Natural hair timeline:
- Hair journey — loose hair Phase I — started: July 1st 2002
- Loc journey started: Sept 1st 2009
- Loose hair Phase II: March 17th 2013
After 3.5 years of locs, I have my chunky fro back. I took them down primarily because I was having some hairline issues (caused by stress), but I’m not going to lie, I wanted a change — for many reasons. It took me 7 weeks to take down 132 locs. If I ever loc my hair again, then wanted to get rid of them, I’d cut them off. This time around, I just didn’t want to start my second loose hair journey with a very short fro. But with 2 bouts of a cold virus in between the take down and an actual take down time of one loc being 30 – 45 mins, I will NEVER go this route again.
But for now, it’s done — as at 4 mins ago. Time to rock the fro again! I can’t wait to wash my hair tomorrow. I figure, if I want the look of locs again, I can always do individual braids to mimic the look.
It took copious amounts of conditioner, a rat-tail comb, a crochet hook and LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS of patience. I trimmed my hair as I went along so I shouldn’t have too much of that to do tomorrow.
Locs were convenient in the sense that I could style them then leave them alone. Loose natural hair as abundant as mine is another animal. After not messing with loose hair for so long, I have to get back to the every day care of it that I didn’t have to deal with while having locs. I already went ahead and bought my staples:
All from my favourite natural hair product vendor: Oyin Handmade. I got:
- Shine and Define — a styling creme
- Honey Hemp — a conditioner. I’m going to use this in addition to Jane Carter’s Conditioning Shampoo.
- Greg Juice — a leave in conditioner that I can also use as a daily spritz.
With natural hair, I believe less is more and I also believe in using the most natural ingredients I could find. My hair loved these in the past so I figured I’d start with what I know.
It’ll be an interesting to see the reactions of my co-workers on Tuesday when I do go back to work.
D'NALI 
I spent 2 months with a dental plaque remover taking down my locs little by little. And that was after letting them grow out for about 3-4 months. I’m glad I did it for the experience. Not sure if I’d do it again if I had locs. At the end I had about the same amount of hair left as I did when I started them. Next time I’d either cut it really short or just let them grow out for about 6 months or so and then cut them.
Same here! If I ever loc again, I wouldn’t pick them out. Snip, snip all the way. 😀 It was really too time consuming.
On Wed, Jul 10, 2013 at 10:29 PM, D'NALI
I’d love to see before and after pics 🙂
You got it — see one of my most recent posts! 😀
If I ever wanna get rid of mine, I’ll just cut ’em off. You must have the patience of a saint. 😐 But at least it’s all finished now, and you can wear your hair out.
Unpicking them really opened my eyes to the fact that I do have it in me to do what it takes to get a particular task done. No matter what. Never thought I had that kinda patience.
That’s good.
Good luck with the next phase 🙂 Those hair products look wonderful!
Thanks Heather. I’m enjoying it already and have all kinds of styling ideas in mind!
Sometimes I miss my afro. 🙂
My first set of locs I cut after about two years. I attempted to take them down, but it was a bit tedious so I just cut off everything and sported a teeny weeny afro for a minute. This time around, not sure I’ll cut my locs. I really love them (more than my first). I’ve had these about seven years. I treat them well and make sure they stay moisturized. I mainly just let them be, but on occasion I’ll curl them with “loc rollers” if I want a change.
Continue to enjoy your locs! I’m just happy that so many women in our community are embracing their natural hair — whether it’s loose or loced. 😀
Woohooooo! Can’t wait to see. And chile, I didn’t need to see this. I am a recovering product junkie still looking for a natural conditioner. -Nizzy
I was a product junkie in my first phase. I had everything under the sun that I read about. Now … less is more for me and my hair loves the ones I’m using now.
At the risk of enabling, you should really try that conditioner — it’s working so well. I’m about to do a conditioner wash this weekend; my hair just loves this stuff.
pics or it didnt happen!
LOLOL!!! As soon as I wash, style and stop looking like I just got out of the hospital, I’ll produce some pics. I promise. 😀
I must really like you … :D. Your wish has been my command! See my post after this one! 😀
yay for changes! I loooove locks! I tried several times but the fro kept calling me back
I hear you. Right now, I think having my hair loose is the best option for me. I might need you to give me some styling tips. I remember your beautiful scarves. 😀