Natural hair

Pat,
I have three clients in L.A. who sometimes can't come to me, so I go
to
them. The furthest I travel is about 160 miles. I don't charge extra
because I only go when I plan on visiting
family members, anyway. These people have become very good friends,
so
I don't mind traveling. I prefer that they come to me, however,
because
I have a salon chair that I can lower and raise as necessary. When I
go
to them, I have to bend over and stand on my toes in some parts of
their hair.

Kim and Khumurah, here's a question I'll bet neither of you have heard before.
Background: As you know, I have about 2 inches of virgin hair and maybe 3
or 4 inches of permed hair. Lately it seems that some locks have 3 inches
of virgin hair cuz it seems to be locking that far up. I'm really not sure
what the heck is going on with this half & half hair right now. :-)
Anyway, I just wanted to remind you just what my hair is like right now so
you can maybe answer my question. Everette's is holding a graduation
ceremony for it's natural hair care graduates on Sunday. It will be a hair
and fashion show, and it will be held at the AA History Museum here in Detroit.
I want to do something special with my Sisterlocks. Since they don't
really look like Sisterlocks, I was wondering if it might be possible to
style it into flat twists. I have no idea what this would end up looking
like, considering the parts; but I thought it would make for an interesting
look in the flat twists.
Do you know if this is possible? I won't be having it done by anyone...
I'd like to try it myself.
-- Sandy

In a message dated 10/6/2000 11:56:17 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
LockItUp@egroups.com writes:
<<
http://www.egroups.com/files/LockItUp/Brotherlock+Pics/Kem-Oct%2E+2+2000%2Ejpg
Wow!! These locks are gorgeous!! (And, BTW, the brotha is a cutie:) Are
these sisterlocks/brotherlocks! Dang, I can't wait to get mine!!
Shantrell

Pat said:
photo's.... either myself or Sandy would be glad to do it. (Right Sandy???)
Definitely!!!
-- Sandy

In a message dated 10/5/00 10:17:14 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
kimhall@... writes:
<< Are you taking the November class here in San Diego?
Kim,
I am in Michigan, hopefully Everette's will be offering the retightening
class then. I know a consultant class is being offered there in November but
I will have to check with Sheila about the other.
Lynda

I just uploaded pictures to the files section on LOCKITUP.
Kem Dorsey is the gentleman who visited my site and e-mailed
with questions about his "fuzzy" locks. He sent me pictures and
I asked his permission to post his pictures.
I really enjoying seeing everyone pictures. If there are more
pictures out there ... let us see!!! I certain if you don't have
a digital camara or a scanner to copy the photo's.... either
myself or Sandy would be glad to do it. (Right Sandy???)
Also wrting a short story of your experience would help others
with thier journey. I often refer people who write me to this
list. We all learn from each other. Sandy has several pages on
her site documenting people's journey.
Take care
Later
Pat

Travel is one of the services I wish to offer when I move to Cincinnati. If
necessary write me back to tell me how you arrange that service. How much
extra do you charge? Do you go out of town? How do you feel about staying
somewhere you are not familiar with? Do you travel alone? What is the
longest distance you have traveled?
Thanks again
Pat

--- In LockItUp@egroups.com, slewis3342@a... wrote:
I am wondering whether there are any locticians in beauty salons. To
me, getting your hair done out of someone's house like that just takes
me back to the braids days, where there's the potential for all types
of interruptions.
Shantrell,
I work out of my home. When I first started, I told my husband that I
didn't want to be one of those women who....... (we've all heard the
stories from our braid days). Anyhow, my husband promised to keep our
kids (ages 2 and 4) out of my work area when I'm with a client. He's
good at keeping his promise. Every once in a while, the kids will
slip
in and want to sit on the client's lap, ask the client to read them a
story, etc. Then I peek out of the door and say, "Honey, I've become
one of those women." He'll immediately come and rescue me and the
client. Sometimes, the client will say, "Oh no, I don't mind. Let
them
stay." But I prefer that they're not around while I'm working. After
all, I do charge by the hour and it's not fair if my children slow me
down.
I've thought about a salon. I'm still looking into it. I'm a full
time
teacher/administrator at a Jr. High School, so I'll have to find
someone who has a shop and rent space. Doing Sisterlocks is something
I do part time because I love doing them and I enjoy people. Working
out of my home is all I can do at this point, but I do hope to work
out
of a Natural Hair Care Salon one day. Until then, I'll just have to
wait until my kids get old enough to know better. By the way, what
age
is that?

or 4 times a year. Good luck to you in whatever decision you make,
but I have to tell you, I have no regrets.
Lynda,
Are you taking the November class here in San Diego?

I saw that one yesterday. Her hair looks beautiful!
-- Sandy

videos?
I LOVE HOME SALONS!
My ex-braider did her work at my home since I live down the
street from her home. I'd sit on the floor and watch TV shows
and videos, surf the net on my laptop, snack on grapes &
sunflower seeds, drink tea and have a grand ole time.
Now I go to my sister's and she has a good chair where I
can have my feet elevated and the atmosphere really nice.
She has a separate area in her home for her business but
she is not currently using it. When I was in LA, I went to
Barbara Bramwell and she had a small shop in a separate
place in her home. It gave the best of both worlds in that
it was dedicated soley for hair and it was very intimate.
Shops can be nice too if the setting intimate, customers
can enjoy good music or videos, and there is no crazy gossip
going on. In Riverside, CA, I went to Tee Smith and she had
a shop with these characteristics.

Stimulator "uplifting shampoo", followed by apple cider
vinegar before my final rinse. <<
ACV is my formula for shedding the title of "Dandruff Queen".
small. I enjoy this variation because the older I get the more
different I want to be. <<
That is my take. As much as I appreciate the Lauryn HIll
locs on other folks, I know that I want to vary my styles too
much for them. The small locks that you get with Sisterlocks
allows me to change my look with curlers much easier.
hair and sister locks other than the size of the locks.<<
I'm not a consultant so keep that in mind. The major
difference is the look of the pattern of the loc and the
maintanence technique. Frankly, I don't see the
difference in the pattern on people with very highly
textured, short curl patterned (nappy) hair. On long
curl pattern, soft, and/or no-so-nappy hair, I can see
the difference. Sisterlocks help this kind of hair lock
faster and more evenly.
The maintenance process is consistent -- no twisting is
involved. You'll have to see a consultant for them to
explain the weaving process involved and/or read "That
Hair Thing" by Dr. Cornwell to get an idea of how it
works.
Actually the size may not be different. You can make
small locks using other methods. My ex-braider has
Sisterlocks size locs she started by twisting. Her
locs are "large" Sisterlocks and they are very small
in comparison to most traditional locs.

I have a place here in Dallas where I got the Winter 2000 issue. They do
not have the new yet. When I get it I will try to scan the article so
everyone can read it.
Lexx

I used to pay the extra money and go to a shop for my braids just so I did
not have to deal with the problems of having my braids done at someone's
home. Before that I have had problems with people not being at their home
when I showed up. Like someone said before I had to wait once because
someone was picking up their kids. I took my daughter to a braider once who
kept stopping to snack. It would have been OK except she kept doing this in
front of my 7 year old and never offered her any. You know kids, they always
want some too.
Having said that, I think it would be fine to do hair in your home as long as
you clear the rest of your schedule. Make the environment warm and
comfortable for your clients. My locks were done in a home. My consultant
had a professional chair that she could move up and down and around. She sat
on a stool and had a lamp to see better. We watched movies the whole time.
I was lucky because it was Denzel Washington day on TNT! LOL! The only
problem (not her fault) is that I am allergic to animals and she has a dog.
She left the windows opened and that helped a lot until it got late and we
started freezing. So I did not have to suffer but a little while. It would
be nice to go to a shop for my retightening but I don't think that there are
any here.
Carol

I feel like a Grandma ..... Back in January when I got my
Sisterlocks and decided to do a photo journey there was hardly
anyone with pictures on the web (I know I looked) .....
Well now there are new page being "born" all the time.
Sandy joined, Sigrid joined as well as many others....
Well today I found another one. I have stats on my site so I
can tell where vistors came from ...
Well to my surprise my Link is on the following page. Well the
pages on that site look real good!!!
So I hope Susan does not mind me sharing....
Keep up the good work and Welcome.....
Susan if you are not a memeber ... join LockITUP so we can write
you real time (with no delay for the messages to post).
Another link I need to add to my page.
http://www.geocities.com/theseaygroup/Susan.html
http://www.geocities.com/theseaygroup/Locks1.html
Pat

Pat has some great questions for us:
chairs are uncomfortable. I find a need to have my legs
elevated so they don't go to slept. <<
Ditto. I need to have my legs elevated. And the consultants in my salon
have stools so they can sit when they get tired and still be high enough to
reach the client's hair comfortably.
when getting your hair done? Candles music. Watching videos? <<
The music did it for me. Of course everyone has their own taste in music.
I'm an R&B fan. Luther VanDross, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Anita Baker,
etc. My salon plays contempory gospel, which is the same as R&B in its
sound/beat/etc. I really enjoyed it.
Secondly would be television. I'm a television fanatic and must have a tv
going at all times. That's just me. In a salon environment where there are
many people with varying tastes, the music and/or television might not be
such a great idea; but in a home salon setting, or one where the consultant
works alone in a salon (like your experience, Pat), I don't think this would
be a problem.
In fact she was singing Praise and Worship songs in her native language as
the CD played along. So the setting was quite peaceful. Different then
most salons I've been to.<<
Same for me. No gossip, good music. Great friendly atmosphere.
-- Sandy

Check out this web nice....
Very nice ... I will add this one to my links.
http://www.carolivia.org/nappyhair/index.html
Also this book is available on my site.
Pat

Hello All,
Well we just started a new topic of interest.
I'm starting to set up "supplies" for my business.
One of the most important items I'm checking into is the
customers chair.
I notice even when I go to the salon to get my hair done the
chairs are uncomfortable. I find a need to have my legs
elevated so they don't go to slept.
So I would like feedback from both consultants as well as
customers what the environment should be like when getting hair
done and/or doing hair.
I've seen pros and cons in each situation. I know I would start
out in the home but one day would want a shop setting so I could
also have a boutique for my designs.
A question for consultants. Have the ones working from there
home ever had a "problem" client who you wished had NOT come to
your home? Also those in the salon setting .... how to you
feel safety wise spending late hours in the shop?
A question for clients ... what made your experience wonderful
when getting your hair done? Candles music. Watching videos?
THose who DO NOT like home salons ... tell us why? I would use
the feedback to make my setup better.
For me Graces salon atmosphere was a blessing. First she tries
to do Sisterlocks on Monday when the rest of the shop is
closed. Also it is not the typical environment you see in the
Black salon. No gossiping, .... talking about who slept with
who the night before. In fact she was singing Praise and
Worship songs in her native language as the CD played along. So
the setting was quite peaceful. Different then most salons I've
been to.
When I San Diego I was at the home of Kim Hall. She has a
separate area assigned for her "salon" office. She has a salon
chair also and mat for standing on. I know for her it's
convenient having the shop in her home so she is near her
family. I could see it is set up very clean and professional.
Anyway now it's time to hear your feedback......
Pat
http://welcome.to/NaturalHairJourney

I guess that every loctician has their own price. I was shown a standard
pricing sheet. The starting price was $350 and $100 for each inch over 4
inches. My hair was 5-7 inches in most places on my head. The top of my
hair with the most perm was the longest at 7 inches and the back that is all
natural is only about 3-4 inches. So we settled at 5 inches which cost me
$450. It was OK by me because my loctician has 2 years of experience and has
about 30 clients. I think that she may be the only certified one here. She
works very fast also.
The prices are varied according to consultants because I noticed some people
here have paid the same or less and have longer hair.
Carol

Hello everyone,
My name is Jenny, and I have been locking my hair since July 2000.I
wash my hair every five days with Organic Root
Stimulator "uplifting shampoo", followed by apple cider vinegar
before my final rinse. I use Organic Root Stimulator "no more flakes"
for my scalp, and "fertilizing Temple balm", and natural aloe vera
gel for hold. This regimen is wonderful for me. I saw some pictures
of sister locks and they were beautiful, so I decided to investigate.
I called California and received the names and numbers of two
consultants in my area. I called them both, left messages, and
neither have returned my calls. I live approximately 20 miles from
Philadelphia and 50 miles from Atlantic City. If there is anyone out
there that can give me any information about sister locks, the
process, how it's done, and becoming a consultant, please contact me.
I really enjoy locking my own hair which is about 50% locked at this
point. About 7 of my locks are medium-sized, and the rest are very
small. I enjoy this variation because the older I get the more
different I want to be. (My oldest daughter is like this also.) Can
anyone tell me the difference between locking my hair and sister
locks other than the size of the locks. After I wash my hair today I
will count how many locks I have, as I understand sister locks are at
least 400 per head.I appreciate hearing from you, and GOD bless you
all.

I went back to the files & I read Sandy's message re: what's included in the
$350 that you pay for the initial start of the locks. I noticed that it's
stated as a 3-step process & at the end of the session, your
consultant/loctician will shampoo your hair for you. I don't know how things
work in other places, but the loctician that I went to does hair out of her
house & she's also going to cosmetology school...It really didn't seem like
it was a conducive place for shampooing hair. I mean, w/ the state of her
place, it seemed like it was crowded even for a retightening session.
I am wondering whether there are any locticians in beauty salons. To me,
getting your hair done out of someone's house like that just takes me back to
the braids days, where there's the potential for all types of interruptions.
In the past, I have gone to people's homes to get braids done & dealt w/ the
interruptions, crying babies, messy house & all the other drama that goes
along with it. I would like to think that when I get my sisterlocks all of
that will be behind me. Someone made a very good point about how you should
check out more than one consultant b/c you will have to deal with this person
(& they will be in your hair) for quite a while. Well, what about those
people who live where there's only one consultant in the area? Then what? I
would really appreciate it if ya'll could shed some light on this subject for
me b/c for the type of $$ that I would have to spend, I want to be in a calm,
clean environment that's professional...
Shantrell

Kim,
Your prices are very fair. As a consumer, I respect the
variations in prices from consultant to consultant.
I do feel that most Natural Hair Care Professionals short
themselves. In the early 80s, I spent up to $400 for a
weave that took less than 4 hours to do and lasted 3 months.
It irritates me when folks complain about a loctician
charging the same for 20+ hours of work for a permanent
hair style. Also, Sisterlocks maintenance is usually
around $20/hr which equates on the low side of similar
work on straight hair. Finally, since when do beautician
teach their customers how to do their own perms?
Sisterlocks encourages customers to take the retightening
class so they can be independent. Payback for that $75
class happens after the first or second retightening.
Yes, Sisterlocks cost more than traditional locs initially
but in the long run, it equals out and I think the results
are better.
(I just tightened 10 locs tonight while relaxing on the
couch.)

Very fair pricing, Kim! And you do great work!
-- Sandy

Just as something for you to use as a gauge, this is what I charge
for
Sisterlocks:
hair length: 1.5 inches - 5 inches - $375
$100/inch for each additional inch
If a person has extremely thick hair, then I add an additional $50
(flat fee; not per inch).
I charge $12/hour for retightenings. I will increase my fee when I
increase my speed.
Hope this helps.

My package took 16 hours over two days for the initial locking session and
5 hours for retightening -- appromately 5 or 6 inches of thick hair. A
total of 21 hours.
Not at all.
Plus the starter kit that you receive as part of the package includes a
bottle of starter shampoo, a bag of the little rubber bands to use for
washing, the washing instructions, and some styling tips.
-- Sandy

In a message dated 10/4/2000 10:41:40 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
ninamartin@... writes:
<< I have not been able to locate Braids and Beauty. Has anyone seen
the
article?
I have also searched high & low for this magazine to no avail, but I can't
find it in any of the drugstores, e.g., Walgreens, let alone Barnes & Noble
(which carries every magazine imaginable)...Can someone also tell me where
you can find the magazine?
Shantrell

I meant to add: Thanks Kim!
-- Sandy

I have just uploaded an updated list of Sisterlocks consultants. The list
now includes everyone listed in the recent Sisterlocks Homecoming
yearbook. This list can be found in the Files section of our eGroups site.
Again I wish to state that this is not an "official" listing; and you
should check with the Sisterlocks home office as to the current standing of
a consultant before you decide. The home office number is (858)560-5116,
and it is also shown on the listing.
-- Sandy

I know Sigrid posted the link, but for those of you who can't (for whatever
reason) get to your browser right now, here's the info from Sigrid's
message. This message explains everything that is included in your initial
cost. You aren't just paying for one locking session.
Sisterlocks comprises 3 sessions:
1. Prelocking session: Test locks are put in to determine what locking
pattern to use. There are a bunch of patterns which are used for different
hair types. I was taught 4 locking patterns when I took the retightening
class but the consultants learn a bunch more. They also do some counseling
on locs and your hair.
In between you have to wait for at least 1 week (I had to wait 2 weeks) so
that you can wash your locs and the loctician can see the effects on each
pattern. You'll be told not to use oily shampoos and conditioners on the
locs. This is the worse part of the package because most of us want to get
the locs right away but you still have to wait. The locticians also KNOW
that you want locs because you've had more time to think. That session is
a non-refundable $25 that is included in the quoted price (e.g. $350)
2. The Main Locking Session: The time it takes to do this depends on the
experience of the loctician and the length of your hair. They choose a
pattern based on the outcome of #1. It took around 18 hours (2 days) for
me. My sister does folks with 4 inch hair in a day. The consultant will
wash and style your hair before you leave and give you more counseling on
locs in general and care & feeding of Sisterlocks.
You wait 2-4 weeks and wash and care for your locs following the
rules.
3. Follow-up session: This is a retightening and probably will take a few
hours. This is also to take care of slippage or alert the loctician of
unraveling, if that happens.
I did the math and my package took 23 hours because I had 6-10 inches of
natural hair and I asked lots of questions. $450 wasn't too much money
considering the consultant made around $19/hour (you get a little
Sisterlocks kit). If you continue to do the math, that translates to
$38,000/yr without benefits. They make more with experience because it
takes less time to do the work and they learn how to explain things more
succinctly.

Sisterlocks procedure is priced.<<
Thanks for the compliment, Sandy. I have no plans to become
a loctician but I do think these people should be paid a
fair price for their time and skill. The message is here:
http://www.egroups.com/message/LockItUp/40
After seeing those NYC micro Sisterlocks and hearing about
people with 700+ locks, I can see how they can cost $850. As
Pat mentioned, it depends on the length of your hair AND what
size locs you want. Also, locticians are free to set their
own prices so it may vary - 10-20%. That is my estimation
of a fair variance based on skill and location.
I envision someone going to a new consultant and receiving a
quote of $350 for medium/large locs and then going to a
certified training associate and asking for micros. The
CTA might easily quote $900. Heck, I'd pay Joanne that much
to put mine in if I started over!

No,I don't have pictures to show you; my daughter gave
me her scanner, so this evening I will connect it; I
will have my daughter take my picture when she comes
home for the holidays. Sorry for the delay.
annie

Hi Kim,
It's called Watercolors and it's in a small light
brown box sold at Sally's here in California. Hope
this helps.
annie

T. said:
few? Should I get them split? I wanted them to look more like
traditional locks<<
That's probably why you have 267. Your consultant made them larger so they'd
look more like traditional locks. Ours are smaller, resulting in more locks.
I did the wrap technique and had lots of curly bouncy hair. The only thing
was it was kind of crazy with a mind of it's own on one side.<<
Sounds like the same way mine did with the wrap.
retightening session, so Sandy you should give it another shot also.<<
Maybe after my next retightening next week. This hair really is growing
fast. I can't wait til I can take the retightening class. At least I'd be
able to stay on top of the fast growth in the back.
-- Sandy

I have read a lot of the previous posts and I noticed that so many of
you have numerous locks. I counted and I only have 267. Is that too
few? Should I get them split? I wanted them to look more like
traditional locks and based on Sigrid's previous post about wishing
she had got medium locks, that is what I suggested to my consultant?
I go back on Saturday for my first retightening and boy do I need it.
I have a lot of new growth, in just one month.
Sandy/Khumura,
I did the wrap technique and had lots of curly bouncy hair. The only
thing was it was kind of crazy with a mind of it's own on one side.
I did get compliments on the do though. I will try it again after my
retightening session, so Sandy you should give it another shot also.
T.

I have not been able to locate Braids and Beauty. Has anyone seen
the
article?
Nina

In a message dated 10/3/00 11:46:05 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
LockItUp@egroups.com writes:
<< I guess I can wait another 4 months or so. I guess. Not sure though. The
more my new growth shows a life and texture of its own, the more I hate this
dead permed hair. I want it off my head. NOW!
-- Sandy
Hi Sandy,
Here is a BIG sister hug, I feel you!!
Love and Naps,
HerbalMomma

Sigrid,
I'm not sure about the wax, but I am concerned about the amount of
oil in the product (corn oil, soy oil, almond oil, etc.). Doesn't oil
attract dust? Aren't we supposed to stay away from oil?

Just got some free Carol's Daughter "Shea Butter Skin
Smoothie - Sandlewood"
It is light and feels like the Sisterlocks Moisture
Creme. Although I don't care for sandlewood, I'm
considering purchasing another scent for my locs.
It has good things like corn oil, soy oil, almond oil,
cocoa butter, macadamia nut oil, jojoba oil, and wheat
germ oil. However, the 7th ingredient is "vegetable
emulsifying wax". Is that OK for Sisterlocks or is it
like beeswax and petroleum (big No-Nos)?

This is good to hear. I want to dye my locks once they are a
year old. So do you have pictures you can post so we can see.
Pat

Hello everyone!
I dye my hair. I have grey hair. I've had locks for 2
yrs now. The whole time I have had locs, I've dyed my
hair. I do not use a conditioner after I rinse the dye
out and shampoo my hair. I use a rinse that I purchase
from Whole Food stores or a rinse I purchase from
Carol's Daughter. I have never had a problem with my
hair drying out. My hair is very healthy and moist. I
don't use a chemical dye like Clariol's (sp) or any of
that kind of dyes, but I use natural dye which I buy
from Whole Foods or Sally's. I have not had a problem
yet with dying my hair. Hope this helps someone!
annie

In a message dated 10/2/00 07:32:41 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
diamonique@... writes:
<< For the past two days I've been wanting to grab the scissors
Sandy, remember your words of wisdom to me!
Lynda

Sandy, don't give up on the wrap. Give it another try once you get
rid
of your relaxed ends. Do you have a desired hair length that you want
before you cut off the perm, or are you just waiting for the locked
buds to start forming at the tips (of the natural hair) before you
cut
the perm?
Hang in there, Sandy. It'll be OK. Here's a big computer hug for
you!!
I hope you have a good hair day tomorrow :)

Khumura,
700 locks!?! Woooooweeee. I thought my 500+ were a lot. Now, you're
really going to have to post some photos. I can't wait to see your
Sisterlocks.

I'm having a "hate my hair" day.
It's not really my hair that I hate. It's the perm that's still in it!!
Aaarrggghh!
For the past two days I've been wanting to grab the scissors. But I know I
only have about an inch and a half on average of natural hair. I can tell
that it's locking, but it's going to take forever before I have enough of
it grown out to really cut the perm off.
I'm really really really getting impatient with this. Although my hair
looks nice, it doesn't look like Sisterlocks because most of it is
relaxed. I WANT SISTERLOCKS!!
-- Sandy

In a message dated 10/2/00 2:24:41 PM Central Daylight Time,
LockItUp@egroups.com writes:
<< I don't care what anyone thinks and I don't envy anyone else's
permed hair anymore.
I have to rephrase that. I do enjoy the compliments. I have not gotten any
negativity yet. My mother and sister were silent which I guess means that
they don't really like it but I am glad that they kept opinions to
themselves. I did not expect them to like it because they don't like nappy
hair. It is ironic because my sister has been wearing a fro for years that
she doesn't like and my mother is natural but she covers her head with
weaves. I was the only permed head and I did not like my hair either. So we
were a family of women who hated their hair.
My first day at work is Wednesday. I took 3 weeks off because I had vacation
that I was about to lose and I did not know how long it would take my
consultant to do my hair. She is a very busy woman. Anyway that will be
interesting because as my coworkers say my hairstyle constantly changes. So
they will probably figure it is just another style. I have had so many that
once the women at work were all discussing which was their favorite. Which
reminds me that I have to get going on my own Sisterlock before and after
webpage.
Carol

Thanks, Kim. That is kind of what I thought. I just wanted another
opinion. I tend to do an entire section at a time, so I am also never
really "done" doing my hair, but I always know where I stopped and where to
begin. I don't mind, though. I like not having to depend on someone else
to do it, and I do go back every 3 or 4 months to my latest consultant for
her to check up on my progress and to do whatever section, usually the back,
that I was too lazy to do. Oh, and on a different subject, I have around
310 locks. All you folks with 400 or 500 or more, God Bless you and whoever
does you hair! I can't even begin to imagine that many locks on my head!
Verlette

--- In LockItUp@egroups.com, "Verlette Grafton" <vgraftonjr@h...
Don't know, V. The recipe is from Pam Ferrell:
- 3 ounce of apple cider vinegar
- 1 quart of distilled water
- 1 teaspoon of sage oil
- Use weekly after shampoo as a final rinse
Maybe it is to avoid the growth of undesirable organisms since
some folks may mix it up a long time in advance of using it.
I use regular warm tap water and use it right after mixing it.
The only time I used distilled water was when I had some Y2K
water to use up. I noticed a difference right away but the
itching and dandruff stopped after a couple of months of
weekly use.

--- In LockItUp@egroups.com, "Verlette Grafton" <vgraftonjr@h...
else that does their own hair-how often do you retighten? <<
Every week after shampooing, I tighten locs where I can complete
a rotation starting around the hair-line. I spend 1.5-2 hours
doing this while watching a movie or listening to an audio book.
Every 4-6 weeks a consultant (my sister) tightens as necessary.
However, she is doing less and less tightening because she says
that I'm doing a good job at it. She mainly coaxes new growth
outside of locs into the appropriate loc. She calls them
"runaway naps -- running wild".
(Someone told me that Joanne said that she tightens her hair
everyday.)
That is my routine. What is yours?

I just wanted to follow up on my appointment. I got my
dates confused, it wasn't this weekend. I am so
excited about this process I cannot keep dates str8.
After speaking with the consultant yesterday again.
She informed me that I will be her first client. If I
was looking for experience that I might want to try
someone else. I appreciated her honesty, and told her
she can get her experience on my head and my 2
roommates. Now all of us are going. Shesh, I know I am
getting mine first <giggle
Maria is going to Saudia Arobia, on Haaj <sp? soon.
Have a wonderful week ladies.
Missy
=====
http://www.slambook.com/slambooks/signsb.asp?sb=missyla2u
The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail not his tongue....

Sandy, I was thinking the same thing. My hair texture is also
different
from front to back. I loved your quote at the end. It made me LOL.

419 locks here, and yes I'm finding the same thing is true of my locks.
Smaller ones in front are locking at a slower rate than the larger ones in
back. I don't know if it's the lock size that is the reason for this, or
the different hair texture. My hair is kinkier in back than in the front.
-- Sandy

NEW BEIN' is coming to Philadelphia!
Nekhena Evans is looking forward to seeing you at the Sixth Annual Locks
Conference & Natural Hair Care Expo
Temple University - Anderson Hall
Saturday, Oct. 7th from 9 - 6 p.m.
Sunday Oct. 8th from 12 - 5 p.m.
As always, we will be coming with our exclusive collection of
Hair Adornments & Hair Care Products for your Divine Crowns!
Visit our website at www.newbein.com to see the adornments

Verlette wrote: Should one measure retightening time by growth,
weeks,
or a combination of both? I definately don't want to over-do it. TIA
for your responses...
Verlette, I think it's better to measure retightenings by growth.
Sometimes, our hair grows faster in the fall than in the summer, and
vice versa. So you can't always stick to that every six weeks
schedule.
I have a client who has been coming every 5 weeks. The last time she
came, there wasn't enough new growth and I didn't want to force the
tool through her hair, so we rescheduled. When I retighten my own
hair,
I feel around and skip sections that aren't ready. This method means
that I'm never really "done" doing my hair. Every few days, I'm
retightening locks in different sections. Even though I can retighten
my own hair, I would rather sit and have my consultant complete it
all
in one retightening session. Hope this helps.

Lex wrote: Another question or observation, do smaller locks take
longer to lock than larger ones? I have over 520, yes I counted, and
they are very small in the front and don't seem to be locked as well
as
those in the back.
Lex, I am very interested in reading responses to your question. It
is
my opinion that your observation is correct. I have 512 locks (yes, I
counted, too) and my locks in the back are maturing nicely, whereas
my
locks in the front are locking at a much slower rate. I have one that
hasn't locked at all. I'm assuming that there are more hairs to matt
together in a larger lock, therefore the locking process in faster.
Khumura, is her observation correct? Why?/Why not?

Thanks. Khumura. You'll hear plenty from me. Actually I have a question
now for you, Sigrid, and anyone else that does their own hair-how often do
you retighten? I took the class in July and have been doing it myself, for
the most part, ever since. I had went to my latest consultant a month ago
for her to check up on me and to do the the back-I got lazy, and she is
good, fast, and affordable. Should one measure retightening time by growth,
weeks, or a combination of both? I definately don't want to over-do it.
TIA for your responses...
Verlette

I love this!!!! I'm glad so many of us are choosing not to forget our true
selves.

Don't forget to mail in your $100 deposit by October 15th!
For anyone who is new and not familiar with the ANHA Cruise for 2001,
please look in the files area of the LockItUp eGroups site for all the
necessary forms and information.
-- Sandy
"When women vote, women win." -- Ellen R. Malcolm
EMILY's List -- http://www.emilyslist.org

From Linda "Mosetta" Jones of the ANHA (A Nappy Hair Affair):

Hello,
I was checking the links on my web page and noticed this site
has been updated.
http://www.blackandnatural.com/
Check it out.
Pat

Someone who has recently ordered the new products will be able to
tell
you the ingredients. The new items were delivered in time for the
Homecoming, but, without labels. We were able to buy them at a
discounted price because of the snafu. However, JoAnne Cornwell did
announce what the ingredients were on her visit to one of the Styling
and Maintenance classes. Perhaps Sigrid or Pat wrote them down? I
didn't get a chance to. I like the moisturizer. It's not too heavy on
my hair. My daughter doesn't have locks, but I use it on her hair
almost daily to avoid using "grease". My locks aren't mature yet, so
I
haven't used the Herbal Shampoo.

Hmph! So now I know why you haven't been answering my emails about the
cruise. :-)
Where will the classes be held? Just curious.
-- Sandy
"When women vote, women win." -- Ellen R. Malcolm
EMILY's List -- http://www.emilyslist.org

Hey There,
The nice thing about having my web page is I meet so many nice
people from all over the world. Here's Deb's page. She's from
the Chicago area.
http://hometown.aol.com/happynnappy/index.html
So stop by her site and say hello.
I hope everyone's week is going well. I've enjoyed reading all
the post.
I've been busy with organizing the hosting of the Sisterlock
training class being held in Colorado the end of October.
I'm doing a flyer to pass out as well as a page giving details
about the events that weekend. The consultants here want to be a
good host for Celeste and Joanne when they come. We've all been
busy (Donna, Grace, Paleri and myself "the newbie" ).
The story of my life ... always I project. But it keeps me out
of trouble .... so that's good.
Details later
Anyway take care and you will hear from me again soon.
Pat

She is just as cute as she can be! Thanks for sharing this.

--- In LockItUp@egroups.com, "Verlette Grafton" <vgraftonjr@h...
always use more input, advice and antecdotes about SL's. <<
You'll like this group. It is an open, "real-time" forum
for sharing your Sisterlocks experiences.
Hi, Verlette! I'm glad you are here. Have you been doing any
loc-joining?

Please tell us more. Has anyone purchased the new Sisterlocks products.
Will you please list here the ingredients for each?
Thanks :-)
Sandust

Hello all,
We all have brothers, fathers, husbands, etc., past this on to them the
article was taken from:
http://www.healthmall.com/newsletter.cfm?type=article&id=760&a=
They have excellent alternative health articles and will send an E-zine daily
for free. This is especially important for Black men!!!
Nappily,
HerbalMomma
<<Milk Linked to Prostate Cancer, Doctors Warn
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) is launching a
national ad campaign that tackles the little-known link between dairy
consumption and prostate cancer. The ads- which are tied to September's
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month-are scheduled to begin this week on CNN,
ESPN, MSNBC, and other cable networks.
"Until now, most of the focus on prostate cancer has been on detection and
treatment. We want men to realize they can decrease their chances of ever
getting the disease if they simply trade dairy for healthier fare," says PCRM
president Neal D. Barnard, M.D. Prostate cancer kills 32,000 American men
each year, one every 13 minutes.
PCRM's campaign follows a controversy that recently erupted over a billboard
by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, featuring a milk- mustached
New York City Mayor Giuliani under the headline, "Got Prostate Cancer?"
(Giuliani has been undergoing treatment for the disease.) "Those billboards
sparked outrage, but what was missing from the debate was a focus on the
science," says Dr. Barnard. "The fact is, carefully conducted research
studies do link milk to a higher risk of prostate cancer. Unfortunately, this
potentially life-saving information has been gathering dust in medical
libraries for decades."
The new TV spots feature PCRM member Joel Fuhrman, M.D., a board-certified
family physician and author who also specializes in using nutritional
interventions to prevent and reverse disease. In the ads, Dr. Fuhrman cites a
recent Harvard study showing that having two and one-half servings of dairy a
day increased men's prostate cancer risk by more than 30 percent. The reason,
as Dr. Furhman explains in the ads, may relate to how dairy products alter a
man's hormones. Milk-drinking increases a substance in the blood called
insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I), which has been linked to higher cancer
risk.
More information about the prostate cancer-dairy link and a copy of the ad
can be found at www.pcrm.org. To reach Dr. Fuhrman, Dr. Barnard, or other
PCRM spokespeople, contact Ms. Simon Chaitowitz, communications director, at
202-686-2210, ext. 309.
Founded in 1985, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is a
nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting preventive medicine, especially
better nutrition, and higher standards in research.

Hi! I am new to the group, but not to sisterlocks. Mine are about 1.5
years old. I just wanted to say I'm glad I found this group-I can always
use more input, advice and antecdotes about SL's. As far as the frizzy
subject goes, I think it depends a lot on your hair texture. Mine are quite
frizzy in places, and I did not use any oils on my hair during the
devoloping stages, did no rolling, and only washed it every 3 weeks(I
cleansed my scalp with witch hazel in between washings, of course.) I
really don't mind the frizziness, even though my original consultant,
Moyosafi, would probably have an attack if she saw my locks, then tie me to
a chair for a grooming. OK, I'm done now. One more thing-HI SIGRID! And
Jatrine, say "hello" to Safi for me. Bye!
Verlette

Sandy, yes, you can call the Home Office to order. I'll scan the
registry and email it to you. If it's not readable, let me know and
I'll send it snail mail.

I just received my Sisterlocks Homecoming 2000 Yearbook in the mail.
It has 37 pages and over 100 photos. I'm so happy to have it. Now, I
can refer to it whenever I cannot remember someone's name. The photos
are beautiful. Sisters, we are some very photogenic women. The
yearbook
also contains some candid shots, summaries from the consultant and
trainer business meetings, photos of the Homecoming Court, the
Saturday night dance, and a few glamour shots. It also contains an
Official Registry of Certified Sisterlocks Consultants. (Sandy, I
thought of photocopying this for you but, it only contains Names/
Cities/States. No phone numbers. Are you still interested? Two of the
hot items at the Homecoming were the Herbal Spray Moisturizer and the
Herbal Shampoo. Below is a quote from the yearbook about those two
items: "Our consultants and customers had been requesting Sisterlocks
products containing botanical ingredients. Our Herbal Spray
Moisturizer, with lecithin, is rich in humectants that draw moisture
into the hair shaft and hold it there. Thisproduct does not create an
artificial sheen by coating the hair with oils. It is designed to
promote Healthy Hair (Item #066). Our Herbal Shampoo, with natural
menthol, is an invigorating, deep-cleansing product. Recommended for
mature locks only, this Ph balanced shampoo is suitable for all hair
types (Item #033). The items are $10.95 each. The yearbook is a gift
to
all who paid their Homecoming registration (I think. Don't quote me
on
that). If you weren't able to attend, but would still like a
yearbook,
you can order it as well. The item number is 810. It costs $10.00.
It's
a nice First Yearbook. Looking at it brought back great memories of
the
time I had. I really do miss those of you I met. I cannot wait to see
you again next year. I'm also looking forward to meeting those of you
who will attend next year. I can't wait to see Sandy and Khumura. I
feel like we're already such good friends.

Yes. I can list them all, and if anyone wants to check out somebody, they
can ask the home office for phone numbers. Thanks Kim!
I'd love to have this to look at the pictures occasionally to remind me of
my goal. Do I order just by calling the home office number?
-- Sandy

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing it again.

Hey Guys,
this a poem I wrote earlier this year. I dedicated it to the "a
nappy hair affair" egroup before I found out about this group. I
though you all might enjoy it. One love, Carina Chimdi
--- In anha@egroups.com, _locks1@e... wrote:
Here is my whole poem, I hope you all like it.
It is kind of long, bare with me.
I almost forgot what freedom felt like.
Had been "o"pressed so long by ignorance it almost felt right.
My emacipation defeated my procrastination tonight!
I almost forgot what my real self looked like.
Had been addicted to the devils creamy crack so long it almost felt
right.
I cut off all that perm tonight!
I almost forgot what the water felt like.
Had been avoiding it so long, only wrapped up showers felt right.
I soaked my body from head to toe tonight!
I'll float in the Pacific and dance with dolphins by my side.
I'll stand under waterfalls in the carribean and soak up the mist.
I'll run my hands through my hair and savor each coil that once
before had been fryed.
I'll embrace the feel of my naps floating to the surface in the
process of trying to untwist.
For years this freedom I have missed.
To walk in the rain without a care.
To show the true me pure and bare.
Insult Gods creation, you better not dare!
And I almost forgot what sweat felt like.
I stopped working out my temple so long, being unfit almost felt
right.
I swam and exercised tonight!
I almost forgot what my nappy hair was like.
Had ignored for so long it almost felt right.
I locked my hair and danced with freedom tongiht!
I almost forgot what self love felt like.
Had hated myself so long it almost felt right.
I loved and tressured myself tonight!
The End
--- End forwarded message ---

Oh yes, I just received my Mango Body Butter. True Heaven. I wore
it at work for the first time, and a guy, who I have a crush on,
heeheehee, just couldn't stop smelling me. I wasn't complaining.
they also have mango butter 2 "the sequel" I understand that it has
a sweeter smell than the first one. That will be my next treat to my
self. You all have a blessed week. One love, Carina Chimdi.

Missy said:
if that's ok. I have a dry scalp already and i am sure I won't remember
these wise words, when I am advised of a good time to get my hair done.Is
printing this ok??<<
Missy of course you may print any message from this group that you find
helpful.
-- Sandy

--- khumurak@... wrote:
I love being here, even though I don't have my locs
yet....I know I will be well informed once I do get
them. This thread regarding the shampoo, I would like
to print out so I have it if that's ok. I have a dry
scalp already and i am sure I won't remember these
wise words, when I am advised of a good time to get my
hair done.
Is printing this ok??
Missy
=====
http://www.slambook.com/slambooks/signsb.asp?sb=missyla2u
The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail not his tongue....

Speaking of Asians owning black hair care stores, I heard that many
salons are opening up in the Los Angeles area that have Asian
cosmetologists pressing African American's hair. They saw a great
market and went after it.

I got it at my beauty supply store... a hair store actually. One of those
places that caters to black hair care and is owned/run by Asians.
-- Sandy

Where do you get the Jojoba oil? Is that in a beauty supply or health store?
Carol

It does Kim..many thanks!

Hi Khumura,
I am going to start out natural. Now I am waiting for some of the hair that
was pressed out about a year ago to grow out. It just stayed straight after
the wedding I was in. It should be about four to six inches of natural hair
when I start them.

Or call your consultant and ask.
- I checked with her and she said to use the shower cap.
I'm just guessing here, but if you're using a little spritz and
pomade in your hair every day, this could be the reason some of your
locks are unravelling. I'm not sure about the spritz (don't really
understand why you're using it).
- By spritz, I mean water in a spritz bottle.
The pomade could definitely be the cause of the unravelling.
- I never got the Sisterlocks moisturizer. I am not sure my stylist
carries it. I will check. The aveda is very light but I will stop
using that for now.
Thanks for your input,
--T.

I can't help you with the frizzies. Hopefully Kim or Khumura can help with
that. Or call your consultant and ask.
like the have just come out of the sisterlocks. I don't play with my hair or
manipulate it that much, so why is this happening? My normal process is to
just wake up, spritz a little, get in the shower, get out, and rub a little
of aveda pomade in my hands and lightly over my head.<<
I'm just guessing here, but if you're using a little spritz and pomade in
your hair every day, this could be the reason some of your locks are
unravelling. I was told by my consultant not to use anything in my hair
other than the Sisterlocks moisturizer until my hair starts to lock. It can
sometimes take a few months for that to occur. I'm almost 2 months into my
Sisterlocks and I still don't use anything other than the SL moisturizer.
I'm not sure about the spritz (don't really understand why you're using it),
but the pomade could definitely be the cause of the unravelling.
Your Sisterlocks are still brand new. I think you should stop putting all
this stuff on them. Water and a little bit of a very light moisturizer to
the scalp is all you need.
-- Sandy

Khumura, Kim, or Anyone who can help.
I have the serious case of the frizzies. This is week no.3 and next
week I go for my first retightening. My hair always got frizzy before
when I was coiling , around this time, but I thought once I got
Sisterlocks that problem would be eliminated. I wear a cap at night
and a cap in the shower. Yet, I woke up this morning with megafrizz.
Should I have my consultant trim next week and try to cut the frizz
away from the lock? The only problem is I have full strands that look
like the have just come out of the sisterlocks. I don't play with my
hair or manipulate it that much, so why is this happening? My normal
process is to just wake up, spritz a little, get in the shower, get
out, and rub a little of aveda pomade in my hands and lightly over my
head. I can not afford to get another set of sisterlocks and have it
all redone. What should I do?:~(. Any response appreciated.
T.

You two will be helping each other through the transition. That will be a
big help. Keep us posted!
-- Sandy
"When women vote, women win." -- Ellen R. Malcolm
EMILY's List -- http://www.emilyslist.org

I just wanted to let everyone know that they have Carolsdaughter in
the new issue of InStyle magazine. I know a lot of you ladies order
the products, so there might be a delay now in the ordering process.
I hear that mango body butter is really great.

I want to send thanks to Sandy. I have my appointment
this Saturday at 1pm to watch a video and have a
consultation.
I feel like its Kwanzaa or my birthday, like I am
going to get the greatest gift I have ever had.
<that is the case huh ladies
I also spoke with my roommate and she has decided to
get hers done as well. She wears twist in her hair now
they are about 3 inches long.
=====
http://www.slambook.com/slambooks/signsb.asp?sb=missyla2u
The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail not his tongue....

Sandy,
Can you pass on the website for New Bein. I would also like to order.
Arlene

The fountainel (sp?) of a baby's head is not fully closed until between 4 and 5
years of age. It is CRIMINAL to apply toxic chemicals to a baby's head.
:-(
******************************************************

In a message dated 9/24/00 10:10:15 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
LockItUp@egroups.com writes:
<< All during this almost 10 year process, I've gotten interested in organic
stuff. Soaps, skin creams, facial care, and now hair care. No more
chemicals for me. It's not necessary and it costs us too much down the
road -- both in what it does to our skin/hair/bodies, and also in what it
does to our environment. Plus the old-style chemical-laden toiletries just
don't have the wonderful smells and textures that the truly organic stuff
does.
I can't say that I'm eating more healthy, but I do want to lose 20 or 30
lbs for that cruise next year. Honey if I get down to a size 12 for this
cruise - between that and my Sisterlocks, y'all might have to throw me
overboard!!
Sandy, you go sister girl!! I will join you in that 30 lb release for the
cruise next year and I am definitely down for the natural and organic. Went
to Whole Foods (my fav store) and found a new natural shampoo and conditioner
with my fav hair herb Rosemary and best of all it was marked down!! I will
let you know how it is when I wash my hair.
Nappily,
HerbalMomma

You are not alone in the newness (is that a word :-)) of natural hair.
I am also growing my perm out by way of braids. I wish I could find
some one in this area to do sisterlocs or anything at this point. I'm
in south Louisiana if anyone have any hints. I live between New Orleans
and Baton Rouge so traveling is not an issue. Help!
Francine

Arlene,
Unfortunately, the Home Office is very slow. Dr. Cornwell is a full
time professor at San Diego State University and she only has 1.5
part time employees. They will get back to you...
In the mean time, send me your address. I will mail you a Q & A flyer
and some other helpful information that I give to potential clients.
Send me your home address via e-mail. You can send it to:
kimhall9@...
or
kimhall@...
Once you get the Q & A flyer, e-mail me questions that weren't
answered. I'll help. If you're ever in San Diego, just holler. The
next Consultant Class is November 12-13, 2000. You may want to
consider
becoming a consultant so that Boston will have a Sisterlocks
consultant
:) Feel free to call me, as well, 619-527-7031. -Kim

Wrapping your Sisterlocks® is the same as wrapping your once loose
hair:
Use your fingers to push all of your hair in one direction (clockwise
or counter-clockwise; it doesn't matter). Continue wrapping your hair
all the way around your head. To prevent hair from falling out of the
wrap, use clips. You may have to use 4-5 clips in different areas of
your head. Once completed, there should be no hair left hanging. Tye
on
a safe scarf and go to bed. In the morning, remove the scarf and
clips,
then finger-style your hair as desired.
(The beehive look is only for sleeping. You're supposed to unwrap the
wrap and style your hair in the morning. :) )
Hope this helps.

Hello All,
Im Missy, living in Illinois after moving from my
hometown of Brooklyn, NY in Dec 98.
About 6 months ago I decided I was one of those
sistahs who had enough of the permng weaving and
stressing my hair. I have to stop. I somehow came
across the Sisterlocks website. I found what I wanted
to do. Since I coudn't find anyone in the Illinois
area until today thanks to Sandy, I was wearing my
hair in braids until the perm come out or I find a
loctician, whichever came first.
I am now going to set up my initial appointment with
one of the referrals from Sandy as soon as they have
an opening.
I have many questions but will check the archives, so
I can reduce repetitive threads or questions.
Missy
=====
http://www.slambook.com/slambooks/signsb.asp?sb=missyla2u
I wear a mask that grins & lies...
Committing the crime for which my foremothers died.
I wear the mask of sin and shame...
For I love a womyn of which I am the same.
I wear the mask of lies and deceit...
For I play the pronoun game changing she to he.....

<<<< I plan to put this topic on the agenda at next year's
Homecoming.
Good idea...
So .. were you at the homecoming this year? Send your pictures
so I can remember who you are?
Pat

Hi Khumura,
I am going to have my sister locks put in in may. I just have a few
questions for you. If this have already been asked, I'm sorry, I am
just excited and want to make sure I have the info I need. I swim at
least twice a week, and I will have to wash my hair just a much.
What kind of conditioner or oil should I use after washing to keep it
from drying out?
2) What would happen if I started to palm roll some kind of
conditioning oil on the sister locks? Would they matt together,
would it mess up the pattern?
3) I am also interested in becoming certified so I can start doing
them and so I will be able to tighten my own hair. How long does it
take to get certified and how much do classes tend to run?
and 4) How would I do the back of my head if I were retightening them
myself, or should I let someone else do the back for me.
If this is too much, I understand. I am just excited and for once, I
can't wait for my birthday. It is going to be my present to myself.
thanks a bunch, one love, Carina Chimdi

because it was so thick and unmanageable. It seems kind
of criminal but that is the mindset in that family I
guess. <<
Carol,
I started a thread on ANHA a week ago because I heard
that people were perming babies hair. I'm glad
to hear that others are hearing about this practice.
It is criminal, IMO, since no one should be allowed
to apply drain cleaner or lye on a baby's head. Gel,
oil spray, and/or water should suffice for managing
an 18 month old's hair.

Someone mentioned large versus small Sisterlocs before. I have a question
about those. I have seen in person and pictures a couple of Sisterlocked
heads that looked like traditional locks to me. Is that because the locks
were large? I think that mine are small but not micro. I chose Sisterlocks
because though I liked traditional locks on others I did not want them for
myself. I wanted to be able to style them.
I washed my hair yesterday with the Sisterlock shampoo. My hair and scalp is
so dry now. Is there any lotion or oil that is safe to use? I am trying to
get in touch with my consultant because I want to buy the moisturizer. I am
hoping that she has some. I looked on the Sisterlock site but there is no
way to order products.
My daughters are 12 and 4. The 12 year old has relaxed hair. She asked for
a relaxer years ago but I told her if she wanted one at 10 she could have
one. What could I say since I was perming also? She made it to 11 then got
the relaxer. She has only had about 3 touch ups. She likes to wear braids so
I asked her what was the point? She said that it does not hurt to do her
hair now and she can do it herself. I have to admit that I am more
knowledgeable about combing hair now than I was when she was little. So my
little one does not have to go through all of the pain that the older one
did. I have Pam Ferrell's book "Kids Talk Hair." So the little one looks a
the colorful pictures and picks out a style that she wants. I am hoping one
day to learn the Sisterlocks technique and I can lock both of their heads.
Now I have started to put the little one's hair in twists. I twisted my
older daughter's hair when she was younger. It was still kind of a new style
then that not many had seen. Some kids teased her but mostly she got
complemented. She is kind of proud that she was one of the first to sport
that style. Now with the relaxer her hair is still long but I think that she
is disappointed about how thin it is. I am hoping that the younger daughter
will like her natural hair (she doesn't know any different yet) and the older
one will one day stop relaxing for good. BTW, I hate all of those ads with
the kids wearing the perms. That one with the little girl in yellow sitting
with her legs crossed is ridiculous. She is too young. My beautician permed
her 18 months grandbaby's hair because it was so thick and unmanageable. It
seems kind of criminal but that is the mindset in that family I guess. I
found out that there are ways to comb and style a child's hair that is much
less painless. You need a little more patience and creativity.
Carol

In a message dated 9/24/00 11:46:59 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
diamonique@... writes:
Sandy, sounds like the kind of curl I get with the Hair Twirlers. Spritz it
with a little bit of water to relax the curl a bit where the part is and you
may be able to finger style it a little better. Why dont you try wrapping it
with all those curls? My last curls lasted until I washed it. Over a week
and I still had curls galore.
Lynda
<< I have more curls in my head than I ever have in my entire life! Tight
tight curls! I'm guessing this is what a straw set would do for me. I'm
sure these curls will last at least a week if not longer. Unfortunately I
had my hair parted down the middle in the front, so this isn't the most
attractive do I've ever had. I think I'd like it if it weren't for this
stupid part. Next time I use these rollers I won't part it in the middle.

Sandy, did you sleep on the perm rods? I have some but haven't used
them because I'm afraid to sleep on them. I could barely sleep on
sponge rollers back in the day.

A friend gave me her old supply of perm rods. She's been sporting a TWA
for 4 or 5 years now, and has no use for them. They're the small and
medium sizes. I used them last night. Rolled my hair dry. No water, no
setting lotion, no nothing.
I have more curls in my head than I ever have in my entire life! Tight
tight curls! I'm guessing this is what a straw set would do for me. I'm
sure these curls will last at least a week if not longer. Unfortunately I
had my hair parted down the middle in the front, so this isn't the most
attractive do I've ever had. I think I'd like it if it weren't for this
stupid part. Next time I use these rollers I won't part it in the middle.
I'll take pictures today.
-- Sandy
"When women vote, women win." -- Ellen R. Malcolm
EMILY's List -- http://www.emilyslist.org

Sandy said:
. Honey if I get down to a size 12 for this
cruise - between that and my Sisterlocks, y'all might have to throw me
overboard!!
-- Sandy (struttin her stuff and lovin' every minute)
******************************************
Sandy and I will be cabin mates
for the cruise (my first). Oh MY!!!!!
We are going to have fun .....
If they throw you over then we will have to float together ..... I'll be
right behind you...
BE FREE to just BE...
Love and blessings to Ya!!
Pat
web page:
http://welcome.to/NaturalHairJourney
Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows; it empties today of its
strength.
~~Corrie Ten Boom~~
TODAY IS THE TOMORROW.. YOU WORRIED ABOUT YESTERDAY...
Was it really worth it?
.

From Linda "Mosetta" Jones"
Okay Nappies.
Being that this is a political year, I want to poll you on this: If state
of nappiness were the primary prerequisite, which nappy headed icon would
you want to see as president and why. Who should be vice president? Who
should be on the "kitchen kabinet?" Choose among athletes, tv/movie
personalities, politicians or other notable nappy heads. We'll share some
of your thoughts in the Nov/Dec. issue of the Nappy News and on our website:
www.nappyhairaffair.com. Voting ends next Sunday. (This is gonna be fun!)
Please send your thoughts to: FirstVote1@....
Mosetta, "headitor, Nappy News & founder, A Nappy Hair Affair

You just call on me whenever you need to. Thanks to you starting this group,
I'm getting my therapy!
Your Sister
Khumura

I like it too and I'm waiting for my consultant to get me
some more. *Hint* *Hint*
The problem with having my sister as my consultant is that
I am given a LOW priority! I may have to give Pat a call.
It is getting really dry with the change in the weather so
I applied some shea butter first thing this AM.
I know that's right. I have to work at home today -- it
is either that or drive into the data center so I'm surfing
in between conference calls.

Now that's what I'm talkin' about!!!!!!!!!
Khumura

Thank you for that wonderful reply. I hope that you all keep addressing this
issue as you are inspired. It will keep us all on the right path to wholeness
and abundance. Our children's very survival depends on it. I hope you ladies
see your power though these entries. Just the way this group flows will
attract many more who will need a helping hand to shore after a long and
arduous life threatening swim for a better life. We are the survivors who are
now thriving and see these entries as all of us standing watch on the sandy
shores pulling the others to safety and dry land.
You ladies should be proud of your selves! We are right now as we speak
answering the prayers of our ancestors who chose to survive our holocost in
hopes that one day we will be free again.
Khumura

Maybe that's not a problem for you, but it's a BIG problem for me. :-) How
do you think I got an extra 50 lbs. on this bod in the first place?
I can do this. I've learned over the years not to appreciate fried
foods. I always bake or grill my meats... never fried.
You may live to regret you ever said this. <g
-- Sandy
"When women vote, women win." -- Ellen R. Malcolm
EMILY's List -- http://www.emilyslist.org

Big Hugs!!!!!!!!
That's exactly what our experience is supposed to be! Rediscovery of
ourselves and the courage to live in that experience unconditionaly 24-7. You
are on your way Sandy. Keep plugging away. The pounds are not a problem
either. Just eliminate all flour products, processed foods and bad food
combinations.For example, Never eat meat and potaoes on the same plate. Eat a
salad with every meal. Make sure that meals are prepared fresh. your grocery
shopping should be mainly in the produce isle, (just to name a few). For
starters, no:
Bread
Pasta
Rice (unless soaked and sprouted)
Snacky snacks
Dairy products
All of these foods are pure sugar once your body breaks them down, stored as
fat. BAM the reason for Diabetes!
Make sure that protein source is lean (steamed, broiled, baked or boiled
ONLY) THERE SHOULD ONLY BE VEGGIES (GREEN) ACCOMPANYING THAT PROTEIN SOURCE!
MAKE SURE THAT THERE IS A SALAD WITH LUNCH AND DINNER, DON'T EAT AFTER
SUNDOWN. iF YOU ARE HANKERING FOR A STARCH, HAVE IT BUT ONLY WITH VEGGIES,
NOT ANOTHER PROTEIN SOURCE. iT TAKES TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF GASTRIC JUICES TO
BREAK THE TWO DOWN. WHEN THEY ARE COMBINED IN A MEAL, THE BODY GETS
CONFUSED, YOU GET BLOATING AND INDIGESTION NOT TO MENTION A BAD CASE OF
CONSTIPATION. kEEP YOUR COMBINATIONS SIMPLE.YOU WILL REACH YOUR GOAL BY THE
TIME THE CRUISE COMES UP. i WILL HELP YOU ANY WAY i CAN!
kHUMURA

Last night I washed my hair. I was gonna leave it braided, but I took the
braids aloose so I could separate the locks.
I applied the Sisterlocks moisturizer (love this stuff!)
I let it air dry
I put on my Lucy scarf and went to sleep
This morning I took off the scarf, sprayed a light mist of water, combed my
fingers through my hair, and out the door I went.
No rollers
No curling iron
No nuthin
Woo hoo! I AM FREE!!!!!!!!!
-- Sandy
"When women vote, women win." -- Ellen R. Malcolm
EMILY's List -- http://www.emilyslist.org

Kim,
Koodos on you choice to change your life for the better. Your children will
thank you for it in adulthood! I really feel like Sisterlocks will have the
same impact that the perm has had on our people in 20 years. There really is
hope!
You go girl!
Khumura

I really enjoyed reading Khumara's story of her transition. In reading it,
I realized I am going through something very similar. I'll make this brief.
It started back in 1992 when I started college (at the age of 40
thankyouverymuch). I had to take an art class as one of the general
requirements. I chose African art. I figured since I had to learn this
stuff I might as well learn something that directly effects me. Well let
me tell you that class taught me a helluva lot more than just art, as in
pictures, drawings, etc. It taught me about the art in clothing,
hairstyles, carvings, dance, and I don't know what all else. Did you know
that every dance that we do -- no matter what we call it or how we
differentiate it -- has its roots in African tribal dances and
ceremonies? But I digress.
I came away from the class with a love of African American art (the more
modern stuff), and traditional carvings (particularly soapstone). I
started collecting soapstone carvings and soapstone eggs; whenever I take a
trip I hit the open sidewalk markets in search of traditional carved
figures. I have a few of my trophies on my mantle, and I've put the others
away for safekeeping. I plan to redecorate my house in very comfortable,
traditional, homey furniture with afrocentric accents.
On to more recent happenings. :-) I think this interest in the art is
what pushed me to get tattooed. I started with a small ladybug on my right
ankle in 1997. Ladybugs have always brought me good luck; and ever since I
was a child I've let them crawl on me without swiping them away because my
mother told me it's good luck if I just let it crawl. So that's my first
tattoo. I keep my good luck with me at all times. The following year I
decided I wanted an African symbol tattoo. I found a symbol on the
internet that means continuity -- the changing of the seasons,
death/rebirth/etc. That one is on my back. The next year I combined two
Adinkra symbols into one and placed this on my left ankle. The two symbols
mean "strength" and "learning from your mistakes". I was surprised to
discover that men find this symbol very sexy on my ankle, without even
knowing what it means. It just looks good. :-) Knowing that men find it
sexy has made me choose shoes that will compliment the tattoo; and yes I
probably strut a little differently when I'm showing it off. :-)
Now we're up to 1999 when I started getting fed up with the whole perming
process. I knew that I didn't want to perm anymore, but didn't know what I
did want... so I kept on perming. I discovered Tae-bo and some women on
the Tae-bo board told me about Sisterlocks as the solution to the problem
of daily workouts and sweating out my hair every day. I looked into
Sisterlocks and BINGO!! This is what I can do instead of perming!!! I was
hooked. But I had a cruise coming up in November and I had to do something
with my hair. So I got a perm. Then came March. A Highlander
convention. I had to do something with my hair. So I got a perm.
After that convention something clicked in my head. Never again. I knew I
didnt want to keep perming, so why was I using these trips as an excuse to
keep doing it? Just stop it! Let the hair grow out and get the damned
Sisterlocks already! So I did! And I'm SO glad I did!
Now I'm feeling like I want to wear clothing with a more afrocentric style
to it. Not complete African garb, but just the textures, materials,
patterns, etc. Afrocentric style can be worked into the wardrobe without
going to extremes, and I certainly don't have the money to throw out
everything and buy all new. But I can work on this a little bit at a time.
All during this almost 10 year process, I've gotten interested in organic
stuff. Soaps, skin creams, facial care, and now hair care. No more
chemicals for me. It's not necessary and it costs us too much down the
road -- both in what it does to our