Natural hair

Good Morning,
Sandy, that style that Cherie described sounds very pretty.
Because your hair seems to be very curly I think it would look
charming on you.
vj
sl 1.5 mths

Yes I did see it Cherie. Not sure how it would work, though. It would
take a LOT of bobbypins to hold it up. It's only about 3 or 4 inches
now. But I'll sure give it a try. And I just might take you up on that
offer of help!
-- Sandy
SL - 11 months

(I wasn't sure if you read this or not under the original subject
line you posted under)
Sandy,
Here's an idea:
You could set your locks on rods, take the back and 'smooth' it all
up to the top of your head and secure with bobby pins and let some of
the curls from the top cascade down.
Now, since I used to do hair and we live in the same city, if you
need my help, just holla!
Cherie

OMG, Sandy! Were you just posing for the camera or did you really just
cut them like that? No mirror? I'm happy for you. I know you've been
wanting to do that for some time, now.
-Kim

That's the way I did it. No mirror! With the part nappy/part perm locks,
it was easy because I could feel the exact spot where I should cut
them. It took awhile, though. There are a LOT of locks back there.
Yeah... even though I was trying to keep the length in the back so I could
wear a roll for a wedding in September, I'm glad I went ahead and cut it
off. I just feel better now. I'm all natural!!
-- Sandy

Thanks Sandy -- yes, all that hair is natural...I started with about
6 inches of hair and was at the point of cutting it off again when I
stumbled across Sisterlocks. My consultant says I've grown about 4
inches in 13 months...I'm forcing myself to relax about it getting
too long...with Sisterlocks, I can finally handle it at any length.
Stephanie
SL - 13 months

Gurl you have got some HAIR!!
I'm sure I've asked before, but is that all natural?!?! Your hair is going
to be BEEUTIFUL!!
-- Sandy

I plan to try them too. They look pretty good. I'm still not ready for
hot oil treatments yet -- don't want to put too much oil on my hair -- but
the spritz is right up my alley!
Not tomorrow -- TONITE!!
-- Sandy
SL - 11 months

That's a feeling we're all familiar with. Joining the locs seems to be the
only real problem with tightening our own locks.
I'm never in a hurry when I do it, and it takes me about a week
altogether... a couple of hours over 4 or 5 nights.
Let us know the reaction of your family at the reunion!
-- Sandy

Thanks for the info on the spritz & eo. I will try them.
vj
sl 1.5 mths
If the Lord Bless I'll "see" ya'll tomorrow!!

Congrats Takeisha!!!!
I hope to take the class in the fall, I hope you have a great time at
the family reunion & we can't wait to see the pics!!!
BTW I am 7 months SL'd too!!!
Pam

Hello, everyone. I just wanted to share my excitement for finishing
my own tightening. I took the retightening class about two weeks ago.
When I started, it was a slow process at first, because I kept
joining locs together. I was so frustrated, I would quit and start
the next day. I was going too fast, I guess. I took my time after I
got my technique down. It went very well after that. I finished last
night around 9:30pm. It actually took me two weeks, but that was
because when I started, I would work for an hour and then get
frustrated and quit. I HAD to finish last night because I am going to
a family reunion in Chicago tomorrow morning (I am in Dallas, TX). I
had to get my locs straight before that! I want to represent SL to
the fullest while I am there. I can't wait to jump in the pool and
not worry about my hair. I haven't swam in a year and I am looking
forward to the freedom.
After I finished tightening, I washed my hair and styled it with
bantu knots. I left the front in Bantu knots and took the rest down
for a curly look. As soon as I return from Chicago, I will post some
pictures. I LOVE MY SISTERLOCKS!
Takeisha
SL 7 months

Thanks Sandy! Today, I was thinking that I want to break that
gallery down into sections for example: TWA's, Fros, Twist styles,
Locks, etc... so it will be a little easier to browse and find just
what you're looking to see.
Cherie

I was just checking the links on my website, and I just had to stop and
browse through Cherie's photo gallery again. Gurl you have got some pics
on those pages! Absotively posolutely gorgeous!
Love your site! Keep it up!
-- Sandy
SL - 11 months

Gerri,
The latest book on Sisterlocks is called The Sisterlocks Book. It will
be featured this weekend at the Homecoming. It's a big book, about the
height of an Ebony magazine, but much thicker. Dr. Cornwell includes
tips on how to handle bunching, shows lots of pictures and lists
consultants with photos of their work. It's a really nice book. You'll
love the pictures. Many will be in color. They have an ISBN number so
you'll be able to purchase/order it from anywhere soon. I got a sneak
peek last week. It's great.

Ok I am going to try this again to see if the link I place here will
highlight. Bare with me guys!!!
www.sisterlocks.com
www.divadzings.com/17months
Let's see what happens???
Pam

I dug around the web looking for some hair recipes that can be adjusted for
a spritz. I got these from www.onlinepharmacy.com.au. These blends were
created to be used as a hot oil treatment, but they can be adjusted for a
spritz. Assuming each recipe has the amount of oils for one ounce of
water, I would quadruple each recipe and add the oils to 4 oz. of water
(instead of the carrier oil) for a spritz. My 4 oz. spritz bottles last a
LONG time. eo = essential oil
~~~~~~~~~
"Use one of the following blends before you shampoo your hair. Pick the
blend which best matches your hair type. Mix the essential oils into a base
or carrier oil, then massage the scalp. Put a shower cap on (to trap the
heat) and then wrap hair and shower cap in a towel to condition and
strengthen the hair. Wait at least 1 hour before washing your hair.
The following blends should be mixed into 20 ml (1 tablespoon) of carrier
oil. A good carrier oil for hair is jojoba."
Oily Hair -
Blend 4 drops of basil eo, 4 drops of cypress eo and 2 drops of rosemary
eo into the carrier oil.
Dry Hair -
3 drops of lavender eo, 4 drops of sandalwood eo and 3 drops of geranium
eo.
Normal Hair -
3 drops of rosemary eo, 3 drops of lemon eo and 4 drops of geranium eo.
Dandruff -
4 drops lavender eo, 4 drops geranium eo, 2 drops of sandalwood eo.
Greasy dandruff -
3 drops of tea tree eo, 1 drop rosemary eo, 2 drops juniper eo, 2 drops
cedarwood eo, and 2 drops lemon eo.
I hope this helps!!! It sure helped me. :-)
-- Sandy

Oh thanks Sandy, I'll try it when I get home, I tried that here at
the office but it did not work.
Let me see if it will work now.
www.sisterlocks.com
Pam
7 months SL

Just type the entire web address, and your email software turns it into a
link automatically.
-- Sandy
SL - 11 months

Yes it's new. We have them every Monday and Thursday at 8 p.m. eastern
time. The system will send reminders just before the chat.
-- Sandy

Date: Tue, 10 Jul 2001 15:34:50 -0000
From: "pam" <pjammiejam2001@...
Subject: WONDERFUL CHAT LAST NIGHT!!!
Hello Sistas,
I really enjoyed our chat last night as usual, I can't
wait until Thursady for the next one.

Shevette thanks for that idea, I have not taken the class yes but it
is nice to know.I hope to take it this fall!!! I have an unrelated
question, that I have been meaning to ask. You see how you posted
that link to that particular website??? I have been noticing alot of
people doing that how exactly are yall doing it?? Are you cutting &
pasting or is there a prompt for you to click on to send it.
I would just like to know because sometimes I want to show yall
things I find too.
Thanks
Pam 7 months SL

Pat,
Your website is AWESOME! What a lot of work that must have been.
Your pictures are absolutely wonderful--such detail--and you're
looking gorgeous. Strut your stuff girl!
I think your kids have a future in photography. I'm so glad I found
you and your site last summer when I first discovered Sisterlocks.
Those of us who are newly locked and may be going through a few rough
stages can see that it all turns out good. In fact, every stage of
the journey is good. I loved your anecdotes and journaling. Keep it
up!
Toni
SL'd 5 days.

Pat,
Your hair is gorgeous!!!!!! I love it. I also have thin hair and in some
areas baby fine. I currently have two strand twist extensions and I plan
on getting SL'ed in September. The other day my husband asked me if my
hair would lock because it was so soft and fine. I am a little concerned
about this. Before the twists I had the wash and go hair. It would curl
up and with al little gel stay curly for the rest of the day. How long did
it take for your locks to thicken up??? Also what length was your hair
when you started??? And did you have the plucked chicken look at
first? And what size are your locks??
Whew!!!! I have said a lot!!! Sorry if I was long winded or asked too
many questions.
PS. I have lock envy now!!! :-)

WOW!! Times really goes by fast when you are Free!!
NAPPY and FREE that is ......
Anyway..... Hey LOCKITUP Friends. Just a note to say hello.
I am just updating my site .... so stop by and tell me what you think. You
are the first to see it.
It's been down for many months now ... but I'm FINALLY back!!!! Praise God.
It was a lot of work .. even with me having backups of everything I had to
repost all my pages again.
I now have a new web host and Domain name.
"DIVA D'zigns" is part of a new thing I'm working on.
Besides my Natural Hair Journey in the up coming months you will see my
other creative journeys, including apparel and accessories design, home
décor etc.
Stay tuned.
I've included a page showing my Sisterlocks at 17 months old as well as a
few
pages I completed several months ago but never posted.
So I hope all is going well with everyone. This is usually the time of year
everyone gets real busy with summer stuff.
I wish I could attend the Sisterlock Homecoming this year. My money is REAl
Funny right about now....!!!
I'm hoping someone else with a web site will document the events. (HINT)!!!!
So whoever goes take pictures .. keep us posted.
So I finally updated my pictures. I really see a difference from when I
first started this journey. As with any journey I have both good and bad
days. It really helps having friends around and I can say I've met many
because of the site. If you have not seen my entire site please review it
so you can see my hair's progress.
Thanks to all who asked what happened to me.
Also anyone I did not write back ... I'm sorry.
The move took a lot out of me. But I'm happy to say I start work (finally)
next week and things should be somewhat back to normal soon. Also I have a
couple of Sisterlock appointments coming up soon. I'm not really
advertising yet .... But the word is out I'm in Cincinnati now.
Please update your links to my new site. Also if you have a web site and you
removed my link, it can be added back again. Thanks for your patience.
Check out my new pages as well as my links pages.
I will be adding new links often as I had gotten behind keeping up with
that.
Please check for mistakes before I announce this to other groups.
If you see anything I missed e-mail me.
If you have not done so .. please sign the guest book.
Anyway ... drop me a line to keep in touch.
http://www.divadzigns.com/journey
The old link will still works but the one above is more direct.
http://welcome.to/NaturalHairJourney
Also my latest pics are on this page.
http://www.divadzigns.com/17months
Take Care, Pat

I remember emailing a woman who contracted lice from her kids (who
got them from school). She cut her locks off.
Your hair will take however long it wants to lock. If your hair is
tightly curled, your locks will be less likely to unravel. I wouldn't
worry about the time to lock. That's really not the biggest issue.
Like I said before, after 3 years, I was still able to pick my locks
apart. I think it's due to the fact that the Sisterlocks are created
with a pattern, so they're not tangled like traditional locks. Again,
if ya got tight curls, don't sweat over it :)

that in its natural state breaks combs. If I don't comb my hair for 2
days, I cry.(That's why I don't keep styles in my hair for more than
a day).
get the money and I'm in the US of A (unless anyone knows any SL
consultant in Spain).
solution to getting lice in your SL? (No, I don't think I'll ever be
in a situation where I'll have lice. It's just that I'm a natural
worrier and these kind of things keep me awake at 3 am. Please
satisfy my curiousity)

When I took the retightening class 3 years ago, I received the SL
tools in a little ziploc-type bag. B/c the tools have pointed ends,
they eventually poked a hole in the bag. I searched immediately for a
container to put my SL tools in to prevent losing them (especially
the small one). I bought a lipstick case - the kind usually covered
in fabric with a mirror inside & that snaps shut. You'll find that
the larger tool has to rest at an angle, but both tools do fit. I
bought mine at Ulta, but I'm sure they can be found wherever beauty
products are sold.
I did a quick search on the Web for these cases so I could provide
ya'll with an image of what I'm talking about. Take a look at the
single lipstick case at:
http://www.asianideas.com/lipstickholder.html

You're welcome Deb!
These styles are lovely! I want my hair to look like that!
-- Sandy
SL - 11 months

Cherie:
I found some spandex and lycra sleeping caps for my toddlers ( 2 yrs and
4 yrs) at a Black owned beauty supply shop. Sally's sometimes carries
them too. They stay on during the night until my toddler takes it off.
The caps fit snuggly around their heads.
Cheers,
Angel

Some of the braid magazines have had pictures of Sisterlocks, but the ones
that I've seen don't talk about them or even mention the name
Sisterlocks. They just show the name of the stylist.
I haven't seen or heard of anything that discusses Sisterlocks other than
what comes out of the Home Office. If you find anything, let us know.
-- Sandy
SL - 11 months

OMG, Her hair is beautiful!!!! Thanks Deb for posting the picture.
Mel
SL 10 months

Thanks Sandy for all the help in getting these photos filed!
OK ladies check out the photos in the two files named
SL Black Hair Sophist August 2001. The stylist is Keichelle Hendricks
out of Irvington, NJ.
This style was set on rollers, dryed for 45 minutes under the dryer
and fingerstyled.
Enjoy!
Deb

I am in search of any and all magazines, books, etc. that feature and
discuss Sisterlocks. I am always buying the latest braid and/or
natural hair magazines I can get my hands on, but it's just not
enough.
Does anyone know of any recent issues of natural hair magazines in
stores or online that I can access? The latest books that anyone
knows of would be especially helpful, too.
Thanks,
Gerri
SL-1 1/2 months

Thanks for the compliment. They were brand new when the picture was
taken, less than 24 hours old. I got them on July 5th. My
consultant curled them with a hot curler. Of course, I can't
replicate that look and I really don't want to use heat on them every
day. I bought some perm rollers today. We'll see how that works.
Better pictures coming!
Toni

Thanks for the reply. I'll keep ya'll posted as I go through the process.
Van

Hello Sistas,
I really enjoyed our chat last night as usual, I can't wait until
Thursady for the next one. I would have stayed on longer but I was
really tired.
The conversations we have are very interesting & informative I learn
soooo much everytime we chat.
I tried the twisitng & bantu knots last night my hair came out really
cute this morning.
Well I hope everyone's Tuesday is sunny & bright!!!
Have a great day!!!!

Certified Sisterlock Consultant in Memphis is Blenna Williams.....1889 Lamar Ave
...901-2720999...lillieb

Hi all,
I have finally grown my perm out enough to get my locks down. I have lost
the information concerning the technician in Memphis, TN. Will someone
please, please, please e-mail me the information again!
Thanks,
Van

Girl, I am loving your hair!! Are those new locs?? How do you get them
styled so nicely?? Wow.
You did have me scared for a second when I thought your hair was blonde in
back and black in front. I was glad to hear that the blonde hair belonged to
the woman behind you, lol.
*
* *
HeavnsGirl
* *
* *

In a message dated 7/9/01 4:50:04 AM Pacific Daylight Time,

Great! The festival is a wonderful time with lots of food, art, and
live music. I'll get back to you with an exact date.
Deb

Sure. It's listed as Keichelle Hendricks at Kukaberry's in Irvington,
NJ

hello, I've very tightly curled hair. I mean really tight. Hair that in its
natural state breaks combs. If I don't comb my hair for 2 days, I cry.(That's
why I don't keep styles in my hair for more than a day).
I get the message my hair is sending me. But I have to wait till I get the
money and I'm in the US of A (unless anyone knows any SL consultant in Spain).
How long will it take for my hair to lock up? And what's the solution to getting
lice in your SL? (No, I don't think I'll ever be in a situation where I'll have
lice. It's just that I'm a natural worrier and these kind of things keep me
awake at 3 am. Please satisfy my curiousity)
Anni
Not one shred of evidence supports the notion that life is serious.

Dear Ladies,
Would you like to have a Nappy Day around the African
Festival of The Arts Labor day weekend in Chicago? For
people traveling out of town the African fest is a big
event so maybe we can coordinate the two activities.
Let me know what you think.
Deb

Hi Cherie,
I am having the same locking situation as you, my SL's seem to be
locking from the base at my root 1st. The locking is going down my
lock. Most of my ends are still not locked. I started with all
natural hair with some color on the ends.
Pam
7 months SL

My locking process is kinda hard to describe, so bear with me here. If any
of it isn't clear (it's kinda early in the morning <g
As many of you know, from the first day I got my SL my hands were up in my
head *all* the time. I just love to feel them. So I've felt every single
itty bitty change in my locks from day 1.
Keep in mind that the changes I describe here didn't happen to all of my
locks at the same time. I have have a few that are just beginning this
process at 11 months.
The very first change I noticed was that the locks began to twirl
themselves into a tight coil... exactly like the spring in an ink pen. Of
course this made them shorter, but that's what nappy hair -- and especially
locking -- is all about. I could pull them out or twist them in the
opposite direction of the coil, thereby straightening it, and they would
just spring back into a coil. coil.
Once the coil was tight, after a few weeks, it no longer felt like a
coil. It then felt like a lock. Maybe that was when my locks were 'set',
but I don't actually remember when... how many months along in the
process... this happened.
So... my locks didn't start locking in any particular point of the
lock. The entire lock did it's thing. That is to say the natural hair
went through this coiling thing. The relaxed hair on the ends just hung
there... didn't twist into a coil or anything. When this coiling process
began, that's when I could tell exactly where my natural hair ended and my
relaxed hair began. Because of my wavy curl pattern (as opposed to kinky),
it was difficult to find this separation point at first because it all
looked the same. Once the natural hair began to change, it was a lot
easier to see and feel the difference.
I hope this has helped. I don't know if this coiling process is the norm
for Sisterlocks, or if it was just the way *my* hair locked. Maybe other
people's SLs go through a different process. I don't know.
-- Sandy
SL - 11 months (I gotta take some pictures!)

Hi,
To all whose hair has began locking or is already fully locked, where
did the locking process first take place?
I just read on another forum someone was asking where does locking
start and someone answered and said from the tips.
I assumed this was someone with traditional locks that perhaps were
started with 2-strand twists.
Now, I've heard some people say that locking starts closer to the
scalp (not AT the scalp, but a little ways down from the scalp) and
others have said from the ends. I am guessing that it depends on the
method in which the locks were started ie. twists, free-form, braids,
or SLs.
I have noticed in my braid/locks that the ones that seem to be
starting to lock have started about 1/4 " from the base as opposed to
the ends.
I was just wondering if it's the same for SLs.
Thanks,
Cherie

Express had lots of colors last year - I bought blue, red, tan,
white, and black. However, I saw some at Ulta yesterday. The Cosmo
brand was $2.99 and some other brand was $5. I think they only had
them in black.

Hello everyone,
Been off line for quite some time due to a family emergency. Really missed
reading my mail from this group...still trying to catch up.
Been seeing comments about Kaylois' article. How can I access it...is there
a website that has it printed? I would love to read it.
Thank you.
Hope you all are well.
(PS. Saw Toni's picture. What beautiful new SL's...Congratulations!)
Anya

I started out with 419. I don't really know why I counted them. There
just seemed to be so many of them that I asked a friend to count them...
just out of curiosity. Since then I've created 2 more, saw that they just
weren't gonna work, combined them into others, and am back at my original 419.
-- Sandy
SL - 11 months

Nice color, Pam!
Ya got me thinking about a little color again. :-)
-- Sandy
SL - 11 months

If I can get a good scan I'll upload it.

There is a pic in August issue of Black Sophisticates August issue.
What's interesting is the size as they appear a little thicker but
quite gorgeous! The stylist is out of NJ and the mag also gives lock
numbers from 250-500 locks.
I'm looking at the photo and would guess her lock count to be around
350 locs. SL people are often described as a little crazy because
we ... sometimes count our locks. My question is this. Does anyone
reading the board have numbers similar to this pic? If so did you
start out with this number or end up with it due to combining?
If you combined your locks are they easier to care for or style? How
has seperation been affected?
Deb

Pam,
That color is very becoming on you. Enjoy!

Hi Ladies,
I tried it one more time, I posted better pics of the color that I
put in my hair. See if you like it.
Pam
7 months SL

In a message dated 7/8/2001 9:27:42 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
Toni-Scott@... writes:
Well, he did a very good job. I guess everyone's hair responds different to
the curling iron b/c I tried using a medium sized iron on mine, but it never
gives me the right curl, so I usually just stick to the perm rods.
Girl, it's OK to confess your hair sins b/c we're all family, LOL. Really,
the important thing is that you came home to Sisterlocks!!
Trell
SL-2 months

That's great to hear! I'm going to a family reunion
in Tennessee next
month. It'll be interesting to see the reactions I
get.
================
Sandy I am going to be in the same boat. I got my hair
done 12/2/2000. Every year I go home for thanksgiving
and I can't wait until they see my hair. My mom wanted
me to come home to get my hair done she didn't think I
would get what I wanted here in Illinois. Then when I
sent the pics I heard the hesitation in saying how
beautiful I looked b/c technically unless you know
what to look for in the future, SL's can be scarey.
I knew what I would look like in the long haul so I'm
just waiting for their reactions now after 7 months..
I love my SL's but I didn't always, I just knew it
would take time...as with anything..lol
At 10 months your hair is looking good gurl...I love
viewing your pages, Im going to look at CC's, Kim's
and Sigrid. Is Pat's site up again?
===================
=====
I'm addicted to books r u?

Toni your SL's look fabu girl go head....wow.
==========

===========
If its one thing I have learnt with SL it is to give
them time to do their thing. When we first put a perm
in our hair, isn't it difficult to manage that first
week. The perm needs to work itself into our hair.
SL's are the same. Initially I was uneasy about my
hair but all in allI knew this was the way to go I
gave them time and now I love my hair. I haven't
update my site in weeks, but if your interested in

Thanks Sandy,
I ordered the book today, can't wait to see what all the rave is
about!!!
Pam

Hi Kim,
I just looked at David's hair his locks are stunning!!!! I looked in
the book to refresh my memory of him, his hair has certainly grwon
alot. Wow 7 months between retightening & I was worried because it
took me 9 weeks to get mine retightened. Go figure (smile)
Thanks for sharing!!!
Pam
SL 7 months

Good Morning,
Ladies I posted some pics of my hair that I just colored. To me They
are not that good, kind of blurry. I am going to take a couple more
in extreme light so you can see the color really good.
I love how it looks, I used Clairol Textures & Tones in 7g- Lightest
Blonde permanent hair color. This particular brand is suppose to be
for our hair type. I did not get a real blonde color I only wanted a
light golden brown kind of color.
I did not leave it on for as long as the instructions said, because
my hair always colors fast. I love the color though it is beautiful.
I put it in the front to frame my face & I also put it in the back,
the nape area, so when I pull my hair up you can really see it.
This brand seems to be very gentle, my hair is not dry or brittle at
all.
Just as a precaution I have been taking Sandy's advice & spritzing my
hair, keeping it moisturized. I put some of that Carol's Daughters
Herbal Rinse/Mist in a spray bottle & also I bought some Organic Root
Stimulator Elastic & Tea Herbal Leave In Lotion with Horsetail,
Gelatin & Honey & put that in a spray bottle too so I can keep my
hair spritzed. I get the best ideas here on this group!!!
Well I hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful Sunday morning.
Pam
7 months SL

Thanks for the compliments.
This picture was taken exactly 24 hours after I had my locks put in.
(Which probably explain why they look so good. My consultant is
great.) He used a small curling iron. Of course by then I had slept
on them, so I just touched up the sides myself.
I started with "pretty much" all natural hair. I haven't confessed
this before, but in December, when my hair was all natural and
getting to be about 2 or 3 inches long, I tried the Naturalaxer
product. I used mild and didn't leave it on as long as they said to,
but I still ended up with some straight ends. Also, it left my hair
very rough, dry and brittle. I've trimmed some of it, but I guess I
have about 1 to 1-1/2 inch of chemically treated hair. I hate I ever
did that.
Toni

LOL...Thanks Sandy! :-)

I uploaded a couple of photos of David to the Brotherlocks folder in
our files section. David has had his locks four and a half years. He's
featured on page 158 of That Hair Thing book. I retightened his hair in
December. I just did it again today, seven months later. He's a
merchant seaman so he's out to sea a lot. He had a lot of new growth
but it only took 5 hours to retighten because he was consistently
separating his hair while he was out to sea. Considering the length of
time between retightenings, his hair looks great.
-Kim

It's at http://www.maverickwear.com
They have two or three different styles. Get the one named Miss Lucy or
Lucy Something-or-other.
-- Sandy

Hi ladies,
Well, the last two chats I've missed :-(
But the one right before the last two I was there and there was
discussion about satin bonnets and scarfs and someone mentioned a
sleeping cap that does NOT come off at night.
I was wondering if someone would please refresh my memory as to the
name of this cap and also where I can find them (I think I recall
someone mentioning a website where they can be found online)
Thanks in advance!
Cherie

Hey all,
Sorry I missed the chat on Thurs. I wish that I could get a transcript of
the chat group b/c when I am not there I feel like I missed the party, LOL.
Hopefully I will be able to make it on Mon., if not I will be there on Thurs.
I was at my retightening session & it went great. This was only my 2nd
retightening, but it only took 3 hours. The consultant said that my hair is
doing great & I didn't have much slippage. I already made my next appt. in 5
weeks b/c I prefer the neater look that my SLs have right after retightening.
I am really looking forward to being able to take the retightening class so
that I can be more independent w/ my hair. The Certified Sisterlocks Trainer
down here (in Miami) says that she will probably offer the class in the fall &
hopefully it will be around my 6 month mark so that I can be in that group!!
I have noticed that certain parts of my hair still get tender, not as much
as when I first got my locks, but I guess there's no getting around that. I
also got a refill on my SL shampoo & when I used it this morning, it smelled
like it had alcohol in it! Has anyone else noticed that? I could've sworn I
had a glass of liquor in the shower w/ me this AM, LOL. I really wish that we
could know exactly what's in this product...Anyway, my hair has grown quite a
bit & I am planning to take some pictures to share w/ the group soon.
TTFN,
Trell
SL-2 months

Hey Toni,
Your hair looks great, it has a nice curl to it. How do you get it like
that? On rods? Curling iron? Also, did you start w/ all natural hair & how
long have you had your locks?
Trell

You mean you don't already own it?! SHAME ON YOU!!
Go to
http://home.earthlink.net/~diamonique/lockitup/books.html and click on that
book. It'll take you to Amazon and you can order it there and put a few
pennies in my pocket at the same time. <g
-- Sandy
SL - 11 months

Now Sandy you are going to make me go buy that book, girl!!!
PAM

to tightened because the are so tiny, not just around my edges but
all over my head. I would like to be able to wear in a freestyle as
well as evenually put it in a french roll for a more professional
look. I don't necessarily wish to wear in the styles that I wore
when I was straightening my hair. My consultant did not tell me what
my curl pattern was but I have pretty kinky hair with some thining in
the front of my head. (That's a layman's assessment.) I understand
that they will thicken with time, but if they are too thin I want to
make the ajustment sooner then later so I guess I am trying to find
out what my options are so that I can be better informed. I plead
guilty for being so excited to get them in that I didn't apparently
ask the right questions up front. I appreciate your response.

Wow... in going through this book again, it reminds me of just how great
this book truly is. It should be a *must* in every black person's home.
-- Sandy

In a message dated 7/7/01 4:46:53 AM Pacific Daylight Time,

I bought mine at Express, but it was about a year ago if not a little
longer...
*
* *
HeavnsGirl
* *
* *

Your hair looks really nice. Is that a woman with blonde hair behind
you? At first I thought that you had the top cropped with long
blonde hair in the back that is loose.
Carol
SL-10 months... almost :)

Very nice, Toni! Geez I sure wish my hair looked like that the first
day! I know you're thrilled!
-- Sandy
SL - 11 months

Hi everybody,
A lady with a digital camera was kind enough to take a picture of me
last night at my scrapbook session, so I went ahead and uploaded it.
I have taken some close up pictures but I need to get the film
developed this weekend, so better pictures are coming!
Toni

You don't know yet if they're too small. If they've only been in one week,
they haven't begun to mature and thicken yet. They will get larger over
time. Give it time. They are probably the correct size.
-- Sandy
SL - 11 months

My sisterlocks have been in one week and they are too small. What can
be done at this point to have larger locks at least in the back of my
hair.

I started on Monday working a littl each night and last night I
finished tightening my whole head. I am very pleased with myself.
It was a little frustrating at first because I did join a few locks
but I finally got the hang of it and did OK I think.
The best thing is that I have no pain. In doing my own I now know
what causes the pain and how to avoid it. I don't have to do it again
until Sept. The next time I may let my consultant do it. I feel
even more free now that I can retighten my hair myself.

YOU GO GIRL, WITH YOUR BAAAAAAAAAAAAD SELF!
Im just happy that I can print your article and keep it as a
reference article, because the history is there, and I felt it was
about me. You brought back so many memories. THANKS

I just came from my first professional tightening since
March. The back didn't need work because they are medium
to large and easy for me to do while watching the news.
However, the crown, top and sides are small and medium.
They comprise of 2/3 of my 400+ locs and had about 1/2
to 1 inch of new growth.
ONE hour after arriving, she said "Done" and "$20". I
couldn't believe it! She didn't get it too tight because
I told her to leave it loose. She is African we know how
tight they braid. Well, some of them tighten the same way.
LOL! She also peeked at the back and told me that I am
doing a very good job at doing my own maintenance. Giving
her $24 was a pleasure.
Even though I can retighten my own locs, I will return
every couple of months. It was worth it to avoid
accidentally joining small locs in the crown.
Sigrid - SL 25 months

This is a myth that's perpetrated by folks for reasons beyond my
comprehension. Let's just say that some folks just don't like Sisterlocks,
and they come up with all kinds of stories to turn people away from them.
Here's the truth. Any locks will break off -- traditional locks, freeform
locks, whatever -- if not well cared for. There is no truth to the myth
that Sisterlocks will break off because they're so thin. If the consultant
parted the hair correctly, the locks will be the correct size to support
themselves. The same is true for traditional locks.
Don't let folks who obviously have 'issues' with Sisterlocks tell you
anything about Sisterlocks. They haven't taken the classes, they haven't
had Sisterlocks themselves, and they know nothing about them. You've been
in this email group for awhile, discussing hair with lots of folks who do
have Sisterlocks. What do you hear from them? I'd be more interested in
hearing from folks who know what they're talking about from experience and
education rather than folks who just have a thang against Sisterlocks.
As you've probably already learned from being a part of this email group,
Sisterlocks have a pretty good-sized price attached to them in the
beginning, and you have to go back to your consultant for maintenance and
retightenings for the first few months. After your locks have settled you
can take the class and maintain your locks yourself. That is all there is
to the maintenance. Some folks don't like the cost... they say natural
hair should be cost-free. IMO it's all a matter of preference.
You're doing the right thing by doing your homework. Just be sure that
when you ask folks about Sisterlocks, you're asking someone who actually
knows what the hell they're talking about. :-)
-- Sandy
SL - 11 months

Hi All,
I've been in serious lurk mode for awhile now. I recently completed
the Sisterlocks Consultant Training (June 25th) and during class I
asked about coloring to cover gray hair. Several of the other
trainees suggested Bigen hair color and our trainer (Celeste Geary!)
did not disapprove. I'm not sure anymore if I even want to cover my
grays after speaking with Celeste. She complimented my locks and said
that I needn't cover my gray. She called them my "little badges of
honor" :-)
But I'm still curious. Has anyone here tried Bigen? --Results?
--Comments?
Thanks in advance :-)
Peace,
Sandust

I missed you too!
I had to do some updates to the ANHA website, and new class dates for
Everette's website. By the time I finished all that it was 9:30 and I
figured the chat was over.
I'll be there on Monday!
-- Sandy
SL - 11 months

Oh you poor thing. How dare that woman spread such a vicious lie.
Right, here's my experience.
I have worn my hair natural a long time, but only got them SL'ed in
April. I immediately like them (no plucked chicken stage for me). I
am a VERY low maintenance woman. If my hair takes longer than 10
minutes a day to do I figure why bother. Add to that the fact that I
have taken to working out most mornings and my head sweats profusely
you would have all the ingredients of a person who needs a hair style
that is easy, robust and low maintenance. SLs are. After you first
get them locked, you can immediately start to spritz them with water
(I used water and tea tree oil) to help them thicken up and keep your
scalp from itching. Unlock traditional locks, (which I have also had)
they don't require a long period of not immersing your head in water
(i.e. washing them in a shower)but can be washed straight away (with
braiding and branding to protect the ends). They are practically get
up and go --- a rake with your hands and voila! they are ready.
I think that if SLs were being done as traditional locks (meanning
theywere being rolled to keep them kempt) then perhaps they would
break off. But SLs aren't. THe process is completely different and I
think a lot less damaging to your head.
I had a traditional loctician tell me the same thing about SLs years
ago and I believed her. At the time, there wasn't anyone here in the
UK doing SLs. I wish I hadn't and waited until I met my consultant
here to do my hair. Don't believe the negative hype that traditional
folks will tell you. I suspect there may be a grain of jealous there
perhaps.
What do the rest of you ladies think?
Kaylois
the deal:
Like any hair, if you don't care for SLs, they wont look good. But

Hi everyone.
I want to keep you all update on my process in the journey of
obtaining Sisterlocks. So far I have purchased the book "That Hair
Thing", and I must admit Ms. Cornwell is "hittin and holdin" with
what she wrote in that book. Im waiting for the video "Come Home to
SIsterlocks", to arrive in the mail. Joining this club has been very
inlightening for me. Everyone is kind, supportative, and I could not
have asked for better. As I wait for a response from the Sisterlock
Company for a listing of referrals, (nor have I forgotten the ones
from this club) called the natural hair care salon "Cornrows and
Company" to ask if they have Sisterlock consultants on site. I was
told that they only do TRADITIONAL locks, and NO they DO NOT have
Sisterlock consultants on site. From the way she sounded made me ask
her if they avocate or approve of Sisterlocks, and she became REAL
quiet. Then she said: "let me say this. When you wear you hair in
very thin locks, they have a tendency to break off because of the
weight. They may look good, but locks are VERY high maintenace, and
if you dont take care of them, they will rot and your hair will fall
out". I thanked her for her time and advise, but I was floored.
Maybe I misunderstood, but what does that sound like to you? GETTING
SISTERLOCKS IS A BIG MISTAKE?? I know that all hair styles require
maintenance, but girlfriend sounded like having Sisterlocks was a 24
hour job. This is just totally the oppoiste of what I have been
hearing from this site, and everyone on this site seem to be postive
and thrilled about your Sisterlocks. Since I refuse to live in
ignorance, please inlighten me. Im still in favor of getting
Sisterlocks, but it was distrubing to hear such negativity from
another well known "black hair care salon", others who have
Sisterlocks supports and recommends the books that come from that
salon.

--- In LockItUp@y..., "Kaylois Henry " <writediva@n...
Kaylois,
What a magnificant article/cover story!!!! I was going into City
Hall (Dallas) and low & behold there was your name in LARGE PRINT and
that beautiful lady on the cover!!! I was blown away, couldnt wait
to blab it on Lockitup!! (Hope you didnt mind too much). I gave a
co-worker one of the magazines also. (Kim supplied the link
address). I was especially touched by the woman who was a former
addict. (man, I had no idea).
Again Congratulations.
vj
sl 1mth

--- In LockItUp@y..., Toni-Scott@A... wrote:
Congratulations Toni,
vj
sl 1mth

Thanks Sandy,
You answered my question perfectly. I appreciate any and all
responses {Iam here to learn & help when possible}!!!
vj

Hello Ladies,
I just read the story that Kaylois wrote, I have one word Awesome!!!!
I loved it, I am at work but I took the time to read it & it was very
good. I really related to the womens's personal stories.
You Go Kaylois Girl!!!!!
Oh by the way the chat was great last night, We did miss you Sandy!!
Pam
SL 7 months

Yes! We wanna see!
-- Sandy
SL - 11 months

I know you didn't ask this of me specifically, but I think I can answer
you. The first 3 inches of your hair will always be the 'newest' part of
the lock, so they won't be settled/locked/etc. When you remember that our
hair grows at an average of 1/2 inch per month, you realize that 3 inches
represents 6 months growth... therefore the first 3 inches will always be
going through that 'new' stage. I think that's what Sigrid was referring to.
-- Sandy

Hey ladies,
THanks so much for the kind words about the article. You know, I
couldn't have done the article without your help. The background
information and feeling of,well, dare I say it, sisterhood here,
really helped in writing that thing up.
I must say, I am pretty proud of that baby, considering I've been
writing and re-writing it for the last month. I've had a great time
reporting it -- there are so many stories that I could have included
that I just didn't have room for. As it was, the story is 4,000 words
long (for which I was a PAID a princely sum!) so some got cut out. I
am still waiting for the story to run on BBC national radio over
here, which should be in a month or so. I was going to tell you guys
when it was posted, but it looks like some lovely woman beat me to
it. Thanks again, y'all. I'll let you know when the BBC one gets
broadcast!
Kaylois

Yes, Ladies, I finally got Sisterlocks last night. Some of you who
were in the chat last night already know this. I'm so pleased with
them and so glad to get started on my journey. A friend who plans to
get her Sisterlocks in the next few months came by last night to see
them and we talked until 11:00 p.m. about it. I haven't been so happy
about my hair in a while!
I had learned so much from this group that I didn't really have any
additional questions for my consultant!
I took some pictures last night, and I'll post some by next week.
Toni
(SL'd yesterday!)

The first 3 inches will never be "locked".
Questions: is this bc of your texture or is it common w/most SL??
Question: Does the lock seem to feel hard??
They still don't look
I can relate!!!! What do you do with your hair when it "falls"?
What are your favorite styles??
What an inspriation!!!!
and yesterday gave me a
Congratulations on 2years and 1 month!!!
Thank you again!!
vj
sl 1mth

Wow! That was an excellent article. I know several people I'd like
to send it to.
Toni

--- In LockItUp@y..., dmoorman@c... wrote:
Diane,
You have the same question as me. I started w/5-7 inches of all
natural hair, my consultant left the last 1-1 1/2" loose. It has
been somewhat of a nuisance. When it is curled it syles beautifully,
but if I spritz it tends to have a "scattered" look on the ends. I
was told that the ends would eventually lock all the way out. It
seems to have started in the back but the top is still just
as "straight" as ever. She later told me that it could take up to a
year or it might have to be cut away as my hair goes out. I probably
didn't answer your questions, but you've come to the right place.
Just know your not along. Even with the straight frizzy ends I still
Love my Sister Locks!!!
vj
sl 1mth

Thanks for posting the link.....I hope you are able to view some of
the photos also.
vj
sl 1mth

Oh my! This is a *wonderful* article! Good goin' Kaylois!
-- Sandy
SL - 11 months

Kim Hall thought you would be interested in this article at
http://www.dallasobserver.com
-------
Your friend's comments
Here's Kaylois' article from the Dallas Observer.
-------
Happy Nappy Girls
Getting their hair straightened for the first time was a rite of passage. But a
group of Dallas women has found freedom in reclaiming nappier days.
http://www.dallasobserver.com/issues/2001-07-05/feature.html

Does the Dallas Observer have an online newspaper? I'd love to read her
article.
-Kim

Good question. They're only sold to trainers and consultants. A client
will receive the tools during the retightening session. If more are
needed, clients have to purchase them through their consultant. Thanks
for asking the clarifying question.
-Kim

I won't be able to make it to the chat tonight.
Have fun!
-- Sandy

I have a question about the loose ends on my Sister Locks. I got my
locks 6 months ago with 2 inches of all natural hair. My hair is soft
and fine and I know that it will take a while to actually lock. The
hair on top of my head is straighter than the sides and back and the
loose ends on top are longer than the rest. They seem to have
actually slipped. Is it possible to re-lock those loose ends, or does
the entire lock have to be taken our and re-started?
Thanks.
Diane
SL 6 months

some major changes you've seen with your hair (lenght,
texture etc)??<<
No regrets here. This is the BEST hair decision I've
ever made next to ceasing to perm/relax/texturize again.
It is now actually "locked" and it took over 1 year to
that to happen. The first 3 inches will never be "locked".
That means when/if I don't want long hair, I'll need to
keep it at least 4 inches or deal with slippage. It fluffed
up last year and now it is in the condensing stage so some
are appearing smaller in diameter. They still don't look
like skinny braids as they did in the beginning.
I'm really learning to understand my true hair texture.
It is soft and fragile but with locs it can be handled
with less fear of breakage. I mistakenly thought that my
"no curl holding in the summertime" hair was caused by
straightening. It still goes flat when the heat of the sun
hits but spritzing with water kinks it up.
I only have 3 inches of the 6-8 inches of Dark and Lovely
colored ends left. That product jacked up my ends so it
broke off quite a bit during the early "no oils" stage.
So... it is still 6-10 inches long after all of this time.
My sister tells me that it is longer but I don't think so.
MY ADVICE: STAY AWAY FROM TRADITIONAL COLORING PRODUCTS!

(co-workers, family etc).<<
Nonblack co-workers have not changed -- always positive or
neutral. Perm-addicted blacks seem to tolerate my hair (as
if they have a choice) and others have lots of positive
comments. Black folks like longish hair.
My immediate family has always been into natural hair.
My 75 year old Mother has locs and yesterday gave me a
picture of her Angela Davis afro from the 60s. I'll post it
when I get some scanning time.
The rest of my family generally takes our lead on nearly
everything so they dare not say anything negative.
Sigrid - SL 25 mths

LOL..... Sandy maybe you've been running this list a little too Long......
SMILE
How funny........

She has an excellent article in the "Dallas Observer". Her article
begins on the FRONT page. Its a huge write up, with several pages
full of information about women who have gone natural. Titled "Happy
Nappy girls", its very touching. Some of the people featured
attended the Nappy Hair Affair in Dallas (Duncanville).
vj
sl 1mth

As you approach the 2yr mark with sister locks, what are some major
changes you've seen with your hair (lenght, texture etc)?? Also,
what changes {if any} have you noticed in people (co-workers, family
etc). I have always read you posts with great interest, you seem
very knowledgable about sister locks (Sandy, Pat, Kim and others as
well). Iam indebted to all of you!!!
Thank you for sharing.
vj
sl 1 mth

ROTFL!!!
Sandy, girl that is TOO funny. Poor thing...glad it was only a
dream :-)
Cherie
CL - 2 months

Tuesday night I dreamed I took the consultans training class.
Then I got my first client. She had about 12 inches of very kinky very
thick hair. Somehow the more I locked the bigger her head got. When I was
halfway done, we broke for a meal; and when we got back to work, I was
almost starting from the beginning.
I honestly woke up in a sweat. LOL!
-- Sandy

Great pictures, Sue. The view from the back looks quite filled in. Very
good for the first week.
So tell us Sue... do you love it or what?!
-- Sandy
SL - 11 months

Quite nice, Sue. You are definitely on your way!
Sigrid
SL 25 mos

For all of you have have joined us recently and don't know what those
little notes after our signatures, a few months ago we thought it would be
fund to sign off on all our LockItUp posts with the amount of time we've
had our Sisterlocks. Just a little something to help us all to understand
the stage a person is in when you're reading their messages. So... as you
can see from my signature below, I've had my Sisterlocks for 11 months.
Please join us in adding this to your signatures. Of course it's not a
requirement, and many times we forget... but we try to remember most of the
time.
-- Sandy
SL - 11 months

Hi Everyone,
I have finally posted some pictures of my sisterlocks. There are 3
pics in the pictures folder under Sue's pictures. These are pictures
from my first week with sisterlocks. I will post some more current
pictures soon. As you can see my hair is pretty short, but it has
grown a few inches in the past 4 mths (Hooray).
Sue
SL 4 mths

Good luck, Pam. Let us know how it goes. And please be sure to keep your
hair well moisturized.
-- Sandy
SL - 11 months

Jambo Leighann,
I agree wholeheartedly. Asante sana for the words of
encouragement.
Blessings,
Martha

Hello Ladies,
Happy 4th of July!!!! Well I just wanted to let you all know I am
coloring my hair today. I was going to wait until my year anniversary
in December, but I really want some light color streaks in the front.
I have not used any color since March when I did a highlight retouch.
Anyway I bought Clairol Textures & Tones in 7g- Lightest Blonde which
should give me some really nice light golden frost looking color in
the front of my head. I already have some color all through out my
head, it has grown out alot though, it is really on the tips now. The
color is permanent, I usually go with the semi permanent but
sometimes it does not lighten the hair that good.
Well wish me luck I will let you all know how it went!!!
Pam
SL 7 months

Trell, I love her products too, but they are notoriously bad with shipping.
If you live anywhere near the NY area, you'd be much better served to go to
the store
(Dekalb Avenue in Brooklyn). It's beautiful.
Leighann

In a message dated 7/4/01 7:11:29 AM Central Daylight Time,

In a message dated 7/3/01 5:10:26 AM Pacific Daylight Time,

Let me know how you like the herbal rinse. When I finish up the one I have
from Ebene Naturals, I might try a rinse from Carol's Daughter.
-- Sandy

Ok let me try this for the 3rd time, for some reason I replied to the
clipping stray hair post but it won't show up, so I am going to try
this again I am at work so maybe that is the reason.
As I wrote before, I went to get my retightening last night that is
why I missed our chat room, and my consultant Sista Sherrie cut off
the stray hair as she retightened each lock, she said this would not
harm my hair at all, today is my 7 month being SL'd. I really needed
my hair groomed. I had alot of stray hairs on my locks. Anyway I am
sooo happy my hair is doing great & it looks beautiful!!!!
Pam 7 months SL