Locs Advice/Tips thread?

[Madeinthe80s]

Hey all... sort of new here. I had another account before (Nevaeh82) but after 2 yrs I didn't bother to renew it. So now I'm back (*sings* from outer space lol).

I've been searching the board for a thread dedicated to those who wear their hair in locs (don't like seeing them referred to as 'dreadlocks' because there is nothing dreaful about my hair! erplexed) but haven't really had any luck locating a good one. Don't know whether I'm not looking hard enough or what...

So I thought I would start one! If there is already a well-established thread then I apologise and hope someone will post a link to it!

Just a bit about my current hair regime:
- I shampoo with ORS uplifting shampoo
- condition with ORS hair mayo
- moisturise my scalp with ORS olive oil cream and and Dr Miracle's strengthening cream
- twist with Jamaica Mango & Lime cactus gro (love how this smells!)

But I'm looking to incorporate more natural (home made) products because I read somewhere that mineral oil and petrolatum aren't good for the hair, and it's hard to find store-bought products that don't list at least one of them as an ingredient.

Looked online and saw a concoction of mango butter, shea butter, emu oil and keratin that I'd like to try. Think I might add some aloe vera gel to that for a bit of hold when I'm retwisting new growth.

Also saw a yummy looking recipe for conditioner: banana, honey and avocado.

Anybody uses any natural products to wash/shampoo their locs?

Looking forward to hearing advice and tips from others!

P.S: Check out my album to see my hair journey from relaxed hair (at age 21) to locs (at age 27). Don't think I quite got the actual photo order right but the captions should tell ya what stage I was at!

 

[goldielocs]

Hey all... sort of new here. I had another account before (Nevaeh82) but after 2 yrs I didn't bother to renew it. So now I'm back (*sings* from outer space lol).

I've been searching the board for a thread dedicated to those who wear their hair in locs (don't like seeing them referred to as 'dreadlocks' because there is nothing dreaful about my hair! erplexed) but haven't really had any luck locating a good one. Don't know whether I'm not looking hard enough or what...

So I thought I would start one! If there is already a well-established thread then I apologise and hope someone will post a link to it!

Just a bit about my current hair regime:
- I shampoo with ORS uplifting shampoo
- condition with ORS hair mayo
- moisturise my scalp with ORS olive oil cream and and Dr Miracle's strengthening cream
- twist with Jamaica Mango & Lime cactus gro (love how this smells!)

But I'm looking to incorporate more natural (home made) products because I read somewhere that mineral oil and petrolatum aren't good for the hair, and it's hard to find store-bought products that don't list at least one of them as an ingredient.

Looked online and saw a concoction of mango butter, shea butter, emu oil and keratin that I'd like to try. Think I might add some aloe vera gel to that for a bit of hold when I'm retwisting new growth.

Also saw a yummy looking recipe for conditioner: banana, honey and avocado.

Anybody uses any natural products to wash/shampoo their locs?

Looking forward to hearing advice and tips from others!

P.S: Check out my album to see my hair journey from relaxed hair (at age 21) to locs (at age 27). Don't think I quite got the actual photo order right but the captions should tell ya what stage I was at!

hello!

there are a few of us up here, but we don't have many threads. I know- we need to do better...

 

[Michelle1971]

Newbie freeforming locker here
I just checked out your pics and I love your locs. I like the color as well. I just did a semi-permanent color on mine but may do a permanent one next year
Honestly, I do not use any natural products on my locs. I know that I should but I just go with what has been working for me.
I wash my hair once a week with whatever I have on hand.
I use tresseme (sp?) conditioner after washing.
When I feel the need, I clarify and do an ACV rinse.
Once a month I do a protein treatment. I may increase that to twice a month now.
I just rub some Nature's Blessing Pomade or coconut oil in my hands and rub thru my locs.
Separate when I feel like it. That's it!

 

[jamaraa]

There are VERY few loc'd heads up in here sadly. Maybe you can look at www.dreadlocktruth.com for most loc specific stuff. The people on that site are mostly unculivated/non wax users and seek natural solutions. Don't let the fact that most are White folks scare you off. They know what they're talking about, IMHO.

 

[remilaku]

I only use natural products. I sometimes no no no let me quit, I always make my own products. Got some in the fridge now, in my bathroom, at the salon.

I am a freeformer
I wash once a week mostly
I condition once a week
I use protein every other wash
I oil when needed
I use natural color every other wash just about
I rinse with filtered water after every wash
I clarify every other wash

I . . . Love . . . My . . . Locs . . . !

 

[Madeinthe80s]

hello!

there are a few of us up here, but we don't have many threads. I know- we need to do better...

Well I hope that we can make something of this thread then... I have a lot of stuff to post but it's nearly 4am and I should be in bed! lol

Newbie freeforming locker here
I just checked out your pics and I love your locs. I like the color as well. I just did a semi-permanent color on mine but may do a permanent one next year
Honestly, I do not use any natural products on my locs. I know that I should but I just go with what has been working for me.
I wash my hair once a week with whatever I have on hand.
I use tresseme (sp?) conditioner after washing.
When I feel the need, I clarify and do an ACV rinse.
Once a month I do a protein treatment. I may increase that to twice a month now.
I just rub some Nature's Blessing Pomade or coconut oil in my hands and rub thru my locs.
Separate when I feel like it. That's it!

Cool! Pardon my ignorance but what is an ACV rinse? And what do you use for your protein treatment?
And coconut oil is the truth! I mostly use it on my skin (rub it on straight out the shower then towel dry) but I plan to use it in my hair as well when I start making my own pomades.

I'm also trying not to fiddle with my hair too often. I find it grows a lot better when I don't think I will twist once every 2 weeks... I'm still tempted to fiddle with the ones at the hairline because I'm not quite used to a frizzy hairline but I'm getting better!

There are VERY few loc'd heads up in here sadly. Maybe you can look at www.dreadlocktruth.com for most loc specific stuff. The people on that site are mostly unculivated/non wax users and seek natural solutions. Don't let the fact that most are White folks scare you off. They know what they're talking about, IMHO.

Yah... browsing other threads I see folk here have a real aversion to locs...lol! Ah well... we shall be in the minority but that won't stop us from exchanging tips!

Will check out that site a bit later on... way past my bedtime right now erplexed

I only use natural products. I sometimes no no no let me quit, I always make my own products. Got some in the fridge now, in my bathroom, at the salon.

I am a freeformer
I wash once a week mostly
I condition once a week
I use protein every other wash
I oil when needed
I use natural color every other wash just about
I rinse with filtered water after every wash
I clarify every other wash

I . . . Love . . . My . . . Locs . . . !

Ooooh you make your own stuff?! What do you wash with? What do you use for protein conditioner? What do you use to colour? Henna?

I read somewhere about steeping garlic in water and using that as a final rinse. Will try it!

 

[goldielocs]

 

[goldielocs]

I've been brainstorming some challenges for us to do with our locs. Here are some ideas and let me know you think...

1. Up do or protective style challenge- we post pics of updo's of our locs. I know I'm in a style rut with mine. Maybe we can get some ideas other than braidouts and rollersets. There are also some talented ladies on youtube who post tutorials.

2. Homemade haircare recipes- I don't really do too much mixing, but from what I've read some of us do. We could post loc- friendly recipes and review them.

3. Product review- I know there are lots of them, but I rarely see many reviews that pertain to us.

4. Loc covers/ tams- I think there was another thread that touched on this.

5. Locing tips/ stages- we have all experienced the various stages of locing. Why not post tips on how to deal with each stage?

Honestly, I've learned a lot being a part of the LHCF. I've noticed my hair is healthier and fuller since taking some of the advice posted. That being said, I do realize that others on the board don't like locs or they have no interest in them. Their opinions don't really bother me. I don't come up here to find info on relaxed or loose hair. I'm loced and that's what I'm interested in. I respect the fact that others are looking for information about relaxed or loose natural hair. No problem.

Since there aren't many loced ladies here, those of us who are here should post what we know and hopefully other loced ladies won't be discouraged from joining or posting.

Just know that I am not posting this to cause any discord. I just want to provide more info on my preferred hair style preference. I was taught that if something is lacking, there's no need to complain if you're not willing to help change the situation. This is my attempt.

Take care and be blessed.

 

[jamaraa]

Yah... browsing other threads I see folk here have a real aversion to locs...lol! Ah well... we shall be in the minority but that won't stop us from exchanging tips!

Will check out that site a bit later on... way past my bedtime right now erplexed

Yes, most folks here are quite intoleant and ignorant about locks, so don't expect much I've tried to do my part over the years tho to get more knowledge out there.

For the record, I don't have locks myself, but I love 'em (esp uncultivated) and I study them just as apart of my interest in hair generally, so maybe I can help even w/o rockin' the locks myself!

 

[jamaraa]

For tams This guys has tons of them of all sizes...mostly cotton:
http://stores.ebay.com/nicemon-exports

 

[goldielocs]

For tams This guys has tons of them of all sizes...mostly cotton:
http://stores.ebay.com/nicemon-exports

I like...

 

[jamaraa]

OK...I'll start w/ some ideas...herbal hair/scalp conditioners. Since you have varyng degrees of access to your dcalp, double or triple filtering is probaly best here on most of the herbs. You could also add tinctures of the herbs to water, as singles or mixed however you like. I do both raw herb and tinctures depending on what I have on hand. As for wuantities, you don't need much...1/4 is a decent amount to start w/.

Nettle...it's good for keeping hair dark, growth, and scalp nice
Fenugreek...great for dandruff, itches, and strengthing hair
Rosemary...good for grotwth and keeping color dark
Brudock...good for strength and shine

There are other herbs but I'm just doing very basic for tight now. You probably have many of them in your spice rack already.

If I were going to try the garlic, I'd do it buy steeping the podwer in hot water, letting it cool, filtering it and adding it to conditioner. With locks, you have major rinse issues and you don't wanna leave garlic on your hair!

 

[goldielocs]

OK...I'll start w/ some ideas...herbal hair/scalp conditioners. Since you have varyng degrees of access to your dcalp, double or triple filtering is probaly best here on most of the herbs. You could also add tinctures of the herbs to water, as singles or mixed however you like. I do both raw herb and tinctures depending on what I have on hand. As for wuantities, you don't need much...1/4 is a decent amount to start w/.

Nettle...it's good for keeping hair dark, growth, and scalp nice
Fenugreek...great for dandruff, itches, and strengthing hair
Rosemary...good for grotwth and keeping color dark
Brudock...good for strength and shine

There are other herbs but I'm just doing very basic for tight now. You probably have many of them in your spice rack already.

If I were going to try the garlic, I'd do it buy steeping the podwer in hot water, letting it cool, filtering it and adding it to conditioner. With locks, you have major rinse issues and you don't wanna leave garlic on your hair!

Do you think juicing the garlic would help? I juice ginger sometimes for my scalp and mix it into condtioners. I like the tingle. What does garlic do for hair/ scalp?

 

[jamaraa]

Garlic helps stop excessive shedding whehter it's taken internally or externally....tho I don't know how useful this would be for dred heads! The OP asked about garlic, so I was giving her another way of using it.

Juicing the garlic would be FAR worse when it comes to smell. That's FULL ON garlic, no lie! LOL....garlic powder is your best bet!

 

[Madeinthe80s]

I've been brainstorming some challenges for us to do with our locs. Here are some ideas and let me know you think...

1. Up do or protective style challenge- we post pics of updo's of our locs. I know I'm in a style rut with mine. Maybe we can get some ideas other than braidouts and rollersets. There are also some talented ladies on youtube who post tutorials.

2. Homemade haircare recipes- I don't really do too much mixing, but from what I've read some of us do. We could post loc- friendly recipes and review them.

3. Product review- I know there are lots of them, but I rarely see many reviews that pertain to us.

4. Loc covers/ tams- I think there was another thread that touched on this.

5. Locing tips/ stages- we have all experienced the various stages of locing. Why not post tips on how to deal with each stage?

Honestly, I've learned a lot being a part of the LHCF. I've noticed my hair is healthier and fuller since taking some of the advice posted. That being said, I do realize that others on the board don't like locs or they have no interest in them. Their opinions don't really bother me. I don't come up here to find info on relaxed or loose hair. I'm loced and that's what I'm interested in. I respect the fact that others are looking for information about relaxed or loose natural hair. No problem.

Since there aren't many loced ladies here, those of us who are here should post what we know and hopefully other loced ladies won't be discouraged from joining or posting.

Just know that I am not posting this to cause any discord. I just want to provide more info on my preferred hair style preference. I was taught that if something is lacking, there's no need to complain if you're not willing to help change the situation. This is my attempt.

Take care and be blessed.

I really want to learn how to do styles on my hair. Figure it would be better during winter to keep the hair tucked away. ANd it's easy to wear a headwrap or throw on a tam with that.

I think you have some good ideas there... and I will add to them when I get home. But I'm really hopeful for this thread! I've noticed the negativity when it comes to locs on here... it's one thing opting not to wear your hair a certain way but I don't see anyone putting down having a relaxer/weave etc the way they do with locs. So looking forward to the positivity that this thread can bring

For tams This guys has tons of them of all sizes...mostly cotton:
http://stores.ebay.com/nicemon-exports

Gotta check that out when I get home. Been searching for different head gear!

Garlic helps stop excessive shedding whehter it's taken internally or externally....tho I don't know how useful this would be for dred heads! The OP asked about garlic, so I was giving her another way of using it.

Juicing the garlic would be FAR worse when it comes to smell. That's FULL ON garlic, no lie! LOL....garlic powder is your best bet!

LOL @ garlic smell... I figured whatever hair products used after the final garlic wash would take away the smell. I will try it and let y'all know!

 

[Mlle.Noir]

Hello all,

I am only 7 months in, so I'll be searching for advice for myself.

So far because I'm broke, I use any cheap clarifying shampoo every two weeks. I also shampoo once a week with a moisturizing shampoo.

I don't condition yet because I'm less than a year in.

I spritz with EVOO/ water mix. I have to shake this everyday because they don't "mix".

I re-twist with Lottabody Setting lotion in the purple bottle. (it's not actual lotion btw).

Any tips for me for those in advanced stages are welcomed.

 

[Madeinthe80s]

Hello all,

I am only 7 months in, so I'll be searching for advice for myself.

So far because I'm broke, I use any cheap clarifying shampoo every two weeks. I also shampoo once a week with a moisturizing shampoo.

I don't condition yet because I'm less than a year in.

I spritz with EVOO/ water mix. I have to shake this everyday because they don't "mix".

I re-twist with Lottabody Setting lotion in the purple bottle. (it's not actual lotion btw).

Any tips for me for those in advanced stages are welcomed.

Welcome!

My locs are nearly 2 yrs old (April 2010 will be the 2nd anniversary) so I am by no means an expert. But I picked up a few tips along the way:

- avoid twisting your hair too tightly and too frequently. It will put a strain on the hair follicles and will result in the actual lock thinning out and breaking off.

- if you towel dry your hair don't use light coloured ones. Use a dark towel. Why? Because lint is HARD to remove from the locs once it gets trapped and the lighter it is, the more visible it will be!

- no beeswax for twisting or any heavy pomades of that nature. They clog the pores on your scalp and attract dust and other little particles.

- Don't stress! Might sound trivial but the more stressed u are about your hair the harder the process will seem.

- Don't be tempted to trim the fuzz once the locs start forming! Likely to unravel it.

That's all I can think of now... I'm sure the more experienced loc wearers will add more.

 

[Madeinthe80s]

*long thread alert*

So I found these recipes from trawling the net:

Avocado Deep Conditioner
Ingredients
1 small jar of mayonnaise
1/2 avocado Directions
Peel avocado and remove pit. Mix all ingredients in a medium-sized bowl with your hands until it's a consistent green color. Smooth into hair being careful to work it to the ends. Use shower cap or plastic wrap to seal body heat in. Leave on hair for 20 minutes. For deeper conditioning wrap a hot, damp towel around your head over the plastic, or use a hair dryer set to a low to medium heat setting.



Tropical Island Conditioner
Ingredients
1 avocado
Organic coconut milk

Directions
Peel and pit avocado. Mash avocado and slowly add coconut milk until smooth and the consistency of hair conditioner. Work through hair to ends. Rinse after 15 minutes and shampoo.



Rosemary Hot Oil Treament
Ingredients
1/2 cup of organic dried rosemary

1/2 cup organic soybean oil or organic sunflower oil

Directions
Combine ingredients and heat until warm. Strain through a fine strainer or cheesecloth. Coat the entire head and hair with the oil mixture, working it through to the ends. Wrap hair in plastic wrap and wrap in a warm towel. Leave oil on hair for 15 minutes. Wash hair until oil is completely removed.

Nettle Hair Lotion
Ingredients
1 cup nettle leaf

(not root) Directions
Simmer nettles in three cups of water. Strain. Rub into hair and scalp every other night for soft, shiny hair. Keep refrigerated.



Bodifying Horsetail Hair Rinse

Ingredients
2 1/2 teaspoons dried horsetail

Directions
Steep horsetail in boiled water for 20 minutes. Shampoo hair and rinse thoroughly. Pour horsetail rinse through hair and leave in for ten minutes. Rinse with clear water.



Ginger Dandruff Treatment

Ingredients
Ginger root

1 teaspoon organic sesame oil

1 teaspoon lemon juice
Directions
Squeeze ginger root through press to obtain one tablespoon of juice. Mix all ingredients. Apply to scalp and let dry before shampooing. Repeat three times a week.



*now this one... hmmm... not too sure I'd be willing to waste beer on my hair lol! It doesn't exactly explain what the benefit is!*


Jojoba Oil & Beer Conditioner
Ingredients
1 cup WARM beer
1 teaspoon jojoba oil

Directions
Mix all ingredients. Apply to hair and massage through. Rinse well. You may want to shampoo afterward if your hair remains oily.





Chamomile Shampoo Ingredients
6 organic chamomile tea bags

4 tablespoons pure soap flakes

1 1/2 tablespoons pure vegetable glycerin

Directions
Steep the teabags in 1 1/2 cups of boiled water for 20 minutes. Remove the tea bags and discard. Add the soap flakes to the tea and let stand until the soap softens. Stir in glycerin until well blended. Keep in a dark, cool place in a sealed bottle.



Dry Shampoo for Oily Hair
Ingredients
Cornstarch
Directions
Dip large soft makeup brush in cornstarch and dust through oily spots in hair. Allow to sit for five minutes then brush out with a natural boar bristle brush. Repeat as necessary.



Wonder of the Desert Shampoo for Dry Hair Ingredients
1/4 cup liquid castile soap

1/4 cup organic aloe vera gel

1 teaspoon pure vegetable glycerin

1/4 teaspoon organic avocado oil

or other light organic vegetable oil

Natural Hair Gel Ingredients
1/2 to 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin

Directions
Thoroughly dissolve gelatin in 1 cup warm water. Keep refrigerated in sealed container.

 

[R4L]

I LOVE the look of well maintained locks, but I know I would miss the flexibility of my hair too much if i took the plunge. HHG

 

[Michelle1971]

Welcome!

My locs are nearly 2 yrs old (April 2010 will be the 2nd anniversary) so I am by no means an expert. But I picked up a few tips along the way:

- avoid twisting your hair too tightly and too frequently. It will put a strain on the hair follicles and will result in the actual lock thinning out and breaking off.

- if you towel dry your hair don't use light coloured ones. Use a dark towel. Why? Because lint is HARD to remove from the locs once it gets trapped and the lighter it is, the more visible it will be!

- no beeswax for twisting or any heavy pomades of that nature. They clog the pores on your scalp and attract dust and other little particles.

- Don't stress! Might sound trivial but the more stressed u are about your hair the harder the process will seem.

- Don't be tempted to trim the fuzz once the locs start forming! Likely to unravel it.

That's all I can think of now... I'm sure the more experienced loc wearers will add more.

This is my second set of locs. My first set I had for 6 years. This set will turn 2 in May 2010.
My first set started out as two-strand twists which I twisted. I agree with all of the info that was stated above
I also want to add to cover your hair when you sleep if possible. It will help to retain your twists and help eliminate some of the fuzzies, if you have an issue with that.
I have to stress do not overtwist. You will end up losing locs very quickly and have a hairline like Brandy, lol. Some of us tend to want that perfect look with every hair in its place. Twisting after every wash is too much IMO.
Believe it or not, loc'd hair LUVS water. The more the better. My first set took FOREVER to loc. I didn't wash my hair as often as I do with this set. This set I am freeforming so I can wash every day if I want, but I don't. I have noticed that my hair was loc'd after 9 months with this set as opposed to the first which I would say took almost 2 years.
I'll be back with some links in another post.

 

[Michelle1971]

I LOVE the look of well maintained locks, but I know I would miss the flexibility of my hair too much if i took the plunge. HHG

You can do a lot of different styles with loc'd hair. I will be putting up some links so you can see

 

[Madeinthe80s]

And of course, the following tips stand for hair, whether it's locked, loose natural, relaxed or otherwise!

1. Drink water! I know it's pretty bland tasting but your hair AND skin will thank you for it.

2. Don't overload your hair with different products. It can leave it looking dull and tired... not to mention overly greasy scalp!

3. Get enough sleep! The hair (and skin) repairs damage while you sleep, so get your 8 hrs regularly. And either wrap your hair at nights with a silk (or any smooth, satiny material) head tie. Avoid cotton! They tend to snag the hairs and leave you looking frizzy. Or use a silk pillow case.

4. A well balanced diet is a must! Healthy hair is achieved from the inside and out.

Found this site as well. Pretty useful:
http://www.pioneerthinking.com/ep_naturalhair.html

 

[Madeinthe80s]

This is my second set of locs. My first set I had for 6 years. This set will turn 2 in May 2010.
My first set started out as two-strand twists which I twisted. I agree with all of the info that was stated above
I also want to add to cover your hair when you sleep if possible. It will help to retain your twists and help eliminate some of the fuzzies, if you have an issue with that.
I have to stress do not overtwist. You will end up losing locs very quickly and have a hairline like Brandy, lol. Some of us tend to want that perfect look with every hair in its place. Twisting after every wash is too much IMO.
Believe it or not, loc'd hair LUVS water. The more the better. My first set took FOREVER to loc. I didn't wash my hair as often as I do with this set. This set I am freeforming so I can wash every day if I want, but I don't. I have noticed that my hair was loc'd after 9 months with this set as opposed to the first which I would say took almost 2 years.
I'll be back with some links in another post.

I was tempted to restart my locs with comb curls because I started with 2-strand twists as well. I find once they start to lock those started with comb curls tend to be more uniformed and neater. But I've grown to like the fact that my locs are neat but not of uniformed thickness.

And initially I was soooo regimental about keeping them twisted to perfection. Until two of them broke off in the front! Plus I was spending way too much money on salon visits, so I cut them down and was mostly twisting myself once every 2 weeks.

 

[Madeinthe80s]

Was checking youtube and found this chica...lol! The random carrot had me laughing. But it's a style that would suit me very well. She didn't use a single hairpin!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2oPMccwUUE&feature=related

 

[Vinyl]

Sisterlocker here! :waves:

I have a pretty simple regime... I wash once a week w/ the sisterlock shampoo and straighten once a month or so. I'm a newbie locker so I don't use any products yet.

 

[purplepeace79]

I'm no longer locked, but was for a total of 8 years. I'd love to check in with you guys and answer any questions. I did my own locs and have started and maintained locs for several other people as well. I've been creative with styles and have a fotki folder to my years being locked.

http://public.fotki.com/danjaruznegress/locks/

 

[Madeinthe80s]

Sisterlocker here! :waves:

I have a pretty simple regime... I wash once a week w/ the sisterlock shampoo and straighten once a month or so. I'm a newbie locker so I don't use any products yet.

Heyyyy!! How's it going with the sister locks? Any pics?

 

[Madeinthe80s]

I'm no longer locked, but was for a total of 8 years. I'd love to check in with you guys and answer any questions. I did my own locs and have started and maintained locs for several other people as well. I've been creative with styles and have a fotki folder to my years being locked.

http://public.fotki.com/danjaruznegress/locks/

Oh I love your locs the 2nd time round! Gorgeous!

That red colour you had in... what shade did you use? Was it a natural dye? And your hair grew so quickly! What was your regimen?

 

[Vinyl]

Heyyyy!! How's it going with the sister locks? Any pics?

Sure! I actually took pics in the beginning and some around a week ago, although the ones from a week ago aren't from the back.

 

[Madeinthe80s]

Sure! I actually took pics in the beginning and some around a week ago, although the ones from a week ago aren't from the back.

Looking forward to seeing them