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.

July 2001: Starting Sisterlocks

On July 1st, 2001, I met with Khumura, my wonderful Sisterlocks consultant and she started me on the road to Sisterlocks. I began with five to seven inches of all soft, fine, natural hair. The finished product was a lot shorter than I expected. And the "plucked chicken" look was a big issue of for me. I wasn't used to so much of my scalp showing, but I kept my eyes on the prize and stuck with it.