A Locking Story...as told by Katika

Lock Styling on a Hot, Summer Day

2010-06-16T15:43:00.004-05:00

Greetings,

Boy, it sure is hot here in the ATL! Temperatures have reached the mid-90s with no end in sight. Of course with all the heat, the one thing I am most obsessed with is...my hair. What in the world can I do with hair this long? Braidouts? Nope. Curls? Probably Not!

So, my new thing is updos and ponytails. Here's a few pics of my latest (messy) hair do. Any suggestions for cool summer 'dos are welcome!

Chat Later,

KLW

It's Been a Long Time...

2010-05-31T21:58:00.009-05:00

Greetings SL Familyand Followers,

Its been a LONG time...but I'm still here ;). I'm not sure where to start as it has been over 2 years since my last post! I look forward to reconnecting and sharing a little bit about my life since then this summer. In the meantime, here's a few lock updates and pics from my recent vacation:

1. October 2010 marks 7 years since I started my sisterlock journey.

2. Several trims and dyes later -- I still love my sisterlocks...

3. My hair is still professionally maintained by my original SL consultant, Alva Clemons of A Natural Knockout. (I tried the self retightening thing, it just doesn't work for me).

4. Every two years or so, I get a little itch to try something new...I'm seriously thinking of cutting or starting over. I haven't made a decision yet, so stay tuned!

Chat soon,

I'm Still Here...

2008-04-16T18:04:00.000-05:00

Greetings Friends,
Just wanted to check in and say hello! Hair updates coming real soon, I promise.

Take Care,
K

Lock Styling on a Rainy Day...

2008-02-17T17:58:00.003-05:00

Greetings All,
Seems like lately all of my posts have had something to do with the weather. Now, I don't no if its mere coincidence or if I am more likely to blog when I'm stuck in the house. Nonetheless, I just wanted to share some quick pictures of my latest style creation...my first ever (successful) lock bun. I saw a tutorial on youtube (can't remember from whom)and decided to try it. It was quick, simple and required no hair pins, just a simple elastic holder. Now, I know its a little messy and I am still working out the back (this is my first attempt afterall)...but it was so cute I wanted to share. Check me out in color below!

>

Later,
Katika

It Snowed!

2008-01-22T21:29:00.001-05:00

January 2008 Photos

2008-01-15T22:40:00.001-05:00

Hair Goal Reached...

2008-01-12T01:46:00.001-05:00

About 5 years ago in the early days of LockitUp!(Yahoo Group), we would discuss our hair goals. This info was shared and often added to your signature along with how long you'd been locked (Ex: Ujima2Umoja, SL'd 3 weeks, Hair Goal: Lock Puff). I have since reached many of my hair goals including having a lock puff, growing hair that touches my shoulders, reaching the 4 year mark, etc. Today, I realized that I have reached what was once my ultimate hair goal: tying my locks with my own hair!!

I guess that means its time for a new one now. Do you have any hair goals or any suggestions for a new one? If so, please share in the comments section...I'd love to hear them.

P.S. My exciting hair news post will be forthcoming...

My Blog's Reading Level (I got this from Brunsli)

2007-12-20T20:38:00.000-05:00

Get a Cash Advance

Quick Update and Season's Greetings

2007-12-16T20:49:00.001-05:00

Greetings All,

I just wanted to drop by and say hello and thank you to all who check my blog faithfully for updates. It's been forever since my last post and honestly there haven't been many hair news to share. I am happy to report that as of October 11 my locks reached the four year mark. Other than that, there's not much to report. I
have come to a critical decision though...

I always said that I'd give my hair 4 years to fully lock and I happy to report that finally, it appears to be 95% fully locked. My hair has grown immensely and I really need a change. If all goes well, there will be new hair news on the horizon real soon.

Have a happy, safe holiday season.
Much growth (inward and outward) in the new year!

Katika
(These pics are from my SL anniversary, they are a bit distorted so please bear w/ me. I am working on better pictures, but my beloved new camera's battery charger (Canon SD1000) has been misplaced.)

Pics from my Jamaica Vacation!

2007-07-30T15:45:00.001-05:00

Another Attempt at Styling

2007-06-21T23:54:00.000-05:00

Click on the pics for a closer look!

My Never Ending Quest for Volume

2007-06-21T23:40:00.000-05:00

Check out these pics I recently took. My hair looks so thin and lifeless! Since my locks have matured, they have really condensed quite a bit. While the added length is nice, the downside is that my hair hangs straight w/ very little volume after retightening. I must find some hair styles that play up the volume of my hair (I have a big head after all :). This always happens after retightening. I've tried braid outs, roller sets, bantu knots, everything. We are going to Jamaica in a few weeks I need some urgent styling tips...help!

Shout out to the DH for allowing me to share these. I had to sneak him in somehow :)

Could it be I stayed away too long?

2007-05-20T16:38:00.000-05:00

You ladies are the best and I have missed you all immensely! Thanks for the warm welcome back (Shout outs to Chosen Vessel, Sunsail, Blaq, Jen and Brenda!!!) I've been busy wrapping us this school year, working on another degree and catching up on everyone's blogs. Everyone's hair is looking marvelous and so many of you have had tremendous growth (inwardly and outwardly). I look forward to more reading and more sharing this summer.

Yours in Locks,
Me :)

(

I'm in a little lock funk right now...

2007-02-24T12:51:00.000-05:00

I am so bored with my hair!!! While the added length has been a good thing over the years, it honestly has made my hair more difficult to syle. My lock puffs aren't puffy anymore, it takes a whole day to roll it and now that my locs are condensing they just hang straight with very little fullness. What's a girl to do? Please let me know if you have any suggestions.

(The pics below show my hair the day of my last retightening, the eve before and yesterday's freestyle and quick updo)

Thanks!

I've Been Tagged!

2007-02-05T22:47:00.000-05:00

Thanks to everyone who’s visited my blog lately and especially to those of you who took the time to leave comments. While looking over my comments today, Maryee informed me that I’d been tagged on her site.

So, here it goes…

Five Facts My Readers Don’t Know about Me

1. I am a professional gospel singer. What can I say? I simply love lifting up His name through song. To me, music touches the heart in ways that nothing else can. I was a member of the Georgia Mass Choir (perhaps best known for their accompaniment to Whitney Houston in “The Preacher’s Wife”) but currently perform as a solo artist.

2. I attended Georgia State University and was amongst the inaugural group of students who had the opportunity to live in the Centennial Olympic Village once lived in by athletes from all over the world during the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta, GA.

3. My favorite color is Green. In fact, if you review most of the pictures on this site you’ll find that I have on more green clothing than any other. Most of the furniture in my home and the majority of my décor is green as well. Green is life. Abundant in nature, green signifies growth,renewal, health, and environment. It brings me a sense of peace and calm. Heck, if I could get away with green hair I would dye it in a heartbeat !

4. My eyes change colors. Yes, I know it sounds bizarre but it’s true. I think it has something to do with the reflection of light or the colors that I am wearing, but my eye color can range from hazel to green to gray.See for yourself.

5. If I could live anywhere in the world, it would be the US Virgin Islands. There is no place more beautiful in the entire world than St.Thomas. I’m going to retire there one day.

Thanks for the tag Maryee!

Who’s Next??

Karen

Blaqkofi

Linda

Hanging Tough

2007-02-02T20:52:00.000-05:00

No, this is not a post about New Kids on the Block (get it? They had a song called Hanging Tough...okay, nevermind :)! I just had to share some quick pics from my soft spike set. It's now day six of my soft spike set and I still have curls. My hair has always had good hang time but this is crazy! No setting lotion, no foam, no holding spray...just plain ole' water (I rolled it partly damp and its been raining all week!) and they are still hanging tough. I've enjoyed they way they've fallen gracefully each day. I'm gonna be sad to wash them out. Wow, I gotta try this styling thing more often.

The top two pics are from Day 6, the bottom two are from Day 3

Hair is fun again!

2007-01-29T17:18:00.000-05:00

Many people have asked why I colored my hair. The answer is very simple...I hated it! Not, my sisterlocks of course, I hated the faded color that had taken over half of my strands. Now when it first started to grow out, it was kind of cute with the two tones and all. But then I started noticing that I did not like any of the photos I took in which the color really stood out. It worked sometimes and sometimes it just didn't. Finally one day I took a picture of my hair out in the sunlight and it looked a hot mess. After that the search was on for a new color. I looked for many, many months and finally just gave up. Then this past Friday, I decided it was time to do something. I went to CVS, found a color I liked and just did it. I'm so glad I did. I look forward to styling or not and get this...going out in the sunlight. Now, having sisterlocks is fun again.

Now Presenting...My New Hair Color!

2007-01-27T11:07:00.000-05:00

Greetings,
Well finally after almost 2 years, I re-dyed my hair. I'd been debating it for a while, but I just couldn't take the two-toned look anymore. I was going back and forth between lighter and darker tones and then decided to go with something closer to my natural color. The color I used is Rich Golden Brown by Feria (I always used their line prior to locking, I like that it doesn't deposit a single flat color). It looks much darker on these photos, but you get the point. I'm going to take a few outside shots to get that perspective later. I am much happier with my hair color now! I'll probably go a little lighter in the summmer, but for now this will work. Check me out below...

My New Camera

2007-01-19T21:54:00.000-05:00

Greetings,

Well I've finally purchased a new camera. At the suggestion of the Hair Snapping Diva (thanks B!), I decided to go with the Canon Powershot SD800 IS Digital Elph (Okay the name is a bit long). I've only played around with it for a little bit now, but I think I like it. It has far more features that even I can figure out, but I'm sure as I use it a bit more I'll get the hang of it. More pics to come soon (after I retighten my hair, my face clears up and I lose a whole lot more weight...I look a hot mess in these pics;)!

See you soon,
KDL

Since you asked about the weight loss...

2007-01-10T21:06:00.000-05:00

Many of you asked about my weight loss. Well, I'm here to tell you it wasn't any magic diet or plan, I joined Weight Watchers. In July of 2006, I basically had gotten to the point where food had become my vice to deal with all the stress I was enduring. From losing my grandma, to missing my DH, the death of a co-worker and a student, and so-on it was a tough time. I didn't realize just how much weight I'd gained until I (get this) looked at some photos I'd taken of my hair. Now, I'm only about 5 ft. 2 and have always been on the petite side, but wearing clothes in the double digits was not even cute on my small frame.

So, at the advice of a friend I went to a Weight Watchers meeting and was instantly hooked. The thing I love about the program is that it is so simple and I still eat what I want. It just made sense to me. The first week I lost 4 lbs, 1.5 the next, 2, then 3, then .5 and finally 23 pounds. The biggest difference has been in my energy level, I just feel better overall and knowing that I'm doing something so loving for myself has just put me on such a high! I even gained a couple of pounds back over my 2 week holiday vacation and its already coming off.

If you are considering losing weight or looking for something that is simple and effective...it might be worth it to you to check it out. I'll gladly share some tips and basic pointers if anyone's interested.

Be blessed and take care of yourself TODAY!

Fall Pictures

2007-01-05T15:35:00.000-05:00

I'm still here!

2007-01-05T14:51:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

Greetings Friends and Lock Buddies. Wow, it is simply amazing how quickly time flies by. Seems like just yesterday I was fretting over my hair (actually it was just yesterday;-) or missing my DH (who has now been home for about 2.5 months). There really isn't a good explanation for my absence on my blog, I've just been really busy adjusting to all the changes I've endured this past year. It was a rough one, but through God's Grace I'm proud to say I've made it. Things are on the up and up, I've lost over twenty pounds and I feel better than ever. I just wanted to check in and let everyone know that I sincerely appreciate those of you who've ever stopped by, left comments or sent me an email. Your words of encouragement and support has made all the difference. I've posted a few pics above, you'll notice that they aren't very clear (most of them were taken on my camera phone) and I guess if there was a reason for my absence here, I'd have to say its due to the fact that my camera is on its last leg. I am replacing it later this month for a much better one. Please let me know if you have any suggestions or reviews.

In the meantime,
Be blessed today and take care of yourself!

--Katika

It's My Anniversary!!!!

2006-10-10T19:04:00.000-05:00

Three years ago today, my sisterlocks were born. Join me in celebrating !!! I'll be posting my official anniversary photos after the DH returns on October 20th.

Wow, time sure flies when you're happy, nappy and free!

Blogger issues, the DH and my Toni Pony

2006-09-08T16:39:00.000-05:00

Hi All,

I've been having some problems with blogger and have been unable to log in or view my page. I guess all is well now. Anyway, thank you all for your hair color suggestions and such. I think I'm going to take Lachanda's advice and leave it as is for a little while longer. Besides, I have some pretty important business to tend to now that....(drumroll please) My DH is coming home!!!! Yes, after 17 long months he is finally coming home. I don't know the exact date yet, but it should be real soon. I was debating whether or not I should wait until he's home or post about it now, but I decided to share the news anyway as I really need your prayers through this transition and waiting period. I've been about to pull out each and everyone of my 500+ sisterlocks due to the anxiety over it all (there's the hair tie-in). And speaking of hair-ties, let me just say one more time...I love Brunsli's hairties. The toni is the single most, greatest hair accessory I've ever found for my locks. Even my bad hair days are cute with my 'toni' pony as I call it. So, let me just publicly say thank you Brunsli for helping a sister out with the hair AND thank you to each of you who've ever whispered a little prayer for my sweetie. I know it is through your prayers and others that we have made it through this tough time apart.

Many Blessings,
K. Lovett-Wright

P.S. I promise to post more pics soon...

Your Opinions Please...

2006-08-25T19:44:00.000-05:00

Greetings Friends! I'm just doing a quick check in. I haven't posted in a few weeks now and really have nothing new to report. Not much has changed with the hair, except for the fact that my curls are no longer. Can you believe they were holding steady for over 3 weeks. I finally had to wash my hair (what can I say, I'm a freestyler at heart) earlier this week. That coupled with the fact that Brunsli has me addicted to wearing my hair up again really hasn't made for anything exciting to share. However, I would like to get your opinion on my latest hair dilema...the color. I am fast approaching my 3 year anniversary with sisterlocks and to celebrate I've decided to dye my hair. If you look closely at most of my pics, you'll notice that my hair is 2 toned. I have really grown weary of the 2 tone look and am looking to decide on 1 color. I'm deciding between my natural color (the darkest part closest to scalp) and the honey brownish color on the ends with highlights. I just can't decide! Any thoughts???

My favorite collage to date...

2006-08-10T20:07:00.000-05:00

I know you've seen a couple of these pics in the last post, but I loved this collage so much I just had to share. I made this for a card I sent my DH. I must admit I was really feeling my hair that day. I'll be updating with new pics real soon. I received my hairties (thanks B!) and must share my new lock puff! Stay tuned...

Finally, the Curls Have Fallen...and Reflections on SSP's

2006-08-01T18:04:00.000-05:00

Whew, that was a rough one. My hair has been hanging tough for almost four days!!! I think I'll leave the curly look to Tra (who has the cutest curls I've seen by the way:-). Finally, my hair has fallen to the soft curl look that I like most. In case you can't tell from the pics I'm much happier now.

As I was reviewing my photos, I realized something that I thought was quite funny. I use the same poses over and over in all my ssp's (self-self portraits as DG calls them). Check out this collage I put together of me almost three years ago (34 months) compared to now. I could never be America's Next Top Model :-)...well on second thought...

Peace,
kl

Back to My Roots...the Retightening Update

2006-07-30T22:09:00.000-05:00

As I shared in my last post, I really haven't had my hair professionally retightened in almost 6 months. Honestly, I had so many things going on I just didn't feel like dealing with the hair. Well, I finally got my head done and surprisingly I still have hair left! It only took about 6 hours which is just an hour longer than normal (I have mostly small/medium sisterlocks, about 550 or so). I'll let you in on a little secret though...I think I prefer my hair with the new growth unlocked. I tried curling it a little bit for something different. Hopefully the curls will fall some real soon (I am a die-hard freestyler!). But, I thought I'd share my updated photos with you all anyway. Later,
klw

Before Retightening: (can you find my scalp in all this hair?)

After Retightening: (the parts are back!!!)

Here's the story (Locs, Interrupted...Part 2)

2006-07-13T22:44:00.000-05:00

There’s something about the death of loved ones that forces you to become introspective. After the loss of my grandma, I was immediately forced to take a long look at my own life. I’ve been going through a world of change ever since. I decided to focus less on my hair (hence this posting’s title) and more on those things that really mattered in my world. I am proud to say that I have made several changes:

I am starting a new position in August! I will remain an educator, but am working with a different age group in hopes of affecting change on a different level. I am sooo excited about my new job. After many interviews and many on the spot job offers (5 to be exact), I decided to take the last offer. I really feel like it was all a test of my faith, Daddy was saving the best for last.

I have recommitted to a total health approach. Being an Adventist, one of the things that is stressed in the church is health and temperance. I’ve changed my eating habits and life style and am happy to report that I’ve lost quite a few pounds and feel better than ever.

Finally, I officially opened my graphics design and printing company, She Designs, Inc. We had our first major job this month and the client loved our work. I am excited about what the future holds for my company.

So, for those who’ve asked and those who’ve stopped by…that’s why I’ve been missing in action. I had to take a break from my hair to focus on bettering me (and have almost 5 months of new growth to prove it!) I have a retightening appointment coming up next week and if I have any hair left :-), I’ll be sure a post an update.

Until next time,
Stay encouraged!!!
-klw

Locs, Interrupted...(Stay tuned for an update!)

2006-07-11T23:07:00.000-05:00

Don't Try This at Home!

2006-04-14T19:26:00.000-05:00

Okay, well if you read my last post I mentioned that I had worn my hair in a ponytail during my grandmother's illness and in her passing. To be honest, I just wasn't feeling the hair very much. Besides, I had far more things to work on and be concerned with (I designed her funeral program...see the last post).

Anyway, as a result of my hair being pulled back, and my need for a retightening I decided it was best to use a little bit of gel (eek!) and mousse (yuck!) to tame the growing halo around my head.

Well as it turns out, gel and mousse are not the best products for locks (duh!!). I had buildup for days, and it wasn't that little flaky gel buildup. It was sticky, icky buildup. I was terrified at the thought of what my hair would look like if I couldn't remove it. So, here's what I did...

I soaked my hair in a concoction of veggie wash, clarifying shampoo, dishwashing liquid, and (shutter) Krud Kutter! Yep, Krud Kutter. I was so desperate and determined to remove the buildup that I lost my mind! However, I am happy to report...my hair is free of buildup and surprisingly pretty soft. I guess I must have stripped everything out, cause my scalp was a little dry, but its all good now. A few EO spritzes and all is well.

Just don't EVER try this at home.

Be blessed,

KLW

My Natural Inspiration

2006-04-10T21:12:00.000-05:00

Greetings Friends,

Hi everyone! It feels like I haven't blogged all year. I have been dealing with some incredibly challenging situtations here lately and just haven't had a chance to focus on my hair or my blog. March 2006 is definitely one of the most memorable months of my life so far. Let me explain..
First of all, my birthday was on March 10. Unfortunately, I don't have any great birthday celebration stories to share. I did have dinner with friends and my fam even threw me a small surprise party the next day. However, this birthday is one that I'll never forget.

On my birthday, my grandmother (and natural hair inspiration--she never had a perm, color or straightened her hair!!) suffered a stroke and was hospitalized. Well, initially it was though to be a mini stroke, however after the doctors at the hospital ran several tests it was determined that she was very sick. As it turns out, we spent the next two weeks at the hospital. I took a leave of absence from teaching (not that I'm complaining) and spent everyday with my family. After that the doctors determined that they'd done all that could be done and we decided to bring her home to take care of her there (my mother, aunt and father all are medical professionals). On the eve of her return home, she died peacefully in her sleep (March 25, which also happens to be the 1 year anniversary of my DH's departure for Iraq). I guess I've been a little down and to be honest, I just haven't felt much like dealing with my hair (I spent the month of March with my hair pulled back :-(

However, I decided to do a quick wash and retighten the front and once again ...I'm in love with my sisterlocks. Its like doing my hair just brings me peace or something. Anyway, I don't mean to just ramble I'm just trying to get back in the saddle. I missed you guys!! I must get caught up with reading everyone's blogs and I promise to provide some updates real soon.

Peace and blessings,
KLW

Finally an Update...

2006-02-27T22:13:00.000-05:00

Hey ya’ll (that's the GA Peach in me talking),

I guess you can say I’m in a little lock funk right now. To be honest, I just haven’t had anything to say and I refuse to post about how much I’m not feeling my hair (I know you all think I’m crazy, with these roller coaster hair emotions) and send negative vibes across the WWW.

Anyway, I wanted to address some questions that some of you have posted and thank you all who check on my regularly.

First of all, in relation to my hair…the color is not my natural color. It is the result of a bad hair dye job about 10 months (done by yours truly). I really like the 2 toned look now and have no intention of touching it up anytime soon.

Second, (still talking about hair) my damaged areas are really in the back (near the nape of the neck) and in the front (around the hairline). It’s the result of several things, most of all I think it is due to my relaxer days.

Finally, thank you all for continuing to check me out. Whether its daily, weekly, or monthly…I feel most honored to know that you’ve actually took out the time to step into my crazy hair obsession.

Come back soon!
Peace

P.S. Brunsli posted about music recommendations and I didn’t want to fill her comments section with my list of my top 1000 favorites. But, I must give a shout-out and recommendation that any serious music lovers (you Kem, Eric Benet, Cassandra Wilson, Rachelle Ferrell, Norah Jones and Diana Reeves fans) should really check out Lizz Wright (http://www.lizzwright.net/). I had the pleasure of attending college with her years ago and her albums are simply unbelievable.

27 Months and Counting...

2006-01-29T20:20:00.000-05:00

While at my mom's house this past weekend my sister snapped these pictures for me. To be quite honest its the first time in a long time that I've seen all sides of my big 'ole head in one shooting. And for the first time in a long time, I can truly say that I am happy with my hair. It makes me think about what everyone says when it comes to locks. "Locking is a journey" and "Locking is an exercise in patience "(how many times have you heard those?). But the truth of the matter is both of the sayings are true. So many times in my journey I simply ran out of patience (and have the damaged locks to prove it!) but finally I feel like I've made it to the other side. Just thought I'd share!

Put Your Money Where Your March Is

2006-01-16T19:52:00.000-05:00

My friend Tracy who is an excellent writer and superb poet, wrote a piece entitled "Put Your Money Where Your March Is" in honor of MLK day. Check her out here, http://kingbentertainment.net/tracyputyamoney.html. Also, being that I am an Atlanta resident (and it is the birthplace of Martin Luther King afterall) I decided to take my little cousins to share in the MLK day festivities. As an Educator and Sociologist, I know first hand that we have a long way to go in helping today's generation fully understand the full scope of Dr. King's life and his life's work. We still have so much left to do to see Dr. King's dream fulfilled. You can do your part today, start with education ! Stress the importance and value of education with your families and communities. Talk about the dream, BE about the dream!

Peace,
KLW

The Long and Short of Things

2006-01-14T00:39:00.000-05:00

I was re-reading a few of the comments in some of the other posts that I've done. A couple of people commented that my hair was a cute bob and liked the way it hung. And, for a minute I was thinking it was kinda cute too, then...I woke up. My hair is actually quite long in the back and though the photos don't show it well, quite uneven. I've been giving it some thought for a while now and I am seriously considering getting it cut to a more even length. The pictures to the right show my hair w/out styling (freestyle), if you look closely you can see that the sides and back are not the same length. I wonder what causes this to happen with locks? Any thoughts???

Just Because

2006-01-14T00:32:00.000-05:00

Finally...the back of my head!

2006-01-05T19:56:00.000-05:00

So, while sitting here counting down the hours until my vacation ends. I decided to add yet another picture to my blog. The collage below includes what I think is the only picture of the back of my hair (maybe the 2nd). With the hubby away, its rare that I can manage to actually photograph the back (I have pretty short arms!). So, I am rather excited to the share with you the other side of my locks :-)! Also, of note I love the color that my hair looks in these photos. It's kind of red looking, I think its just the halogen bulbs in the kitchen. Still Retightening,
KLW

2-Year Itch

2006-01-05T01:00:00.000-05:00

I don't know if it's a 2 year itch or something. But, here lately I've been noticing so many little imperfections in my locks. Now don't get me wrong, I love all 542 locks on my big head...but there's something not quite right. My locks seem to have a mind all of their own, there are times when most (maybe 85%) or so actually look like locks. Then there are those times where I look in the mirror and think...Who am I kidding. Now with my hair texture and all I know that it does take much longer than average for my hair to fully lock (most say somewhere b/n 2-4 years), so I have promised to give it at least a 4 year attempt. But, my concern is that I almost feel like some of my little locks are regressing. If you look closely you'll notice that it is pretty clear that my hair is primarily locked at the ends in places and somewhat in the middle in others. I'm getting a little concerned. Does this look in anyway normal? (Click on the pic for a closer view)
This latest panic may simply be due to my lack of activities during this last part of my vacation. I should probably find something else to do than pick through my hair, lock by lock. Next week when I return to work I'm sure it will all be a blur. Gosh, I sure hope so!

BTW, I received my Soft Spike Rollers!!! This weekend's task: Curl it up!!!

Self-Retightenings??? It Must Be a New Year...

2006-01-05T00:34:00.000-05:00

Greetings and Happy New Year to All!

Well my holiday 'do is now completely done and I've really starting thinking about my new year's promise to myself. I've promised to take better care of myself physically, spiritually and financially (as I do at the start of every year...notice i didn't call it a resolution Mom!). To start, I think I'm going to knock out the physical and financial at the same time by....retightening my own locks!!! I don't know what has come over me but once again I'm ready to give it a shot. Besides, the $200 plus for my last retightening session was just too much to pay. So starting tomorrow, I'm on my way. One sad note though, I lost my clip tool and that dang hook tool is just not quite so easy to use. So that being said, I'm pulling out my Nappylocs tool and we'll see how it goes. Wish me luck!

Here's a quick before photo: (Notice the frizziness or what I like to call the 'halo effect'. Two years and I still have the frizzies!) This is a bad me, good hair shot. You'd think I weighed 200 lbs. by looking at some of these...gotta work on the photography skills! :0

Locked Hair Blog Exchange

2006-01-03T00:48:00.000-05:00

A fellow Blogger, Maryee (http://lovemylocks.blogspot.com), came up with the ingenious idea of creating a Locked Blog Exchange. There you can find links to other bloggers who are documenting their locking experience, informational websites and web groups.

Check it out sometime!

The link is http://locksblogsphotos.blogspot.com/

The Holiday 'Do is Done

2005-12-28T13:31:00.000-05:00

I don't know if its the boredom setting in or what, but now that I've arrived back here at home I've gone a little overboard with Picasa. I have done at least 10 collages now since downloading the program and I just luv it! The collage below is what my hair looks like now, a few days after my Christmas look. Basically, pulling it up is what I do for a little something different. I know, that's not too creative...but, it's a different look! After viewing Leighann's (http://mysisterlocks.blogspot.com) cute coils, I've been reinspired to try curls again. I used to think they made me look like a little old lady. I mean, I am up there a little ways in age but dang I sure don't want to look like it! But, her hair was so cute I must give it a shot. My soft spike rollers should be arriving anyday now! I'll be sure and post updates then.

Warning: I'm on vacation until Jan 6, more collages are on the way:')

More Christmas 'Do Pics!

2005-12-27T02:33:00.000-05:00

To Dye or Not to Dye...That is the Question

2005-12-27T01:43:00.000-05:00

Greetings People,

I hope that all of you had a wonderful Christmas and are enjoying a beautiful start to Kwanzaa. To anyone to whom I have not had the opportunity to say so, Happy Holidays! Here are a few pics I’ve taken over the past few days to showcase my Holiday hairstyle. I wore 2 strand twists over 3 days to achieve this look. I think it turned out kind of cute! It was very full and bouncy, but the wet weather took its toll and it started to droop a bit.

The only bad part was that my hair almost didn’t look locked from a far…whew, that’s pretty scary. I can’t imagine not having my Sisterlocks! Also, if you look closely, you’ll notice that my hair is 2 toned. I dyed it in May and am seriously thinking about dying it again so that the colors aren’t so drastically different. I’m a bit perplexed about the issue...to dye or not to dye that is the question.

Peace, KLW

Much Ado About Nothing?

2005-12-16T23:18:00.000-05:00

Thanks to those of you who responded to me both publicly and privately regarding my retightening concerns. As promised, here's the latest...
So, I know this sounds crazy but I went back after part 1 of our session. I expressed all of my concerns to her (using the latch-hook vs. SL tools, the combining of locks in the back, cutting the few that were too big, etc..). After throughly expressing my concern and knowledge of the SL technique (I did take the retightening class after all!) we came to an agreement -- no more cutting without my prior approval and no combining unless we both agree that it is necessary.

And to be quite honest I am very pleased with my hair. She actually stopped in areas where she felt as if she wanted to snip or combine, gave me the mirror and let me feel each one before taking any action. And she gave me an hour free!

Overall, I really like her. I like the idea of going to a shop as opposed to someone's home, she's very quick and seemingly thorough ( I'll let you know after tonight's wash) and generally just a nice lady. Now with a freshly retightened head...maybe I'll pull out the old tools in about a month and try it on my own again.

KLW

SL's retightened with a Latch-hook?

2005-12-14T23:46:00.000-05:00

I'm smiling here...but there is really very little reason to celebrate. I went to check out a new consultant today (as I have given up on retightening it myself) and half way through my hair I really feel like screaming. First of all, the sister did not even use sisterlock tools. She retightened my hair using a latch-hook! Okay, I know its the technique itself that makes Sisterlocks Sisterlocks. But, I am quite disappointed about how my hair has turned out. I questioned her use of the latch-hook and she explained that it does less snagging than the SL tools.

She combined about half in the lower back so far and even cut a few off that she said were too large. I'm going to let her finish it up as I must have my hair finished before my Christmas vacation, but I am a little scared. Y'all pray for me on this one, I'll keep you posted!

KL

In the beginning...

2005-12-13T19:04:00.000-05:00

Greetings all, I located a few pictures of my hair at the start of my locking journey, October 2003. It's amazing how quickly time flies when you're happy, nappy and free. A few days ago I reached my 26 month milestone. It's been over 2 years now and I am just getting started. Initially, I thought I'd be locked completely by now, but as they say no two heads of sisterlocks are alike. I alsways thought I had "nappy" hair but through the process of locking, it has been detremined that my hair is rather soft and loosely curled or waved..definitely not the best hair for locking.

But despite all that, the many twists, turns and tears...I've made it and I am happy to stand before you as a Sisterlocked sister, one of a family of thousands who share the joy of living in a natural world.
To those of you with that "difficult to lock" "ain't never gonna lock" "too soft" "good hair"...be encouraged. It will happen with time. I'll be posting new pics tomorrow after part 1 of my retightening (Wish me luck, I'm going to a new consultant this time). In the meantime, here are some pics from the very beginning (Day 1).

A Locking Journey: The Intro

2005-12-06T17:16:00.000-05:00

So, after reading the many posts, blogs, websites and emails of others who have began the locking journey. I've decided that today is the day...to start my own blog. For those of you who don't know me, my name is Katika and I am a proud, loud sisterlocks wearer of over 2 years. Proir to starting this blog, I documented my locking journey through my website, http://katikalovett.tripod.com. I've kept it since the beginning of my journey and up until recently. I must admit though, I haven't kept it up nearly as well as I'd intended but it does give you an indication of the stages my hair has gone through.

At this point, my hair is about 85% locked (or partially locked) and 15% unlocked. It's been such a long, bumpy road but I'm glad to be on this journey. Thanks for stopping by and please come by often.

Peace,
KLW