Hip Hip Hurrray!

It's wonderful, my locks just turned two years old. Wow, time does fly.

It's been an interesting hair journey with lots to learn about my hair, how it has developed, how it behaves, growth patterns, what it likes and dislikes etc.

Recently I dyed my hair using Martine Mahe, a pretty expensive French brand. I bought their shampoo too a small bottle for 18 euros -I must have been crazy that day - but I wanted the very best for my hair - no cheap stuff. The dye isn't permanent, it lasts for about 5 weeks. I chose a deep chestnut colour which came out real nice. The problem is after I dried my hair, my locks became coarse so I no longer enjoy running my fingers through my hair. I wonder if other sisterlockers had that effect. But apart from that, I had no reactions and the colour's still intact. I don't wash that often so am hoping it will keep for another three weeks.

My hair have not yet locked - not a single one, they're taking their time. The last time I saw my consultant in September (or was it August), she said I still needed to braid and band (B&B)before washing cause my hair hadn't locked; 6 months on, my hair still hasn't locked --arrghh; so obediently I continue to B&B. What amazes me the most is the volume of my locks. I looked in the mirror one day and hey, I saw a lovely woman with a lovely head of locks - c'était moi!

These days I get lots of complements from black women in Paris so am pleased. BUT, when I went to Zambia last January, very few people commented about my locks. My mother said nothing but she was rather fascinated about the locking method. I didn't ask her nor did I offer to explain, but I figure with time, as my hair gains length et tous, people will see it's beauty. Women back home are so into perms, weaves and braids. Sisterlocks aren't yet the in-thing, but in a matter of time, they will be.

Happy locks

I retightened my locks last weekend and it took me about a day and a half to finish my whole head. I made a few booboos here and there, like joining two locks together but I managed to separate them with difficulty. I have a couple that will have to wait till I see my consultant but other than that, my locks are developing real good.

I think my front will take much longer to lock, so to help the process I try - but it's a struggle - not to play and tease my locks too much. At times I tie it with a scrunchie just so I don't get bored with the same look. There's been no slippage so that's ok, that's just my hair taking its own sweet time to grow and lock.

Miss East Africa Beauty contest

Miss East Africa Beeauty contest last Saturday at Port de Suffren on a floating boat next to the Eiffel tower was quite nice. Am not from East Africa but I love fashion and I wanted to be there to support fellow African sisters. I honestly believe nothing beats African clothing when it's put together right.

The audience of beautiful African women from size 0 to 18 were there. The contestants were all fine young students from Eastern Africa, and I liked the fact that it wasn't the usual stereotype tall skinny women but there were all types, from tall and skinny to plump, short, volumptuous bossoms and behinds - the girls represented the true beauty and identity of African women. Who ever said only skinny is beautiful was so wrong.

The winner was a young lady from Burundi, followed by Kenya and then Uganda. I never got to hear their prizes coz of noise from the cheering crowd after the names of the girls were announced, but am sure it was something good.

My lockiversary

My locks are a year old today. Hip-hip hurray!!

It's been a bumpy journey but I have no regrets about my locked hair. Last winter was rough and my locks went through trying times. Dandruff issues, cancellation of the eurostar to London due to the big freeze in Europe - this happened twice - then having no choice but to self retighten for this first time by following Cammalocks'instructions over the phone. It wasn't easy but where's there's a will, there's always a way. My locks weathered the storm and have made it this far and they're looking great.

Thank goodness summer's round the corner and my locks and my whole self can benefit from the sun's warmth.

The African look

Ladies try this lock style

When I finished grooming my hair yesterday morning, I was honestly amazed at my good I looked- fantastic with my curly locks . The previous night I had wet and bantu knotted my locks, put a scarf on my head and went to bed. I didn't expect the result to be anything that would draw so much attention. On my way to work, I got compliments and stares, and then lots of compliments at work. Very encouraging.

So I decided to do a couple of photos to show it off. Marie (Cammalocks), thank you, thank you, thank you, for this hairstyle.

Almost a year

Today I am so in love with my locks - so unlike the other day when I was complaining about not finding hairstyles and all - it must have been my hormones doing their usual rubbish. Anyway, now am looking forward to my lock-anniversary in a couple of days.

I've nothing to say really apart from sing praises about my locks. No dandruff, no itching, no complaints except for the the few gray strands that stand out. I snip them off but not from root level. Grandmother's wisdom says if you pluck out white hairs from root level you'll get even more. Anyway, when my hairs fullly locked, which is not any time soon, I'll dye it.

These are some of my recent photos.

So with this kind of result, am excited all over again to see how my locks will continue to develop and I think they'll blossom even more in summer and even better when I go to Zambia, my country, where the sun really knows how to shine.

So for all those that are still vacillating on whether or not to go for sisterlocks, I'll say go for it and you'll not regret it and as long as you're patient and follow guidance from your consultant, your dream of long beautiful locks will come true. Voilà.