The South Is A Changin'

On Friday, I had show at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. What’s a road trip without a visit to the Cracker Barrel? I don’t drink, smoke or do drugs, but I can’t resist those Cracker Barrel dumplings. When I saw the sign off I85 there was no question I was stopping.

As I was talking with one female employee about how to get back onto the highway, a second employee came up and began unabashedly staring at my locks. The look on her face was awestruck. She said, "Your hair is beautiful!" The first lady agreed with her and asked, "Are they twists?" Before I could answer the second woman said, "No, they’re locks."

I was flabbergasted. I guess I’ve heard so much about how the South is still all about weaves and perms, I just didn’t expect to get this kind of positive attention.

When the young lady told me she was trying to start locks, the conversation was on, and the dumplings would have to wait! I love talking about natural hair. I don’t get on my soapbox like I used to, but when I find a kindred spirit I just can’t help myself. She has a TWA (teenie weenie afro) but has been trying to achieve locks as small as mine by palm rolling, but they kept breaking. I gave her a quick overview of Sisterlocks, Braidlocks, natural hair, and wrote down several websites for her to check out.

I was embarrassed when she thought I was a hair expert. I’m not. I just have a deep and abiding love for natural hair and how difficult it is for Sisters to make the choice to embrace the natural. When they make those first tentative steps, they should have all the info and support they need. To that end I told her to feel free to e-mail me if she had questions.

In short, I was quite pleased that natural hair and locks are making inroads in the South, one head at a time.

Discrimination Against Locks

(photos by Matthew Craig, The Commercial Appeal)

These are two beautiful photos of 7-year old Destiny Berry of Memphis, TN. She was initially barred from performing in an upcoming ballet recital at Dance Works because of her locks. The reason given by Dance Works' Director Karen Zissoff was that Miss Berry could not wear her hair in a the traditional ballet bun. Ridiculous as you can see from the photos. With some well needed public pressure, the school has recanted and Miss Berry will be able to dance, with her locks!!! To read the article go to http://www.commercialappeal.com/.

Souled Out Summer Shoot

I'm a little late in posting this, but these are a few pictures from a photo shoot I did in July for our weekly comedy show, Souled Out Comedy.

The Lady in Red

A solo shot from the shoot!

This photo was taken in July. A very hot day in July. How hot? Just one hour earlier my locks were actualy curly! Style change, courtesy of the humidity.

A New Curler In Town???

Today I experimented with the Flexi Rollers I've been hearing so much about. Actually they're called Twist-Flex Rods. Not a bad curl considering I left the rollers in for only three hours. Dare I dream that an overnight might actually last more than a day? Next on my list to try? The Soft Spikes of course. (The gentleman in the photo is fellow comic Keith Price,and was taken after I saw his wonderful one man show: Ebony Chunky Love.)

Off to Khamit Kinks

Not a day goes by when it's not all about the hair (/:-) so after the Golden Girls DVD signing, I treated myself to a visit to Khamit Kinks! This was my first time going to a salon in the four years I've been locked, and it was interesting.

The shop is beautiful. I was startled to see that almost everyone (customers and staff) had locks!!! Men and women! Times have truly changed. I remember when natural hair care meant you just wanted a press and curl; and braids done by anyone but your Mom was big time.

I was pleasantly surprised when the lady at the front desk knew immediately that I had Sisterlocks and complimented me on them. She had very small traditional locks, but said she wished hers looked like mine. We chatted for a bit and she couldn't believe that I maintain my locks myself and find the retightening process relaxing.

Now I thought I was just "checking out" the salon, but when I explained what I wanted -- a wash and a trim -- I was able to get those services done on the spot. This is where it gets interesting. I think I was a little more low maintenance then they're used to.

Sesh was going to wash and condition my hair. "No. No conditioning," I said. "My hair is really soft and the locks around the hair line will slip."
"After four years?" she said.
"Yes."
When she took a closer look she concurred and suggested a leave in conditioner on the ends. "Okay." There's a first time for everything.

I must confess I'd forgotten how good it feels to have someone else do your hair. I've never been the salon type, but I may have to consider treating myself to this a little more often. The scalp massage was magic. The shampoo smelled wonderful and familiar. She used Nature's Gate Herbal Shampoo, one of my favorites!

When they put me under the dryer, some of my locks didn't make it. They sort of hung past the bowl and dripped on the floor. Major points to Sesh, who noticed immediately and had me sit back while she put my locks into the bowl. Thankfully, the air from the dryer never got burning hot. It seemed to consistently be just the right temperature, and my locks dried very quickly, like they normally do. A lot of folks with traditionals who were under the dryer when I sat down were still there when I got up.

Nene, who has a beautiful set of two year old Sisterlocks, did a light trim. I was tired of the uneven/scraggly look of my locks in the back when I freestyled. I thought they looked horribly uneven. Nene politely told me it was all in my mind, but trimmed a couple anyway. She was ready to do an all out cut, but I truly wasn't ready for that! (These are the few ends she cut. Not much at all.)


She asked if wanted my scalp oiled.
"No."
"Styled?"
"No."
"A light oil on the ends for sheen?"
"Hmm...... well...... okay."
She gently rubbed a green tea scented oil on the lower half of my locks. I didn't like the smell of at first, but it grew on me when I left the shop.
"Do you oil your scalp?"
"No."
"Really?"
"Really."
Then she said, "If what you've been doing for four years has been working, keep doing it."

I don't know if it was the light conditioner, sitting under the dryer or the cut, but I think my locks are looking really great now. I'm leaning toward the cut because I'm really digging the neatness of it. I guess that appeals to the Felix Unger in me. (Am I showing my age with The Odd Couple reference? Oh well. :-)

Thank You For Being A Friend!

That's right! I braved the Nor-Easter that whipped through the city today to get an autographed copy of the Season Three DVD of The Golden Girls!!!!!!! It was well worth the four hour wait. I got to Barnes & Noble in Chelsea at 10:30am, but some folks were in line at 6:30am this morning! I'm a big fan, but not that big.

Rue McClennehan (Blanche) and Betty White (Rose) were delightful. Bea Arthur (Dorothy) was a bit aloof. I'm giving her the benefit of the doubt though. At 82 years old, she is the oldest of the group and more than entitled to be a little cranky if she wants. :-) Estelle Getty (Sophia) did not attend. To see a photo of The Girls, go to www.leighannlord.blogspot.com.

Locks in the Park

On Sunday, my Mom and I took advantage of the temperate weather to visit the park across from the house and take pictures of the Fall foliage. It was a beautiful day. We had such a great time walking, talking and taking pictures that we asked ourselves, "Why don't we do this more often?" Why indeed.

As we were about to make use of my tripod to take a picture with the both of us, a shifty looking man walked by, took notice of us (and our moderately expensive camera equipment) and started to linger. Spidey senses tingling, we were quickly reminded of "why we don't do this more often." Thus, no photo of the Dynamic Duo.

Ahh, to be a native New Yorker. :-)

***********
A few other pix from my nature "photo shoot" before we were "interrupted."
It really is a beautiful park. Thankfully, New York (Queens) isn't all big buildings and concrete.

Caruso Steam Rollers

Inspired by LaChanda, I broke out my set of Caruso Steam Rollers last week and this was the result. I had forgetten what a good job these rollers do at giving me a quick curl on the ends. Because of the length of my locks, I don't get a root to tip curl, but I do get some body and a bit of bounce. Of course, the more curlers I use the better.

SL's & Questions of Ethnicity

In my last year or so with Sisterlocks (four years now and counting) I get more questions about my ethnicity then ever. I am African American, but given my coloring, it's obvious that there has been at least "some" ancestral mixing going on. But my parents are African American. My grandparents are West Indian American (Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad). However, as my locks have gotten longer, I've had a few people assume that one of my parents is white or that I wasn't even Black at all. (????????) Dominican perhaps? It's as if my African Americanness is not immediately obvious. I was disturbed by this at first, but now have become more curious. It is amazing how other people see you in ways that you cannot or do not see yourself.

In Conversation....

In e-conversation with a fellow Sisterlocks blogger Chantal I e-mailed the following which I thought would be cool to post here:

Before I took the plunge I tried to meet as many people as I could with Sisterlocks to see what mine would look like. HA! I learned that Sisterlocks look different on everybody! To be honest, I saw locks that looked good and not so good. Somehow I took the leap of faith that mine would be okay, although I wasn't exactly sure how they would eventually turn out.

Looking back, I didn't meet anyone who's locks looked like how mine have turned out. In fact, my locks, and people's response to them, continues to surprise me -- pleasantly.

You Always Want What You Can't Have

This picture was taken with the New York City skyline in the background which you can see through the window and through my locks! Don't get me wrong, I love my locks, but I've always wished I had thicker hair.






That's why I much prefer to take pictures like this one with no backlighting. Yes, I'm vain. I'd like to say I'm working on it, but I'm really not. It's just easier to look for the right lighting. :-)

The Bobby Stick

The Bobby Stick by scunci is one of my favorite ways to do a quick and easy updo. My mom bought one for me and I loved it so much I went out and bought two more so I'd always have one on hand for a quick style. I keep one in my handbag and one in my travel toiletry bag. Can you tell I used to be a Girl Scout?

I've seen them for as low as $2.99 at CVS or Walgreens.

12/28/06 UPDATE: For a photo tip on how to use The Bobby Stick go to my post, Bobby Stick Tip.

Lock Stalker?

I almost became a lock stalker yesterday. I saw a woman on the train with the longest set of traditional locks I have ever seen. They were absolutely beautiful and way past "down to there." I'm talking mid thigh!

All I could do was stare and smile. When she got off one stop before me, I was tempted to follow her, just to ask how long she's had them, and take a picture. I chickened out because I didn't want to get arrested as a lock stalker and have my locks end up in a mug shot. :-)

Cute Lock Day!

Thanks to the bobby stick I was able to pull off this cute style that got me a couple of nice compliments from some natural sisters while I was shopping at Carol's Daughter in Brooklyn! They of course thought I had braids, but on closer inspection (with permission) were amazed to see locks so small. So I'm glad my locks were freshly washed and twisted!


Special thanks to my Dad for taking these two pictures, although he couldn't understand why in the world I would want pictures of the back of my head. :-)

www.veryfunnylady.com

4-Yr SL Anniversary!

For my 4yr SL anniversary weekend I went to the International African Arts Festival in Brooklyn, NY. I wasn't able to stay long, (many July 4th BBQs to attend) but I was in heaven seeing all the locks and natural styles. I had sported my brand new, one-day-old SL's there four years ago, and I can't believe how time flies.

I stopped at a booth that sold beautiful handcrafted leather hair accessories and treated myself to two hair ties. I sat down and the lady demonstrated on my locks how to tie it and get four different styles/looks! (Nobody has touched my hair other than me and my consultant, but this lady was very familiar with SLs and quite gentle.) I have since gotten rid of all the pitiful elastic hair ties that I've been making do with.

Bonus: While I was in the booth I met a lady from Philly who's also a member of Lockitup! (Her name escapes me at the moment, :-( but I still wanted to give her a Shoutout!) We took a picture and chatted like we've known each other for years. So I really thank Sandy for creating our SL cyber family. Actually getting to meet a new person from Lockitup really made my day. In short, it was a great anniversary.

Sisterlocks Overview

2001 and 2005

These two pictures are the short and sweet version of where I started and where I am now. I myself am amazed at how much my locks have grown and changed in four years.

My Sisterlocks Stats

Started: 7/1/01 with Five - Seven inches of all natural hair

Time: Two days

Preferred Tool: Nappy Locs Tool (small)

Retightening Schedule: I do it myself about every four weeks.

My Consultant: My Sisterlocks were put in by the fabulous Khumura Khumnetertauset! I can't say enough about this woman. She is very thorough, professional and a joy to know. I am proud to call her my consultant and my friend. Khumura didn't just put in my locks and retighten them, she monitored my soft and fine hair very closely in that first year, doing grooming and maintenance as necessary to avoid any major problems before they started. She laid a strong foundation so that I could enjoy the healthy and beautiful locks I have now. Khumura taught me how to retighten my hair and took my panicked phone calls when I thought I had "messed it up." She also made time to see me when I inadvertently joined a couple of locks. Her care and attentiveness to detail is unmatched. While Khumura is no longer with Sisterlocks (she decided to leave the company) she now runs Innovative Haircare Solutions in Orange, NJ and can be reached at urban_elegance@yahoogroups.com or 973-676-4813.

Favorite Shampoos:

• Dr. Bronner's Pepperment Soap (Diluted)
• Baby Dreadz by http://www.nappynhappy.com/
• Neutrogena Clean Balance Normalizing Shampoo (Clear)

Favorite Styling Methods:

• Solar Rollers
• Twist/Braid Out
• Freestyle
• Caruso Steam Rollers: (Not much of a curl, but they do give nice body for a day.)

March 2005: Sisters in Sisterlocks!

Lois & Leighann @ Governors Comedy Club

My locks are freestyled in this photo. Simply wash and wear.

Lois has Sisterlocks too. They are full and beautiful!

:-)March 2005: 3 years 8 months

On Stage @ The New York Improv during a weekly comedy show: Uptown on Broadway

January 2005: Traditionals & SLs

My Cousin David (Traditonal Locks) and Moi in Atlanta

September 2004: 3 years 3 months

I don't wear updo's often, but I was in the mood to experiment. Even had the nerve to stick of couple of small flowers in my hair. The shame of it is, I don't know how to recreate this style. I've tried, but the knowledge seems to have left me.

June 2004: Whoopi!

Me and A Whoopi Goldberg Lookalike at the Grand Opening of the New York Improv

June 2004: New Headshots, 3 years 11 months

In June 2004, I decided to get new headshots. The photographer is Joe Henson. I think these are some of the best professional shots I've ever had, probably because of my Sisterlocks. :-) The photo on top is the one I use as my "official" headshot.

February 2004: Locks in London

November 2003: 2 years 4 months

On the Coast of Barbados

November 2003: All Dressed Up

To curl my hair in this photo I used the Caruso Steam Rollers.

August 2003: Sisterlocks Luncheon, NYC

I had the pleasure of meeting the creator of Sisterlocks, Dr. Joanne Cornwell, when she came to New York City for a weekend training session followed by the Luncheon on Sunday. Her locks are AMAZING!

The luncheon also gave me the opportunity to meet some really wonderful women, who coincidentally have Sisterlocks too! (From left to right: Lois, Farika Broadnax (DC Area Consultant), Martine Bernard (Boston Area Consultant) and Me!

June 2003: 2 years 11months

My hair was curled using a combination of bantu knots and rosettes.

May 2003: Out for a Wedding

December 2002 - 1 year 5 months

December 2001: Four Months

On Stage at The World Famous Comic Strip in NYC taping my Comedy CD "I've Got Connections"

October 2001: Three Months

You can't tell from the photo, but I am experiencing major slippage and new growth. We (me and my consultant) learned the hard way that I could not go eight weeks in between retightenings. My hair is soft (didn't know until I got Sisterlocks) and slippage prone. I had to stay on top of it, especially in the beginning.

I actually miss it sometimes being this length. It was kinda cute. Had to curl it though. When I tried to freestyle, my locks just stuck straight out at odd angles. I don't miss that!

September 2001: Two Months!

In this photo (taken on my birthday) my Sisterlocks are only two months old. I believe I achieved this style by cornrowing my locks into six or seven braids at night and undoing them in the morning. There's still scalp showing in the back (no photo, but trust me I could feel the Summer breeze back there), but less then before. Less and less each time I wash. Patience is truly a virtue.