For quite a while now, the top internet searches that lead to my blog have been related to Sisterlocks. I think that’s kinda cool…and I don’t really know what other subject would get you to my page. (What if there was a dashboard feature that showed what words you use most often in posts? That would be cool. Does that already exist? )
I’ve exchanged tons of emails about Sisterlocks and even linked together some international ladies looking for services and clients. That felt good.
Where am I going with this? Oh yeah, I get asked what products I used for my hair. My routine has changed a bit over the 2 years I’ve had my SLs, so allow me to tell you.
Every 6-8 weeks: I retighten my hair with the NappyLoc tool. It used to take me an entire weekend. Now, I can get it done in 8 hours.
Monthly: deep conditioning with Talia Waajid’s Enhancing Herbal Conditioner or the Sisterlock conditioner with a cap for about 30 minutes.
Weekly: wash with Talia Waajid’s Stimulating Herbal Cleanser followed by Talia’s Black Earth shampoo *or* wash with Avalon Organics’ shampoo (something I just picked up at the local grocery store). This is followed by a 5-minute sit with any herbal/tea tree or Sisterlock conditioner, if I feel like it. I usually skip this unless I’m gonna wear my hair curled the next day.
Daily: nothing. When I remember to do it, I sleep with a satin bonnet, but usually, i don’t. If I decide to wear curls or crimps, i spray some light leave-in conditioner and water before i set my hair on Soft Spikes or before I braid it. If my scalp starts to get dry and flaky between washes, I use the same light leave-in as a “baste” for my scalp, massage it in well and sleep with a scarf on.
I like to take recommendations from other bloggers on hair products: B (AKA Clumps of Mascara), MeikMeika, Brunsli and Dewdrop are good about giving reviews of products. The LockItUp group is also good for info, but discussion can quickly turn to not-so-pleasant debates (Soft Spikes vs. Loc Loops, for example).
After writing this out, I feel like I should be doing more for my hair, but I don’t really need to. Ah, the joys of natural hair!
So, I’ll leave you with pics of random hairstyles I’ve had since the last time I posted pics of random hairstyles.
Mid-retightening. Check out the length (March '09)
almost to the tattoo!
still trying to perfect the cornrow. it looked decent from far away.
upside-down braiding. apparently i was eating frosted flakes
close up. kinda cool.
freshly washed with fresh Oreo chocolate cupcakes
when i first realized i could do knots with my own hair, i was so excited!
falling curls courtesy of Soft Spikes
in the middle of retightening it. can you see the difference?
curls. i slept with about 8 cornrows in.
knots again. 2 this time. 
your hair looks AWESOME!!!!!! has it ever been so long?!?!
Not since elementary school, before I got a relaxer. I remember exactly how long my hair was on the first day of 6th grade (Olan Mills pics. lol), and it wasn’t this long.
Your locs look beautiful!!! Great job on DIY!!!!
I think you’re doing just the right amount with your hair. When you’ve found products that work for you, stick with them…. I try to stick to the KISS motto when it comes to my locs since I can easily become a product junkie! Your locs are looking good so keep doing what you’re doing!
P.S. I’m lovin the cornrow style!!!! It turned out wonderfully!!
Love your locks! I am still not a DIY-er…hopefully one day
Thanks y’all!
Clu – DIY is not nearly as bad as folks think it is. Once you get the hang of it, you can get in a rhythm and get it done pretty fast. Kinda like scrubbing baseboards or something. lol
Meik – I’ve gotten so much better at the cornrows. Now I just need an even that is worthy of me styling my hair. Hmm…