Thank you for your insightful comments last week on the question, “Why do you wear locs?” If you missed it, you can still comment by going to last week’s blog.

As I’ve written before, to me, locs are so much more than a style. They are a way of freedom for wearing your hair in a style that truly reflects who I am. My hair is naturally curly and coily. Wearing locs does not fight against my natural textures. Locs are versatile. I can wear so many more styles as they grow (and I’ve watched them grow very well!). When my hair was relaxed, I struggled to see growth past a certain point. Locs have given me and my hair strength. Each loc is a journey from root to end with struggles, successes, and reflection. Finally, locs are not just a style. For the reasons just mentioned and more, they are not something I can just change. I look in the mirror, and it is what I expect to see. I worn a relaxed style and a natural style before. I welcome my reflection when I see my expectations.

My journey has been going on for 6 1/2 years now. I continue this journey, looking forward to letting them continue to be. I hope that it continues to be a journey of opening doors for others who wear locs—to wear them with the same ease as I do.

What does this question mean to you? I welcome your comments on this question as well. Please comment! This is your chance to be heard.

‘Till next time,
Gail Mitchell
Editor
Loc’d Life Magazine
www.locdlife.com

Loc’d Life took a hiatus earlier this year, yet this question still remained for my readers: Why do you wear locs? I will leave this page up for your comments, however short or long they may be!!

For me, my locs have been my hair’s freedom. It is a hairstyle that truly reflects me.

What have I been up to? A lot of projects. I do have one: gathering your locstories. Why did you get locs? How did your friends react? How did your family react? How did locs change your life?

Look to Facebook and Twitter for updates. I will write occasional posts, and I’d like to reflect your beauty in a future project. You won’t be disappointed! Thank you for your steadfast support.

‘Till next time,
Gail Mitchell
Editor
Loc’d Life Magazine
www.locdlife.com

Meet the new face of 2013’s ‘Fro Fashion Week: Chrisandra Wells. Makeup artist, model and muse, Chrisandra is creating a new way for locs and natural hair.

Tell me about yourself.

I am a makeup artist and a work on a lot of fashion shoots. I saw the search online for  ‘Fro Fashion Week. I had a chance to be a cover model, and they were looking for someone for the summer. They had visuals for the summer, and they wanted the makeup to look like the ‘80s. I said to myself, I can do this one. I styled the makeup myself. Thando Kafele did something asymmetrical with my hair. Gregory Hudson shot the photo for me, and did an edgy look for the shoot. I was excited. I wrote in and got in a submission. They said, “I nailed it.” 

How long have you worn locs?

Since the end of December 2000, about 12 years.

Tell me about your loc journey.

It’s been fun. Sometimes my hair has been so long, it hurts my neck, and when washed, then I can feel the weight. I have different options—a braid out , curly hair and a really pretty pin up for a shoot that looked nice.

Why locs?

I liked the way locs looked—especially when they’re gray. I’m not gray yet, but I wanted it now. It felt like something right to do. It fits my personality.

What have been some of the reactions to the loc’d look?

Initially I had twists, so it looked similar to other styles I’ve worn. My Mom didn’t say anything about it, but she said that I would never going to get married with locs. People have been taught locs aren’t very classy or sophisticated. I decided, I’m going to wear them, and I’m going to get them styled. I saw a lot of fashion. I saw Thando Kafele. He does a good job with my hair.

What products do you recommend?

I like the Jane Carter Solution products, especially the Nutrient Replenishing Condition and the Nourish and Shine for day-to-day care.

Do you see a lot of locs in the industry?

I see agency boards, and I don’t see any locs. I don’t see a lot of African-American models, either. What’s going on? The media represents many people. Clients are asking for more Black women on their sites. It’s frustrating. We should live in a world that doesn’t promote one kind of look. There’s a plus-size model, Nikea, in Baltimore. Another model, Jezzy, has locs. People say her hair is different. I knew I wanted to get into modeling. I believe that if my hair were straight, I would have more opportunities, but I don’t feel I should change myself. Things happen for a reason. I stay strong in myself, and I don’t worry about what happens.

What’s your best advice?

Go start those locs. There’s that stage when, at first, they’re springy, and there’s a lot of sections. Then, there’s an awkward time, where some locs are sticking just straight up. You’ve got to work through that stage. I tell people to enjoy each stage.

What are some of your loc tips?

Don’t wear your locs in a style for too long. To switch things up, I try temporary colors. Also keep your hair moisturized, and wrap your locs up at night. You should also protect it. I see a lot of people with locs not as strong at the hairline, and there’s a lot of breakage on the side. I do not do a lot of ponytails. Manage stress in your life, too.

‘Fro Fashion Week is in Atlanta, this February 24-March 2. Go to http://frofashionweek.com for details and tickets.

‘Till next time,
Gail Mitchell
Editor
Loc’d Life Magazine
www.locdlife.com

Yes, winter is upon us. Drier, colder air and even drier forced-air heat can leave your locs brittle, even to the point of breaking. During winter, I also noticed some thin spots midway along my locs—usually around where my collars and locs meet or where I wear my scarf.

I’ve battled on and off with cream conditioners. A good cream conditioner for relaxed and free-strand natural hair may be just the wrong thing for loc’d hair altogether. These usually detangle, breaking down the very essence of why your hair is loc’d in the first place.

So what should fellow loc’d ones reach for when hair feels too dry to touch? Here’s what I have found to be some of the best loc conditioners. Ironically, it’s not necessarily what’s on the store shelf.

Oils
These are the most powerful conditioners for locs. I shampoo often, so after my shampoo and towel dry, I apply an oil. Oil helps keep the moisture in longer. Some to try: SheaMoisture Bath and Body Massage Oil (yes, a massage oil!) and African Pride Olive Miracle Growth Oil. Oils seem to strengthen even the weak spots along the loc shaft and leave my locs softer. Try to also apply an oil every day in between shampoos—from root to ends. Coconut oil is also a good conditioner, as well as several essential and carrier oils.  If your locs are extremely dry, apply some coconut oil and let it sit in overnight. Your locs will feel a lot softer in the morning.

Hot oil treatments
Sitting under a hot dryer and allowing hot oils to penetrate to the loc shaft is also one of the best ways to condition. Shampoo, towel dry locs, and apply enough oil to coat your locs from scalp to ends—especially the ends. Cover with a plastic cap and sit under a dryer for 30 minutes or wrap with a towel for the same time or longer and rinse. You may want to shampoo again to rinse out any excess oil. Your locs will emerge softer and stronger afterwards.

Occasional use of Deep Conditioners
Be careful with deep conditioners. Left on too long or used too much and you will wonder what happened to your once strong locs. You’ll have thin spots, unraveling and a host of other problems. Look for ones that do not detangle. One I have used in the past: SheaMoisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque. You’ll have to look for others that just add moisture and not restructuring of the hair. Use these sparingly, like once or twice a month. If you do your part the rest of the time—lightly oil your locs and tie them up at night, you shouldn’t need an intensive conditioner.

Conditioners made for locs
There are a few on the market, and a lot are made by smaller companies. I have used the Jamaican Mango & Lime Loc Conditioner for a quick treatment. I have also used lighter instant conditoners. I have found that these leave locs feeling initially conditioned, but dry later on. These just seem to coat the locs and tend not to deep condition.

Here you go—my advice for softer locs. You’ll need it to get them through the winter.

One more tip: I use the LocSoc to wrap my hair up at night. I used to just place it around the top of my head and let the ends hang loose. If you have long locs, you’re basically not wrapping your ends up at all. Instead. I have tied the open end of the LocSoc, using the four-corner method (opposite ends tied together), basically forming a cap. I then tuck all my locs underneath so that everything is covered. There are two advantages to this. One: your locs can avoid being rubbed to death as you toss and turn on your pillowcase overnight. Two: if your locs are longer, you get a little bit of a curly look.

Yet another one: I start my new exercise regimen next week. In future weeks, I’ll write on how to manage maintaining locs with exercise—which I think is a good mix.

Next week: Chrisandra Wells, the face of Fashion Fro week, coming up in February. This makeup artist and model rocks locs in a whole new way (I got your note this week, and thanks!)

‘Till next time,
Gail Mitchell
Editor
Loc’d Life Magazine
www.locdlife.com

You’ve seen him on the hit NBC TV show The Voice. Rocking the locs in prime time is Moses Stone, recording artist, rapper, and singer. This Washington, D.C. native has transplanted to the great sunshine of Los Angeles, but hasn’t forgotten his loc’d roots. Hear his story on how he’s taken locs centerstage…

Tell me about yourself.I am a recording artist. I have been in the business for 10 years rapping, dancing, and singing. I’m on NBC’s The Voice. This is the 3^rd or 4^th season, and I am the first ever rapper and singer on the show. I have a new mix, Revillion, coming out on October 15^th. I’m working on more music. Music is my passion, and this is what I love to do.

How long have you been wearing locs? Since 2005. I’ve had them for a while. I started with a gel twist when it was short. Now they’re long, and I had a lot of work done on my hair for a while, about 5-6 years. I’ve had them for so long, I don’t see a big change for me. I just learned how to maneuver them.

Why locs? I love them. My mom is from Jamaica and my father is from here. It’s just like being a lion. I can feel my locs bring for me ups and downs, and I have seen the whole story. They are a part of me and are close to me.

What is your regimen? I’m really bad with my locs. Sometimes they say, “Please twist me.” When I get lost in the studio, I throw them back into a ponytail, or pin them up. When I have the time, I go to a loctician who does all the maintenance with oils, around two times a month. I usually have it styled in cornrows or two-strand twists. For The Voice, I had it really crinkly. It was the last performance, and I got a lot of compliments from all the ladies. Women love them.

How does it feel to wear locs? It feels pretty good. I do get criticized by wearing them. People perceive you in a certain way. They think you smoke weed. You are not educated. People with locs have degrees, are educated, are completely the opposite of that notion. I share that side with people on the show. I want to be that voice that Bob Marley represented: freedom. Everyone’s getting locs when it’s really like a special quality. When everyone wants them, they are not unique anymore. You can be well-educated and be a in the professional business. So many people have dreads, and you don’t get to see both sides of the picture, to see both sides of locs. In Jamaica, it’s a whole other way of living.

What’s your best advice on locs? Research it and think about the future and career. They are some things you’ll have to fight for for your locs. Don’t get them just to be cool. Have your own thoughts about them. Everyone’s different, and they do different designs.Know that you want them, and be free.

Editor’s note: Thank you all for your continued support as Loc’d Life Magazine starts a new year. This wouldn’t be possible without you. Please let others know the place on the web for locs, Loc’d Life Magazine at http://www.locdlife.com.

‘Till next time,
Gail Mitchell
Editor
Loc’d Life Magazine
http://www.locdlife.com

Self-esteemed specialist. Healer, moving into a mentor phase. These are the words that world-renowned natural hair stylist Thando Kafele uses to describe himself. Loctician and loc artist, Kafele has been creating styles that turn heads for the past 20 years. At his shop, Locks-N-Chops in Brooklyn, he is one of an elite few elevating the practice of styling natural hair into—what else—an artform.

How long have you been styling locs? Twenty years. There’s a lot that have filled in those years. I am Senior Stylist at Locs–N-Chops, one of the best-known institutions for natural hair and natural hair training. I got tired of working for others. I wanted to offer a service for our community to show them how to love their God-given hair.

I’ve watched the process of my hair being twisted. People said it was good, but I saw what the possibilities were as a natural hairstylist. Now, I am a locstar. I am one of the most awarded, one of the most published in the U.S. magazines. I have traveled abroad, I am a spokestylist for the Jane Carter Solutions product line, and started the first-ever natural hair team, Team B.L.A.C.K., standing for Beauty, Love, Art, Cuts, and Kinks.

Tell me more about Team B.L.A.C.K. Team B.L.A.C.K. consists of 5 stylists trying to make a difference in the natural hair community. Vidal Sassoon and other product companies talk a good game, but it’s hard to find two stylists that are called friends and can work as a team. Black people are powerful. I see my team as my own network. I do my own events, create my own buzz, and we’re excited about the future.

How long have you been wearing locs? I’ve been wearing them for 20 years.

How did you decide on locs? My mom had locs. Sons have an admiration of them moms, and it was an acknowledgement of my Blackness, an acknowledgement of the whole establishment, and recognizing my roots.

What do you see in your clients from the loctician’s chair? Clients need to choose a professional. Just because [a loctician] does locs, it doesn’t mean they are a professional. Most stylists that went to beauty school have no knowledge of loc maintenance, and natural hair. Clients also don’t do a good job in choosing a professional consultation.

Mitchell: I agree. When I first started my locs, my loctician gave me no consultation whatsoever. She just gave me a two-strand twist with synthetic hair. It wasn’t what I wanted, and she kept me guessing about what was next. What she failed to tell me was that she was growing the new growth out and starting from there, gradually. Had I known, I would have done something different. I eventually took out the synthetic hair and started the whole process over again with my own.

Kafele: A consultation is an interview of the stylist. You will know their expectations and their desires and can fulfill these. We want people to stop getting their information from YouTube and Facebook. They need to ask Team B.L.A.C.K.

What’s most important in choosing a loctician? A good loctician creates imagery, makes people believe the hype. We are the first product. Products don’t work unless we make them work.

What loc tips can you pass on? The best tip: moisture is key for our hair. The biggest misconception for most people is what moisture is.  Sometimes it’s in the form of shea butter or water. Most clients don’t understand, so most locs lack life. That’s why I am interested in the Jane Carter Solution line of products. For me, it wasn’t just an ethnic hair line but a product line for humanity.

What are some of your go-to-styles? I try not to follow trends as a professional and from my previous experience. I try to be creative, and try to create how I want my clients to look, to create a certain amount of trust, so if they see something that I don’t see, I try to let them be part of the process.

What are some of the most frequent styles coming out of the chair? The unexpected. I think my clients come to me because they trust me, trust my knowledge of hair care and want the cutting edge. They want a specialty product.

What are the latest color trends? I have been doing a lot of accessorizing—rhinestones, glitter, and spray colors. Color is great, but too “what’s next”.  People spend so much time keeping up. Once they have, they don’t come out of their comfort zone and experiment what is possible.

What’s one last piece of key advice you can give? A professional should guide you, even if you have a personal relationship with your hair. You need to have a conversation. A seasoned professional can give you what you don’t have yourself. The key to the process is patience. Locs are the first hairstyle, and I predict it will be the last. It is an acknowledgement of your natural hair in its utmost state.

Locks-N-Chops is located at 365 W. 34^th Street, 2^nd Floor, New York, NY 10001, 212-244-2306. B.T.W.—The lady in the main picture is Chrisandra Wells, one of Thando’s clients, Miss Curve 2011, and was just named The Face of ‘Fro Fashion Week 2013. Watch for her interview in an upcoming post. Next week: Moses Stone!

‘Till next time,
Gail Mitchell
Editor
Loc’d Life Magazine
http://www.locdlife.com

Photo: 9Tailors

Locs are rocking the National Football League (NFL) in record numbers. Check the stats, and you’ll find more and more players sporting locs on and off the field.

Meet Sergio Brown, a safety for the Indianapolis Colts, and a loc star in his own right. The 27-year-old started his career as a wide receiver and a defensive back for Proviso East High School in Maywood, Illinois with a stunning record. In his senior year, he had 710 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions as a safety. He was recruited by the University of Notre Dame, where he posted an equally impressive record playing special teams. Brown signed with the New England Patriots out of college, and this past season, started anew as a safety for the Indianapolis Colts. Brown is a pioneer and a good example of how locs are making major plays in the game…

Tell me about yourself.

I am a young man from Maywood, Illinois. A young classmate, a dream chaser, living the dream, playing in the NFL, fun and energetic.

How long have you worn locs?

Five years now, going on 6. Always in high school, I just remember being fond of locs. I liked the way they looked and I did research the look. I had individual braids for a while, but I was scared to jump in all the way.

Why do you think that locs are popular now?

I’m not really sure. They look cool, and people want them because they look cool. I got attached to them early on.

How did you get into football?

I started playing football in high school at Proviso East. Back then around the time of the movie, Hoop Dreams, everyone was playing basketball and football. I started developing more in football than in basketball. In my junior year, people started recruiting me for Notre Dame. From there, I made the NFL. I now play for the Indianapolis Colts.

How are locs received on the field?

Younger people don’t care. Older people don’t like them, and they have even tried to have them banned. At one point in time, they almost were, but I think that they are a way of life and one’s identity.

Who inspired you to get locs?

I was the youngest child of 3. When I was a freshman in high school, my father was very supportive of me, and everything I did in the classroom. He went to Texas A&M, and he was the first black basketball player there. He is the son of Mario and Myrtle Brown and was an inspiration to the community. Myself, my brother, and my father all grew our hair out at the same time. My brother’s hair started growing and started to loc. My dad made me cut my hair, probably because he couldn’t grow his. He went back to braids.

Photo: 9Tailors

Describe your first loc appointment.

The first time, I had a family friend do them. I had a lot of hair, and it took a lot of work. He started my locs out too big, and I ended up taking them down and went back to braids. I set up another appointment to get my hair twisted, and started with two-strand twists. He started cutting my hair off, as he twisted them. I had to go through the whole process again and got them redone again.

What’s your loc regimen?

I use a water-based gel to twist up and go. I also make sure that I wrap up my hair when I sleep.

Tell me about your upcoming projects.

Right now, I’m starting a foundation for troubled youth from urban neighborhoods. I would also like to include homeless youth, because they don’t get a lot of attention. Coming from Maywood, you see a lot you are not proud of. These kids need urban youth development out here. They go from home to home or to shelters, bouncing around a lot. I want to try to find a way to help. I’m also starting a line of headwear, Lacer hats. It is my own line of hats, and proceeds from sales go towards the foundation.

Why do you like locs?

They become me, and they fit my personality. I’m not a full-blown Rasta[farian], but I definitely picked up some of their philosophies. Myself without dreads is like me not being Sergio anymore.

Editor’s note: I hope that you are enjoying our new look for a new year. We combined locdlife.com with the blog, so that everything is in one place. We will archive Loc’d Life’s older articles, too in the future, for a comprehensive digest for your loc’d experience. Look for more exciting things to come in 2013!

‘Till next time,
Gail Mitchell
Editor
Loc’d Life Magazine
http://www.locdlife.com (all in one place!)

Here it is: the Loc’d Life Hall of Fame: those pioneers who carried the torch for us to rock our locs today. Who’s in the who’s who? Depends on who you ask. Here’s my opinion on some of the best of the best.

Lauryn Hill

The late 90s and early 2000′s aren’t complete without the influence of Laurn Hill. At the top of her game, Ms. Hill snagged award after award, broke every music industry record, and became a style innovator rocking thick locs that complimented every statuette. Ms. Hill is still doing her own thing in the music industry today. Loc’d Life won’t every forget her iconic locstyle.

India.Arie

She penned the natural hair anthem, I am Not my Hair, a few years ago. Need we say more? She blazed onto the music scene in her own way with the song, “Video” She’s changed her styles over the years. but not her individuality. Loc’d Life is happy to see her start a new set of locs. I await the future possibilities to come.

Goapele

Her signature locs helped create her own soulful niche on the music charts. The single “Closer” and other songs helped solidify her unique style, which locs were a full part of. Goapele now wears a signature front-forward, cornrowed style which only ushers in a new dawn of music to come.

Cassandra Wilson

This sultry jazz stylist set locs ablaze with a standout blonde color and shimmer. Whether worn up or in a curly cascade, her styles exude as much soul and the unexpected as the jazz she sings.

Sepsenahki Aahkhu

This loc’d model is now a vegan blogger, known as Chef Ahki, mixing up healthy alternatives for those choosing a healthy lifestyle. Back in the day, however, her blonde locs heated up magazine covers and fashion runways. She was a loc’d hair model before the popularity of locs today. Loc’d Life hopes to see more locs on the runways.

How to make the Hall of Fame All on your own:

• Wrap your locs up at night. This one step helps retain moisture, prevent lint, and the “dry, dusty, loc” syndrome that are asymptomatic of one who skips this important maintenance step.
• Moisture, moisture, moisture. Whether it’s oils, a moisturizing mist, or from within by drinking lots of water, moisture is key to the optimal health of your locs. Skip this step, and you’ll have breakage.
• Shampoo regularly. Shampoos not only cleanse, but add needed moisture to locs, too. If possible, let your locs air dry, to further retain moisture, and don’t ever sleep on wet locs, as you can flatten their cylindrical shape.
• Choose versatility. Try as many styles as possible to keep it interesting. You can do so much—and more—with locs as in freestrand hair.

‘Till next time,

Gail Mitchell

Editor 

Loc’d Life Magazine

 www.locdlife.com 

Click on the blog link to bring you here.

It’s that time of year when your Christmas gift list gets longer and the options are nowhere in sight. No need to worry—Loc’d Life is here to give you a list of what you can get your loc’d ones…

1. Dreads by Francisco Mastalia and Alfonze Pagano. This book is the ultimate coffee table tribute to locs. Full of beautiful black and white photography of loc wearers from around the world and their stories, Dreads takes you on a journey full of history, culture, and self-revelation. The forward is written by author Alice Walker, of The Color Purple fame. Available on amazon.com
2. Nice Dreads by Lonnice Britenum Bonner. This book inspired me to start Loc’d Life and to start my locs. An easy read from cover-to-cover, Bonner tells her loc story from her session in the chair to family reactions. It is also a guide for care, which includes shampoos and conditioning and what to do afterwards such as palm rolling and locstitching. Exercising, swimming, Sisterlocks, and other topics are discussed with humor, and a down-to-earth style that’s engaging. Also available at amazon.com
3. The Loc’d Life Journal. An exclusive from Loc’d Life Magazine to you. If you just started your locs, record your thoughts and progress here. See how you transform as your locs change also. If you are well into your journey, it’s not too late to record how you feel about your locs and how others view you. Tape pictures of your growth and progress, too.  Click here to order from Loc’d Life Magazine.
4. Create a gift set with SheaMoisture products. The line is full of shampoos, conditioners, and other products to thoroughly cleanse, condition, and leave your locs in optimal health. Try the African Black Soap Deep Cleanser with the African Black Soap Purifying Mask. Mix and match with other products for a unique gift set. This deep cleansing formula is perfect to remove buildup from too many products.
5. Sample some of the best essential oils for your locs with the Plantlife Natural Body Care Basic Sampler Set. Get six top oils: Lavender, Tea Tree, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, and Sweet Orange oils. Lavender relaxes, tea tree cleanses, peppermint and eucalyptus stimulate blood flow to the scalp for growth, and sweet orange calms and soothes. Available online at www.plantlife.net.

Some tips in getting loc gifts:

Select the right ingredients. Choose products that are free of petroleum and mineral oil—a staple in products for Black hair that preserves, but attracts dirt to hair. Look for more natural ingredients.

Look for the unique. The web is a great place to start for unique gifts for the loc wearer on your list. Custom shower caps for longer locs, loc jewelry, loc ties, and other accessories abound.

Have fun. Create your own unique set for your loc’d one if in doubt. Get a special box tied with ribbon or a gift basket to seal the deal.

‘Till next time,
Gail Mitchell
Editor
Loc’d Life Magazine
www.locdlife.com
Click on the blog link to bring you here.

Illustration by Gail Mitchell

Here’s another roundup of some of my Facebook friends’ styles and artistry in the world of locs. Whether you have starter locs or mature locs that flow down your back, here’s some inspiration for you and yours…

Thierry Baptiste
Thierry Baptiste is our 2012 LocStar Award winner and the colorist and loctician extroirdinare when it comes to styles. Each day, I am eager to see his posts showing his artistry, his instinct, his sense of humor, and his way with amazing color.

Twists and Curves Salon Maria Thompson’s signature loc petals inspire me to fly out to try them out as a style (and we need to talk about an interview!!) Long or short, this amazing loctician brings out the beauty of locs in unique ways that inspire. I look forward to your posts! Lower right photo by Keston Duke Photography.

Lockology This new Facebook friend is another loc’d hair magazine found on Facebook and on the web. This album is a roundup of beautiful styles, color, and inspiration found online. They also sell loc products, such as shampoos, oils, locking mud and more.

Loc’d Empire
The lead shot pulled me in on my news feed, and I had to go to his page for more! Their page says it all: loc artistry. Truly, there is artistry in these photos. His motto: “LOC’D: It’s not just hair, it’s a lifestyle. EMBRACE your Rootz.” Hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina, his empire is expanding with beautiful roots.

Dee Alexander
Jazz great Dee Alexander rocks her locs onstage with each performance. As with her smooth voice and soulful vibes, her locs are in tune with her persona. Her motto, according to her page; “live every minute – put yourself in it…as long as you’re living!!” From these photos, she’s doing just that. Photos by Javet Kimble.

One more tip: I just tried an oil that works great with all of these styles and adds softness to any loc’d look. It is the African Pride Olive Miracle Growth Oil. After shampooing, I oiled my scalp and then did a pass through from root to ends, section-by-section throughout. When dry, my locs were super soft and a little shiny. And it also smells wonderful. It is a blend of olive, sweet almond oil, jojoba, soybean, grapeseed and other oils. I will use this oil this winter keep dryness at bay. I believe the key is applying the oil while your locs are still wet.

Have fun with this loc inspiration. Watch for more from my friends! By the way, on sale, and just in time for the holidays, Loc’d Life presents its very own loc journal to record your locstories and your transformation along the journey. Journals are $10 each, and they’re a wonderful way to record your reflections, your growth, and your self-expression. To order, look to the side of the blog and click on the ad. If your’re on our mailing list, go to http://www.locdlife.wordpress.com to see our ad rail and click there.

‘Till next time,
Gail Mitchell
Editor
Loc’d Life Magazine
www.locdlife.com
Click on the blog link to bring you here!
Don’t forget our printed edition, vol. 1 and 2
Available online at locdlife.com today!