You did it! You committed to Sisterlocks, found the right consultant, watched every YouTube video possible, and finally have your locs. Now, all of the advice from your loc crushes and your consultant is swirling together, and you can’t remember what you should or shouldn’t do, your scalp is itchy, you’re terrified of lint, and you wish you could just fast forward three years until your locs are mature.
You don’t need to overthink Sisterlocks. It’s a low-maintenance hairstyle. Follow these steps to make your first loc’d months simple and free:
1. Braid and band at night
Braid and band, braid and band, braid and band. You’re tired of hearing it, but listen – there’s more to braid and banding than just protecting your hair before wash day. Here’s a tip – braid and band at night to rejuvenate your locs. Gentle stretching will elongate your locs, giving them more bounce and loose waves. You don’t have to braid and band every night, but doing it regularly at night will freshen up your look.
2. Wear a bonnet anytime you lay down – not just when you sleep
Lint is NOT your friend, so remember that it doesn’t just pop up when you wear your favorite fuzzy sweater (so long, linty pullover!) or go to bed. You fall asleep on the couch watching Netflix more than you’d like to, so keep a bonnet or scarf close by so you can slip it on before you drift off.
3. Purge your products
You know the rules – no hair products, just water – but when you’re two weeks loc’d, and your scalp is screaming for moisture and flaking like never before, you’re going to be tempted to reach for your old reliable (heavy) moisturizer. Before you find yourself in that situation, clean out your cabinets! Throw out the expired stuff (you know, that leave-in conditioner you bought three years ago and didn’t finish before you purchased a different brand?) and give the good things to a loose natural friend before your install appointment. Position yourself for success and get a step ahead of the temptation.
4. Follow your consultant’s advice
There is ENDLESS advice all over the world wide web about how to care for your locs. Remember that the person telling you to treat your hair to a hot oil treatment or who washes their hair every other day may not have the same hair texture or porosity as you! Your consultant knows what will work for you and your hair; YouTube does not.
5. Embrace the stage you’re in
So, you looked in the mirror after a 3-day install and were disappointed that you didn’t look like your loc crush? Put down the scissors, take a deep breath and remember that this is just the beginning. Just because your locs aren’t as long or thick as you imagined they would be doesn’t mean they’re not beautiful! Say a mantra in the mirror and know that you won’t be at this stage for long, so enjoy the hairstyles that won’t work when your locs swell and are draping down your back.
0 Comments