Is that your hair?

 

I was thinking today about my post about having long hair. Then it occurred to me that I've never had my hair natural at even this length. A friend asked me today if it was all my hair. I had to chuckle. I've read that a lot of sisterlock sisters get that question. It had never happened to me before. I started getting relaxers at around age 5. That's just what we did back then. It was not just normal, it was expected in my world. In college, I cut all my hair off and, gurls, you know they talked about me. (Why did that AKA cut all her hair off -- skee wee to any sorors out there!) When my father passed seven years ago, my sister and I both cut our hair off -- coincidentally. It's not like we planned it together. She's still rockin' a beautiful natural "do". Her hair is much straighter naturally than mine. I got frustrated midway, got a texturizer, hated the texturizer, and cut it off again. Although I've been natural for around three or four years, I'd often get frustrated and cut it because I just couldn't manage. Then, exasperated, I just gave up. During that period, I did nothing to it. I wore a hat for six months. I may have been depressed about it, but it grew like weeds. I don't remember how I stumbled upon sisterlocks. But that's when I realized how much my hair had grown -- the first time I got them that is. And this time, as much as I went on and on about my odd shaped hair, I think it turned out okay...I nice simple bob. My braid-out is still lingering. I liked it. The ends of my hair were frizzy when I first got my hair sisterlocked. And now, 10 days later, the little curls on the ends have returned...just smaller. I know I'm rambling. Just some random thoughts and observations. I will say that I have an inner peace and happiness not feeling like I have to change me just to be me.

Long Hair -- will my hair really be that long?

Long hair is something that has eluded me my whole life. Sure, I could get braids or a weave, but it wasn't really my hair. I remember stretching my relaxed hair after each touch-up, hoping it was a wee bit longer -- only to have it eventually break off. And now, I see all these lovely locked ladies, but I can't help wonder. "Will that be me?" I see gorgeous locks all the way down backs, and I only have hope that mine will be the same. I guess I'm in a bit of denial. I really don't believe that I'll one day have these long, luxurious locks. If they make it to my shoulder, I'll be happy. But oh to dream of the middle of my back.

Braid Out The Next Morning

So I took the braids out. Ahhhh! So THIS is a braid out. I had tried a braid out with my previous locks, but they were so curly anyhow it really didn't make a difference. These locks are straight, not curly. Probably because they are so much smaller? Who knows. Anyhow, I like it.

603 locks!!! My Babies are Back!!!

WOW! I have 108 more locks than I did last time. I'm convinced I had step-sisterlocks. Cest la vie. I'm happy again! My consultant braided up my hair and very lightly spritzed it with water so that in the morning I'll have nice waves. It took 17 hours over two days. But YAY!

Wondering if I Previously Had Step-Sisterlocks!?@?!

The difference between this set of sisterlocks and my previous set is enormous. First, the size of the locks. I think I do remember my previous consultant saying she made my locks slightly larger because I had so much hair. But I didn't realize how much that size difference would make in how my locks fell and looked. I think I probably had the size of brotherlocks. On top of that, I had a lot of hair on the end. Enough for it to have these cute spiral curls -- then ends were roughly an inch to an inch and a half. However, I'm fairly sure she left a little more than she should have. Those curls may have looked cute, but when they started to lock I probably would have had a serious bunching issue. I mean, she did get me in and out pretty fast. My first installation only took 9 hours. She was a trainee, but had been doing sisterlocks for five years. I still think she's good, but she did a few things to save time that may not have been in my best interest longterm. I almost feel like I had step-sisterlocks. I LOVE my new consultant. She's prompt, friendly, knows hair, has two clean salons, and I can even book my appointments online. In short, she's awesome. Today we finished half my head. It took around 9 1/2 hours. I go back tomorrow for another full day, not sure how long it will take. My hair is a little shorter in back so hopefully not nearly as long. She seemed to think she could finish tomorrow. I hope so! She's awesome though. I wouldn't say she's slow at all. She moves along, doesn't talk on the phone, and takes a short break. The simple truth is, I have A LOT of hair. I can't explain the feeling I have right now. I'm overjoyed.

One of my cutie pies!

...the EXCITEMENT is building!

Tomorrow I get my sisterlocks installed! Well, it's actually going to take  two days this time. My hair is a little longer and my new consultant was like -- 9 hours???? You've got to be kidding. No matter to me. I can't wait. I'm bringing  my laptop and will work the entire day in peace. No calls. No munchkins. So here's my before photo. Doesn't look much different than my previous one. I washed it this morning with the sisterlocks shampoo. Never loved that stuff, but you know, it works.

Pre-Install: November 4, 2010

Previous Pre-Install: June 21, 2010

Sunday is "S" Day!

I'm feeling very excited about Sunday. My appointment is at 7 a.m. How's that for early? And I have to drive a little over an hour to get to her. Tonight I did my last deep conditioning. My hair feels thinner. I'm not sure why. I've always thought that it would just turn into a bush as it got longer. And it's still thick, don't get me wrong. But it's definitely thinner post-drama. The lice outbreak has reached feverish pitch in my son's classroom -- 10 kids and who knows how many parents have succumbed. They're ripping up carpets. Fumigating. The kids are putting their coats in large bags. The superintendent is involved now. We're hoping the long Thanksgiving holiday break will result in breaking the cycle, but who knows. All I know is that every night both my sons have olive oil and/or some kind of strong conditioner and a cap on their head. And I'll be cutting my youngest son's hair soon because it's starting to get longer again. He has such beautiful curls too. Bye Bye curls. I've been wearing a cap around the house. Mostly because I don't want to deal with my hair. But also because I'm paranoid that the boys will bring it right back home again. I was asleep at the wheel before, but this will NOT happen to me again.

I'll post pictures on Sunday. My appointment is actually on Sunday and Monday. So I'll have two days of photos to share! YAY! :)