Monday, November 26, 2007

Almost a Year

On December 8, 2007 (less than 2 weeks) I will have had my Sisterlocks for one whole year! Other than a couple of (mostly self-imposed) blips on my SL radar screen, I've been in heaven with my decision. I've had to get accustomed to some facts about my natural hair, but that has been part of the journey for me and, as my locks progress, I'll learn and have more to accept and love about my hair. I always think thrice about saying "never", so I will just say that no one would be more surprised than me if I ever turned back from Sisterlocks to ... do what? Go back to a relaxer? I definitely don't have a "soap box" mentality against relaxers, but my choice to use them kept me in salons for hours, much of it spent waiting and waiting, and enduring poor customer service. Thank God those days are behind me and they don't ever have to be part of my future! To a TWA? Well, been there, done that and very much enjoyed it during those times of my life. But my hair has always been naturally long and I'm not feeling the TWA lately. Actually, I'd have probably never gone the TWA route had I found an easier way to take care of my thick, long and natural hair. So, just for today, if ease, freedom and mad versatility is what I want, I can't think of any other style that would make me want to leave my SLs. Okay, back to the present -- I decided to create this post so that I could compare pics of my SLs from "the early days" up until now.

2-month retightening
These two are at about 3 mos. I'm glad that I took the close up "scalpy" shots. It helps me to see the amount of my natural hair that is actually in the SL pattern (my consultant put my relaxed hair in the pattern too, just for continuity, and I'm so glad that she did because I don't have tangling issues, etc. to deal with).

These are from my (before/after) retightening last Wed (Thanksgiving eve).
Okay, my locs have definitely thickened up (I really thought they never would!) even though they are still not yet fully settled (sigh ... even after a year). Actually, I'm going to say that they look full and luscious!! And, although I started with a good amount of length, I can tell that I've had some more growth. The last time my hair was wet, my locs (in the back) stretched down to the top of my bra strap. Finally I can really enjoy my length, carefree!!

Lastly, while I didn't plan this by design, I'll get to *celebrate* my 1-year SL anniversary on the same day as the Charlotte SL gathering -- December 8th - yay! I look forward to having some fun pics to post that weekend.

11 comments:

Kwasmrs said...

Your locks are beautiful!!! Congrats on your upcoming anniversary.

CarmenNC said...

They have thickened up twice the size or more. The color and curls look great AS ALWAYS. Congrats and see you soon. Don't let me forgot!

Alise M. said...

What a difference a year makes. Your locks are coming along beautifully.

Miss Twists said...

Wow - your hair looks great!

V @ Locks-N-Motion said...

Your Sisterlocks look great they are coming along nicely.

Allecia said...

Congratulations! Your curls always look so beautiful.

Mel said...

Nearly a year! Woo-Hoo, your hair is looking great.

Salt-n-Pepper Diva said...

Your hair looks beautiful and I love the color. Toyr loc anniversary is tomorrow...You go girl!

blackrussian said...

Hey Lady!

Just wanted to let you know that I posted pics from our gathering on my blog. Please stop by!

BlessedGemLady said...

Thank you so much for the compliments and support ladies. I know I could have never made it this far SANELY without you!!
BR, you did a great job of capturing our recent fun together, thank you for the heads-up!

Kuji said...

I'm a newbie to SL. Thank you for sharing your story with such details. I've read your blog 3 times! Even though I have had natural hair for over 5 years, I love the freedom I'm feeling with SL. Haven't done banding and braiding yet, I will in about a week. I'll contact you then.