Second Printed Annual Coming Soon!

Watch our promo video above and answer our open call for submissions. To be considered, post your email information below as a reply, along with your website or online presence information (facebook, etc.) Advertisers, you won’t find a better deal on advertising, as we are closing this issue soon! Our audience (and our potential audience) is always looking for new loctician services, new products and accessories pertaining to locs. For more information on us, visit www.locdlife.com. Click on the blog link to return to our blog. (Thanks to our cover model Sandria Washington and photographer Ben Mays for this beautiful photo. We need more Role Models for this story BTW. Reply below if interested!)

Time to shine

We saw this post on the Fabulocs facebook page. Nimat gave us permission to post. (Look for this article in our print annual coming soon…)

Why do locs lose their sheen as they mature and what can be done about it?

This Fabulocs client just started her locs with these shiny coils.

Take a look at this photograph of a client who just started her locs. As you can see, the locs are very shiny and soft looking. Most locs look this way at first, but as they mature they begin to lose their sheen. This is due to the fact that hair shines best when it is all flowing in the same direction. That is why hair looks shinier when it is straight than when it is in its coily or kinky state.

When you first begin, all the hairs in the loc have been combed into a coil (if you started with coils) and are flowing in one direction. This is why the loc is so shiny. As the hair locs, it begins to mat in many directions. When you look at a mature loc, notice that you can’t really tell what direction the hair is going in anymore. This causes a loss of sheen. As the locs mature and become more and more matted, you will notice that it becomes more difficult to maintain sheen.

What can be done about this? The type of maintenance you are receiving and the products you are using can dramatically affect the amount of sheen in the locs.

Try wrapping the locs instead of just palm rolling. When you palm roll, you press the hair into the loc (in what every direction it has assumed) with your palms and roll it. You are able to neaten and turn the loc however, you are unable to control the direction of the hair or how it mats. When you wrap the loose hair, you are able to control each strand of hair. This will result in the frizz or loose hairs laying in the same direction. The frizz or loose hair can mat in a more organized fashion resulting in more sheen.

Using a product that does not contain drying alcohol or hardeners is also key. Try the Fabulocs Loc Binding Butter for the best results. To see a demonstration on loc wrapping, please go to www.fabulocs.com and click on the products page under Loc Binding Butter. Fabulocs products and techniques have successfully helped thousands of clients to renew the sheen and softness in their locs.

(Thanks to Nimat of Fabulocs for allowing us permission to post!)

Tags: locs, dreadlocks, shampoo, locks, african american hair, black hair, dreads, dreadz, loc'd, Loc'd Life Magazine, hair, natural hair, dread, knotty dread, locked, tresses, Bob Marley, Jamaica, Jamaican, natural, locstitch, sisterlocks, conditioner, beauty, loc'd hair, health, black history, toni morrison, Basquiat, Farai Chideya, cosmetic product ingredients, ankh symbol, loc care, moisture, Bobby McFerrin, Savion Glover, Psyche Williams-Forson

D.I.Y. Locs

This is me after my locstitch session. I did this updo as well!

This week I had a hair emergency: an event to go to and no time for a salon. What’s an editor to do? Do it yourself!

I have started and maintained my locs using the locstitch method for the past 5 years. With this method, one uses a latchhook to tighten, and almost “stitch” hair together so it is already fused and ready to loc. This method works best for finer hair textures. So I took my own advice, my experience watching my locticians, and an e-book by Cherie King, which I purchased a while back. I used a latchhook to tighten and restitch my new growth.

1. For the loc maintenance, I started with a shampoo and a towel dry. To condition, I used Organic Root Stimulator’s Olive Oil Oil Lotion moisturizer all over.

2. Apply a twisting gel to the base of your first loc. I used Fabulocs Loc Binding Butter to add shine and ultimate staying power.

3. Start with holding an individual loc with one hand. At the base, insert your finger to separate the new growth.

4. Insert the latchhook through the hole created and hook the same loc through the hole.

5. Pull the loc through until tight at the base.

6. Repeat, but at a different angle and create a new hole in the remaining new growth, insert the latchhook, hook the same loc and pull through.

7. Continue until tightened at the base, and continue until all new growth is retightened at the base.

8. Use an oil to moisturize the scalp and locs. (I used coconut oil.) Then use a loc gel to smooth locs from root to ends.

9. Sit under a warm dryer to set the gel and to fully dry locs.

Voila! You’re done. The key is to use the latchhook from different angles so you don’t stitch in the same direction and create a hole in your locs. Try not to overtighten or stitch too often (You’ll be amazed at your new powers!) It takes a long time and it’s a workout for your arms, but you can do it yourself.

Gail Mitchell
Editor
Loc’d Life Magazine

Tags: african american hair, ankh symbol, Basquiat, beauty, black hair, black history, Bob Marley, Bobby McFerrin, brotherlocks, conditioner, cosmetic product ingredients, dread, dreadlocks, dreads, Farai Chideya, hair, health, Jamaica, Jamaican, knotty dread, loc care, loc'd, loc'd hair, Loc'd Life Magazine, locked, locks, locs, locstitch, moisture, natural, natural hair, Psyche Williams-Forson, Savion Glover, shampoo, sisterlocks, toni morrison, tresses

Love of Locks opening in Chicago

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Loc’d Life visited Love of Locks opening for its new salon in Chicago this past week. Loc styles—in a new location. Lady Simone, owner and lead loctician, is starting a new tradition in her new salon on Chicago’s far South Side. Love of Locks has been an ardent supporter of Loc’d Life since our beginning in 2009. We wish her well in her new location! Be on the lookout for more photos from this salon in our 2^nd annual coming soon! (Chicago, 11105 S. Vincennes, http://www.facebook.com/LoveofLocks)

                                                  

We found this article on facebook  page, via the Loc Society,  and thought it would be of use to our readers. Read on…

Senator Bats For Dreadlocks

(from the Jamaica Gleaner, Monday, March 12, 2012)

Angela Brown Burke, a first-timer in legislature, made the comment while contributing to a debate on Jamaica Day in the Senate on Friday.

“I, too, long for the day when bleaching is rejected as a stepping stone to social mobility, or acceptance of self. (I long) for the day when natural hairstyles like braids are culturally accepted at the workplace or in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF),” Brown Burke said.

Her comment bears a striking resemblance to statements made by Damion Crawford, the first dreadlocked person to be elected to the House of Representatives.

In the run-up to the December 29, 2011 general election, Crawford, scoffed at calls for him to cut his dreadlocks to gain acceptance from some persons in the society.

“I hear dem going around ’bout cut me locks, let me tell yuh sup’m, it is not about only Rasta. I am the example of the struggle. I am the example for the persons who feel that dem have to bleach to reach.

“I am the example for every single individual that there is oppression and injustice against, and that it has been made harder for them because of how they look or because of what they say or because of where they are from. I am the example of that struggle,” Crawford said.

No obstacle

His locks did not prove to be obstacles to Gordon House as he defeated the Jamaica Labour Party’s Joan Gordon Webley to win East Rural St Andrew for the People’s National Party.

But while Brown Burke and Crawford have defied the Eurocentric grooming rules to the point where they are now legislators, may Jamaicans face discrimination because of the choice they make about growing their hair.

Recently, some women serving in the JCF have claimed that their situation has worsened since Commissioner of Police Owen Ellington announced in the November 2010 Force Orders that the only natural hairdo accepted by the constabulary was fine corn or cane rows.

The order states there should be no weaves, extensions or braids, rope twist, Chinese or Nubian bumps, dreadlocks twists or fat plaits.

The Commissioner, however, granted approval for the European or Asian-looking wigs or straightening with relaxers to cover or change the texture of what many worldwide describe as kinky black women’s tresses.

Unacceptable situation

Professor Verene Shepherd, director, Institute for Gender & Development Studies, University of the West Indies, has described the situation as unacceptable.

“I say, allow our black women, wherever they work, to wear braids, Afro hairstyle, sister locks or any other locks they may choose, and disrupt the elitist and colonial mentality that reminds us of a time we would rather forget,” Shepherd said.

During her presentation on Friday, Brown Burke said she longs for the day when “there are no questions about including the writings and teachings of Garvey in our schools, and when wearing African attire does not earn you a place on the worst-dressed list.”

She added: “When I reflect on 2011, as a year that has just ended, my one real regret is that in the year when we celebrated people of African descent, as a country, we did not have an activity that really marked that year in a significant way.”

Tags: locs, shampoo, locks, african american hair, black hair, dreads, dreadz, loc'd, Loc'd Life Magazine, hair, natural hair, dread, knotty dread, locked, tresses, Bob Marley, Jamaica, Jamaican, natural, sisterlocks, brotherlocks, conditioner, beauty, loc'd hair, health, black history, toni morrison, Basquiat, Farai Chideya, cosmetic product ingredients, ankh symbol, loc care, moisture, Bobby McFerrin, Savion Glover, Psyche Williams-Forson

The Loc Bun

From the Jamaica Gleaner, 2011

Ever seen that beautiful flawless updo that blossoms in the back with locs pulled into a tight bun? This style needs medium-length to longer locs. Here’s how to do it….

1. Take locs and pull them back into a ponytail but just secure it with one hand.
2. Use a mesh doughnut (like these) and push the hanging locs through the hole. When you’re done, the doughnut will be your ponytail “holder.”
3. Start to wrap the locs over the doughnut hole section at a time. Tuck the ends underneath and secure with a bobbi pin. Continue to do this until the entire mesh doughnut is covered over with locs.  You can use this opportunity to tighten the bun as you go by pulling the loc strands through and around.
4. Secure any loose locs with bobbi pins. Or, you can tie a covered rubberband or scarf around the base to secure any loose locs on shorter lengths.

Voila! You have an elegant updo that’s at home at the office or at something formal. Here’s a picture of a heart-shaped doughnut in the style. This is the perfect wedding (or romantic date) updo! There is a basketweave pattern along the middle of the heart and at the front before the bun. You’ll need your loctician to achieve this style. Have fun!

This heart-shaped do is perfect for saying "I do"! Locs are overwrapped in the middle of the heart. This may need some expert help to pull off for that formal occasion.

Tags: african american hair, ankh symbol, Basquiat, beauty, black hair, black history, Bob Marley, Bobby McFerrin, brotherlocks, conditioner, cosmetic product ingredients, dread, dreadlocks, dreads, dreadz, Farai Chideya, hair, health, Jamaica, Jamaican, knotty dread, loc care, loc'd, loc'd hair, Loc'd Life Magazine, locked, locks, locs, locstitch, moisture, natural, natural hair, Psyche Williams-Forson, Savion Glover, shampoo, sisterlocks, toni morrison, tresses

It’s time to get active!

What better time than spring to renew your vow to start an active lifestyle.

But what to do with your locs?

Locs and exercise are one of the best marriages around. It’s a wash and go style that, if properly maintained, will be your ally during your most strenuous of workouts. Here’s some tips to keep not only you but your locs in shape:

• Shampoo with a  moisturizing shampoo and make sure to target the scalp area first. Perspiration releases salt, which is drying to locs and scalp. You will need to wash this away to stop dryness and odor.
• Wear your locs in a ponytail or in some style that’s off your face. You’ll feel cooler.
• If pressed for time, a water rinse can work—just make sure you target your roots and scalp to remove the salt from sweat. You can follow with a full shampooing session later.
• A quick moisturizer: a scented, whipped shea butter application after towel drying will work wonders in softening your locs.
• Shampoo only once for quick shampoos. You can follow with a two-shampoo session later on.
• Try to apply an essential oil to the roots and along the shaft for optimal moisture.
• Drink plenty of water to replenish your body’s fluid loss and also to moisturize from within.
• Let your locs air dry. It’s less drying.

Enjoy your workout. To your health!

Tags: african american hair, ankh symbol, Basquiat, beauty, black hair, black history, Bob Marley, Bobby McFerrin, brotherlocks, conditioner, cosmetic product ingredients, dread, dreadlocks, dreads, dreadz, Farai Chideya, hair, health, Jamaica, Jamaican, knotty dread, loc care, loc'd, loc'd hair, Loc'd Life Magazine, locked, locks, locs, locstitch, moisture, natural, natural hair, Psyche Williams-Forson, Savion Glover, shampoo, sisterlocks, toni morrison, tresses

Black History Month: Part 4 of 4 Akua Auset

Photo courtesy Akua Auset.

When we last talked with Akua Auset, she was busy making people beautiful—on the outside and well as inside. Today she is still making beauty and showing women how to achieve and maintain it —body, mind and spirit.

Auset is a multi-tasker. She is a celebrity makeup artist and a holistic beauty advisor, who’s worked on the faces of many celebs. She is author of Superwomen & Goddesses: Workin’ Your Power & Magic and The Eight Elements of The Most Beautiful & Magnetic People On The Planet. She is also creator and facilitator of 9 ½ Weeks: The Metamoophose Project™, where men, women and teen girls embark on a journey of transformation in beauty, health, and wellness.

When asked about what she does, Auset says, “I strive everyday to be a goddess, and what that means is someone who inspires life into everything that they touch, so whether that be makeup—which I’m known for—whether it be facilitating a project or a program to assist people with transforming their lives, or whether I’m just hanging out with a group of people, or having a meal, that’s my goal. That’s the intention.”

Her Metamoorphose project has guided 57 men, women and teen girls to inner and outer beauty, which includes the art the breath, holistic skincare, and sexual vitality—so that each week, as the participants come back, they’re building on the previous week’s information. Little by little, the participants transform and evolve their bodies, their mindsets, and their lives.

On locs: Auset says that her inspiration for locs is “freedom”. One day she realized that she never had really seen her natural hair. After years of wearing it relaxed, in braids and then finally locs, she says, “If you’re a woman who’s walking around in bondage to your hair, that energy that translates, and that’s probably not as attractive as someone who is comfortable with themselves. I think that when you are your authentic self, it’s appealing. There’s a comfort and a flow from just being yourself.”

Tags: african american hair, ankh symbol, Basquiat, beauty, black hair, black history, Bob Marley, Bobby McFerrin, brotherlocks, conditioner, cosmetic product ingredients, dread, dreadlocks, dreads, Farai Chideya, hair, health, Jamaica, Jamaican, knotty dread, loc care, loc'd, loc'd hair, Loc'd Life Magazine, locked, locks, locs, locstitch, moisture, natural, Psyche Williams-Forson, Savion Glover, shampoo, toni morrison, tresses

Black History Month, Part III: Psyche Williams-Forson

Source: The University of Maryland, College Park

It’s all in the food.

That’s what Psyche Williams-Forson knows.

Dr. Williams-Forson, Associate Professor and co-Director of Graduate Studies at the University of Maryland, College Park, is author of the book, Building Houses Out of Chicken Legs: Black Women, Food and Power. In the book, Williams-Forson studies how black women have used foods like chicken to define and to uplift themselves culturally, socially and along race and class lines.

The chicken has taken iconic status in the lives of African Americans. Think of the last time you had fried chicken. Now think of how fried chicken came about. Now think about its origins, how many African American women made it in the past, how the women who made it evolved through slavery, emancipation, Jim Crow South, the Great Migration (The Illinois Central Railroad was dubbed the “Fried Chicken Special” because of the packed lunches Black travelers brought with them for the trip.) the Civil Rights era, the Black Power movement and today. Think of the term “stealing chickens” and what that symbolizes. Think of the many African American families that use food as sustenance, a means to earn a living and as a path towards unification. Consider all of these, and you get a glimpse of the themes discussed in her work.

Dr. Williams-Forson started out in academia in a college housing and residence life position. While doing this, she also helped students with their English papers, and found she couldn’t do more because, in her words, “I did not know any more.” She decided to get her Masters degree. She worked as a graduate assistant for a professor who studied “foodways”  in the Italian, Irish, and Jewish communities. While doing research, she wondered if African Americans had a similar gastronomic histories, and she decided to study this area for her dissertation. She received her doctorate in 2002.

Today, “Chicken Legs” speaks volumes. It won an award from the American Folklore Society. Dr. Williams-Forson was also named part of the University of Maryland’s Consortium on Race, Gender, and Ethnicity. She received the Ford Foundation Diversity Postdoctoral Fellowship in 2005 and a Lord Baltimore Research Fellowship in 2006—two of several fellowships she has been awarded. She is also the curator of “Still Cookin’ by the Fireside,” an online exhibition on the history of African American cookery for the Smithsonian Institution’s Anacostia Museum. She is co-author of the soon to be released, Taking Food Public: Redefining Foodways In A Changing World.

Get the look: Dr. Williams-Forson’s curly look can be achieved many ways, by using perm rods around 2-3 locs all over or by braiding or twisting locs and then taking them down. The result is a head full of stunning curly texture. Also keep color-treated locs moisturized, especially in winter.

Tags: african american hair, ankh symbol, Basquiat, beauty, black hair, black history, Bob Marley, Bobby McFerrin, brotherlocks, conditioner, cosmetic product ingredients, dread, dreadlocks, dreads, dreadz, Farai Chideya, hair, health, Jamaica, Jamaican, knotty dread, loc care, loc'd, loc'd hair, Loc'd Life Magazine, locked, locks, locs, moisture, natural, natural hair, Psyche Williams-Forson, Savion Glover, shampoo, sisterlocks, toni morrison, tresses