Perming hair???

[tanishamarshall]

African American women how do you deal with perming your hair?

Currently I perm my hair using Dark and Lovely but I know it's very toxic and I'm trying to find out if there are natural perms for our type of hair? I tried searching on the internet but can't find any alternatives. I thought about flat combing but that is a lot of work, I also thought about braids but that took my hair out the last time I had it done.

I really don't like my hair natural, is this my only alternative?

Tanisha

[tanishamarshall]

I'm not sure if I posted this in the right Forum. If this is not in the correct forum can someone move it to the right one.

[Rawkinlocs]

Hey Doc!

LOL girl, you don't want me posting in this thread!! But no, I won't preach...promise.

Well, there are some so-called "natural" relaxers out there (try Googling in "naturalaxer" or something to that effect) but I've learned that even when they say natural, there's just GOTTA be something in there to make kinkier-textured hair straight, dont-cha-think?

I haven't relaxed my hair in about 5 or 6 years (GAH I don't miss that) but have you considered Sisterlocks? I mean, I understand that you're not ready to be au naturale with your hair and that's fine, many women are not for whatever the reason may be, but with Sisterlocks, you have the option of getting the locs SO THIN that it really does mimic relaxed hair in many ways, 'cept it's all your own natural hair.

If those are too steep for your pocketbook, then you can investigate (shameless plug coming up here) my ebook on Bradelocz (what I like to refer to as "The Permanent Braids")- www.herspecialhair.com (just locate Bradelocz on the homepage and click on, "read more") and I also invite you to visit my site where I document my personal journey from relaxed to natural hair to locs at www.naturalfreedomjourney.com.

But if you're not ready to where it natural (and free/out) and you don't want to continue to use the toxic chemicals, I think finding someone in your area...preferably a somewhat older woman or even gentlemen (maybe one of those old school hair dressers) who can press some hair and get it pressed so you don't have to do it yourself. Also, with getting braids, it's a matter of finding someone who cares about hair care and not just getting heads in and out...someone who will not braid your hair so tightly that you end up looking like Susan Taylor of Essence Magazine! :eek:

[tanishamarshall]

Thanks Rawkinlocs, I will look into everything you listed above. I am open to going natural but since I've never been all natural I'm having a hard time seeing my hair without a perm.

[Rawkinlocs]

Oh TRUST me, I understand totally where you're coming from. If you want, I'd be more than happy to be a support to you off-list, you can email me anytime with questions, concerns, etc.

Also, check out this site/forum: www.nappturality.com - a WEALTH of info, support, etc. there!

[tanishamarshall]

Ok, I will keep in touch. Actually I'm the one that emailed you from Illinois, Regarding Raw food Cert Classes.

[Rawkinlocs]

Ok, I will keep in touch. Actually I'm the one that emailed you from Illinois, Regarding Raw food Cert Classes.

That was you for real? Wow...I had no idea!

[barose]

Rawkinlocs gave some good advice already. My answer is: I don't perm my hair or use chemicals on it for that matter. I pressed my hair for most of my life and several years ago decided enough was enough. Pride and politics aside, I was sick of not being able to SWEAT (exercise, sex, hot weather, etc), swim, wash and wear, travel without equipment, and other simple pleasures in life. My life revolved around keeping my hair straight and my hair suffered. It was getting thin, broken off, etc. I have a fine grade of hair and it would had never survived a relaxer, even a gentle one so it was never a consideration.

I just wear it natural (not locked), but I rarely trim it so its bra strap length now, though since its curly, it shrinks when it dries so it looks shorter. If you're ready to go the natural route, Rawk gave you a really good website. I was a regular for quite a while and gained a lot of good info.

[Authenticme]

Hi Barose,

You peaked my interest when you mentioned that your hair is not locked but natural. I perm my hair now but my hair doesn't really require a very strong perm. I can leave it in for a few moments and get it straight. So, I have been tempted to go natural for a long long time. My problem is that when my hair is dry it's very frizzy and extremely dry. What kind of hair products do you use to keep it soft and manageable?

And of course, if anyone else has suggestions I'm all ears!!!

[barose]

For me, the key is to not use products or shampoos that have SLS or harsh detergents. I also stay away from silicons that can dry out the hair. I use Aubrey's Organics for most of my shampoos and conditioners. I dont shampoo often either. I also use coconut oil and shea butter on my hair. There are a few other brands (because I'm a product junkie :)) I use but what I mentioned is key.

The only real beating my hair takes is from the sun. My natural hair color is dark brown, but lately the top is an annoying red/copper color color. Wearing hats is something I should do but really don't think about until I come home and my hair is orange.

Overall, I stay away from:
Sodium Laurel (or any variation) Sulfide
Silicons
Parabens
Propylene Glycol
Mineral Oil
Petroleum
Artificial fragrances and colors

Things I love - besides products
Apple cider vinegar (mixed with water)
Shea butter
Coconut oil
Aloe vera gel

[tanishamarshall]

I'm really thinking about going Natural myself but I don't like my hair to look fuzzy and nappy. Maybe going natural isn't for me yet. I just wonder if there is as way to go natural but still have it look neat.

[Anastasia Alston]

I guess that depends on what you mean by "neat". ;) I haven't had a relaxer in my hair for more than ten years (maybe more?) I've been locked (2nd time) for almost 9 years & was natural with a relapse (in judgement I would say <lol>) for a few months in there. During that time I braided or twisted my hair, wore extensions for a bit, cropped it when I got bored, grew it out again & locked it (which is where I am now). My mom can't stand the natural look of her hair either. Too bad; natural hair really is beautiful! Sure our hair looks different from the norm in America, but it's perfectly normal for us! :D I'm so used to my natural hair that I think relaxed hair on me looks weird! <lol>

As for the neatness thing, I would say just keep up your chosen style regularly. When it's fuzzier than you'd prefer, redo it! :) Of course this is easier said than done if you don't do your hair yourself; I do & did - from locs to extensions & everything in between, though I did go to a barber to get it cut. Invest in lots of nifty hair adornment items - ribbons, barrettes, combs, whatever you call those clampy things that hold your hair up (I can't use them with locs) & have fun with your hair! Make a point of going to natural hair care salons for the occasional beauty day. Nappy is cool! But just like raw get support if you need it & learn as much as you can about your hair.

HTH,
Stasi

[barose]

When I need a neat style (job interviews, etc) I wear my hair back in a bun. Its has its drawbacks because my hair is so heavy (long and thick). I was never fond of braids though I may wear my hair in two braids on my more casual days. The other times, I wear it in a loose ponytail.

[tanishamarshall]

I hope I can come to terms with loving my hair naturally. My husband thinks I would look just fine with my hair natural, but he agrees that he would hate to see my hair looking sloppy or dirty.

To be honest I'm not all that crazy about hair or doing hair but I do like it to be clean and somewhat decent. I would prefer to just get up and go and not worry about my hair all the time.

I've seen many women with their hair natrual and they look really nice and I've seen not so nice looking hair.

I'd love to come to terms with who I am hair and all. I'd love to be just as natural as I can be, but I think it will take a lot of thinking and sorting out what I know to be the norm and that's perming hair.

I've never ahd a problem being different but when it comes to hair that is something that will always stand out.

[Rawkinlocs]

Doc, I SO feel where you are right now. I mean, I did not always love or even like my own (or other's) naPtural hair. I was the person who would look at a woman's head of long, down-to-her-booty dreads and be like, "Wow, her hair would be SOOO pretty if only it were that long and STRAIGHT!" or I'd scoff at a woman with natural hair and be like, "Why don't she perm that?"

Now, I can't even imagine ever straightening my hair again. But it didn't happen overnight...just like with going raw, it IS a process. We have a LOT of very deeply-ingrained conditioning to undo and it's definitely a mind shift to say the least. It truly does take time to "remove the kinks from our brains", as Marcus Garvey said.

I think a GOOD place to start is to obtain a copy of the book, "Hair Story : Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America". I was in awe when I first read that book and discovered some history behind why we, as African-Americans, began to desire straight hair and the lengths our ancestors went to obtain it. Did you know that the way it was discovered that sodium hydroxide lye (relaxers) made our hair straight was because the slave owners used to dunk the (I believe it was male) slaves heads into a bucket of water and lye as a punishment? That's just one of the eye-opening things I learned from that book.

But yeah, you can make your natural hair styles neat by getting them done professionally (until you learn to do them yourself if you choose to), keeping your hair tied at night, etc.

One of the reasons I chose to lock my hair is because of the freedom to, as you said you desire, get up and go! I wash my hair weekly and rinse it maybe a couple of times a week just to keep my hair moisturized. I can style them, curl them, put in an updo, or just wear it as-is. It's hard to believe that I ever thought of locks as "ugly", even the "neater" ones. But you'd be amazed at how much your mind shifts once you decide to embrace what your creator created you with and just take baby steps to get there. I have gone from wanting tiny, thin, highly manicured locks to a more "free-form" approach. But again, it was a gradual progression that took years to get to that level of appreciation of our hair after years of being taught/conditioned to hate it.

If you don't mind, I'd like to gift you with a copy of my ebook, "Her Special Hair". I can send it to you via email...just let me know if you don't mind me sending it to you. It was written with the intent to help non-African American parents who are raising African-American daughters, but I have had MANY women purchase it for their own hair. I think it may be helpful to you.

[tanishamarshall]

Thanks rawkinlocs, I will would be interested in reading your book, please feel free to email me here tanisha (at) kandisign.com

I do not mind paying you for it, I feel weird.. Hmm but appreciate the offer. I would love to come to conclusion with my hair situation. I think it is apart of loving me as a whole I think being able to accept the way God made me is important.

[Dr. White]

I am mixed or whatever the "politically correct" term is for it now. I have very curly , frizzy hair when I don't use good product on it. You can see me here at www.tasteofhealth.homestead.com . I have learned to stop washing my hair, leave a little of the Aubrey conditioner in and apply a light gel by Aubrey. My hair is better now than it has ever been . It's long and healthy and almost touches my bottom when wet.

I used to blow dry it straight and then curl it ... go figure

[barose]

Oooh, I love hair photos. Here are a few of mine:

http://images107.fotki.com/v536/free/5a1ee/5/58897/2427155/hair1-vi.jpg?1121479616

http://images114.fotki.com/v637/free/5a1ee/5/58897/2427155/scan1-vi.jpg?1121477483
This is an old photo of me when my hair was much shorter

http://images23.fotki.com/v868/free/5a1ee/5/58897/2427155/DSC_0505162-vi.jpg?1148007544
This is after it grew out a bit (my body and face before I went raw; I have no "after" pictures yet) :)

[tanishamarshall]

Wow great hair shots.. I wish my hair could look like both of you. Mine looks wavy like yours Carla but a little less curly on the ends. It seems to hard to manage if I let it grow more and more.

Carla what do you use to push your hair back like that?

[barose]

Thanks!

As in products or pony tail holders? I use aloe vera gel, a gel by John Masters (organic products), or a gel by Aubrey organics to keep it back. My hair gets very tangled so I detangle in the shower with conditioner. I use a leave-in or coconut oil. In extreme weather, I use shea butter to protect it. About once a month I rinse with a combo of apple cider vinegar and water.

Strangely enough both of my parents have very nappy hair. My mother's hair is locked and I envy hers because it always looks so good. I tried to lock mine once or twice and it didnt hold very well. I guess we always want something we dont have. :o

[Dr. White]

The more my hair grows , the looser the curl gets because of the weight.. If I'm not careful, it does break off though. Dh loves to brush my hair but I feel a bit uptight about letting him because he will rip through it and I get a lot of breakage. That's another tip. I only finger comb my hair with conditioner in the shower. I don't let a comb touch it after that. If it begins to get messy during the day, I twist it up in a clip. I DON'T pick or brush it. I loose too much hair that way.

[tanishamarshall]

Thanks!

As in products or pony tail holders? :o


Well unless you can suggest a special ponytail holder then I guess not but any info is great, I'll check out the Aubrey Organics.

[barose]

I use these cloth elastic ones by Goody because everything else was tearing out my hair. I wish I remember the name of it...

[Authenticme]

Wow, Carla! I loved your photos. You all got me thinking that I should go natural. I would if I thought my hair would look like yours. Hmmmm...I'm seriously thinking about it.

[tanishamarshall]

Carla/Dr White,

Where do you buy your Aubrey and Aloe Vera Gel(Carla)?

[tanishamarshall]

Wow, Carla! I loved your photos. You all got me thinking that I should go natural. I would if I thought my hair would look like yours. Hmmmm...I'm seriously thinking about it.

I agree with ya Authenticme.

[GoingtoRAW]

Hair, Hair, Hair!!! I love my natural hair!!!! I have been wearing Sisterlocks now for 7 years. I grew up with an old school beautician for a mother. I remember sitting in that chair in the kitchen every Saturday night getting my hair pressed. I hated every second of it BUT I loved how my hair looked afterward. It was very long and very straight. A lot of us bought into that - your hair is "ugly" or "bad" if is isn't flowing and bone straight. I lived like that for years.

I first dabbled in natural hair in the '70's when I away to college and I started wearing my hair corn-rowed. The only real reason I did it was because frankly as a college student I just didn't have the money to keep my perm up and I didn't get home often enough for my mother to press it. I did all kinds of things to make my hair look good in its natural state. The wife of a friend I grew up with who was attending the same university was in beauty college and we would barter for services. She didn't have money - I didn't have money - but she had 2 children and she needed someone to baby sit while she and her husband attended school. So I was back in my perm and she had baby sitter services.

I did not go back to natural hair until years later. I had a baby, I was attending graduate school, I had a demanding job and my now ex-husband was an over the road truck driver. I did not have time to fool with my hair for sure! So I got braids. I wore braids from 1993 until 2000 when I finally had my hair locked in September 2000.

A funny thing happened after I got my braids though. My thinking about my hair changed. I started looking at the health of my hair instead of wondering how cute it looked. My once long, thick beautiful hair was starting to get thin and break off. No matter how well I had taken care of it, the chemicals had gotten the best of my hair. I also noticed that it had gotten the best of a lot of the heads of people I knew.

After wearing braids for about 1 year, the person who had been braiding my hair moved and I could no longer get to her. I called an old hair dresser friend who referred me to one of his friends who did "natural" hair. That person changed my life forever in many ways. Turns out she was a vegan and had dabbled in a raw foods lifestyle as well. As I kept going to her my thinking about what I was eating started to change as well. I soon adopted a vegetarian life style. Even though my hair started to get healthy again when I started wearing braids, I got tired of taking them out (extensions) and having them put back in. Beside the expense I just started dreading the whole process. During that time my new hair stylist started talking to me and showing pictures of people with locked hair. She started talking about this "new" technique called "Sisterlocks". It took me about a year or two of reading and doing some deep thinking about it. Then I decided "Sisterlocks" are for me.

In September of 2000 I got locked and I have never looked back. I was a little nervous because I worked at a very conservative company. BUT by the time I got locked I had gotten over the straight hair is beautiful hair phase of my life and I had also gotten over what people thought about what I did with my hair. I no longer cared. It is just hair!!! And my hair is the way GOD made it!!! I love, love, love my Sisterlocks. My hair was shoulder length when I got it locked and now it is almost to my waist. That wasn't my goal - that is just what happened. I really need a hair cut actually but my children won't let me! LOL! My hair is healthy and strong and beautiful. Hardly a day goes by that I am not stopped by someone commenting about my hair. Oddly enough - especially MEN! BTW - that wasn't my goal either. It just happens.

So I say if you want your hair natural - even if you don't lock it - go for it. Try it. The good thing about it is that it is just hair - and you can change it back. RIGHT?:p :) :rolleyes:

[tanishamarshall]

I think Locs would be my utimate goal, I just need to work on how I think. Plus I'd like to see if there is someone in my area that does locs.

And Yes hair can be changed but I would have to go short. My hair doesn't look right short, I think that is why I want to start letting my hair grow natural then when it gets to an exceptable length I will probably try locs.

[GoingtoRAW]

DrWhite,

I am laughing at your post about your husband loving to brush your hair!:D That's the ONLY thing I miss about my EX-HUSBAND. Before I got my hair braided and then locked he would love to brush my hair and oddly enough oil my scalp! When I used to go to the shop and have my hair done I would always ask for a male to shampoo my hair - I love their heavy-handeness on my scalp!:rolleyes: :p

[tanishamarshall]

DrWhite,

I am laughing at your post about your husband loving to brush your hair!:D That's the ONLY thing I miss about my EX-HUSBAND. Before I got my hair braided and then locked he would love to brush my hair and oddly enough oil my scalp! When I used to go to the shop and have my hair done I would always ask for a male to shampoo my hair - I love their heavy-handeness on my scalp!:rolleyes: :p

That is funny..

[CaliRaw]

For those of you with naptural hair, did the care of your hair change at all after you were 100% raw for a while? If so, what changed?

[Dr. White]

DrWhite,

I am laughing at your post about your husband loving to brush your hair!:D That's the ONLY thing I miss about my EX-HUSBAND. Before I got my hair braided and then locked he would love to brush my hair and oddly enough oil my scalp! When I used to go to the shop and have my hair done I would always ask for a male to shampoo my hair - I love their heavy-handeness on my scalp!:rolleyes: :p

He will actually follow me right into the shower if I will allow him to put conditioner in it. In my shampoo days, he liked to wash it, but now he has to settle for conditioning it. He will also put it in a loose braid for me so it stays out of my way while I sleep. Now, my husband is bald. He may just like playing with my hair because he doesn't have any.:D

[Rawkinlocs]

For those of you with naptural hair, did the care of your hair change at all after you were 100&#37; raw for a while? If so, what changed?

I think my hair grows faster now and (and this may or may not have anything to do with raw) my hair texture has changed. I mean, I've never had really TIGHTLY-coiled, "beedy-beed" (no offense) hair, but it is definitely a different, looser, softer texture now and for ME, that's not necessarily a good thing because with locked hair, IMHO, the nappier the better. So, I get a lot of "fly-aways" with this new, looser textured hair coming in.

ETA: Duhhh....I just noticed you asked if the CARE of our hair changed. Hmmm...well, I'm not sure if my hair care regimen changed due to raw or not, but my hair doesn't like shampoo much anymore...seems to dry my hair out so I mainly do no-poo'ing either with conditioner or with ACV and maybe once a month I'll do a deep-cleansing with Dr. Bronner and baking soda to clarify.

P.S. Docsharp, did you get my email?

[GoingtoRAW]

DrWhite...you are so lucky. I would probably get my hair washed every day if I had a man to do it!!! I hate washing my hair because it has gotten so long and heavy.....oh well. I envy you tehee!!:D :D

[Rawkinlocs]

GoingtoRAW, are you the one with the 9-year old locs? If so, I NEEEEEED to see your hair! Pretty please, do you have pics or an online hair album or something somewhere? :D

Edited to add: Okay, I see that you have 7-year old SL's and Anastasia has the 9-10 year old locs. But I'd still love to see BOTH of your ladies hair! I love seeing photos of long locs!

[barose]

For those of you with naptural hair, did the care of your hair change at all after you were 100&#37; raw for a while? If so, what changed?

My care has not changed since going raw, although I've only been raw since April.

Like Rawkinlocs mentioned, my texture has changed; looser curl at the roots and faster growth. I trimmed my hair in June and now it looks like I haven't touched it. I was thinking about locking it, but now for me, I think it would be too much work if this keeps up. I would definitely have to cut it short and start all over with the new texture.

[barose]

Carla/Dr White,

Where do you buy your Aubrey and Aloe Vera Gel(Carla)?

The most universal place I can tell you is Whole Foods, though I buy mine from the different independent health food stores in my area. You can buy online too http://www.aubrey-organics.com/

[Dr. White]

I run a large co-op and Aubrey is part of it. I pay less than $6 for most of my Aubrey conditioners.

[tanishamarshall]

P.S. Docsharp, did you get my email?

I just got it. Thank you so very much, I really really appreciate it.

[ccrider]

Anybody use Carol's Daughter or PhytoSpecific - what did you think if you have

[barose]

I used Carols Daughter in the past and it was nice, but a bit to heavy for my hair. I have super curly/wavy hair, but its a fine texture, so it was a bit much, even in small amounts. I think the oils she uses is too heavy.

[CaliRaw]

My hair is not fine and I felt that Carol's Daughter was too heavy for my hair when I was natural. I used the Healthy Hair Butter and the Hair Milk. I also did not care for the strong fragrance of lemon grass. This was several years ago...2001. I don't know what she sells now though.

[GoingtoRAW]

GoingtoRAW, are you the one with the 9-year old locs? If so, I NEEEEEED to see your hair! Pretty please, do you have pics or an online hair album or something somewhere? :D

Edited to add: Okay, I see that you have 7-year old SL's and Anastasia has the 9-10 year old locs. But I'd still love to see BOTH of your ladies hair! I love seeing photos of long locs!


Rawkinlocs, I had some pics but had some viruses and had to do a system restore on my computer...so I lost all of my pics. As soon as I get some new pics I would be happy to send...:o

[GoingtoRAW]

My care has not changed since going raw, although I've only been raw since April.

Like Rawkinlocs mentioned, my texture has changed; looser curl at the roots and faster growth. I trimmed my hair in June and now it looks like I haven't touched it. I was thinking about locking it, but now for me, I think it would be too much work if this keeps up. I would definitely have to cut it short and start all over with the new texture.

Carla, I'm not trying to push locks but I just have to tell you they are not a lot of work at all....although I can only speak from the experience of Sisterlocks. Other than the initial appointment to get my hair locked (which took 21 hrs. over 2 days), my appointments with my loctician are very brief. I have the new growth done every 6 to 8 weeks. The 21 hrs. over two days was intense because my girl had to really focus on what she was doing so we couldn't talke a lot - but we watched movies, we talked a little - I got to do some reading - and it gave me 21 precious hours away from my children who were small at the time. It was wonderful. It was like a mini-vacation.

The person who does my hair is very experienced and very fast with the tool and my appointments generally last about 1 1/2 hrs. I wash my hair myself before I go so I can save that expense. Considering the time and expense of getting my hair done in a shop every two weeks (sometimes every week because my permed hair would "go back" fast), going every 6 to 8 weeks for 1 1/2 hrs. is a breeze! She charges me $30 per hr. and my appointment ends up costing between $45 and $47 every 6 to 8 weeks!!!!! I can't beat that anywhere. It's worth every penny. Also, my appointment is "sista" bonding time. We have fun. We catch up, we might watch a movie, we even talk about raw foods (which my loctician has been working to transition to).

As far as the work I have to do?? Washing my hair is the biggest annoyance for me only because it has gotten so long that it's really heavy when it gets wet. But even if I didn't have locs I would still have to wash my hair right:p I don't wash it that often - I use a scalp cleanser. The only other "work" is tying it up at night in a satin scarf-that takes about 1 minute. That helps to keep my hair looking neat. That's it. In the morning I take off the scarf, shake my hair out, run my fingers through it to loosen it up - and I'm gone. If I want my hair wavy or curly there are a few other things that I have to do - but once I do them (braid or roll up while wet), the styles usually last for several weeks. Or I can choose to do nothing and just wear my locs straight! No fuss!:rolleyes:

My hair is healthier than it has been since I was a child. It is neat and clean and I am never self-conscious when I have to attend a business meeting or go into a job interview. I have never had one negative comment about my hair except from my own sister who still thinks after all this time that I am wearing extensions and that my locs are not my real hair!:(.....while her hair line keeps receeding due to the constant pulling of the braid extensions she has been wearing for about 2 years to "make her hair grow"!

Anyway....I LOVE LOCS and I highly recommend them. Anybody with locs feeling me??:p

[barose]

Goingtoraw - what kind of scalp cleanser do you use? That would be key for me after my workouts. Right now I use a non detergent shampoo or ACV/water.

Thanks for the advice/info. My mom has locks, but she has 4B hair and it always looks good on her. She has them trimmed (to a bob because she doesn't like long hair) and its super cute on her.

How long was your hair when you started?

[GoingtoRAW]

Carla,

I can get the name of the scalp cleanser when I go home and I'll post. I can't ever remember the names...

When I first got my locs my hair was a little longer than shoulder length. It was thick and full. I had been wearing braids/no chemicals for about 6 or 7 years before I got locked. :) :o

[barose]

Carla,

I can get the name of the scalp cleanser when I go home and I'll post. I can't ever remember the names...

When I first got my locs my hair was a little longer than shoulder length. It was thick and full. I had been wearing braids/no chemicals for about 6 or 7 years before I got locked. :) :o

Thanks! If I lock, I would probably cut at least 1/2 the length of my hair. Its good to know you didnt have to cut it down too short.

[GoingtoRAW]

Thanks! If I lock, I would probably cut at least 1/2 the length of my hair. Its good to know you didnt have to cut it down too short.


Carla, if you don't mind my asking, why would you have to cut your hair to have locs? My daughter, who was almost 9 at the time I got my locs decided that she wanted locs too - her hair was down her back. With the sisterlocks her hair did draw up some - but it was beautiful. She begged me for them and now 7 yrs. later - she wants them out. She is 14 yrs. old and wants her hair short!! I am frankly shocked!:o

[tanishamarshall]

Are you saying permed hair can be loc'd? or unpermed hair? I always thought as long as you didn't perm you could lock it.

[barose]

I was just thinking it would be easier to manage if I started them while shorter. Not to mention the time it would take to lock. The longest parts of my hair is 25" (shorter in the front) so I assumed cutting it down to 12" or shorter would be idea.

[Authenticme]

Can someone please explain to me the difference. I feel hopelessly ignorant. And if you change your mind from either style does that mean you have to cut all your hair off and start again?

Thanks!

[GoingtoRAW]

From my understanding of dreadlocks they can be started by twisting, or braiding the hair and continuing to twist the new growth and at some point the hair starts to lock and you have to just keep up the maintenance on the new growth. With sisterlocks a little tool is used to start the locks and to tighten the new growth. The hair kinda has the appearance of looking locked right away. If you look up close at sisterlocks they almost look like really thin, teeny, tiny braids - well at least mine do because I wanted really thin locks.

There are some websites where you can learn about dreadlocks and sisterlocks. In addition to many conversations with the person who did my locks, I did a lot of reading on my own and I was on a bunch of websites because if you know anything about locs you know they are a commitment. Check out some of they websites and see what you think. It took me about 2 or 3 years of researching to take the plunge.:o

[GoingtoRAW]

.....and oh yeah, I believe that with Sisterlocks you can still get them done even if you have some perm in your hair.:)

[Authenticme]

Gotcha, GoingtoRaw. I'll do my homework! :) What a great website, right?

[Rawkinlocs]

Can someone please explain to me the difference. I feel hopelessly ignorant. And if you change your mind from either style does that mean you have to cut all your hair off and start again?

Thanks!

Well, it kinda goes a little deep. Dreadlocks is a phrase MOSTLY (but not always solely) used amongst Rastafarians, who wear their hair in dreads for moreso spiritual reasons than for "fashion" and convenience. Some lock wearers take offense to the term but others view it as a term of endearment.

Most times "true" dreadlocks are grown naturally meaning, they are not manipulated and formed but rather, nature is allowed to take it's course in forming and shaping the dreads into whatever God wants them to be.

Sisterlocks, they are locks that are started using a special trademarked technique to start and maintain locs, a special tool and a special parting pattern that only a trained Sisterlock Consultant knows and can do. There are many similar methods that produce a similar effect (when I started mine with small braids, people would always ask me if mine were Sisterlocks) They're usually very small in size and you usually end up with 300 to 400+ locs that can be styled in many ways (although ALL locs can be styled).

Then there are other locs that are started with twists, comb coils, braids, etc. and maintained however the wearer chooses.

[Authenticme]

Thanks so much for the explainations! But I guess if I get the sisterlocks and say 6months down the line, I change my mind and want to go back to perm, does that mean I'll have to cut them out or can they be undone? ( that was the longest run on sentence in history, i think! LOL)

[GoingtoRAW]

oooooohhhhh....thanks Rawkinlocs for the explaination about the dreadlocks. It's been a long time since I read up on the different types of locs - that's why I recommended going to the different websites. Anyway, I don't see anything "dreadful" about locs at all. Long as they are clean - do your thing! :p

[Rawkinlocs]

Go back? What go back?!

No, I'm just kidding. Yeah, they can be cut off or undone but with taking them down...WHOO, talk about a long, tedious process!

My advice? Be SURE. Education is key. Visit the SL website - www.sisterlocks.com - do all your research, talk to (if possible) multiple SL Consultants and get as much information as you can as to what to expect, the processes of locking the hair goes through, get different quotes, etc. Also, there is a Yahoo Group for SL wearers run by Sandy (very nice lady who I've had the pleasure of meeting when I used to live in Detroit) and it's http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/LockItUp/

Also, it's probably a good idea to visit blogs of SL wearers and you can start here and then follow the links on her blog page: http://brunsli.blogspot.com/

So, do as much research as you can and make sure this is what you want to do. Not to say that you couldn't undo them if you didn't like them, but being sure may save you a lot of time and $$$$ in the long run.

[Authenticme]

[QUOTE=Rawkinlocs;324390]Go back? What go back?!

LOL...your cracking me up this morning! Of course, why would I EVER want to go back? I hear you though. A sista needs to get educated. Thanks so much for information links and the support. You're truly appreciated,Rawkinlocs!

[GoingtoRAW]

Thanks so much for the explainations! But I guess if I get the sisterlocks and say 6months down the line, I change my mind and want to go back to perm, does that mean I'll have to cut them out or can they be undone? ( that was the longest run on sentence in history, i think! LOL)

Sisterlocks are locs - it's just a different technique for locking. I've seen people comb their locs out and go back to either wearing their hair natural in an afro or whatever or even permed. They combed them out because they didn't want to cut their hair. In fact my 12 year old daughter has been taking her locks out very slowly and carefully but it is a slow process. She has been working on it for a little over a year. My older daughter (who also wants her locs out), has been corn-rowing the younger girls hair up to the point where the hair is still locked because my little girl does not want her hair cut. She has been making cute styles during the transition but my feelling is that it will probably take at least another year of doing this. She doesn't mind as long as her hair does not have to get cut. Plus she likes to swim so keeping her hair natural is not really an issue - it makes sense. From watching me (even though they no longer want their hair locked), my girls have decided that they don't ever want chemicals in their hair. In fact both of them begged and made me promise when they decided they wanted their locs out that I would not make them get perms in their hair or get their hair pressed. I was impressed. Especially with my 14 year old. She actually wants her natural hair cut and she wants to wear twists. That's fine by me. :cool:

[GoingtoRAW]

Go back? What go back?!

No, I'm just kidding. Yeah, they can be cut off or undone but with taking them down...WHOO, talk about a long, tedious process!

My advice? Be SURE. Education is key. Visit the SL website - www.sisterlocks.com - do all your research, talk to (if possible) multiple SL Consultants and get as much information as you can as to what to expect, the processes of locking the hair goes through, get different quotes, etc. Also, there is a Yahoo Group for SL wearers run by Sandy (very nice lady who I've had the pleasure of meeting when I used to live in Detroit) and it's http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/LockItUp/

Also, it's probably a good idea to visit blogs of SL wearers and you can start here and then follow the links on her blog page: http://brunsli.blogspot.com/

So, do as much research as you can and make sure this is what you want to do. Not to say that you couldn't undo them if you didn't like them, but being sure may save you a lot of time and $$$$ in the long run.

Rawk...you are so right. Locks are serious and when being considered a lot of research should be done. I think I mentioned before that I researched on-line, talked to people, read books and prayed and prayed and prayed for almost 2 years - maybe longer - before I decided to lock my hair. It was not a decision I made on the spur of the moment or took lightly. It was also part of a spiritual transformation for me that had actually started with my changing to a vegetarian diet. It is nothing to be taken lightly because 'yo' hair is locked my sistas! :rolleyes:

[septemberose]

So glad you started this thread!

I've been a vegan for 2 yrs now and finally decided enough was enough with the perming, braiding, urg! and cut my hair down to the roots earlier this year.

But I've been wearing wigs because I don't know what to do with it. :eek:

[tanishamarshall]

So glad you started this thread!

I've been a vegan for 2 yrs now and finally decided enough was enough with the perming, braiding, urg! and cut my hair down to the roots earlier this year.

But I've been wearing wigs because I don't know what to do with it. :eek:

I know what your saying, I just did my last perm some weeks ago, it's time to move on.

[barose]

But I've been wearing wigs because I don't know what to do with it. :eek:

I'm curious. Why are you wearing wigs?

[tanishamarshall]

I will proabably wear braids for a while, I know for sure my face at this time does not look good with short hair, I woudl look really bad.

[Anastasia Alston]

Edited to add: Okay, I see that you have 7-year old SL's and Anastasia has the 9-10 year old locs. But I'd still love to see BOTH of your ladies hair! I love seeing photos of long locs!

Hey Rawkinlocs! I don't have any pics with me currently as I'm at work (SHHHH!). Most of the pics where you can see my hair are about 2-3 years old. I'll get some up.... eventually! :D

Stasi

[Anastasia Alston]

Anyway....I LOVE LOCS and I highly recommend them. Anybody with locs feeling me??:p


Here! Here!! I wear locs because I hate fussing with my hair!!! I had my hair natural without locs for a long time & eventually got sick of the whole braid/twist/comb deal. Did I mention I HATE messing around with my hair? :D I started my own locs both times: the first time I let nature take its course & just separated them; this last time I started them with palm rolled coils. My hair was pretty long already, but I reallyliked the looks of the palm coils. My locks aren't as thin as sisterlocs, but they're pretty thin; people ask me all the time how long it takes me to braid my hair. :D But anyway, yep! I love locs for their "wash 'n wear" freedom! :p

Stasi

[septemberose]

I'm curious. Why are you wearing wigs?

Because I don't like my hair short. Before I cut it, it was down to my shoulders.

[blaqberry]

I buzz mine :) And looove it! :p

Remember how ET cried "hooome..hooooome" when he saw a Yoda costume on Halloween?? He was all pointing excitedly. Well, that's how I felt every time I saw a fem go by with short hair. It was overwhelming. I mean, I enjoyed my relaxer and had lots-o-fun with it, but the time finally came when I knew deep down that our relationship had to end. In fact, my husband did my first ever buzz, kind of like a joint effort, haha. That was 10 years ago. Last year was the first time since I've been buzzing that I let my hair grow. It got pretty long and I enjoyed it...for a time. But, then I got tired of it and went back to buzzing. So much easier and complimentary, me thinks. I figure if I take the effort to grow it out again, I'll most probably to locs. Maybe! lol

For now... "Bzzzzzz" :D

[GoingtoRAW]

[QUOTE=barose;323311]Goingtoraw - what kind of scalp cleanser do you use? That would be key for me after my workouts. Right now I use a non detergent shampoo or ACV/water.

Organic Root Stimulator has a scalp cleanser called "dry shampoo" that I like. You can get it a Walgreen's. I also used to use a scalp cleanser by Creme of Nature - I think you have to get that one at a beauty supply sore if they still make it. I haven't seen it at Walgreen's. Organic Root Stimulator also has a website you can visit with all kinds of hair care products for natural hair.;)

[mulch]

I have had natural hair forever. It has been neat and clean looking and then bushy and wild on other days. lol. I have had locks twice and then cut them off as well. Never sisterlocks (I hate paying for something I can do myself and I was an extremely poor college student). I started my locks both times by double strand twisting my natural hair and just leaving it for a couple of weeks until i need to rinse my scalp. It took my entire head about 2-3 months to completely lock. I started my first locks with beeswax but my second attempt I just used regular oil. Beeswax is nice because it gets each and every loose strand of hair but then it is also sticky (loves lint) and many vegans don't like to use bee products.


For my wedding I pressed my hair (I wanted to do something totally different since no one has ever seen my hair straight. I only had a perm for 4 years in my life). It was really pretty and a longer than I thought. It left my hair with strings of straight hair after I washed it out. Mind you I specifically told my hair stylist that I don't wear my hair straight. So it took about a year to cut out all of my straight ends. I was soooooooo sad. My wedding was just one day. This also happened to a friend of mine who had her natural hair pressed as well. She said that it "changed" the texture. Which is fine if your hair stopped growing but having two distinct textures is a pain.


I didn't take many pictures with locks that I have but I will find one with how I wear my hair now. I like to double strand twist it and then untwist it so that it is wavy. The smaller the double strand twists the more tight the wave. Then after I untwist it I can put it in a french twist or put one of those clamp things on the back for a more "corporate" look. I loved locks a lot due to the convenience but i also loved touching my cotton like hair.

Natural hair is the best and cheapest solution that I have found.

I do not know about the raw affects on natural hair yet. I have just started incorporating eating high raw. I do know that in the last couple of days eating high raw has given me more energy!!