For better or worse, I am attached to my locs. Over the last year, I've gone back and forth about what to do with my hair because I can see some of the issues that longer locs suffer already starting to manifest.
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2009. My best loc season. |
I've looked back at tons of pictures of myself to try and figure out where the change happened and I think I've narrowed it down. My hair locs really began to change at the end of 2009 for a few different reasons I'm starting to realize.
Size and Length Matter. When I started my locs, I wanted them to be manageable and easy to style so I asked for what I thought was a good size. Until my locs were shoulder length, their size didn't seem to be an issue. Not only did the weight of my locs become more of a factor, but the ability to pull them up easily started to work against me. Because of the length, I wore buns and ponytails often. If I had been more conscious, I would have wrapped my locs with a scarf more often than apply the stress of pulling them up or back.
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2009 |
Balance Techniques. When I discovered interlocking, I completely abandoned palm rolling. Because my locs were already small and interlocking can be such a harsh process, I should have maintained a better balance between interlocking, palm rolling and free forming. With the right regimen, I'm quite sure I could have given my hair more rest and lessened the effects of the interlocking process.
Honor Your Challenge. It seemed so insignificant many nights, but I had a terrible habit of working late and crashing without covering my hair for the night. Allowing that to slip for a consistent time period was really a challenge to my hair. I've since found a simple solution. After my last video conference of the day, I take the time for my hair ritual and wrap it for the evening. That simple shift made a all the difference.
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Shoulder length locs on me and he was just getting started. 2009. |
There are times in life when we wish we could go back and do it all again. Well, I've finally decided that I'm going back and doing my locs all over again.
I cried at the thought of cutting my locs, but when you have know fabulous stylists who educate like Amber, you find a way to achieve your goals in a way that is authentic and comfortable for you. I'm happy that I don't have to make any dramatic changes to achieve my goal.
Stay tuned to my hair diary as Amber and I revive and regenerate my locs. It is going to be a journey, so if you've ever considered starting locs, come along for the ride!