Let go and loc!

One of the reasons why loc'ing can be so challenging for some is because of the inability we have to NOT do anything.

I find it to be a crazy phenomenon because a lot of us began loc'ing our hair for less maintenance. But yet many of us find ourselves obsessing over "making the locs" look neater or "keeping the fuzzies down".

Listen here, girlfriend. Leave those locs alone. They won't grow over night and the fuzzies certainly are going anywhere. They don't need many products or manipulation in their beginning stages. Know that they are beautiful and will flourish right before your eyes. IF, you let go and loc.

Miles to go...

About a year after high school i ran into a friend of mine.  While in high school he had long, thick shoulder length locs that were jet black, well cared for and simply beautiful.  The day i saw him he was wearing a low cut fade.  I was a bit taken back as i knew his locs meant a lot to him so i could not help but ask what happened.  Without a second to spare he told me he was unable to find a job and he suspected his locs was the reason so he cut them. 

That was over 10 years ago.  Back then, locs were far less popular and even less accepted.  People fear what they don't understand and unfortunately locs are one of those things.  I have had the pleasure of locs for over 20 years.  My mother, an active member of the rastafarian community has had locs even before i was born so to me they are the norm.  There are more loc myths floating around than you might imagine.  I can honestly say locs have come a long way but we still have miles to go. 

In an article i read online last month, prisoners in Virginia are held in insolation / segregation  if they refuse to cut their locs and maintain a low cut like the state requires.  Inmate Kendall Gibson has been in segregation for over a decade because he refuses to cut his locs.  Kendall is a rastafarian and his locs are more than a hairstyle, they're his way of life and religion. 

I am happy that i am in an environment that supports the way i choose to wear my hair.  I love being a free spirit and can go from an afro one day to braids or twist the next.  I hope you too have the pleasure of being in an environment that allows you to be an individual and accepts your beautiful locs, afro, braids, twists or any other style you choose.  If not, hang in there because it too shall pass.

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere"

Butters, Waxes and Gels - What's Best and Why

When it comes to re-twisting your locs there are many different products that can get the job done.  The product used in your hair depends on the type of locs you have, their maturity, your method of re-tightening and or just your personal preference. Locticians use a variety of products including hair gels, bees wax, butters and a hybrid product called a creme wax. 

Creme waxes and butters are relatively new products when it comes to locking.  Butters are great moisturizers and if all natural are rich in vitamins and nutrients.  They are best used with interlocking as they provide a very mild hold.  Creme waxes can also be used with interlocking for added moisture and palm rolling for a medium hold.  They combine the soft smooth texture of a butter and the firm hold of a wax. Another beautiful thing about using a creme wax or butter is that they can be also used as a conditioner for the hair and to tame frizzy hair and or flyaways.  When choosing a creme wax or butter make sure you select one that is made from all natural butters and oils like shea and 100% beeswax.  Some companies market products with mineral oil and petrolatum which are products that coat the hair shaft and are overall not good for your health.

Like creme waxes, bees wax is used when re-tightening or starting your locs.  Wax is used mainly when palm rolling locs.  They are quite popular and are also the original products used to loc hair.  Unfortunately waxes are getting a bad rap in todays market.  Most people have made the switch to gels because waxes are rumored to be too heavy, clammy, hard to wash out and bad for the hair.  The truth of the matter is waxes are far better for your hair than gels.  Gels are typically made of alcohol and synthetic ingredients like plastics, fragrances, coloring, plasticizers and more, all of which are poor for your hair and health.  Unless you are using a natural gel or a homemade gel you will be better off going with a wax.  When choosing a hair wax or any other hair product read your ingredients carefully.  Try your best to avoid products made from mineral oil, petrolatum, plasticizers and other synthetic ingredients like color and fragrances.  Use products made with essential oils and other natural ingredients as much as possible.  If you need to use a gel make sure you are moisturizing and deep conditioning your hair whenever possible to avoid excessive drying and eventually breakage of your locs.
http://www.mylockology.com/

7 Steps To Happy, Healthy Hair

About a week ago one of my facebook friends posted a picture on her profile of model Naomi Campbell with a bald hairline.  The picture is in heavy rotation on the web and every one seems to have a nasty comment or joke to follow.  Unfortunately there is nothing funny about what has happened to her hair.  For the most part she is to blame for the condition of her hair but on the other hand one has to take into account the type of industry she works in and the stress it can cause on her hair.  The fashion industry is constantly changing and hair loss may just be a job hazard.  You have to be ready to change your appearance at the drop of a dime. 
Whether you wear a weave, braids, relaxer, afro or locs no one is immune from sever damage or hair loss.  The health of your hair depends on a number of factors including your stylist, diet, genes, environment, products and your health and habits.

1.  Pick The Right Hairdresser/Stylist!
Don't pick a stylist because she is your cousins, sisters- best friend.  Instead, find someone that specializes in your hair type and has several years experience with the certificates to match.  Make sure they understand the nature of your hair whether it is all natural with a tendency to be extra dry or has a perm and has growth problems.  If they understand your hair they can help to keep it healthy.

2. Diet - Eat Properly
Your diet has to do with everything!  From keeping your eyes seeing to your nails growing.  Eat nutrient rich foods and not just sweets and treats. 

3. Genes - Moms Curls and Dads Eyes
Unfortunately we don't get to pick what we take from each parent.  Along with the great things we take from our parents are also the hereditary issues like high blood pressure and the predisposition to hair loss.  There is not much you can do if you are predisposed to having your grandmothers thinning hairline.  However, you still have to do your best by trying to take the best care or your mane.

4. Your Environment - Heat & Chemicals
Like Naomi, many of us work and live in harsh environments for our hair.  From the very hot to the very dry to the very wet.  Constant temperature extremes will damage your hair.  If you have to be in extreme heat or cold often wear a protective cover over your hair and moisturize often as well as drink plenty of water. 

5.  Products - Go Natural & Read, Read, Read!
Many hair products on the market today have more synthetic chemicals than necessary.   Not only are they bad for your hair but also your overall health.  When Shopping for hair products i tend to go all natural as much as possible.  Read your labels and compare products.  Always go for the one with the least amount of synthetic chemical ingredients and preservatives and if all else fails go for the one with the least amount of ingredients.  When coloring your hair moisturize and condition often and stay away from heating implements like blow dryers and curling irons as much as possible.

6.   Your Health & Habits - Take Care Of Your Body
We all want to be healthy all the time but unfortunately we do get ill.  Illnesses like cancer and hormonal disorders can reek havoc on our hair.  In instances like these focus on getting better then everything else will gradually fall into place.  Maintain a good diet and exercise if possible and stay away from smoking, too much alcohol and stress.

The health of our hair and body depends on your lifestyle.  If you treat your body well, eat right and maintain your hair properly you too can have happy, healthy, hair.

Welcome to Loc Nation

Welcome to Loc Nation we have been eagerly awaiting your arrival. Loc Nation is where the staff of Lockology publish Loc articles on topics ranging from hair styles, products, accessories tools and more. This is an unbiased approach to the truth about Locs and All Natural Haircare. If at anytime you have a question, comment or topic of your own feel free to send us an email or comment on the article. Welcome to the nation!