Its a New Year and a Good Time to Start your Loc Journey

In November of 2014 I celebrated my first year on my Loc Journey. For me, my journey went like this:

I installed 2 strand twists first, took them down because I did not like them. I complained about how they looked....I hated it!

During the time I was free strand ( a couple years and 2 separate times) I would install 2 strand twists but I would take them down after a couple of weeks. I never could imagine keeping them in and not feeling my "free" hair. But having a "fro" was a lot of work. I was always trying to get the right product combination to make my hair get the right curl...It was a lot of work and tiresome really. If there was a time when I did not feel like dealing with my hair or did not have time, I really regretted it because it was torture.   Eventually, I would do my "protective style" and sew in a weave!...I say protective style sarcastically because I'm sorry...just say you want to wear weave!! lol...

But, then I got the idea to try yarn braids. And this was the best thing ever! 

I had a 3 day weekend or something from work and decided to install the yarn braids myself.  It took me 2 days and 12 hours but I did it. And I absolutely loved them. Initially, my plan was to install the yarn braids and gradually lock my hair by cutting off the ends of the yarn braids. 

But, I changed my mind after reading a few posts about the joy of the journey of locks. I'm glad I changed my mind!

I think I wore the yarn braids for a couple of months and then took them out. I immediately started my locks after that. I was completely convinced I wanted them and I have been on the journey ever since. No more fro, no more weave...and I am glad.  I'm even more glad...when I see a sista beating herself in the head cuz its itching lol....anyway... 

Month 1 to 3

During this time it was all rainbows and butterflies...meaning: I was excited and wanted to know EVERYTHING! I had a lot of questions and found a group on Facebook that really helped me on my journey in the beginning. 

Month 3.5 to 4

Oooh...Whoa...WTH? This was not a good time.  I was ready to turn back. My hair looked a hot mess. I hated it. I did not want to know anything about locks and I no longer wanted locks. But, the advice I kept getting was to keep going. It would get better. Everyone goes through this...don't give up.

Month 5

Things began to turn around. I believe I started to like my hair again. At least we were becoming friends again, lol.

Month 6 

It was back to a good place and I was glad I made the choice. 

Month 7 to Date

I am just maintaining and enjoying my locks. Eventually, they are not such a big deal as in the beginning. I try various products, and am always wanting to update my regimen. But, what I am finding is that locks are not really that deep. 

If you come from being free strand its a big transition because with free strand you...at least I was always trying new products and may be a product junkie...but with locks you don't need all that really. In fact, the simpler the better. That's a hard concept to get sometimes, especially if you like messing with your hair. 

But, if you are on the fence, still trying to decide if you want to start locks or restart locks...if you take the plunge...this time next year you will be happy you did!

the beginning...maybe month 2

11 months

month 5

I don't have a picture right now but I'm going on 14 months and I started above my ear, now my hair is touching the top of my shirt collar, even when its pulled up a little, (so I guess its a little past my shirt collar really).  It has body and weight now so it moves, and it gets a little heavy and hot so I pull it up usually when I'm at home.  I have it pulled up right now.

Growing locks has been the best decision for me...It's simple and a healthy, neat and organized way to manage natural hair.