Being on my second journey has taught me a few things! Let me share what I’ve learnt….
1) Loc envy – avoiding it
It’s natural to be inspired by other people’s Sisterlocks journeys – and it’s a great way to find out how others are getting on with their locs.
And while it’s natural to compare, this time around, I’ve learnt to avoid loc envy and to accept that my journey is unique to me. It isn’t going to be like anyone else’s journey and I am accepting this journey for what it is and making the most of it. This doesn’t stop me admiring other Sisterlocks.
2) Envying my first Sisterlocks journey!
Weirdly, I’ve learnt that I’ve been envying my first set of Sisterlocks.
It seems ridiculous to envy yourself, but there it is, I admit it. Back then, my hair was longer and thicker – it just was. I found myself looking back at old pictures (especially when my second set of Sisterlocks were under a year old) wondering why on earth I took those locs down and thinking that I’ll never get back what I once had.
3) Being more informed
This time around I believe that I am much more informed about my Sisterlocks. With the first set, I knew enough, but I have spent more time doing research this time because I’ve realised that it’s my job to do that rather than leaving it to someone else to do.
4) Doing more to promote hair health
So I’ve been finding out more about Sisterlocks, and haircare and I am taking active steps to ensure the things I do have a positive impact on my hair, whether it’s styling options, and daily routines including eating healthily, maintaining my exercise regime – and upping my daily water intake.
Is it just me that has been struggling to drink more than a couple of glasses of water a day? I’ve invested in one of those 2.2 litre bottles which I fill up every day and keep on my desk, and it’s working.
5) Being more adventurous – hello DIYs!
I love making DIYs and I use them all the time in my Sisterlocks now. Before I began this journey, I’d only use brand name products that were ready to use.
This has all changed as I’ve gained more knowledge about oils, butters, aromatherapy oils and ayurveda. I’ve made quite a few DIYs including:
– an aromatherapy hair spritz
– a fenugreek and essential oil spritz (for use after my workouts),
– brahmi oil
– onion juice
– black African shampoo
– amla oil
– fenugreek oil
– shea butter/mango butter mix, and of course
– henna
6) Decisions about length
On this second Sisterlocks journey I am much more decisive about length. I have decided that I do not want my Sisterlocks to become excessively long. In my opinion, there are a few issues associated with longer locs, including the weight and hair loss.
As someone who has had long traditional locs in the past, I have experienced issues such as getting my locs caught, for example in my handbag. And, in my view, with Sisterlocks being thinner, they are not as strong, individually, especially the longer they get.
7) Not taking anything for granted
This time around, I’ve decided not to take anything for granted. So while I’m doing my best not to envy my previous set of Sisterlocks, I am taking steps to see and truly appreciate what is happening with my current Sisterlocks as they mature.
I am also looking after these locs as much as possible whether it’s using a satin bonnet, not over-washing and limiting the amount of styling and avoiding anything that will unduly stress my hair.
Check this YouTube video of this blog post.
