To my sisters (and brothers) with locks

I've been thinking about it for awhile.  However, I'm not feeling cutting it all off to get started.  My hair is virgin sans coloring my gray and touches the tops of my shoulders.

I've been reading up on how to get started.  How did you begin the process?  What was the worst/ hardest part.  How much work is involved tightening after washing. 

I know there is you tube plus natural hair care sites.  I've discussed it with my locked friends irl.  But, many of you have goergeous locks so I must include you in my research. 

Its a long term commitment so I'm asking everyone with experience.  Thanks folks

If you have been natural for over a year you may not have to cut all your hair off. 

I started with extension braids first so my hair could go natural.  I had to still cut my hair down to a little bit.  Just think of getting locs like a human being.  You start at the baby stage.  I didn't like that stage at all because I couldn't get used to it being short and frizzy.  Then it goes through all the stages of life.  The teenage stage is the worse.  It does whatever it wants.  You will have locs sticking up all over the place.  But after that you should be fine.

I love/hate my locs.  Most days I love them because of the low maintenance.  I hate them when I want a different style.  But now you can get a weave with locs and everything girl. 

I cut mine a lot because I don't think I will ever get used to long hair.  I never had long hair until I got my locs.  Hair would never grow but as soon as I got locs it grew soooo much in such a short period of time.

It is truly a commitment and it took me 5 years to decide and it was well worth it for the most part.

Happy locing~~if you decide to do it:)

I've heard of the 'teen' years which is why I don't want to start with a full chop.  I'm natural for over five years with a few full chops during that time so its all nappy.  I've been 'deciding' for years too. 

My hair grows fast but all I get is length not thickness.  Folks tell me locs will make my hair look fuller but they all have thick hair.  I can manage the frizzies, I just want the locs to look full not scrawny.  I think yours are beautiful.  If mine could look that full I'll be happy. 

You will be fine.  People with thinner hair looks fuller once they get locs.  Especially when its a bit old and the frizzys happen.  I like mine more frizzy now then when its freshly done.

I just added an album to my pictures titled "Natural". I'm very happy with my results

How did you begin the process?
I wanted locs for years. Each time I grew my hair, I always ran back to the "creamy crack". I was tempted to do the Big Chop, but I was so worried that I would look like a dude.

I chose "Custom Locs". Very similar to Sisterlocs, just a different braid pattern. My ends were relaxed and I had a generous amount of natural growth. I wanted length so I purchased some afro kinky hair from California to add some length and it looks great. Very natural.

What was the worst/ hardest part.
Cost and time. Actual cost (hair + tip) was roughly $600. I was given a "discount". Sisterlocs (in my area) runs about $300-500. My loctician did my hair in three evenings...6pm-2am...roughly 24 hours. Man did my butt hurt!

How much work is involved tightening after washing. 
My hair tightened every 6-8 weeks. Cost is about $80 with tip. Since my locs tightened with a latchhook (very controversial) I have no problems washing it. I do make sure to use natural products and I use 100% aloe vera gel if my scalp is dry.

$600

Double 

That was the hardest part.  I wanted to fast track it and I have no patience. My son tried to loc his hair with no success. If I had tried it the regular way, I would have succumbed and ended up with relaxed hair again.

I won't be adding any hair but likely some type of braid locs.  I won't be spinding the big bucks either.  It will only happen if its economical to do.   Besides, I have a few friends plus my nieces that do locs.  One of them will get me started. 

Your locs are gorgeous.  It gives me a good idea of what mine may eventually look like.  The length and thickness of your hair is similar to mine.  Thanks. 

Thanks for the compliment!

I still save $$$ on my hair. And time  I don't miss spending my Saturdays at the shop.

Weekly circle weaves/Straw set - $80
Relaxer touch-up - $60
Sew-in weave - $300 (hair was an additional $150). Weekly shop visits for weave maintenance was $60.
Weekly regular wash/wrap/style $60

You are saving a lot of money.  I used to spend big bucks on my hair but that was ages ago.  I've been a cowash & go girl for years now.   I rarely flat iron or roller set my hair these days.