Reti # 3...I got my hand slapped :-)

Tomorrow marks the anniversary of my LAST relaxer...I'm NEVER going back!!!
Retightening #3
I had my reti this past weekend and  all went well.  No slippage, (except for the row at the nape of my neck) and many of my locks are swelling, particularly near the ends.  So they are well into the locking process.  A different consultant retightened my locks this time because my consultant was preparing for Dr. Cornwell's visit. I was asked how I got my curls. Well, I didn't have time to wash my hair the night before, so I did it that morning.  I also didn't have time to let my curls set on rollers, so I used the Caruso Steam Rollers.  Well...  I got a lecture on how moisture is not the friend of new locks and I'm going to cause slippage and slow down my lock process.  Talk about being scared straight.  So I put the steam curlers away and bought another bottle of Sisterlocks Starter Shampoo. (I didn't even bring up the Suave Shampoo). The Carouso curls don't last nearly as long as a rod or sponge roller set.

I've also learned that different consultants have very different opinions on how to care for baby locs.  WhenI first got my SLs, my regular consultant told me that I can wash weekly and we would see if I need to scale back during my follow up.  The other consultant tells her clients not to wash their new locks until the follow-up appointment.  I would have scratched my scalp out!  Luckily, I have tightly coiled hair and no slippage, so weekly shampooing works for me.

There was also a conversation about my misting my hair with the distilled water/drops of oil mixture.  it's a no-no.  She also told me to dab my scalp with oil when it's dry. There was a third consultant there and said do not oil your hair, your scalp will eventually produce sufficient oil.  I've learned to listen to all advice, and do what works best for me.  After all, I must be doing something right.  So I've decided to mist maybe once a week, and nix the oil advice, because even at one week, my hair produces enough oil to show up under my fingernail when I scratch (sorry, I know it sounds gross).

Dr. Cornwell's Visit
I went to the booksigning event this weekend in Atlanta, sponsored by consultants Wanda Washington and Roni Rasheeda Turner. It was a great event.  Dr. Cornwell is an awesome lady.  I wasn't able to stay for the entire book signing event, so I wasn't able to meet her personally, but I did get to hear her speak.  I purchased her book, and hope to get it signed the next time. 
 
One thing I really enjoyed was seeing all the beautifully Sisterlocked sisters and a few brothers too!  I received so many compliments, and gave just as many.  It was funny how the ladies with short locks admired the long lock wearers and the ladies with long locks admired the shorter locks LOL.  If you have never been to an event with other Sisterlock wearers, I strongly encourage you to go.

One more thing...
That belief that locks are not acceptible in Corporate America is a MYTH!  Because I GOT A PROMOTION!!! I was able to move up to a management position in one of America's most recognized companies. It feels really good when hard work pays off!

3 Month Check-in

It's been three months, and my Sisterlocks and me are getting along just fine.  They are definitely well into the locking process.  AsI run my fingers along a single lock, I can feel the bud at the end. It tells me exactly where I will clip the relaxed ends someday.  Many of my locks are swelling, and I'm experiencing a little frizziness. I guess it's all in the process. 

I'm shampooing my locks about once a week.  I have started using the Suave Clarifying shampoo.  The jury is still out on whether I like it or not. If my consultant fusses at me next week, then I will know I need to go back to the SL Starter Shampoo.

I tried a new style this month.  I curled my hair using rods (and a couple of rollers). After washing, I only used my little bottle of distilled water with a few drops of oil added.    It's been curly all week. My hair is pretty good at holding curls, but the curls are starting to drop and the relaxed ends are straightening out after 5 days or so.  One note on the rollers...I don't know where I got them or how long I had them but I definitely want to find more. I liked the rollers because they allow your hair to dry quicker because they are pretty much open.  I took forever for my hair to dry in the rods. Also, the little teeth keeps the locks from slipping off the roller.

Dr. Cornwell is coming to Atlanta!

Dr. Cornwell will be in Atlanta next weekend.  On Sunday, February 21, she will be at the Natural Beauty Salon in Duluth, GA.  Go to http://naturalbeautyboutique.com/ for more info.   I look forward to seeing you there!