A Year Later

I re-tightened yesterday and just realized as I was uploading these pictures that it has been about a year since I braided my hair up and started the re-locking journey! Wow!

In that time I have contemplated taking them out and starting over, changing the re-tightening method, going to larger locks, and even shaving my head. I've been really frustrated with the time it took to do my hair, after having traditional locks for so long that only took me an hour to re-tighten. I have also experimented with some different products--wax, loc butter, gel, etc.


I have also cut my hair at least three times because I've gotten fed up with frizzy ends and unraveling braids. And I combined most of my locs, because I was really tired of spending 8-10 hours on my hair, even if it was only once every 6-8 weeks (on average, though I have experimented with timing of re-tightenings too).


All that to say that despite all the trial and error, I am happy with my hair. I have found what works for me as far as maintenance of my locs. You will too. Just keep the faith and don't give up on your natural hair journey!


Here is what I did for this re-tightening:

1. I washed my hair with Suave Clarifying Shampoo, then used a deep conditioner. I know there are folks who say not to do this, but I have found that I really need to. The beauty of black hair is that we are all unique--keep experimenting and find out what works for you!
   
2. Then I interlocked the new growth by hand. I have found this to be faster than using the Nappy Loc Tool for me. I don't interlock as tightly as I could because that really gives me a headache for a couple of days (and I am not tender-headed). Instead, I twist the small amount of hair at the root. I have found that this just makes for a "neater" looking loc. Yes, I prefer the "groomed" look. I use some Lock n Twist Gel, along with Loc Butter by Carol's Daughter for the interlocking/twisting.
3. I finish with some Carol's Daughter Lisa's Hair Elixer and Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner. When my ends get too frizzy (they are still "open"), I use either Carol's Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey or Hair Milk, depending on how bad it is!

My hair is locking very nicely. The size of each lock is good, and I have gotten the re-tightening down to 4 hours. I can live with that! My hair still grows pretty fast, but I don't think I'll cut it again for awhile. I'd like to get some length to see what I can do with it. Stay tuned!!