Good evening Kim. I really appreciate you taking the time to do this interview. I'm excited about this interview as I have an infatuation with locs in general. I've always considered myself more of a Sisterlocker though, or just one that would get smaller locs if I did make that transition. Well, anyways, enough about me, let's talk about you...
For those that don't know you, please introduce yourself and tell us how long you have been natural. Hi, my name is Kim and I have been natural for about eight years.
...and your hair type is? I am type 4C. Oh okay, I'm a type 4 as well and I heard that type 4 is the best type to get Sisterlocks, if one is considering them. Yes, it is the perfect texture for locing.
Who, if anyone, influenced you to go 'natural?' I was not inspired by anyone to go natural. I just got tired of dedicating entire Saturdays to hanging out at a beauty salon to get my hair done. Also, I wanted to stop the breakage and have a head full of healthy hair... I was tired of the creamy crack!
So, you have Sisterlocks. Why did you opt for those instead of any other type of loc? I did not like Sisterlocks at first, just the thought of locking my hair scared me. The first time I had seen Sisterlocks was on a lady at my brother's church. I found myself staring at this woman's hair and eventually had asked her what was the deal with her hair. She explained what they were and that she was thinking about cutting them out. Her locks were beautiful but I was afraid of the commitment. (insert Kinky nodding here)
What's the story behind making the transition from your natural tresses into Sisterlocks? Well, some years went by and my scalp was continuously being burned by chemicals and I thought about going natural. I started with cornrows and then individual braids. I graduated to kinky twists and weaves. I became tired when I had to cut a huge chunk of my own hair while attempting to remove a weave. I had seen so many ladies wearing Sisterlocks at the yearly African Marketplace and I decided to talk to each one of them. They all inspired me so much that I decided to "take the plunge." I like Sisterlocks better than traditional locs because I thought I could create more styles with them and they would be better for the corporate work environment. Understandable...
Have you ever dyed your locs? If no, why not? I did not dye my locs until my consultant had given me the green light to do so. I did not want to ruin my 'investment.' The first time I had my locs dyed, I went to a hairdresser at a natural hair salon for my gray roots. Nowadays, I either go to the Aveda Institute in L.A., or I use Naturint at home.
What's your favorite way to rock your Sisterlocks? Why? For a while, I have worn my locs freestyle but since I have gained some length, I have been looking on YouTube for inspiration. Some of my favorite loced YouTubers are BronzeGoddess01, QO Chemist, Dynamic Runner, Salkis and Ms. Trini4Lyfe.
Do you have any advice for those who have considered loc'ing their hair, such as myself? For anyone who is considering locs, I strongly suggest doing your research, talk to more than one consultant/loctitian, and be VERY patient - especially in the beginning stages. If you can get past the first year, you will be amazed at how your locs will have changed. Do exactly what your consultant tells you - it is to protect your investment. Another piece of advice is don't wait too long to get them retightened. It can make the session longer and more expensive and your locs are prone to breakage.
Sounds like some great advice. Well, in thinking of a celebrity, who is your hair inspiration idol? My hair idol is Ledisi. I just love the red dye job on her locs.
What's your hair regimen? My regimen has changed as my locs have changed. For the first year or so, I bundled and banded my locs to minimize slippage when shampooing with the Sisterlock starter shampoo. I used only witch hazel and lavender oil for moisturizing my scalp and locs. Now that I am completely loced, I shampoo with Trader Joe's Tea Tree shampoo every two to three weeks and moisturize with a combination of aloe vera gel, vegetable glycerin, distilled water and coconut oil every two to three days. Oh ok, sounds like some of the stuff that I use and/or have used... That TJ shampoo is great on the scalp... just don't mistakenly get it in your eye like I did! ;-)
Do you consider your Sisterlocks more versatile than regular locs? Why or why not? I like Sisterlocks better because they are more versatile and lighter than traditional locs. I only have one regret... that I did not get them installed sooner. I just celebrated my fourth year anniversary!
Thank you so very much Kim. I enjoyed this interview and have some takeaways while continuing to consider getting Sisterlocks. Now I know who to bug if I have more questions! :-)
Below are pics of Kim from her installment... the last picture if Kim as of December 2011.
As always, keep it kinky!!
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