Naturalicious Locks

By Terez Howard

As some of you may know, my original Sisterlocks retightening video was shut down.  In short, I was told that my video was training.  I hadn't intended to provide anyone with training.  I thought that I was merely sharing what I did with my hair.

So, since that video was shut down, I created a new Sisterlocks retightening video that does not refer to any of the training that I received in the retightening class.  Since I've taken the class, I have noticed that Youtube, the Nappturality forum and several bloggers provide guidance just as helpful and informative as what I received in the class.

This video showcases what I've learned from online DIY-ers and professionals.

By Terez Howard

I successfully completed my 29 Styles, 29 Days, $29 Challenge.  I did a different hair style every day in February, and I did not spend more than $29 on accessories.  I actually made most of my accessories.  As a reward to my success, I want to give back to you! I will give one subscriber of my blog Naturalicious Hair a homemade loc hair tie.

By Terez Howard

Today is day 3 of my 29 Styles, 29 Days, $29 Challenge.  Here are my styles thus far.  Check back at Naturalicious Hair for a different hair style every day this month!

By Terez Howard

I plan on doing a different hair style for every day in February, and I won't spend more than $29 on accessories. 

I noticed that during my first year with locs, I didn't style my hair as often as I did my loose natural hair.  I actually feared messing it up.  I thought unraveling and slippage were things that I had to avoid by not styling.  Now, more than a year later, I realize that I can manage my own hair.  Any problems that arise can be solved.  I should not be hindered by fear of doing something wrong with my locs.

I chose locs for their versatility.  It's time that I showcased versatility.  Thus, my challenge was born.

How many creative styles can I come up with on my short micro locs?  Follow my challenge at my natural hair blog.

By Terez Howard

I have curly ends on my Sisterlocks.  On the one hand, I love how they look.  On the other hand, those curly ends are a reminder that my hair is not fully locked.  What can I do about my locs' curly ends?

By Terez Howard

The following photo shows how I recently wore my hair.  This hair style can be adapted for short locs, traditional locs, even the loose natural.  Check more pictures on this Sisterlocks hair style here.

By Terez Howard

My sister (who proudly proclaims her addiction to "the creamy crack") was recently complimenting my hair.  She has been impressed by the way my locs have progressed over the past year.  Added to this compliment was a veiled disparaging remark, at least it was disparaging in my opinion. 

"I like your hair because it just looks like strands of hair.  It doesn't look like those thick locs," as if to say that those "thick locs" are no good.

Yes, I chose Sisterlocks because I favor micro-sized/thinner dreadlocks.  I like my tiny, neat parts and intricate styling options.  However, I greatly admire thick, luscious locs, and I recognize that these types of locs can also be styled a plethora of ways.

I don't like my hair because I think it's better than some other way of styling natural hair.  It might be better for me and my personal preference.  It is not generally better.

By Terez Howard

Apple cider vinegar has a long list of benefits to one's health and appearance.  It can be a conditioner, cleanser and germ killer for your natural hair.  Apple cider vinegar actually helps to balance your hair's pH level.

But the reason I like apple cider vinegar is to remove any product build-up and dandruff from my hair.  With my Sisterlocks, the only official product that I use is the Sisterlocks Salon Shampoo.  My open, curly ends have kept me from trying out other products.  And frankly, I don't think that my hair particularly needs them.

I do, however, suffer from flaking.  Even though my scalp feels and looks moisturized, a good shake makes white flakes fall from my head like snow.  I find that a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with a cup of water helps to alleviate this flaking.

Apple cider vinegar is just one of 11 natural hair ingredients that will improve your natural hair.  Get more advice on my natural hair care blog.

By Terez Howard

Water.

It comes as no surprise that water is perfect for natural hair.  It oftentimes is the first ingredient you see in moisturizing products.  So, why not use it on your locs to keep them moisturized?

I simply spritz daily with tap water.  But I have learned that hard water can be damaging to my hair.  It can actually strip your hair of moisture.  That's why I am going to start using the water that goes through my home's reverse osmosis system for drinking in my precious tresses.  If you don't have a water filtration system, you can always pour bottled water into your spray bottle.  Even boiling your water can rid it of many impurities.

Water is my hair's best friend.  It's simple.  It's cheap.  It's my favorite.

By Terez Howard

I took the official Sisterlocks Retightening Class about a month ago.  I'm proud to say that I completed retightening my entire head for the first time on my Sisterlocks' 1 year anniversary.

The class has always been a mystery, in my opinion.  So let me clear up any misconceptions.  Basically, you learn how to retighten YOUR own hair.  That's it.  I cannot repair any locs.  I won't know what to do if I get holes.  I have no knowledge of loosening accidentally married locs.  If I have issues, I'm supposed to contact my consultant.  And, of course, I cannot install or maintain anyone else's hair.

What I did learn in the class was:

• My pattern.  My Sisterlocks pattern is meant for fine hair like my own, and it helps to thicken it out.
• How to keep stray hairs out.  Sisterlocks are so tiny that it's easy to get stray hairs stuck in the tool when working.
• Patience.  It takes a long time to retighten Sisterlocks, and it is tedious.  My consultant told me to retighten when I'm rested and calm because if I'm anxious or pressed for time, my attitude could make me damage my hair.

What I received:

It's official. My Sisterlocks turned 1 year old on Oct. 29, 2011. See what I learned during this past year at my Sisterlocks blog.

Check out my Youtube video, which shows my SISTERLOCKS JOURNEY, hair styles and growth over the past year.

By Terez Howard

Loc count varies according to hair density, the size you want your locs to be as well as the size of your head. Typically, women with Sisterlocks can have anywhere from 250 to more than 800 Sisterlocks. And yes, they both have Sisterlocks installed by certified consultants/trainees.

The number 400 is used as an average among many Sisterlockers in the online community. But, it is just that – an average. I have 310 Sisterlocks, and I love my hair. I was never concerned about the number, only the look.

My consultant initially was concerned that she did not install enough Sisterlocks on my head. However, she explained that my small head and thin hair texture accounted for a lower number of Sisterlocks.

Now that I’ve taken the Sisterlocks Retightening Class and I am in the midst of retightening my own head, I’m coming to appreciate that 310 Sisterlocks is a LOT of locs!

By Terez Howard

Not immediately.

A friend of mine recently asked me about this. Sisterlocks do not require a perm-free head initially.

The official Sisterlocks website reads, “Though the transition will take more time, your hair care professional who is trained in Sisterlocks techniques can help you make that transition. Your styling options will increase as your natural texture grows out.”

The point is you should be under the care of a trained Sisterlocks professional so that you can successfully transition to a head full of natural hair. Eventually, the relaxer will have to go. The amount of time you will keep your permed ends varies according to hair texture and the way it responds to Sisterlocks. Some cut the ends in six months, while others wait longer than one year.

By Terez Howard

I'm nearing my 1-year mark with Sisterlocks.  Although I absolutely love my hair, I strongly dislike braiding and banding.  I asked Paulette Brown, the consultant behind Locks4life, what makes braiding and banding so important.

Her answer:

"The braiding and banding that you do today gives you the beautiful locks you seek tomorrow. When our hair is wet, it typically will swell and shrink. That is the process that you have to control until it settles in or it will loc swollen and uneven (bunched). You know how you see people whose locks are fat on the ends and skinny at the scalp? Or their locks are not straight and symmetrical? That's what you get when you stop braiding and banding too soon. That can also happen from coloring too soon, not getting regular retightenings and adding oils, shea butters, waxes and gels to the the locks."

That response made me appreciate how important it is to braid and band.  Get the rest of my interview with Paulette, including her interesting hair journey, at my Sisterlocks blog.

By Terez Howard

No.  Sisterlocks’ small size really are the perfect style for thin-haired naturals.

As noted on my natural hair website, “Fragile, thin natural hair has flourished in Sisterlocks.  If the hair is not cared for properly, it will break, regardless if you have Sisterlocks, traditional locs or loose hair.  With Sisterlocks, you have no chemicals or damaging abrasion to your scalp or strands, making it ideal for a thin hair texture.”

A micro-sized loc alone is not doomed to damage.  Breakage comes from neglecting your locs by not separating your roots or retightening infrequently.  That will weaken your Sisterlocks and make them break.  Also, over-manipulation by way of frequent retightenings and styling that constantly pulls at the scalp can weaken the locs.

By Terez Howard

Yep.  13 hours to install my Sisterlocks.

For some, it takes 8 hours.  For others, installation lasts 30 hours over the course of 3 days.  Why the differences huge differences in time?

3 Reasons That Account For Your Time In The Chair

1. How long is your hair?  The longer your hair, the longer it will take for your Sisterlocks to be installed.  The interlocking method is woven through the entire length of your hair.  If have the minimum amount of hair for Sisterlocks, which 1 ½ inches, then your installation will be reduced.