My Loc's Journey

Friday, October 10, 2008

Post 6 Month Anniversary

Not too much has changed since my last pic until now. There are moments when I wish my hair would hurry up and loc on the ends. I consider myself a patient person and I admit that I still love my curly ends most of the time. Most importantly, I'm still enjoying the freedom of my braidlocs.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

I've Been Tagged!

Here are the rules:
1. Link to the person that tagged you.....

2. Post the rules on your blog
3. Share 6 non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself that have not been shared already
4. Tag 6 random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs
5. Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

I was tagged by

Saabira: http://saabira8.blogspot.com/
Anthia-ofo: http://ofoslocs.blogspot.com/

locmocha: http://locmocha.blogspot.com/

black doll: http://virtuous-sisterlocks.blogspot.com/ all at the same time. Is it cheating to wrap it all up at one time?

Six non-important things/habits/quirks about myself........

1. I Love sweets. I add sugar to things that just aren't natural like green beans, pinto beans, soup. I know I need to cut back. I'm trying y'all. That might be why I can't lose the fat around my waist. It's not cute to be petite with a fat stomach. I'm not in denial, I keep it covered.

2. I like to sing, write poetry, songs and admire and make art (jewelry).

3. I'm a bill hoarder. It's hard for me to throw them away....I feel one day I'm going to need them but I know I won't.

4. I dislike cooking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But I love to eat good home cooked meals. Isn't that crazy.

5. I am a procrastinator. I'm trying to do better. Help me Lord!!!!!

6. I like to watch cartoons....especially my childhood cartoons not this generations. Y'all remember Tweety and Sylvester, Roadrunner and Wile E. Coyote, Bugs bunny, Daffy, Elmer Fud, the Smurfs, on and on and on and on. They take me back and away from the frustrations of today.

Tag You're It!!!!!!!!!!

http://happilynappilynish.blogspot.com/

http://naturalandlovinit.blogspot.com/

Due to my lack of time I wasn't able to complete my list but I'm sure I'll get the opportunity when I'm tagged again. There were people I wanted to tag but they had been tagged recently and I didn't want to take them through it again so soon.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

I can see some actual growth now!

at 4 months

at 5 months

Can you see a difference?

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Before and After Retightening

Fuzzy roots before retightening

After retightening

Thursday, July 24, 2008

African Black Soap aka Alata Soap

Okay, I'm sure most of you have heard about black soap. I've been reading about it on different blogs and decided to do my own research. What I found was that it could be really beneficial for myhair and skin. I did say I was trying to go towardsnatural products and away from chemicals so why not give it try. I found an African grocery store that sells it. During my research this is a little of what I've learned:

Brief summary of Organic African Black Soap: This is the type of Black Soap intended for use on sensitive skin and hair. African Black Soap - Traditionally made in Ghana, West Africa (this kind is also made in Nigeria, West Africa) Totally organic, this black soap is the REAL thing! The major difference between this and the some other Black Soaps is that it does not contain fragrance, which some skin types are sensitive to. Black Soap is also known as Anago Soap or Alata Soap in Ghana, and as Ose Dudu in Nigeria. Our Black Soap is made from roasted cocoa (chocolate) pods, plantain skins ashes mixed with palm oil. Black Soap is especially recommended for the very young and the elderly, or anyone with tender skin. It leaves the skin smooth and soft. We have added the moisturizing pure African shea butter. Raw Black Soap is prized for its quality antiseptic properties and for its gentleness on the skin and hair.

If you haven't used this soap before, it's a little bit crumbly in nature and softer than most soaps. It has a delicate texture & a natural earthy smell. It is not oily or scented. Black Soap or African Black Soap also known as Anago Soap or Alata soap, originates from West Africa. It has been used for centuries in countries like Ghana and Nigeria. It's methods and secrets have been passed down from generation to generation to keep the soap close to mother nature and avoid exploitation & imitations. This African Black Soap is not the mass produced African Black Soap in boxes all over the market.

(original state)

I cut off a piece of the soap and formed it into a ball. When its dry it's crumbly but once you add a little water its easy to shape. I took this picture to get a contrast shot of the black soap compared to a regular bar of Dove soap.

Okay now after using it I found that my skin is softer, especially on my face. I'm very sensitive and break out easily. It's sooooo gentle and leaves your skin squeaky clean...I mean no residue left behind. No it doesn't have a lovely fragrance but it does have a clean natural smell. You can put on the "smell goods" afterwards.

I also washed my hair with it and my hair feels pretty good but it does anyway after a wash. No complaints. Here are some pics of my hair after washing it with the black soap. I think I will see more results once I start using it on a regular basis. The purpose was to try a natural product...I did and I like.

Hair Products

I will admit I'm not committed to one product. I will switch it up in a heart beat. Whatever works I will use. I am trying to go more towards natural products and away from chemicals found in most shampoos and moisturizers. I've mentioned some of the products that are in the pics on the post labeled "hair maintenance". I've added two other products, Olive Oil Formula by Palmers and Olive Oil Shampoo by Organics to the list. After a wash I'll choose one spray product to use for that week and stick with that. I do this to avoid build up. One day I will find one product and commit to it.