture which I already bought or to transition to using henna.

I’ve read that once you use henna it’s near impossible to use regular color again bcuz henna leaves deposits. I think using henna will take up to a better part of 2 days. Mixing, applying letting it sit then rinsing and rinsing and rinsing again to make sure my Sisterlocks are clear of the grit left from henna. :bath2:

What to do? What to do? :cry3::cry3:

Advice, opinions please.:help::help:
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If you even think you might go lighter in any color other than red stay away from henna. I henna'ed years ago and my greys are still red/orange. I want to do it again but the I feel like the rinsing process will take forever. I'm debating doing it for my 4 year anniversary
 
Foxglove said:
If you even think you might go lighter in any color other than red stay away from henna. I henna'ed years ago and my greys are still red/orange. I want to do it again but the I feel like the rinsing process will take forever. I'm debating doing it for my 4 year anniversary
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Even though my consultant has suggested I brighten up my color. I have no interest in blondes and I really never liked red hair on myself .i have been using the Shea Moisture Bright Auburn though. It gives me a dark color with a little brightness which is fine with me. A Sisterlocks blogger that I follow uses the natural highlights henna that she gets from Sally’s. It looks so pretty on her.

It’s dark with a pretty sheen to it. I bought 2 boxes of that also and I’m wondering if I should risk trying it. If it doesn’t come out right will I be able to switch back to Shea Moisture? I’m fighting these greys but I would like to use something more natural like henna. The blogger said that she hennas her locks once a month. I have used henna pre locking and I know it is a mess to wash out.

I don’t know. I’ll think about it tomorrow.
 
mochalocks said:
I recently purchased taliah wajaad's African oil, only fault about is that it has mineral oil in it. I will continue to try it out, and see how it works.
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ETA: the one I purchased doesn't have mineral oil in it. I've read that some of it, and I've read reviews that she changed the ingredients and took out the mineral oil. The first ingredient is soybean.

Anyways day 3 on using it and so far so good. My locks are soaking it all up- not dry, and brittle like before.
 
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msdeevee said:
At my last retight my consultant said that I can now use oil . She recommended that I use Argan oil when my hair is damp. Apply it to my scalp and pull it out to the length of my locks. So I’ve been doing that.



Like I said in one of my former posts my locks are growing like crazy. They are at an aggravating length now. The top of my back below my neckline . I don’t want to be like Becky always swinging my hair back so I think it’s time to break out the ponytail holders and wraps.

My other dilemma is color. Once she gave me the ok to color. I’ve been using Shea Moisture which is the best hair color I’ve ever used. The grey at my hairline is taking over and I’m not ready for all that. I’m trying to decide which is best to use my Shea Moisture which I already bought or to transition to using henna.

I’ve read that once you use henna it’s near impossible to use regular color again bcuz henna leaves deposits. I think using henna will take up to a better part of 2 days. Mixing, applying letting it sit then rinsing and rinsing and rinsing again to make sure my Sisterlocks are clear of the grit left from henna. :bath2:

What to do? What to do? :cry3::cry3:

Advice, opinions please.:help::help:
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I wouldn’t do it. All sisterlocked ladies that have dyed has lived to regret it including my installer. The dye gets in between and never completely washes out.
 
msdeevee said:
Even though my consultant has suggested I brighten up my color. I have no interest in blondes and I really never liked red hair on myself .i have been using the Shea Moisture Bright Auburn though. It gives me a dark color with a little brightness which is fine with me. A Sisterlocks blogger that I follow uses the natural highlights henna that she gets from Sally’s. It looks so pretty on her.

It’s dark with a pretty sheen to it. I bought 2 boxes of that also and I’m wondering if I should risk trying it. If it doesn’t come out right will I be able to switch back to Shea Moisture? I’m fighting these greys but I would like to use something more natural like henna. The blogger said that she hennas her locks once a month. I have used henna pre locking and I know it is a mess to wash out.

I don’t know. I’ll think about it tomorrow.
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Can you use something like Bigen instead?
 
Transformer said:
I wouldn’t do it. All sisterlocked ladies that have dyed has lived to regret it including my installer. The dye gets in between and never completely washes out.
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I don't know.... I think it depends on other factors as well, such as the types of color being used, technique, the health/condition of the hair and how the hair is cared for afterwards.

My consultant wouldn't do color, because she didn't know how yet. But she also never dissuaded anyone who really wanted to dye against it, unless their SLs were new and not mature enough to withstand the process.

She would just refer them to the other SLs consultant in the shop. I think that way she was still getting a percentage for the referral.

But what you said also makes sense, too.... I have seen lots of women speak about damage (dryness, breakage, thinning SLs) after coloring theirs. The same was also true for those that had micro locks.
 
No shade to anyone but I’ve noticed that most Lockers that bleach out and dye their locks blonde looks like straw to me. So I would never do that.

Bigen I’ve also used before locking. What I noticed about that is no matter what color you use it all comes out so dark but it lasts longer than most rinses and dyes.

I decided to do a test patch of the Reshma henna tonight (from Sally’s) so I’ll see how that small patch comes out tomorrow. I’ve used the Shea Moisture dye about 4x since my install with my consultants blessing and I haven’t had any problems.
 
msdeevee said:
No shade to anyone but I’ve noticed that most Lockers that bleach out and dye their locks blonde looks like straw to me. So I would never do that.

Bigen I’ve also used before locking. What I noticed about that is no matter what color you use it all comes out so dark but it lasts longer than most rinses and dyes.

I decided to do a test patch of the Reshma henna tonight (from Sally’s) so I’ll see how that small patch comes out tomorrow. I’ve used the Shea Moisture dye about 4x since my install with my consultants blessing and I haven’t had any problems.
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Is the reshma henna body art quality? It's important to make sure they didn't add any metals which can react with other dyes if you change your mind about dying your hair in the future

I used jamila henna my loose days and when my locs were shorter it wasn't too much of a problem but in my last session I had to rinse for.ever. I originally planned on using mehandi henna, the variety for african hair bc it's supposedly "finely sifted for tightly curled, natural or relaxed hair or locs". Jamila always left my hair feeling thick and strong but I always had to do a super moisturizing treatment afterwards. I'll be curious to see how this one affects my hair
 
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Yes, I’m very familiar with henna and was skeptical when I saw a popular blogger say that she uses the Henna from Sally’s. I bought a box and it is body art quality. When I opened the box the powder smelled and looked like the same henna that I used prior to locking from Mehandi. I still have a lot of pkgs from Mehandi left bcuz I bought it for me & a friend.

I did a small patch/strand test and it came out ok. It washed out pretty well.

I forgot about the need to condition well after you henna though so for now I think I’ll stick to my Shea Moisture bright auburn and revisit the henna option later.

Thanks for the help.
 
Couldn’t take the greys trying to step out on the edges anymore so used a black rinse yesterday (Clairol Natural Instincs with Keratin). I’m only 10 weeks in and I know it’s a no-no but the spray touch ups made my hair look ashy.

To avoid bunching or slippage I braided and bundled after applying the color during the time you let it sit. This was purposeful to ensure full coverage of my roots. It seemed to rinse out easily but I went ahead and rinsed a good 10 min just incase. I spent way less time doing this from beginning to end than I would’ve during my loose natural days so it wasnt a big deal.

It came out perfect and so far there’s no excessive dryness. Although I didn’t use the conditioner that came with the box I spritzed my hair with rose water much more than usual yesterday and steamed before bed. Today my hair feels a little softer than usual the day after wash day (it’s usually a little stiff from a couple days). Will continue spraying a little extra this week as a precaution.

After doing a great deal of research it looks like rinses are the best way to go at this stage if you can’t or don’t want to use henna. Within the sisterlock community some consultants are adamant about not doing it at this stage and others are okay if their client uses a rinse or henna.

Will update if I experience any adverse effects.
 
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