You've Got Questions...

I received an email from Brenda who has an appointment next week to get her Sisterlocks! Woo-Hoo! She had tons of questions and tried to have answers. I post them here for the benefit of all. Enjoy! 

Did you do anything or spray moisturized your locks when you got them?

When I first got my locks, I did NOT moisturize them with anything other than water. (Still don't!) My hair is very soft and took a long time to lock. Moisturizing/conditioning would have further softened my hair and lengthened the locking process.

Flash Back: The Def Comedy Jam (Pre-Sisterlocks!)

A fan contacted me on Twitter (thank you @KillahCam52) to say that he was watching me on Def Comedy Jam. It inspired me reach back into my archives and dig out this photo taken during the taping oh so many moons ago.

Photo Facts

What:      Taping of Def Comedy All Star Jam

When:     November 1995

Where:    Academy Theatre, NYC

What’s up with the Hair: Pre Sisterlocks

By 1995 I’d been natural for a while alternating between braids and my signature DIY (Do It Yourself) two-strand twists. In this photo I’d recently had a drastic hair cut. The scissor happy hairstylist at a salon in Harlem convinced me that I had the worst split ends in Christendom and that I desperately needed a trim. A trim turned into a chop and I was exceedingly unhappy. I complained bitterly for months afterwards that thought I looked like a boy.  Ridiculous, I know. But that’s how I felt.

Curly Loc Day!

Comedian Leighann Lord on Stage in NYC

Leighann Lord on stage April 2013 at Harlem Mist

Loc Love!

Locks on View

My friend, Retha Jones, dropped by The Comic Strip (NYC) last week to warm-up for her appearance on The View. She of course brought her friend and View host Sherri Shepherd.

The Lock Lowdown: My locks Sisterlocks pictured here are day one of a braid out using water and JML (Jamaican Mango Lime) setting lotion.

The Hair Raising Word of the Week: Lackluster

Every weekday at 9am I post a Word of the Day (WOTD). A real word, it's real definition, and then a fun, but fake, alternate definition, in 140 characters. My favorite gets featured as the The Word of the Week. I think you'll enjoy this one. :-)

The Natural Ladies of ColorStruck

I did a comedy show recently in Jamaica Plain, MA, with ColorStruck: Women of Color in Comedy. Of course, it was a fantastic show. It wasn't until we took this picture that I realized we were all sportin' naturals. #Sweet

THE LOCK LOWDOWN: my Sisterlocks pictured here were set the night before on Soft Spike Curlers (http://www.softspikecurlers.com/) and then finger combed just before showtime. For setting lotion, I used a combination of Crinkles & Curls (http://www.naturalhair.org/crinklesandcurls8oz.aspx) and a spray bottle of water.

Cool New Pic

The New York Daily News did a profile on me and the photographer took a very nice picture. My curly 11-year old locks are a result of soft spike curlers. 

The Secret of Those Tiny Little Braids!

Enjoy this recently posted article about my Sisterlocks. It was a fun opportunity to educate and inform.

My New Favorite Hair Accessory

Stumbled on this gem in CVS.

Meeting a Fellow Locker!

I performed at The Comedy Zone - DC this weekend and had the pleasure of meeting fellow locker and long time blog follower Dee Murphy! You know I HAD to take picture! Thanks, Dee!

Sisterlocks in DC

I had the pleasure of meeting Dee Murphy a long time loc watcher, who's had her own lovely set for three years. Dee came out to see my show at The Comedy Zone DC this weekend. Woo Hoo!

Great Hair Day In The Mother Land

On Tour with Armed Forces Entertainment


This photo was taken after our last comedy show at Camp Lemmonier in Djibouti, Africa. The focus of the photo was the belt buckle, (which was given to me by a very sweet soldier named William) but I think having a good hair day in 110 degree heat is an accomplishment. 


Hair How: I achieved the curly look by pulling my locks back into a ponytail, spritzing lightly with water and then doing four braids that I knotted at the bottom. It's pretty simple, but I will post a pick if I can find one. I wore it like that during the day, unbraided it and was good to go for the evening. Depending on heat, humidity and the length of my locks this look will last about two days.  I'll take that. 

Glam-Locks

Neil deGrasse Tyson & Leighann Lord @ The Natl. Arts Club

I recently attended a black tie affair at The National Arts Club so I wanted to glam it up a bit.  I rolled my Sisterlocks on Soft Spikes. I use both the long and the short ones interchangeably. To achieve this style, I pulled my hair back into a loose, comfortable ponytail, sectioned my hair, lightly spritzed it with water and rolled my hair up to the ponytail holder, not to the scalp. I used, approximately 15 Soft Spikes.

I do this for two reasons. First, my hair is long (lower back) and I just don’t have the patience to roll all of it. Second, and most important, not rolling all the way to my scalp puts less pressure on my roots. It’s also infinitely more comfortable to sleep in. The results aren't too bad if I say so myself. :-)

10 Year Sisterlocks Anniversary

July 1 is my 10 Sisterlocks Anniversary! Technically, it's a two-day anniversary since my consultant didn't finish installing my locks until late on July 2.  It's been an amazing ride and after a decade I can still say that getting Sisterlocks is the best decision I've ever made for me and my hair. Please enjoy an article I wrote in May   about my locks. The piece originally appeared in my weekly humor, The Urban Erma: 


“Is That Your Real Hair?"
"Are Those Your Real Manners?”

This is one of my favorite jokes in my act because in real life people ask very rude questions, and we all wish we had a snappy retort ready to go. The joke gets two reactions:

1. Knowing head nods and murmurs of approval from people who’ve been asked this crass question.

2. Dead silence from the people who are guilty of doing the asking. They feel called out and judged, and I’m glad. Sometimes comedy has the power to entertain and teach.

I’ve had dreadlocks - Sisterlocks to be specific - for almost 10 years. Even with a little trim here and there, my locks have grown quite long. At least once a year some troglodyte asks, “Is that your real hair?” And it never fails to irritate me. This question speaks volumes. If an African American woman has long hair it must be fake? Go fornicate yourself.


[Deep breath.] Okay. I’m back now.

I know this should be a teachable moment. But I don’t know which lesson to start with first: culture literacy, common sense, or courtesy.

Believe it or not I love talking about natural hair, the locking process, the different types of locks, and can do so ad nauseam. In fact I used to do an entire blog about my locks. Because Sisterlocks are much smaller than traditional locks, I sometimes get quizzical looks from interested observers. Total strangers ask me what kind of locks I have and I’m more than happy to tell them. This most recent encounter, however, did not make me happy at all.

I had actually taken the time to curl my hair. I don’t do it that often anymore because I hate rollers, but having Sisterlocks gives me a great deal of styling flexibility. If I say so myself, I was looking cute.

A gentleman, who I know but hadn’t seen in a while said, “Wow, nice!” Then he proceeded to reach out and touch my hair — ooh that’s a no, no! Rest assured, we’re not that close. He touched my hair and said, “Is that real?”

“Yes,” I said with all the ice and venom I could muster. Mission accomplished because that’s when the stuttering and back pedaling started.

“Ah, well,” he said, “Women sometimes wear wigs.”

“Yes, they do.” I said, the temperature in the room still dropping. “I don’t.” The conversation ended shortly after that. But really, what else is there to say after you’ve revealed yourself to be an oaf?

Let’s say for sake of argument it wasn’t my hair. Maybe I was wearing a wig, a weave, extensions, whatever. The last thing I would want is anyone drawing attention to that. What purpose does it serve to ask such a thing out loud and in front of other people? Was it to chagrin, humiliate, detract? “Yes, you look nice but . . . ” Oh no, not on my watch. There was a time when I might have tried to laugh it off. Those days are over. I’ll not allow it. Unwarranted. Unacceptable. Unforgiven.

Very young children do this all time. They ask socially awkward questions. They blurt out whatever is on their little minds, until their parents can teach them otherwise. So you would think an adult — pushing a hard 60 — would already know better, but alas no. The social graces are on the decline but I would never think to say, “I see you have a cold sore. Is that a herpes flare up?”

I guess that’s why I love my joke so much:

“Is that your real hair?”

“Are those your real manners?”

It’s empowering. It turns the situation around. It says, I won’t let your insensitive comments diminish me. I prefer to make your ignorance embarrass you. Class dismissed.

Listen to this Post on PODBEAN

Subscribe for FREE on ITUNES

Leighann Lord's weekly humor blog The Urban Erma can be "Liked" on Facebook and followed on Twitter. You can listen to the podcast on Podbean or subscribe on iTunes. Leighann is a stand-up comedian, who's style is best described as "Thinking Cap Comedy." If comedy were music, she'd be Jazz. Check out her upcoming shows @ www.VeryFunnyLady.com. Join her on FaceBook. Follow her on Twitter.

If you missed me (and my 8-Year-Old Sisterlocks) on CNN American Morning with Reporter Carole Costello and a panel of women talking about Sarah Palin's appearance on Oprah you can watch it HERE. We chatted for about an hour and they whittled it down to what feels like 30 seconds, but it was fun. If you want more check out the accompanying article HERE.

Sister is the First Word in Sisterlocks for a Reason

So, I'm strolling through the Beauty Supply store. With Sisterlocks I hardly use any product in my hair but that doesn't stop me from frequently browsing the accessories aisle. A new clip, clamp, barrette or scrunchy is always fun to add to the arsenal. From my peripheral vision I see a lady coming towards me. To be polite I step out of her way but she stepped with me, and was so close I could hear her breathing. I'm thinking, "Hey, do I know you."

As a New Yorker, I'm a little hyper sensitive to intrusions on my personal space. If we're not jammed together on the subway during rush hour, you need to back up off me. When I turn to face the woman, I see she's not even looking at me, per se, but steady staring at my hair. Never making eye contact she said, "When are you gonna take your braids out?" Actually she whispered -- more to herself, than to me -- "When is she gonna take her braids out?" Did she mean to say that out loud? Who knows? At that moment I didn't care.

I've had locks for over seven years and sometimes it still bothers me when people mistake them for braids. This was one of those times. Part of it was her appearance. She worked at the store, which may explain why she was sporting colored contact lenses, enough makeup to embarrass a clown and a long, bone straight, auburn wig that would have done Cher proud. My first thought was, "Now I know SHE'S not accusing ME of having fake hair!" I'm not proud of it, but in that split second I judged her on her appearance and found her wanting.

On the positive side though, I remembered that it's vitally important to think before you speak and not speak everything you think. I was, after all, in a traditional urban beauty supply store where they may not get a lot of natural heads; and the ones they do get may be looking for products to chemically alter their hair.

I took a breath, smiled and said: "They're not braids, they're locks."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"Wow, they're so small. That must have taken a long time."
"Yeah, but it was worth it."

Whether I want to be or not, I'm a walking advertisement for natural hair in general and Sisterlocks in particular. The way I wear my hair and the way I respond to questions about it may inspire someone go down the path of natural hair or at least encourage them to get more information. How we wear our hair is a personal choice, but so much better when that choice is an educated and informed one.

What if I – and my locks that look like braids -- just happen to be the first stop on someone's quest for information? What if I put them off by being angry and judgmental of their choices? Then I've lost the opportunity to plant a seed, win a convert, make a friend.

Yes, I may get tired sometimes answering the same old questions, but what's old hat for me may be brand new to someone else. I remember when I was first wrestling with the decision to go natural. I asked a lot of people, a lot of questions, all the time. I owe everybody who answered me a debt of gratitude. I only know what I know now thanks to them. The least I can do is graciously pass it on.

Besides, a self righteous, holier than thou attitude is just not attractive; and my ego demands I be cute inside and out.

**************

NOTE: I'm sorry I've been away from my SL Blog for sooooo long. I am deeply touched by all the comments and emails that so many of you have sent me in the time I've been gone. For new visitors, all the pertinent information about my Sisterlocks journey is pretty much here in the archives. I've had my SL's for 7 + years now and I grow happier with them everyday! I'm not sure how often I'll post back here, but I invite you to visit my website www.VeryFunnyLady.com and read my weekly humor column at www.ComicPerspective.com. Locks of Love, Leighann

Appearing in Indianapolis 3/26 - 29, 2009!

www.veryfunnylady.com

www.mortyscomedy.com

Working Out With Sisterlocks

It's that time of the year. After the holidays a lot of folks feel the need to start exercising. I understand that. This past Christmas there might have been a slice or two or three of sweet potato pie with my name on it. :-)
But working out is way easier said than done.

Early last year I began to notice that I wasn't as toned and flexible as I used to be. I looked "ok" but I wasn't feeling good in my clothes or my skin. I was beginning to learn that being slim does not mean being in shape.

I complained for several months and when that didn't fix the problem I realized I might actually have to start working out again. Tricky thing that, since the gym is NOT my thing. I've never been very athletic, and going to the gym is torture for me. I'd rather stand on line at the DMV, do Jury Duty and then go to the dentist for a root canal. Yes, I hate it that much.

So what's a girl to do? Yoga? No. Running? No. Belly Dancing? Hell, no. Although my ego assures me I'd be great at it. What's left? For me: Martial Arts, of course. I've practiced various forms on and off for a few years and I get mad at myself whenever I get away from it. I love it because I get a work out and I learn something: the skill of self defense.

I'm proud to say that since April 2005 I've been practicing a mixed martial art that includes Karate, kick boxing and grappling. What's grappling? Think wrestling. Unlike the movies, most fights end up on the ground. What do you do then? Grapple, get the advantage and proceed to apply a world of hurt on the unsuspecting fool who didn't know you had skills. Well, that's theory after long years of consistent training. :-)

The first few weeks were hard and I'm embarrassed to say that just the warm up before class wore me out. First class, in the middle of a sit up, I pulled a muscle so deep in my chest I thought I was having a heart attack! But I've stuck with it and now I train four to six hours a week. (Which you can see has seriously cut into my blogging time!) Last month I earned my yellow belt (my school goes from white, to blue, to yellow, green, red brown, black) and I'm seriously considering going all the way to black. I'm not sure though; that could be the fumes from the Ben Gay talking.


What Does This Have to Do With hair?

Not much actually, except that I don't have to worry about my hair when I work out. Having Sisterlocks actually makes it easier. If I want to have a little curl/crinkle after class, I lightly mist my locks then braid or two strand twist them (knotting the ends for a finished look); pull them back or up from my face and go. If not, a plain old pony tail will do. Don't have enough for a pony tail? Pin it back or just slap on a scarf. When I undid that these twists I got style in the top photo.

Even washing my hair after class is not the chore it would have been without Sisterlocks.

I remember one of the first things I did when I first got my locks was to take a swimming class. I made up my mind that my hair was no longer gonna stop me from jumping in the pool instead of sitting on the sidelines trying not to mess up my do. I'm not a great swimmer. I'm not even a good swimmer, but at least now I have options, thanks to my Sisterlocks.

So come on ladies: It's a new year; a new you. Get out there and exercise your options! :-)

Sisters in Sisterlocks

One of the things I love about Sisterlocks is the wonderful community of women (Locked Hair Blog Exchange & LockItUp Yahoo Group) whom I have met because of them. And in 2006 I met quite a few:

Locks in the City
In June 2006 I had the pleasure of meeting and hanging out with the sisters from Dallas/Fort Worth and several other cities who visited the Big Apple. (You can see posts and photos of that visit here: Welcome To New York, Khamit Kinks and The Laugh Factory.)


OB (The Original Blogger) Meets UB (The Ultimate Blogger)
It was an honor and a privilege to finally meet Brunsli. Not only is she the consumate blogger, but she is a very smart, sweet, and savvy lady. We hung out for hours in NYC eating, talking, shopping, strolling, getting manicures. I feel a little guilty about introducing her to Ricky's, but it is the Hair & Body Product Mecca! I couldn't in all good conscience NOT take her. I soooo enjoyed our time together and look forward to the next!

Divas and Dumplings in Dallas
In August 2006 a last minute visit to Dallas to do a private corporate show gave me a chance to hook up with my girl, Creyole! We went to eat at my unabashed favorite: The Cracker Barrel, and yes, I had the dumplings!

Honestly, since the trip was so last minute I didn't expect to see anybody, but Creyole surprised me by having BlaqKofi join us! A double treat! This was my first time to meet BlaqKofi since she had not made the trip to New York with the DFW crew in June.

I really can't say enough about how wonderful it was to sit and talk with these amazing women. I love their blogs, but they themselves are even more beautiful and charming fun in person. They made my trip!

Fancy Meeting You Here!
In September 2006 while passing through the airport in Turks & Caicos I saw an airline gate agent with a lovely set of small locks. When I complimented her she said, "They're Sisterlocks! You too, right?" Yea! And that's how I met, Ms. R.

Her thick and bountiful head of two year old Sisterlocks were done in Jamaica. She commutes to have them done and complained that she was in dire need of a retightening, but I sure couldn't tell. Her Hubby, who also works for the airline, was kind enough to take our photo.


My Sisters in Sigma
In November 2006 I had a long overdue lunch with some of my Sorors (Sigma Gamma Rho) at The Harlem Tea Room. It's hard with careers, families, and geography but we try to see each other a few times a year. It's important to keep up with the people who "knew you when." Sometimes I can't believe how long I've known them. I tease them and say I've got start getting some younger friends. Funny thing is, they are all a "little" younger than me. I served as their (very young) Grad Adivsor when they pledged. Grown women that they are, they'll always be "my girls." Now while the picture doesn't show it, I'm ticked to report that we're all sporting natural hair!

Back in the Apple Again
In December 2006, thanks to Michelle, we had a small get together in NYC at Negril Village. The food and conversation were wonderful! Pictured are: Juanita, Yours Truly, Michelle, Karen, Diane and Lynda. Very generously, Lynda brought a goody bag of hair accessories to share with us!

I so enjoy meeting fellow Sisterlocks wearers, and especially those considering SLs. (Veronica, have you decided yet? I know it's the best thing I've ever done for my hair.:-) But because of the active on line community it seems like actually meeting people in person is just a formality. We already "know" each other. And the camaraderie is instant and sincere. Dr. Cornwell says Sisterlocks in not just a hairstyle, it's a lifetstyle; one that includes the warm, supportive and beautiful people I have happily come to know. I'm looking forward to meeting even more of you in 2007!

Happy New Year!