Being four years sisterlocked is a major hurdle for me. I honestly wanted to cut my locks off and start over again when my hair started thinning in the beginning of year two. I never shared those thoughts, because it really was a really dark time for me and it was just me thinking anyways. I decided to stop thinking like that after reading the struggles facing Bajan Lily. I don't know if Bajan Lily know how much her post about her struggle help me stop being so selfish and vain. It made me just stop and enjoy the fact I had majority of my hair, and at the same time, accept that I'm not my hair. My locks are, for the most part healthy and I'm looking forward to year 5 of being sisterlocked. Below are pictures of my sisterlocks through-out the years.
So after I treated my sisterlocks, I decided to add lock loop while they are still damp. On Sunday, I took down the lock loop, and left the curls without separating them. Below is how my hair look for the GYM that day.
This give me an idea for the future, and it involve loosing up the curls in the back, so it can look neat, and just pinning up the curls from the lock loop at the top for big shirley temple curls. That style would be prefect for an elegant evening out :D. LOL the last picture was a joke, but it turn out to be the only one that look decent for the front...^_^. I can be so silly sometime :).
This give me an idea for the future, and it involve loosing up the curls in the back, so it can look neat, and just pinning up the curls from the lock loop at the top for big shirley temple curls. That style would be prefect for an elegant evening out :D. LOL the last picture was a joke, but it turn out to be the only one that look decent for the front...^_^. I can be so silly sometime :).
I still remember the excitement when I was finally able to fit my own hair in a ponytail. It was so unreal, because that when it hit me that I was finally in it for the long haul. Today marked another first attempt, which is using my own hair to tie my own hair up. I was cleaning, and my hair was getting in the way, and I decided to see if I can tie them down using my own hair, and it was a success! I still can't do a knot/ponytail around my sisterlocks like my consultant does, but I think this will work in the meantime ^_^.
Last picture was me tucking the bottom locks under the above knot. I know this post is probably silly to some (I was thinking of not posting it), but the feeling of knowing that you can use your own hair to hold your length up is so thrilling, and exciting, that I decided to share it anyway. I hope everyone who is starting this journey will too enjoy their many first!
Last picture was me tucking the bottom locks under the above knot. I know this post is probably silly to some (I was thinking of not posting it), but the feeling of knowing that you can use your own hair to hold your length up is so thrilling, and exciting, that I decided to share it anyway. I hope everyone who is starting this journey will too enjoy their many first!
I got three bottles of these from the Sisterlocks Explosion, and I'm now down to 1 bottle. So these last a good while, especially if you just do braids and twists every 2-3 weeks. Below is my complete review of Easy Herbal Comb Out by Taliah Waajid.
Claim
Hair combing sessions will be easy for you and pleasant for your child once you use my Kinky, Wavy, Natural products. Kinky, Wavy, Natural products are moisture-based and are guarantee to make your child’s hair more manageable.
Like
- I like the smell. It has a coconut smell very similar to the Bodifier (check out my review of the bodifier here).
- It's easy to apply, and doesn't leave a residue
- Great shine and it makes hair very manageable
- Work well as a moisterizer, ok as a detangler
- I like it that it has green tea, sage, and aloe vera
Dislike
- Not readily available at local stores
Conclusion
This is a really good product. I like how it makes my daughter hair shine, and how it soften my daughter hair, but I can't say it the best darn detangler out there, because it just as comparable to the other detangler I have purchase in the past. I don't know... I feel like if I'm applying a product on my daughter hair that is marketed as a detangler, I shouldn't have to "work" to detangle the hair. I should be able to comb out her hair with minimum effort (similar to when you do a blowout). I don't think they are any such thing as a super detangler for our hair type (4a/4b) because it just too darn tightly curl.
What does set this product apart from other detangler I have used in the past, is how it makes my daughter hair soft and shiny, without the greasy effect. I also love the smell of this product and how it just smells likes a little girl’s hair product. If you looking for something to help manage your kids hair, this product does the job, but keep in mind that if your daughter hair is like mines, thick and long, you will still need to do the normal process of detangling her hair before applying this product (meaning you need to detangle his/her hair in the shower while shampooing).
Most likely I will be purchasing this product again, since I really enjoyed using it on her hair. Once she a little older, I will purchase the Taliah Waajid Protective Mist Bodifier for her as her main moisturizer until she is locked.
Claim
Hair combing sessions will be easy for you and pleasant for your child once you use my Kinky, Wavy, Natural products. Kinky, Wavy, Natural products are moisture-based and are guarantee to make your child’s hair more manageable.
Like
- I like the smell. It has a coconut smell very similar to the Bodifier (check out my review of the bodifier here).
- It's easy to apply, and doesn't leave a residue
- Great shine and it makes hair very manageable
- Work well as a moisterizer, ok as a detangler
- I like it that it has green tea, sage, and aloe vera
- Not readily available at local stores
Conclusion
This is a really good product. I like how it makes my daughter hair shine, and how it soften my daughter hair, but I can't say it the best darn detangler out there, because it just as comparable to the other detangler I have purchase in the past. I don't know... I feel like if I'm applying a product on my daughter hair that is marketed as a detangler, I shouldn't have to "work" to detangle the hair. I should be able to comb out her hair with minimum effort (similar to when you do a blowout). I don't think they are any such thing as a super detangler for our hair type (4a/4b) because it just too darn tightly curl.
What does set this product apart from other detangler I have used in the past, is how it makes my daughter hair soft and shiny, without the greasy effect. I also love the smell of this product and how it just smells likes a little girl’s hair product. If you looking for something to help manage your kids hair, this product does the job, but keep in mind that if your daughter hair is like mines, thick and long, you will still need to do the normal process of detangling her hair before applying this product (meaning you need to detangle his/her hair in the shower while shampooing).
Most likely I will be purchasing this product again, since I really enjoyed using it on her hair. Once she a little older, I will purchase the Taliah Waajid Protective Mist Bodifier for her as her main moisturizer until she is locked.
Visit Sisterlocks.com |
JoAnne Cornwell lives in San Diego, California and is from Detroit, Michigan. She is an Associate Professor of Africana Studies and French at San Diego State University. She has researched African descended cultures worldwide, and understands how deeply hair issues relate to cultural identity. This understanding was the driving force behind her decision to found her trademark company, Sisterlocks™. Today Dr. Cornwell is an active member of the American Hairbraiders and Natural Haircare Association. She lectures widely on topics related to cultural expression in Africa and in the African Diaspora, as well as Sisterlocks.
While researching JoAnne Cornwell, I stumble across the lawsuit that happen between her company and nappyloc.com, and it was a bit of unnerving read. I know I only talk to her briefly, but she honestly seem like a nice person. Anyway...she end up losing the case against nappyloc.com, and I wanted to understand why.
I read that she did not patent her tools or her technique (which is properly why she lost the case) but I still thought that was very strange and can't possibly be true?? So I went on a hunt and started to search the patent database to see if her tools can be brought up and it didn't (Example: I was able to find lock loop & nappy locs tool easily). Since I was not able to get the patent information from the database, I went to sisterlocks.com site to see if she reference anywhere about a patent on her tools or technique, and all I was able to come up with was "Sisterlocks is a trademark company founded in 1993." I was able to verify her trademark here.
Now don't get me wrong, her tools are unique, and if you tried to make your own and sell it, she may be able to sue you because she has prior usage. It's just interesting that her tools and technique may not be truly "patent." I will modify my "What Does The Sisterlocks Tool Like" post until someone can verify for sure that she has those tools patent (I don't like misinforming people). If sisterlocks doesn't own a patent for the technique or the tools, how are so many of us so misinformed??
Who would have taught it was be so hard to find professional looking pictures of the creator of Sisterlocks by herself. Above is the only picture that I could find that fit this blog template, and look nice.
Please note that all pictures are copyright by Joanne Cornwell. You can visit her company website at Sisterlocks.com.
I wish I knew this when I was transitioning as a natural because I may have been natural a little while longer (but knowing what I know now, I still would have gotten sisterlocks years ago). If you are currently waiting for your hair to grow a little longer for sisterlocks or locks in general, this is the perfect way to help manage your hair as you wait.
I always thought the beginning of your natural hair journey is always easier (once you figure out what products works etc.), since your hair is very short and manageable. As your natural hair gets longer, you have to do extra step to detangle your hair even before you can even style it.
Below is a great solution to help manage your much longer hair when you are on a time crunch. Also if you have little girls who is a natural, this will help soothe her when she is wanting a little more manageable hair like her fellow classmates. I do this on my daughter hair all the time, it helps with the pain, and makes her hair a little bit more manageable. To minimize the effect of heat on her hair, I use a heat protector, and a blow dryer with a diffused top. Below is the step by step instruction on how to do a "blowout" on kinky, curly hair.
Material
- Heat Protector - I used "Kinky, Wavy, Natural Hair" on my daughter hair, but you can use Oyin Handmade or Protective Mist Bodifier or any oil base product (for example my homemade spray).
- Blow Dryer with concentrator top
- Wide Tooth Comb
- Butterfly Clips
Step 1 - Apply your heat protector, and then you are going to section your hair into four sections. Clip three of those section with a butterfly clips. Note: I assume you have already detangled your hair already when you wash your hair etc. If you need to know how to detangle, click here.
I always thought the beginning of your natural hair journey is always easier (once you figure out what products works etc.), since your hair is very short and manageable. As your natural hair gets longer, you have to do extra step to detangle your hair even before you can even style it.
Below is a great solution to help manage your much longer hair when you are on a time crunch. Also if you have little girls who is a natural, this will help soothe her when she is wanting a little more manageable hair like her fellow classmates. I do this on my daughter hair all the time, it helps with the pain, and makes her hair a little bit more manageable. To minimize the effect of heat on her hair, I use a heat protector, and a blow dryer with a diffused top. Below is the step by step instruction on how to do a "blowout" on kinky, curly hair.
Material
- Heat Protector - I used "Kinky, Wavy, Natural Hair" on my daughter hair, but you can use Oyin Handmade or Protective Mist Bodifier or any oil base product (for example my homemade spray).
- Blow Dryer with concentrator top
- Wide Tooth Comb
- Butterfly Clips
Step 1 - Apply your heat protector, and then you are going to section your hair into four sections. Clip three of those section with a butterfly clips. Note: I assume you have already detangled your hair already when you wash your hair etc. If you need to know how to detangle, click here.
If you have 4 type of hair, detangling is a MUST! It helps lesson the amount of hair that you shed, while you are combing out your hair. The only hair you should lose is the hair that sheds naturally every month. If you walking away with a HUGH lump of hair, after a comb out, then you are doing something wrong.
I really hate when I hear certain hair type can't grow long. It just not true! Certain hair type can grow as long as the next person, but in order to see the length, you may have to do more work than someone who has a looser hair type. You just have to accept that some hair type just requires extra tender loving care in order to bloom. Below is the step by step instruction on how to detangle your hair or your daughter's hair for hair retention.
Material Needed
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Wide Tooth Comb
Step 1. Shampoo - I prefer doing my detangling in the shower, and while I'm shampooing. You can do it while using your conditioner, but I find when I do it while I shampooing, the hair is much cleaner and product build up are none existing.
I really hate when I hear certain hair type can't grow long. It just not true! Certain hair type can grow as long as the next person, but in order to see the length, you may have to do more work than someone who has a looser hair type. You just have to accept that some hair type just requires extra tender loving care in order to bloom. Below is the step by step instruction on how to detangle your hair or your daughter's hair for hair retention.
Material Needed
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Wide Tooth Comb
Step 1. Shampoo - I prefer doing my detangling in the shower, and while I'm shampooing. You can do it while using your conditioner, but I find when I do it while I shampooing, the hair is much cleaner and product build up are none existing.
moisturizing
Review: Oyin Handmade - Frank Juice, Greg Juice, and Juices & Berries on Sisterlocks
11:20 AMCame With Candies & Bubbles |
The main reason for this purchase was for my daughter, because I need something for her hair when I do pointy tails or leave her hair out. Her "Kinky, Wavy, Natural Hair, Easy Herbal Comb Out" detangler is running out and I hoping maybe I can use this as her detangler as well as a moisturizer. By the way, the Kinky, Wavy, Natural Hair, Easy Herbal Comb Out by Taliah Waajid was from when I went to the Sisterlocks Explosion, and it lasted for a while. I will release a review soon.
Claims
Now available in three unique scents, this oil-free mixture of vegetable moisturizers and herbal essences remains hugely popular among people with many different hair types and needs! The secret is this: spring water, strongly infused with a variety of herbs known to help condition and stimulate the scalp, thus encouraging hair growth; vegetable ingredients for detangling, moisture and suppleness; vegetable glycerine for humectancy and shine; and an essential oil blend nutritious to the scalp.
Like
- Uses Natural Ingredients
- Made To Order
- A little goes a long way
- Prefer the smell of Frank Juice (for me) & Juices & Berries (for my daughter).
- A great moisturizer
- Smell doesn't over power you after use.
Dislike
- Site was a pain to purchase from...way to slow.
- Expensive & not readily available at stores
- Didn't like the smell of Greg Juice. The Greg Juice is more of a masculine scent.
- If spray too much, the smell can be over powering.
- You can "feel" this product on your hair
By far the most favorite scent for me was the Frank Juice. All of them are overpowering as far as scent is concern, but Frank Juice seems to be less intimidating then the others. The Juices & berries smell very girlish and summery. The Frank Juice smells very earthy and fresh. Greg juice has an old time musk with a hit of citrus smell. If you have an all-natural family, I would say the Juices & Berries would be for the little girls, the Greg Juice would be for the male or teenager boy of the house, and the Frank Juice could be used by either the women or the men.
I found this product to be just as moisturizing on sisterlocks, as on natural hair. I find that it does soften my sisterlocks, which I have come to appreciate from my own moisturizing spray. It washed out easily, and if you use it in moderation, it doesn't weight down your locks. I also found out this product is NOT a good solution to detangle my daughter hair and will continue to use the Herbal Comb Out.
Note: If you don't like feeling product on your hair, you would want to stay clear of this. You will feel this for a about an hour or so before your hairs absorb it. In all, I would recommend this as a moisturizer for sisterlocks or natural hair in general.