Natural hair

Hi group! I am going into my 3rd week of being sisterlocked, and I
am feeling great about it. However, "people" can be either positive
along with you, or try to rain on your parade. Allow me to explain.
I work in a beauty salon, where women come in droves for a hit of
creamy crack every other week. When I told the ladies I work with
that I was considering sisterlocks, they said, "You mean like
dreads? Why would you want to do that?" I tried explaining what
they were, and the styling options that can be had that traditional
locks don't provide. They were still clueless.
When I went to work the day after I got my sisterlocks, I heard all
kinds of comments...some good and some nervewracking. For the most
part, I got all kinds of compliments on them. However, the older
ladies who are locked into the "fried, dyed, and laid to the side"
mentality kept asking me stupid questions. Questions like, "When
will you take your BRAIDS out?", " Did you cut your hair?", "What
happened to all of your thick, pretty hair?", "You're not going to
leave it like that FOREVER, are you?"
I even had one woman initiate a debate with me, with her ending the
debate/conversation with, "Just wait, you will reach your 40th
birthday and realize that you want them gone. You're going to ask
yourself, "Why is this stuff still in my head?", and cut it off.
I guess because I'm still a fairly young woman(will be 29 on July
20th), people think this is just a phase or fade for me. I tried to
explain that this is a whole new way of life for me, but these women
do not take me seriously.
That was week one. Now that I'm going into week three, I hear more
and more positive comments from the very same people who thought that
I had lost my mind. Once I stood my ground and basically told them
that if they didn't like it they could jump into a lake, they don't
hassle me as much.
Personally, I think they are feeling threatened that I will take their
"creamy crack addicts" away from them. LOL
Keep your heads up ladies,
Gerri

Hello all,
For over a year I've been looking at pictures, reading stories, and
lurking on this list. Finally, finally, my hair has grown out to a
respectable length (I think), and I have made my appointment to be
Sisterlocked!!! I got three little test locs today at my
consultation. July 5th is the day. I'm so excited I don't know what
to do.
Hope to post some pictures soon after that. Thanks for all the info,
and especially the pictures. More! More! More! Please!
Toni

In a message dated 6/22/01 4:15:51 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
iluvmyaka@... writes:
Hey CC,
I am sure you and Miss Page were both beautiful! BTW, I know you asked me
about pictures, my mom has a scanner, so I am going to try & upload some
tonight:)
Trell
SL-5/01

I'd like to hear about that myself. I had my sister-in-law just
today to tell me that I should grow my locs long and then get a press
and curl. Hell-O...I mean, first of all, that type of stuff is what
I'm getting away from with my locs. Second, if I did decide to get
the locs out, it's not like I'm going to still have that length.
Then...she says to me that she KNOWS I'm not going to where "those
things" (her words) forever. I will get tired of them. I'm
like, "no, I'm not". She just kept saying that I will; she knows I
will. I just blew her off.
That really p'd me off to no end.
As you said, I think people just don't understand the freedom of
natural hair...period. She is still stuck in that "straighter and
longer is better" mentality. Yet...her broken off, damaged, hair is
hiding under a head of weave or wigs. Pu-leeze.
I guess the best thing to tell folk like that is that this is NOT a
hairstyle like braids or trizillions. This is a LIFESTYLE. It's a
way of life and a whole new way of thinking. We all have to come to
that realization and understanding once we make the decision to lock
our hair.

In a message dated 6/22/2001 7:22:02 AM Pacific Daylight Time,

Are there any suggestions for comments like "will you have to cut
them out when you get tired of them" or "can you take them out". So
far since I've had sister locks I get a of those comments. They seem
very interested @ 1st then they make that comment. I don't want to
offend them with my answer so Ive been saying "that they can be taken
out, but its expensive & time consuming". I've also tried to show
them the varsitility of SL's. I don't know if they would understand
the "FREEDOM" concept of natural hair so, I havent tried to explain.
(although 2 people have definintly decided to get SL's)
Thanks in advance for all replies.
vj
SL 3wks

Hey I may ride up. I need a get-away. Sandy will you be there????
Pat

--- In LockItUp@y..., "CC Cabbil" <iluvmyaka@h...
CC,
By your daughter being @ the age when its important for them to fit
in......How does she feel about her sister locks???
vj
SL 3wks

Hey! Sometimes I don't even put my fingers in my head! I just shake and
go! Yesterday was my daughter's graduation from fifth grade. She picked
out my outfit and told me to do my hair!!! Ha! Ha! So I used the Caruso's
and had a cute little curl do!
CC
SL-4 months

my SLs when I was 5 months pregant was because I knew my hair would
grow really fast and it would not fall out afterwards. I have had no
thinning or hair loss. I have had just a tiny bit of shedding at the
ends, but that is natural. I have not lost any locks at all. This
hairstyle is great for my schedule when I have to be at work at 7am
and get the baby to daycare before that. I literally run my fingers
through my hair all of 1 minute and I am ready. Then I can devote the
rest of the morning to baby Kayla. I wear a satin cap faithfully. I'm
sure that helped with any shedding I had, too. I know a lot of permed
women that I work with who have had children and complain about the
hair loss after the pregnancy. Congratulations on your upcoming
arrival.
Takeisha
SL 6 months

Message: 4
Date: Thu, 21 Jun 2001 21:11:32 -0000
From: takeishasmith@...
Subject: Re: Hello
--- In LockItUp@y..., VJACKSON@P... wrote:
Takeisha wrote:
...and I have been locked for 6 months.... I
just had a baby, and you can imagine the expense of that alone.
Amber writes:
Congratulations on your new baby. I had my first child in November of 99,
and I lost a good deal of hair on the sides after she was born. I know that
your body produces a hormone that keeps hair from shedding during the
pregnancy, and afterwards, the hair you held on to comes out--seemingly all
at once. I believe that the style that I wore also aided in my hair loss.
I was the slick back bun-queen!!
I'm really wanting to get SL'd, but there's no one around close by to do
them for me. I am currently pregnant with my second (and last) baby (girl).
My question to you is, with your SLs, have you experienced any hair loss
or thining locs since your baby was born?
Thanks, Amber :-)

After looking at the votes from our poll, the chat times have been set as
follows:
Every Monday at 8 p.m. eastern time (this got 6 votes)
Every Thursday at 8 p.m. eastern time (this was tied with 2 other times at
5 votes)
Reminders will automatically go out 3 hours before each chat and again 15
minutes before each chat.
-- Sandy

In a message dated 6/21/01 4:34:58 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
VJACKSON@... writes:
Hi Vivian,
Welcome to the group! I am Shantrell (Trell) from Miami & I started my
journey the same day that you did so I feel a certain connection. My hair
varied in length from 5-7" in certain places when I got locked. It was weird
for me at first too, but I just put them on perm rods after they were all
done & it made a world of difference:) The women on this group are phenomenal
& have really helped me in this journey. Glad you're here & congrats on your
locks!
Trell
SL--5/01

Glad to hear it, Pam! I've never had a buildup problem, but I'm sure I'd
feel the same way you did. Do you think one more washing with the
clarifying shampoo will take care of it?
Great answer!
-- Sandy

Hi Everyone!!!
My SL's are ok, after they dryed the white build up stuff went away.
Maybe it is still there but you can't see it. I bought the Neutrogena
anti-residue shampoo, I will use that the next time I wash.
This girl at my job ask me today was I going to keep my hair like
this forever, what if I want to take it down could I?? I asked her
could she take the perm out of her hair. I told her this was a life
style change just like perm. Once you decide to get it you are
commited to it for a while. She just looked at me real funny but I
think she got the picture.
Pam
6 months SL

Welcome to the group, Vivian! I would like to re-intoduce myself to
the group, also. I posted once a few months ago. My name is Takeisha
and I have been locked for 6 months. I am taking the re-tightening
class on June 30th with GiGi in Dallas. I can't wait to do my own
hair. Now that our lovely consultant Karen is no longer at the shop,
it takes a little bit longer than I can afford to pay right now. I
just had a baby, and you can imagine the expense of that alone. It
took the new consultant 5 hours to re-tighten me last time (she did
an EXCELLENT job, though). I am used to an hour and a half.
I feel you. I love to view the site everyday and read the wonderful
Sisterlock journeys that everyone is traveling. Getting Sisterlocks
was the best decision I have ever made. I am trying to get my website
up, so I will be sharing pictures soon.
Takeisha
SL 6 months

Sandy, Devon, Kim, Sidgew, and all other participants to the group...
My name is Vivian. My hair was sister locked on May 29, 2001, by
Gigi in Dallas. The 1st week was very akward for me. I started with
about 7" of natural (since '96) hair which was not locked to the end.
It took a 2nd consultation & setting on perm rollers to get
everything going. But, since than its been simply WONDERFUL!!
Sister locks says to "begin the journey"; for me sister locks have
been the fullment of a long journey.
btw...Ive really been enjoying all the pictures.
vj
sl 5/01

--- In LockItUp@y..., "Angel Okrah" <ayokrah@u...
Angel,
I went to the above site, but couldn't find Nandi. What should I click
on first in order to get to Nandi?

Yes. As a matter of fact we just did a poll to see what would be the best
time to set up a chat. Give me a couple of hours and I'll send the info as
to the days and times for our future weekly chats.
-- Sandy

Hey all,
After switching computers, I was able to get to the site. I think it's a
problem w/ AOL 6.0 on my mom's computer...Anyway, Devon the pictures are nice
& your site is very informative, thanks for sharing. BTW, I finally got my
pictures developed, but they didn't come out that great b/c I was using my
mom's 110 camera (I know, I know, it's like ancient compared to today's
cameras...). I didn't have any film for my 35 mm at the time. I am going to
sift through those & see what I can find that's fit for viewing, LOL!
Trell
SL-5/01

I appreciate all of the advice I've been getting here. It's been
really helpful. I've decided to set my hair on perm rods once a
week, and pin curl or barrel curl them at night. I've just ordered
some single prong clippies so that I'll be able to hold them in place.
I love my locks, and I can't wait for them to actually start looking
like locks. I suppose the only thing I don't like about them is
handling them with kid's gloves. I feel like I won't be able to get
them and my scalp as clean as usual due to the banding process.
However, I do have some witch hazel, and I will probably use that to
clean my scalp between shampoos. Do I seem to be on the right track
now?
Let me know girls! If you have anything further to add, feel free.
Gerri

I am curious. Does anyone ever chat? Every time I go to the chat
area, it's empty. I know we all have busy schedules, but it would
really be neat to have some interactive communication sometimes.
Since I'm new, is there a particular time that is used for chatting?
Let me know!
Gerri

Berijoy, Vicky and everyone!
A Big THANK YOU to everyone who stopped by to visit my site, all of your kind
words are flattering. I've had close to 100 visitors since Monday. I've tried to
answer everyone personally. I especially love the messages I get when someone
has been inspired to start a journey of their own or they ask for my advice.
I'll keep you all posted on my progress. Until then. Thanks again!
Devon
SL 7 1/2 months

I will surely try to make it.
We get in Detroit pretty early, around 10 AM. After settling in we
should still have plenty of time to make it to the Hair Day. I am
glad that I saw your post. I would have hated to be there the whole
day and have missed it. We were looking for something to do that day.
Carol
Sisterlocked 9 months:)

Hello:
I just purchased some Solar Rollers by Nandi for Straw sets at Walmart's
in Birmingham, AL. These are long, skinny non-fiber cloth cover foam
rollers with a wire that runs through the center thus creating a
flexible roller. I've used the thicker spiral rollers with great
success for both sets under the dryer and while sleeping. I did a test
set with the rollers for straw sets and liked what I saw. Being able to
lock the roller in place by bending the ends makes the rollers easy to
use. See link below for a picture.
http://www.tsetters.com/catalog/imageFolio.cgi?action=view&link=Nandi&image=ND44\
122V2.jpg&img=&tt=img
If you have trouble with this link, go to
http://www.helenoftroyusa.com. Look under products. You can find the
solar rollersrs under Nandi. You can also find information about Caruso
products at this site.
Cheers,
Angel

Yes there is, Carol. It's at Tulani Rose. It's located downtown at 639
Beaubien between Fort & Congress. From noon til 8 p.m. It's 2 blocks
south of Greektown Casino.
I sure hope you can make it! Bring some money with you cuz I know you'll
want to buy some of the beautiful stuff that Tulani Rose has.
-- Sandy
SL - 10 months

I will be in Detroit on Sunday. Is there a special hair thing going
on?
Carol
Sisterlocked 9 months:)

You won't miss me. I'll be there until the last person leaves. :-)
-- Sandy

You'd be surprised at how nice your hair really will look. If they go
flat, spritz them with water... it'll perk them right back up.
Don't roll so often. Try pin curls. I used a curling iron for awhile just
on my bangs and around the edges... then I realized my hair looked just
fine without it and I don't do it very much anymore. Take a look at my
website. Most of my hair was permed, so it *really* needed some
help. Talk about STRAIGHT. And I think it's about the same length that
yours was. There are plenty of pictures there.
http://home.earthlink.net/~diamonique/lockitup/journey.html
And don't worry about them not being filled in yet. They fill in and fluff
up more with each shampoo. Locks love water. That's why spritzing fluffs
them up. As you know, it's a process. It's thin at first, but it
gradually thickens up and fills in. So it doesn't look full and thick at
first. So what? Don't worry about it. Just style it with your fingers,
maybe a decorative comb to hold the sides or something, and go on about
your business.
More manipulation. Think of using as little manipulation as
possible. Your Sisterlocks are still young. You mentioned that you've
incurred some slippage. Let your hair do its thang and stop trying to make
it style/behave as if it was still permed. I know it takes awhile to
change the mindset of how you think your hair *has* to look. But believe
me... your hair looks just fine.
-- Sandy

Hi Gerri (and everyone else!)
I'm Cherie and I've been lurking and learning from this board for
about 2 weeks or so. I DON'T have Sisterlocks, but I did start my
locs with small braids. From what a few Sisterlocked sistas told me,
my hair is somewhat similar.
Anyway, I thought now would be as good a time as any to make my
presence known and stop merely lurking.
Gerri, a few alternatives to rolling your hair on rollers every night
would be:
1. Twist sections of your locs together and then make bantu knots
(chinese bumps, zulu knots or whatever you may call them) and then in
the morning, take them down.
2. Just twist the locs together in sections and secure the ends with
rubberbands OR...twist the locs together in sections, take the ends
of each twisted section of locs and pin curl them (wind the ends up
until you reach the base or scalp) and secure with bobby pins
3. Braid sections of hair as if you were doing the braid/band for a
shampooing.
4. Do like Sandy said and just leave the hair braided and banded
after you shampoo until it dries. I did this today (thanks for the
tip Sandy!) and I had the cutest little crinkly/curlies. My hair is
still relatively short, the longest being about a good 3 1/2 to 4
inches and the shortest about 1/4 inch along the nape and sides.
Yeah, I come here to get ideas about care for my braid/locs. The way
Sandy described braiding and banding REALLY helped me because I tried
doing it once and I didn't fold the section down. I just put the
rubberband on the ends and took them down while still wet. My ends
unravelled somewhat and I didn't braid/band anymore until today after
reading Sandy's post.
It worked out MUCH better this time doing it the way she mentioned.
Well, you probably won't see too much of me around here, but I'll be
here lurking in the shadows and learning things that I can apply to
my own locking journey.
Thanks for having me!
Cherie

Hi Devon!
I was going to post about your updates on one of the other lock
forums, but I'll just post it here while I'm here.
Your hair looks FABULOUS! It has grown so much since you last posted
pics. I also enjoyed the photos of the Hair Day you guys had.
Sandy, I look forward to finally meeting you on Sunday. I probably
won't get there until later in the afternoon (after church) but I do
hope I don't miss you!
Cherie

Hi group! I got all of the responses to my email, and I appreciate
the information. When I spoke with my locktian, she told me that I
could roll my hair every night if I wanted to. Now I'm confused. It
does make sense to me that rolling every other night as I have been
doing would be too much manipulation, but I don't know how else to
style my locks without them going flat from sleeping on them at night.
If my locks were longer, I guess I wouldn't worry as much. I can't
bear to just leave the house letting the locks just hang there,
especially at this length(slightly below my earlobs). I'm afraid
because they haven't filled in yet, I'll look like a stringy raggedy
ann doll by the head. HELP!!!! Does anyone have any suggestions as
to how I can wear them curly without putting undue stress and
disturbance on them? I was considering doing paper curls at night,
like they used to do back in the day. Before I do that, I would like
to get some feedback about that. Thanks a million!
Gerri

my 6 Month Sisterlock Anniversary. <<
VERY NICE, Devon. I love the sprinkle of gray around
your face. It is quite becoming on you. Thanks for
sharing your pictures.

In a message dated 6/19/01 1:56:39 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
Devon.Austin@... writes:
Hey all, I have tried all of the sites listed & I keep getting a message that
the page can't be found!!!

Devon, you are awesome and so is your website! Thanks for sharing with all
of us.
Lynda (lrose23)

I think it may have been Lock it Up
Devon

From: Sandy Fields Subject: [LockItUp] Devon's Pics
LOL!
That's a Gye Nyame-(Except God)-symbol of omnipotence and immortality of God.
Here's a site for you which shows a lot of symbols. Your tattoos look great. I
took one of mine but couldn't find a good place on my website LOL. Did you add
that folder for tattoos yet?
http://quattro.me.uiuc.edu/~fog/adinkra.html
Devon
sl 7 1/2 months

Oh my Devon! Your hair is beautiful! And you are absolutely glowing!
That closeup shot of the back of your hair is amazing. Such healthy
hair! And the gray seems to add a royal glow to your face. Between the
gray hair and that beautiful smile, your glow could light up California,
gurl! LOL!
And I'm scared of you and those Adrinka symbols! I like the one on page 12
near the top. What is its meaning? I may have to add it to my my ankle. LOL!
-- Sandy

Just so you know... the person who sent the above message has been removed
from the group. While some of you may find the information interesting or
helpful, this kind of thing is not what the group was created for.
This person joined the group solely to advertise. It's spam, pure and
simple. If a person wishes to join our group, participate in the
discussions, and occasionally advertise their services or products, that's
fine. But joining only to advertise is not allowed.
-- Sandy

I'd like to say hi to all of you at NAPPS salon in the loop. If
anyone is interested in fresh natural hairstyles this is the place to
go in St. Louis.
Also if you are into reggae music NAPPS also host a local band each
Friday evening from 6-8 pm. Call for details.

Hello All-
I have finally completed the updates to my website for my 6 Month Sisterlock
Anniversary. I have also added pages for our Bay Area Hair Day and along with
many new links. Please drop by when you have a chance.
www.angelfire.com/journal2/mysisterlocks My website
If you have already seen the site and would like to go directly to the updates
please click on the links below
http://www.angelfire.com/journal2/mysisterlocks/new_page_9.htm Additions for
Hair Day
http://www.angelfire.com/journal2/mysisterlocks/new_page_12.htm updates for 6
month anniversary
*Please pay attention to the navigation links on these updated pages. You can go
from page to page by using the link on the TOP or the link I've ADDED at the
BOTTOM The UP link will take you back a page but Home and Next will take you
back out to the main site. This is still the first website I've done and I have
not been successful compressing some of the photos so the load time may be
longer for those of you with the standard modem (28.8K). I'll work on that
later.
Enjoy! Let me know what you think.
Devon
SL 7 1/2 months

Gerri, Belvery, & Lillieb, & other St. Louis Nappies,
A few of us are planning another gathering in St. Louis
7/31 or 8/1. If you are interested, please e-mail me
privately. We are nailing down the exact time/place.

Grab as many locks as you think you can braid easily. 5 or 6? Maybe
more? Braid them into one braid, fold it in half, and put a rubberband
around it to hold it down. When you wash, squirt the Sisterlocks starter
shampoo into the base of each braid. Then squeeze/squish each bundle to
work the shampoo through the hair. Don't rub or scrub. Then rinse rinse
rinse. Then do the whole thing over again. Rinse *very* well.
Washing may help. If not, try the Sisterlocks moisture treatment. It's a
very light cream moisturizer. Use it *very* sparingly on the scalp.
After awhile your scalp will adjust to its new status and the
dryness/itching will stop.
-- Sandy

Here's my guess. Too much manipulation. Rollersetting every other
night. Leave your hair alone for awhile.
Try leaving the braids in when you wash your hair instead of taking them
down. Let it dry like that. When you take the braids down after it's dry,
you'll have a nice crinkly look that lasts for quite awhile.
-- Sandy

Hi everyone !
First of all i totally forgot to ask my consultant how often or how
soon i could shampoo. Is there a a standard? Second, does anyone have
any tips for braiding and banding short sisterlocks. My hair is all
natural with a tight curl pattern about 2.5 - 3.5 inches all around,
this is my measurement stretching my hair across a ruler. (I was
wearing comb twists and fros before sisterlocks) I was thinking that
maybe washing would help with the itching????
Any suggestions?
Thanks, Africa.

Hi guys! My name is Gerri and I got my sisterlocks 2 weeks ago.
Being newly sisterlocked and new to this group, I am looking for
support, comments, information, and just plain old help in general!
Today I shampooed my locks for the first time, and to me they resemble
frizzy braids. I followed instructions for shampooing them, and I'm
afraid they are slipping. I still have some relaxed hair(November
2000 was my last encounter with creamy crack), and I've been basically
rollersetting them every other night and wearing a satin bonnet to
bed at night. Could I be doing anything wrong? HELP!!!!!!!
I am from St. Louis, Missouri. Jeannine Vaughn put my sisterlocks in,
and she mentioned that some of her other sisterlocked clients belong
to this group. I want love from all my sisterlocked sistas, but to
my local sisterlock sistas, show me mad love! I need all the help I
can get, y'all! Look forward to hearing from everybody!
Gerri in the STL

The following LockItUp poll is now closed. Here are the
final results:
POLL QUESTION: What time in the evening would you
prefer to have regularly scheduled
chats? All times are eastern, and you
may select more than one. The poll will
end on June 17th.
CHOICES AND RESULTS
- Monday 6 - 7, 0 votes, 0.00%
- Monday 8 - 9, 6 votes, 23.08%
- Tuesday 6 - 7, 0 votes, 0.00%
- Tuesday 8 - 9, 2 votes, 7.69%
- Wednesday 6 - 7, 0 votes, 0.00%
- Wednesday 8 - 9, 3 votes, 11.54%
- Thursday 6 - 7, 0 votes, 0.00%
- Thursday 8 - 9, 5 votes, 19.23%
- Friday 6 - 7, 0 votes, 0.00%
- Friday 8 - 9, 0 votes, 0.00%
- Saturday 1 - 2, 0 votes, 0.00%
- Saturday 4 - 5, 1 votes, 3.85%
- Saturday 7 - 8, 1 votes, 3.85%
- Sunday 1 - 2, 1 votes, 3.85%
- Sunday 4 - 5, 2 votes, 7.69%
- Sunday 7 - 8, 5 votes, 19.23%
For more information about this group, please visit

To all the dads out there:
HAPPY FATHERS DAY!
Lynda (lrose23)

Thanks Sandy
Pam

Hi Sandy,
Thanks for replying so fast!!
Well I normally leave the moisture treatment in but after I put it on
my hair then I noticed the white stuff on my scalp to I decided to
rinse it again really good.
I just picked the sweet orange essential oil because I liked the
smell and I thought it would make my scalp smell good. I am using it
straight out of the bottle. I put it on my finger tips & massage it
in, not everyday but every so often.
What claryfing shampoo do you use???
Pam

Here's a description of sweet orange oil that I got off the From Nature
With Love website:
"Sweet orange is an uplifting refreshing oil that is used to aid in
digestion, flatulence, and nausea. It relieves stress and anxiety. Sweet
orange oil will help with colic in babies and reduce fever and
headaches. Orange blends nicely with many other oils and can be used in
home fragrance products. Photosensitizer - use with caution."
-- Sandy

Hello Everyone,
I have a problem, I have been using the orange sweet essential oil by
oshadhi. I have been putting drops on my fingers & massaging it into
my scalp. Well this afternoon I washed it with the peppermint dr.
bonner shampoo, I mixed it just like sandy advised in a spray bottle.
Then I put some of the SL moisture treatment on & rinsed it out.
I started to seperate my locks & found a white build up on my scalp
in spots. It looks like a build up of either soap or oil. My husband
advised me to rinse it out again which I did but it is still there.
I think it is from the essential oils???? What do you advise that I
use to get rid of it. PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!
Pam

It's probably not the soap... unless you haven't been rinsing well. Go out
and buy yourself a clarifying shampoo. They are made to remove product
buildup from the hair.
A few questions: Why are you using sweet orange essential oil on your
scalp? Are you using it straight or is it a blend of some kind?
Why do you rinse out the SL moisture treatment? Are you using a lot of it?
-- Sandy

Our poll will end tomorrow. If you want to vote on the time and day for

Hello Ladies,
I just wanted to let you all know that I am on my way to being
Sisterlocked. My appointment (cross over date) is July 1. I am
excited and nervous at the same time. (I'm trying not to get cold
feet or would that be roots? :-)
Anyway, I have read your posts and viewed your pictures with great
enthusiasm. Thank you all so very much for sharing your experiences.
Especially you Sandy. I know I've thanked you before, but you really
have been very helpful to me. I'll try and take some pictures and let
you know how it goes. Wish me luck!
Leighann

Woo hoo! Don't worry about getting nervous, Leighann. Just stick with
us. If you're nervouse or antsy about anything at all, ask your consultant
about it and/or post a message here. We will help you!
And you are gonna LOVE your hair!
-- Sandy

Knappy Headz, Inc.
Love Yourself Naturally....
Cordially invite you to a Natural Hair Day-to celebrate afros, locs,
twists and braids
Date: Sunday, June 24th from 12PM - 5PM
Location: Dave Ray International Styling Salon & Spa
3805 White Plains Road, Bronx, NY
Additional Info:
Special Guest - Carolivia Herron, author of Nappy Hair
* First 25 knappy headz will receive gift bags
* Meet positive people
* Receive free hair advice and maintenance
* Purchase natural hair and body products
Sponsored by Knappy Headz Organization. For more info: 917-826-7627

GET UP AND GO!!!!!!!!!!!
Lynda (lrose23)

Ladies,
I'm an official card carrying member of the SL clan. I love my
hair!!! My wonderful consultant Jeanette Richmond who endured who
knows how many hours of labor to lock my super thick tightly coiled
hair has created a monster!!!! I can't keep my hands out of it. From
school to work the compliments have been plentiful. I will post pics
soon.. My hair is locked in a mixture of the small and medium Sl
patterns. The atmosphere at her shop was excellent and she brought
plenty of videos, books and snacks to keep me busy.
I have a whole new attitude
I Looooooooove my hair!!!!!!!!
My consultant is going to the homecoming with her daughter and asked
if i wanted to go with them. Unfortunately i won't be able to go this
year because of finances but I plan to save for next year..
I Love my SL Happy Happy Joy Joy!!!! Can you say get up and Go?

Congrats are in order!!!!! I know just how you feel, it is a
wonderful thang having sisterlocks!!!! I luv mine too. You go gurl!!!
Pam
6 months SL

just wondering since I registered about a month ago.
Good question. I don't know. I didn't get a confirmation last year, so
I think not. Just to be on the safe side, call them. Looking forward
to meeting you.
-Kim, 19 months

Kim-
Do we get know if we get any kind of confirmation or anything? I was just
wondering since I registered about a month ago.
Devon

Pat and others,
I finally uploaded the Homecoming 2001 pamphlet. If you're attending,
you should pre-register by July 6. Some of the smaller print is hard
to read on the monitor. Maybe it'll be easier to read when printed???
-Kim, 19 months

In a message dated 6/12/01 5:53:00 PM Central Daylight Time,
diamonique@... writes:
Thanks for the compliment. However, I am not loc'd. My hair is styled in a
2 strand twist-out in those recent pictures. I plan on getting Sisterlocks
when my finances permit, hopefully that will be before the end of this year.
Luvi

Gurl you got some HAIR!
How long have you been locking, how did you start them, what regime are you
following to maintain them?
Gorgeous!
-- Sandy
"You know the honeymoon is over when the smiling face
bringing you breakfast at your front door is Tom Daschle."
- WILLIAM J. BENNETT

Hi Lynda!
I've heard that Emu Oil is supposed to be very healing. It's often
used in Lip Balms to heal dry, cracked lips. I've also heard that it
can be quite expensive (compared to using a less expensive carrier
oil and adding a few drops of an essential oil that offers the same
properties). I've mostly seen it used in lip balm applications and
some lotion recipes use it to heal dry cracked skin...
Hope this helps some! :-)
Alexis
SL - 3 Weeks

Thank you so much!

You have control of that. Go to the site and change your subscription to
"read on the web only".
-- Sandy
"You know the honeymoon is over when the smiling face
bringing you breakfast at your front door is Tom Daschle."
- WILLIAM J. BENNETT

Please do not send any more individual emails. I am away from the
computer for days and would prefer to just read the messages at the
site. It just piles up on me and I do not get to read the emails, and
have to just delete them to avoid overloading.Thank you so much. I
will still keep the membership though and post when I can.

The last time I wanted and got a really good curl, I wet set on small perm
rods. The curl was way way too tight so I put my blow dryer on warm and the
air loosened the curl and gave a lot of body. I just shook it out and it
was perfect!
Lynda (lrose23)

They don't last long for me either, Lynda. Actually I've never had curls
that last very long, so this doesn't bother me. I don't really want
curl... just wave, shape, and bounce. The Caruso gives me that for a few
days, so it's cool. The sponge rollers that I use most often (when I do
any curl at all... which isn't often) give a tighter curl, but then I mist
it with water a little and run my fingers through it to loosen the curl cuz
I don't really like that much curl.
What I do most of the time is... when I'm wearing bangs and they just want
to stick out, I either hit them a lick with the curling iron, or I spritz
them with water, roll them in sponge rollers, and take the rollers out when
I get to work.
-- Sandy
SL - 10 months

Hi Sandy,
Girl I must get some of that peppermint shampoo, I already have the
almond one. My husband uses it to shower with. I liked the fresh
smell of it when I washed my hair but I did notice the shampoo was
really thick. I am going to go get the peppermint one & try that.
Pam
SL 6 months

So far I haven't used it for anything else, but I just want to add that I
use the Lavendar Soap as a bubble bath (doesn't bubble very well) for the
boys in their bath. I just love the calming effect it has on them in the
evening when I'm getting them ready for bed!!
CC

I washed my hair with the peppermint yesterday. Oh yes I felt the
tingle!! This is some great stuff!
But y'all didn't tell me about the effects of the peppermint EO in the
soap. I had just drank my morning cup of coffee; and the peppermint EO on
top of the caffeine had me *geeked*! One cup of coffee never has any
effect on me; but after washing my hair, I felt like I had 3 cups! LOL!
At first I couldn't figure out what the heck was wrong with me. Then I
remembered that peppermint oil is a stimulating/invigoratinig/energizing
oil. From now on this will be my shower gel on those mornings when my
body doesn't want to get the day started. But I won't be using it
immediately after drinking a cup of coffee. LOL!
I keep wanting to try other shampoos, but Dr. Bronners soaps are SO good
that even when I buy another one I end up using it once or twice and then
going right back to Dr. Bronners. There's just nothing better (or more
cost effect) than these soaps!
Can I wash dishes with this stuff?
How about wiping down my furniture?
Laundry?
Other uses?
I know there are many uses listed on the bottles, but has anyone used these
soaps for anything other than bathing and shampooing?
-- Sandy
"You know the honeymoon is over when the smiling face
bringing you breakfast at your front door is Tom Daschle."
- WILLIAM J. BENNETT

Pat, it's almost midnight, but I'll definitely scan and send you the
pamphlet tomorrow morning.
-Kim

That's great! I never thought of setting the new locks on caruso
rollers after the initial locking session. I'm going to try that next
time.
-Kim, 18 month and counting

Yes, I will be very careful & thanks for your reply. I know you're loving
your hair! I saw the Lockitian (hope I spelled right) who will be doing my
hair and she warned me of the same thing. Her major concern is I don't keep
the braids in too long to avoid losing the NEW growth that's attempting to
grow in the parts between the braids.
She does excellent work; I've personally seen 4 of her clients, including her
own head! It just makes me want to holler! It's so beautiful!
I'll continue to review the older messages in hopes to find some viable
(transitional) options. If you happen to stumble on some tips, please let me
know.
Thanks a bunch!
Teri
Waiting to be Sisterlocked

It's Camden-Grey at www.essentialoil.net Now I will check out the one
from Ebony N
Lynda (lrose23)

Where's the site? I'd like to check it out too.
-- Sandy

While I was inspecting that little lock, I told my son that I would cut all
my hair off if I found anything in there. Not to worry, I guess I am a bit
picky too and also, if I am gonna tell my clients something, then I need to
know that it's true. You know what I mean?
Lynda (lrose23)

I've heard of it. It has been mentioned on my essential oils list. It's
used in cosmetics. I saw some in the health food store today, aamof.
I've never used it, but I can get a description of it and its uses if you want.
-- Sandy
"You know the honeymoon is over when the smiling face
bringing you breakfast at your front door is Tom Daschle."
- WILLIAM J. BENNETT

NO type of build up what- so- ever. No gunk, no lint, no
dirt, just left my fingers a tiny bit oily which assured me
that my hair is well moisturized.<<
That is so right, Lynda! I did the same thing on 2 locs.
One loc was kinda hard on the tip so I really suspected a
problem. Nothing but my own natural was inside of both of
those ends. This method is the best *for me* because I am such
a picky person (I even take my own nail kit to the nail salon).
I know if I had found something unpleasant in a loc, I'd want
to cut them all off unless I could find a remedy -- quickly.
(I wish I wasn't so picky -- but that is me.)

I just have to share this with you guys. In Dr. Cornwells book, it states that
there is no trash or gunk inside of a sisterlock, well, last night as I was
retightening my locks I decided to join two thin locks together which required
me to snip off the end of one. I was presented with an opportunity that I may
never have again. I cut that little lock open and low and behold, there was NO
type of build up what- so- ever. No gunk, no lint, no dirt, just left my
fingers a tiny bit oily which assured me that my hair is well moisturized.
No, I cannot tell where I snipped that lock off.
Lynda (lrose23)

I agree, after 2 years, I've not lost any of my 300+ locs.
I did have color damaged ends break off and that is partly
why I don't color anymore.

Has anyone ever used or know of Emu Oil?
Lynda (lrose23)

Hey SL friends,
I need for someone who has a scanner to scan and send me a copy of the
Homecoming pamphlet. My information was sent to my Colorado address because
I forgot to update my information at the home office. I called and left a
message on the voice mail today. They may take a while to send the packet.
I need the information ASAP because my cousin plans on attending and taking
the training. I need to know the cost of training and the dates. She needs
to schedule her time off of work and check into flights.
I've been lurking lately ... too busy looking for work. I enjoy the post
and all the new pictures. I will be up and active again soon.
Take care
Pat
15 months

Don't be afraid. I don't think it happens that often. We think my loc thinned
out because I had been wearing head bands and my hair has always been a problem
in that area. When I wore perms the hair under the back would always break off.
It would be very long on top and missing in the back (undoubtedly aided by the
continual use of chemicals). Most people have some fragile areas (oftentimes
around the edges, front and back). I was very scared because I was hearing how
Sisterlocks NEVER fall out unless you're not taking care of them or whatever.
Well, I know I take darn good care of my hair and that was not the issue for me.
When you get Sisterlocks you'll have 300 hundred plus locs. I think I have
around 450. 1 tiny lock will not be noticed, I think my hair was about 2.5
inches at the time. Everyone has a different experience I had zero slippage...so
go figure! I think it might be a problem if you had continual and multiple loss.
My hair is wonderful and I love it. Get you locs and wear them proudly. Deal
with any little challenges as they happen. Don't stress out beforehand!
Patience! If you haven't seen my hair recently check me out!
Devon
SL 7 months
BTW-I think I'll add this bit of info to my website. I don't think people should
be scared of falling locs they should be scared of chemical relaxers!

I've heard of traditional locks being lost like that.<<
Neither traditional or SL fall out unless there is
something going on (thinning, coloring damage, illness).
The one advantage of SL is that they are small and losing
one SL is not as noteworthy as losing one traditional loc.
Sigrid
SL since 5/99

Congratulations CC, my next sisterlock session is set for next week. I will
try to post pics also.
Lynda (lrose23)

Hey Ladies,
I just finished my second client this evening. Total, it took me about 12
hours to do her Sisterlocks. We began on Wednesday and worked for four
hours. Worked four hours on Thursday and finished with four hours today.
She has really short hair in sections, due to breakage from Synthetic hair
added for braids and twists. When we finished, I showed her how to bundle
and separate, then we set it on the Caruso steam rollers. She loves her
Sisterlocks and was so excited to be a new member of the Sisterlocks
Revolution. Pictures are forthcoming!
CC
SL-almost 4 months!!

Your hair is very pretty. Congratulations.

Well, you may be tempted, but you won't do it. We all know you have too
much will power. Keep on hanging in there. From the photos I've seen
the back looks just fine.
-Kim (18 months)

Wow! What a difference from your 3-weeks picture and your 6-months
picture. Your hair grows fast and is beautiful.
-Kim

I'm getting that urge again.
The permed ends that were left in the back when the rest were cut off are
now starting to get on my nerves. I keep getting the urge to take the
scissors and whack it all off. It's a couple of inches of hair, so I won't
be able to put my hair up if I cut it. But I'm really really really really
tempted.
-- Sandy
SL - 10 months

Greetings,
I was wondering if any of you have ordered products form this company
and if so what did you think of the products. I saw this at the
Dreadlocks group
http://www.nasabb.com
We in African especially in Ghana have been using Shea Butter Cream &
Kelechi Hair Oil for our hair for centuries. Now that it has reached
the West, it is used as a cosmetic ingredient and sold at outrageous
prices. So people do not know the incredible benefits of these
products. Check it out. Come get the real thing at
http://www.nasabb.com

In a message dated 6/7/2001 6:10:21 AM Pacific Daylight Time,

Sam's Club sells it, so Walmart may sell it also. It's also available in
grocery stores, I believe. If all else fails, check out your local health
food stores.
CC

Ouch! As a kid whenever I left the hair dresser after a press and
curl the very top of my head would be sore and my edges remain tender
to this day.
The hair on the top of my head is much thinner than on the rest of my
head. Last Sunday my husband was commenting on the large number of
comb overs among the women at church.
One of my biggest nightmares is all the chemical treatments, pressing
combs, and dyes have decimated my hair follicles. My maternal
grandmother had volumes of hair when she died in her eighties-very
seldom used a beautician and never a relaxer.
My paternal grandmother was almost bald- enlisted a beautician, dyed
and fried her hair...I see a definite increase in the number of
balding Black women.

Where's the best place to buy this from?
Trell
SL-5/01

Here's another one.
www.ourhair.net

Hi Dee,
WOW another Miami SL sista!!!! Who did yours?? Sista Sherrie or maybe
Audra??? Sista Sherrie did mine. Yes I am in love with my locks. I
have not had one bad hair day yet. You know Miami can get really
humid & hot well we now have the perfect hair for that.
Congrats to you & enjoy!!!!!
Pam
SL 6 months

Tea Tree oil isn't as oily as some of your other essential oils. I would
say for a 4oz. bottle maybe 2 drops. It really would depend on your
preference. Personally, I don't like the smell of Tea Tree oil, so whatever
amount is used, it still stinks the same. The more drops the stronger the
smell, I've found. I usually spray the mixture on my scalp after I've
washed my hair, once a week. I'm good until the next washing. I don't have
the itchy and flakey scalp problem that I had initially. It took about 1-2
months for that to clear up.
CC

One of those days when your locks wanted to act a fool, huh? We all have
those. But a bad hair day with natural hair looks SO much better than a
bad hair day with a perm!!! So I don't even sweat the bad hair days. As a
matter of fact, I never have them anymore. I just grab a headband and that
takes care of it. :-)
OK. Feel free to holler at me for help with the resizing and
compressing! There's a method to my madness. I get to see the pictures
first when I help folks out like that. <eg
You ladies are gonna be rockin' the house where you work. Everyone is
gonna be jealous and giving you the evil eye. LOL!
Honey you are SO welcome! What a wonderful message. Thank YOU! And
congratulations!
-- Sandy

Hello everyone,
My name is Dee and I live in Miami. I have been following the group
since March 2001.
Hi Pam. Hi Shantrell.
I was locked May 19, or more truthfully, May 20th at 1 a.m. We
started about 10 a.m. on the 19th. I have 2 inches of new growth,
but my hair is medium length. The rest is relaxed.
I have yet to hear a negative statement about my SL's and I too
am "lovin' every minute of it." I did have my first bad hair day
this week though.
No pictures, yet. All I have is one of those one-time use cameras.
When the film is used up, I'll get to figure out how to load them.
Thanks to you all for being yourselves. You have answered questions
for me. By looking in on your journeys, I became comfortable enough
to make the step. And I took a co-worker along with me. She was
locked the week before me, May 11.
If it were not for me, she would not be locked today. "How do you
spell FREEDOM?!" That is how she feels about her SLs.
If it were not for you, I may not be locked today.
THANK YOU!
Dee

Hi everyone,
This weekend June 9, 2001, Cierra For Jewellery is having a jewelry
show at: Highland Crest, Club House at 9842 Audelia Road, Dallas, TX
for more information Please call toll free: 1-866-424-3772. Check us
out on the web for new AND EXCITING PRODUCTS at CIERRAFORJEWELLERY.COM
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!@
MARIA

This is an interesting website, especially the webliography.
http://www.murchisoncenter.org/cyberhair/index.html
Diane
SL 5 months

In a message dated 6/6/2001 6:27:57 AM Pacific Daylight Time,

Luvissia,
I have been natural for over a year. I sometimes dream
that I am at the beauty salon and I am getting my hair
permed!!. I wake up in a panic. Don't know why it
happens, but I have no desire to perm my hair again
:-)
Jill

Thanks for the tips everyone! One question about the Aloe/Tea Tree
Mixture...should I apply that like I would apply a hair oil? Or
spritz it on the problem areas with a spray bottle? How many drops
of Tea Tree should I start with? (ok so that's like 4 questions! :-)
I go in for my first retightening this weekend so I'll run these by
my consultant before I proceed. :-)
I got my pictures re-loaded so they are much smaller now and load
much quicker (SANDY - THANKS FOR ALL OF YOUR HELP!!) I hope to add
some more photos this weekend (now I'm dying to try the Caruso steam
system to see how that works...I'm about due for a shopping spree at
Target!!!) :-)
Alexis
SL - 2 weeks!!

Just thought I'd share this....My daughter is 18 and so far has no interest in
going natural. I don't push her, (after all I've only been natural for a year)
and now the example has been set at home. It's not a happenin thing at her
school, she's a senior so I figure college will be different. Anyway this
morning as we were on our way to the train she was grumbling about how she
burned her forehead this morning with the curling iron. Then we started talking
and she was sharing memories of "gram-ma burning her head as she pressed her
tiny hairs close to her edges (making that sizzle sound)" Tee Hee, I told her
she was getting material ready for her own "hair story"
Devon

Hey Y'all!
I just wanted to let you all know that I am finally locked! It took
16 hours over Memorial Day weekend!! My pictures are at:

The next time you scan, use 72 or 150 dpi... nothing higher. Other that,
I'd have to know what kind of graphics software you're using before I can
give you any instructions.
Btw, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Typical. White folks actually like our hair. Black folks are afraid of
it. Go figure.
Sisterlocks moisture treatment... used in *very* light amounts on the
scalp. This is what got me through those initial stages when my scalp
didn't know how to react to not getting it's regular dose of grease.
:-) The apple cider vinegar rinse recipe for use after you shampoo will
help too.
I too only experience itching in the spots that were burned and damaged by
the relaxer. It's gonna take your scalp quite awhile to heal from the abuse.
It's your scalp that's itching, and it's your scalp that needs treating...
not your hair. After your hair has matured enough to use other products, I
suggest you ty Ebene Natural's scalp therapy. It's great for healing a
damaged scalp.
Or you might even ask your consultant if it's OK to use now -- if the
itching is *really* bad. It's a very light oil... almost watery, not
oily. But don't use it unless your consultant says you can... you don't
want to slow down the locking process. And I'd wait awhile anyway... the
scalp will probably calm down in a week or two. Don't start using stuff
unless you absolutely have to.
-- Sandy

Except that you have to set them 1 roller at a time. Which I didn't
really like. Or maybe I'm just too used to rolling my entire head at
once. Anyway, good luck if you decide to try them. I think there are
some members on this list who they work really well for.
Devon

Y'all I had a straight up nightmare. I dreamed that I had permed my
hair!!!! I have been all natural since March 2000, I began
transitioning in April 1999. (I currently wear two-strand twists.)
When I woke up I kept thinking where did that come from??!!!
In the dream I am walking through the hallway of some house, not my
mine, and I go into the hall bathroom and run my fingers through my
bone-straight silky hair...Oooooh!!! after all I have gone through to
be a nappyhead...like I said what a nightmare.

It's a system that uses steam to set the hair. You can get a set in about
15 minutes. Roll the hair dry, use the Caruso steam rollers, take it down
in a few minutes, and you've got a wave or curl (depending on the size
rollers and how your hair takes a curl).
I think it's the steam. Actually I've never used any other hot rolling
system, so I can't really say for sure.
Nothing wrong with that! Ask anything you want to know.
-- Sandy
SL - 10 months

Exactly what is this hair rolling system? How much
does it cost? What makes it different from any other
hot rolling system? Where do they sell these? I've
never heard of it.
I know, I ask alot of questions.
Vicky

Hi Trell and Devon,
With regards to using curling irons:
My sister, who has had her SLs for about nine months now, uses one of
those professional curling irons -- you know, the kind that you heat
up on a separate little "oven" and that the stylists would whirl
around. It works a treat on her hair (about six inches all natural
now, although when she started out with permed hair and about two
inches of natural hair...). So perhaps that will work for you two.
I don't use a curling iron on mine. I either twist it up and have
little Bantu knots on my head (which when undone give a rather wild,
yet fetching whirlwind of hair) or I set them on permrod rollers.
My big problem is that I work out daily and my head sweats. So I have
to give my hair time to air out before taking anything down.
Does that help?

that it just doesn't curl at all. It looks like a limp braid! I don't
want to use anything on my hair to help it because I'm very leery
about putting anything on my hair.

I wish I could have been there. All of you are gorgeous!
Belvery
SL 6 months
Message: 2
Date: Mon, 4 Jun 2001 09:33:20 -0500 (Central Daylight Time)
From: "Lillie Billingsley" <lillieb@...
Subject: Re: Re: Re: St Louis Nappies (was: Coming out of lurk mode: Home Girls)
My name is Lillieb, not Belvery. Sorry for the mistake. I am the other sister
that attended with the 2+ years Sisterlocks....lillieb

Yes. It works fine... just like it did in my perm days. I sometimes use
it on my bangs and sides.
Curling irons aren't meant to give a very tight curl... more like a
wave. You may need to get a smaller one if you don't like the curl you're
getting. That's what I did at first.
-- Sandy

Pam-
Please do let us know. I sorry to say I didn't have very good luck with mine. I
bought the set with 20 or more rollers but the curl was not tight enough. I'm
better with the good ole sponge rollers.
Devon

OK, after 25 posts. Who is Debora Johnson Ross? LOL!
Carol

WOW!!!!!!!!!
I guess alot of people e-mailed Mrs. Johnson-Ross at her office. I
get those kind of messages when I email my cousin at her office & she
will be out of town for awhile. Her email system automatically emails
you back that she is out of the office.
Pam

Hi everyone,
I purchased the Caruso System this weekend from Eckerds. I read here
that a few of you have it & you like it. I have not used it yet but I
am going to try it tonight. I'll let you all know how I like it.
Pam
SL 6 months

Debora Johnson-Ross is out of the office until July 20. Please contact her
at johnsonross@... if necessary. Thank you, Have a great summer.

I've purchased most of my ornaments from New Bein (http://www.newbein.com),
but you can also find them at hair stores. Deb Belton is here on our list,
and she sells them. You might want to contact her for a catalog. Her
email address is happynnappy@....
Once you get them and see them, you'll know how to put them on. Some of
them (the little cuffs that look like rings) may need to have 2 or 3 locks
pulled through if your locks are really thin like mine.
I haven't done any swimming in a pool, but I'd guess you're right. Just
wash it.
Everyone is different. Most settle down to washing their hair with the
same regularity as they did before they locked. I wash mine every other week.
-- Sandy
SL - 10 months