My Loc Update: Routine & Locing Tips

I got an email asking me to post up on what my loc routine is now and any loc lessons/tips on my loc journey over the years...

My loc routine: Simple is defiinately BEST!

I shampoo my locs about once a week, more in summer. I LOVE African black soap and the constant conditioner that I stick to is Oyin's hemp conditioner, it's so yummy. I use that with diluted ACV (apple cider vinegar) and leave it on my locs for a little while after my shampoo session. Then I rinse and the both of them make my locs feel super soft and shiny. Aloe vera and coconut oil are great to moisturise 0 I usually stay away from oils in summer when it feels too heavy. I spritz daily with water/essential oils and brush often. Every 3 years, I trim about 1-2 inches off.

I posted this on my old web page during my first early years on tips I stick to on locing...

No matter how you started your locs, texture, length, or stage of your journey- remember that these tips should apply to all loc wearers...

~Locing is about patience, so it is a long term commitment that might last 2 years or more for the locing to be complete. Be 100% sure that this is the step you want to take.

~Your hair (no matter what texture) will frizz during the process. Know that this is a normal process -all locers will have to go through this experience so relax and don't stress!

~For people with looser curl textures or naturally straight hair, accept that frizz might always be part of the locing process.

~Love those bumps! It adds character to your locs.

~It seems no 2 people with afro hair has the same texture, naturally your locs will look different.

~There might be times when you are feeling impatient, stressed, bored and negative about your choice in locing -don't worry, this is very normal -especially during the teenage phases when locs have their own mind. Take a deep breath and remember that this time will pass. Enjoy the journey, don't waste time on stressing over it!

~Be prepared to learn a few lessons on the way and throw out your old perceptions of beauty.

~Keep a loc journal to remind your Self how far you have come!

~Collect headwear and experiment.

~Your locs are unique and beautiful. No one else's locs will be the same as yours so don't compare your locs, just love and accept what you have.

~Use products that are light so there won't be any product build-up in future.

~If at any stage you are uncomfortable with what your loctician is doing to your locs, don't be afraid to be very clear and let them know or change loctician. Go with your instincts! They are your locs and you know whats best for them, so don't let others tell you otherwise. Your loctician should work with you, not against you.

~NEVER use any products that contain mineral oil and petroleum as their ingredients.

~Locing should not be an uncomfortable or unhygienic experience. Wash your locs regularly and always keep them clean.

~Water is your best friend throughout the locing stages.

~Healthy body, healthy locs.

~Use minimal of products to avoid build-up.

~If you're concerned about how the locs will look early on and/or that your loved ones will reject you if you decide to loc, then you shouldn't be considering them.

~Be willing to accept any and all stages of locdom, including the negative reactions you may receive from family, friends, and strangers.

~You are not alone - get support from good friends or other means (forums are great for this!).

~There is a wide spectrum of locing techniques and methods, from the super cultivated locs to the super organic loc methods. Each is beautiful in their own right and no method of locing should be seen as 'more acceptable' or 'more beautiful' than the other.