When I first decide to loc I looked up how to wash my hair. Dr. Bonner's Liquid Castille Soap came up quite a few times. I knew I had to dilute it, but couldn't figure out the right measurement. Every trial left my hair cloudy. So, I just stuck to my Garnier Nutrisse and added tea tree oil to the bottle. Then I came across a concentrate recipe:
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup liquid castille soap
1/2 tsp of olive oil
My hair reacts well to tea tree oil so I added it along with rosemary oil.
I put all the ingredients in a plastic bottle in a twist tip bottle. All this was done last week. This week, I applied the concentrate directly to my scalp and massaged it in. I got a pretty good lather. Lather, rinse, repeat, and I was done. Miracle of all miracles my hair looked black rather than the grey it looks when it's still dirty.
I'm so excited. I have one more shampoo recipe to try, but for now I'm glad that I finally found one that works.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
Loc Butter Take 2
So the first run at making the loc butter didn't go so well. I decided to make some tweeks to the recipe:
2 tbsp shea butter
1 tbsp mango butter
1/2 tbsp coconut oil
I melted those in the double boiler on medium. Then I added:
1 tsp sweet almond oil
1 tsp jojoba oil
1 tsp avocado oil
I poured the mixture into a glass bowl and mixed it on low for a few minutes before adding:
5 drops lavender
10 drops of tea tree oil
I alternated between mixing and freezing the mixture until it whipped up like a thick lotion. On the last run in the freezer, it ended up solid so I think I should have quite while I was ahead. I whipped it one more time before putting it into the old shea butter container.
Tomorrow, I'll do my hair and see how it works out.
Follow up: I left the ACV rinse in my hair for 3 hours then rinsed it out with warm water. After washing with a shampoo concentrate, I retwisted my hair. I was being lazy so some of it dried before I got to it. I palm rolled the locs this time. Then I sat under the dryer for an hour. I'm pretty sure I was under there for too long, but I wanted to make sure that it was fully dry. I didn't get the same shine I got from the shealoe recipe, but I'll try tweeking the recipe later.
2 tbsp shea butter
1 tbsp mango butter
1/2 tbsp coconut oil
I melted those in the double boiler on medium. Then I added:
1 tsp sweet almond oil
1 tsp jojoba oil
1 tsp avocado oil
I poured the mixture into a glass bowl and mixed it on low for a few minutes before adding:
5 drops lavender
10 drops of tea tree oil
I alternated between mixing and freezing the mixture until it whipped up like a thick lotion. On the last run in the freezer, it ended up solid so I think I should have quite while I was ahead. I whipped it one more time before putting it into the old shea butter container.
Tomorrow, I'll do my hair and see how it works out.
Follow up: I left the ACV rinse in my hair for 3 hours then rinsed it out with warm water. After washing with a shampoo concentrate, I retwisted my hair. I was being lazy so some of it dried before I got to it. I palm rolled the locs this time. Then I sat under the dryer for an hour. I'm pretty sure I was under there for too long, but I wanted to make sure that it was fully dry. I didn't get the same shine I got from the shealoe recipe, but I'll try tweeking the recipe later.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Loc Butter Take 1
The shealoe was okay, but I think I'll pass on further use until I find or come up with a different recipe. I found a loc butter recipe and I'm trying it out today. Using my newly purchased double boiler, I melted:
2 tbsp shea butter
2 tbsp mango butter
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp liquid lanolin
1 tsp sweet almond oil
1 tsp jojoba oil
1 tsp avocado oil
10 drops ylang-ylang oil
10 drops lavender essential oil (my personal touch)
I poured the mix into a cleaned out hair grease jar and let it cool. It did not solidify so this "butter" is more of an oil.
I washed my hair this morning and rubbed a mixture of liquid lanolin, avocado oil, and tea tree oil onto my scalp. To add some moisture back, I applied aloe vera gel to my hair section by section before starting in on the "butter." I put the "butter" to my finger tips and retwisted my roots. After clipping them down, I finger (instead of palm) rolled the rest of the loc.
The plan is to spread this batch over three uses before tweeking it:
1. Use aloe vera gel to "wet" hair
2. Retwist right after washing
3. Retwist dry
Initial reaction: Not sure that my hair is at the point where finger rolling works. At least not when done dry with an oil. The roots look good, but the rest of the loc is a bit puffy and dull looking. My scalp does feel good. If all else fails, this may be the moisturizing product I've been looking for. Based on how this came out, there is no need to do #3.
5 days in: My scalp is not happy. It looks moisturized, but it is flaking. Actually peeling is more like it. I've been adding avocado oil, but it doesn't seem to be making it through. I think the lanolin was a bad move.
Verdict: Take 1 was a fail.
Tweeks to come: More shea butter, some tea tree oil, no lanolin
2 tbsp shea butter
2 tbsp mango butter
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp liquid lanolin
1 tsp sweet almond oil
1 tsp jojoba oil
1 tsp avocado oil
10 drops ylang-ylang oil
10 drops lavender essential oil (my personal touch)
I poured the mix into a cleaned out hair grease jar and let it cool. It did not solidify so this "butter" is more of an oil.
 |
| This is a 4 oz jar. It was filled, but I poured some out into two other jars. |
The plan is to spread this batch over three uses before tweeking it:
1. Use aloe vera gel to "wet" hair
2. Retwist right after washing
3. Retwist dry
Initial reaction: Not sure that my hair is at the point where finger rolling works. At least not when done dry with an oil. The roots look good, but the rest of the loc is a bit puffy and dull looking. My scalp does feel good. If all else fails, this may be the moisturizing product I've been looking for. Based on how this came out, there is no need to do #3.
5 days in: My scalp is not happy. It looks moisturized, but it is flaking. Actually peeling is more like it. I've been adding avocado oil, but it doesn't seem to be making it through. I think the lanolin was a bad move.
Verdict: Take 1 was a fail.
Tweeks to come: More shea butter, some tea tree oil, no lanolin
Saturday, October 29, 2011
JR Review
Website: None (contact me if you need his info)
About: Barber Stylist who does locs and has them.
Why I went: A lot of the people I know personally go to him to get their locs done. He did his wife's and they were great. He seemed like a good person to start with.
Location: Laurel, MD
Making the Appointment: Via text message or phone call. I can't really plan ahead with JR. I make contact the week I want my appointment. Too far in advance, and I'm worried he'll forget. When I do it that week, I'm worried I won't get in.
My Experience With the Venue: JR works out of shops that have one side for barbers and the other side are typical salons. He can be found on the barber side. The atmosphere is laid back.
My Experience With the Stylist: JR is concerned with your life.
The Process: JR washes and twists. He uses a variety of products. Twisting is done using Barry Fletcher Hair Serum. The effect is glossy hair that's a bit sticky, but clear.
Time to Pay: Cash only. After your first service, JR doesn't usually tell you how much the is due.
Overall Take: The only draw back is the ease of making an appointment. Since my schedule gets so busy, like knowing that I can get in when I need to been seen. His products aren't all natural, but they get a nice look.
Would I go back? Before finding Urban Nature? Yes. Now, I'm not sure.
Would I recommend to others? Yes especially men looking to a masculine atmosphere.
About: Barber Stylist who does locs and has them.
Why I went: A lot of the people I know personally go to him to get their locs done. He did his wife's and they were great. He seemed like a good person to start with.
Location: Laurel, MD
 |
| JR did my big chop. |
My Experience With the Venue: JR works out of shops that have one side for barbers and the other side are typical salons. He can be found on the barber side. The atmosphere is laid back.
My Experience With the Stylist: JR is concerned with your life.
 |
| Before I started going to JR. |
 |
| My first set of twists. |
Overall Take: The only draw back is the ease of making an appointment. Since my schedule gets so busy, like knowing that I can get in when I need to been seen. His products aren't all natural, but they get a nice look.
Would I go back? Before finding Urban Nature? Yes. Now, I'm not sure.
Would I recommend to others? Yes especially men looking to a masculine atmosphere.
Urban Nature Silver Spring Review
Website: http://www.urbannaturestyles.com
About: Natural hair care salon with three locations in the DC metro area.
Why I went: Doing my hair myself is a lot of work. I like the freedom it gives me, but there somethings that I need someone else to help with. Since I started maintaining my hair, I noticed that the sizing of my locs was uneven. There were some that were way too small and one at the front that was too big. I could go back to JR, who started them, but I wanted someone who was using natural products. Why put all the effort in on my own to have it reversed by someone I was paying? And I didn't want to have to bring my products with me especially since I haven't figured out what mixtures I like best.
I started doing searches for salons that had stylists who did locs. I eliminated places which did not show a product listing. Then I read through the products listed for the remaining salons. There was only one left standing: Urban Nature Styles. They listed the buttes used for maintenance. In addition to that, I was able to make appointments online. I was sold.
Location Selected: Silver Spring, MD
Making the Appointment: After selecting the location, I was able to read reviews left by other customers for each of the stylist. I read through them and picked the stylist who had a review on loc service with a time that worked for me. After I submitted my request, I waited for confirmation. Confirmation was sent via email and text message after a few days.
My Experience With the Venue: I arrived for my appointment a few minutes early. I was greeted by Angela. While I waited for my stylist to arrive I was able to look at the products which would be used in my hair. I smelled the butters available and selected the one to be used in my hair - TAMU, mango scented. I started reading one of the books they had on natural hair while I waited. There was only one seat up front so that led me to believe that they don't overbook and I wouldn't have to wait a long time. The reception area isn't as professional looking (no desk, just a card table and two bookshelves one of which housed the credit card machine), but it serves its purpose. And since there didn't seem to be a receptionist, no real point in doing too much.
My Experience With the Stylist: Kim started on time. I first wanted a consultation. I wanted a chance to go over my needs and get a feel for her. She listened to my concerns about the sizing and asked me to point out the locs in question. She then walked me to the back where she washed my hair. That was followed by a herbal rinse.
Once back in the chair, Kim started to comb out the over sized loc up front. She commented that it reminded her of when she combed out her locs. That provided the opening I needed to find out about her loc experience. Turns out she only had them for 8 months. She didn't like being limited. Hmm.
The Process: Kim used the comb to twist the unlocked roots. The rest was palm rolled. In addition to the butter, a gel was added. I failed to ask what it was, but based on feel, the lack of description on the jar, and the feel of my hair afterwards, I think it was aloe vera gel. Drying took place under a hooded dryer.
Time to Pay: When it was time to pay, I expected about a $65 total. If you book a consultation, you receive a $15 credit on any service greater than $65. I assumed that would net out and just leave you with the price of the service. My actual total before tip and the $1 charge for a credit card transaction was $75. When I asked about it, she let me know that she didn't charge for the consultation, but since my locs had to be clipped all the way down, she charged by for beginner locs. Really wish there was a description of what the differences in services were on the website.
Overall Take: The venue was nice. The staff was professional, but not friendly. Aside from Angela and Kim, no one said hello although I said so to each of them. Kim was good, but not great. I'm not really pleased by the fact that she didn't have the patience to keep her locs for longer. How is she going to be able to help me when I get frustrated? Also, there were two locs I asked her to join that now look less than perfect. She didn't comb them out to combine them. Instead, the unlocked portion is twisted together and the two separate locs have been palm rolled as one. The effect is a puffy loc. I liked the process though. I felt that she cared about my hair and the things that should be put in it.
Would I go back? Yes
Would I request the same stylist? Maybe. I'd like to have Angela do my hair. She was more personable, but she has an afro. I may need to send an email to inquire of her personal loc experience. If that doesn't work out, I may have to try a different location.
Would I recommend them to others? Definitely
About: Natural hair care salon with three locations in the DC metro area.
Why I went: Doing my hair myself is a lot of work. I like the freedom it gives me, but there somethings that I need someone else to help with. Since I started maintaining my hair, I noticed that the sizing of my locs was uneven. There were some that were way too small and one at the front that was too big. I could go back to JR, who started them, but I wanted someone who was using natural products. Why put all the effort in on my own to have it reversed by someone I was paying? And I didn't want to have to bring my products with me especially since I haven't figured out what mixtures I like best.
I started doing searches for salons that had stylists who did locs. I eliminated places which did not show a product listing. Then I read through the products listed for the remaining salons. There was only one left standing: Urban Nature Styles. They listed the buttes used for maintenance. In addition to that, I was able to make appointments online. I was sold.
Location Selected: Silver Spring, MD
Making the Appointment: After selecting the location, I was able to read reviews left by other customers for each of the stylist. I read through them and picked the stylist who had a review on loc service with a time that worked for me. After I submitted my request, I waited for confirmation. Confirmation was sent via email and text message after a few days.
My Experience With the Venue: I arrived for my appointment a few minutes early. I was greeted by Angela. While I waited for my stylist to arrive I was able to look at the products which would be used in my hair. I smelled the butters available and selected the one to be used in my hair - TAMU, mango scented. I started reading one of the books they had on natural hair while I waited. There was only one seat up front so that led me to believe that they don't overbook and I wouldn't have to wait a long time. The reception area isn't as professional looking (no desk, just a card table and two bookshelves one of which housed the credit card machine), but it serves its purpose. And since there didn't seem to be a receptionist, no real point in doing too much.
 |
| Before |
 |
| Before |
My Experience With the Stylist: Kim started on time. I first wanted a consultation. I wanted a chance to go over my needs and get a feel for her. She listened to my concerns about the sizing and asked me to point out the locs in question. She then walked me to the back where she washed my hair. That was followed by a herbal rinse.
Once back in the chair, Kim started to comb out the over sized loc up front. She commented that it reminded her of when she combed out her locs. That provided the opening I needed to find out about her loc experience. Turns out she only had them for 8 months. She didn't like being limited. Hmm.
The Process: Kim used the comb to twist the unlocked roots. The rest was palm rolled. In addition to the butter, a gel was added. I failed to ask what it was, but based on feel, the lack of description on the jar, and the feel of my hair afterwards, I think it was aloe vera gel. Drying took place under a hooded dryer.
 |
| After |
 |
| After |
Overall Take: The venue was nice. The staff was professional, but not friendly. Aside from Angela and Kim, no one said hello although I said so to each of them. Kim was good, but not great. I'm not really pleased by the fact that she didn't have the patience to keep her locs for longer. How is she going to be able to help me when I get frustrated? Also, there were two locs I asked her to join that now look less than perfect. She didn't comb them out to combine them. Instead, the unlocked portion is twisted together and the two separate locs have been palm rolled as one. The effect is a puffy loc. I liked the process though. I felt that she cared about my hair and the things that should be put in it.
Would I go back? Yes
Would I request the same stylist? Maybe. I'd like to have Angela do my hair. She was more personable, but she has an afro. I may need to send an email to inquire of her personal loc experience. If that doesn't work out, I may have to try a different location.
Would I recommend them to others? Definitely
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