Some say that loc'ing is a natural process, some go as far as to say that loc'ing is the most natural thing (afro) hair can do. But is a hairstyle that takes up to two years to fully establish really natural? Now there's a clear difference between manipulated and un-manipulated dreadlocks and perhaps this only applies to the former of which, in my own experience, feels like an impossible feat.
Here are a few thoughts on my locs:
- My locs don't like perspiration when I workout regularly.
- My locs don't like that I wash them often to combat issue number one.
- My locs don't like when I don't wash them often to combat issue number two.
- My locs don't like being exposed to excessively wet conditions period.
I firmly believe that if I were to dismiss any activity involving water and leave them to it that I would in fact have dreadlocks that are well on their way and yet is there much point if I can't do these activities or enjoy my rainy climate? At this point may I point out the correlation between baby locs and a perm when it comes to maintenance?
I do have options:
- I could interlock, this had potential but I don't have the funds or the knowhow nor is it a method I would be able to keep up with in the future.
- I could wait and start dreadlocks at a less active time in my life, but I want to be active for the rest of my life.
- I could wait until my hair is much longer and start with braids or twists, would you?
- I could even freeform, though I think I'd be less content with this process.
- I could try rubber bands again, and I think I will, though I have concerns about thinning. Also is it true that they can prohibit the loc'ing process?
I promised a length check so here we go:
(about 2 inches growth give or take)
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| Day 1 |
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| Month 5 |
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| Day 1 |
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| Month 5 |
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| Day 1 |
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| Month 5 |
Do dreads suite your lifestyle? For any readers who don't have locs yet, think long and hard about this question before you start your own journey.
DREADLOCKS ARE...
**photography ownership is held with the blog account holder. DO NOT use without permission**
Hey girl,
ReplyDeleteYour post sounds like you are kinda down.
Remember it's a loc journey and it's not all sweetness and light.
I am sure if you talk to any loc wearer there will be periods of their journey, where they to where down.
Hell I have had plenty. Unraveling was a big issue for me and I to considered that locing up was not for me. I found my self on you tube and watched as many interlocking videos as I could. Then I practiced on a few of my own. Don't get me wrong I made mistakes but I over came them. I still have a few gappy locs to prove it. I have visited a loc salon once this year so far and last year it may have been twice. Never feel that you are on your own. You have lots of support via the net. I am always happy to share my experiences the good and bad. How you feel now is just part of the process. May be as you stated, you need to look at another locing method. To suit your current lifestyle.
It's not much of a journey if we quit at the first big hurdle. So don't quit and lean on your support web locker.
Oh and your pictures are great.
ReplyDeleteI love the size you have chosen for your locs.
One other thing I need to add is don't put so much pressure on your self or your locs. Just let them do their thing and work with them. Try it ! They will surprise you.
I hear you miss. Don't worry I won't quit my journey. I still love locs!
DeleteIt's perspective isn't it. If I could wrap my locs up and reveal them a year from now I'd probably adore them but seeing them everyday gives me the opportunity to see "fault" where there is only uniqueness.
Thank you for reminding me that issues are shared by many and solved by many too :)
Hey, sorry to hear how down you were. Are you feeling better?
ReplyDeleteI've been going through my own loc issues. I've even considered giving it up. I think if it wasn't for my blog and financial restrictions I would have given up already.
Hmm, this isn't sounding peppy at all. Oops... Sorry...
I hope this week has been a better week. Wishing you tons of smiles, laughter, and loc-love!!!
Heyo, yes thank you. I wanted to document the good & the bad but fear not I am trooping on.
DeleteI'd love for you to continue your journey as it was the thing that introduced us to one another. However don't feel that you HAVE to stick it out unless you want to, but I'm sure you want to really :DD
Hugs, love and peace Miss V!!
Happy 5 months!!! I'm sorry that you are experiencing troubles with your locs but be patient. You'll find a way that will suit you the best. The beginning stage is always the hardest but the most rewarding. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you. On to better days I'm sure!
DeleteBest to you :)
Keep at it - patience, patience, patience. You can keep your active lifestyle and have locs, it just takes some creativity. Have you tried wrapping your hair? Also, check out this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wqn0auZV1nA&feature=player_embedded
ReplyDeleteLoved the video link, thanks. I've noticed a few videos on the subject of dreads and sports.
DeleteDefinitely interested in the sweatband idea. I was wrapping my hair but I found either the material absorbed the sweat and left my hair dry or it didn't absorb at all. I'm finding, now that I have more length, that leaving them uncovered allows them to dry without unravelling while I ride my bicycle home from the gym.