Do you still love your hair?

I received this lovely Comment/ Question:

Finding your blog is a wonderful thing, I'm so excited and your hair is beautiful. I also have 3a,3b hair type and my hair is 14 inches long and the price I've been given is 600 is that to much? What size locs did you receive, micro,small,med or large? Do you still love your hair? I love your blog page, please fill me in?

Thank you for the lovely compliment. I am actually loving every minute of my hair. Like most others with sisterlocks or another type of locks, I can truly say that I wish I had done it sooner. Actually the price that you quoted sounds very very very good. Last year (2006) was when I had my first quote and consultation. I was told it would be $1,400. WWWHHHOOAAA. I did not let that discourage me, I knew that I had my heart set on sisterlocks and that I would somehow get them. I am glad that I did waited because I just love my consultant and I think she is great, she was a blessing and she didn't charge me $1,400 like the other one was. LOL!

My lock size varies. I have a combination of large, medium, and small. I have large locks around the hairline (which I am grateful for). The larger ones around my hairline will help with breakage, and I like the way they are holding up. I have 378 locks and head full of hair. I couldn't imagine have 600 + micro locks.

I hope this helps you out.

Just Alike...

We have the same hair type. I knew it from the minute she was born. The doctor slapped her on the butt and said "its a girl". My first thoughts was, OK this little chic is going to have lots of hair. She was even born a hairy baby, hair was everywhere, her back and face, poor child was born with a beard, its gone now. LOL! My daughter reminds me so much of myself when I was her age. I remember my mom going to war with my hair, and I too have to go to war with her hair. She cringes when I say those 6 little words "GIMME-THE-COMB-GREASE-N-BRUSH". She takes her time to get them too. Oh how I feel her pain. Right now her favorite style is her infamous 2 strand twists. I only have to do them every two weeks. She likes to accent them with her favorite hair bow. I may think about braidlocks for her if she wanted to get locked. This way if she did decided to get locked, but changes her mind, I would be able to take them down easily. I'll never ask her to get lock, I feel as though if she wanted to, then she would just go ahead and ask for it... actually, she did inquire about being locked this weekend. I think more about it when she gets a little older. Daddy doesn't like the idea of her being locked. Well he didn't like the idea of me wanting to lock my hair, but he loves it.

I still remember the time she did her own TWA. Oh Lawd, but it grew back to her same length, still a little more ways to go. That was approximately a year ago. She learned her lesson, and I bet she will never do the big chop again. LMAO.

All I want for Christmas...

The kids really enjoyed themselves this Christmas. Merry Christmas and may...

God Bless Your Family

Why I decided to lock...

I get this question a lot "Why did you decide to lock your hair?" I have always admired locks. I got the courage to do it, despite any negative connotations that are associated with locks. It's about me and what I want for myself. I love the natural state of my hair. Growing my hair for length has never been an issue.

I was born with a head of hair.

But when it comes to versatility.... well that is where the problem sets in. Some may be thinking well doesn't locks restrict you from versatility? Not my sisterlocks!!! I finally feel free from my long, bushy/curly ponytail. Hooray! Now I can where my hair down without any worries. I don't have to worry about washing my hair 2 to 3 times a week anymore, and especially combing it. It was war trying to get a comb through my hair and the comb would win the battle each time.

My Dominican Sistah's used to blow dry my hair so beautifully, and I loved it, but I hated the fact that the bone straightness did not last, my hair would curl right back up. My hair is still curling up with the sisterlocks, and I love the way it looks. My babies also doesn't look like most of the other newbie locks that I see on the blogs. With sisterlocks, everyone hair is different, and I am curious to see how mine will look in 3 months, 6 months, or even a year from now.

I feel a sense of freedom with my sisterlocks. I have overcome what the media, music video's and society portrays as what my hair should look like. I walk down the street with my head held high with confidence knowing that my locks are fierce and can't nobody tell me nuffin! LOL!

I also lead a very busy life and my hair isn't an issue anymore. I guess worrying about my hair is apart of being a woman... matter of fact being a phenomenal woman.

Cute Tests

Your Blog Should Be Purple

You're an expressive, offbeat blogger who tends to write about anything and everything. You tend to set blogging trends, and you're the most likely to write your own meme or survey. You are a bit distant though. Your blog is all about you - not what anyone else has to say.

What Color Should Your Blog or Journal Be?

Your Kissing Grade: A-

You are truly an amazing kisser. Your kisses are extraordinarily mind blowing. Whether you're naturally a good kisser or not, you've taken the time learn how to be the best kisser possible. Anyone would be lucky to get a kiss from you!

How Do Your Kisses Rate?

Your Personality Is

Guardian (SJ) You are sensible, down to earth, and goal oriented. Bottom line, you are good at playing by the rules. You tend to be dominant - and you are a natural leader. You are interested in rules and order. Morals are important to you. A hard worker, you give your all at whatever you do. You're very serious, and people often tell you to lighten up. In love, you tend to take things carefully and slowly. At work, you are suited to almost any career - but you excel in leadership positions. With others, you tend to be polite and formal. As far as looks go, you are traditionally attractive. You take good care of yourself. On weekends, you tend to like to do organized activities. In fact, you often organize them!

The Three Question Personality Test

Humanity

Along with my first job, I also work for a Humane Society. I have been working there for the past 7 years, and have enjoyed every minute of it. When I was a little girl I used to bring home every animal I could find. Lost dogs, turtles, kittens, frogs, etc., My mom would say "get that thing out of my house". She did let me keep a few things. I had always wanted to be a veterinarian, but other things caught my attention as I got older. So I love working with animals. This brings me to blog about the misguided "Michael Vick".

I was just reading a portion of this article:

" Michael Vick was sentenced to 23 months in prison Monday for his role in a dogfighting conspiracy that involved gambling and killing pit bulls.

The suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback could have been sentenced up to five years by U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson. Vick, who turned himself in Nov. 19 in anticipation of his sentence, was wearing a black-and-white striped prison suit.
After Vick apologized to the court and his family, Hudson told him: "You need to apologize to the millions of young people who looked up to you."
"Yes, sir," Vick answered.
Vick acknowledged he used "poor judgment" and added, "I'm willing to deal with the consequences and accept responsibility for my actions."

"Suspended NFL star Michael Vick sentenced to 23 months in prison"
article By LARRY O'DELL

Over the course of the years, I have seen the results of dog fighting, I receive the reports of back ailing dog rings, and yes I have even had to euthanized (put to sleep) lifeless animals that were bred to fight, and loss the battles. Part of being human is having humanity and compassion.

Knotty Boy Soap Bar.... Current Read

I am now into my second month. Wow how time flies when having fun. So I have been dying to try this little thing-my Knotty Boy shampoo bar. It smells so wonderful. I thought it would have been bigger, but it is only 4.5 oz.

Product Details: "Knotty Boy Dread Shampoo bar is a herbal organic hemp shampoo that utilizes the naturally germicidal and anti-bacterial properties of tea tree, rosemary and peppermint essential oils to help eliminate flaky dandruff and itchy scalp conditions. Completely free of conditioners, this all-natural shampoo cleanses and gently controls oily buildup without hindering the locking process. Suitable for dreaded and non-dreaded hair. Made with 100% all natural ingredients and contains no chemical detergents or lauryl sulphates. Dread Shampoo is biodegradable and eco-friendly."

Laurel sulpates are skin irritatants, but are used in shampoos as an inexpensive detergent because it makes mixtures foam well (sudzing).

CAN ANYONE SAY "ITCHY SCALP"

I have heard great reviews about this product.

Every Fall I have to combat dandruff. I am hoping that this product will help eliminate this problem for me. Right now I am still shampooing with my starter shampoo and my Tresseme. Trying to keep the starters shampoo from reaching my scalp has definitely helped with the itchy scalp, the Tresseme is doing its job as a clarifying shampoo, but I got this dandruff. Last night I shampooed with the Knotty Boy Shampoo Bar. After hours had past with completely dried hair, I checked for dandruff and it worked pretty good. It left my hair smeling Oh So Good.

So I recommend trying this bar, see if it works for you.
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Currently, I am reading "Native Son", by Richard Wright, this is a classic novel. "Native Son tells the story of this young black man caught in a downward spiral after he kills a young white woman in a brief moment of panic. "

A lot of my friends told me that they had to read this book in high school. So I kinda feel late in reading it, but Richard Wright was a profound writer and I am sure that it will be a great read.

So Whats Your Hair Texture???

Hair texture attributes to the locking phases. Depending on the hair type, some individuals may lock within their first six months, 1st year, or well over their first year. I know it's going to take a very, very long time for my hair to lock. I can say, "I am OK with it", (for now at least). My hair has always been soft, long and wavy with a loose to medium curl to it, and I decided to keep my length while locking (saving $300 wasn't worth chopping 10 inches off my hair). Right now the ends of my sisterlocks have peas, coils, or a super man "S" at the end of them.

HAIR TEXTURES

• Type 1a and 1b hair is straight with no curl or wave. This hair type has a lot of shine and tends to be oily.


• Type 2a and 2b has some soft waves but little or no curl. It tends to be coarse and stays clings to the scalp in long S shaped curves. This hair type has very little body.


• Type 3a and 3b hair has a definite "S" pattern to it which is usually fine textured and soft. It does not have as much shine as Type 1 or 2 hair, but it does have a lot of natural body. When this hair type is wet, it straightens out, but then draws up into a curlier state as it dries.


• Type 4 hair as kinky textured hair which he defines as being tightly curled. Type 4 hair can be wiry and very fragile. It is also drier than other hair types because the twists in the hair make it harder for the scalp's sebum to reach the ends. Type 4a's hair strand has an "S" shape like spirals. Type 4b has the characteristics of Type 4a, but the hair strand has a zig zag shape like "Z".
  

I am going to assume that my hair is either a 3a or 3b. My hair has the "S" shape characteristics, and has a WWWWWWHHHHHHHOOOOLLLLLEEEE LOT OF SHRINKAGE when dry. So what's your hair texture?

It's that time of the year again...

What a lovely compliment, I received this e-mail the other day and wanted to share it:

"I am really thinking about getting sisterlocks soon. I live here in Md as well and would like to know if you wouldn't mind sharing who your consultant is... I live in Laurel. I would love to chat with you about your hair. It is beautiful. My hair isn't as long as yours but it is thick and has length. I really want the right person to start me out. I have 2 girlfriends that have them but they got them due to problems that they were having with hair. I don't have any issues. I have been natural now since 1999 and I am tired of doing my hair. I love versatility and I too have a "hair box" and want to be rid of it! "

Having the right consultant is very, very, very vital. Sisterlocking is a process that takes time and money. When considering sisterlocks/ brotherlocks, one must do their homework, and make certain that it is a locking process for them. It is always good to get a second or third opinion from consultants. Most consultations are $25.00, if you do not mind spending $25.00 more than once... then hay go for it! Always, Always review your consultants pictures of their work, ask a lot of questions, and make sure that they are certified or have been re certified.

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It's that time of the year again. This past Sunday I had to battle the mall with three small children. I got their Pictures taken. We went to the Picture People, and it was just off the hook in there. However, they came out with lovely pictures. The kids harassed me all throughout the mall about buying them toys that same day. I told them they must be crazy. LOL! All they got out of me was a happy meal and a Christmas DVD. Their wish list doesn't seem to drastic, so hopefully they won't break the bank this year.

Also, I am looking forward to going to the NYC gathering this weekend on December 9, 2007. I am new to sisterlocks and I want to meet and greet sisters with older mature locks, teenage locks, and babies locks like myself. I am excited about going and I will be sure to take lots and lots of pictures. My very first sisterlock gathering.... I am excited. Maybe someone can plan one for the DC area. (Hint-Hint). Unfortunately, I can't tackle that responsiblity right now.

Totally Not About Hair...

Who knows what this is? I guess your saying in your head... "Lakia it looks like a circle". Yup, and it is called a Nuva-Ring (a form of birth control). I am going to give this thing a try. Today after 4.5 years of my good ole faithful IUD, I had it removed. I was so scared in having it removed, all types of crazy things went through my mind and my worst fear was that my IUD would be stuck forever. The Doctor just took it right on out. I miss my IUD all ready :( . By far I think the IUD is the best form of birth control on the market. I had the Cooper IUD, after all these years I took it out because I have had kidney stones 3 times within a one year. It is unsure if the cooper had something to do with it, so I got my IUD removed for the sake of my health. I will try this Nuva-Ring for now, but do plan on getting my IUD put in again in about a year or two, but this time around I would not get the cooper one. Cooper can contribute to kidney disease, thus my kidney stones.

I have three kids, ages are 4,6, and 8, and I have tried "the pill", "depo", and "IUD" and now this Nuva-Ring. God has blessed me with fertility, but I do not plan on having any more babies no time soon. I got to get my C.P.A. !!!!!

My babies and their Turkey Day

Happy Post Thanksgiving. I knew from the jump that this Thanksgiving was going to be challenging. I think God for my Family, strength, and health.

I worked my first job on Thanksgiving Eve. After work I still had to go shopping for food, and then make it to my second job. I did not get home until 9:00AM on Thanksgiving day, at that time I had to make the babies breakfast and start cooking. The turkey that I cooked wasn't even a full turkey, it was just a big turkey breast because the grocery store only had FROZEN, I mean completely frozen birds, but they did have these nice size breast that appeared to be good enough to cook.

This year I thought it would be neat to make a dinner menu for the kids, They thought it was the cutest thing. They picked and choose what they wanted to eat and what type of pie they wanted for desert.

The menu consisted of:

• Turkey



• Ham



• Collard Greens/ Kale



• Macaroni and cheese



• Sweet Potatoes



• Wild rice



• Biscuits



• Pumpkin Pie



• Sweet Potato Pie



• Cherry Cheese Cake
  

They ate to their little hearts content. After we said grace, they read off a list of what they were thankful for. Those little guys are my world and I thank God for them everyday.

After we ate we went over to my grandmothers house. It was a small gathering, but it is always good to be amongst family. Afterwards, we got home about 9:30 and I went strait to bed I was without sleep for two days (surprisingly, that isn't abnormal). I was extremely thankful that I did not have to go to work that not nor the next morning. Hooray for me!

1st Retightening.... Made it to week 6

I got my first re tightening at week #6. It took 3 1/2 hours. I did have minor slippage, this can be expected. My consultant thought that I would have had more because of my hair type. She said my hair did "great" for a six week re tightening. Hopefully as time goes by I will occur less slippage and the re tightening session will not last as long.

Word to the wise** When choosing a consultant, make sure you know how much they charge for re tightenings. Knowing this information was a plus factor for me. I made sure that I scheduled my appointments for the entire year. My consultant is good, and I think all of Baltimore knows it. She does sisterlocks and traditional locks, so here schedule is pretty tight.




My hair feels tight, but not to the point where it hurts. The only time that I felt discomfort was when she was tightening up my kitchen and my headline, especially around my ears. My scalp is showing again, and my hair is looking much neater.
I know that the size of the locks are an issue for some sisterlock wearers and to some of those who are contemplating on converting their hair. So I wanted to know, "what size locks do I have? I was told that I have a complete mixture of small, medium and large. She told me that we are suppose to have the different sizes, small in some places and larger one in others. My parts are uniform and during the initial install she made a neat parted grid.

I have been very pleased with my consultant and her level of professionalism. She is actually outside of where I live, but I work far from home and she is about 15 minutes from my first job.

I am loving my hair, most of my family has not seen my new look, and I am sure they will be shocked to see it on Thanksgiving.

7 year wedding Anniversary... Week 5

It's official! I jumped the broom 7 years ago, and today is the beginning of week 5. I am still sick, but feeling much better. We just took the day off, we both needed it.

We went bowling today, I crushed that man in some bowling. Shortly after we did the all you can eat buffet, and bought some movies. It just felt good spending some much needed time together. No kids, just us. It felt like we were dating all over again. Time flies when your having fun. We always said that we were going to renew our vowls at our 10 year anniversary. That is only 3 years away. Gots to get planning. It will also be nice to have the kids in the ceremony, can't wait till then, oh.. and my locks will definitely be matured. Just jumping the gun and looking into the future.

Crying the Flu Blues... Hair is Still Fabulous

Oh I have been so sick. I got the flu y'all. It is not easy being "mama" and being sick. My hubby made me some chicken soup (I ain't eating it!!) He thinks I been eating it, but I have been feeding it to the kids. I really don't trust his cooking and try to keep him out of my stove area as much as possible. I only allow him to microwave. HeeHee.

I can't even wash my hair, I am afraid that my symptoms will worsen. I haven't even spritz my hair... It has been a week and two days since I have last washed my hair, and that is unlike me. However, I did purchase a Knotty Boy Soap Bar to wash my hair. I can't wait until it arrives. I have heard so many good reviews about it. I will also be sure to give you my personal insight.

I am suppose to get my hair retighten on October 20th. I am looking forward to my very first retightening.

Below is a picture of my first bantu knot trial and error. I think it went great! The curls lasted a great while and are still lasting. I had to tug on them the whole day to make them come down. That morning when I first took the knots down, my hair only fell to my ear. I mean those curls were tight. I think I want to continue to be ole "plain Jane" until my hair actually locks.

I got to fight the flu before I spread it to my love ones. I don't mind getting a few co-workers sick though (just kidding) LOL