tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74772214076484436312024-03-13T06:29:58.891+00:00BritlocsFabulous NaturalosityBritlocshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629300157985601491noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477221407648443631.post-2404757151379563142011-12-30T19:26:00.012+00:002011-12-30T23:54:55.008+00:00Well Overdue Update<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGUFcK4LcYed2m7fSv-o4UJ2hrdwhkOOuCumg5NXRxsargBQJ8rIkusQ_t8IhUfbUyvQq1rMU0aF7EwIC4O1AIeq6_qTBIoOAT9XQvvHR7UkdgMIa8q9Frk817Vjnxz0Mes86k4XOhVoy/s1600/B020760oliama021.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGUFcK4LcYed2m7fSv-o4UJ2hrdwhkOOuCumg5NXRxsargBQJ8rIkusQ_t8IhUfbUyvQq1rMU0aF7EwIC4O1AIeq6_qTBIoOAT9XQvvHR7UkdgMIa8q9Frk817Vjnxz0Mes86k4XOhVoy/s320/B020760oliama021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692061762142132354" border="0" /></a><br />Oh my sisters. I simply cannot believe that I have not blogged in over a year. I've had my nose firmly rooted in everyone else's blogs and forgotten my own.<br /><br />Well what better time to do an update than on the last day of 2011.<br /><br />I'm now two and a half years locked. My hair is healthy and strong. I've even dyed the stray gray hairs using the organic Henna that Ofo advised. I think I'm gonna go brown next.<br /><br />I still continue to re-tighten my locs myself. I've been reading lots about the various re-ti regimens on the LHBE. I don't know whether it's just me, but I think being able to do one's own hair is a powerful skill and everyone should know how to do it. That way no-one holds you hostage.<br />It takes me ages to do - about a week in total. I divide my hair into quarters and aim to do one quarter each night. I set the time limit to complete this in a week, which means I can let myself off one evening if I don't feel like doing it. Tips for all you DIY-ers...take your time. There is no need to rush. My hair, my investment, my delight.<br /><br />My hair is now shoulder length and I now feel the need to style it as opposed to freestyling. Anyhoo, enough text - I'll let the pictures do the talking.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Updo</span><br />One of my first attempts.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2CYqwQCj6MCdj6PVrSCmuA5PPBqoV1XbVTQb7xZu3kygpmGCZd60R5uy3OLvQAeWzSLoTiv_UdOgIZ8mD-eDlW1jOb_wLhIxKbsbANe9GleNTApFUXoSJBCwJGW-HLwhY9zPqKs4C-XQy/s1600/DSCF1332.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2CYqwQCj6MCdj6PVrSCmuA5PPBqoV1XbVTQb7xZu3kygpmGCZd60R5uy3OLvQAeWzSLoTiv_UdOgIZ8mD-eDlW1jOb_wLhIxKbsbANe9GleNTApFUXoSJBCwJGW-HLwhY9zPqKs4C-XQy/s320/DSCF1332.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692058639304783634" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yrVs9UEuWAxkj1RZTTdJrOtTuah7WzfGp-ubszgl12q68wLt41bixUazTFsA71F3JpBJL_WGyewLB6PIgNepA-bFlvTuj5-ATkH7Izth-yZ8p3T-n9jfAq7LIWYL5Mdr507R3tAbCuI9/s1600/DSCF1328.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yrVs9UEuWAxkj1RZTTdJrOtTuah7WzfGp-ubszgl12q68wLt41bixUazTFsA71F3JpBJL_WGyewLB6PIgNepA-bFlvTuj5-ATkH7Izth-yZ8p3T-n9jfAq7LIWYL5Mdr507R3tAbCuI9/s320/DSCF1328.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692058634559897234" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVq5sM9zcwTtAgXemOHRH4f1aZuhRkrN_VId96QJ-331RpOOXwHAKzQQHu5ugq4mIQ8Z3kSfo_3UPkKLYsvv2ErhN-82Uiqp9HY0TXFeMgowEi_eE1M9j39ztmMxY4P5S5kqRhyphenhyphenTlVPZ6/s1600/DSCF1342.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVq5sM9zcwTtAgXemOHRH4f1aZuhRkrN_VId96QJ-331RpOOXwHAKzQQHu5ugq4mIQ8Z3kSfo_3UPkKLYsvv2ErhN-82Uiqp9HY0TXFeMgowEi_eE1M9j39ztmMxY4P5S5kqRhyphenhyphenTlVPZ6/s320/DSCF1342.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692058657170203986" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9JBIDlYF6cAnaH4Buktq1N697IC-T5xDJ8FGOz1yShdw2RQLATTi5Z85saaOV1810030pxC0_FFyyhd-SmZDA8CuStcXnlCdqoQdce0-BGsnOZvm7nAzczlN37FX3uvMuZ4QVYQqlyFq/s1600/DSCF1333.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9JBIDlYF6cAnaH4Buktq1N697IC-T5xDJ8FGOz1yShdw2RQLATTi5Z85saaOV1810030pxC0_FFyyhd-SmZDA8CuStcXnlCdqoQdce0-BGsnOZvm7nAzczlN37FX3uvMuZ4QVYQqlyFq/s320/DSCF1333.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692058653038578834" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">My Default Updo</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />This style is so easy to do and looks very elegant. 5 mins at the most! This is the style that I wear to work<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Side</span> (Flat twist)</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Back</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">(basket weave and tucked in at nape)</span><br /><br /></div><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7_zef9KnlPNXiucMeTVgupsK1Lfd900jtxsn_xWipHSmzyeRu_u2520IVfO1W2ElG8sz5x_k6mmc3QPOUgD5mRLwgRm6xF1vU7PmUSYvjqHvbtGrjdNm0H8DmZFJbqz20J8I38D97HpT/s1600/DSCF1340.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7_zef9KnlPNXiucMeTVgupsK1Lfd900jtxsn_xWipHSmzyeRu_u2520IVfO1W2ElG8sz5x_k6mmc3QPOUgD5mRLwgRm6xF1vU7PmUSYvjqHvbtGrjdNm0H8DmZFJbqz20J8I38D97HpT/s320/DSCF1340.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692051974418125314" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBvDVCI67vCq8B0y61rr0SazQ6Z_PhOyzcUv_twn7rV8l8zecSANLpVDz8ZDuVgCrkflSR_k6zHE7cAwlvqyRXwRcfKq1WcwHd-lDe2PMK0R6HYxktiPBCoQnGwL6x2Z0IqUs07uNMsyim/s1600/DSCF1408.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBvDVCI67vCq8B0y61rr0SazQ6Z_PhOyzcUv_twn7rV8l8zecSANLpVDz8ZDuVgCrkflSR_k6zHE7cAwlvqyRXwRcfKq1WcwHd-lDe2PMK0R6HYxktiPBCoQnGwL6x2Z0IqUs07uNMsyim/s320/DSCF1408.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692052002526235490" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Freshly Re-tightened Hair</span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCgzINq-MWN0NwA5FP7hlvd-4b3QHfCIxyXXuOWq04B3pGoRnImZ08UydfeQBeF9ex1L1MKQHOeFM4AJ0ETJM82f2v7Z7W-UF75fXNPtOnbOuS6l5VnLSZvm2ONatV0vXtS6CR4fpzIZe/s1600/DSCF1401.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCgzINq-MWN0NwA5FP7hlvd-4b3QHfCIxyXXuOWq04B3pGoRnImZ08UydfeQBeF9ex1L1MKQHOeFM4AJ0ETJM82f2v7Z7W-UF75fXNPtOnbOuS6l5VnLSZvm2ONatV0vXtS6CR4fpzIZe/s320/DSCF1401.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692051981957114066" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSIH6JLYUeWSNz4dSCFYn4IT5z5JbXiTNXYqmovwB4JWrd1yPuIplrgcbvQXGW_muYOivqV6bx3J-Gd_-MW0mW7TLaczsw34kDmZb7nbwD6xzn2BT81IIg2Aj4VKOi4dD7hxccj7yKfvT/s1600/DSCF1405.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 318px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSIH6JLYUeWSNz4dSCFYn4IT5z5JbXiTNXYqmovwB4JWrd1yPuIplrgcbvQXGW_muYOivqV6bx3J-Gd_-MW0mW7TLaczsw34kDmZb7nbwD6xzn2BT81IIg2Aj4VKOi4dD7hxccj7yKfvT/s320/DSCF1405.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692051988127618018" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I don't tend to wear my hair like this much - I find it quite unflattering. Where I do wear it loosely, I will have crinkles (see above picture taken in 2009). This style I find makes my hair look more voluminous.<br /><br />Well my hair regime remains simple. I still use Aveda products and no longer need to braid and band (which I had to do for 2 years because my hair is fine and of a loose texture).<br />I absolutely love my hair and get loads of compliments.<br /><br />Happy New Year. Happy 2012.Britlocshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629300157985601491noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477221407648443631.post-31069983758804759102010-11-26T17:02:00.005+00:002010-11-26T17:55:12.974+00:00I can't believe it!There's a character here on British TV called Victor Meldrew and his signature outburst is "I can't believe it."<br />So why am I using his catchphrase? It's simply because I cannot believe that it's a <span style="font-style: italic;">year</span> since I posted on my blog. How time flies.<br />To be honest I found the whole hair blog thing a little self-indulgent, but well I think I should, by way of remaining in the Locked Fraternity, venture once more into Blogdom and give an update.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">So What's New? </span><br />Well, I've been locked now for 17 months. And dare I say it? Yes I will. I love my Sisterlocks.<br />My hair has grown well, it is free moving and looks fabulous. The picture below is a recent one (about a month ago) and is used as a publicity shot for my business.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDK9ZeXnDqysVn7pDcDuW_M9FeacOLnbmcE7PZvVhqwgHsIF1Jg8dnXdWatmh-YDpL9fzmuZq_hB2fPJi9CeO2CZzjzr7iqzqz-ter360r9xzdVQMIAlAExc0_KDjuVf7IA4zMFcrNUxui/s1600/B020760oliama038.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDK9ZeXnDqysVn7pDcDuW_M9FeacOLnbmcE7PZvVhqwgHsIF1Jg8dnXdWatmh-YDpL9fzmuZq_hB2fPJi9CeO2CZzjzr7iqzqz-ter360r9xzdVQMIAlAExc0_KDjuVf7IA4zMFcrNUxui/s320/B020760oliama038.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543913813693547666" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br />I continue to draw compliments everywhere I go. Most people still don't recognise them as locs and ask how I managed to twist my hair so finely. I have no problems with this and to be honest with you, I simply don't understand why women get so irate if an enquirer mistakes their locs for twists. I <span style="font-style: italic;">lurve</span> telling people that they're locs and not twists, because this new found knowledge fascinates them and initiates further hair questions. As is the strapline from your paper across the pond: Enquiring minds need to know.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">So what's the journey been like?</span><br />Well I almost had a coronary when I became too blase about my locs a year ago. I made the fatal error of spending too long washing my hair. You see my hair is soft and fine and the prolonged wash, though appropriately braided and banded, caused significant slippage. So much so that my ends came undone and so did my locks - after 6 months excellent progress.<br />I was absolutely distraught when Marie, my loctitian berated me and told me how foolish I had been to ignore her instructions. My soft hair simply cannot take an agressive wash. Her brutal honesty made me regress to the behaviour of a three year old complete with the trembing lower lip as I tried my best not to cry. The summary is I had to plait down the loose ends by way of damage limitiation. It took a great deal of discipline to do this because my instant reaction was to cut them all off!<br />The moral of the story is: Do what your loctitian tells you.<br /><br />Well 9 months on and all is well. I'm nearly locked but have curly Q's on most of my ends. I think this is the way my hair is going to be. I still braid and band and don't mind it at all.<br /><br />My regimen is simple. Wash with Aveda Clarifying Shampoo, mist with an essential oil (I simply can't be bothered to mix a whole lot of concoctions) and spray every other day or so with the Olive Oil moistuiser as detailed im my last post. So easy and it gives me great results. My hair is beautiful and healthy. I've had no problems at all!<br /><br />Now I've saved the best news till last - I self maintain. <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">'Let freedom reign'</span>. Yes fellow sisterlockers, I have taken the class and now do my hair myself - every six weeks. Regrets? I've had a few cos I've married several together on different occasions. But my patient sister has managed to divorce them so that two once again become one. It takes me ages to retighten but so what? I take my time (I schedule to do it over one week) and when it's done, it's done. I don't sweat the small stuff. It takes as long as it takes.<br /><br />So that's it. My hair is fab, I feel fab. And I can't believe that I'm closing in on 2 years loc'd. I hardly style - prefering to freestyle. But now that it's getting longer I am prone to adhoc experimentation with great results. My fall back position is still is the braid-out but hey - I'm a simpleton.<br /><br /><br />Hope you enjoyed the update. Take care.Britlocshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629300157985601491noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477221407648443631.post-63496216713811061882009-11-28T13:45:00.011+00:002009-11-28T14:33:46.659+00:00It's good to be backWell fellow <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">loc'ers</span> it seems that I've been away for ages. In that time I've sported my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">locs</span> on the other side of the pond in the great city of Atlanta.<br /><br />Its coming onto 5 months of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">loc'dom</span> and I can categorically report that I am having the time of my life. Bad hair day? What are those?<br /><br />Since my last post my hair has changed considerably. The main difference is the thickness. Each <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">loc</span> has become much more plump. My hair continues to grow about 1/4 to 3/4 inch in between each <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">re tightening</span>. I don't observe a great deal of difference in the length to be honest, but my friends and family certainly do. My dad, who is a traditional <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Jamaican</span>, anti-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">dreadlock</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">aficionado</span> loved my hair! I couldn't believe it.<br /><br /><br />My <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">loc</span> hair care regime is simple. I don't spritz with water as I have been advised that this can cause slippage. I simply allow the steam from the shower to do the work for me. Every couple of days I spray sparingly with Olive Olive Moisturiser and this works a treat.<br />I wash every 2 weeks and just before each 6 week <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">re tightening</span>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">I use <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Aveda</span> Hair <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Detoxifier</span> diluted with two-thirds water. Be warned, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Aveda</span> products are expensive. But to borrow another <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">manufacturer's</span> anecdote: 'I'm worth it!"</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpFm1JlKzIhrIZPU8qlvOx7t5jmoUv0tLrRAxAE3W9vwJCHUSfCgWMLR7ynBBfDo_b0E56c5xRxKVQBzytyCgDxZxSn9vX-waxO6b3ORYzdlS0_dfMMb3wAMqE7z60qE5ZSr19bTJmL4M/s1600/DSCF1840.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpFm1JlKzIhrIZPU8qlvOx7t5jmoUv0tLrRAxAE3W9vwJCHUSfCgWMLR7ynBBfDo_b0E56c5xRxKVQBzytyCgDxZxSn9vX-waxO6b3ORYzdlS0_dfMMb3wAMqE7z60qE5ZSr19bTJmL4M/s320/DSCF1840.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409157898568260082" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">I spray every couple of days with Olive Oil Moisturising Sheen Spray. It doesn't cause build up, smells great and gives my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">locs</span> a great sheen. </span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rvVSrxTrbkRUNTHyWk0LPUz9g3mj76txHw0rXRvnv_-bVCae9r_KJo0s58q2VIEmq0MnzvtJTaJRagumSM4fO02anrFN1nbIMaAJ0adjXQVnOEaegi2q7oGLHiRqTlPXpFwMQrmyZYJI/s1600/DSCF1838.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rvVSrxTrbkRUNTHyWk0LPUz9g3mj76txHw0rXRvnv_-bVCae9r_KJo0s58q2VIEmq0MnzvtJTaJRagumSM4fO02anrFN1nbIMaAJ0adjXQVnOEaegi2q7oGLHiRqTlPXpFwMQrmyZYJI/s320/DSCF1838.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409157889889003042" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />The journey so far has been pretty uneventful. I have minimal slippage and my hair is healthy and most importantly, my consultant Marie is happy. She informs me that contrary to my opinion my hair is nowhere near locking and it might be another year before it does. Am I bothered? Nah! Although a pain, I'll continue to braid and band until she tells me not to.<br /><br />I cannot describe the feeling of freedom that I experience with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">microlocs</span>. I really don't worry about being caught in the rain or being wind swept. Just a quick finger comb and my hair is beautifully restored. It's all good. I love the length (because it looks sassy) and when I feel like it I roll sections into Bantu knots to achieve a crinkly, curly voluminous look. I get many compliments and I feel great about my hair and its progress. Check out the pics below.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZREVkydTlIv-t8i1BXh98ABJWRSPU8Qbhfy7JKjnX2Nm_8b9BtOgJtSXw7i59WMAX0Ge-g7TxrZXQeaRbUq6i0wM_7Xav1oe_91XE2wTTtRoPGoBJslfV07Xepah4uAnsQ4gn89SMcCK/s1600/DSCF1768.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZREVkydTlIv-t8i1BXh98ABJWRSPU8Qbhfy7JKjnX2Nm_8b9BtOgJtSXw7i59WMAX0Ge-g7TxrZXQeaRbUq6i0wM_7Xav1oe_91XE2wTTtRoPGoBJslfV07Xepah4uAnsQ4gn89SMcCK/s320/DSCF1768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409156381861615938" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7quMMM0ODGDOQcsbNPWr84MC8H3QedlLXNT2ZexxvAe6clTQDW6yprBJUjlQMv1vjgoDMq9maKUmUNYjh5lR1XXSyUmYzgxlg-TQAIyHN8nc_4978qqnL5sqCkJWGa-cqwtz_Ku5REd7f/s1600/DSCF1755.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7quMMM0ODGDOQcsbNPWr84MC8H3QedlLXNT2ZexxvAe6clTQDW6yprBJUjlQMv1vjgoDMq9maKUmUNYjh5lR1XXSyUmYzgxlg-TQAIyHN8nc_4978qqnL5sqCkJWGa-cqwtz_Ku5REd7f/s320/DSCF1755.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409156376093033714" border="0" /></a>Britlocshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629300157985601491noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477221407648443631.post-25239558319336897742009-09-27T00:19:00.016+01:002009-09-27T01:14:14.260+01:00Locked in the Caribbean<div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold; ">Sisterlocks Meet-up in Jamaica</span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUwMyHg2FiPLQenJzP-JlsP-RPvLHq8dWI-zY6T5kHtiknFoxSlP7lykANjfMEPY1cAldfD-2uzgc6uWlAHG4oNnJF_LE35W91yUttm1LgKRM3XBnacyUOGc6F7In4fLSttjq3RMcWISy/s1600-h/DSCF1682.JPG"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcp07J__49QK0KwojwZ-LmBmtRkaqejnxfcz7cw4dpwA8998EJlIMYZBfbukffTzbP-f-uqwajIhuXJJW_gEKZlW0MvtZWALvpAUp3TpnTOIR5Go8_85IJs5smEk3JJT5wXLMBEGcyDSs/s1600-h/DSCF1654.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcp07J__49QK0KwojwZ-LmBmtRkaqejnxfcz7cw4dpwA8998EJlIMYZBfbukffTzbP-f-uqwajIhuXJJW_gEKZlW0MvtZWALvpAUp3TpnTOIR5Go8_85IJs5smEk3JJT5wXLMBEGcyDSs/s320/DSCF1654.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385927398788771378" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5NU0yWSShPoMwMznIGkOlNf0GADmQxWw33Lp8ZEPP6h7B8JBGqJdPMlzmUSrZbFBionnWYi3DeCqPKmAUneKrnTI0Jhmee-knpaTNCFj6mGzioAvaBVh0Ht3FNbNqh5sFHTGYCG57lwOe/s1600-h/DSCF1658.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5NU0yWSShPoMwMznIGkOlNf0GADmQxWw33Lp8ZEPP6h7B8JBGqJdPMlzmUSrZbFBionnWYi3DeCqPKmAUneKrnTI0Jhmee-knpaTNCFj6mGzioAvaBVh0Ht3FNbNqh5sFHTGYCG57lwOe/s320/DSCF1658.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385927386932930114" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7m0yblI8I7EzyAaVS1UJCYC72zZwONGi7h1yEJ2JOCLVIEat6q2NRQI0LdLUJHmw9doLpFl3h3ICJmecNUYXRl6kGOSiKF7ENjBMz4wZYc20i8j70TTE-C5qNHYs4gOQXrSb_IQk-KTj/s1600-h/DSCF1651.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7m0yblI8I7EzyAaVS1UJCYC72zZwONGi7h1yEJ2JOCLVIEat6q2NRQI0LdLUJHmw9doLpFl3h3ICJmecNUYXRl6kGOSiKF7ENjBMz4wZYc20i8j70TTE-C5qNHYs4gOQXrSb_IQk-KTj/s320/DSCF1651.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385927385981756770" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1n96BcGyUMEwThADqknzMko_9Im7q0w4MTahs4e3N1V892mgeh2M3RurtrwMGaXqXfQhC8l9_E00Qs83bkcXxYYZXVfwz2UuPPZMsi65yUTlMgFUGlXtbK6PayFA48035eLqBmj0Ni0gn/s1600-h/DSCF1650.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1n96BcGyUMEwThADqknzMko_9Im7q0w4MTahs4e3N1V892mgeh2M3RurtrwMGaXqXfQhC8l9_E00Qs83bkcXxYYZXVfwz2UuPPZMsi65yUTlMgFUGlXtbK6PayFA48035eLqBmj0Ni0gn/s320/DSCF1650.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385927373784651394" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div>I've been back home for two weeks now after a very restful vacation in Jamaica. Whilst there I had the opportunity to meet up with the JA Sisterlockers for lunch and it was such a great experience. I had a hard time trying to eat, converse intelligibly and not keep staring at the beautiful head of locs that were attached to the talking heads of these beautiful women. N'Drea, CaribSun and Jastu were a pleasure to meet. It was indeed an honour. Thank you ladies and hopefully I'll catch up with you on my return next year. </div><div><br /></div><div>So how did my locs hold up under the intense heat? - very well indeed. Marie my consultant had pre-warned me that the intense heat and humidity combined with the fact that I am a newbie, would put my locs at a greater risk of slippage. She was right. I loved that my scalp was constantly damp from my sweating head, but it did cause several locks to slip. Still no great damage and Marie sorted them out for me at my retightening session. Another thing I noticed was that the rate of growth was faster when I was in the Caribbean. So I am moving to Jamaica immediately and my locs will be down to my bum within a year or two. Result!</div><div>OK that's a pipe dream but it was amazing to experience such rapid growth. </div><div><br /></div><div>My hair is changing in texture and thickness as the loose hair that would have been lost through combing is sprouting and wrapping themselves around my locs. Although I've had about an inch and a half of growth you can hardly tell and I haven't noticed a great deal of change in the length. I don't mind because I love the short and sassy look. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUwMyHg2FiPLQenJzP-JlsP-RPvLHq8dWI-zY6T5kHtiknFoxSlP7lykANjfMEPY1cAldfD-2uzgc6uWlAHG4oNnJF_LE35W91yUttm1LgKRM3XBnacyUOGc6F7In4fLSttjq3RMcWISy/s1600-h/DSCF1682.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUwMyHg2FiPLQenJzP-JlsP-RPvLHq8dWI-zY6T5kHtiknFoxSlP7lykANjfMEPY1cAldfD-2uzgc6uWlAHG4oNnJF_LE35W91yUttm1LgKRM3XBnacyUOGc6F7In4fLSttjq3RMcWISy/s320/DSCF1682.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385928103208435794" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">Hot Weather. Cool Hair! Literally</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>My friends and colleagues are beginning to take notice of my hair and are watching the changes keenly. I continue to attract comments (mostly positive) and remain ready to explain my reasons for locking at the drop of a hat. I am determined to enjoy every stage of the locking process and really, REALLY love my hair. </div></div></div>Britlocshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629300157985601491noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477221407648443631.post-91957873356339205402009-08-01T11:22:00.005+01:002009-08-01T12:16:27.354+01:00One month loc'd<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQTaKsBPxzSYvzL9pQ7pM2NjP6o-7JyFeD4AvQ7JYHZRbstQ50kUJXj8c7fiaCQnzdiUlWC5Ff8-TzwnaALjmvy_nLPRNfu7vMJW3VBXv6mBZspxRDADxWS81E7P3Odxb6IKsoPWuDnmg/s1600-h/DSCF1457.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQTaKsBPxzSYvzL9pQ7pM2NjP6o-7JyFeD4AvQ7JYHZRbstQ50kUJXj8c7fiaCQnzdiUlWC5Ff8-TzwnaALjmvy_nLPRNfu7vMJW3VBXv6mBZspxRDADxWS81E7P3Odxb6IKsoPWuDnmg/s320/DSCF1457.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364951922962185378" border="0" /></a><br />I cannot believe how time has flown. It's been a month since I've been loc'd and I absolutely love them. I can't really see much of a change in the pictures but my hair feels thicker and they seem to be settling in well. I am such a compliant customer and follow Marie's instructions all the way. I have no problems doing so because I want my locs to look as fabulous as hers do.<br /><br />A couple of weeks ago I managed to combine my 3 week follow-up consult with a lunch with some of Marie's clients. Well, how can I describe the event? As woman after woman walked into the restaurant I had to make a conscious effort to keep my jaws from dropping open. Everyone's hair looked spectacular. I had to try mighty hard to maintain eye contact and stop staring at everyone's head! I was the newbie - but only just. Being in the company of such natural fabulosity reconfirmed my decision that micro-locing my hair is the very best decision I could have made for myself and I am assured that they are going to mature into a glorious head of locs.<br />I wish I'd taken pictures but felt a little shy of asking. I will do next time.<br /><br />Anyway I have had no problems at all. I have had my first wash (braiding and banding) and that went well. NO SLIPPAGE. I didn't really experience any shrinkage after washing and one month on my length is the same as when I was first loc'd. I am not sure if this will change. It is my theory that the shinkage just might be to do with hair type. Coily, kinky hair simply does its own thing when it is in the lock pattern. My hair strands don't have too many coils and therefore not very much elasticity in it and so tugging on a loc doesn't make it any longer. It just hangs straight down with a few kinks.<br /><br />I have my first retightening in 2 weeks (6 weeks post installation) and am looking forward to it.<br /><br />I don't really have a hair care regimen as Marie has instructed me not to put any product in it at this stage. I simply allow the steam and the mist from my shower to moisturise my hair. Then with dampened hands I simply run my fingers through my hair and I'm good to go.<br />I do have the itchies and my scalp is prone to flaking. So Marie has given me some scalp oil (jojoba, rosemary, sage) which I simply apply to the troubled spot.<br /><br />I have had lots of compliments from friends, family and colleagues. I love seeing the puzzled look on the sisterin's faces as they try to figure out what's going on with my hair. I have been asked for Marie's number but then they get a little put off when I mention that she is 157 miles away. I can understand that not everyone would want to travel so far, especially in the UK, but I simply look at it a 'me' time.<br /><br />Please enjoy the pictures and feel free to comment.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLW7a2hN9ZBmkpPLGxFHTzzubzC0El9KBWh5JbPd8R3y_7pAUeMcqeuBR6oqabupq-_GWqz6iLzVpSGwriqCN5tNTVKA_XsJoVnw4iexfgYB-36uT9nHswmv9ZKt8Aqf2n5kAYL4ALngPJ/s1600-h/DSCF1460.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLW7a2hN9ZBmkpPLGxFHTzzubzC0El9KBWh5JbPd8R3y_7pAUeMcqeuBR6oqabupq-_GWqz6iLzVpSGwriqCN5tNTVKA_XsJoVnw4iexfgYB-36uT9nHswmv9ZKt8Aqf2n5kAYL4ALngPJ/s320/DSCF1460.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364952479081774274" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjg5_KO-G3xy3hSu0dXl_n_4hP_a6PRvoL2tBTpDlTWTqyq1AZhRLb6vzWN_gFB0m99DX7-MTkhO-X4ykdt2n1s-FEbLxKxs8W2ev-AbngOF4MnXowCfbu6Tg65QKS3ukmBkYGWWqqhLp/s1600-h/DSCF1452.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjg5_KO-G3xy3hSu0dXl_n_4hP_a6PRvoL2tBTpDlTWTqyq1AZhRLb6vzWN_gFB0m99DX7-MTkhO-X4ykdt2n1s-FEbLxKxs8W2ev-AbngOF4MnXowCfbu6Tg65QKS3ukmBkYGWWqqhLp/s320/DSCF1452.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364948421490760322" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIepaXplfNXePNlrFcewQzYETb4RuQ0XEXZ2sMSj2xR5idpjWBn2aGPj3jBs7JxjJ8fuEOrxsotHrvsNQt9fG75SI381by_eQoTKxpli5ek9yMU2fl9LLOg5UGj-AbhjcDsKjGZY9eiwey/s1600-h/DSCF1441.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIepaXplfNXePNlrFcewQzYETb4RuQ0XEXZ2sMSj2xR5idpjWBn2aGPj3jBs7JxjJ8fuEOrxsotHrvsNQt9fG75SI381by_eQoTKxpli5ek9yMU2fl9LLOg5UGj-AbhjcDsKjGZY9eiwey/s320/DSCF1441.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364948417066613874" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0R56Iz0DEbxf9CfdPs3R_4jCeUsmGCZFRC_2QVudd7fma4MjiUqPOhbU0p3G2CHGG41zjyIXPUwquwsUnkyPKwSQNG_hWTl2RNNwO7_Bp88FPGT04vrV4mgtAsDSxOEYOHrxJ5Czml3vL/s1600-h/DSCF1467.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0R56Iz0DEbxf9CfdPs3R_4jCeUsmGCZFRC_2QVudd7fma4MjiUqPOhbU0p3G2CHGG41zjyIXPUwquwsUnkyPKwSQNG_hWTl2RNNwO7_Bp88FPGT04vrV4mgtAsDSxOEYOHrxJ5Czml3vL/s320/DSCF1467.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364948432645321906" border="0" /></a>Britlocshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629300157985601491noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477221407648443631.post-52102751059398100302009-07-04T23:01:00.001+01:002009-07-04T23:03:10.642+01:00Britlocs's First Week in Pictures<div><embed src="http://widget-78.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=3170534137691736696&site=widget-78.slide.com" style="width:400px;height:320px" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><div style="width:400px;text-align:left;"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=3170534137691736696&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-78.slide.com/p1/3170534137691736696/bb_t016_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=3170534137691736696&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-78.slide.com/p2/3170534137691736696/bb_t016_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=3170534137691736696&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-78.slide.com/p4/3170534137691736696/bb_t016_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a></div></div>Britlocshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629300157985601491noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477221407648443631.post-22256585208246403272009-07-04T21:31:00.004+01:002009-07-04T23:02:20.487+01:00Week OneSo it's been one week since my locs were installed and I have to say I am loving them. Today was their first outing as I have been at a conference for most of the week. I met up with some friends and as I expected they were curious. I anticipated loads of questions but only got a few. The comments were about the size (why so small?), permanency (when are you going to take them out?). But I did have compliments. On the whole my friends liked them.<br /><br />The real deal will be at work with my colleagues. I work as a senior manager within the corporate sphere.<br />I have been really shocked about some of the posts I have been reading on the locks blogs re locs and corporate-dom. I'm not sure that we have that problem in England. Here we are pretty much free to wear our hair how we please as long as both it and the person are well groomed. Fellow Brits - please feel free to correct me here.<br /><br />I have never felt that my hair is a problem and I don't feel differently with locs. I firmly believe that it is the confidence that the wearer exudes that makes all the difference.<br />At the moment mine are short. I started with 6 inches of all natural hair. I have to say that I LURVE wearing my hair short and so my short and sassy look microlocs perfectly suits my personality. I know I'll mourn its passing in a year or so. However I am curious to see how long they'll grow.<br />Britlocshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629300157985601491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477221407648443631.post-36570461459491180832009-06-30T15:44:00.007+01:002009-06-30T16:12:53.545+01:00Lessons Learned at the Journey's start<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIQgPcz1HmGrwi1gBkf-60JFuLzejmFWBLUxomaOIVRbfl6tNFlmX0fZguyGEwT4voyqwVkrBZsw1Wt6e8aHrQwtAW7HAFV0kPUfjiq3SKtcMth2vB6jb0ru-pFoLP5J0MR8YRnh6KL4s/s1600-h/DSCF1324.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIQgPcz1HmGrwi1gBkf-60JFuLzejmFWBLUxomaOIVRbfl6tNFlmX0fZguyGEwT4voyqwVkrBZsw1Wt6e8aHrQwtAW7HAFV0kPUfjiq3SKtcMth2vB6jb0ru-pFoLP5J0MR8YRnh6KL4s/s320/DSCF1324.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353138780833973026" border="0" /></a><br />I think I border on being obsessive. Before I make a decision about a major purchase or lifestyle change I research mercilessly. I did this before my microlocks installation. I thought I knew everything there was to know about microlocks but being in Marie's professional hands highlighted that I know very little.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Only a professional can turn your hair into a living work of art</span><br /></div><br />For those of you contemplating microlocks or Sisterlocks, please choose your consultant wisely. Be guided by your consultant throughout your journey and temper the urge to 'try out' a solution offered by another person about your hair and its care.<br /><br />I learned that my hair is peculiar to myself. While someone <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">might</span> have a similar texture to mine chances are your hair will be very different and so what works for you will not necessarily work for me. One has to be cautious about giving and taking advice from websites and blogs. So my blog will be about MY hair and MY journey. Hopefully it will inspire and help someone along the way.<br /><br />I have found an excellent, professional consultant who sports a glorious head of manicured locks. They testify to her skill and dedication so I know my locks will be fabulous but only if I trust her and follow her instructions.<br /><br />Marie will be very embarrassed about this post but I value her highly and look forward to working alongside her as a partner in cultivating a glorious head of locks. (Marie, I do take debit and major credit cards!) So let the journey begin. YAAY!Britlocshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629300157985601491noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477221407648443631.post-87575947354036242032009-06-30T14:48:00.006+01:002009-06-30T15:41:58.589+01:00400 steps to FreedomI am now the proud of a head full of glorious <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">microlocks</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">lovingly</span> installed by my fantastic consultant Marie of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Cammalocks</span>.<br />Although excited about the installation I was anxious about what the final result would look like. It was one thing to have several sample locks but quite another to have a head full of them. And what about the dreaded 'plucked chicken' look?<br />Marie honed in on my anxiety although I did my utmost to be brave. She patiently <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">answered</span> every one of my questions - and goodness knows how many questions I asked over the two days I was with her.<br /><br />After 20 plus hours of tireless work, she installed the last lock with the words 'welcome to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">microlock</span> family' and then as if on cue the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Chaka</span> Khan song... 'I'm every woman' came on and then I was surrounded by a translucent white light. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">OK</span>, so I jest with only two of the three being actually true. But the truth was I was quite emotional about it - why? Who knows. But the results are great. I love them and I am looking forward to the journey. Judge for yourselves.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Installation completed</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Look at uniformity of the grids</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgbV0XtCwrOuc7MQOu5kxEhYWelCfXIZyyKDLbWcvUnZqTuuCR5aNuqJnvWBsaBw664sKDG0fIYPcJmLp2ZHR5kFInnejGDPEW1IrnUBasEyM0BT7CUE56yRQdGEb1FNB4-44wwz3hrPA/s1600-h/DSCF1361.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgbV0XtCwrOuc7MQOu5kxEhYWelCfXIZyyKDLbWcvUnZqTuuCR5aNuqJnvWBsaBw664sKDG0fIYPcJmLp2ZHR5kFInnejGDPEW1IrnUBasEyM0BT7CUE56yRQdGEb1FNB4-44wwz3hrPA/s320/DSCF1361.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353128506602829874" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5iu1mX4Jt9HT9FeZiYgoxxIAPWSayjvzBkhNt5ha-gTydFnZ8v8XIbDS4AYrX2kheWX5W2IfHJexgbsfOxOE0A3S6c51HCk9_r7A_-AKV1HBGau2EcuY64M0WOElgvvkwxX4vqfBI_7X/s1600-h/DSCF1359.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5iu1mX4Jt9HT9FeZiYgoxxIAPWSayjvzBkhNt5ha-gTydFnZ8v8XIbDS4AYrX2kheWX5W2IfHJexgbsfOxOE0A3S6c51HCk9_r7A_-AKV1HBGau2EcuY64M0WOElgvvkwxX4vqfBI_7X/s320/DSCF1359.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353128509412540434" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJG0YpYqT2UclAXoxkgsP5W9E32JaEOfJOBeZ693j_L4605uiBBTfj6ad4zKpRNi2QEi6jjw2FMb7-EyMdOr4rV3tbJ8AjbJOfbnr0YMjkOhxZwPw9YkN3FXqbK1VEdVbkVnZinp-xWqWw/s1600-h/DSCF1358.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJG0YpYqT2UclAXoxkgsP5W9E32JaEOfJOBeZ693j_L4605uiBBTfj6ad4zKpRNi2QEi6jjw2FMb7-EyMdOr4rV3tbJ8AjbJOfbnr0YMjkOhxZwPw9YkN3FXqbK1VEdVbkVnZinp-xWqWw/s320/DSCF1358.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353128504808518578" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguekIdEy4ceTZ6r824jibkCil43rDN_aiuJVktmI8j3V4uBEvr3aPNRYePccR68OpMMluxUYqWwoKREjDvM-vGwIjisNQcx8ukn3mA7Sahq2f6oDyvOIEO-wfrSC0inaQFHSpXAb36ybpH/s1600-h/DSCF1357.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguekIdEy4ceTZ6r824jibkCil43rDN_aiuJVktmI8j3V4uBEvr3aPNRYePccR68OpMMluxUYqWwoKREjDvM-vGwIjisNQcx8ukn3mA7Sahq2f6oDyvOIEO-wfrSC0inaQFHSpXAb36ybpH/s320/DSCF1357.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353128500843830994" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNndt7FnclFPeGgMxpOs9RJdo-6bXo0kRpf8hhQIfiMJq8RCpzEgISYIWuDV30MYNuTsMijrKs0UtoJtSGcwbA-Ly76uXNEPvLB2MAb9ODQxuAXCCbvT8UwlP9fxVBnWUGK6usuHZQ5qTa/s1600-h/DSCF1356.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNndt7FnclFPeGgMxpOs9RJdo-6bXo0kRpf8hhQIfiMJq8RCpzEgISYIWuDV30MYNuTsMijrKs0UtoJtSGcwbA-Ly76uXNEPvLB2MAb9ODQxuAXCCbvT8UwlP9fxVBnWUGK6usuHZQ5qTa/s320/DSCF1356.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353128497281480178" border="0" /></a>Britlocshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629300157985601491noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477221407648443631.post-1905500270756660082009-06-27T00:05:00.003+01:002009-06-30T14:35:47.062+01:00T'was the night before<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdaeBgdjCMjyb5VeDMRWMzk_TNZsJI4qG7IzhwJfNuoTbIpA3mKqnLqu-vZiqugh5nMQERxunf8XUuw8AjppKeRM8YSyfLf4g_qZ3IreY-hXLBVL5NaChGpqnVmzQFmFlmaQcOOSmkZBLs/s1600-h/DSCF1326.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdaeBgdjCMjyb5VeDMRWMzk_TNZsJI4qG7IzhwJfNuoTbIpA3mKqnLqu-vZiqugh5nMQERxunf8XUuw8AjppKeRM8YSyfLf4g_qZ3IreY-hXLBVL5NaChGpqnVmzQFmFlmaQcOOSmkZBLs/s320/DSCF1326.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353113822469442946" border="0" /></a><br />Well I am only a few hours away from lock down. I can't quite describe what I'm feeling - perhaps because I am so tired.<br /><br />Over the past 9 weeks I have worn my hair natural, which is a major accomplishment for me addicted as I am to smooth shiny, processed hair. Now I lurve my natural hair especially its softness. I think I'm going to miss this most of all as I've yet to feel soft locks. Well off to bed I go as I get ready for a major life change.Britlocshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629300157985601491noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477221407648443631.post-77050161835522346152009-06-05T18:20:00.004+01:002009-06-11T18:30:38.379+01:00Tester Locks<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">SL's</span> are still relatively uncommon in the UK and I wanted to find out as much as I could before I took the plunge. My obsessive personality meant that I <span style="font-weight: bold;">had</span> to find the best <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">SL</span>/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">microbraider</span> in the UK, conduct a one hour telephone interview, award them marks out of 10 and then sleep on it for several weeks before coming to a final decision.<br /><br />Well it didn't quite come to that because I found a great <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">locktician</span> in Marie of <a href="http://www.cammalocks.co.uk/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Cammalocks</span></a>. As soon as I spoke to her on the phone I knew she was THE ONE. It's a 2 hour drive but it was well worth the trip for my initial consultation. She is personable, patient, honest and beautiful. She has the most beautifully long and cultured <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">microlocks</span> that I have ever seen and I instantly knew that she would be the person I wanted to do my installation. Her grids are sheer perfection and her work is flawless. She patiently answered everyone of my questions.<br /><br />The following information might be useful so here goes. Before my consultation I had no idea about my natural hair. Let's face it, it was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">hidden</span> beneath horsehair for the majority of my life.Before that I'd permed it to infinity and beyond.<br /><br />My hair is jet black and soft. It is what Jamaican elders call 'good hair'. I have no idea what 'grade' it is. It's wavy and shrinks mercilessly when wet. Look at the before and after pics below. Ignore the face!! I just cannot believe that I took pictures of me looking like this. But I did it for humanity. That and shameless self-promotion.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0); font-style: italic;">I was trying so hard not to laugh out loud when taking this picture<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIb_Apz-nehLscDlf8n-oKajlK1MnU9OPjclxgfWs1JUQB6uxKqzhNGaNkPUki9GJHiWNUSChGNlNLufTFE4vBoj4s8NBKYFjh2BZMNBqLj-hccMFl8fBKrq4aFX-hEAldSn0vhNEF5Tj/s1600-h/DSCF1016.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIb_Apz-nehLscDlf8n-oKajlK1MnU9OPjclxgfWs1JUQB6uxKqzhNGaNkPUki9GJHiWNUSChGNlNLufTFE4vBoj4s8NBKYFjh2BZMNBqLj-hccMFl8fBKrq4aFX-hEAldSn0vhNEF5Tj/s320/DSCF1016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343902207923278770" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ZdalInOOiSYaRWkAYR6zvkwRHVU-vZloo2DA73CksWxgaEAgV7Gba8iNiTIbK9PWk1qCpaM9ShTyRaE040qboteIZBR-PoLs9LkOi6TYTQN0q9clQkSDckWdvHTPEq1FuUe3JrDk0-Yt/s1600-h/DSCF1020.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ZdalInOOiSYaRWkAYR6zvkwRHVU-vZloo2DA73CksWxgaEAgV7Gba8iNiTIbK9PWk1qCpaM9ShTyRaE040qboteIZBR-PoLs9LkOi6TYTQN0q9clQkSDckWdvHTPEq1FuUe3JrDk0-Yt/s320/DSCF1020.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343902213327909250" border="0" /></a><br />Marie informs me that my hair type will take about a <span style="font-weight: bold;">year </span>or more to lock. A year? You gotta be kidding right? No. It's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">definitely</span> a year and this means that until it does lock she will have to handle my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">retightenings</span>. I think I'd better get a second job right now. Taxi anyone?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">My natural texture</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQulgYQetjw5Kuf3PoHggBbFkXZjW_l_X4pA4KYzCV0Fmvig8-sic7PvOr3ExlKpsv6cqPqG430gw24y4WoOlWzPtGqrk2QJDNPgtTl5quU58U-QnmFjB6CosDVPiYFkcGELao3akBoRxX/s1600-h/DSCF0952.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQulgYQetjw5Kuf3PoHggBbFkXZjW_l_X4pA4KYzCV0Fmvig8-sic7PvOr3ExlKpsv6cqPqG430gw24y4WoOlWzPtGqrk2QJDNPgtTl5quU58U-QnmFjB6CosDVPiYFkcGELao3akBoRxX/s320/DSCF0952.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343899839112248914" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMzhRd61zoncLZfZpSGfqH1GLgBKNBNjEtcubrW3e5C9OyI683tzz_F4DhxXqfC-Kse0x0hTnxWXBo5ApSJyAH1vWyAjCi8mLiR34-Lgqyk5Gzob7eIhXgZEd8VNLgUgHaMuWtlNLEuN2/s1600-h/DSCF1137.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMzhRd61zoncLZfZpSGfqH1GLgBKNBNjEtcubrW3e5C9OyI683tzz_F4DhxXqfC-Kse0x0hTnxWXBo5ApSJyAH1vWyAjCi8mLiR34-Lgqyk5Gzob7eIhXgZEd8VNLgUgHaMuWtlNLEuN2/s320/DSCF1137.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343899840082093186" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Anyhoo</span>, Marie has installed 6 tester locks of various sizes and techniques. The differences between them only being visible to those possessing superhuman powers of detection.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51); font-style: italic;">Week One and tester locks</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEROwQ5MKPH3JnexdkQhnjJkU6dleLXa26AP38rFRWKcf7_2Sagf17fzEsVI1lULmpbVsi7TX5yj4aoRAKkFbDf0VVNOxhGBV1TW9_htPL1mP9j_5p2ABwnEMys83Zh8vcwzCeFbx9XYck/s1600-h/DSCF0973.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEROwQ5MKPH3JnexdkQhnjJkU6dleLXa26AP38rFRWKcf7_2Sagf17fzEsVI1lULmpbVsi7TX5yj4aoRAKkFbDf0VVNOxhGBV1TW9_htPL1mP9j_5p2ABwnEMys83Zh8vcwzCeFbx9XYck/s320/DSCF0973.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343901254821804706" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPfWykBuJ1ajWU6cgZJVShGGouxrnH0J_a-17Lc7k7Zc1EgXcVXsgpZOlxj5l5ixc-LpxrEmaMwZVudsgaKsvLcZCS-d0QvyByr4Ln7PCB5QJHGnEnuYeqytOvK81UWoPSJhaGxiPhmwV/s1600-h/DSCF0979.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPfWykBuJ1ajWU6cgZJVShGGouxrnH0J_a-17Lc7k7Zc1EgXcVXsgpZOlxj5l5ixc-LpxrEmaMwZVudsgaKsvLcZCS-d0QvyByr4Ln7PCB5QJHGnEnuYeqytOvK81UWoPSJhaGxiPhmwV/s320/DSCF0979.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343901248306910594" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnyA9rcCynv0oKzXn8wB_VlN0PYOE52hUwpMiNl8vAbqZ4Dtrv6dSYuGrhjg1XjTuhfbTouuHW-qGY0Fd70B9gDyuquJLslEM3MrB81nMuyh5o48UbDclc_GPc8IGc6t9ddC-wqr2Kusj/s1600-h/DSCF0976.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnyA9rcCynv0oKzXn8wB_VlN0PYOE52hUwpMiNl8vAbqZ4Dtrv6dSYuGrhjg1XjTuhfbTouuHW-qGY0Fd70B9gDyuquJLslEM3MrB81nMuyh5o48UbDclc_GPc8IGc6t9ddC-wqr2Kusj/s320/DSCF0976.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343901251043494722" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br />Marie explained the braiding and branding formula for washing. I held out as long as I could because I hate washing my hair. I did really well 'cos I washed my hair in week three of having the testers installed. Despite the shrinkage my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">lockettes</span> held up extremely well and didn't seem to shrink at all.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">Washing: Braiding and Banding</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3DKxDSOsRzUIb0uxWSLRK_QcHidZB0XgtkO6m5pqZRYnjioaWj0N9HeeG-9vRrkjwwmj4kp1vTFvXvQOdr_d3ii4ud1hS2p9LLb5seKStkXcf6gn5dWvV2R3Qqud6io_Il8qfqbPmq8Da/s1600-h/DSCF1015.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3DKxDSOsRzUIb0uxWSLRK_QcHidZB0XgtkO6m5pqZRYnjioaWj0N9HeeG-9vRrkjwwmj4kp1vTFvXvQOdr_d3ii4ud1hS2p9LLb5seKStkXcf6gn5dWvV2R3Qqud6io_Il8qfqbPmq8Da/s320/DSCF1015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343904358234639010" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0); font-style: italic;">Minimal shrinkage</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGzBKTX0qHvKgsT_O-VL-sxXH_MufFtWhGK2nYKW-tb-lGWe3WACGk6Rdywt_F49cQp8vHEoqvo35qLZEmj8721Qrt6dTnDPuhdXwTVZomnKjMa2Nmo4j4a3AgwH_gjKapy5mc32zGjqU/s1600-h/DSCF1026.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGzBKTX0qHvKgsT_O-VL-sxXH_MufFtWhGK2nYKW-tb-lGWe3WACGk6Rdywt_F49cQp8vHEoqvo35qLZEmj8721Qrt6dTnDPuhdXwTVZomnKjMa2Nmo4j4a3AgwH_gjKapy5mc32zGjqU/s320/DSCF1026.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343904353289586098" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYt0dWc-8njPBmiFR-fKCtNfOU6mfqYLev-1XWNVf870dZoJwztDqJkDx1lRs7-KOQaA7Q9BHJzN6ZpxDfSzzoZDLlsEbwAKtvNKNTL2_S2W-FmEKgT1Bf7ajdzFUm5gMYsWcijsuPcSWJ/s1600-h/DSCF1027.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYt0dWc-8njPBmiFR-fKCtNfOU6mfqYLev-1XWNVf870dZoJwztDqJkDx1lRs7-KOQaA7Q9BHJzN6ZpxDfSzzoZDLlsEbwAKtvNKNTL2_S2W-FmEKgT1Bf7ajdzFUm5gMYsWcijsuPcSWJ/s320/DSCF1027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343904358360820658" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />So now all I have to do is sit and wait. I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">might</span> not have <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">explained</span> before but I am the most impatient person in the UK - no, the world. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">I will have</span> my locks installed at the end of June. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">That will</span> have been a 9 week wait. Nine weeks! Empires have been built and destroyed in less time. Who'd have thunk it, but I can hardly wait for the 'plucked chicken' look. But no. That's not the attitude. Everyone knows that good things come to those who wait and wait and wait and Marie is certainly worth waiting for. Until then I am still intrigued by these stringy things. They don't seem to have plumped up yet and I've had them for 5 weeks now.<br /><br />Until then my new found friends. Adios. See you at the end of June. Y'all take care now.Britlocshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629300157985601491noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477221407648443631.post-37121266815612526352009-06-05T16:28:00.001+01:002009-06-05T22:47:45.232+01:00Fabulous NaturalosityI have been thinking about what to do with my hair for ages (I'm talking years). I had taken the super comfortable route of wearing my hair in braids and kinky twists which became my signature style. I loved the versatility and although stylistically challenged, I managed to create a range of styles.<br /><br />On and off I thought about locking my hair. I have several friends who have the most beautiful traditional locks, some down to their waists and beyond. They looked beautiful and well nutured and I was in awe of them. My problem? I simply wasn't brave enough.<br />There was also the issue of the inherited prejudice of my Jamaican parents who saw locks as the embodiment of rebellion and anti establishment sentiments and therefore had no place on their educated daughter's head. I couldn't even broach the subject with my mother.<br /><br />My sister, younger and braver, started off her locks herself several years ago and looks great with them. I'll post some pictures of her self installed palm-rolled beauties.<br /><br />Several years later and I gotta tell ya - I got fed up with the braids. I looked into my future and thought:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 204, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Man! Am I still going to be braiding my hair at 50 or 60? Eventually I'll end up with just a couple strands of hair in the middle of my head with an extension attached to it".</span><br /></div><br />No, I had to do something and NOW.<br />Then I discovered Sisterlocks/microlocks. After hours of research I have decided that now is the time to embrace a whole new me and lock my hair.<br /><br />I cannot begin to describe the fear of revealing my nappiness to the world. Once I'd picked out the last braid and washed my hair, my son didn't recognise me and wanted to know where my 'long hair' was. I'm ashamed to admit it but he'd never seen me with my natural hair. Oh no. For within several frustrating hours of taking down those stubborn plaits, I was in my braider's chair.<br /><br />There's much to be said for the British stiff upper lip that confidently deals with any situation no matter how difficult. With my tester locks installed and several weeks wait until 'D' Day, I had no choice but to to bare my all to the world. My work colleagues were bemused at my radical transformation. But I tell you, I walked into my corporate job with my head held high and answered every (ignorant and just plain curious) question with grace and patience.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnlD56JTzoV929UP8_2P3xqgZK8CcMxuuw_m9KRfKhS8w4_Iax5l3oiV1qCx9LHasx00AHVc_tyKm3ttUQM7ETsudHU-L0jMV_NGdcgItoFSnm-b_JWDSfoCDXocD-B4b5FlB4Zr22u695/s1600-h/DSCF1116.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 377px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnlD56JTzoV929UP8_2P3xqgZK8CcMxuuw_m9KRfKhS8w4_Iax5l3oiV1qCx9LHasx00AHVc_tyKm3ttUQM7ETsudHU-L0jMV_NGdcgItoFSnm-b_JWDSfoCDXocD-B4b5FlB4Zr22u695/s320/DSCF1116.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343883955634243938" border="0" /></a><br />And now, well I've been sporting the two strand twist for several weeks and I've grown confident in styling and wearing my own beautiful hair. I've had lots of compliments, many from my own weaved and braided sisters who tell me (on the quiet) that they want to do the same but can't yet quite cross the '<span style="font-style: italic;">artificial</span>' divide.<br /><br />There's nothing quite like being comfortable in your own skin - or should I say, hair.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Britlocshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629300157985601491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477221407648443631.post-29076978258021178462009-06-04T23:31:00.000+01:002009-06-04T23:41:28.085+01:00Help! I'm about to start bloggingWell there's nothing like starting as you mean to go on. Inspired by others who have trodden this road before me, I have decided to chronicle my microlocks journey.<br />June 27th 2009 is my installation day and I approach it with excitement and a tinsy winsy bit of trepidation. Oh yeah. Good thing I'm a praying woman.Britlocshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06629300157985601491noreply@blogger.com0