Thursday, November 29, 2007

Week 1



Life with SL’s has been a joy so far. The only problem I have been having is my scalp being dry and itchy. I was told not to put anything on it by my consultant, so I will try to stay diligent in the matter. However, snowflakes in Florida (dandruff J) just isn’t going to cut it. I have had some suggestions to do an ACV rinse and/or Sulfur 8 spray. (Thanks DolceNYC1!!) So I will have to see how that works. I have to admit that I had no idea what an ACV rinse was. But then it occurred to me, hey maybe she is talking about Apple Cider Vinegar…..Voila!! Although I don’t have the best memory, thank God it isn’t completely shot. I’m sure I will be reaching out soon to figure out exactly what I need to do for the rinse. But that is the advantage to having so many knowledgeable locked sisters and brothers on the web. I also heard back from a sister who advised that she has been washing her hair every 3-4 days since she has been locked and she uses Elasta QP for her scalp condition. It seems to work for her and she hasn’t had any problems so I may try that as well (Thanks Kim!!). I completed my first wash and it came out just fine. I think I have some minor slippage in the very back, but my hair is really soft in my “kitchen” so that is to be expected.

And I think I have discovered that I have another issue, Hand in Hair Disease, which I think some people affectionately call it. I can’t seem to stop. Hopefully this will get better as time goes on, but at least I was warned that this might happen. Can I say again that…I LOVE MY SISTERLOCKS!!

I am also a member of the LIU yahoo group, and I get so much encouragement from everyone. I work in Corporate America and I always had an issue with my hair. I have mostly only worked with people who, in an effort to not offend anyone, do not look like myself. So the countless issues of not getting my hair wet in the rain, humidity, products and hair accessories to bring while traveling, etc. Not to mention the emotional roller coaster as a black woman, just trying to fit in.

Well those issues became even more evident when I decided to go natural. Not only was I going to be a black woman in a society who does not understand my struggles, but I would have to do it with a nappy headed fro. Many people did not understand my decision to cut my hair off. And it was sad because most of the “verbal” opposition came from my own kind. Now how is it that we are always talking about “keeping it real”, but the person who is saying it louder than anyone else has my skin complexion with purple eyes and blonde weave down to their ankles. Okay, an exaggeration at best, but when will it end? It is hard enough when some people at my office look at me like I am a germ or something. Mind you I am just as qualified as they are or more. Or could it be it is in my own head. That’s a thought! Nevertheless, I came to the conclusion that no matter what anyone thinks, it is more important of how I view myself. It is very easy to get caught up in our own insecurities. If is isn’t someone else doing it, chances are we are going to condemn ourselves at some point. I am learning that I do not need to seek the approval of other people. My validation in Christ is more than enough. My favorite passage says that I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139). Well if the creator of the universe says that I am wonderfully made, and in His very own image, who am I to look down on that very thing that He says is “good”. So in all my naps, (say it with me) I declare “I HAVE GOOD HAIR”. (Hey, that rhymes…hehe)


Now...a shout out to my other biggest fan. Introducing Eko (like Echo), my American Bulldog puppy. He keeps me company and seems to enjoy watching me fool with my hair :-) He also doesn't mind when I pour out all the details of my day before I can talk to my husband. He just listens and loves the fact that I am spending time with him. Who knew taking care of dog would be like having a child!! Not that I even remontely know what that is like, but at least I am learning patience before my babies do decide to bless me with their presence.

6 comments:

Lakia said...

Your puppy is so cute. I have the handnhairitis too, I gotta try the ACV, because it is snowing up here too.

V @ Locks-N-Motion said...

Welcome and Congrats on your Sisterlocks they look great. The ACV rinse does help with the dandruff and itchy scalp so give it a try.

Salt-n-Pepper Diva said...

Congratulations on your decision to SL. I have found that my Greatest support comes from within myself and those closest to me, including my basset hound.

My lil' babies are curling up and some are unraveling, but that was to be expected and it's all good. luckily I haven't had a problem with itching, I am always spritzing with distilled water.

With the dry forced heat , 'cause it 's cold in Vegas Baby, my loc's have taken on a life of their own, oh well. Your loc's look so cute on you!

Anonymous said...

I have the snowing issue as well and have tried a couple things.. 1)ACV Rinse every other week or 2)Saturate my scalp with straight ACV and let it sit for atleast 15 mins, I then rinse and wash regularly. 3)I use a water, aloe vera gel and eo mixture for spritzing. Now, for me at times this works just fine but I'm noticing the more I'm stressed the more the flakes come out to play. Guess I need to take up Yoga or something...

I used to be the only black person working in my office until we hired a new person, she's very nice but not helping my cause. She wears weave, fake nails and light brown contacts. Appearance wise we're exact opposites. I don't care what my co-workers think about my hair but I do very much dislike when they stare at my hair as if it's a small creature waiting to attack them. Sometimes I find myself running to the restroom to make sure they're isn't an actual creature in my hair.....

I've also learned that if you show confidence in your hair choices and stick to being positive about your hair your co-workers will come around, atleast mine did. If at any point in time I have a complaint about my hair, it would never ever be discussed at work....

I know I ramble and I apologize for that...

What a cute puppy!!!!

CardioBunny said...

Your hair looks great and I'm glad you're loving it :)

Like everyone else I agree that ACV is the best! I never really had a problem with dandruff but a few days after getting locked, I had a blizzard! Like Meikmeika, I usually let pure ACV stand for a while and then rinse. I also used it for itching by mixing it with water (50/50), spraying it on and allowing it to dissipate (the smell goes away when it dries so as long as I didn't soak the area it's gone by the time I left the house).

After a while my scalp adjusted so I don't really have dandruff or itchies but I still use ACV monthly as a clarifier.

Eko is so cute and I guess it is like having a baby because my mom, grandma, and aunt all comment that my two are my babies.

We have a few people in Orlando now, we'll have to schedule an Orlando/Central Florida get together. Hopefully our numbers will grow as more women make the decision to come home (to Sisterlocks and to rocking their natural, glorious, "good" hair).

Sogolocs said...

Just another approval of spritzing with distilled water. When I first got my sisterlocks I had dry scalp that was driving me crazy. I started using distilled water and voila no more dandruff. I still spritz daily, my consultant says I shouldn't though. Meantime water does the trick for me.

I have noticed some sisters have given me the eye since I have gotten my locks. I don't know if it is just my imagination or what. I was in the bathroom a few weeks ago, surrounded by weaves so I fingercombed my locks back and got the dirtiest look. It could just be me thinking I was getting a dirty look.

I talk to my dogs daily too, they rather enjoy it, I think.

Your locks look great, blessings on the ACV or distilled water. That itchy scalp is no fun.