Starter Locs: Day One

Behold, the first day of my #locjourney and #combcoils in all of their glory!!!

Day One Comb Coil Starter Locs

Ok, maybe they're not so glorious but all the same, I was excited to finally have them installed. I have wanted #locs for so long, but like so many other naturals I know, feared the commitment. Having had my hair in a semi-permanent style all throughout grade school probably has a bit to do with that, but we will save the traumatic jheri curl stories for another blog post. There were only two things that really helped me decide to just do it.

Firstly, after having worn dozens of different styles, cuts, colors, and extensions over the years, I was finally pooped. Ya girl was exhausted from the constant manipulation, and expense needed daily to maintain these looks. If you are like me, you've got better things to do, people to see, places to go, and deadlines to meet. Although, locs still need lots of #TLC and protection, the thought of cutting my daily #hairroutine back by even 5 minutes was almost enough to either make me #loc it, or shave it all off and get back in my #twa bag.

Secondly, this year my Grandmother lost all of her hair, but thankfully not her life in a brief battle with breast cancer. In addition to the pain, fatigue, and nausea that came along with it, the chemo therapy took her salt and pepper strands and darkened her nails. Not recognizing herself, my modest mom-mom found herself wearing brightly printed head wraps and pink nail polish.

Even when I knew she was feeling the worst, she faced the pain and sickness with ferocious faith, and unflinching resolve. She has never been more beautiful to me than she was with those rosy fingertips and Kente wrapped in crown. My hope is that as my locs will form and hers return and serve as constant reminder of the kind of strength I am rooted in. Shout out to my lovely Grandma alongside my son rocking #thebighairdontcare

I look forward to each phase of this process. Subscribe and get updates as soon as I post, and please feel free to drop me a message, I would love constructive feedback and tips. Below are a few more snaps from that first week when my #combcoils were still fresh. Thanks for stopping by and #stayfree