What was your go-to-hairstyle when you first got your locs installed?

I didn’t have one. I wore it down.  I wore Bantu knots 2 months after my install.

How do you maintain your locs and what products do you use regularly?

I have starter locs, 6 months to be exact. Initially, I was shampooing my hair once a month but my scalp cannot take that, so now I wash my hair every two weeks. I bought a dandruff shampoo that I recently started incorporating into my wash routine. For most wash days, I use a clarifying shampoo by Shea Moisture (Jamaican black castor oil with Shea butter, peppermint, and ACV). I also use Locs Amplify moisturizing shampoo. The shampoo is natural and made by one of the sistas I met through Instagram. I’m supporting her business and the shampoo makes my hair feel great. I also use aloe vera water that I mist on my hair as needed. I oil my hair as needed with a mixture of jojoba, peppermint, and tea tree oil. I bought Mielle’s hair oil but I haven’t used it yet.

What do you love most about your locs and why?

I use the word transformation because I learn or see something different about my hair all the time. From starting as two strand twist to gradually making its way to locs, the shrinkage, the volume that’s taking place, bunching, etc.  I love the versatility that locs have. From the “get up and go” look to low tension hairstyles.

What has been the biggest challenge or adjustment?

Initially, I didn’t like the way my locs looked because I have so much shrinkage but I’ve learned to adjust and love my locs more and more. The biggest challenge that I have with starter locs is slippage. OMG! My nape area and sometimes my edges gives me the blues. I’ve learned that this is a phase for some Afrikan women with starter locs. 

What’s something you wish you knew before getting loc’d?

That I could have had locs years ago had I received the knowledge and understanding that is given to the loc community now.

What advice would you give someone considering installing Sisterlocks or microlocs?

It is of utmost importance to do your research when trying to find a loctician. Ask questions. Get to know your hair. Be prepared for challenges and adjustments but also know that your journey will be a beautiful one overall.

Shout out your loctician! Who does your reties?

Shoutout goes to my loctician, Deborah LaToison (@the_hairarchy).