2 Weeks of Locs

Today marks the first two weeks of the dread lock process down. Today I returned to Robin's loctician space, to have her wash & maintain my hair. Things have been going fairly smooth. I used a dry shampoo to condition, clean and protect my scalp for these past two weeks. Most likely, since I'm used to shampooing my hair frequently and rinsing it daily, my scalp did get a bit irritated, dry and itchy, but it was all manageable. Sometimes, it can be important to avoid getting the locks wet, during the beginning stages, as it aids in their ability to lock. I was worried that I might not be doing enough to maintain the locks, as they can sometimes come apart a bit, but Robin assured me that they looked just fine, and in fact she seems pleasantly surprised at how nice they are looking, and also how well they remained intact, even after she gave me a shampoo and rinse. Those first two weeks the only thing holding them sort of together was a natural honey syrup, which was sticky in the beginning, but appears to have really helped this baby stage along.

I wasn't sure myself how to describe the process of the locks to someone, but basically what is happening is that your hair begins to mesh together, twist, intertwine and essentially the long term goal is for it to eventually "lock" into place. This isn't something that necessarily happens immediately, and can take weeks, months or longer to begin to really occur, especially when the process is organic & natural. However, each and every different person or hair texture that is going through a locking process varies. So, I am in a waiting period, of managing, molding, learning about, maintaining and understanding my own hair and how it locks. My hair continues to remain wax & synthetic product free. Robin used her own homemade shampoo to cleanse my scalp and hair, and a small amount of natural paste to mold the locks, today. I'm liking my hair in locks so far, and happy with the work Robin has done.

'Naptural' Organic Locs Begin

I believe "the locks" symbolize some of the changes in my life, partly arising from my new role as a mother, or just a new/next phase in my journey. I have never really felt very connected to my hair, so this change feels good and like I've found a way to wear my hair that will hopefully be more comfortable to me. This is something that has been manifesting itself within me for sometime now, close to 10 years probably. So, the process in a sense began many moons ago, but as with anyone interested in working healthy and organic locks into their hair, it takes time to nurture the change and be ready to begin the actual locking process. Robin has many clients who have locked their hair many times prior to finally resting on letting them truly grow and remain a part of them. I'm anxious, but patiently ready to learn to maintain and care for my "naptural" locs and see what happens. The interesting thing is that my hair naturally locks so having Robin pattern or organize that into more of a style seemed to make sense to me, so I could stop fighting the knots, frustration with, and normal mess of hair. I definitely don't think I could of started them alone, as I had always felt uneasy about understanding the process of "ethnic" hair, having never really been exposed to women who work with and have ethnic hair styles. Thank you for sharing your time to read my thoughts. Namaste.

For more info on dreads...

http://www.dreadlocks.com/

Molding Mama's Mane

There seems to be confusion with some people about why someone chooses to have dreads and how they are maintained. One myth is that the hair has to be dirty in order to lock, but the opposite is actually true. In order for the hair to naturally lock and the process to go smooth, it's best for the hair to be clean. For anyone wondering whether or not I can wash my hair, the answer is yes! People choose to create hair locks for various reasons, for some it's a spiritual decision, some a religious one, and others just a hairstyle. But generally it is understood that no matter what leads someone to create dreads, they do represent a type of lifestyle. Some people do misunderstand how to take care of their locks, or may choose to let their hair get "dirty", or don't allow the process to be organic because their hair isn't locking without synthetic products helping it along. Perhaps this leads others to perceive that locks are gross or dirty, however, I can and will wash, condition and maintain my scalp and hair. Both with a dry shampoo (sea salt, vinegar, organic herbs & oil) blend, and also with a normal water rinse. Not only are locks not dirty, locks on men & women are appealing to me, unique and beautiful.

Dread Locks 'The Baby Phase'

I have begun the potentially long process and journey of locking my hair. This part is called the "Baby Phase/Stage", in a series of five locking phases; 'Baby, Child, Adolescent, Adult, & Elder.' The locking stylist/artist I've been blessed to have work on my hair is named Robin. She's a very neat lady and has been locking and maintaining client's hair for 20 + years. She is currently also training a woman named, Ramia, who might eventually take over her Denver based clients. Ramia helped with the start of my first day process. I sat in a chair for about 6 1/2 hours for this first step. No synthetic products or bees wax were used to start my dreads, as Robin works from an organic & natural position. Both Robin and I are very happy with how they turned out, so far. There is a long road of waiting, spiritual focus and awareness, and learning to maintain my locks, ahead of me. However, I feel excited and inspired to have finally begun the process, especially with Robin's help and leadership.