Interview with a Locstar: Lori

What some people deem an avid learner, others see as a professional student.  Lori is one of those who now seems to be coming into her own.  The focus she now displays had manifested itself into a confidence and glow that surrounds her.  That's why she's a locstar.

As a kid Lori thought locs were beautiful and amazing.  They were a style you identified as "black."  As she got older she got lazier and decided that it was finally time to loc up.  In March 2003, she locked up in France.  In her opinion, "It was a hot flaming mess."  This was due to the method by which they were started - with glue.  She was told to wash it out everyday.  Unfortunately, the glue penetrated her locs and transferred onto everything she put her head on for about a year. 

In the early stages, Lori was called "Mop Head" (which is still her favorite nickname) and Alien vs Predator.  She's had people ask if she smokes weed now.  One white person touched it and said, "It feels like Brillo."  A cousin asked of it was all hers because it felt like yarn. Lori stuck with it and now she's been graced with one of the highest compliments I think someone can give, "I would get locs based on yours." 

As Lori approaches the nine year mark, she realizes that there are people who don't know who she is without locs.  Some refer to her as "Lori with Locs."  She doesn't like her hair defining her, but does love her locs and the versatility of the.  She feels her hair is healthier and grows faster.

I discussed with her my current frustration with my locs.  She let me know that the first two years are hard.  "Locs are high maintenance and require a lot of dedication."  Something she wished someone told her before she started. 

Lori doesn't have a go to product.  She uses whatever makes her happy.  She is not a fan of washing her hair and tries to go 4-6 weeks.  Between washes though, she uses  Organic Root Stimulator Herbal Cleanse which is as close to a must have as she gets.  She also recommends their Lock & Twist Gel which "lasts forever."  A dryer is great for helping styles last longer.  Although I love to steam my hair in the shower, wrapping my hair in the shower and when I might sweat will help me get to the nice even stage that I crave. One maintenance tip for those wanting the uniform look - "Use clips and palm roll."


Having locs has helped Lori be more comfortable with who she is.  "They are contrary to the idea of American beauty."  It's helped her redefine her views on beauty and helped her look pass the exterior. Now, even if she has no hair, she thinks she'll be fly.

See the glow?