After all the fuss and TLC from OYIN: and getting those cute curls, I went to bed last night and had a mad dream....
For some reason, my locs were really really long ... like butt length and I decided that it was time for a change. So I cut my locs from about 2-3 inches from the scalp and picked out the remaining of the locs... and had this amazing afro....
Which I let grow for about a year ...
Doing all the wash and go's mainly and having fun with a different style....
And then Christmas came, and I decided to get my hair braided up.... And I re-attached all my locs. Back to normal and and growing my locs again.
Its a funny thing that I had this dream as recently I have re-attaching and doing some minor loc surgery with a few that fell off at the back ... The black yarn really came in handy and it doesn't show at all.... I just kept wrapping the yarn through both locs and around until it looked like one again.
Who knows.... Maybe one day when my locs are much longer, I'll give that experiment a go for real and see how it all turns out.
I might have mentioned before that when I did have loose napps for all those years, I did not have the wealth of info that exists today -- My whole mindset on natural hair was terrible. If I knew then, what I now know -- I KNOW I would have had much more fun.
At the same time, my attitude towards locs has changed over the process too -- from only wanting and accepting manicured locs to falling into freeforming and rebelling from what neat locs are suppossed to look like.
And now I'm slowly seeing that my attitude is changing from loced for life to for whatever feels right. There is no need to feel that locs are permanent.
Hair grows, thats all it does -- and for the rest of my life it will do, in whatever style I want, I shouldn't tell my Self that having short hair is a bad thing or that cutting my locs would be a failed thing.... All those old mind conditioning is not healthy while I have my locs. Infact, its time to move away from all that and choose real freedom to enjoy what nappiness is all about.
Having locs should not be seen as a no going back process. If it feels right to just chop them off, do so and start again when you have had your fun with your loose naps. But I feel that whatever choice we make, make sure it is what we really want and willing to take the good/bad of it. Really thinking it through before doing it.
Saying that, I don't feel ready to cut mine off -- It might be a long wait or never, but I know that if I want to go back to having loose naps, then thats fine too.
After that dream and all the loc surgery I have been performing over the years, anything is possible.
At the 5 year mark, I'll observe my feeling towards my locs.
As for now, I love them way too much.
Just my feelings and thoughts.
Sunday, January 30, 2005
PLOPPING....
It sounds like some new exercise trend. 'Plopping' refers to a method of helping to create curl structure prior to diffusing or air drying that has become a favorite among NaturallyCurly.com members.
As described by a member, after one washes and conditions the hair, you apply product to wet hair and get ready to 'plop.' Put a t-shirt or aquis towel down on a chair - some use the toilet with seat down. Leaning over the towel/t-shirt with your head hanging down bent over from your waist, position the wet hair onto towel so the curls are all concentrated on top of the head. Then pull the towel taut against the top and sides of the head, grabbing the 2 sides and twisting them into long sausage rolls near each ear. Take these rolled up towel extensions and pull them to the nape of the neck and secure them by tying them together.
Says one reader, 'Then I put go about my morning routine — makeup, coffee, etc. The towel helps to absorb excess water while letting the curls 'set' into clumps. When you take the towel off, gently shake down the curls and diffuse 's' shaped, individual curly locks, with some volume at the roots.
If you want extra control, another member suggests spritzing on on some spray gel or scrunch in a bit more gel after you take the towel off.
...This sounds like a good method for drying locs too.
LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT T?....
A WHOLE LIST OF ONLINE SHOPS WITH NAPPY TEES
Taken from Afronappy's website:
http://www.napturalglory.com/index.html
Taken from Afronappy's website:
http://www.napturalglory.com/index.html
Saturday, January 29, 2005
I GAVE MY PLANTS THE OYIN: FULL WORKS!
Today, my pack came. So quickly!
Pleasantly surprised to find the postman knocking at my door when I was expecting the plumber to come and fix my busted radiator.
And perfect timing too - today I felt that my locs needed a little TLC so I had all my stuff ready to treat them after all my work for the day was over....
So I gave my babies the OYIN: works - she even included a little pack of the Poo bar and the stick to go along with my gift pack :-)
The Shampoo bar was very lovely scented, glided right on my locs...and unlike other natural soaps, I didn't feel afraid to just rub the soap into my locs/scalp as there are no little bits in it, just pure smoothness. A gentle clean and doesn't leave that stripped feeling, just softness.
The conditioner --- This stuff smelled SO YUMMY! I mean, as soon as I put a little on my plants, they just ate it all up lol! It felt thin to the touch, but bursting with moisture and fragrance. Very refreshing. I massaged the conditioner into my locs, left them on for a few minutes and hesitated to rinse ... it was too good to let go!
The wonderful thing about freeforming is that there is plenty of loose hairs around the scalp area that gives me the added pleasure of touching my loose fuzzy naps ... And it is usually the first thing I notice after I use any product. If my loose curls are feeling good and healthy, then I know my locs are loving them too.
My loose naps were flying with textured moistured curls after the wash! A sure sign that I have found a few products that are good for me!
Next, I lightly squeeze my locs with a towel and add a pea size amount of the shine and define on. A little of this stuff really goes a long way!
The stage I'm at right now ----
I'm sitting at this computer with damp locs and little curls at my scalp, they feel so cute! I'm guessing that all the moisture from the wash and the styling serum of shine and define has worked its magic into my curls.
When my locs are dry, I'll give them another zapp of the Greg juice. I tried this earleir, before washing my locs out of sheer curiousity and found it to be very soothing and the perfect remedy to my dry locs. I can't wait to use it again after my locs have dried a little.
That leaves 2 more products to try -- the lip balm and the whip pudding.
Pleasantly surprised to find the postman knocking at my door when I was expecting the plumber to come and fix my busted radiator.
And perfect timing too - today I felt that my locs needed a little TLC so I had all my stuff ready to treat them after all my work for the day was over....
So I gave my babies the OYIN: works - she even included a little pack of the Poo bar and the stick to go along with my gift pack :-)
The Shampoo bar was very lovely scented, glided right on my locs...and unlike other natural soaps, I didn't feel afraid to just rub the soap into my locs/scalp as there are no little bits in it, just pure smoothness. A gentle clean and doesn't leave that stripped feeling, just softness.
The conditioner --- This stuff smelled SO YUMMY! I mean, as soon as I put a little on my plants, they just ate it all up lol! It felt thin to the touch, but bursting with moisture and fragrance. Very refreshing. I massaged the conditioner into my locs, left them on for a few minutes and hesitated to rinse ... it was too good to let go!
The wonderful thing about freeforming is that there is plenty of loose hairs around the scalp area that gives me the added pleasure of touching my loose fuzzy naps ... And it is usually the first thing I notice after I use any product. If my loose curls are feeling good and healthy, then I know my locs are loving them too.
My loose naps were flying with textured moistured curls after the wash! A sure sign that I have found a few products that are good for me!
Next, I lightly squeeze my locs with a towel and add a pea size amount of the shine and define on. A little of this stuff really goes a long way!
The stage I'm at right now ----
I'm sitting at this computer with damp locs and little curls at my scalp, they feel so cute! I'm guessing that all the moisture from the wash and the styling serum of shine and define has worked its magic into my curls.
When my locs are dry, I'll give them another zapp of the Greg juice. I tried this earleir, before washing my locs out of sheer curiousity and found it to be very soothing and the perfect remedy to my dry locs. I can't wait to use it again after my locs have dried a little.
That leaves 2 more products to try -- the lip balm and the whip pudding.
OYIN: is amazing! No other word for it,
I'd recommend it to any napps out there reading!
Its a sure thing!
Sunday, January 23, 2005
SCALP MASSAGE...
The Hair & Scalp Massage: Ayurvedic Secret for Gorgeous Hair
- Written by Shreelata Suresh - Submitted on 9/21/2004
- Written by Shreelata Suresh - Submitted on 9/21/2004
Thursday, January 13, 2005
WAITING ON MY OYIN: ....
This is why I love the internet, a chance to 'meet' others and try out their products...
This lady is truly beautiful and talented....
I just bought the gift pack to try out her stuff and see how it works on my locs...
This lady is truly beautiful and talented....
I just bought the gift pack to try out her stuff and see how it works on my locs...
ENTER OYIN: AND BE PREPARED TO LOVE THE WEBSITE:
http://oyinhandmade.com/
NAPPY HAIR TIPS: http://oyinhandmade.com/oyin/index.php?p=20#more-20
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Thursday, December 30, 2004
THE WONDERS OF OLIVE OIL FOR LOCS...
Thanks GG for posting a comment...
I did a few searches and to my knowledge, olive oil is a wonderful all around healthy choice to use on the body...aside from being wonderful to use on locs, it is a rich oil that heals the body:
http://www.garleo.com/page6.htm
Olive oil nourishes, conditions, and improves the strength and elasticity of your hair, while the couldn't-be-easier process is both stress-reducing and health-promoting. The best part is that it is easily absorbed and does not leave build-up that other products tend to do.
As always, it is important to clarify your locs no matter what routine you have to make sure that you give your locs a fresh start.
A little more info no how you can use olive oil:
http://www.care2.com/channels/solutions/bms/1000
Hope that helps!
I did a few searches and to my knowledge, olive oil is a wonderful all around healthy choice to use on the body...aside from being wonderful to use on locs, it is a rich oil that heals the body:
http://www.garleo.com/page6.htm
Olive oil nourishes, conditions, and improves the strength and elasticity of your hair, while the couldn't-be-easier process is both stress-reducing and health-promoting. The best part is that it is easily absorbed and does not leave build-up that other products tend to do.
As always, it is important to clarify your locs no matter what routine you have to make sure that you give your locs a fresh start.
A little more info no how you can use olive oil:
http://www.care2.com/channels/solutions/bms/1000
Hope that helps!
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
A LOOK AT HEMP SEED OIL...
Taken internally, it is thought by many to simulate growth of hair and nails, improve the health of the skin, and can even reduce inflammation from arthritis or related diseases.
While the hemp based shampoos and hair care products can offer the benefit of softer hair and skin, it can not be as supportive as taking the oil internally.
My experience is that it simulates growth of hair and nails, improves the health of the skin, and can reduce inflammation. I like the idea of having one good oil that supplies both omega-3s and GLA, without the need to take more capsules.
Some people experiment with adding hemp seed oil directly to their favorite shampoos and conditioners as a home grown custom recipe. Others will apply the oil directly to their hair as a form of conditioning. Not well suited as a hot oil treatment, the oil can still be applied to hair and left on overnight. It can also be used to oil braids, cornrows or other hair weaves.
If you wish to experiment by adding hemp oil to your hair start slowly with a little oil. If the formula works, you can slowly increase the amount you use.
The advantage that hemp seed offers is that it combines the benefits of omega 3 and omega 6 along with GLA. One product will supply what you need. If you take capsules this can be even more beneficial.
If you wish to take Hemp Seed Oil internally, there is good news. The oil has a distinct, earthy flavor and a light green color. Some people describe the taste of hemp seed oil is nutty. Many people enjoy the flavor.
TAKEN FROM THIS ARTICLE:
http://www.hairboutique.com/tips/tip091.htm
While the hemp based shampoos and hair care products can offer the benefit of softer hair and skin, it can not be as supportive as taking the oil internally.
My experience is that it simulates growth of hair and nails, improves the health of the skin, and can reduce inflammation. I like the idea of having one good oil that supplies both omega-3s and GLA, without the need to take more capsules.
Some people experiment with adding hemp seed oil directly to their favorite shampoos and conditioners as a home grown custom recipe. Others will apply the oil directly to their hair as a form of conditioning. Not well suited as a hot oil treatment, the oil can still be applied to hair and left on overnight. It can also be used to oil braids, cornrows or other hair weaves.
If you wish to experiment by adding hemp oil to your hair start slowly with a little oil. If the formula works, you can slowly increase the amount you use.
The advantage that hemp seed offers is that it combines the benefits of omega 3 and omega 6 along with GLA. One product will supply what you need. If you take capsules this can be even more beneficial.
If you wish to take Hemp Seed Oil internally, there is good news. The oil has a distinct, earthy flavor and a light green color. Some people describe the taste of hemp seed oil is nutty. Many people enjoy the flavor.
TAKEN FROM THIS ARTICLE:
http://www.hairboutique.com/tips/tip091.htm
MY LONGER LOCS ARE MID-BACK....
I remember not too long ago (or it seems that way anyways...) that I said I would be happy when the top locs on my head reach a proper shoulder length...and now they have.
I usually tie my locs up so its a strange feeling to have them hanging down and banging my back, my longest locs that have never been touched before are now touching mid-back!
In speaking to many of my loc friends, I'm so sure that its true to say that at one point of the journey to locdom, there is shrinkage, then a huge pause while everthing seems to stay a certain lentgth...and then HUGE growth coming from the roots directly as the shrinkage no longer occurs!
This is definately my HUGE growth time.... and it doesn't seem to be stopping any time soon. I was shocked when I was looking at the comparison pics again of April to now.... it really has been a few extra inches to the length.
I love it!
I usually tie my locs up so its a strange feeling to have them hanging down and banging my back, my longest locs that have never been touched before are now touching mid-back!
In speaking to many of my loc friends, I'm so sure that its true to say that at one point of the journey to locdom, there is shrinkage, then a huge pause while everthing seems to stay a certain lentgth...and then HUGE growth coming from the roots directly as the shrinkage no longer occurs!
This is definately my HUGE growth time.... and it doesn't seem to be stopping any time soon. I was shocked when I was looking at the comparison pics again of April to now.... it really has been a few extra inches to the length.
I love it!
Friday, December 10, 2004
Thursday, December 09, 2004
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
LAURYN'S LOCS
...I LOVE THE DETAILS IN THESE PICS, just goes to show that you don't need to have really cultivated locs to look stunning!
Monday, December 06, 2004
AND HE WANTS TO TALK TO ME ABOUT SELF HARM!??! ...
People's comments really don't bug me anymore...I just get on with things.
Its my head, I should be allowed to do what I want with it.
Same goes for their head...
But if someone I don't know goes out of their way to say to me that I am self harming myself for locing...don't expect me to be calm.
And this guy had a horrific relaxer in his hair... I really don't get why guys do it now?!?
So, I went off on one....he wants to talk to me about Self harm and damage, standing there and telling me that he is a student doing Chemistry at uni....I'm like, 'you don't have to be doing a chemistry degree to figure out a few things....duh!'
Would you dream of going into a chemistry lab and putting the same chemicals on your arm, if you didn't know it was the same relaxer ingredients? Doubt it. And he wants to talk about self harm....
Some people are just crazy. He was looking for a fight, he got one.
I walked off with a grin.
Its my head, I should be allowed to do what I want with it.
Same goes for their head...
But if someone I don't know goes out of their way to say to me that I am self harming myself for locing...don't expect me to be calm.
And this guy had a horrific relaxer in his hair... I really don't get why guys do it now?!?
So, I went off on one....he wants to talk to me about Self harm and damage, standing there and telling me that he is a student doing Chemistry at uni....I'm like, 'you don't have to be doing a chemistry degree to figure out a few things....duh!'
Would you dream of going into a chemistry lab and putting the same chemicals on your arm, if you didn't know it was the same relaxer ingredients? Doubt it. And he wants to talk about self harm....
Some people are just crazy. He was looking for a fight, he got one.
I walked off with a grin.
Saturday, December 04, 2004
HEMP OIL, SHEA BUTTER AND OTHER SOAPS...
I bought a few soaps....I have this new addiction to buying natural soaps and searching all the options...
I still say that my traditional black soap always comes first though, it always lathers up and smells just right. As a second wash, I always finish with another natural soap that contain oils.
I'm looking forward to my hemp oil soap and I heard shea butter is good too!
I still say that my traditional black soap always comes first though, it always lathers up and smells just right. As a second wash, I always finish with another natural soap that contain oils.
I'm looking forward to my hemp oil soap and I heard shea butter is good too!
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