3 Year Pics

So here are my pics at 3 years!






These are the comparisons at day 1, year 1, year 2, and year 3...


right side


back

3 Years!!!

So it's my 3 year lock anniversary and I decided to dye my hair! Well, kind of. I did an auburn rinse (not bold enough for permanent color). It's subtle but I like it. I will post pics soon.

I retightened my hair and am really noticing my length now. I mean my hair isn't super long, but I've come sooooo far from when I started. I can't wait to do comparison pics.

This is cliche, but it doesn't seem like it's been 3 years. I've gotten so used to (spoiled :-)) with my locks that I don't think about my hair as much anymore. Imagine that, it's just hair ;-)

I do have an appreciation for it when I do a consultation with a client that's in the same seat I was 3 years ago. We all have the same story in different variations. Tired of chemicials/relaxers/weaves/braids/etc., hair broke off after (pick a reason), wanted to go natural but didn't know how to, want to be more healthy, and fell in love with Sisterlocks after seeing them somewhere. I still like the idea that I can introduce other women to something that freed me from many of my hair woes. And I'm still loving every minute of it.

Pics coming soon...

Month 35

Can't believe it's been this long

March 19, 2011 marked 34 months since I got locked up. In just 2 months I'll be celebrating 3 years with Sisterlocks and I can hardly believe it. I can't wait to do comparison pics, because it's still hard for me to see my progress. I can tell my hair has grown some, but I still would consider it short. Either way it's in much better condition than when I started, so I can't complain.

I decided to break my lazy streak last night and attempt to style my hair. I did a braid out while I was laying in bed, so it's not perfect but it's something :) I'll have to take some pics of it after I unbraided it and post them later.

It's been a while...

It's been a while since I've posted anything, but I finally have some pictures for an update. I took these in January when I was at about 32 months. I can't believe it will be 3 years for me in May! Time sure flies.

My hair is still growing, and I've been lazy about styling lately. I'm not liking my rod sets as much these days. I tend to use a curling iron just to add a slight curl to my hair, but I mostly wear it straight.

Month 28

It's been busy an I haven't done much with my hair lately. I am pretty much trying to keep it retightened on a regular schedule. I'm in a bit of a styling rut but as my hair is growing out some I think I'll have more options.

On the sisterlocks trainee front, I finally submitted my certification application to the sisterlocks home office :-)

Here are some random pics I took last month. I had set my hair with soft spikes but didn't have time to let it try completely, so the curls had already fallen by the end of they day.

Month 26

So I've made it to month 26 of my sisterlocks journey. It's still hard to believe it's been that long. At this stage, I was surprised that I was able to take out one of my locks. I have some locks that are on the larger side, and they started to annoy me so I just figured I'd try to undo it and it actually worked. I decided to take out the one next to it and make the two locks into 3:

The one on the left is one of my original locks, and the 3 to the right are the ones I just did. I may combine the two on the left since one of them is a little on the small side now.

I haven't had a lot of time to do much to my hair, but after I retightened my hair I flat twisted the front and rodded the back. The pictures below were taken about a week after I set my hair, and a day after an intense workout that sweated out all of my curls :-)

2 Years!!!

It's official!!! On May 19, 2010, I celebrated my 2 year lock anniversary!




OK, so I didn't do much celebrating (I was retightening a client's hair), but later that week or the next week I actually did get a massage and finished retightening my own hair :-)

As promised, here are the pictures of my bangs styled with a curling iron on low heat setting. The pics aren't the best but here it is:

Here are some comparison pics of my 1st day, 1st year, and 2nd year. Looks like I'm making progress...


Right side where I had a LOT of breakage when I started...

Back view...

(the middle picture is actually at about 13 months)

To Color or Not to Color, That is the Queston

I will soon be at my 2 year lock anniversary. Time flies!

I am contemplating getting color when I hit my 2 year mark next month, but I'm not sure. I have seen varying degrees of results with Sisterlocks and color, and I'm not sure I'm ready to take the leap yet. I have seen differences in hair texture and breakage as a result, so I may not be willing to take that risk.

I did buy some henna some months back but am concerned about build up and my hair turning orange. I may consider doing a rinse to see how that works since it's only temporary. Anyone with experience/advice on color, please msg me.

I am in an experimentation phase with styling. I wanted more of a wrap look, so I got some large rollers but they didn't work that well. I have started using a curling iron on a low heat setting just to get a bend in the front of my hair for bangs and to frame my face. Everyone thinks I got a hair cut :-)

I am going to try to limit the heat on my hair, but I haven't seen any adverse effects from using the curling iron yet. I have noticed if the setting is too high, it can flatten your locks out some, especially locks that haven't matured yet. That happened to a few of mine but after I washed my hair they were back to normal. Also, the curl is so loose it doesn't hold up for long, maybe a day or so, and you can forget it if it's raining or humid.

I haven't done a roller set in a while but I also invested in a hair dryer so I don't have to always wait hours (or overnight) for a set. I still have yet to use it, especially since I got the curling iron around the same time.

My hair is still growing slowly at its own pace, but I'm still loving the journey. I will post more pics soon.

Month 22: My Tiny Ponytail

I'm inching up on 2 years, and I may have an inch of ponytail :-) No laughing please, but here it is:




Here is a lazy picture of the back of my hair I took while I was laying down. I can tell my hair is growing, but I am still a little paranoid that my locks in the back are too large. They aren't huge, but just big enough to be annoying to me since I really like small locks. I was hoping they would have contracted more by now, but I'll get over it.




In the sisterlocks trainee world, I have actually completed over 3 locking sessions but I still haven't submitted my application yet. My goal is still to turn it in by the end of the year, and if all goes well I'll get it in by the July deadline. Wish me luck!

It's Been a Minute

OK, so I haven't blogged in a minute. It's been pretty busy and my computer crashed, so I've been playing catch up. I will be coming up on 22 months in a few weeks. It seems like just yesterday I was getting my locks and now I'm approaching two years. Time sure does fly.

I did hit a milestone of sorts a few weeks ago...(drumroll)...I have just enough hair to pull into a little ponytail. OK, so it's not impressive but I've seen smaller. I will post pics soon.

I am still working towards becoming a certified Sisterlocks consultant and have been pretty busy with retightenings and a few new clients. I'm definitely keeping busy :-)

New Style

I experimented with a new style for a gala I went to over the weekend. I curled my hair with rods all over (smaller ones on the sides) and twisted it up. I think it turned out well...

20 Months Today

Today I am officially 1 year and 8 months Sisterlocked! I have graduated to using the green tea shampoo (which I love) but I will still probably use the starter shampoo every now and then. I also started using sisterlocks conditioner and moisturing spray. I also tried the Crinkles & Curls setting lotion. I didn't notice much difference in it holding my curls but it does smell good. It's supposed to make your hair dry faster. I guess I'm turning into a product junkie (no!!!!!!!).

I haven't been doing much with my hair lately, but it is still growing at its own pace. I did reach another silly landmark though....the headband! lol. OK, so I really don't wear headbands but I needed something to keep my hair out of the way when I wash my face (imagine that, hair in my face..lol). I would end up with a few straight locks on the sides of my head when I set my hair because it would get wet while I washed my face (not cute). So I got some very thin headbands (they look more like big rubberbands) just to keep my hair dry and it's been working so far.

The pictures below were taken last month (at around 19 months) after I washed my hair:

More pics to come...

17 Months

Here are my pics at 17 months:




So my hair has finally grown enough in the front for me to pull off having bangs. :) This is a pretty small milestone, but progress nonetheless considering how short my hair started. Ever since a bad haircut several years ago, along with years of braiding, I have had this bowl look (short in the front, longer in the back). I am slowly but surely growing out of it.

I am still using the starter shampoo and shampooing once a week. I used the Sisterlocks reconstructor conditioner because some of my ends were looking on the dry side. I am experimenting with some hair mists though (more on that later).

Month 16

Here are my pictures at 16 months (close to 17 now). It's still growing at its own pace (slowly but surely).

I tried using soft spikes last week but my curls fell after 2 days. Maybe my hair wasn't wet enough. Anyway, this time I wet my hair thoroughly and used a little crinkles and curls setting lotion. I set it overnight on rods about 4 days ago.




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front


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side

back

I have been thinking about coloring my hair but I am on the fence about it. I've never really been that into color but I've been seeing a lot of people lately with nice color and have been considering experimenting. I like the color of my hair and the texture. Many clients I have seen with color have experienced a change in hair texture and sometimes breakage, so I think I may just forgo the coloring thing for now. It sure is tempting though.

On the goal front, I have almost accomplished the goals I set out at the beginning of the year. Good thing since I will be thinking of my 2010 goals soon. So far the first one is to become a certified sisterlocks consultant.

At my last swim lesson with a new instructor, I actually swam on my own for the first time! No flotation devices, just me in the water and not drowning :-) I still have a few more lessons, because I still need to work on my breathing and form...but I am happy I was able to do that on my own. It looks like my Egypt trip will definitely be postponed, maybe for a few years, and I still haven't found an Arabic class. I downloaded some stuff from iTunes but haven't listened to all of the lessons yet though I learned a few phrases.

15 Months! - 2009 Goal Update 6

It's been a minute since I've updated my blog. I am at 15 months now and have been experimenting with different looks. I haven't taken as many pictures lately but I will try to post some more soon. These are my pics after just washing my hair:







I think my hair is maturing OK. A lot of my ends are sealed and some are still open. Some of the puffiness is going away too.

As for my goal updates, I finally got my master's degree in the mail last month and got a frame for it. Feels good, but it is an expensive piece of paper. I still have only taken one swimming lesson but I have one scheduled next week so hopefully I will make more progress. I have been doing retightenings like crazy and am looking forward to doing some new locks pretty soon. Working on different hair textures, lengths and locks at different maturity levels is a learning experience. I am going to start putting together a portfolio soon also.

13 Months! - 2009 Goal Update 5

So I've made it to 13 months and need to do something with my hair. I plan to curl it tonight, but here are some post-wash pre-style pics:








This month I actually retightened my own hair for the first time (well, at least the front which is the most challenging part since I still have hair growing in between my parts...my consultant finished the back the following week). I split one of my locs in the front because somewhere along the line it looked like two got joined together. It is growing slowly and I am in the swelling phase where my locks are plumping up, especially in the back, but I'm happy with my progress. I can feel that several of my ends are fully encased while some of my ends are still open.

I graduated last month so now that I'm done with school, I have time to focus on my other goals. I started working in a salon this week so I have been doing more retightenings. So far so good. My retightening time is down from 5-6 hours to 3-4, so I am getting a little faster. It also depends on the condition of the person's hair of course, but that's my ballpark range.

I am still working out on a regular basis and have recruited some work out buddies along the way. I am addicted to Zumba, which is a group exercise class based on latin/international dance. I have also been doing weight training consistently and it turns out I've gained a pound. I bought Bethenny Frankel's book Naturally Thin and it's a good read. It's helping me not become neurotic and obsessive about losing weight and I like her sarcastic/dry sense of humor (she's the natural chef from Real Housewives of NY). I also need to focus on some key things like reducing/eliminating soy intake, increasing protein which can be challenging since I'm a vegetarian, and reducing my caloric intake. Overall I enjoy working out and I feel healthier so at the end of the day it's all good.

I had my first swimming lesson last week. I am getting some of the techniques down but I am still afraid of drowning because I don't think people float the same way fish do. We'll see how that goes.

Year 1!!!

Yesterday marked my official 1st year with sisterlocks! I treated myself to a massage to celebrate. Here are my pics:

11 Months Sisterlocked! ~ 2009 Goal Update 4

I made it to 11 months on April 19. Nothing much to report, except that I am looking forward to month 12 which will mark my official 1st year sisterlocked! I've been thinking of something to do to celebrate but I have no ideas. I don't want to make too big a deal of it but I do want to acknowledge the day. Maybe I'll take a trip to the spa, or get something for my hair. I don't know, any suggestions?

My 2009 goals are coming along. As of today I FINALLY finished all of my papers, projects, and assignments for class. Now the nail biter...waiting for my final grades to get in. I have calculated where I am so far but I don't know my final exam and report grades yet. Hopefully I'll know where I stand by the end of the week.

I have still been going to the gym regularly, although I missed a couple of days. I like the group classes, they are usually an hour and give me a full body workout without having to think about it. I'm focusing more on weight training though to make sure I get it in at least 3 times per week. If I stick to my schedule, I should lose 9 lbs. by July (10 lbs. fat loss, 1 lb. muscle gain).

Since my school work is finished, I am going to sign up for swim lessons. I had an appointment today but I had the time wrong so I have to reschedule. After that I need to plan a vacation...

I have given up on trying to find an Arabic class but I downloaded some lessons from iTunes I have been listening too. Not bad, but it doesn't help with writing the characters. I will have to carve out some time to do self-study with the textbook I have.

2009 Goal Update 3

OK, so I am having trouble finding an Arabic class around these parts...I may just have to try studying on my own at some point. That's for later this year though.

As for my other goals, here's how it's going so far:

• School: I am slacking a little on my classes but I'm mostly caught back up. I finished my paper the other day which was a struggle. I'm waiting for it to be graded *crossing fingers* and now I have to focus on my group assignments again. One thing is for sure, I am DONE with college after this! Graduation date is May 16, 2009!!!
• Sisterlocks: I am looking forward to going to the black hair expo this month to hopefully pass out some brochures for Sisterlocks. Business has been slow but I've been focused on school so it's just as well. At the end of the month when classes are winding down I will concentrate on it more. I am thinking about working in a salon so I don't have to do SLs out of my home.
• Fitness: As for my vaguely stated goal to get in shape, hanging out with PLMachine-MD and NeesasMom is slowly turning me into a fitness junkie too...or as PLMachine-MD says "the new princess of fitness" lol. My goals aren't as lofty as theirs, I just want to lose 2 inches off my waist (maybe 10 lbs. while I'm at it) and get in shape. Once I'm reasonably "fit" I may take some martial arts classes. I definitely want to do some self-defense training but I'm not into karate, I want something more practical so if I'm in a dark alley alone I can hold my own (not that I hang out in dark alleys). Anyway, I have been touring different gyms in the area and finally joined one this week. I have 14 days to try it out but I may not cancel after all.
• Swimming: Now that I have Sisterlocks and don't have to worry about my hair looking a hot mess, my new goal is to learn to swim by the end of the year. I did know how to swim at one point, I think, when I was like 4 but I guess like they say if you don't use it, you lose it. So I plan to learn how to swim this year so the next time I go to a beach or get on a boat I don't have to worry about drowning.